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	<title>Winnipeg&#039;s Real Estate Blog &#187; Home Buying Tips</title>
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		<title>How do Winnipeg Property Assessment values compare to actual Market Value?</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/city-assessment-values-all-over-the-map/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/city-assessment-values-all-over-the-map/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 12:34:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/city-assessment-values-all-over-the-map/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg/300px-Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="Harriet Phillips Bungalow, Claverack, NY, USA" title="Harriet Phillips Bungalow, Claverack, NY, USA" /></a>Property Assessment Values compared to Actual Market Value Image via WikipediCity Property Assessment Values . In a recent post, I explained how Market Value really has very little to do with City Property Assessment Value.  That post can be found here. To further prove the point, here are a couple of very different homes in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/city-assessment-values-all-over-the-map/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Property Assessment Values compared to Actual Market Value</h2>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg"><img title="Harriet Phillips Bungalow, Claverack, NY, USA" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg/300px-Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg" alt="Harriet Phillips Bungalow, Claverack, NY, USA" width="300" height="202" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd zemanta-img-attribution" style="font-size: 0.8em;">Image via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Harriet_Phillips_Bungalow.jpg">Wikipedi</a>City <i>Property Assessment</i> Values</dd>
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<p>.</p>
<p>In a recent post, I explained how Market Value really has very little to do with City <u>Property Assessment</u> Value.  That post can be found <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/2010/assessed-value-vs-market-value/" target="_self">here.</a></p>
<p>To further prove the point, here are a couple of very different homes in similar neighbourhoods in East Kildonan.</p>
<h3><strong>City Property Assessment value:  $184,000</strong></h3>
<p>Home #1: a 940 sq ft bungalow, built in 1955, and having very few upgrades.  Original windows, older furnace and a semi-finished basement.  1 bathroom, original kitchen.   <strong><br />
</strong></p>
<h3><strong>City Property Assessment value:  $185,000</strong></h3>
<p>Home #2: 1060 sq ft bungalow, built in 1959. Upgrades include a newer furnace, windows, exterior, 2 bathrooms, and a fully finished rec room.</p>
<p>Although both homes had Property Assessment values which were nearly equal, they are very different homes.  But don&#8217;t just take my word for that:  Both were sold on the open market (thru REALTORS®)  and the results prove my point:  Home #1 sold for <strong>$200,000</strong> while Home #2 sold for <strong>$225,000.</strong></p>
<p>My Point?  Don&#8217;t go by &#8220;City Property Assessment Value&#8221; when trying to determine the value of a house.  Recently, a home buyer suggested that he could use this value to establish whether or not a home he was thinking of purchasing, was priced fairly.  In order to determine a fair market value for your home (or the home you wish to purchase), you need to compare it to the real estate market&#8230;. <strong><em> because that&#8217;s all that matters.</em></strong> What are BUYERS willing to pay for this home?</p>
<p>To answer this question and find out just how much your home is worth, call me anytime.  Also, if you&#8217;re looking to buy a house or condo, having access to accurate sold-prices is equally important to you as a Buyer.  Property Assessment Values should be used sparingly, as a guide at best.  Do me a favor?  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=http://bokauffmann.com/2010/11/city-assessment-values-all-over-the-map/">Share this on Facebook.</a></p>
<p>Bo 333-2202</p>
<p>.</p>
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		<title>Closing Costs involved in buying a house or condo!</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/costs-involved-in-buying-a-house-or-condo/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/costs-involved-in-buying-a-house-or-condo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 12:21:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Vids]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://kauffmann.sc114.info/2008/costs-involved-in-buying-a-house-or-condo</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/costs-involved-in-buying-a-house-or-condo/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5009598608_4c0090b4c7_m.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="BRAC will cause hardships, expanded HAP could ..." title="BRAC will cause hardships, expanded HAP could ..." /></a>When someone buys a house or condo, certain closing costs are required.  These include legal fees, land titles transfer taxes, other taxes, insurance and moving costs.  Here is a summary of these closing costs.]]></description>
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<h2>Closing Costs when buying a house or condo</h2>
<p>.</p>
<p>I have found that many buyers are not aware of the fact that there are additional costs (called <i>Closing Costs</i>) when buying a home or condo.  I had always &#8216;assumed&#8217; (I know&#8230;you&#8217;re not supposed to do that),  that banks would council their clients as to the actual costs involved, but learned that this is not always so.  Blame the hectic market pace, under-staffing or any number of things, but for whatever reason, it&#8217;s not being done.</p>
<p>So when buyers come to me, I sometimes have to give the bad news:  Here are some of the major expenses involved when buying a home (or condo).</p>
<h2>Closing Costs</h2>
<p><strong>Legal Expenses:</strong> The basic legal fees for purchasing a home run around $600.00  Now, many lawyers will quote something like $299 or $349,  but that&#8217;s the basic fee&#8230;&#8230;.there will be additional expenses on top of that, so you can expect to budget around $600.00.</p>
