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Archive for the ‘Planning’ Category

Experts are predicting cautious optimism in our economy

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association held its annual Economic Forum in Toronto last week where a panel of economists and experts outlined their predictions for the housing and real estate industry in 2011.

The important message was that these economists held cautious optimism for the coming year and felt that interest rates will remain stable, which bodes well for anyone planning to buy their first home or perhaps moving up into something larger and having to carry a mortgage.

According to Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist for BMO Capital Markets, consumer confidence is good; that while household debt is still on the high side, net worth is still in a favourable position. While the manufacturing job market has weakened in Ontario, employment across Canada has improved. Consumer confidence and a good national employment picture mean interest rates should remain stable for the next 18 months, he predicts. We’ve seen a few Bank of Canada rate increases over the summer, but as long as the U.S. Federal Reserve holds steady, there will be no reason to increase rates here, he maintains.

Pascal Gauthier, senior economist with TD Bank Financial Group, has similar opinions explaining that the economic recovery has entered a second phase with much more subdued but more sustainable economic growth. The result is low inflation and low interest rates.

“We think the Canadian dollar can hold and even rise above parity against the US dollar over the next 12 to 24 months … We forecast the Bank of Canada’s will resume raising its overnight rate (currently at one percent) by mid-2011, to reach two percent by year-end 2011, which is still low (zero in real, inflation-adjusted, terms) and stimulative for the economy,” Gauthier says.

He goes on to explain that longer term Government of Canada bond yields (e.g. five-year) will also rise modestly, which bodes well for typical mortgage borrowing rates (e.g. posted fixed five-year) which are anchored to these rates. This will mean that affordability should remain good on a financing basis.

As we move into the holiday shopping period, CIBC World Markets has an interesting take on the consumer situation. In one of its latest reports, the bank states that in the latest quarter shoppers hit the stores, as reflected in a 3.5 percent uptick in consumption activity. The drop in the savings rate to 3.3 percent is still lower than what we are seeing in the U.S., which indicates that Canadians are feeling less guarded about the economic picture. Domestic consumption has been supported in recent months by rising wages and ongoing hiring.

So whether you are shopping for gifts or thinking of making that larger investment in the near future – buying a home – there appears to be borrowing stability in the near future. When it comes to making that major investment – real estate – the key to selling your home quickly and for top dollar is to deal with a broker who has a proven track record and is a consistent top performer.

Innovative marketing initiatives and investment, knowledge about the marketplace, commitment and exemplary service differentiate the Dan Cooper Team. The result is that we are achieving accomplishments that illustrate the Dan Cooper difference. We are the Number 1 team in Canada for Royal LePage, which is a testament to our ability to sell homes fast in the Oakville and Burlington areas. In fact, we have been the Number 1 team for seven of the past 10 years. This is an accomplishment that does not happen by accident, but rather by design. Our dedication and commitment to selling your home, along with superior marketing strategies, have time and time again helped our clients sell their homes quickly and for top dollar.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, 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.

Posted in Buying, Finances, Interest Rates, Mortgage, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Statistics | No Comments »

A group of masterminds at work for you

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

Profiles of Distinction - Real Estate Mastermind Group

Pictured, standing from left: Tom Mitchell, Mike Clarke, Dan Cooper, Paul Zammit. Seated, from left: Diane Mitchell, Sam McDadi.

I was recently highlighted in a GTA publication called Profiles of Distinction in which a group I belong to was written up. The Real Estate Mastermind Group was the focus of the story, which outlined how, as a group, we are able to serve our customers better.

This collective of heavy hitters within the real estate industry are hand-picked from separate communities within the GTA because of their incredible records. Simply put, they are the best of the best. They are not chosen by the real estate brokerage they represent, but rather for their stellar and steady performance over time. Our parent companies may compete on a national level, but locally we are building strong relationships to better serve you.

The story in Profiles of Distinction describes us this way: “A team of all-stars, the Group brings together top-producing agents from across the GTA to offer clients unsurpassed resources, unlimited range and exceptional service. Drawing on each other’s substantial expertise and varied backgrounds, the team promises a well-rounded approach and richness of ideas.”

