2010-01-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

Stop the social media presses, I am venturing into the world of blogging in 2010. Collingwood Real Estate blogging, that is. My experience will now be yours online. These last few years have been some of my busiest ever as a leading local Royal LePage agent. I’ve helped so many young “Gen Y” secondary seekers, mid-career home buyers and even retirees find or sell their home in the Collingwood area. Now, I’m pleased to share my years of realty expertise with you.

It’s true that I am a doer…. not a talker. So my Real Estate blog will be short on the fluff and generous with:

Current Collingwood real estate information and data

Market forecasts and trending reports

Expert tips to help you buy and sell smarter

And speaking of tips….

Top Three Tips for Buying in Collingwood in 2010

Are you a Boomer looking to downsize to a Collingwood condo or home?
A young Gen Y seeking that first cottage in the heart of recreation country?

If so, read on. Here are some fast tips to help you buy smarter.

Tip #1 – Act Now

They say “strike while the iron is hot”. In terms of investing in a property in Collingwood, I would say: “strike while the buyer’s market is at its best.” That is what is happening right now. Unlike competitive markets such as Toronto, where sellers are sitting back with as many as 10-15 offers flowing in − Collingwood has a lot of inventory available. It was and is a buyers market here in 1st quarter 2010… and personally I don’t think it is going to stay strong forever. It really is great news for you. It means local home Sellers are really motivated to sell. Not only can you negotiate for lower prices, but you can also hand pick the best properties. My advice is to do it now. As you may have read, the market here has been picking up at record speed.

Tip #2– Find the unlisted gems

There are just over 4000 Collingwood properties listed on MLS as of January 2010. I can tell you right now this is just the tip of the iceberg. With MLS, a developer can only list 5 of his entire inventory, so there is much more for sale here than meets the eye. Currently, the stats indicate a four to five year supply and growing. As for unlisted gems, I personally do three to four transactions a season. Talk to your Real Estate agent about properties “under the radar”. If they have their ear to the ground and you are patient, then you should have a shot at some best kept secrets.

Tip #3 – Expect more from your Agent

Remember, you have the power. Look to your agent to do more for you than simply show you properties. A good Real Estate Agent should be your advisor on all things around your property search and your link to the community too. Whether you need a doctor, mortgage broker, lawyer of trade -- they should be able to connect you with tried and tested recommendations. Personally, I like to include full-service touches with my clients, such as dump runs, packing material and, of course, celebratory bottle champagne in your refrigerator upon closing. Expect more … especially in this buyer’s market.

Your real estate agent is your best ally in all areas around your home search. Get them working for you to find that perfect Collingwood property – and take advantage of this hot buying season.

Collingwood Questions? Suggested Blog topics? Click here to let me know.

And watch for my next Blog on the HST – coming next month!

Karen :)

ROYAL LEPAGE ALL REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD,
KAREN E. WILLISON
Sales Representative;
Director's Platinum & Award of Excellence
1 877 / 705 445.5520 EXT: 240
DIRECT: 1 705 888.0075
kwillison@royallepage.ca
www.HomesofCollingwood.com

Willison's Word