Blog Category Archives: General Real Estate Advice

To All Our Customers, Clients and Friends

It has been said that we are living in an unprecedented time. The pandemic - COVID-19 is creating unbelievable challenges for businesses, communities and families. Everything we have taken for granted is changing by the minute. However, we can all get through these difficulties by working together.

Many of us have worked through social/economic challenges before and we will do it again. We will all rise to the challenge once again and come out better, stronger and more united.

During the past few weeks the Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd family has pulled together to help one another, our customers, clients, community and families. In order to reduce the risk to everyone we work with, our hardworking sales representatives are working for the most part from home or through virtual media. They are here to provide the most up to date real estate information to help and guide you through some of your questions and concerns. As we are fond of saying “Our Knowledge Is Your Power.”

We are happy to speak to you by phone, email or video. The wonderful part of social media is that the technology has provided a great opportunity to stat connected. You can walk through homes by virtual tours, you can set up visual appointments on your computer through Zoom and other apps. You can review all the latest lending data to support your plan without even leaving your current home.

We are here for you during this extraordinary time. We are a community known for its hardworking culture, so I am sure that we will strengthen our communities, our businesses and our friendships during this difficult time. Please stay healthy, stay positive and let’s be there for each other during this long after COVID-19.

With Kindness,

Judy Marsales

Maintaining Perspective

The current economic volatility identified by the stock market downturn or the consent worry expressed in the media about the potential virus spread. Or the interruption of supply management due to protests, has many people very concerned about the impact on housing values.  

It is understandable to be concerned, especially when the housing market has enjoyed almost two decades of increasing values. However, it is important to maintain a perspective. To stay calm and to build your financial plan with some potential for variance. To this point, it is extremely important to deal with the facts and not the headlines.

Your Source of Information Matters 

Social media is a wonderful source of information and wide contact with the world. However, it can also create anxiety where the information may not be relevant to the location. What are your plans? Are you a Baby Boomer who is thinking about downsizing or possibly moving in with family? Multiple generation living is becoming very popular for many different reasons.

Are you a first time home buyer who is concerned about affordability? Or are you a homeowner who is thinking about a renovation or an addition to your current home? The house you live in is your home and should be enjoyed to the best of your ability. Yes, the value may be subject to change depending on the market at any given time. But the home will keep you warm and comfortable.

Contact Us Today 

The key to reducing your stress is to have a plan based on sound information. We offer an “opinion of value” at no cost to give you the facts and help you make well informed decisions. Call or email us anytime, we are here to help you enjoy your home and support your plans. 

What are your plans this year?

Are you often out at a function and someone asks you what your plans are; holidays, work, about your current home or lifestyle? Depending on your demographic your discussion about house plans could range from how you are budgeting to the purchase of your first home. And for some it could mean thoughts about downsizing or your consideration of a retirement plan. Generally the one area in common during the discussion will be the exposure to various platforms of “real estate chatter.”

Is that necessarily the best source of information? Our current broad base of information from various technology sources offers a very wide spectrum of knowledge to review. However, whole some of the information does project trends nationally or internationally, such as economic thoughts. Sometimes the information is not relevant to our local real estate market.

Real Estate Chatter with a Sales Representative 

Your best course of “real estate chatter,” is our hardworking and knowledgeable Sale Representatives. Who are working in the area, who know the local trends, neighbourhoods and who are very supportive of the community. These salespeople have all the latest statistics and data to answer your questions. And to provide a good base and advice for your important decisions.

I had the pleasure of hearing a wonderful presentation this week by Professor Marvin Ryder from McMaster University. He spoke so positivity about our region, regardless of some of the economic fears. Professor Ryder clearly stated that there is no evidence of a recession in the short term.

Contact us Today

Facts enhance your “real estate chatter” and can also relieve your anxiety about moving forward. We have all the data to help you make the best decision. Call us, text or email us, whichever form of communication works for you, we are here.

Our wonderful age of technology with a platform of endless information from every corner of the world, allows us to be better informed then we arguably have ever been.

But does all this information equate to specific professional knowledge supported by current experience on which to make a good real estate decision? There are so many variables to consider when buying or selling a home.

What are your personal likes and dislikes in a home? Which neighbourhoods feel comfortable and the right fit for your stage of life? The changing financial real estate dynamics and the current economic considerations should also be considered.

For example, are you familiar with the new First Time Home Buyer Incentive Program offered by the Government of Canada? Would that program fit your plans?

Another recent report identified that the Hamilton-Burlington market showed a 6% increase currently in the “Sellers Market strength” over last year. Very interesting information when considering how to price your home.

Every home owner wants the best price that the market will deliver. And every buyer wants the lowest price they can negotiate. A professional can assist you in navigating between these two points of consideration.

Your home buying or selling is a very personal decisions. Stay informed but always check the relevancy of the information. My advice is to use a professional real estate sales representative who has the knowledge, experience and personal perspective on our local real estate market to guide you to a successful outcome and a happy decision.

Call, email, or drop by our office to talk about the significant, relevant and current real estate information.

Written by: Judy Marsales, Broker of Record

The summer is an interesting time in the real estate business. There are a wide range of family and personal dynamics that effect house sales and listing inventory. In Canada, Summer is often a time that we look forward to getting out and spending some time enjoying the great outdoors. Whether that time is spent around our home, camping, or travelling.

The good news is that this time away from our usual busy routine often gives us the opportunity to think about our current place we call home. Whether we are renting or if we currently own and what does tomorrow look like with respect to our home? Now is a good time to think about where you would like to live.

Would you like to purchase your first home or would you like to purchase a larger home or be closer to schools or friends? Would you like to downsize or would you like to consider purchasing a condominium? And where could you live with less work but good quality of life?

The variety of opportunities is great but the key to making a good decision is information. Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell? What are the benefits or concerns of living in a condominium? Are condominium apartments different then condominium townhouses?

This is where we as experienced real estate salespeople can be very helpful. And reduce the stress by providing you with the latest information to enable a healthy and happy step to the next chapter of your housing needs. Talking to us should always be positive, helpful and encouraging.

Enjoy our wonderful summer season and look forward to the future with as little stress as possible.