Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization announced we were all in the midst of a global pandemic, the housing market in Montreal has also clearly been affected by shutdowns and new social distancing rules. While real estate changes do seem to be stabilizing, how will this be impacting your next sale or purchase of a property? Here is some information you might be hearing about:      1. Property Prices Continue to Rise The math is pretty straightforward here: when there are less goods on the market that people want, prices go up. Simple, right? After restrictions on real estate were lifted in May, we saw a dramatic spike in sales in the [...]

If you’re looking to sell your property faster, and at a better price, the first thing to do is to find a reputable real estate broker. But before you sign on the dotted line, here are some questions you should ask. Just to make sure you are working with the real estate professional who will best represent your interests! 1. What are your credentials? As you start thinking about selling your home, you should be working with a real estate broker who is accredited by the APCIQ (Quebec Association of Real Estate Brokers) and the OACIQ (the Authority of the Real Estate Brokerage in Quebec). This means the person is fully vetted by the industry, [...]

What’s happening in the real estate market in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest, after the lockdown due to Covid-19? Is it a sellers’ market, a buyers’ market, or is it more of a balanced market? Many future buyers and sellers are asking themselves these very questions, since we’ve all experienced radical changes in our daily lives. First of all, here are brief descriptions of the three types of real estate markets to consider according to Katia Samson, who heads the boutique agency Katia Samson Real Estate Group, and who has seen firsthand the evolution of the Sud-Ouest, St-Henri and Griffintown neighbourhoods over the last 15 years, because she lives and works in the area. The Three Types of [...]

You’ve heard it before: First impressions make a lasting impression!  So, before you place a ‘for sale’ sign on the front lawn of your house or contemplate listing your condo online, take the time to play your cards right by following these simple steps to maximise the resale value of your property and sell it more quickly. Here are some great tips successful real estate brokers, like Katia Samson and her team, usually share with their clients in order to help their property gain maximum visibility on Centris, and get the offers to start coming in! 1- Start by Decluttering  Like Marie Kondo, home organisation expert and best-selling author, says: “If it doesn’t spark joy, [...]

To feel good and re-energized, a good workout session is essential. Every day! And what better way than to take part in a virtual fitness session with these amazing coaches that will help you stay on track and motivated, even from home. Best of all, they’re all FREE! Here are a few of my favourite fitness accounts on Instagram. Most are based in Montreal. Victoria Park High intensity workouts packed with motivational tips for full body toning and shaping. Join in at 9:30 am on weekdays. Pump Fitness Mtl Val Desjardins is a highly stimulating personal trainer who thrives on emotion, intensity and energy to get things done. Jennifer Pregnolato Jennifer is the creator of [...]

In this era of self-isolation and working from home, it’s more important than ever to be good to yourself and indulge in feel-good little rituals that make the stress melt away, while we find our way into the ‘new normal’. Here are a few of my favourite things that I want to share with you around the Centre-Sud, St-Henri and Griffintown. I hope they bring joy into your life and make your days easier. Restaurant take-out and delivery Tasty pizzas made in a wood-burning oven, salads and antipastis. Online delivery and take-out available Wednesday to Sunday. Geppetto Pizza Who doesn’t love tacos?! The awesome, original Grumman 78 now offers them for take-out, plus croquetas and [...]

KATIA SAMSON, MONTREAL’S EXTRAORDINARY REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, SHARES HER STORY OF HOW SHE BECAME A SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE BROKER AT A YOUNG AGE. Katia Samson’s secret to success is her honest, dedicated and sociable personality, which has led her to become one of the top real estate professionals in Montreal. Katia has excellent knowledge of the real estate market and offers her clients targeted information on property values in all areas of the city. She has excellent negotiation skills and is organized and efficient, as stated by her past clients. She keeps track of trends, technological advances, legalities and anything that would impact home sales. Learn more about Katia’s experience and success story by [...]