News Flash!

Our business is expanding. As part of our ongoing effort to better service our clients, we have expanded our business to include property management. To read more about our management services visit our web page at http://www.kellysuccess.com/Property_Management/page_2471745.html or call me directly at 613-859-0100. Now is a great time to hold investment property. We will help make the process profitable and hassle free!

Canadian Real Estate Statistics

Here are some Canadian Real Estate Fun Facts:

• The expected national average home price for 2011 is $343,300
• Since 2000 home prices have increased by almost 7% per year
• Real Estate accounts for over 40% of a homeowner's assets
• Our new listings vs. sales on the market is currently hovering at 52%. This puts us in a balanced market.

We are posting new listings every week. Check our www.kellysuccess.com and www.waterviews.ca 

News Flash!

The Real Estate Industry certainly is getting lots of media coverage these days. By the end of October I will be able to publicly discuss the competition bureau issues. It will be nice to have that one behind us.
Two other topics that have received less coverage but offer equal confusion to consumers are the HST and The Mandatory Energy Audits. We receive many questions from consumers unsure of what HST is applied to. HST is not applied to the purchase price of resale homes of any price. HST is applied to realty commissions, lawyer fees, home inspector fees, etc. The mandatory home energy audit was proposed for Ontario resale properties by the Ontario Ministry of Energy. This proposal would have meant that homeowners would have to pay for an energy audit prior to listing their house for sale and post the results with the listing. This concept is problematic on so many levels. Energy audit companies were thrilled as they have seen a steep decline in audits as the government grants dry up. However, realtors and homeowners saw this as a bad policy that would be difficult to interpret and implement. After the Ontario Real Estate Association lobbied strongly against the audits the plan was completely scrapped. You can learn more at http://www.orea.com/ and click on OREA issues under the government relations tab.

A Balanced Market in Ottawa and Area

Tip of the Month (as featured in next month's Humm newspaper)

Interesting fact: I keep adding funny additions to Patrick's photo without his knowledge. Keeps the "spice" in our partnership, don't you think?!

Investment Properties

Recent low interest rates and a volatile stock market may have you wondering whether investing in real estate is a good addition to your portfolio. Investment real estate properties can be a fantastic opportunity based on equity appreciation and positive cash flow. There are a variety of different investment options depending on the type of risk and property management you choose. Some of the options are traditional yearly lease rentals, student rentals, room rentals, vacation rentals, and executive business stay rentals. Each option has a different combination of financial requirement and time commitment. An important factor is monthly cash flow. We are of the opinion that there should always be a positive monthly cash flow and a consideration for future increases in interest rates for the investment to make financial sense. This is where a professional opinion is important; rental rates have not increased at the same rate as the resale values in some neighbourhoods. Finding the right combination of purchase price and rental return is not necessarily possible in all neighbourhoods. An experienced real estate salesperson can give you information on rental rates, vacancy rates, property selection, and a projection of cash flow and return on investment. With research and the right business partners, investment properties can be interesting, exciting, and lucrative.