Gathering monthly and sharing industry insights, we learn from each other and, ultimately, fashion those lessons into exemplary service for you. Every member has something to share – from marketing strategy and website utilization to the internal management and customer care. Guests speakers are regularly invited to keep us informed about important new trends and emerging strategies that help to maintain our position at the forefront of the real estate world.

We talk about trendsetting ideas, cutting-edge technology, and what we need to do to set ourselves apart from the competition in a very large way. With more than 100 years of combined experience and over $500 million annual volume in homes sold, our team is definitely a band apart. Our mission, as a group, is to create what we call ‘the ultimate real estate agent.’ Collectively our resources stretch across Canada and into other countries, so moving out of town does not have to be a daunting task.

When you hire one of us, you are getting the strength and wisdom of all of us. And so, in the end, it is you who reaps the rewards with your home selling more quickly, more efficiently and for more money because you have a mastermind at work.

As the Profiles story states: “Whether looking to buy or sell locally or to leave the province altogether, the Real Estate Mastermind Group furnishes clients with the best tools and most up-to-date strategies imaginable. Melding collective strength and unparalleled acumen, their clients can depend on fast, efficient and rewarding sales.”
The knowledge I gain from the Mastermind Group, I bring back to my own team to make us the most effective group of professionals in the Oakville and Burlington areas. And we have been rewarded for those efforts by being named the #1 Team in Canada for Royal LePage for 2009. This is our seventh top placing in just the past 10 years, and it is a testament to a lot of hard work and a high degree of success for our clients over the past 12 months.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, 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.

Posted in Marketing, Planning, Profiles of Distinction, Real Estate, Real Estate Mastermind Group, Selling | No Comments »

A unique marketing strategy and honest approach sell homes

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

There was a time when the only way to show a home to prospective buyers was through the open house. That continues to be an integral part of selling your home since buyers still need to actually explore the home to ensure they are making the right decision.

But virtual tours online have become such a powerful tool to capture the attention of hundreds or even thousands of buyers. I introduced video tours on my unique DanCooperTV.com website a number of years ago and I know they are generating more qualified leads for my clients than ever before. My site receives hundreds of visitors each day and the investment I have made in video production has paid dividends for my clients.

Kevin Flynn is one such client who was pleased with how quickly his house sold even in a slow market. “At the time, the market was down; the economy was struggling, but we sold in a little over a month, which was good. We were pleased with the marketing … we attracted the right people and we were happy with the way it worked out.”

He says the trust he had in the Dan Cooper Team and the marketing efforts we employed gave him a tremendous amount of confidence that his home would be sold. “Selling your home can be traumatic, especially when you have been in your home for as long as we have – more than 25 years. It is difficult to leave the neighbourhood.” The Flynns also faced having to purchase their new home before they sold their existing home. They didn’t want to sell first and end up without a roof over their heads, Kevin explains. “So we had to have confidence in our agents. You don’t get one agent when you hire Dan Cooper – you get a team.”

You can see the full interview with Kevin on DanCooperTV.com, along with many other satisfied clients, such as Shannon Servos, who talks about how impressed she was with our team organization and our accessibility and responsiveness. “They responded quickly, were extremely supportive through what can be a stressful time listing one’s home,” Shannon explains.

Shannon says she later discovered just how successful our approach has been in terms of generating repeat business. “I’ve bumped into people who have just sold their house and they were thrilled … and then I find out that it is their fourth home that Dan has sold. That’s a real testament to an excellent business person – when they thrive in terms of repeat business.” The secret, she says, is the lack of pressure to do things quickly. “Dan is not known for pushing people into a deal they are not particularly comfortable with … and that says a lot.”

Comments like these don’t come by accident. Our honest approach, our hard work and our unique marketing strategies are satisfying customers again and again. And a big part of our success for our clients has been the success of DanCooperTV.com, an innovative concept that brings properties to life and increases your chances to get top dollar – fast.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, 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.

Posted in Burlington Real Estate, Dan Cooper TV, Marketing, Oakville Real Estate, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Selling, Testimonials | No Comments »

Using the Internet to sell homes faster and for more money

Thursday, August 12th, 2010 by Dan Cooper

Dan Cooper TV logo

The mark of a good real estate agent is the lengths to which he or she will go to market your home. In today’s marketplace, it is not enough to merely place a few ads in the real estate section of the local newspaper. Advertising, of course, is important – and that is why I go big whenever I use traditional media. I consistently take out one and two page spreads in these sections. I also carefully select the most effective magazines – and again take the best strategic positioning within those publications to provide the maximum exposure for my clients.

