Sunday, November 30, 2008

A Better Real Estate Deal In Winnipeg Than In Toronto!

By Dane Masters

About three years ago, my family and I decided to take advantage of Toronto's real estate upswing. We opted to sell our townhome while prices were skyrocketing ending up with a very decent profit. In fact, our profit was so good that it allowed us to pay cash for a large, four-bedroom character home in Winnipeg. Yes, we had decided to relocate to another city, leaving our friends and family behind, setting out for a new life for our family. And the best part? We were mortgage-free!

Our big house is absolutely sprawling and the property boasts a double lot. If our home was located anywhere within the Toronto real estate market, there's no way it would sell for less than $300,000. Fully renovated and depending on the exact location, the selling price could even be close to $500,000. So, how did we manage to land this real estate deal and claim our mortgage-free status? The real estate market in Winnipeg is one of the city's best kept secrets. We've experienced a 20% increase in our market in the past three years. However, when we bought our home, we paid a measly $65,000 for a three story home in good condition. There are some cosmetic things that needed (and still need) to be done. My husband plans to install brand new hardwood flooring throughout the main living area. But these are minor concerns when considering what a home of this size and character would go for in the Toronto real estate market.

If one should peruse the listings of houses in Toronto, one would get a shock to discover that the prices of independent homes in the city are out of reach of the common man. They can only settle for condominiums or town homes. A big house sells for nothing less than $250,000. The condition of the house does not matter--the price is fixed. So most people cannot afford to buy houses in Toronto. They cannot opt for good neighborhoods or places with plenty of amenities or good conditions.

Imagine the thrill of living in a place where commuting to and from office is peaceful. No gridlocks to battle through, no evidence of road rage. Anyone who wants to live here can afford a house since it is only $100,000. There are umpteen houses to choose from, in a variety of neighborhoods. If you wish to put up new windows and high efficiency furnaces along with your fixer-upper, Manitoba Hydro offers loans at low interest rates. So there is no need to worry. The town homes and condominiums up for sale demand a maintenance fee; but this is only a fraction of what one would have to pay in Toronto.

Thus, all types of people can adjust to Winnipeg, for the real estate prices are within affordable range unlike the city of Toronto.

What is the best thing about Winnipeg is that life moves at a slower pace over here. Every one has time for each other. The children are happy with the wide open spaces. We keep in touch with family and friends, though we are far away. The silver lining on the cloud is that we took the right decision three years ago when we decided to move out here!

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