Jan
13
Real Estate Market in 2012
As the newly installed President of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington, it is an honour to comment on the anticipated real estate market. What are the trends most affecting the expected housing prices and the amount of sales activity? Well, we are expecting steady, stable growth in the greater Hamilton-Burlington area, including those areas immediately to the south such as Caledonia, Hagersville, Dunnville and those abutting our neighbouring regions such as Grimbsby, Flamborogh and such.
Buyers and Sellers will benefit from a mostly predictable market, with anticipated price increases in the area of 3% and similar numbers of house sales as experienced in 2011. It remains a sellers market, however for those migrating from the GTA, the value of property in Hamilton seems an almost unbeleivable deal!
With employment at 1% lower than the national average, some new commercial growth meaning better nad more jobs, and steady low interest rates, the outlook seems veery positive.
For more detail, have a look at the article in today's The Hamilton Spectator at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/01/13/mortgage-rate-low.html.
Dec
06
To Sell or not to sell Privately?
I love to show homes. It is a thrill to translate a buyer’s observations into useable information. And naturally, humans sometimes draw incorrect inferences from what they see – for instance moving boxes suggesting the seller is anxious to sell. Not necessarily, they may just be really good planners!
A REALTOR® helps the buyer to navigate the unknowns, and since the buyer is represented – why might a seller need a REALTOR® ? Two very good reasons – safety and convenience.
A REALTOR® designs their work day, from early in the morning to late at night, to show your home. When you are working, taking children to school or hosting an important dinner party, your REALTOR® is convincingly marketing your property.
They take the calls, almost any time of day, from the sign on your lawn. And many of these calls are tire kickers. Imagine you taking those calls instead of your REALTOR® .
How about for safety reasons. Why would you let a stranger into your home. Just because they said they were interested - who are they, do they even have the abilty to buy it? Your home phone number should not be open to all to use. Even if you feel protected because you will be home with family, what if you innocently say you cannot show it because you are away ... you might be signalling a good time for a break in. REALTORS® are trained to describe your home, and be available to answer questions in a way that does not compromise your safety or the value of your biggest asset – your home!
Visit other parts of my website or www.realtorshelp.ca for more ideas.
Nov
04
American Real Estate
I have the privilege of attending the National Association of REALTORS® conference in New Orleans. There are in excess of 20,000 real estate professionals in attendance, the cream of the crop of national and international experts. The American market is rebounding well, although there are lots of challenging markets. I have clients who are purchasing property in the south as investments, and feeling like the market is sold enough to accept the risk. One thing is clear, REALTORS® caaring about their clients and seeking ways and information to increase their professionalis is what drives many of those in attendance here. The Mississippi flows fast and steady, as steady as the good things that real estate pro's offer.
Sep
30
The importance of schools!
Aside from the obvious, what is so important about schools for real estate. Location, location, location I say. The quality of the school is important as is the distance from the property. I am writing this while watching my sons play volleyball. A solid sports program is of interest to them and me. So when buying, think about the local schools. When selling, know what makes your property valuable - the local schools!
About Cameron Nolan
Cameron Nolan is a long-time resident of Hamilton and a leading residential and commercial real estate broker in the area. His radio show Real Estate Made Simple can be heard on the first Saturday of every month on AM 900 CHML.