Looking Back, Looking Ahead

by Darrin DeRoches January 3 - 9, 2013

It’s the end of the year and it is a perfect time to do a year in review. I can look back and write about all the predictions that I made and boast about being right or I can look ahead and really take stock in the future of our market in 2013. So, let’s do both.     2012 was a great year for real estate in our market. It went up across the board at seven per cent and higher. We all made money if we owned real estate. Best investment of the year – Hamilton! We won the best place to invest in Ontario and Canada and the market is getting better every day. We are all worrying about the fiscal cliff but when we wake up from the hangover of 2012 it will be a great beginning to 2013. Canada weathered the storm of the mortgage crisis in the states and we actually came out stronger, so whatever “creative accounting” they do we will be strong in 2013.     Next year will be even better. We will have ups and downs. The bank rate might even rise off the lowest rate in forever but the strength of the market and the great investments coming to our city will only make the real estate market stronger. So get your finances in order and look ahead to make 2013 the best year ever which is the Year of the Snake. Okay, the Year of the Snake does not sound like a good reference and we should take it into consideration when looking ahead. When it comes to business and real estate there are “snakes” to watch out for so take a second look before making the big decision on buying real estate. Do not work with people who offer the “bait and switch” or “no money down”, “rent to own”, “no commission” – remember you get what you pay for and this is so true when it comes to any business transactions. Work with those who “earn” their commissions and put your interests in the fore front. If you need references just email or call and I can refer you to the right people in the mortgage business, lawyers, appraisers, debt counselors etc. We only work with the best, reputable people and are always happy to refer you to the ones that you can trust.     The future of our market is looking strong, it is a sellers’ market but the right broker can help a buyer find the right deal and still find a “deal” in a sellers’ market. My phones have not stopped ringing over the holidays, the market is strong and it did not slow down at all during the Christmas break. The new year is going to start off fast and keep moving so if you want to be buying or selling get ready for a quick sale. Lucky number 13 and the Year of the Snake gives me the indication of a great year in real estate but take a second before signing your life away – take a moment and make sure you are not dealing with a snake in the lucky year 2013! V     Darrin DeRoches is a local real estate and mortgage broker. He can be reached to answer questions, comments or stories about real estate experiences through this weekly column at mail@uniquerealty.ca.