Did you know… Banks can only finance the Appraised Value or the Offer Value, whichever is lesser of the two? The appraisal method of determining value for residential real estate is the Comparison Approach, and appraisers use the same database of information as REALTORS to determine property values. Appraisers determine value based on what Buyers are willing to pay for a property ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on February 7, 2012
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
Smooth sailing for home sales in September Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,202 residential properties in September through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,071 in September 2010, an increase of 12.2 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,160. Of those sales, 280 were in the condominium property class, while 922 were in the residential ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on October 5, 2011
Thinking of selling privately?
Did you know a private sale is not as straight forward as it sounds? Buyers that see a home for sale ‘by the owner’ often see a bargain. The problem for the seller is that the buyer thinks they, and not you are entitled to the savings in real estate fees. With this mindset, a lowball offer is usually the result and any perceived “savings” ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on July 6, 2011
Why buying from the Listing Agent is not a good idea
If you are a Buyer, is it better to buy from the Listing Agent (L/A), rather than using your own realtor? Sure the thought has crossed our minds, the agent will be happy to double-end at a reduced fee, the seller will net the same amount, sounds great, doesn't it? Except when you break down the transaction, you quickly realize that ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on July 6, 2011
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
April sales return to pre-HST levels
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,536 residential properties in April through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,814 in April 2010, a decrease of 15.3 per cent. The five-year average for home sales in April is 1,612. Of those sales, 316 were in the condominium property class, while 1,220 were in the residential ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on May 5, 2011
March sales back to normal after HST-fueled 2010
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,232 residential properties in March through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,495 in March 2010, a decrease of 17.6 per cent. The five-year average for home sales in March is 1,256. Of those sales, 296 were in the condominium property class, while 936 were in the residential ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on April 5, 2011
Did you know … as of March 18th 2011, you will no longer be able to take out a mortgage with an amortization period of more than 30 years. The change was implemented as a preventive measure to ensure people aren't over extending themselves. Some banks are taking advantage of this to offer incentives for would be home purchasers before the deadline, so take advantage now!
ready2move.ca ...
Posted by Szabolcs Pall
on March 17, 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