Hi everyone:

For anyone thinking that 'bidding wars' are over: 462 Neil Ave received 11 offers. My clients were lucky to get it.....

If you're looking to buy or sell a house or a condo, please all me anytime.   Bo 333-2202

.

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hello everyone:

These days, with 'bidding wars' all too common in the 'entry-level' price range of $150,000 to $250,000, condos are an excellent alternative for first time buyers. When 700-sq ft homes are selling for $220,000 (without garages), there are 1100-sq-ft condos with insuite laundry, central air, full appliances and more.... selling for $165,000.

Currently in the south end of the city, there are 46 condos for sale in the $120,000 to $180,000 dollar range, many of which are NOT subject to the 'multiple offers' that individual homes are receiving. If you're thinking of buying your first home, take a look at some of these condos. To receive a list of available units, e-mail me at boknowshomes@gmail.com

Hi Everyone:

I've been invited to speak to a Heritage Group, comprised of retiree's who are interested in learning more about condominiums. In preparation for this presentation, I've examined some of the main reasons why condominiums in Winnipeg are popular, and some of the advantages that come with the condo life-style. So here we go:

1) A cost-effective alternative to houses

I've just listed and sold a 700 sq ft bi-level home which received 11 offers and sold for well over $200,000. No garage, no appliances included, nothing fancy...a good solid house with a few upgrades. By comparison, there are 1100 ft condos, with central air and central furnace, insuite laundry and all appliances that will sell for approx. $165,000. For First Time Buyers, who are sick of the bidding wars, this is an excellent alternative.

2) Lifestyle

Do you like to travel? Or perhaps you're both working full time and looking after the house and yard is a chore you simply don't have time for? Condos offer a simple 'lock-up-and-go' lifestyle. In many cases, your neighbours won't even know you're gone,....unless you tell them.

3) No Yardwork

Getting tired of shoveling all winter, and mowing all summer? Is house and yard maintenance weighing you down, or simply getting away from you? With Condos, you don't have to lift a finger. Walks are shoveled, grass is cut, garbage is picked up and halls and common grounds are cleaned and maintained. Just enjoy...

4) Security

Condos (especially Highrise Units) offer secure entrances, with security cameras and often even patrolling security companies. As a former police officer I can tell you that break-ins to high-rise condos are rare. While they DO occur, when compared to break-ins to houses, they are statistically insignificant. Piece of mind living in a secure condo.

5) Community

Many condo owners find that in a condo, their neighbours are enjoying a similar lifestyle, and so they have more in common with these folks. Many condos also offer "common-rooms" where people can get together and talk, or fitness rooms, pools etc etc. This is especially true for the 55+ buildings where all your neighbours are in a similar age group as yourself.

6) Lower Operating Costs

In most condos, especially in the highrise and townhouse variety, the building insurance is already included in the condo fee. As is the water-bill. And sometimes the heat and hydro as well. Building maintenance is included, so you dont have to worry about replacing a furnace, or the shingles or the windows. And if heat is NOT included, heating a 1000 sq ft apartment style suite is far less expensive than the average 1000 ft bungalow, often even as low as half the cost. (Thats because the units above, below and beside you help insulate you from the elements)

7) Benefits of Home Ownership

With some limitations, condo owners enjoy many of the same benefits as house owners. They can Live in the condo, Rent it out, Improve it, Give it away, Borrow Money against it and basically treat it the same as a house. The limitations (by-laws) are a two-way street: What some people see as limitations, others see as insurance against having a neighbour do something which would negatively affect YOUR property value. (Ex: Try selling your house after your neighbour has turned his driveway into a junk yard or used-car lot)

As a current owner of a condo, and past president of condo boards, I am able to talk about this subject with some level of knowledge and authority. So if you're thinking of a condo, in any style or price-range, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime.

Bo 333-2202

.

