28 Nov

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! READ ALL ABOUT IT! More and More Single Ladies buying Homes

General

Posted by: Deborah Fehr

While many women may be putting off marriage, they’re certainly not waiting around for Mr Right before taking the plunge into homeownership. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that a greater number of women are now taking the reigns when it comes to home purchases. There’s a growing trend among single women – and, more precisely, professional single women – who are becoming independent homeowners.

 It’s believed that around 20% of homebuyers in North America are single women based on a 2011 report released by the US National Association of Realtors. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies also released a report that said single women are buying in record numbers.

 There’s no equivalent data for Canada, but an abundance of anecdotal information has led to the creation of shows like HGTV’s Buy Herself, which follows single women making their first real estate purchases.

Women are looking for ways to become financially independent, and investing in real estate and building equity for themselves are ways to invest in their future – building financial security.

 Women are taking advantage of historically low interest rates and recognizing home ownership is often more affordable than renting.  There has never been a better time for women to make the decision to get into the real estate market to find the perfect place to call home

 Seeking expert advice

 One of the amazing things about women looking to invest in real estate is that they’re getting more advice before they make the decision to enter the market. They’re seeking out mortgage experts and real estate agents, and building a plan for the perfect entry into the market. They’re making lists of areas in which they’re interested in purchasing, itemizing amenities they would need in their ideal neighbourhoods, ensuring they have all the facts around closing costs and fees associated with making the purchase, and securing a mortgage.

 Buying a home is likely one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make in your lifetime, and can feel overwhelming. That’s why working with a professional Mortgage Agent, Real Estate Agent, and Home Inspector is essential. You’ll be working with these professionals closely – possibly for months – so interactions should feel comfortable, and they should be knowledgeable and responsive even to the smallest question.

 The more prepared you are, the smoother the experience will be so do a little research on your own over the Internet to get a good idea of what types of properties and areas are of interest to you. Make a list of questions to ask your Mortgage Agent or Realtor – and keep it on hand so you can add to it as more questions arise.

 

15 Nov

Year slow for home sales but better 2013 predicted (good news for Kamloops)

General

Posted by: Deborah Fehr

Source:  Kamloops Daily News

 

While home sales are flat so far in 2012 and expected to stay that way for the remainder of the year, CMHC forecasts MLS sales will see double-digit increases next year.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. released its fourth-quarter housing outlook report Monday.

About 1,360 homes sold to the end of September, the same number as the first nine months of 2011. That stable trend is expected to continue through the rest of the year.

But the agency expects resales to jump by 11.8 per cent in 2013 based on expected economic and job gains — the strongest projected increase of major B.C. markets.

Average home prices are up about three per cent over the same period last year. That compares to the Vancouver market, where MLS prices are down seven per cent on average.

CMHC also expects new home construction in Kamloops to jump eight per cent in 2013, primarily from single-family homes.


    

 

 

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