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17/06/2022
Are You Still Playing Safe With Your Money?
This week I’ll be discussing the way that you’re strategizing your investments. Markets, real estate or otherwise, can make some people uneasy. This causes...
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Are You Still Playing Safe With Your Money? This week I’ll be discussing the way that you’re strategizing your investments. Markets, real estate or otherwise, can make some people uneasy. This causes some people to sit on the sidelines or play it too safe. When you’re young, you have your whole life ahead of you and that makes it the perfect time to take risks. With time on your side, you can easily recover from losses, and start compounding things to yield better results. I’ve seen many people sit on the sidelines of real estate, waiting for the perfect opportunity, and never making any moves. Then there are those that put in the work, took the risks early on, and are now enjoying their portfolios. When it comes to real estate investments, we are here to help you with your due diligence: weighing the facts, and making sure it makes sense. Don’t let fear stop you from taking that risk and getting in the game, reach out to us today!
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10/06/2022
This week I'm joined by Francesca Sgambetterra, and she's here to help you maximize your rental property. Presumably as a landlord, your goal is to have supplemental income by owning a rental property...
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This week I'm joined by Francesca Sgambetterra, and she's here to help you maximize your rental property. Presumably as a landlord, your goal is to have supplemental income by owning a rental property. One of the most important ways to ensure this happens is by keeping up with your yearly rental increases. Keeping your rents aligned with inflation and market value allows you to stay in the money, and makes it much easier to resell the building when the time comes. When it comes to calculating what you are allowed to increase the rent by, you can simply go to the Tribunal Administratif du Logement’s website for a calculator that takes your operating and any renovation expenses into account to calculate the increase. We have extensive property management experience so if you need help maximizing your rental property, reach out to us today!
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03/06/2022
Real Estate Taxes: Everything You Need to Know
This week I’ll be discussing the different kind of taxation in real estate. One thing is certain: we will always be taxed. When you are purchasing a new...
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Real Estate Taxes: Everything You Need to Know This week I’ll be discussing the different kind of taxation in real estate. One thing is certain: we will always be taxed. When you are purchasing a newly constructed property, you will be paying the PST and GST just like you would with a purchase in a store. Investment properties present different tax scenarios because they yield an income for you. And with any property you own, you will always pay municipal and school taxes to the city and school board. In any case, you should always consult your accountant to be sure of what kind of taxation you’ll be exposed to with your property. We make it a point to stay up to date and help you understand the basics, so if you have any questions reach out to us today!
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27/05/2022
This week I will be discussing the next book that we read in our LJ realties book club: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This was another great read, especially for those who are looking to expan...
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This week I will be discussing the next book that we read in our LJ realties book club: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This was another great read, especially for those who are looking to expand their financial literacy. Robert compares and contrasts two version of a father figure to illustrate important lessons and skills for success. There are a lot of really valuable takeaways and the main ones I’ve picked out are: use your knowledge in exchange for money instead your time, surround yourself with the smartest people you can, and not to avoid risks. Another key point that is discussed is our mentality. People with a negative mentality will not make it far and give you reasons not to do something. Learn to tune that out and invest in yourself so that you can always be levelling up. Did any of Robert’s lessons resonate with you? Let me know in the comments below!
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20/05/2022
This week I’ll be discussing what’s being going on for the rental market in Montreal. Where real estate is concerned, the rental market took the biggest hit during COVID. With schools and offices adop...
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This week I’ll be discussing what’s being going on for the rental market in Montreal. Where real estate is concerned, the rental market took the biggest hit during COVID. With schools and offices adopting a learn/work from home model and no foreign students or workers coming into the city, landlords had to lower prices and offer free months as incentive to get people through their doors. Post-pandemic, we are seeing a huge uptick in the demand for rentals and prices have returned to normal. People want to be in the city again to be close to work, school, or just the action with restrictions lifting and everything opening up. With July 1st coming up fast, everyone is getting ready to move. Check out our website for all of our rental listings that might fit your criteria and reach to us today!
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13/05/2022
This week I’m here for a market update for Q1. Across the Island of Montreal, sales are up! Even with less active listings and therefore less sales, the prices are still on the rise. The condo market,...
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This week I’m here for a market update for Q1. Across the Island of Montreal, sales are up! Even with less active listings and therefore less sales, the prices are still on the rise. The condo market, which took the biggest hit during COVID, is up by 11%. Single-family homes are up by 5% and multiplexes up by 9% If you look to North & South shores, condos and homes are up by an average of 20%. Q1 was still very much a seller’s market because the demand is still outweighing the supply. While it is still tough for buyers in the current market, we continue to successfully help our clients purchase their dream properties, so reach out to us today!
