Re:  Home building, sales and prices all set to rise next year: CMHC

Thought this article from the spec.com would interest you.

Please visit link: http://www.thespec.com/article/674716

Do you know the difference between a Mortgage Broker and a Bank Mortgage Specialist?

There are actually a number of differences which you may not be aware of.

Here’s some information to help you understand.

A Mortgage Broker works for your client; where as Bank Specialists are employed by the financial institution.

The benefit of using a Mortgage Broker is the fact that they have the ability to offer mortgage products from a number of financial institutions.  Since a Bank Specialists works for the bank, that means that they can usually only offer your client their institution’s products. (more…)

1947:  “The prices of houses seems to have reached a plateau, and there is a reasonable expectancy that prices will decline.” Time Magazine, 1947

1948: “Houses cost too much for the mass market. Today’s average price is around $8000… out of reach for 2/3 of all buyers.” Science Digest, 1948

1969: “The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans. The typical new house costs about $28,000.” Business Week, 1969

1970: “You might well be suspicious of ‘common wisdom’ that tells you, ‘don’t wait, buy now.’” NEA Journal, 1970

1977: “The median price of a home is approaching $50,000. Housing experts predict price rises in the future won’t be that great.” Nations Business, 1977

Kinda makes me want to hop in a time machine and buy a few of those “out of reach” $8000 houses in 1948! Despite what the “experts” might say - it’s always the right time to buy the right piece of real estate!

I came across this post on the active rain real estate network and thought it would be interesting.  Article has been reposted for www.carlstars.com  for all your real estate needs. 

Carl   

Article Provided by Jamie Carrol Vancouver Washington

The S&B Real Estate Team assists people in buying and selling real estate throughout Southwest Washington. We are proud members of Keller Williams Realty – Premier Partners in downtown Vancouver. Our local expertise covers: Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie, Hockinson, Ridgefield, Woodland and La Center. If you or someone you know is considering living or investing in Clark County, please contact us. Jamie Carroll can be reached at 360-609-6775 or via the “Contact Us” page at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. Steve Borwieck can be reached at 360-241-7305 or via the “Contact Us” page at www.SteveBSellsHomes.net. We are here to help!

Call for Action
Mandatory Home Energy Audits

We need your help.

The Ontario Real Estate Association is urging the provincial government to amend Bill 150, the Green Energy Act, to make home energy audits voluntary.

Mandatory home energy audit reports can cost home sellers thousands of dollars in lost home equity. Those with less than ideal energy audit ratings will face pressure from homebuyers to either spend thousands of dollars to improve the energy rating of their home or lower their sale price.

Your e-mail will reinforce the message OREA will be sending to the Government of Ontario when we appear before the Standing Committee on General Government on April 22^nd.

Please tell your MPP that the government should be helping Ontarians achieve their dream of homeownership by amending Bill 150 to make home energy audits voluntary.

Send an e-mail to your MPP on this issue now by clicking here.

Thank you for your help.

Issue Summary
Press Release
OREA Government Relations on Facebook
OREA Government Relations on Twitter

If you are buying a home in the Hamilton Market . There is currently a lead pipe replacement program. Details are on the city of hamilton web site. Now lead is new concern for older homes. It is my understanding if you have a shower in the morning and the water runs for five minutes your drinking water is safe. It is without argument good to replace any lead piping, this is a fact. However a more recent oversight is that of galvanized plumbing.

While there are some insurance companys that will provide insurance it will be 3 times the rate.

(more…)

Are You Ready For the Real Estate Roller Coaster?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you’re likely to experience a roller coaster of emotions. It’s important to keep your feelings in check during every situation, especially since many people fall victim to their emotions when negotiating the final offer.Make sure you don’t take things personally. Letting emotions rule judgment usually causes negotiations to fall apart. Now is the time to think of your home as a house, so don’t be offended if someone wants to strip off your wallpaper or paint over the wood trim. Often times, home owners who have invested many years of hard work and personal love into a home are put off by a low offer even though it’s just a starting point.Conditional offers can also try your emotions as they sometimes fall through (more…)

Aside from being a huge financial decision, buying a home is an emotional roller coaster.   It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re swept up in the excitement of it all.  There are many common buyer errors to be aware of – here are just a few to look out for (more…)