Real estate statistics for August prove we are still heading in a positive direction. All numbers from Toronto to Hamilton are up in both units sold and average sale prices. For a complete and detailed report on real estate stats in your neighbourhood, please send me a brief message letting me know the neighbourhood in which you live and I will be sure to get you a report sent out right away!
Percentage increases reflect the increases from August 2009 compared to August 2008.
Toronto Real Estate Board - Units sold are up 28% and average prices are up 6%.
Hamilton/Burlington Board - Units sold are up 11% and average prices up 3.3%
Oakville/Milton Board - Units sold are up 20% and average prices are up 2%
Burlington Market - Units sold are up 13% and average prices are up 5%
Oakville Market - Units sold are up 23% and average prices are up 2.3%
Milton Market - Units sold are up 11% and average prices are up 9%
Remember! It is important for you to look to you specific neighbourhood to see how your local market is moving. For more information, Click Here
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Home Inspection Series - Part 4: Hire the Right Guy For the Job
Since anyone with a clipboard and some business cards can call themselves a home inspector, it is important to find one who is most qualified to accurately assess the various elements of a home. It is important to do your research so you can ensure the inspector you choose is the most qualified to do the best job.
First-time homebuyers should go to any chapter of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors when looking for a reputable inspector. It is there that you can check on the inspectors to ensure they have some form of training. Be careful when you read that an inspector is ‘Qualified’ as a 1 week online inspector course may cause some to feel they are ‘Qualified’.
It is always puzzling to hear stories of people willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home and then source out the cheapest home inspector they can find or an inspector that offers the best discounts. Trying to save a hundred dollars on the inspection could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the road on flaws or faults the ‘Qualified’ inspector failed to notice.
It is a good idea to interview home inspectors before booking an appointment. Have them explain what they're going to do at the inspection. Go online and prepare a list of questions for the inspector so he knows you are wanting to be involved in the process. This may ensure that all elements of the home are thoroughly examined. Ask them about the length of time the inspection should take. An inspection should take 2.5-4 hours depending on the size of the house or condo. Also, always ask the inspector about his insurance. Insurance companies should only be insuring inspectors with a certain level of training. If the inspector deems your roof to be in ‘excellent condition’ and 4 months later water is falling into your livingroom, you want to be sure you can go back the inspector and have his insurance look after the issue.
In summary: Source out an inspector that has experience in all essential elements of the home. Prepare a list of questions so he knows you will be involved and check to make sure he has insurance and what that insurance covers. Interview more than a couple of inspectors, be careful when you read or hear the word ‘Qualified’ and never…I mean never, choose your home inspector because he was the cheapest!
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
First-time homebuyers should go to any chapter of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors when looking for a reputable inspector. It is there that you can check on the inspectors to ensure they have some form of training. Be careful when you read that an inspector is ‘Qualified’ as a 1 week online inspector course may cause some to feel they are ‘Qualified’.
It is always puzzling to hear stories of people willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home and then source out the cheapest home inspector they can find or an inspector that offers the best discounts. Trying to save a hundred dollars on the inspection could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the road on flaws or faults the ‘Qualified’ inspector failed to notice.
It is a good idea to interview home inspectors before booking an appointment. Have them explain what they're going to do at the inspection. Go online and prepare a list of questions for the inspector so he knows you are wanting to be involved in the process. This may ensure that all elements of the home are thoroughly examined. Ask them about the length of time the inspection should take. An inspection should take 2.5-4 hours depending on the size of the house or condo. Also, always ask the inspector about his insurance. Insurance companies should only be insuring inspectors with a certain level of training. If the inspector deems your roof to be in ‘excellent condition’ and 4 months later water is falling into your livingroom, you want to be sure you can go back the inspector and have his insurance look after the issue.
In summary: Source out an inspector that has experience in all essential elements of the home. Prepare a list of questions so he knows you will be involved and check to make sure he has insurance and what that insurance covers. Interview more than a couple of inspectors, be careful when you read or hear the word ‘Qualified’ and never…I mean never, choose your home inspector because he was the cheapest!
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Home Inspection Series - Part 3: Accompany the Inspector
It is essential for all buyers to accompany the home inspector throughout the house. "When the client attends the home inspection, our inspector will physically show the client both the areas of concern and the benefits of the home construction. The client has a much better understanding of the quality of the home and a far greater and deeper understanding of what they're about to get into", according to George Pappas, president of Pappas Home Inspections Inc.
As you walk through with the inspector, you will see first-hand the condition of each key component of the house and property so you will have a better understanding of your house and of the inspection report.
Be sure to look at all of the findings and determine if the deficiencies are too much to take on. Learn about the operation of your new home such as how the heating system works, how to control pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances and components, and where the shutoffs are located. This will all save time and avoid frustration in the future. The inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and when to check items needing periodic monitoring e.g. when to change the air filter in the furnace.
Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise. Before the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relate these questions to the inspection company in advance to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed. Bring your list to the inspection to ensure the inspector knows you are also following along and jotting down answers and making notes. They will be less likely to skip a few points if they know you are following carefully.
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
As you walk through with the inspector, you will see first-hand the condition of each key component of the house and property so you will have a better understanding of your house and of the inspection report.
Be sure to look at all of the findings and determine if the deficiencies are too much to take on. Learn about the operation of your new home such as how the heating system works, how to control pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances and components, and where the shutoffs are located. This will all save time and avoid frustration in the future. The inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and when to check items needing periodic monitoring e.g. when to change the air filter in the furnace.
Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise. Before the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relate these questions to the inspection company in advance to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed. Bring your list to the inspection to ensure the inspector knows you are also following along and jotting down answers and making notes. They will be less likely to skip a few points if they know you are following carefully.
