Hmmmmm.

I thought that I opposed the HST, but if the Realtors oppose it I will have to rethink my position.

I wonder if the Realators spent the weekend reviewing economics texts and the impact of the HST in other juristictions...

or

They realized that it is bad for them personally and are starting a self serving petition.

"I thought that I opposed the HST, but if the Realtors oppose it I will have to rethink my position."

Heh. I saw the headline and planned to post the exact same thing.

Here we go again. Making claims which are not referenced: "Almost 60 per cent of the average family's household income is required to cover home ownership costs"

That is from the site referenced above.

PG community profile from Census 2006 info

Average value of owned dewelling = $178,738
Average family income before taxes = $73,591

Average owner's monthly payments = $895 = $10,740/yr.

percentage monthly payements for average family living in average owned home = 14.6%

If the gross income is reduced to net after tax income, the percentage will be closer to 20%. Even if one were to add other costs such as insurance,repairs, maintenance, heat, etc the percentage will be around 25 to 30% and nowhere near the 60%.

I suspect they are actually talking about a group of people who are buying their first house and getting far too much into debt in their purchase decision.

Again, a matter of buyer beware of what you are getting yourself into. There is no GST or PST on rent.

Good points and post, Gus.

Good points by everyone. Maybe if realtors weren't so hitched to the notion of selling people the "dream home" (even for first time home buyers) they wouldn't have so much concern about the HST being an issue.

"Housing is an essential basic need"

Perhaps, but are 400+ thousand dollar NEW homes part of that essential basic need (remember, used homes are not even subject to HST)? If so, we are in serious trouble, LOL.

Realtors must be commies if they oppose Gordos tax???

The HST will apply on Real Estate Sales Commissions, and therefore will drive more people to buy and sell their homes without a Real Estate Agent. This would be bad for their business.

tsk,tsk they might have to actually do some work for their money. Their commission is absurd because there's so many people in the chain it's like a pyramid. I've never used a realtor and probably never will.

Easy now, don't forget the bankers who make the biggest share of all, and the mortgage brokers, and the lawyers or notary's, the land registry folks, the home inspectors, the surveyors and the appraisers who all make a living from the sale of a property.

Why pick on the Realtors? After all, it's up to the buyer and the seller if they are willing to pay for the services of a Realtor. What's your problem? And whose business is it anyway? Oh, I forgot that the government also has their hands in your pockets when you purchase a home. (again and again) Gee, I almost forgot. What's the first thing most people do when they buy a home? they want to change or fix, or redecorate everything. That would include the plumbers, carpenters, roofers, electricians, dry wallers, painters, carpet & floor installers, interior decorators, drapery people, furniture sales etc. etc. etc. I guess many,many people benefit from the sale of a home.

Gee, I guess buying or selling a home really does stimulate our economy.