April has been crazy !!! May is looking to be the same.

The real estate market in April was INSANE to say the least.  Multiple offers were the norm.  Homes selling at record prices and Buyers seeing their dream homes stolen out of reach because of increased selling prices and bidding wars.

If you are considering buying or selling right now, I cannot stress the importance of finding a Realtor that is experienced and local.  You will have a better chance of maximizing your leverage with a full time experienced local agent.

Sellers should get pre-inspection reports so they can get multiple offers but FIRM without conditions.  It saves any apprehension later after the fact.  For a few hundred dollars, you can give a copy to Buyers agent so they adjust their price and conditions in a multiple offer situation.

I have had two listings this past month sell for 108% of asking price, one sold conditional on sale of Buyers property, two first buyers winning in multiples going over asking and firm, and two selling at 100% of asking price.

If you home is priced correctly, it will sell - get a proper photographer that is professional with a wide angle lens that can show the true potential of your property.  I see some many rotten photos out there.  C'mon guys, you are professional, show your value !!!   My clients are treated no different that I, myself would expect to be treated when selling the biggest investment of my life,

It comes back to you by way of referrals.   Trust me.   So with that said, if you thinking of selling or buying, do your homework... find an agent whom you can trust and work with .. who understands your needs, your wants and who will work to maximize your investing dollars !

Have a super weekend everyone !   Real Estate is booming.  Best investment you will EVER make.   Cheers !

Multiple Offers Everywhere !

Well I cannot believe the prices some of these homes are selling for?   Please, please, please make sure when you are purchasing a home to use a LOCAL agent ... they know the neighbourhoods and the comparables.   When you use an agent who is from another area, they don't.   People are paying ridiculously high prices for homes which in my humble opinion aren't worth it.

I understand there is a shortage of listings but does that mean Buyers are to be pressured into paying some of

these crazy prices... I say NO !!  I have told my clients on many occasions, walk away !

People are going in firm on homes that clearly have issues with no inspection conditions.  I have been in numerous houses and after inspections found mould in the attics, faulty wiring, etc.   Make sure you know what you are getting into and that your agent knows the age of the property etc.  

It is great to win in multiple offers and see your happy Buyer's face but make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.   I always say, "If I meet you at the local grocery store or park, I don't want to run and hide because I feel you overpaid."   People hire Realtors to protect their interest and from some of the shananigans I have seen lately, I have to wonder.

If you are a Seller, this clearly won't mean much other than you are going to get TOP dollar for your home right now.  But if you are Buyer, choose wisely.   Choose someone who knows the market and is diligently working on your behalf to protect your interests and your money.  

Ok my rant is over ... just looking at some of the sales the past few weeks and shaking my head.   I hope the market continues to stay strong but if it doesn't, I hope you have a lot of equity in some of these homes because if the market drops ... they won't even be able to sell them and get their initial downpayment out of them.

All I am saying is GET REPRESENTATION that you TRUST.  Yes it is great to win but at what cost !  

Good luck to all the buyers out there and to all the sellers... who are getting top dollar for their homes.  If you are thinking of selling - TRUST ME, now is the time to sell.  I have never seen a market so busy and desperate for listings.

To your success !!!  

If you have any real estate questions, please feel free to call me or email me ... I love what I do and will be only too happy to answer them.  Cheers !!!