Top 10 Real Estate Articles of 2009

This year’s TOP TEN articles, from the most visited to the most commented are listed below.
We’ve noticed a lot of advice articles and tips are getting the most visits, as opposed to the property/development posts like in the 2008 top ten list.
Feel free to browse and comment. Happy reading!

1. Buying an Income Property to Live in
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/buying-an-income-property-to-live-in
2. Describing Homes: what’s a 3 1/2 and all those numbers means
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/describing-homes
3. A Staged house that sold in 3 hours
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/a-staged-house-that-sold-in-3-hours
4. Credit: Biggest Myths, Mistakes, and Misconceptions
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/credit-myths-mistakes-misconceptions
5. Property Hunting: Diligence is The Key to Your New Home
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/property-hunting-diligence-is-the-key-to-your-new-home
6. STOP Paying Your Landlord’s Mortgage!
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/stop-paying-your-landlords-mortgage/
7. Buying Real Estate for Non-Canadians
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/buying-real-estate-for-non-canadians/
8. Home Staging – 10 tips for better sale
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/home-staging-10-tips-for-better-sale/
9. Montreal MLS Barometer: Residential Market
   http://montrealrealestateblog.com/montreal-mls-barometer-residential-market
10. Condo Hunting: Price, Area and Size Matters
    http://montrealrealestateblog.com/condo-hunting-price-area-size
    À la recherche de Condos? L’important: Le prix, la superficie et les dimensions.
    http://montrealrealestateblog.com/recherche-condos-prix-superficie/

Montreal Image: Bonsecour’s Market Door

Photo: Deya Bautista

And remember, we’re not supposed to take our Christmas decorations down until the January 6th. Or so I was told.

The Montreal Real Estate Blog showcases outstanding images from talented local photographers.  If you’d like to submit your photography, please join our flickr pool.

Find yourself a Merry Christmas: Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas!   Joyeux Noël!   Feliz Navidad!

Best wishes from all of us, here at the blog!

Eatery: Exploring Montreal Favorite Food Spots

A friend once told me that there were around six thousand restaurants in Montreal. At first I found it hard to believe, but the more I looked around everywhere I went, the more convinced I was that maybe my friend was right. Still I haven’t found a way to find the actual numbers of restaurants in the island.

But it made me think: If I were to count all the places I’ve ever eaten in Montreal over the years – whether they had been cafes, lounges, restaurants or just a sandwich place – I could probably be counting over one hundred. There is no doubt that our city has a high restaurant ratio considering we are only 3.6 million in population in the metropolitan area. But it isn’t the quantity that we’re known for in Montreal, but the quality and variety of restaurants. And above all, the food and drinks are still very affordable.

Variety of good food at all prices. And with that a new section on this blog: Eatery. We’ll keep on you posted on our latest tasty discoveries.

Lachine Canal in Time Magazine’s Top 10 Bike Paths

Photo courtesy: A.J Kandy.

Time magazine published their top 10 bike paths and Montreal made it to number 3 on the list.
In their article they make reference to different areas surrounding the path: Atwater Market, the water front properties, the Rene Levesque park, just to mention a few. It is interesting to see the developing of this area that not too long ago was still considered a bit rough. Still may will refer to it as Lil Burgundy area- wrongfully so.

The Atwater/Lachine Canal area has developed nicely into a neighbourhood that is now being featured in the Time magazine. How sweet can that be? Congratulation to all its residents!

2009 December’s Market: Looking Good

December’s market seem to be very active this year. No need for the monthly sales stats to confirm that. Normally it is a slow month, because of the Holidays. Most people are into Christmas shopping, Christmas dinner parties, and little time to seriously visit homes. But there are still buyers calling for information and getting their finances ready for the next year – which is only a few weeks away. Many people are waiting for the new year to seriously start looking at homes.

There are still plenty of agents working over the holidays, as most take their vacation in the summer. I skipped my summer vacation this year (well, partially), and decided to go away for the holidays instead – Don’t hate me for it. Sheila is staying to cover for me while I’m away, and several blog posts have been schedule for when I’m gone.

Back to this month’s market…

There should be activity right after Christmas Day. I find it amazing how people can be so dedicated to finding a home right after the customary family and social (and/or religious) responsibilities such as Christmas. From the 26th on, the phones shall be constantly ringing.

If you’re selling your home, that is good news. Although you will not get the same amount of prospective buyers as, say for example in February. But you can rest assure that those few people who are visiting during the holidays are seriously looking to buy a home. Otherwise, they’ll be staying in, eating the leftover turkey and drinking eggnog.

Comment of the week

Ken Buxton on RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2010

“Outlooks are just that …outlooks. What all buyers should do in this market before buying is be comfortable and in a position to pay 5 to 6% interest on their mortgage when they renew. Don’t over extend and plan for a rate increase. If your are buying a family home and intend to live their for several years don’t be too concerned with forecasts , you will be fine in the long run. However, if you are a speculator, you better have a great sense of timing.”

You heard the man. Read and execute orders.

Thanks Ken for the great insight.

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