Points to Ponder for Real Estate Representatives:
These points to ponder on, have been bothering me for approximately 2 weeks. It is time they are addressed and for those whom it hurts, so be it, get on with your business, and learn from this lesson.

In some regions across Canada, the real estate market has been steadily heating up. In these areas, real estate agents have more buyers than sellers, and multiple offer situations are becoming commonplace. It's called a seller's market, and it can be perilous for a buyer.

In the excitement of beginning a search for a home, many people jump right in without considering all of the elements that make a home truly right for them. It is a complicated and personal process. An unsuitable choice can be costly in many ways - you could lose money, waste time and effort relocating, or even put your family's health in danger. The following are some things to consider when identifying your ideal home and planning a successful purchase.

There is no doubt that one of the more pleasant and exciting times for most people is when they have decided to buy a home. This excitement exists whether or not you are buying for the first time or the fourteenth time.

Many Canadians find that after living and working many years in the city, they crave a simpler lifestyle in their retirement. This view has led to the increasing popularity of the "retirement cottage".

If you are planning to purchase a home, you will be faced with many decisions. What comes first buying the next home or selling your present home? What is your price range? What will be the location, size and style of your next home?

Vancouver - Imagine being able to call up detailed information on virtually any real estate property listed for sale by a REALTOR, without ever leaving your home. That's the concept behind the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver's (REBGV), MLS RealtyLink site, the most accurate and comprehensive source for real estate information in the Lower Mainland. Since its launch, the site has received more than 4 million page hits, exposing local properties to Internet explorers all over the globe.

There are currently over 60 million users of the Internet world-wide - this figure is expected to triple by the year 2000. People are adopting the Internet faster than any other media.

"How long has it been on the market"? This is a question many buyers ask. The thought behind it is often one of two things. Either there's something wrong with the home or the price is too high. Both of these notions may need clarification. Let me deal with the first thought.

The last thing you need on moving day is a battle over that wonderful antique mirror in the master bathroom! Yet most buyers take very little time to look at the "extras" in a home before they make an offer. As a result, they may discover that the beautiful fixtures or high-tech stove they thought came with the house have been loaded on the moving van heading to a new home.

'Let your fingers do the walking' has taken on a whole new meaning when it comes to researching real estate in the 21st century. The Internet is becoming an increasing important source of information and a time saving tool for homebuyers. It empowers them to gather information about housing issues and current market conditions as well as allowing them to preview numerous listings at the click of a mouse and survey current mortgage rates.

I think it was Will Rogers who said "A fellow that owns his own home is always just coming out of the hardware store…" Most homeowners would agree but, often in the excitement of house-hunting, we tend to overlook some of the sobering realities. Before you start, be sure you're comfortable with the obvious and less obvious costs of home-ownership.

Housing starts in Canada rose in 2000 and are expected to continue with that trend through 2001. "Gains in new construction this year and next will reflect employment and income growth, tax cuts, rising migration, stronger house prices and continued consumer confidence. " said Michel Laurence, Manager, Economic and Housing Analysis, at CMHC's Market Analysis. "These factors will more than offset higher mortgage rates this year and slower economic growth in 2001." One part of the growing market for homes is single women.