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06/05/2022
This week I’ll be discussing the common questions I get about down payments when purchasing property. It’s usually: what is the minimum? Which is easy: 5% if you plan on occupying the property, 20% fo...
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This week I’ll be discussing the common questions I get about down payments when purchasing property. It’s usually: what is the minimum? Which is easy: 5% if you plan on occupying the property, 20% for an investment. The next question is: how much should I put down? The answer really depends on you! What is your financial situation? What are you willing to pay monthly? At the end of the day, wether you put down 5% or 20%, your property is going to appreciate the same amount. We are here to help our buyers make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to purchasing property, so reach out to us today!
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29/04/2022
This week I am going to discuss the question: do you need to sell your home in order to buy a new property? And as everyone’s situation is different, there are different scenarios that might apply to ...
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This week I am going to discuss the question: do you need to sell your home in order to buy a new property? And as everyone’s situation is different, there are different scenarios that might apply to you. Some buyers will be required by the bank to sell their home in order to have the purchasing power, and some might not. In both of these cases, we have developed strategies that have been successful for our clients. The trick is to always give yourself enough time to find a new property that you really love. It’s also important to understand that the market can change at any time. So if you have a sale price in mind for your home, you have to know that waiting to sell might yield very different results. If you find that you’re unsure of what to do in your own sell-and-buy situation, reach out to us today!
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22/04/2022
This week I’ll be discussing a book that we recently read as a team: “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A…” by Mark Manson. If you don’t mind a bit of strong language, there are so many valuable takeaways ...
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This week I’ll be discussing a book that we recently read as a team: “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A…” by Mark Manson. If you don’t mind a bit of strong language, there are so many valuable takeaways from this book. What really resonated with my team and I was that we need to audit our core values and really figure out what matters to us as individuals. You don’t need to worry about what other people are thinking of you because in reality, they aren’t! This book encourages you to live an honest and purposely fulfilled life by directing your energy to what actually matters. If you haven’t already read, I highly recommend you do. For anyone who has read it, what were your biggest takeaways? Let me in the comments below!
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15/04/2022
This week I’m going to be listing the many advantages to listing your property for sale with a real estate broker. When choosing to work with a broker, you are really giving yourself a leg up because ...
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This week I’m going to be listing the many advantages to listing your property for sale with a real estate broker. When choosing to work with a broker, you are really giving yourself a leg up because you are choosing to have someone represent you and your interests throughout what can sometimes be a complicated process. At LJ realties, we pride ourselves on being there for our clients every step of the way throughout a transaction. From starting with a strong listing strategy & marketing, informing ourselves on your property and its surroundings, negotiating to ensure you get the best sale price possible, and helping you fulfill any conditions of the sale. When we assist you in a sale, you are our #1 priority! What are your good experiences with your listing broker? Let me know in the comments below!
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08/04/2022
This week, I’m here with an update on the current interest rates. Fixed, variable and prime are still on the rise, as was to be expected and I predict they will continue to increase. The real estate m...
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This week, I’m here with an update on the current interest rates. Fixed, variable and prime are still on the rise, as was to be expected and I predict they will continue to increase. The real estate market is still moving fast and furiously, even though the government is trying to step in with these increases. The hope was that with an increase in rates, the market would cool. However, this has not happened and I predict that we won’t see things slow down until 2023. My team and I make it a priority to stay in the know by speaking regularly with our trusted network of professionals. We want to ensure that we are armed with up-to-date numbers to help our clients make informed decisions when it comes to the current market. We are here to help you navigate it, so reach out to us today!
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01/04/2022
This week I’ll be discussing the steps that go into buying a home. It can seem like a daunting process, but the general breakdown is quite simple. Last week, I discussed the pre-approval which should ...
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This week I’ll be discussing the steps that go into buying a home. It can seem like a daunting process, but the general breakdown is quite simple. Last week, I discussed the pre-approval which should always be your first step in the buying process. The second step is to consult with a real estate broker. Not only will they be able to assist you in tailoring a property search, but they will also be involved in all the other steps. Your broker will schedule visits, draft offers, and be there with you every step of the way through negotiations and realizing conditions of the sale. It’s important to work with a broker who you trust to properly represent your best interests when purchasing a home. We have a roster of experienced brokers who are ready to help you. Reach out for a buyer’s consultation today!
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25/03/2022
This week I’ll be discussing a very important document when it comes to purchasing real estate: the pre-approval. This is a document that you obtain from a bank that proves your capacity as a buyer by...