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Home Inspection Series - Part 2: Educating the Buyer
Home buyers need to know what problems exist in the home before they purchase it, they will need to be given information on how much money will be required to make the necessary reparations, as well as how much money they will need to invest in their home within the first five years or so. A good home inspector will be able to identify all faults and flaws and be able to set out a timeline for when the repairs need to be completed. A knowledgeable inspector will also be able to tell the buyer approximately how much money they can expect to pay for those repairs.
"Peace of mind," stresses George Pappas, president of Pappas Home Inspections Inc. "That's the ultimate benefit of an inspection - gaining confidence and peace of mind."
When you sign an agreement of purchase and sale, your realtor should always have included a condition on home inspection. A buyer is usually afforded 5 to 10 days to contract a home inspector to have the home assessed. The buyer should be given a written report to read over to ensure they are buying a quality home….or at least a home they would be comfortable living in!
There is no formal licensing of home inspectors, but reputable companies adhere to the rigid standards of practice established by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors. It is important to trust your realtor and interview their recommended inspector, but also search out your own inspectors to interview. Be sure you are comfortable with their level of knowledge in the major elements of a home (electrical, structural, mechanical, plumbing and roofing). This is one of the most important decisions in a real estate transaction and is often overlooked by excited and emotional home buyers. A bad decision can cost you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
Qualified inspection companies will provide a sample report to substantiate that they abide by industry standards. One of the key guidelines is that ethical inspectors neither perform the repairs nor do they refer clients to repair companies. To do so would be considered a conflict of interest.
It is your right to follow the inspector throughout the assessment so you can learn about the home you are hoping to purchase. You should always ask the inspector before you hire him if it is OK if you follow him through the house. Be weary if that is discouraged! You have the right to be there. Good home inspectors will encourage this, since the buyer will probably need to learn the locations of major valves and shut-offs in their new house.
In summary, understand the importance of the inspection, it is not just a formality in the process. Interview several inspectors to ensure you are hiring a qualified and highly knowledgeable inspector. Be sure to walk through the home with the inspector to get a clear understanding of how the home works and go through the inspection report with the inspector so you know what needs to be fixed, when it needs to be fixed and how much will it cost to get fixed.
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
"Peace of mind," stresses George Pappas, president of Pappas Home Inspections Inc. "That's the ultimate benefit of an inspection - gaining confidence and peace of mind."
When you sign an agreement of purchase and sale, your realtor should always have included a condition on home inspection. A buyer is usually afforded 5 to 10 days to contract a home inspector to have the home assessed. The buyer should be given a written report to read over to ensure they are buying a quality home….or at least a home they would be comfortable living in!
There is no formal licensing of home inspectors, but reputable companies adhere to the rigid standards of practice established by the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors. It is important to trust your realtor and interview their recommended inspector, but also search out your own inspectors to interview. Be sure you are comfortable with their level of knowledge in the major elements of a home (electrical, structural, mechanical, plumbing and roofing). This is one of the most important decisions in a real estate transaction and is often overlooked by excited and emotional home buyers. A bad decision can cost you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
Qualified inspection companies will provide a sample report to substantiate that they abide by industry standards. One of the key guidelines is that ethical inspectors neither perform the repairs nor do they refer clients to repair companies. To do so would be considered a conflict of interest.
It is your right to follow the inspector throughout the assessment so you can learn about the home you are hoping to purchase. You should always ask the inspector before you hire him if it is OK if you follow him through the house. Be weary if that is discouraged! You have the right to be there. Good home inspectors will encourage this, since the buyer will probably need to learn the locations of major valves and shut-offs in their new house.
In summary, understand the importance of the inspection, it is not just a formality in the process. Interview several inspectors to ensure you are hiring a qualified and highly knowledgeable inspector. Be sure to walk through the home with the inspector to get a clear understanding of how the home works and go through the inspection report with the inspector so you know what needs to be fixed, when it needs to be fixed and how much will it cost to get fixed.
For more information on buying or selling real estate in Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, or Toronto Ontario, or if you have questions about current market trends, mortgages or interest rate information, please visit the Sean Kavanagh Real Estate Resource Centre at www.seansells.ca, or at www.seankavanagh.ca I'd be happy to answer any questions to accommodate all of your real estate needs. Follow me on TWITTER or FACEBOOK! You can also contact me at 905-220-9198 or at www.realestatechat.ca as I am now a moderator on the Ontario Real Estate chat forum as well as the Burlington, Ontario sub-forum.
Sean Kavanagh
Building Lasting Relationships and Exceeding Expectations
Source: AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service and Your First Home Buyers Guide
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sino-Forest's China advantage - Globe and Mail: Globe and MailSino-Forest's China advantageGlobe and Mai.. http://bit.ly/OSTTS
Lured by Deep Discounts, Investors Jump at Manhattan Real Estate - WNYC: Lured by Deep Discounts, Investors Jump.. http://bit.ly/QNtGe
Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund Announces Second Quarter ... - PR-CANADA.net (press release): Brookfield Re.. http://bit.ly/1Ll3sY
Real estate techies burn midnight oil - Inman.com: Inman.comReal estate techies burn midnight oilInman.comGriffi.. http://bit.ly/BR6wu
To alleviate fixed-cost headaches, think variability - Globe and Mail: To alleviate fixed-cost headaches, think .. http://bit.ly/DGQFh
Sunday, August 9, 2009
China's most wanted man admits guilt - The Associated Press: China's most wanted man admits guiltThe Ass.. http://bit.ly/30MBO9
Homebuyers will have to shell out tens of thousands thanks to HST - The Province: Nanaimo Daily NewsHomebuyers w.. http://bit.ly/20OuG
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