Saturday, October 26, 2013

Toronto Home Prices Hit Glass Ceiling

There seems to be no ceiling at all to the Home Prices.




Yet condo sales have actually declined since 2009;  The number of units sold in the 905 vs the 416 implies an exodus of shoppers but that may merely be a reflection of what can be purchased within commuting distance.



Three times as many homes are sold in the 905 at prices competing with Semi's in the City Center.   


This has led to the largest price gap on record between the various types of new homes. And it’s a dramatically upward price trend that shows no sign of easing, as new detached homes become ever more scarce across the GTA.
What can be done? Not much, unless you’re rewriting policy. The solution is evolution. The province’s push for intensification has triggered fundamental changes in the housing market and we will all need to adapt to this new environment.
Condominiums are becoming a more attractive — and certainly more affordable — housing option within this environment, particularly for first-time buyers.  http://read.thestar.com/?origref=?origref=#!/article/5269ee92cb00716fe017e9a4-toronto-detached-home-prices-hit-record-as-condo-gap-widens

George Carras RealNet talks about the first time buyers looking at condos as an alternative. The Millennials are not the home shoppers for condos or investment condos. [they are credit impaired with debt, student loans and a lack of FULL TIME jobs that pay sufficiently to qualify for mortgage debt.]  This market is being absorbed by the ZOOMERS who are:
  • Looking at downsizing eventually and buying a condo to invest till they are ready.
  • The Zoomers and CARP participants are being very careful and selective in their purchases. 
  • Selecting condos because Bungalows are just out of reach financially.
Which category applies to you?

Will you be buying a condo to prepare for your retirement?

Thursday, August 1, 2013

You Can't hit a home run every time!

Roberto Alomar Photo Cred Spokeo.com 
We all want those plum commissions for sales of $700k to 800 thousand dollars. While out door knocking, I happened upon a nice fellow who did want to sell his Etobicoke townhouse. 

I had the grande tour; made some housekeeping and staging suggestions and prepared for the big question. 

How much is your commission rate?

I responded with a variety of options to select what might be suitable; The Plus, Premium and Prestige Commission Programs.  Was there another property involved? Was there a purchase on the other side? Was there another "end" somewhere to soften the commission concession.

No matter how I responded I seemed to frustrate the seller. Then he said 

"You can't hit a home run with every deal."

We all talk about justifying our value proposition, but unless the Seller can see tangible value our real estate commission rate has become a commodity. We need to be competitive and intune with our local market.

My conclusion is that it is better to earn less and more often than hold out for the higher commissions in a business where everyone claims to do the same job.  Other times you may indeed be blessed with a full commission.

Sometimes you need to just keep hitting those single base hits, to load the bases and keep those runs adding up!

Photo Cred  http://img.spokeo.com/public/900-600/roberto_alomar_1993_08_19.jpg


Friday, July 26, 2013

Self Represented House Purchase

I go to Sobey's and select my grocery purchase.   I fill my cart; wait in the self checkout line, bag my own groceries, pay by card and leave.  Where was my discount?

Who started this SELF REPRESENTED Nonsense... I filled my own shopping cart at STAPLES. Now you do the paperwork but I want CASH BACK?

Try that at your Bank for a mortgage! You're doing your own appraisal? How about the dentist? Your own fillings?  When you are closing a real estate transaction; tell your lawyer you will handling FAXING and Delivering documents yourself to save on courier fees.  No, I don't want anything explained; because "We know it all! We read it online."


The people with the highest interest in the outcome of the checkout process are the very same people that self-checkout puts in charge: me! How could it not work? It's the perfect alignment of self-interest.  Of course you will be fair and want to pay market value.  Its the Perfect Storm

#BREAKING NEWS FLASH
The Seller pays the Buyers Agent for procuring an offer. Thats COMMON LAW. Sellers clear all charges and debts related to the sale of the property. That's COMMON LAW.  If you are trading in real estate and think you are capable of receiving NO service from me, whatsoever, thats fine.  


BUT...

Are you biblical?  You cannot serve two masters  - Matthew 6:24

I have a contractual obligation and agency relationship with a home owner to procure offers for sale on their property.   NOT switch sides and work to get you the best deal.

It costs you [The Buyer] nothing ... To Give me a try. Call me or http://Bit.Ly/GetDave