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This week I’ll be discussing a very important document when it comes to purchasing real estate: the pre-approval. This is a document that you obtain from a bank that proves your capacity as a buyer by presenting what your debt capacity is. In the current market, it is very difficult to have you offer considered if you don’t submit your pre-approval along with it. Depending on wether you are an employee or self-employed, they will asses different information such as your earnings, your notice of assessments, recent pay stubs, your credit history, and any other pertinent information on what makes you a good candidate for a loan. The pre-approval should be your first step when preparing to buy a property. If you’re ready to start the process of purchasing real estate, reach out to us today and we can put you in touch with the right people to get pre-approved!
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18/03/2022
Cette semaine, nous faisons une autre interview "Rencontrer l’Équipe" avec notre tout nouveau membre: Olivier Le Bel. Olivier a récemment obtenu son permit de courtier en immobilier résidentiel et est...
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Cette semaine, nous faisons une autre interview "Rencontrer l’Équipe" avec notre tout nouveau membre: Olivier Le Bel. Olivier a récemment obtenu son permit de courtier en immobilier résidentiel et est impatient de commencer sa nouvelle carrière. Il a une longue expérience de la restauration et apporte à cette nouvelle entreprise toutes ses compétences en matière de service à la clientèle. Olivier, nous sommes heureux de t'avoir dans notre équipe et nous avons hâte de voir ce que tu peux faire!
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11/03/2022
Three Types of Real Estate Markets
This week I’ll be discussing the three different types of real estate markets that we experience. There’s a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, and a balanced market...
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Three Types of Real Estate Markets This week I’ll be discussing the three different types of real estate markets that we experience. There’s a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, and a balanced market. A seller’s market is when the demand for properties is much higher than the inventory on the market, creating huge competition for the few properties available. The opposite is true for a buyer’s market. There are ample properties available for fewer buyers and there is a low probability that you will be bidding against others. Sellers and buyers have enormous power in their respective markets. When we experience a balanced market, the playing field is evened out and no one is at a particular advantage or disadvantage. We have been experiencing a very strong seller’s market and while I do expect it to continue for another year or two, rising interest rates will eventually balance it out. It may seem daunting to be a buyer right now, but it’s not impossible. We are successfully helping people find the right properties and we can help you too! Reach out to us today!
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04/03/2022
This week I’ll be discussing interest rates: fixed versus variable. What’s the difference? What are the advantages to one over the other? A fixed interest rate is exactly how it sounds: it is a rate t...
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This week I’ll be discussing interest rates: fixed versus variable. What’s the difference? What are the advantages to one over the other? A fixed interest rate is exactly how it sounds: it is a rate that will not change throughout the term of your mortgage. Whereas a variable rate is based off the prime rate of Canada, and the banks will give you a discount. Rates are ever changing, and I do predict they will be rising within the next months. Important note: went this video was filmed, the prime rate was at 2.45% and on Wednesday of this week the Bank of Canada raised it to 2.7%. Things changes fast and it can be hard to keep track of or even understand at times, but we are always keeping track of these changes in the rates and keeping our clients up to date. If you have any questions, reach out to us today!
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25/02/2022
This week I’ll be explaining what makes a good real estate investment. What makes something a good or bad investment all comes down to price. This particular case that I’m examining involves a condo t...
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This week I’ll be explaining what makes a good real estate investment. What makes something a good or bad investment all comes down to price. This particular case that I’m examining involves a condo that seemed like not such a great investment; there were issues, it wasn’t as nice as some of the other ones in the area, there was a tenant who might leave. When it comes to real estate, the first thing we have to think is: will we be in the money or not? The price of the condo versus other nicer and renovated condos in the are gave the buyer a buffer which they could use for their own renovations and improvements, and pull off a BRRRR. If you think you’re ready for the time commitment and effort, a property that requires some work can be a fantastic investment. We have had the opportunity to work with many investors, and we’re ready to help you too. Reach out to us today!
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18/02/2022
This week, I’m here to give you the market update for February 2022. January started off pretty slowly, as is the norm. Often people are still on vacation or recovering from the holidays, and not so f...
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This week, I’m here to give you the market update for February 2022. January started off pretty slowly, as is the norm. Often people are still on vacation or recovering from the holidays, and not so focused on real estate. However, in the last few weeks things have really started to heat up. We’re seeing many multiple offer situations, and it’s still a tough time to be buyer. I foresee prices continuing to price by at least 15%. However, I don’t want buyers to be discouraged and let the fear of losing a bid keep them out of the game. We have proven time and time again that our methods and strategies work, and we see proof of it in every happy client we help buy a property. If you’re looking for help during these competitive times, reach out to us today!
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11/02/2022
This week Francesca Sgambetterra joins me to further our discussion on purchasing new construction. While one of the more fun steps is getting to choose the finishings and really tailor your space to ...
