Midwest Canada Minute - November 22, 2009 - 11/24/09 11:58 AM
First Time Home Buyers are Ready  
A recent survey by TD Canada Trust indicates the newest generation of first time home buyers is more willing to invest in real estate than their parents or grandparents were at the same age.  Today, 51% of the 18-34 age group are prepared for the responsibility of home ownership as opposed to 37% of Canadians a generation or two ago. 
I suspect the reasons for this change are varied.  What we increasingly see are young people with income levels that qualify them for mortgage repayment plans but without all the necessary funds for the down … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 15, 2009 - 11/17/09 11:05 AM
What Women (and Men) Really Want  
Got your attention, didn't I?  Of course I am not an authority on everything women and men want in their life, but would like to weigh in with some observations of gender specific behaviour in real estate. 
Let's start with women because "if momma ain't happy, then nobody's happy" is true most of the time, either as a couple shopping together or with the escalating number of  female single parents buying homes.  The primary concern of these buyers start with security of the neighbourhood both for herself and the children. 
We all know that kitchens … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 8, 2009 - 11/09/09 10:34 AM
To Condo or Not?  
Condominiums serve as a great option for people with certain lifestyle goals in mind.  People my age, the empty nesters, find them a good way to afford a home in two different settings - one here as a base, and another at the lake or in the sun belt of Arizona, California or Florida.  Single people who are seeking more freedom to decorate and quality of life than an apartment offers.  Or first time home buyers striving to build equity as a stepping stone to a larger house and yard. 
What condo buyers need to be alert … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - November 1, 2009 - 11/03/09 12:08 PM
Selling Farmland - Part Two  
Last week we talked about some of the methods that farmers and ranchers may use if selling farmland.  Today we will discuss the preparation that should go on before actively marketing a property. 
The most important step is pulling a copy of the title and the companion parcel map.  As a Realtor, my first concern is to determine who the legal owner is, the number of acres actually available, and to review what, if any, interests are registered against the property.  These may range from utility corridors or surface leases to mortgages and pending litigation for … (0 comments)