Szabolcs Pall - Blog - Szabolcs Pall

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. ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on February 6, 2012		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on June 21, 2011		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on March 17, 2011		More
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. Posted by Szabolcs Pall on March 17, 2011		More
3 reasons you should sell, now! Waiting till spring? Here are 3 reasons why you should get your home on the market, right now! If it’s something you’ve been considering but are getting mixed messages from the industry and agents, here are my top reasons, why hesitating could end up costing you! 1) Interest Rates. The banks are practically giving money away. 2) ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on November 11, 2010		More
Got an old bungalow? Did you know some insurance companies will not ensure homes with aluminum wiring, due to potential fire hazards? If you have a townhouse or bungalow built in the 70s, you may have aluminum wiring. The fix is easy, but time consuming and should be done by pros. Simply add copper wire pigtails to all outlets and switches and have the ESA inspect / certify the work is done! ready2move? Posted by Szabolcs Pall on November 9, 2010		More
5 Deal Breakers 5 Deal Breakers Did you know that there are 5 key items that Buyers are checking for when evaluating a house? They typically concern themselves with: The age of the Windows Age/Condition of the Roof Age of Furnace Age of HWT Any Visible Leaks and Cracks So as a Seller, ensuring that you're able to produce receipts/documents for any work performed on these items will go ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on September 16, 2010		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on August 5, 2010		More
Buy first or sell first? Buy first or sell first? The answer is almost always SELL, for the simple fact that in our current market conditions, you cannot be guaranteed a quick sale. So you might as well get the process started as soon as possible. The pros of buying first are that you will almost certainly know your possession date and can time the sale of your existing home to match it. Either way, you’ll ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on July 6, 2010		More
Will house prices go down? Did you know that while CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) is predicting that home prices next year will be down approximately 2.2%, they will have increased by 1.5% from over 2009. To put it into perspective, your $350,000 home may decrease in price by about $2,500. This is hardly anything to get into panic about, and please remember, that it's the local stats that matter. ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on June 3, 2010		More
Considering Selling? Some things to ask yourself first! We're faced decisions throughout our normal day, and usually get them right without much difficulty. But while each of us is well equipped to make every day decisions, it’s not always so simple. When we consider selling our home, that decision is one that obviously requires much greater scrutiny. Consider the following: How much equity do I currently have? - The amount of money you ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on June 1, 2010		More
Hottest April on record for resale housing market Hottest April on record for resale housing market Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,841 residential properties in April through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,591 in April 2009, an increase of 15.7 per cent. Of those sales, 425 were in the condominium property class, while 1,416 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on May 5, 2010		More
Get top dollar for your home How to get top dollar for your home, and save money in real estate. Sometimes it's not always what you make; it's how much you save. It's a fitting metaphor for those thinking of selling their home. In a similar vein, most sellers are not concerned about what it costs to sell their home, what's ultimately most important is how much of their equity they get to keep at the end. Think about ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on May 5, 2010		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on February 5, 2010		More
New Year, New Home, New Opportunities As one of the newest residents in our neighbourhood, and a CENTURY 21 Capital Realty Sales Representative, a few observations are worth highlighting: 1) Shoveling snow is not only a great way to keep fit; it's also an opportunity to meet your neighbours. Winter shows no sign of letting up, and in 2 short weeks I've met a lot of our neighbours already, thanks for stopping and introducing ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on January 6, 2010		More
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, ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on December 2, 2009		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on October 1, 2009		More
Multiple Offers Having to call someone and let them know the house they wanted is no longer available is always tough to do. I can empathize with them, having seen it first hand way too many times. Unfortunately the market we’re in dictates that if you want the house, you have to put your best foot forward. And you can’t hesitate for even a day, because someone else could beat you to ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on August 31, 2009		More
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 ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on August 5, 2009		More
Are you working with the wrong agent? "Please help; do you have a buyer for my house?" It's a common request, but not always as desperate as the seller sounded this time. The answer in most cases, sadly is "no". I alone can only provide service to so many buyers. But that's the power of the MLS system; there are a host of other agents that may have buyers for your home. They just need to be told about it. And ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on May 1, 2009		More
Market Knowledge Did you know, that only 10% of agents attend the local MLS meeting on a regular basis? It's a great opportunity to preview up to 10 homes each week. I even find out about homes coming up for sale before they ever hit the market. My knowledge of the available housing inventory, and preview into where the market is heading, allows me to accurately price a home based not only on market ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on May 1, 2009		More
Home Renovation Tax Credit What is HRTC? It's the Home Renovation Tax Credit that was proposed in the January 27th Federal Budget, that will provide for a 15% income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures, and is family based. Good between January 27th 2009 and February 1st 2010, it can be claimed for the 2009 taxation year on expenditures greater than $1,000, but no more than $10,000 and can provide ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on April 10, 2009		More
Exit stage left Your Home At Center Stage ________________________________________ In Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and accessories. In the world of home buying and selling, real estate professionals fill the same role, but in this case the "star" is your home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home ... Posted by Szabolcs Pall on June 4, 2008		More

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