<p><strong>House Taxes:</strong> Depending on the time of year you take possession, you may have to pay the remaining taxes for that year.  In Winnipeg, our taxes run from Jan to Dec, and are paid in June.  What this means, in short, is that if you take possession after June, you will most likely have to pay a portion of the taxes, (assuming the current owner has paid up the taxes for the entire year).  If you take possession before June, you may actually get a refund from the current owner.  The joy this brings will be short-lived, however, as you will then be responsible for the full tax bill on June 30th&#8230;..So depending on WHEN you take possession, these taxes could form a major part of your <u>closing costs</u>.</p>
<p><strong>Land Titles Transfer Tax:</strong> This one is a real beauty and easily the biggest part of the closing costs.  Every sale of a house or condo, whether a re-sale or brand new, is subject to this tax.  The kicker is that the more expensive the home, the higher the tax.</p>
<p>So a $90,000 home will cost you $370.00.</p>
<p>A $150,000 home or condo will cost you $970.00.</p>
<p>A $200,000 home will cost you $1720.00</p>
<p>For every $1000 above this price, you can add another $20.00 for our provincial coffers  (you know, to keep our roads nicely repaired and stuff like that)</p>
<p>So if you&#8217;re up at a $300,000 house, you&#8217;ll be facing a $3720.00 bill&#8230;.</p>
<p>Winnipeg REALTORS® have actually been lobbying hard, for years, to try and get the Provincial Government to understand that this tax-grab is unfair.</p>
<p>Of course, the buyer needs to be aware of moving costs, and other incident expenses.</p>
<p><em><strong>If you&#8217;re looking to purchase a house or condo, please give me a call.  I work with a lot of first-time buyers, and will take the time to explain the entire process, including all Closing Costs to you.</strong></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Bo Kauffmann   333-2202<br />
</span></p>
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		<title>Land Titles Transfer Tax is a financial burden on home buyers</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 12:22:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/11/4360894317_87a77c466d-300x199.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="Land Titles Transfer Tax" title="Winnipeg NightTime" /></a>Land Titles Transfer Taxes in Manitoba are stunningly exorbitant.  A $400,000 house will cost the new buyer a tax of $5720, while the same house in Saskatchewan will only cost around $1200.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Land Titles Transfer Tax:  A financial &#8216;kick in the &#8216;nads&#8217;</h2>
<p>.</p>
<div id="attachment_1890" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 300px">
	<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/11/4360894317_87a77c466d.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1890" title="Winnipeg NightTime" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/11/4360894317_87a77c466d-300x199.jpg" alt="Land Titles Transfer Tax"width="300" height="199" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Credit to Robert Galloway photostream on Flickr</p>
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<p>I wrote about <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/2010/10/winnipeg-land-titles-not-fast-but-is-is-secure/">Winnipeg Land Titles office</a>, and the reason why there is usually a 3 to 4 week delay between the date-of-possession for a home, and the date-of-receiving money for the sale.  A while back,  I sat down with a nice couple who were writing an offer on a house, and the conversation turned to the <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/2010/11/costs-involved-in-buying-a-house-or-condo/">&#8216;Closing Costs&#8217; </a>of the purchase.  The conversation went something like this:</p>
<blockquote><p>Mr. Buyer: So aside from the lawyers fees (which we had already discussed), what other costs will I need to budget for?</p>
<p>Bo: Well, there will be home insurance.  Good news is that you won&#8217;t have to pay any property taxes, because we&#8217;re doing this in January.  But of course you have to budget for the <b>Land Titles Transfer Tax</b>.</p>
<p>Mr Buyer:  A tax?  Just for changing the title of the house?  How much is THAT going to cost?</p></blockquote>
<p>I did a quick mental calculation, and gave him the cost, and then watched as his face went thru the classical 5 stages of grief, from <strong>Denial</strong> (&#8220;This Can&#8217;t Be Right), to <strong>Anger</strong> ((F*#@ing Govm&#8217;t), <strong>Bargaining</strong> (Isn&#8217;t there a way around this), <strong>Depression </strong>(Oh, Man&#8230;..that&#8217;s alot of dough) to finally  <strong>Acceptance</strong> (Well,  It IS a nice house and there is NO WAY around it, short of leaving our province).  So just how much is the government raking in with this tax?</p>
<h3>Land Titles Transfer Tax calculation:</h3>
<p>While Manitoba is not the only province to impose this tax, it is by far the most aggressive and onerous.  Thru a set of formulas, we arrive at a figure of <strong>$1720 for a $200,000-house or condo</strong>.  With Winnipeg&#8217;s average house price hovering around the $230,000 mark, we can see that our Provincial Government is collecting approx. $2000 in taxes, EVERY TIME the title of a house is transferred.  <em>But wait</em>, you say&#8230;.  <em>didn&#8217;t Bo just tell us that it costs $1720 for a $200K home?</em></p>
<p>Yes, but I haven&#8217;t told you the worst part:  <strong>ABOVE the $200K price, this tax adds an additional 2% on EVERY DOLLAR.</strong></p>
<p>So, a $300,000 home will cost you $3720   (calculated by adding the $1720 base, plus 2% on the additional $100,000 price = $3720)</p>
<p>While the <i>Land Titles Transfer Tax</i> is especially difficult for young, first-time home buyers, even people &#8216;with money&#8217; find an added tax of 4 grand or more to be a financial &#8216;hit&#8217;.  For that reason, Winnipeg REALTORS® have been lobbying to change this regressive tax.  Let&#8217;s bring it more in line with other western provinces.  Ideally, inline with Alberta, where a $200K home costs $75 in <u>Land Titles Transfer Tax</u> and a $300K home costs $95.  But heck, let&#8217;s not even look at those numbers, lets instead compare to my wife&#8217;s home province of Saska-Bush &#8230;.  where it costs just $1200 to transfer the title of a $400,000 home.   <em><strong>Manitoba&#8217;s fee for transferring the Title of a $400,000 home:  $5,720</strong></em></p>
<p>For a look at more comparisons and for a more in-depth article on the Land Titles Transfer Tax, go to the Winnipeg REALTORS® website at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.2muchltt.com/contents.htm">http://2muchltt.com</a> There is even a link to contact your local MLA..</p>