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hi Everyone:

I've been invited to speak to a Heritage Group, comprised of retiree's who are interested in learning more about condominiums. In preparation for this presentation, I've examined some of the main reasons why condominiums in Winnipeg are popular, and some of the advantages that come with the condo life-style. So here we go:

1) A cost-effective alternative to houses

I've just listed and sold a 700 sq ft bi-level home which received 11 offers and sold for well over $200,000. No garage, no appliances included, nothing fancy...a good solid house with a few upgrades. By comparison, there are 1100 ft condos, with central air and central furnace, insuite laundry and all appliances that will sell for approx. $165,000. For First Time Buyers, who are sick of the bidding wars, this is an excellent alternative.

2) Lifestyle

Do you like to travel? Or perhaps you're both working full time and looking after the house and yard is a chore you simply don't have time for? Condos offer a simple 'lock-up-and-go' lifestyle. In many cases, your neighbours won't even know you're gone,....unless you tell them.

3) No Yardwork

Getting tired of shoveling all winter, and mowing all summer? Is house and yard maintenance weighing you down, or simply getting away from you? With Condos, you don't have to lift a finger. Walks are shoveled, grass is cut, garbage is picked up and halls and common grounds are cleaned and maintained. Just enjoy...

4) Security

Condos (especially Highrise Units) offer secure entrances, with security cameras and often even patrolling security companies. As a former police officer I can tell you that break-ins to high-rise condos are rare. While they DO occur, when compared to break-ins to houses, they are statistically insignificant. Piece of mind living in a secure condo.

5) Community

Many condo owners find that in a condo, their neighbours are enjoying a similar lifestyle, and so they have more in common with these folks. Many condos also offer "common-rooms" where people can get together and talk, or fitness rooms, pools etc etc. This is especially true for the 55+ buildings where all your neighbours are in a similar age group as yourself.

6) Lower Operating Costs

In most condos, especially in the highrise and townhouse variety, the building insurance is already included in the condo fee. As is the water-bill. And sometimes the heat and hydro as well. Building maintenance is included, so you dont have to worry about replacing a furnace, or the shingles or the windows. And if heat is NOT included, heating a 1000 sq ft apartment style suite is far less expensive than the average 1000 ft bungalow, often even as low as half the cost. (Thats because the units above, below and beside you help insulate you from the elements)

7) Benefits of Home Ownership

With some limitations, condo owners enjoy many of the same benefits as house owners. They can Live in the condo, Rent it out, Improve it, Give it away, Borrow Money against it and basically treat it the same as a house. The limitations (by-laws) are a two-way street: What some people see as limitations, others see as insurance against having a neighbour do something which would negatively affect YOUR property value. (Ex: Try selling your house after your neighbour has turned his driveway into a junk yard or used-car lot)

As a current owner of a condo, and past president of condo boards, I am able to talk about this subject with some level of knowledge and authority. So if you're thinking of a condo, in any style or price-range, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime.

Bo 333-2202

.

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hi Everyone:

My client just bought this beautiful, updated bungalow in East Kildonan at 30 Tudor Cr. Original Owners had kept this home up extremely well, 1060 sq ft, 3 BR's with 2 full baths on a 55' by 110' lot.

If you're thinking of buying a new home or condo (Before interest rates hike up) please call me or e-mail me anytime.

Hi Everyone:

Are you a home-owner who has been thinking of selling and moving into a condo? Looking out your back window and remembering the copious amounts of yard-work which is just around the corner? Dreaming of 'getting away' and traveling, without having to worry about the house you left behind in Winnipeg?

Lots of home-owners are choosing condos for a variety of reasons, including Security, Flexibility to Travel, No Yard-Work and other reasons.

Currently in Winnipeg there are a total of 236 Condominium Units for sale, in all types, styles and price ranges. Condos in the price range of $300,000 and up are also plentiful, with 73 such units available at this time.

In this price range you will usually get central a/c, insuite laundry, underground parking, a nice spacious suite in an all-concrete building, a balcony with a view, and a variety of other amenities.

