Monday, October 26, 2009

Seller's market

In Ottawa, there is a seller's market out there. What does that mean? It simply means that there are more buyers out there than there are properties for sale. It means that prices go up, and properties go fast. What does this mean for you? Well, it depends on what side of the equation you are on.

If you are a potential buyer, you need an agent that works hard for you. If not, you could be on the outside looking in when it comes to acquiring property. You need an agent that will be proactive in your search, so that you can find the home that meets your needs. However, being in a seller's market, it doesn't mean that you cannot find a good deal. It just means that it takes a little more rolling up of the sleeves and getting your hands a little dirtier.

As a potential seller, you certainly have an advantage, but it isn't necessarily all that simple. You should ensure that you have an agent that knows how to take full advantage of the market to ensure you get the most for your home. If you are selling your home, you want an agent that knows the market well enough to be able to help you price your house right. Even in my short time as an agent, I've already witnessed a few homes that were not priced appropriately. It certainly wasn't a surprise to see the homes sell before the homes went public.

Now, you may be slightly confused about my last sentence. What does that mean going public? Well, sales representatives, like myself, have access to listings before they are listed on the internet. We have this exclusive access for about 3 days, so that can be enough time to buy a property before it becomes public. As a seller, you might have limited your options if you haven't priced your home appropriately. It may not reach a significant pool of potential buyers. Hence, I stress the importance of using an agent, like myself, to guide you through the process.

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