<h3>Let&#8217;s do something about this Land Titles Transfer Tax.</h3>
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		<title>Getting a Mortgage: What buyers need to know!</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/getting-a-mortgage/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/getting-a-mortgage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 12:58:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Vids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Real Estate Info]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Buying Tips]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=10125</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/getting-a-mortgage/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" height="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/hdr__holland_village-125x125.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="Getting a Mortgage" /></a>Some tips which will help buyers of condos and homes in their efforts to get a new property.  Tips such as verifying your credit reports, avoid taking on new debt within a few months of applying for a mortgage and more.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/getting-a-mortgage/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Things buyers need to know before getting a mortgage</h2>
<p>.<div id="attachment_10130" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 300px">
	<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/hdr__holland_village.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10130" title="Getting a Mortgage" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/hdr__holland_village-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text"> 
							<span class='pdrp_captionAttribution pdrp_emptyCaption'>
								photo:
								<a href='http://flickr.com/10635830@N00/6941625444' target='_blank' class='pdrp_link pdrp_attributionLink'>
									*shanghai*sparkles*</a>
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<p>For credit-worthy Winnipeg homebuyers, getting a mortgage and buying a house or condo, can be a walk in the park…or a nerve-wracking nightmare. The process should start with choosing the right REALTOR®, who can then make a referral to a great mortgage lender.  Here are some tips you should be aware of, prior to applying for a mortgage.</p>
<p>Anyone who has ever been stalled just as they reached the final stages of getting a mortgage or refinancing knows that getting mad doesn’t solve anything. But avoiding a last-minute problem is easy to do if you plan ahead. At least six months ahead. We like to assume that outfits as important as the reporting agencies know what they are doing, and in fact, they do. But they must start with the right information, which is where we come in. Nobody ever told us this in school, but it’s ultimately our responsibility to see that our credit reports are accurate.</p>
<p>Whether or not you think you will getting a mortgage or refi soon, here are some plan-ahead, proactive steps everyone can and should take. Monitor for these common stumbling blocks:</p>
<h3>Slip-Ups That Can Damage Your Credit Report</h3>
<p>1. <strong>Inaccurate information on the credit report</strong>. The first step is to read your credit reports. It is very important that you request a copy of your credit reports and dispute any negative items that seem to have appeared for no reason. All three credit bureaus are required to remove inaccurate information, and they will do so, but only after you tell them to. My experience is that the agencies can be quick to respond…or as slow as molasses in January. In Antarctica. The only sure way to set things right is to allow them time to correct or to ask for more information.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Carrying too much revolving debt</strong> adds an unnecessary obstacle for getting a mortgage. A large part of a credit score is based on your revolving debt ratios. Revolving debt should be kept at or under 20%. If you are carrying more revolving debt than that, take this lead-time to whittle it down to a more loan-attracting ratio.</p>
<h3>What Winnipeg Mortgage Applicants Needed to Know</h3>
<p>3. <strong>Taking on new debt</strong> less than six months before getting a mortgage: bad idea. If you are planning on getting a mortgage or refinance, avoid taking on other new debt in the six months leading up to your application. This solves any question over whether you will be able to pay the new debt as well as the mortgage amount.</p>
<p>Time spent planning ahead and getting your financing in order will be well worth it once you find the home of your dreams and are ready to write an offer. Questions?  Contact me anytime you wish to discuss pre-qualifying for a Winnipeg home or condo.  I can refer you to a great mortgage specialist.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bokauffmann.com/mortgage-pre-approval-for-house-shopping-in-a-sellers-market/"><strong>Mortgage</strong> Pre-Approval for House Shopping in a Sellers Market</a></strong></p>
<p>Pre-Approval Before House Shopping: a few tips! . Talk about high-stress shopping. Searching for the perfect home – the place where many of the biggest dreams of your life will unfold – is not exactly like browsing for a new.</p>
<p><strong>Publish Date:</strong> 04/14/2011 10:45</p>
<p><span style="color: #007000;">http://bokauffmann.com/mortgage-pre-approval-for-house-shopping-in-a-sellers-market/</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bokauffmann.com/10-reasons-to-use-a-mortgage-broker/">Top 10 Reasons to use a <strong>Mortgage</strong> Broker in Winnipeg</a></strong></p>
<p>Top 10 Reasons to use a <em>Mortgage</em> Broker. These days, every home or condo buyer in Winnipeg knows that, at a very minimum, they need to be pre-approved before shopping for a new home. But being pre-approved by the <strong>&#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Publish Date:</strong> 02/14/2010 15:21</p>
<p><span style="color: #007000;">http://bokauffmann.com/10-reasons-to-use-a-mortgage-broker/</span></p>