So if you've been thinking of buying a condo, please call me anytime for a consultation. I will show you "What's available", and at the same time I can also give you a Market Evaluation for your current home.

Call or e-mail me anytime,

Bo 333-2202

.

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hi Everyone:

We've all heard about the 'bidding wars' or 'multiple offers' happening in Winnipeg. Its important to point out that the vast majority of these are happening in the 'entry-level' price ranges of between $150,000 and $250,000. It's easy to forget that right now, you CAN get some very nice homes in upper-scale neighbourhoods WITHOUT bidding wars. In fact, I feel that some of these homes are excellent value for the money. If you've been thinking of moving up to a larger home, here is some information for you:

Right now (mid-March 2010) there are 14 homes for sale in the Lindenwoods area, many having been on the market beyond their "Offers-On" dates, ..........so no bidding wars on these homes. These homes range is price from $329,900 up to $779,000.

Most interestingly, there are 7 homes in the $350K to $390K range, and some of these are well over 2000 sq ft. To receive a list of these homes, simply e-mail me at
boknowshomes@gmail.com

When you consider that smaller homes of approx. 700 sq ft can fetch a price of nearly $220,000 (without garages), it places some perspective on this matter. Add to this the fact that many experts believe interest rates may increase towards the middle of the year, NOW may be exactly the right time to move up to a larger home.

So if you've been thinking of moving up to a larger home in an upscale area, Lindenwoods or otherwise, please give me a call anytime. I'd love to help you find what you're looking for.

Call me anytime at (204) 333-2202 direct.

Are you looking for a house or condo in Winnipeg, and considering purchasing a "Private Sale? Here is a recent example of what happened, and a very good reason why buyers should be working with a REALTOR® when shopping for a new home

Hi everyone:

Just a little advance notice for a new listing coming soon to Lindenwoods.

1500+ sq ft bungalow with double attached garage. Living Room, Family Room with fireplace, oak kitchen, 3 good-sized BR's, all appliances included. New deck with hot tub, nicely landscaped. Partially Finished lower level. Flexible Possession.

Should be listed in the next couple of weeks. List Price at approx. $329,900....

Call me at 204-333-2202 or email me at boknowshomes@gmail.com

Home Buyers in Winnipeg have a new tool at their disposal: REALTORS® use the Keystone-Matrix system which is a huge help for home buyers. There are several neat features in this system.... Here is a look at one of those features.

Here are some of the most common questions Home-Buyers have:

Q: Whats the best way to FIND a house in Winnipeg? Go to Open Houses? Looking thru real estate magazines? Search individual agents websites?

A: Magazines are often published once a month, or perhaps once a week. By the time a listing makes it into print, it's most often already sold or accepting offers. Open Houses can be very hectic, and you end up 'rubbing elbows' with lots of other visitors. The Best Way? Work with one REALTOR® who can show you ALL the listings. Someone like, say, me for example. Watch this video.

Q: Why should I work with a REALTOR®. I can find the houses on my own!

A: FINDING them is just a small part of what real estate agents can do for you. Once you find a nice house, I can help you evaluate it, offer advice on how to structure your offer to make it more acceptable (thereby winning any possible bidding war), and I can even help you get pre-approved by a great lender. Please watch this video.

Q: My checking account is with a bank. Can't I just go there to be pre-approved?

A: In this fast market, every buyer knows that pre-approval is required, so EVERY buyer already does that. It's no longer sufficient just to be pre-approved, its actually more important to be pre-approved by the RIGHT lender. To find out HOW you do that, watch this video. .

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hi everyone:

Just a 'heads up' to a new condo listing. 2 BR, insuite laundry, newer appliances, great sized BR's, low condo fees include heat and water. Coming in a couple of weeks. Priced in the 150's.....including parking spot. Oh, and its a top-floor unit....(no upstairs neighbours)

Call me for details and to reserve your name and number for the showings....

