Bettianne Hedges, Real Estate Broker

This article discusses rented equipment often found in a home from the Buyer's perspective. I would add - for all you potential Sellers - review what it is that you rent, determine the terms and take steps to buy out equipment before you list your home. "When buying a home, you might expect that it comes equipped with all the systems and equipment you need to live comfortably all year long. But some of these items might be rentals something you need to take into consider...ation when making your offer. Commonly rented items include furnaces, hot water tanks or on-demand water heaters, water softeners, security systems and outdoor propane tanks. Even entire HVAC systems that heat and cool your home may be rented. To avoid any unpleasant surprises once you take possession after a purchase, you and your sales representative need to do some due diligence before making an offer. https://www.reco.on.ca//are-rental-items-like-the-furnace/

"A long time ago, when considering a new car, I read an excellent article that suggested I buy something that meets 95 per cent of my daily needs, and not worry about things I wouldn’t use much. I think the same concept applies to buying a home. Most of us can’t have everything we would love, so we should focus on the things that matter most, most of the time." https://www.reco.on.ca//i-am-thinking-of-buying-a-home-an/

https://www.reco.on.ca//now-that-ontario-is-gradually-re/

What a difference this will make to Hamilton - Lots of investment opportunities have been created along the corridor.

I am so enjoying the change in fall colour as I show properties throughout Southwestern Ontario but between the federal election platforms, the monthly stats and my own observations housing is weighing heavy on our minds. So many of my clients are finding their real estate dreams unaffordable. I am not just referring to that upgrade dream home but the downsizing option and the rental option. I recently listened in on a presentation by pollster Nik Nanos who is hearing more ...and more that the public is concerned about housing. The debate around using farmland to build and changing urban density limits will heat up as we seek solutions, but I am heartened by the creative ideas I am seeing; the first laneway house has been completed in Hamilton, wise investors in Stratford renovating big beautiful homes for high end rental apartments, and builders adding townhouses to their mix without a push. I am also happy to see smaller towns getting a lift from young families moving in and those same towns looking at condos and quality rental options so the grandparents can follow. I am expanding my real estate skills to meet the challenge. I recently worked with a client selling a co-operative apartment as I am seeing the concept more and more as a way to meet the housing shortage and address the needs of an ageing population. What a learning curve! I am also now working with a small team of Realtors - The Hestia Group - so I can ensure quality service over a broader geographical region. I encourage buyers who are feeling left behind to reach out and talk about options - let's get creative. And I know I have said this before but there really has never been a better time to sell a home.