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		<title>Buying a condominium? Should you work with your own REALTOR?</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/buying-a-condominium-should-you-work-with-your-own-realtor/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/buying-a-condominium-should-you-work-with-your-own-realtor/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:01:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Vids]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=9239</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/buying-a-condominium-should-you-work-with-your-own-realtor/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" height="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/front_thumb-125x125.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="buying a condominium" title="front_thumb" /></a>Buying a Condominium? Work with a real estate agent who knows condos! . Winnipeg, like most other major cities, has literally hundreds of condo projects.  Highrises, townhouses, stand-alone units&#8230;.condos come in a variety of types, sizes and price ranges.  But aside from the obvious differences in their style and locations, each condo is also unique [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/buying-a-condominium-should-you-work-with-your-own-realtor/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Buying a Condominium? Work with a real estate agent who knows condos!</h2>
<p>.<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/front_thumb.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9241" title="front_thumb" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/front_thumb-300x180.jpg" alt="buying a condominium" width="300" height="180" /></a></p>
<p>Winnipeg, like most other major cities, has literally <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-condos.html" target="_blank">hundreds of condo projects</a>.  Highrises, townhouses, stand-alone units&#8230;.condos come in a variety of types, sizes and price ranges.  But aside from the obvious differences in their style and locations, each condo is also unique in their by-laws, condo fees and reserve funds and dozens of other unique attributes.</p>
<h3>Common Condo Buyer Questions</h3>
<p>Buyers of condos have a lot of questions: <strong>What do condo-fees include? Is this a non-smoking building? Will we have to pay special assessments in the near future?  Can we install an insuite laundry if the suite does not have one yet?</strong>  The list goes on&#8230;  This is exactly why, if you&#8217;re <b>buying a condominium</b>, you should be working with your own buyers agent.  As you start looking at various condos, your agent will learn about your needs and requirements, and will be able to guide you thru the selecting and purchasing process.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZGN4kS6y8Y&#038;fmt=18">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZGN4kS6y8Y</a></p>
<p>If you are in the market for <i>buying a condominium</i>, contact me anytime via email or (if you&#8217;re really serious and not working with an agent yet) fill out a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/condominiums.html" target="_blank">condo-search form.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li-image zemanta-article-ul-li" style="overflow: hidden; list-style: none; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://bokauffmann.com/condominiums-an-overview-part-1/" target="_blank"><img style="padding: 0; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; border: 0; display: block; float: left;" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/7682692323.jpg" alt="buying a condominium"/></a><a style="display: block;" href="http://bokauffmann.com/condominiums-an-overview-part-1/" target="_blank">Condominiums: 4 Styles to choose from</a><span style="display: block; font-size: 12px; margin: 10px 0 10px 0;">(bokauffmann.com)</span>
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		<title>April 2012 Real Estate Market Update for Winnipeg</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/april-2012-real-estate-market-update-for-winnipeg/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/april-2012-real-estate-market-update-for-winnipeg/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:33:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=9003</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/april-2012-real-estate-market-update-for-winnipeg/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" height="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/web.Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012-125x125.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012" title="Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012" /></a>Real Estate Market report for April 2012 . For April 2012, as I do every month, I take a closer look at the  Winnipeg real estate market.  I&#8217;ve segregated the real estate market along 3 different price ranges, from &#8216;entry level&#8217; homes (between $50,000 and $199,999), to &#8216;mid-range homes&#8217; (between $200,000 and $399,999)  and finally Winnipeg real estate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/april-2012-real-estate-market-update-for-winnipeg/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Real Estate Market report for April 2012</h2>
<p>.<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Market-Update-Video-April.001.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9006" title="Market Update Video April.001" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Market-Update-Video-April.001-300x225.jpg" alt="Real Estate Market Update for Winnipeg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>For April 2012, as I do every month, I take a closer look at the  Winnipeg real estate market.  I&#8217;ve segregated the real estate market along 3 different price ranges, from <a rel="nofollow" title="Remax Listings in Winnipeg" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-single-family.html" target="_blank">&#8216;entry level&#8217; homes</a> (between $50,000 and $199,999), to &#8216;mid-range homes&#8217; (between $200,000 and $399,999)  and finally <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-luxury-properties.html" target="_blank">Winnipeg real estate luxury homes</a> (above $400,000).  This Winnipeg real estate market update will also report on <a rel="nofollow" title="Remax Condo listings in Winnipeg" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-condos.html" target="_blank">Condo Statistics in Winnipeg.</a></p>
<p>We include listings and sales inside Winnipeg, plus the bedroom communities of E/St Paul, and Headingley.  This Winnipeg real estate market update does NOT include vacant lots, but DOES include duplexes, mobile homes, detached and attached homes and townhouses.</p>
<p>One of the statistics we discuss are &#8220;Inventory Levels&#8221;.  We arrive at this figure by diving the currently available homes into the number-of-homes-sold in the past 30 days.  A really hot market will report inventory levels at 1 to 2 months, whereas a &#8216;Buyers Market&#8221; will show inventory levels around 8 to 12 months and more.  So the lower the number, the tougher it is for buyers.</p>
