Looking to increase your wealth? This is a great time to take advantage of the real estate market. There are lots of renters and lots of reasonable deals on the market. We hit the highs of the market in 2007 and we all (or know someone who did) felt the crunch since that time. I have been investing in Real Estate for over 25 years and now is the time to buy, with the Oil and Gas business on the upswing and net migration into our province poised to increase dramatically over the next 18-24 months, and affordability is at a great level, we will likely see another housing crunch in this city. There are big advantages and very good returns in Real Estate. If you are prudent, you will buy something well within your means. You own it, you have control. Example- If you invest $70,000 into a property worth $300,000 (market Value), and it goes up 5% for 2 years (+$30,000), the mortgage pays down at say $12000 (+$12000) and you sell for $330,000, your return on the $70k, after commissions/legals etc. is $26000! That’s almost 19% PER YEAR! Add a rental income surplus of $200/month and you could be over 20%. THE MOST IMORTANT THING HERE IS, "YOU DO NOT MAKE MONEY WHEN YOU SELL a property, YOU MAKE MONEY WHEN YOU BUY. That being said, you do not have to buy under market value, opportunities to buy under market are few and far between. I've bought and sold 70 properties before I was a realtor, I can count on one hand how many I bought under market value. This type of buying is mentally taxing. Would you buy a home at market value? Most properties are priced above market value, when one hits the market at true market value; it sells fast because most people see the value compared to the average listing price. Approximately 50,000 New listings in 2010, and just over 19000 sales - how many SOLD over market value? I can assure you, not many. Pricing your home correctly is critical. When buying or selling, I will ensure all parties are aware of the true market value, I will negotiate the deal and utilize this information to the advantage of my client (hopefully you!). I have negotiated over 1500 contracts and always maintain a professional and calm attitude in a sometimes very emotional negotiation.