Recent Blog Posts by Marcus Kallweit

Real Estate Trends

Every year, the Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation publishes very valuable information on the Canadian Real Estate Market and Housing trends. Find all the details at www.chmc.ca/observer for this years update.

Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate

National average home prices have increased by about 8% over year in the last 3 month despite a little slowdown in house sales. Owning a home still remains quite affordable. The expectations for Kitchener Waterloo area is to grow to around a population of 700,000 in the next 15 years. With more people coming to our fine area and less land to build on, real estate could be a pretty good investment.

Home Evaluations

Home Evaluations are of course very important, if Selling your home, to see what the fair market value is. BUT it is also very important to have a Market evaluation done on the property you are about to buy. Buying a home is one of the largest investments you do in your life, you do not want to pay to much. 

Pipes may need replacement

If you have black pipes, known as ABS pipes, venting your natural gas Water Heater or Furnace, the might need to be replaced with with plastic pipes commonly known as system 636. This new regulation came in effect in 2007. Replace those pipes immediately if the are cracked. Have the tested. Your families health should be worth the expense.Those cracked pipes can release carbon monoxide.

New Mortgage Rules

1. All borrowers must meet the standards for a 5 year fixed rate mortgage, even if they chose a lower interest or shorter term mortgage. 2. The maximum amount one can withdrawal in re-financing their mortgage will be reduced to 90% from a current 95% of the value of one' home. 3.Non-Owner occupied properties will require a minimum Down payment of 20% No other changes to current down payment ...

Your First Home

There are a few financial details every first time buyer needs to know: A temporary home renovation tax credit is available for home renovations and alteration projects begun and completed before Feb. 2010. The credit applies to expenses between $ 1,000 and 10,000 (max. tax credit will be $ 1,350) Change to the first time home buyer 'RRSP' plans with increase withdrawal limit to $ 25,000 form $ ...

Resale Value

Falling in Love with a property might make you to overpay for a home. Stay objective. Consider resale value. Chances are your next home won't be your last home. Do not buy a property which will not resell; consider it's resale potential before you buy. A good real estate representative can help you assess the resell potential of any property you are considering

Renovations Tax Credit

Looking at homes and think: What have they done (or why did they not...) with the Patio/Deck: Consider this: If the patio/deck is low enough in relation to any doors so that adding a layer on top is won't cause any height issues, consider adding another layer of masonry/wood on top. This will add resale value if you are thinking of selling or/and also be easy to maintain. It is safer for kids ...