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Is Fall 2024 going to be a busy real estate Market?

This a question we have been fielding from many of our clients and friends.  In a time that is in such turmoil not only at home but around the world it is a very difficult question to answer but we’ll give it our best try.

It appears that the Bank of Canada as well as the Federal Reserve in the U.S. are very likely to lower interest rates again in early September and that may not be the last of it.  We are confident that this will stir the market and get some buyers off the fence and make the commitment to buy a home.

Then there are the sellers.  Prices and sales are definitely down compared to the last couple of years.  Those that have owned a home for a while (5 + years) are still seeing a substantial increase in value over what they paid back then.  Those who have bought less than 5 yers ago are either seeing a modest increase in values or a break even point.  So, depending on the situation, we may see more homes on the market.

That being said, the homes on the market now are for the most part, not moving quickly.  Patients are required from sellers in today’s market.  Good marketing strategies are required and adapting to the pulse of the market is critical.  We have seen homes come on the market and by the look and description should sell relatively quickly but then they do not.  Why? Generally pricing.  Starting too high because the last few homes sold in a brisk seller’s market is a common mistake sellers and some agents make.  Then not adjusting price to meet the market is a very critical mistake.  We have seen homes on the market for over 120 days and not change the asking price.  This is either a seller who doesn’t really care to sell and just wants to see if any fish will bite or poor advise from those that the seller relies on to guide them.

So, buying and selling you must be knowledgeable, flexible and attentive to what is going on around the market today.  After over 30 years of selling real estate, we know and watch the market everyday.

Do I need a REALTOR® to purchase a home?

While there are plenty of great resources available to help you narrow down what you’re looking for, and research the region or neighbourhood that may best suit your lifestyle, consider these benefits to hiring a real estate professional when buying your next home.

A REALTOR®1 will not only take the time to help you find the right property, but also assist you through the buying and closing process. By getting to know you they can make suggestions of similar properties in similar neighbourhoods that may be off your radar. They have their fingers on the pulse of communities across the region they cover. They will advise you through the offer process and once a bid is won, they can recommend trusted professionals to help you complete the transition.

Here are some benefits to consider:

ACCESS TO A LARGE NETWORK: A licensed real estate agent will have access to more available properties than the general public. Through their professional databases and relationships with other agents, a realtor knows what properties are coming on the market before they are posted, and may have other clients, or colleagues with clients, who are preparing to sell a home that fits your criteria. Some homes are sold prior to being listed and others are only publicly listed for a very short time. You could miss out on your perfect home.

NEGOTIATING: A realtor is a professional negotiator, and it is part of their job to get you the best possible deal on a property. They have insights into the local market, and with access to important data, they have a deep understanding of property values in a particular area at a given point in time.

NAVIGATING THE TRANSACTION: A real estate agent is an expert in their field, and having an experienced professional on your side will take the stress out of the critical paperwork that is necessary when purchasing a home. A realtor will guide you through one of the most significant and important transactions of your life.

ACCESS TO OTHER PROFESSIONALS: It’s always helpful to have referrals from friends and family when hiring a professional. Just as you may be referred to an agent, your agent can refer others to you. Real estate professionals have access to a large network of home inspectors, appraisers, contractors, financial advisors and mortgage brokers, and movers, to name a few. When you hire experienced experts, you get what you want the first time while saving time and money.

Want to know more about us and what we can do for you?  You can email us at homesbyhartman@realtyagent.com and search through this website.

OTTAWA MARKET BLOWING UP!

It’s early February.  COVID-19 is still present and accounted for with newer more contagious strains growing in numbers.  Some areas are just starting to relax some of the strictest lockdown measures we have seen.

All of this and the Ottawa real estate market is booming. Both the rise in value and number of units have risen dramatically.  The average house price in Ottawa is now over $677,197 up 31.2% over last January and units sold were up 21% over last January.

The stats are a little bit misleading as there was an unusual number of $1,000,000+ homes sold in January but even eliminating those home, the rise in value is still substantial.

Condos have not fared as well but have still had decent increases in value.  These properties has increased a modest 12.8% to an average price of $380,366.  However, the number of units sold has increased dramatically by 31.2% over last January.  There has been lots of condos on the market which has kept the increase in value down but as the stats show, they are stating to get bought up and this can only lead to higher values.

We’re here to help with all your real estate needs so if you want to know what your home is worth simply write of call.

LEST WE FORGET

LEST WE FORGET.

WILD AND CRAZY MARKET!

It is the middle of October 2020 and we have once again realized an extraordinary real estate market! Many, many multiple offers, sale prices tens of thousands of dollars over asking price and most offers having no conditions whatsoever has been “normal” for most of the Spring and Summer market.

The big question always is, “Why is this happening?” There’s not one answer and a lot depend on location. Just outside of Ottawa in smaller towns and cities such as Arnprior, Smiths Falls, Perth and others, have all seen an increase in interest and value. The Corona pandemic has forced many people into working from home and have shown their employers that this method of working can be greatly beneficial to all. Many firms have decided to allow and even encourage their staff to continue to work from home either full time or for most of their working day. This has led to a surge in sale of properties that normally would be considered too far of a commute for work.

Within the city, the demand for house is still out stripping the supply although that seems to be changing right now. We are starting to see less and less listing coming on the market asking that offers be held off (no conveyance of offers) and starting to see less multiple offer situations. There are still plenty of multiple offers, but now we may see two or three offers on a property instead of eight to fifteen or more! This is somewhat expected as we move deeper and deeper into the Fall and approach the Winter months. Plus, a great deal of the demand has been satisfied. And there is a significant number of buyers who have just quit the mark out of frustration or affordability. It is still a buyers’ market and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

If you’re thinking of selling or buying, let us help you through today’s market which after over thirty years in the real estate business, has certainly been the most interesting and challenging!

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