It was called the great recession. This past year began with the worst economic meltdown since the Second World War and consumers around the world were full of fear and anxiety. Thousands of people south of the border were losing their jobs and their homes, and their angst came flooding north.
Luckily our banking system is more regulated and stable, which spared us from the turmoil that consumed our neighbours. The result was that consumer confidence here bounced back much faster and with such a force that by late summer we were seeing the housing market come storming back.
That was such a relief for Canadians, many of whom have made their home their biggest investment. The consumer mood as we enter into this holiday season has been buoyed by the current recovery. The malls are busy and retailers are enjoying a relatively brisk business.
And while the holiday season is a time to unwind and enjoy family and friends, it also becomes an ideal time to plan ahead. Once the Christmas rush has passed, there is far less pressure on our time and attention; the atmosphere is more relaxed. It’s the perfect time to reflect on priorities and to set some goals. If those goals include selling or buying a home, or both, this truly is a good time to make your plans.
If it’s quiet for you, you know that it is also a quiet time for a realtor and an important time to begin planning for a new season. Many people want to move into a new home in the Spring, but there is a lot of preparation. So there is no time like the present to get a jump on what needs to be done, and to stay ahead of the person who leaves things to the last minute.
If you are selling a home, there can be a fair bit of work putting a fresh face on your property in order to get top dollar. For a free assessment, call my office and we can help you with valuable tips or even staging advice to ensure you sell your property quickly and for the best price.
Buyers want to begin scouting their ideal locations, identifying your desired neighbourhoods and to begin the search for your dream home. Let’s take a look at what makes up the ideal neighbourhood for you, the style of home and price point that suits you best. Be ready to make an offer when homes that fit your criteria come on the market.
It’s a wonderful season to celebrate what is near and dear to us, but it is also the perfect time to assess your wants and desires on a larger scale. If you want to talk about your plans for the New Year, don’t hesitate to call – The Dan Cooper Team is ready to help.
All of us at The Dan Cooper Team would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a New Year filled with peace and prosperity.
Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage. He can be reached at 905.338.373, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call the Dan Cooper Team.