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This week Francesca Sgambetterra joins me to further our discussion on purchasing new construction. While one of the more fun steps is getting to choose the finishings and really tailor your space to your liking, there are other important steps to consider. As we did last week, we urge you to look into the developer and make sure that you’re working with someone reputable. You’re going to need to carefully examine the paperwork and financial aspect of your purchase, and understand the deposit and payments schemes. Crucially, you need to know the delays. It is very rare that a new construction is delivered right on time, so flexibility is key! We always recommend you have a real estate broker on your side to explain any of these points that you may not understand. So reach out to us today! Brokers like Francesca are here and ready to help you!
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04/02/2022
This week I’m joined by David Leblanc to discuss a topic that he’s had firsthand experience with: purchasing property in a new construction development. His first two property purchases were new const...
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This week I’m joined by David Leblanc to discuss a topic that he’s had firsthand experience with: purchasing property in a new construction development. His first two property purchases were new constructions and he has a lot of great insight to share. Buying in to a new construction project is great because, obviously, it will be brand new. However, it is important to understand that there will be delays, especially post-pandemic, and you need to plan for the event that your property might not be ready on the projected completion date. You also need to ensure that you are buying from a reputable developer that will delivery a quality property to fruition. Lastly, we would highly recommend that you have representation because the real estate broker selling you that property is not trying to help you get the best deal, they work for that project alone. If new construction is something that you’re interested, David is definitely a real estate broker that you want on your side. Reach out to us today!
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28/01/2022
This week David and I continue our discussion on the topic of real estate investing because it is important to us that our clients really understand the things that go on behind the scenes. As real es...
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This week David and I continue our discussion on the topic of real estate investing because it is important to us that our clients really understand the things that go on behind the scenes. As real estate brokers our job is to make the process of investing seem effortless and seamless to the clients. Behind every purchase should be weeks, if not months, of work that involve understanding exactly what the client’s goals are, providing detailed analysis of the financial breakdown, and gathering all of the pertinent information about the property before we even schedule a visit. Our goal is to ensure that investors find a property that is aligned with their goals and that they get the most that they can financially out of it. We firmly believe in being there for our clients every step of the way, but most people don’t know that we’ve already done most of the legwork for them before they’ve even set foot in the property. Feel free to reach out to us today for any questions, we’d love to work for you!
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21/01/2022
This week I’m joined once again by David Leblanc for a topic that we’re both very enthusiastic about: real estate investing. With my own real estate portfolio and property management business, I’ve ac...
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This week I’m joined once again by David Leblanc for a topic that we’re both very enthusiastic about: real estate investing. With my own real estate portfolio and property management business, I’ve accumulated a lot of knowledge that I’m eager to pass along, and David has really taken it upon himself to fill that role with our clients. As real estate brokers we are here to help investors, full-time or not, source the right properties. It’s important for us to be there for our clients, from beginning to end, and to provide them with a game plan to ensure that they’re getting the most they can out of their investment. We have the knowledge and the experience and we want to help you get started off on the right foot. Reach out to us today!
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12/01/2022
The next stop on our tour of Montreal is Pointe-Sainte-Charles. Come along with David Leblanc, Nikita Mukhanov and I as we show you all of our favourite spots. The Pointe has so much to offer in terms...
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The next stop on our tour of Montreal is Pointe-Sainte-Charles. Come along with David Leblanc, Nikita Mukhanov and I as we show you all of our favourite spots. The Pointe has so much to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, cafés, transportation, beautiful mixed-use buildings, and so much more! It’s easy to see why it’s become so popular. Pointe-Sainte-Charles is very important to us, watch to find out why! We have some exciting news! What are some of your favourite things to do in the Pointe? Let us know in the comments below! Featuring: @real.david.leblanc, @nikitamukhanovrealestate, @clarkecafe, @paulpatates, @boomjscuisine, @knoxmtl, @fugazzipizza, @milkywaycocktails, @lecafebloom
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07/01/2022
2022 Real Estate Expectations
Happy new year and welcome back! I’d like to start off this year’s videos with my expectations of what will be going on in the real estate market for 2022. As in the las...
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2022 Real Estate Expectations Happy new year and welcome back! I’d like to start off this year’s videos with my expectations of what will be going on in the real estate market for 2022. As in the last two years, I believe that it will remain in a seller’s market for the time being and prices and interest rates will continue to rise. As we progress through the pandemic, people may start to focus back on city living which will stabilize the cottage country market in the process. As we all had to adapt at being very digital in 2020, real estate brokers are going to have to up their marketing game. Properties are spending more time on the market, and sellers will want to work with a broker who is knowledgable & marketable in order to do the best job for their property. We’re looking forward to this upcoming year and we can’t wait to work with you!
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