<h3>Entry Level Homes ($50,000 to $199,999)</h3>
<p>This segment, along with the mid-range homes, is the most active in the Winnipeg real estate market.  Currently, we have 198 available listings for sale in this price range, a slight increase from the previous months&#8217; numbers of 174.  During March, however, Winnipeg REALTORS® have also sold 181 homes in this price range (a significant increase from 135 in the previous month), resulting in an inventory level drop to 1.1 months.  In other words, if NO ONE listed their home, it would take, on average, just over 4 weeks to run out of homes-for-sale.  This is faster than the previous months, showing that we are in fact heading into a hot spring market.</p>
<h3>Mid-Range Homes  ($200,000 to $399,999)</h3>
<p>This is the most active segment of the Winnipeg real estate market.  Currently we have 256 listings available, also a slight increase from last months&#8217; 126 available homes. In the past 31 days, we have sold 349 houses in this price range, (a significant jump from the previous months&#8217; 242 SOLD) resulting in less than 3 weeks of inventory on the market.  This is an even tighter market than last month, mostly a result of brisk sales in this price range.  Whenever the sales for 1 month are higher than the numbers of available homes, you KNOW its a hot market.</p>
<h3>Luxury Homes (over $400,000)</h3>
<p>A decidedly slower segment of the Winnipeg real estate market are luxury homes, and over the past month, it slowed down even more.  However, when compared to other cities, even the luxury home market in Winnipeg is fairly hot.  We currently have 210 listings available in this price range, a sizable increase from last months&#8217; 197. Winnipeg REALTORS® have sold 43 homes in this range in the past month, resulting in an inventory level of 4.9 months, as you can see, a significantly drop from the previous months level of 4 months.</p>
<h3>Condominiums in Winnipeg</h3>
<p>While condos are definitely NOT for everyone, here are <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/2011/06/7-reasons-to-buy-a-condominium-in-winnipeg-infographic/" target="_blank">7 reasons why you might consider</a> one.  Currently, we have 211 Condos to choose from,  while having sold 118 units in the past month, making inventory levels drop to around 1.8 months months, a significant decrease from March levels.<br />
If you are looking to <a rel="nofollow" title="Home Finder" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/dreamhomefinder.html" target="_blank">buy a house</a>, or <a rel="nofollow" title="Condo Finder" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/condominiums.html" target="_blank">buy a condo,</a> or <a rel="nofollow" title="Free Market Evaluation" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/home-evaluation.html" target="_blank">thinking of selling</a>, contact me via cell at 333-2202 or email me anytime.  I&#8217;d love to help.</p>
<h3>Here is the graphic look at Winnipeg Real Estate Market</h3>
<p><a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/05/web.Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012_thumb.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9008" title="Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/05/web.Kauffman.R.E.UpdateApril2012_thumb.jpg" alt="Winnipeg Real Estate Market Report" width="650" height="905" /></a></p>
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		<title>Consider Bo Kauffmann your local referral resource</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/consider-bo-kauffmann-your-local-referral-resource/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/consider-bo-kauffmann-your-local-referral-resource/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:44:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Vids]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=2677</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/consider-bo-kauffmann-your-local-referral-resource/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" height="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/03/WinnipegRed-300x16618-125x125.jpg" class="alignleft tfe wp-post-image" alt="WinnipegRed-300x16618" title="WinnipegRed-300x16618" /></a>Whether you need a roofer, lawyer, mortgage lender, landscaper, mover or any one of a dozen different services, Bo Kauffmann of Remax Performance Realty can be your &#38;amp;amp;amp;#039;connector&#38;amp;amp;amp;#039; to any of these qualified professionals.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/consider-bo-kauffmann-your-local-referral-resource/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Think of Bo Kauffmann as a referral &#8216;Connector&#8217; to qualified professionals.</h2>
<p>.</p>
<div id="attachment_2682" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 300px">
	<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/03/WinnipegRed.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2682" title="Winnipeg referral" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/03/WinnipegRed-300x166.jpg" alt="referral"width="300" height="166" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text">photo credit to &#39;itchycam&#39; photostream on flickr</p>
</div>
<p>Hard to believe, but I&#8217;ve been in Real Estate for over 7 year now.  In that time, I have met many competent people (and some not-so-much), in all types of services and professions.  Just like <em><strong>&#8220;Cops know the best donut shops&#8221;</strong></em>, so it&#8217;s fairly common knowledge that buyers of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-single-family.html" target="_blank">homes</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-condos.html" target="_blank">condos</a> quite often ask their REALTOR® for suggestions as to whom they should use to handle their mortgage, or handle the legal matters of the sale or purchase.  And so it should be no surprise that I have some great contacts in the mortgage industry, lawyers and home insurance brokers.  But my connections go well beyond those.  Do you need a <b>referral</b> for:</p>
<h3>1) Moving and Storage Company</h3>
<p>A have a contact as the best Moving and Storage Company in Winnipeg, which will serve not only your local move, but can handle national and international transfers as well</p>
<h3>2)  Home Renovations</h3>
<p>My home renovator can handle kitchen and bath renos, as well as whole home additions, and even build the entire home for you</p>
