It’s still not too late to buy! March Update

March 2016.
 
Dear Friend,
What can I say other than the real estate market is crazy hot!
 
There were 7,621 homes sold in February – up 21.1% over February 2015. This brings the total sales for 2016 to 12,278, on the way to another record breaking year for Toronto. The average price jumped to $664,533, brought about by huge demand and a lack of inventory.
 
Sales were up strongly despite the new federal mortgage lending guidelines coming into effect that require at least a 10% down payment on the portion of purchase prices between $500,000 and $1,000,000. 
 
The culprits causing this market? More immigration to Toronto from other parts of the world and other provinces, more investment from foreign sources, (Canada is 35% cheaper because of the strength of the US dollar), and a serious shortage of rental properties. All of this creates demand and the resulting increase in prices. None of these factors seem to have any reason to abate in the near future!
 
It’s still not too late to buy!
Call me and let me show you how I can help you create a great real estate investment portfolio!
 
Have a great March, and remember, I am never too busy for your referrals!
 
Your Friend in Real Estate
Steven

Steven Maislin, R.E.B.B., I.R.E.S., Broker
Direct: 416-410-6000

1-800-567-LIST FREE (5478)
Text/Cell: 416-518-7701
Office: 416-782-8882
www.STEVENMAISLIN.com
Twitter: @stevenmaislin

5 Reasons You Should Partner with a Real Estate Agent

If you are thinking of selling your home, no doubt there are a thousand questions running through your head. Finding a new house, getting your current property set to sell, and deciding what your asking price should be are all daunting tasks. This is where a real estate agent comes in. They are licenced professionals and are able to maximize your home value. Leave the negotiating and paperwork to these professionals, and spend your time preparing for the next chapter of your life in your new home. 

1. Getting the Right Price 

Real estate agents are experienced negotiators that will fight to get you the price you deserve on both your current home and the property you intend to purchase. Agents have an in depth understanding of how deals get made and are able to close for the right price without risking a retraction of the offer. They also know what adds or detracts from the value of a property, and often have knowledge of the surrounding area and neighbourhood that could also affect the price. 

2. Marketing Your Property 

Realtors have access to large networks of buyers and sellers (including MLS). This helps connect you with people that are interested in your property as well as people selling what could be your dream home. Being able to make known what you have for sale and what you expect to as many people as possible makes it easier to find a buyer. Agents also use their networking skills to connect you to those selling their home, allowing you to find a place you will love. 

3. Staging the Property for the Fastest Sale and Best Price 

There is nothing worse than the limbo of a house for sale with little attention from buyers. A major factor in deciding whether to buy a house is first impressions, which can be difficult to gauge for prospective buyers. Real estate agents know what people want when it comes homes and can help you get it set up to appeal to a wide range of people. Sometimes it takes someone pointing out that although there is nothing wrong with your personal decorating taste, it may not be right for everyone. Making it easy for prospective buyers to see themselves living in the home is the key to a quick sell, and real estate agents know just how to do this. 

4. Access to Professionals 

During and after the sale, there are a host of professionals that the buyer may need to contact. Mortgage agents, building contractors, inspectors, and government agencies are just a few. The best person to connect you is your real estate agent. The added confidence that comes with knowing this is often a huge factor in helping a sale go through, as no one wants to purchase a new home and then be left to fend for themselves should something go wrong. 

5. All the Negotiations and Paperwork 

Selling a home is a big job, and there are a lot of things to keep track of and a lot of contracts and forms to fill out. Knowing all the ins and outs of the industry is a realtor’s job. Realtors have spent years studying and practicing to learn it all, making their expertise very valuable. When you work with an agent, he or she will be able to handle all of the tricky negotiating and complete all of the tedious paperwork for you. In a deal as big as selling or buying a home, one incorrectly completed form or misworded contract can void the entire agreement and produce potential legal action. 

Posted by Greg Schryer

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