'A good year, but not a great year' - Toronto Star

Article in The Star yesterday tells us that the housing is going to cool off this year. And this is where the trick with these articles comes in to play, is that some people don't read the whole thing and they go around telling everyone that's it's a bad time to do anything in real estate cause the values are gonna plunge deep into a dark toilet and we're all screwed! This has happened to me several times recently, where I have to explain that we're still in a period of healthy growth with no signs of anything bad happening. Fact is we've seen such tremendous numbers, particularly since 2002, that having a steadier year isn't all that awful :)

So this guy definitely has a nice hat:though I don't know if I'd make it the centrepiece of my real estate career.

My hat worked much better in one of my earlier lives:

First-time home buyer's seminar!

You are invited to a free seminar for anyone considering buying a property for the first time! Meet with 7 top industry professionals at Chapters (2376 Princess St - Community Room) on Saturday, March 1 at 11 AM. Limited seating available, RSVP preferred by February 27 at seminar@realtysource.com or 613 539 8438.

Don't rely on trial & error to get you through buying your first property. Join us for your introduction to all aspects of a real estate transaction. Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals will take you on a step-by-step tour through the home buying process and answer all your questions. It's free, and there's no obligation!
Having an in-depth understanding of the first-time home buying process is a fundamental element to the way we work with you.

Presentations by the following:
- Realtor (me, of course!)
- Mortgage broker (Bernie Harpell)
- Home inspector (Gary Howden)
- Financial advisor (David Sutherland)
- Insurance broker (Rick See)
- Home builder & designer (Tam Falcao/Falcon Homes)
- Lawyer (Akis Vitsentzatos)

I hope to see you there :)

This happens ALL the time ...

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/07/house.hang.ap/index.html - if it were me, I would have advertised it as "exotic, rare chandelier included in purchase price."

Real estate round up

- Centum LaBuick is offering a 50-year mortgage! The last couple of years have seen the introduction of 30-, 35- and 40-year amortizations, and while you pay a higher CMHC premium on these, it keeps your monthly payments lower and you can afford more house than you would get with a standard 25.

- It may soon be standard practice to register at open houses, due to recent theft issues reported in the Kingston area. If you're concerned about the information being used, the OREA standard 'open house guest registration' form has an option to check off that says you wish to not be contacted further.
Realtors will be looking at more ways of protecting ourselves, and our clients, following this disturbing event in Victoria on the weekend.

- Prices still going up? Royal LePage thinks we'll see a 3.5% increase in prices this year. 2007 is widely considered to be a banner year for real estate in terms of selling prices, so having a more moderate and steady 2008 is not really a bad thing.