Winnipeg's Real Estate Market is always changing, and FAST. Prices and evaluations that were true a few weeks ago, are no longer accurate. New price-points are set on a weekly basis.
For a Free Market Evaluation, call me anytime. 204-333-2202

Here are some of the most common questions Home-Buyers have:

Q: Whats the best way to FIND a house in Winnipeg? Go to Open Houses? Looking thru real estate magazines? Search individual agents websites?

A: Magazines are often published once a month, or perhaps once a week. By the time a listing makes it into print, it's most often already sold or accepting offers. Open Houses can be very hectic, and you end up 'rubbing elbows' with lots of other visitors. The Best Way? Work with one REALTOR® who can show you ALL the listings. Someone like, say, me for example. Watch this video.

Q: Why should I work with a REALTOR®. I can find the houses on my own!

A: FINDING them is just a small part of what real estate agents can do for you. Once you find a nice house, I can help you evaluate it, offer advice on how to structure your offer to make it more acceptable (thereby winning any possible bidding war), and I can even help you get pre-approved by a great lender. Please watch this video.

Q: My checking account is with a bank. Can't I just go there to be pre-approved?

A: In this fast market, every buyer knows that pre-approval is required, so EVERY buyer already does that. It's no longer sufficient just to be pre-approved, its actually more important to be pre-approved by the RIGHT lender. To find out HOW you do that, watch this video.

Here are a few of the most common questions home-owners have, and answers to them:

Q: What kind of questions should we ask a prospective Listing Agent?

A: Here is a guide to some of the important points to ask a Listing Agent. Please see the video in this post.

Q: How do we create a 'bidding war' for our house or condo?

A: There are several ingredients to creating a bidding war, including: Setting a realistic Asking Price, generating lots of Buyer Interest and also the status of the current market. For a video explanation, see this post.

Q: If we receive a full-price offer on our home, are we obligated to accept it?

A: No. If you were a store-owner, advertising a quart of milk for $1.00, you WOULD be obligated to sell at that price (or issue rainchecks), however home-owners are exempt from the laws that govern this issue. However, while no one can force a home-owner to sell at an advertised price, the question remains: "If he/she was not going to accept $220,000 for the home, WHY did we LIST it at that price?" For more indepth explanation, please watch the video in this post.

Q: Is there a difference between REALTORS®? I mean, they all provide the same service, don't they?

A: We are all called REALTORS®, we all place homes on the M.L.S.®, but that's pretty much where the similarities end. Just as no 2 lawyers are the same, no 2 doctors are the same, so we can quickly see the differences between Real Estate professionals. I always say: You hire a REALTOR® for one reason: To do the marketing and advertising for your home, and this is where a huge difference becomes apparent. To see my marketing plan, check out this video.

I update this Blog on a regular basis, adding new listings, market updates, news and interesting (well, at least I think they're interesting) pieces of information. You can make sure that you receive the posts by two ways: Subscribe to the RSS (check the toolbar along the bottom of the screen) or fill in this form and you'll get the latest blog posts via e-mail, once a week.

Hello Everyone:

Winnipeg REALTORS® have just released their official MLS® sales statistics for the sales during the month of February 2010. Sales and dollar-volumes are up, kept in check only by the lack of 'inventory' on the market.

For dollar volume, for example, this February saw the highest sales-amount for ANY February on record. The $150 million dollars sold surpasses the previous February Record, set in 2008, by a whopping 9%.

Furthermore, 44% of homes sold for "Above List Price", while coincidentally another 44% sold for less than list. (Call me anytime for a one-on-one personal explanation to this statistic). While the number of homes sold in February (712) is lower than past years, this is attributed to the fact that there are not as many listings available. Adding a personal observation, I know several clients who are just in the process of 'fixing' their homes and getting them ready, and I feel that this 'lack of inventory' is coming to an end fairly soon.

The average days on market is down to 29 day, for both houses and condos.

Speaking of Condos, 3/4 of condos sold were in the 150K to 200K range.

For a look at the press release, go here: Press Release for February 2010 MLS sales