<h3>3)  Blinds &amp; Windowcoverings</h3>
<p>My contact in this industry supplies and installs everything from blinds to drapery.  Great prices and fast service.</p>
<h3>4)  Roofing and Siding</h3>
<p>Here I can make a <i>referral</i> to a company which can handle just about all types of roofing and siding needs</p>
<h3>5)  Landscaping</h3>
<p>Does your yard need a little sprucing up, or do you require an entire makeover?  Big or small, my guy can handle it all</p>
<h3>6)  Electrician</h3>
<p>My electrician handles everything from <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/knob-and-tube-wiring-fuses-and-other-electrical-upgrades/" target="_blank">knob-and-tube replacement </a>for home, to large industrial building wirings.</p>
<h3>7)  Home Inspector</h3>
<p>If you&#8217;re making an offer on a house, I&#8217;ll recommend a couple of home inspectors who can take a closer look for you.</p>
<h3>8)  Mortgage Financing</h3>
<p>Before you shop for a new home or condo, talk with my mortgage professional to look at all your mortgage options</p>
<h3>9)  Legal Services</h3>
<p>My lawyer offers real estate services, as well as Last Will and Testament services and much more.</p>
<h3>10)  Home Insurance</h3>
<p>My Insurance Broker will shop around to make sure you get the best coverage at the best rates.</p>
<h3>11)  Life and <a rel="nofollow" class="zem_slink" title="Mortgage insurance" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_insurance" rel="wikipedia">Mortgage Insurance</a></h3>
<p>I have a contact who will discuss all your options with you, and offer you a variety of choices.</p>
<p>So if you&#8217;re looking to buy or <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/home-evaluation.html" target="_blank">sell a house in Winnipeg, </a>or a condo, please call me anytime.  And if you require any of the above services, call me first for a <u>referral</u>.  If these people couldn&#8217;t get the job done, I wouldn&#8217;t be recommending them.</p>
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		<title>Home Buyers: Build good credit to ensure Mortgage Approval!</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/home-buyers-how-to-build-and-maintain-good-credit-to-ensure-mortgage-approval/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/home-buyers-how-to-build-and-maintain-good-credit-to-ensure-mortgage-approval/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First time buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Real Estate Info]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage Brokers]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage Lenders in Winnipeg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate Financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying a house]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/home-buyers-how-to-build-and-maintain-good-credit-to-ensure-mortgage-approval/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" height="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/03/winnipeg_exchange_district-125x125.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="Mortgage approval " title="Winnipeg Exchange District" /></a>Build and Maintain good credit to ensure Mortgage approval . For most of us, buying a home means financing your purchase with a mortgage. Most often, getting a mortgage depends on your how good your credit score history. While most consumers know that they have a “credit rating,” not all know their scores or how [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/home-buyers-how-to-build-and-maintain-good-credit-to-ensure-mortgage-approval/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>Build and Maintain good credit to ensure Mortgage approval</h2>
<p>.<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/03/winnipeg_exchange_district.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-8397" title="Winnipeg Exchange District" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/03/winnipeg_exchange_district-198x300.jpg" alt="Mortgage approval " width="198" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>For most of us, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-single-family.html" target="_blank">buying a home</a> means financing your purchase with a mortgage. Most often, getting a mortgage depends on your how good your credit score history.</p>
<p>While most consumers know that they have a “credit rating,” not all know their scores or how they were calculated. If your mortgage application is refused, or approved for less than expected, there’s an opportunity for you to improve the score.</p>
<p>Your creditworthiness is assessed two ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>Beacon score, and</li>
<li>A detailed history.</li>
</ul>
<p>Credit scores range from 350 (low) to 850 (high), with 680 being the median. The numerical score is calculated based on previous payment history, current indebtedness, credit history length, number and frequency of new credit inquiries and, the types of credit held. Two so-called “Beacon killers,” are payments more than 30 days late (even small amounts) and maxed-out credit cards. The detailed history adds personal information, banking information and specifics on accounts and payments.</p>
<h3><strong>Maintaining and improving credit depends upon:</strong></h3>
<p>1)            Pay all bills on time – late payments hurt your rating</p>
<p>2)            Keep credit balances below 75%of the maximum</p>
<p>3)            Avoid applying for additional credit; too many applications in a short period signals financial difficulties</p>
<p>4)            Make sure that personal information in your credit file is correct</p>
<p>You should also review your credit history at least once a year, it is free when requested in writing or by fax.</p>
<h3><strong>How can a Mortgage Broker help?</strong></h3>
<p>Getting your finances in order can be a daunting task. A Mortgage Broker can help you assess your current credit situation and help you determine a path for credit improvement. A Mortgage Broker will work with you to find a solution for your unique financial situation.</p>
<p><strong>For more information on managing credit refer to </strong><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/debt.shtml"><strong>Service Canada’s</strong></a><strong> website or contact your Mortgage Broker today!</strong></p>