But perhaps most important, I have been a leader in utilizing the Internet by developing a unique online marketing program. My DanCooperTV.com website was ahead of its time when I launched it a few years ago and it remains a dynamic element of my marketing strategy today. The video-based format brings properties to life, providing a much more striking impact than static images. Whether you are buying or selling a home, the opportunity to display a property through a live tour of the home accompanied by a voice-over description of the home’s unique features is a powerful tool. The seller is able to advertise their property in a whole new light and the buyer is able to take a comprehensive tour at their leisure and convenience. Professionally produced, this site offers an incredible venue like no other.

A good real estate website, however, should be more than just a vehicle for selling homes. At DanCooperTV.com, you will find a wealth of information about your area and some of the people in it – the retailers, businesses and charitable organizations that make Oakville and Burlington vibrant and engaging communities. See my entire educational series on home inspections with advice directly from the experts. You will also meet members of the Dan Cooper team, providing you with an opportunity to better learn who we are and our approach, to begin building that ever important open and honest relationship that needs to develop between broker and client. I want you to be comfortable with our team, to trust that everyone is working in your best interest.

If you haven’t visited DanCooperTV in awhile, take a look – and take a visual tour of some of the exciting properties we have posted on the site. We recently posted a tour of a spectacular mansion on two acres of country property on Trafalgar Road, just north of Highway 407. This is a home that many passersby have wondered about – and here it is on my website. It’s the new, cutting-edge approach to marketing homes and we’re leading this exciting trend. There are other developing technologies that we are looking into and I will talk more about those in the future.

In the meantime, for more information about how we can sell your home quickly and for top dollar, visit my website DanCooper.com or give the office a call and we would be more than happy to tell you more.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, 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.

Posted in Burlington, Burlington Real Estate, Dan Cooper TV, Internet, Marketing, Oakville, Oakville Real Estate, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Technology, Video Tours | No Comments »

What is in store for the rest of 2010?

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 by Dan Cooper

There are a number of factors driving the housing market today. First, house prices dropped over the past two years and mortgage rates have been lower than we’ve ever seen them – making homeownership more affordable to more Canadians. Our economy began to recover late last year, giving consumers more confidence to spend – and we saw that surge in spending in auto and house sales during the first quarter of this year.

Also driving the housing market in recent months is the impending increase in interest rates and the introduction of the HST on July 1 by the provincial government. These two key factors have encouraged people to buy now to beat the HST and to lock in their rates. The extremely attractive financing rates, along with an unleashing of pent-up demand, turned out to be an extremely potent combination in bringing buyers back into the market.

Where does that leave us for 2010 and beyond? According to Kevin Moffat, Vice-President of TD Canada Trust, the supply of listings should increase as a result of the recent solid price gains and the strong sales that make it more attractive to sellers. At the same time, he says, the demand side of the market will see sales remain strong in this ultra-low interest environment, although they are showing signs of cooling. “The moderation in sales is likely partially a reflection of the fact that some of the purchases in 2009 were brought forward from 2010 in order to take advantage of interest rates that were perceived to be too good to last,” he says. “The bottom line is that sales growth is slowing, listings are increasing and this is leading to a cooling in the home price appreciation.”

Two recent developments also contribute to Kevin’s expectation that the market will continue to moderate. First, while he calls the move by the federal Finance Minister to tighten mortgage insurance rules “prudent,” they were expected to boost sales into this month and temper sales thereafter. And, given the considerable press coverage around the change in the qualifying interest rate, there is no question that it has induced some buyers to enter the market before it comes into effect.

A second reason to believe the market will cool is that the Bank of Canada has indicated it will start raising interest rates earlier than anticipated. According to TD Economics, the Bank’s conditional commitment to leave its policy rate at 0.25 per cent until the second half of the year fostered a “now or never” mentality among potential buyers. Despite all the uncertainty of the national marketplace, what has been constant has been Oakville’s almost insular housing market which has bucked the countrywide trend and maintained steady growth and good value over the long term.

Dan Cooper is an award winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, 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.

Posted in Finances, Mortgage, Planning, Real Estate, Real Estate Market, Statistics, Taxes | No Comments »