Recent Blog Posts by Szabolcs Pall

Location, location, location... no longer enough!

  Location, location, location is simply no longer enough.  You need to start thinking about Timing when trying to get the most out of your investment. Of course location and size of the home will always be at the top of anyone’s list when assigning value to a property, that’s likely never going to change.  But another important factor these days is price.  ...

Why buying from the listing agent is not a good idea

Why buying from the Listing Agent is not a good idea If you are a Buyer, is it better to buy from the Listing Agent (L/A), rather than using your own realtor?  Sure the thought has crossed our minds, the agent will be happy to double-end at a reduced fee, the seller will net the same amount, sounds great, doesn't it?  Except when you break down the transaction, you quickly realize that ...

If freehold, why the monthly fee?

Did you know… some freehold townhomes carry a monthly fee?  This ‘association’ fee usually covers a snow removal contract and can vary depending on the size of the complex.  It can sometimes add up to a substantial amount, without reaping the added benefits of owning a condo townhome.  So be sure to ask if what you’re buying is condo or freehold! See CMHC's ...

How do YOU see your clients?

What's the best part about my job? The freedom, the people, the homes, they all add to the enjoyment of being a REALTOR in Ottawa. But even more than that is the feeling that I'm making a difference. Cue the orchestra. :-) Sure they might have got great service from someone else, I believe there are a lot of really good agents out there, and I’m certainly not saying I'm the only one. But being ...

Why now is the best time to buy a house

Did you know … there are great incentives to help you get started in Real Estate?  You may use up to $25,000 of your RRSP towards your down payment, and may qualify for an immediate rebate up to $2,000 on your Land Transfer Tax.  The Government will kick in a $750 tax credit, not to mention the specials offered by key partners as part of our VIP program.  

Home Ownership - Learn before you leap!

My brother recently asked about what I thought was the best smart phone on the market.  Sure there are tons of web-sites dedicated to this stuff, and he has probably read them all, but like most anything you purchase, it’s often best to ask someone who’s had some firsthand experience with the bloody things.  And it’s with that in mind that we decided to host a live session ...

When is the house right, for you?

When is the house right, for you?    Just how do you know when the house is right, for you?  You will just ‘feel it’.  A house is not a house, is not a house.  Sure, it's got bedrooms, four walls, bathrooms and a kitchen.  But each and every home is still unique in so many ways. On paper, they match up perfectly.  The price is identical, even the ...

Home Ownership Incentives

Did you know that there are a variety of government programs to help you save or borrow the funds for your home purchase?  The RRSP Home Buyer's Plan, the Home Buyer Tax Credit and the Land Transfer Tax Rebate can help overcome the difficult challenge of saving money for a down payment faced by many First Time Home Buyers today. As a REALTOR® I can help you understand how these programs ...

Confused about your last offer/listing agreement?

Did you fully understand the document you just signed?  If you are a little unsure about your level of comprehension of the last listing/offer you signed, don't worry, you are not alone. I've got a great example of a home owner who misunderstood one of the many important clauses in his Listing Agreement, namely in reference to the Holdover Period.  This states that the seller agrees to ...

Considering condos?

Did you know that while condos remain an affordable option for many first time home buyers or empty nesters looking to downsize, the lower price doesn't always tell the whole story.  The condo fees that vary according to age, size and location of the condo, can sometimes be up to 50% of the cost of your monthly mortgage.  Always check with your REALTOR® and lawyer to find out what amenities, ...

When should you buy a home?

There is no better time to get in the market then now!  This is something you may hear repeated often but it definetly rings true today! Consider the following: The dollar is at about .95US again, the stock market has survived the bad news coming out of Dubai and is once more pushing towards 12,000 points.  Overnight lending rate by major banks is still hovering at all time lows and the ...

Financing Assistance

Financing Assistance is just another service that I provide to all my clients.  This is your home, and it's kind of a big deal.  Know how and where to get a mortgage (banks are just one source), and what financial incentives and assistance is available to you. ie. tax credits, rebates, RRSP. What sort of costs you can expect at closing?  It's stuff that can put money in your pocket and ...

Condo purchase

I was recently approached by a friend, who required some direction on the purchase of his first condo.  'Michael' had visited the showrooms of a nearby developer and had received some encouraging news about "some really cheap pre-construction prices".  But as a prudent purchaser faced with one of his biggest investments, Michael wrote to me asking for some advice on what questions he needs ...

Presenting Favourably

Did you know that when you are represented by CENTURY 21, you get a great name and professional image? Almost 40 years in business in Cambridge means we are well trusted and are regular contributors to our wonderful community. On top of that, CENTURY 21 is in 60 countries with over 8,800 offices and 145,000 global agents. You want the best representation? Trust me; we truly are the local experts!

Mortgage Specialists

Here is a true story, a lesson in fact, in the importance of working with a mortgage specialist to get an accurate picture of your present financial situation.  It's not enough to sit down with your standard bank representative, and chat for 5 minutes about the key details of your income and expenses. You need someone who asks all the pertinent questions, because this sort of investigative ...