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		<title>March 2012 Real Estate Update for Winnipeg</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/march-2012-real-estate-update-for-winnipeg/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/march-2012-real-estate-update-for-winnipeg/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:43:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=7114</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/march-2012-real-estate-update-for-winnipeg/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Market-Update-Title-page-.001-300x225.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="Market Update Title page .001" /></a>Winnipeg Real Estate Market Update for March 2012 . For March 2012, as I do every month, I take a closer look at the  Winnipeg real estate market.  I&#8217;ve divided the housing market along 3 different price ranges, from &#8216;entry level&#8217; homes (between $50,000 and $199,999), to &#8216;mid-range homes&#8217; (between $200,000 and $399,999)  and finally Winnipeg real estate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/march-2012-real-estate-update-for-winnipeg/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><p>Winnipeg Real Estate Market Update for March 2012</p>
<p>.<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Market-Update-Title-page-.001.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7118" title="Market Update Title page .001" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Market-Update-Title-page-.001-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>For March 2012, as I do every month, I take a closer look at the  Winnipeg real estate market.  I&#8217;ve divided the housing market along 3 different price ranges, from <a rel="nofollow" title="Remax Listings in Winnipeg" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-single-family.html" target="_blank">&#8216;entry level&#8217; homes</a> (between $50,000 and $199,999), to &#8216;mid-range homes&#8217; (between $200,000 and $399,999)  and finally <a rel="nofollow" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-luxury-properties.html" target="_blank">Winnipeg real estate luxury homes</a> (above $400,000).  This Winnipeg real estate market update will also report on <a rel="nofollow" title="Remax Condo listings in Winnipeg" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/remax-properties-condos.html" target="_blank">Condo Statistics in Winnipeg.</a></p>
<p>We include listings and sales inside Winnipeg, plus the bedroom communities of E/St Paul, and Headingley.  This Winnipeg real estate market update does NOT include vacant lots, but DOES include duplexes, mobile homes, detached and attached homes and townhouses.</p>
<p>One of the statistics we discuss are &#8220;Inventory Levels&#8221;.  We arrive at this figure by diving the currently available homes into the number-of-homes-sold in the past 30 days.  A really hot market will report inventory levels at 1 to 2 months, whereas a &#8216;Buyers Market&#8221; will show inventory levels around 8 to 12 months and more.  So the lower the number, the tougher it is for buyers.</p>
<h3>Entry Level Homes ($50,000 to $199,999)</h3>
<p>This segment, along with the mid-range homes, is the most active in the Winnipeg real estate market.  Currently, we have 174 available listings for sale in this price range, a slight increase from the previous months&#8217; numbers of 168.  During February, Winnipeg REALTORS® have also sold 135 homes in this price range (up from 95 in the previous month), resulting in an inventory level drop to 1.28 months.  In other words, if NO ONE listed their home, it would take, on average, about 5 weeks to run out of homes-for-sale.  This is faster than the previous months, showing that we are in fact heading into a hot spring market.</p>
<h3>Mid-Range Homes  ($200,000 to $399,999)</h3>
<p>This is the most active segment of the Winnipeg real estate market.  Currently we have 226 listings available, also a slight increase from last months&#8217; 195 available homes. In the past 29 days, we have sold 242 houses in this price range, (a significant jump from the previous months&#8217; 150 SOLD) resulting in less than 1 months of inventory on the market.  This is an even tighter market than last month, mostly a result of brisk sales in this price range.</p>
<h3>Luxury Homes (over $400,000)</h3>
<p>A decidedly slower segment of the Winnipeg real estate market are luxury homes, and over the past month, it slowed down even more.  However, when compared to other cities, even the luxury home market in Winnipeg is fairly hot.  We currently have 197 listings available in this price range, a sizable increase from last months&#8217; 174. Winnipeg REALTORS® have sold 49 homes in this range in the past month, resulting in an inventory level of 4 months, as you can see, a significantly drop from the previous months level of 6 months.</p>
<h3>Condominiums in Winnipeg</h3>
<p>While condos are definitely NOT for everyone, here are <a href="http://bokauffmann.com/2011/06/7-reasons-to-buy-a-condominium-in-winnipeg-infographic/" target="_blank">7 reasons why you might consider</a> one.  Currently, we have 208 Condos to choose from,  while having sold 64 units in the past month, making inventory levels at around 3.25 months, a slight increase from January levels.<br />
If you are looking to <a rel="nofollow" title="Home Finder" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/dreamhomefinder.html" target="_blank">buy a house</a>, or <a rel="nofollow" title="Condo Finder" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/condominiums.html" target="_blank">buy a condo,</a> or <a rel="nofollow" title="Free Market Evaluation" href="http://winnipeghomefinder.com/home-evaluation.html" target="_blank">thinking of selling</a>, contact me via cell at 333-2202 or email me anytime.  I&#8217;d love to help.</p>
<h3>Here is the graphic look at Winnipeg Real Estate Market</h3>
<p><a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Kauffman.R.E.UpdateMarch2012_thumb.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7149" title="Kauffman.R.E.UpdateDecember" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Kauffman.R.E.UpdateMarch2012_thumb.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="905" /></a></p>
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		<title>5 Steps to Building Better Credit Before You Buy a House</title>
		<link>http://bokauffmann.com/5-steps-to-building-better-credit-before-you-buy-a-house/</link>
