Location, location, location is simply no longer enough.
You need to start thinking about Timing when trying to get the most out of your investment.
Of course location and size of the home will always be at the top of anyone’s list when assigning value to a property, that’s likely never going to change. But another important factor these days is price. ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on February 6, 2012
Did you know… some freehold townhomes carry a monthly fee? This ‘association’ fee usually covers a snow removal contract and can vary depending on the size of the complex. It can sometimes add up to a substantial amount, without reaping the added benefits of owning a condo townhome. So be sure to ask if what you’re buying is condo or freehold!
See CMHC's ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on June 21, 2011
What's the best part about my job? The freedom, the people, the homes, they all add to the enjoyment of being a REALTOR in Ottawa. But even more than that is the feeling that I'm making a difference. Cue the orchestra. :-) Sure they might have got great service from someone else, I believe there are a lot of really good agents out there, and I’m certainly not saying I'm the only one. But being ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on March 17, 2011
Did you know … there are great incentives to help you get started in Real Estate? You may use up to $25,000 of your RRSP towards your down payment, and may qualify for an immediate rebate up to $2,000 on your Land Transfer Tax. The Government will kick in a $750 tax credit, not to mention the specials offered by key partners as part of our VIP program.
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on March 17, 2011
Waiting till spring? Here are 3 reasons why you should get your home on the market, right now! If it’s something you’ve been considering but are getting mixed messages from the industry and agents, here are my top reasons, why hesitating could end up costing you!
1) Interest Rates. The banks are practically giving money away. 2) ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on November 11, 2010
Did you know some insurance companies will not ensure homes with aluminum wiring, due to potential fire hazards? If you have a townhouse or bungalow built in the 70s, you may have aluminum wiring. The fix is easy, but time consuming and should be done by pros. Simply add copper wire pigtails to all outlets and switches and have the ESA inspect / certify the work is done!
ready2move?
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on November 9, 2010
5 Deal Breakers
Did you know that there are 5 key items that Buyers are checking for when evaluating a house? They typically concern themselves with:
The age of the Windows
Age/Condition of the Roof
Age of Furnace
Age of HWT
Any Visible Leaks and Cracks
So as a Seller, ensuring that you're able to produce receipts/documents for any work performed on these items will go ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on September 16, 2010
When is the house right, for you?
Just how do you know when the house is right, for you? You will just ‘feel it’. A house is not a house, is not a house. Sure, it's got bedrooms, four walls, bathrooms and a kitchen. But each and every home is still unique in so many ways.
On paper, they match up perfectly. The price is identical, even the ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on August 5, 2010
Buy first or sell first?
The answer is almost always SELL, for the simple fact that in our current market conditions, you cannot be guaranteed a quick sale. So you might as well get the process started as soon as possible. The pros of buying first are that you will almost certainly know your possession date and can time the sale of your existing home to match it.
Either way, you’ll ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on July 6, 2010
Did you know that while CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) is predicting that home prices next year will be down approximately 2.2%, they will have increased by 1.5% from over 2009. To put it into perspective, your $350,000 home may decrease in price by about $2,500. This is hardly anything to get into panic about, and please remember, that it's the local stats that matter. ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on June 3, 2010