Friday, November 30, 2007

CHOICES IN REAL ESTATE

Everyday all of us make hundreds of choices. They might be small or large but they play a part in our day. Most of us feel that a real estate investment is one of the biggest choices of our lives. We have to decide about price, location, type of property,mortgage,offer and more.. So how do we make these decisions with confidence. First of all you need a professional to guide you through the process. As real estate agents we have done hundreds of transactions and can give you expert advice relevant to your future. We have access to stats and can give you market analysis. We can provide references for other professionals such as mortgage brokers or lawyers. The choice to buy is already a step in the right direction. A real estate principal residence purchase is still the only tax free investment in Canada.

Recently one of the biggest decisions for buyers is whether to buy a home or a condominium. There are some major differences. Buying a piece of land means you have the rights and ownership of that parcel. You pay taxes on that land and do your own repairs and maintenance. Condominium living is different that owning detached, semi-detached or freehold townhouse. Condo owners hold title to their unit and a share of the corporation. They share the responsibility for operating expenses of the the common elements which would include lobby, garden, pool, gym etc. This is included in your maintenance fee. The advantage to condominium ownership is a simpler and more carefree lifestyle. You don’t have grass to cut and you have an instant sense of community. You can also participate in the decision making of the building if you choose to be on the board.

1 comments:

Brian Pastoor said...

We contemplated a condo, but really had our hearts set on a house. I like cutting the grass, and wanted to play catch with my son in a backyard. Thanks to Jeff, Mark, Paul the patriarch and Norah the matriarch, houses were visited, numbers crunched, and our offer was accepted. Our home search was actually fun. Now we can't wait for our backyard snow to melt: let lawnmowing and baseball seasons begin!