		<comments>http://bokauffmann.com/5-steps-to-building-better-credit-before-you-buy-a-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:27:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bo Kauffmann</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bokauffmann.com/?p=5738</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://bokauffmann.com/5-steps-to-building-better-credit-before-you-buy-a-house/"><img align="left" hspace="5" width="100" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jc-pics-300x2011.jpg" class="alignleft wp-post-image tfe" alt="" title="jc-pics" /></a>5 Steps to Building Better Credit Before You Buy a House by Calgary Mortgage Broker Tyler Tost Building up a solid credit score is an important step to take before purchasing a home. After all, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get an attractive interest rate and better loan terms. Fortunately, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="alignleft"><div class="g-plusone" data-href="http://bokauffmann.com/5-steps-to-building-better-credit-before-you-buy-a-house/" size="standard" count="true"></div></div><p></p><h2>5 Steps to Building Better Credit Before You Buy a House</h2>
<div id="attachment_5741" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 300px">
	<a href="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jc-pics.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5741" title="jc-pics" src="http://myblog.remax2.netdna-cdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jc-pics-300x2011.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="201" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text">credit to jc-pics photostream on flickr</p>
</div>
<p>by <a rel="nofollow" title="Calgary Mortgage Broker" href="http://www.conexiamortgage.com">Calgary Mortgage Broker</a> Tyler Tost</p>
<p>Building up a solid credit score is an important step to take before purchasing a home. After all, the better your credit, the more likely you are to get an attractive interest rate and better loan terms. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to build your credit and to put yourself in the best possible situation for the most attractive loan terms. Here is a look at just a few of the things you can do to build and to improve upon your credit.</p>
<h4>Step #1: Check Your Credit Report</h4>
<p>Perhaps the simplest step you can take to improve your credit is to simply check your credit report on a regular basis. By checking on your reports with both TransUnion and Equifax, you can be sure the information they contain is accurate and complete. If you discover any errors or if you find anything suspicious on your report, be sure to take the necessary steps to correct it.</p>
<h4>Step #2: Open a Bank Account</h4>
<p>Opening a bank account is another simple way to build credit. Of course, to enjoy the benefit of opening a bank account, you need to be sure to use it responsibly. Even if you haven’t managed to build a great credit score, the relationship you have built with the bank will go a long way toward helping you get a mortgage loan.</p>
<h4>Step #3: Get a Credit Card</h4>
<p>While credit cards have a bad reputation for causing people to go into debt, the reality is that credit cards can go a long way toward helping you build your credit. In fact, when used responsibly, a credit card can be a very handy tool. If you are scared your spending will get out of control, you might want to apply for a secured credit card rather than a traditional credit card. With a secured credit card, you load the card with money beforehand. Yet, because you are still responsible for paying the bill each month, you continue to build credit with a secured credit card.</p>
<h4>Step #4: Avoid Taking Out Too Many Loans or Credit Cards at Once</h4>
<p>Getting a credit card and using it responsibly is a great way to build credit. At the same time, don’t take it too far and open up multiple accounts or apply for several credit cards within a short period of time. If there are several inquiries into your credit report, it appears as if you are desperate to get money. As a result, your credit score will take a hit and lenders will consider you to be a higher risk.</p>
<h4>Step #5: Keep Your Debt Low</h4>
<p>Carrying too much credit card debt of having too many outstanding loans will also make it difficult for you to get a mortgage loan. Therefore, you should avoid accumulating too much debt. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, you might want to consider paying off a few bills before you pursue obtaining a mortgage loan.</p>
<p>Tyler Tost Broker / Owner of Conexia Mortgage is a Calgary based Mortgage Brokerage with some of the best <a rel="nofollow" title="Calgary Mortgage Brokers" href="http://www.conexiamortgage.com">Calgary Mortgage Brokers</a> in the business. Conexia Mortgage works with numerous lenders to enable clients to have a choice of lenders and best mortgage rates available and can prepare financing across Canada. Visit our website to apply for your next <a rel="nofollow" title="Canadian Mortgage " href="http://www.conexiamortgage.com">Canadian Mortgage</a>.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/">land-titles-transfer-tax-<strong>home</strong>-<strong>buyers</strong> &#8211; Winnipeg&#8217;s Real Estate Blog</a></strong></p>
<p>by <em>Bo Kauffmann</em> on December 2, 2010 <strong>&#8230;</strong> While the Land Titles Transfer Tax is especially difficult for young, <em>first</em>-<em>time home buyers</em>, even people &#8216;with money&#8217; find an added tax of 4 grand or more to be a financial &#8216;hit&#8217;. For that reason, Winnipeg <strong>&#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Publish Date:</strong> 12/02/2010 13:22</p>
<p><span style="color: #007000;">http://bokauffmann.com/land-titles-transfer-tax-home-buyers/</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://bokauffmann.com/top-6-winnipeg-real-estate-blog-posts-of-2011/">Top 6 Winnipeg Real Estate Blog posts of 2011</a></strong></p>
<p>Winnipeg&#8217;s Real Estate Blog is filled with helpful tips and info for <em>home</em> and condo <em>buyers</em> and sellers. Here are the 6 most popular posts of 2011. <strong>&#8230;</strong> 55 plus Condominiums in Winnipeg: Are they right for YOU? by <em>Bo Kauffmann</em> on September 10, 2010. After reading this, be sure to check out <strong>&#8230;</strong> If and when the <em>time</em> comes to SELL you house or condo, please do not hesitate to e-mail me or call me on my cell at 204-333-2202. If you&#8217;re looking to BUY a house or a condo, <strong>&#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Publish Date:</strong> 01/19/2012 8:53</p>
<p><span style="color: #007000;">http://bokauffmann.com/top-6-winnipeg-real-estate-blog-posts-of-2011/</span></p>
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