Real Estate Insider: February 2018 News Report

Welcome back to the Real Estate Insider, readers! This past month, we came across a variety of hot topics you'll want to invest some reading time in, including how marijuana may boost the value of your home, why you should know your credit score, and why you shouldn't chase the lowest mortgage rate!

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There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding on either a fixed or variable rate mortgage, and everyone is different. Luckily, ‘RateSpy.com’ has compiled a checklist to make your decision easier! Check it out: >>

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Mortgage rates are seeing a steady increase for the first time since the early 1990’s, and that trend isn’t stopping next renewal term! Are you prepared for a rate increase? Read more about current trends here. >>

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DON’T GET TRICKED BY CHASING THE LOWEST MORTGAGE RATE! There are so many other factors that could save you so much more money in the long run! Read about them all here. >>

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There are a lot of expected benefits from the legalization of marijuana, and a boost in housing prices may be one of them! A Study in America found homes close to recreational ‘pot shops’ saw an increase in value by about 8%. Read more here. >>

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Are you aware of you Debt-To-Income ratio? It may be time to take a look! Learn what it is and why it is so important when qualifying for a mortgage or line of credit! >>

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With the recent real estate “Boom” in Toronto, we have seen the number of people getting their real estate license do an equally impressive “Boom”, but how many of these new agents are successful? How many Toronto realtors are doing less than 1 deal per year? The number will almost certainly shock you, and they are all laid out for you here. >>

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While young adults living with their parents give them the ability to save money, study has shown that it may be draining the parent’s retirement funds by more than 24%! Read more about the increasing trend here. >>

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Do you want to invest in Real Estate but maybe aren’t ready buy an investment property? Here are 6 ways to passively invest in the growing real estate market! >>

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Capital Gains tax has been a hot topic in recent months; especially since house flipping and income properties have increased in popularity. But what about when you are about to inherit some real estate from a relative? How does the taxation work? Read this article to find out the best way to approach these situations. >>

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Knowing your credit score is important! Get your credit score and report for free here! >>

Ex-Windsorites: Make 2018 The Year To Move Back Home

Part of the boom we’ve seen in our local Windsor-Essex area in the past few years has been attributed to the large segment of Windsorites moving back home.  Whether they left for jobs, school or other factors, people are migrating back in droves.  For those of you still weighing a potential move back home to Windsor-Essex, today we are going to try and push your decision over the edge and discuss what you are missing out on!

Traffic

You can drive pretty much anywhere you’d like to go in 20 minutes or less!  Traffic is one of the biggest issues of living in a big city and having a long commute is a big contributor to issues with stress and quality of life.  Give up that two hour commute and spend more time with family or at the gym everyday ☺

Detroit

I don’t know if you’ve been living under a rock, but Detroit is experiencing a renaissance these last few years.  Lots of exciting developments are underway and tens of thousands of new people are living and working again in the city.  As it grows, our area is becoming a suburb of Detroit and offers us access to many big city amenities including a major airport, all four major sports teams (Major League Soccer is also in the works), shopping, bars and restaurants, and also a large job market as many cross border workers can attest to.

Cheap Real Estate

You probably already knew this one, but Windsor-Essex still offers some of the cheapest real estate in Canada.  As you get priced out of the large Canadian markets, you’ll still more than likely be able to afford the type of home you desire in our area.  At an average price of around $260,000, you wont have to grind it out paying a mortgage your whole life!

Weather

The YQG has one of the warmest climates in Canada. Summers are longer and during winters we often "skate" by with little snow (fingers crossed for this year).  If cold winters and snow aren’t your thing, consider a move to the southernmost county in Canada.

Economy

Part of the reason lots of people left our area over the last decade was the automotive downturn and the accompanying high unemployment rate.  Well, that has more than reversed course and we now hold one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada (below 6% this fall).  One of the main issues we face going forward is a shortage of workers in different sectors.  Apply within!

Those are just a few of the dozens of reasons you should consider moving back home to Windsor-Essex.  It really is the “Biggest Small Town” around.  What are you waiting for?  Make 2018 your year.