Communication Beat

“Virtual Real Estate Investing” is a relatively new concept. Everything from using the internet as an avenue to make more money in real estate to online games such as SecondLife seem to be included in the popular definition of this term.

In order to figure out the truth of the matter, I sought out Bryan Ellis, whose experience in the fledgling industry is truly impressive.

“I began using the term ‘virtual real estate investing’ in the late 1990’s when I realized the clear similiarities in profit strategies, regardless of whether the “real estate” is “virtual” or “physical” said Ellis.

Bryan Ellis cites the similar strategies one can employe to make money from “virtual property” and “physical property” as a primary parallel of the two markets. “These types of assets – websites and physical real estate – can be monetized in very similar ways like buy lo/sell high, leasing/rental and advertising opportunities” he says.

The parallels really are obvious. Consider: A valuable piece of real estate is valuable largely due to the interest that other people have in that specific location. Similarly, ownership of a desirable domain name is valuable for the same reasons. Regardless of the type of asset, you can sell or lease or use any number of strategies to turn the assets into cash.

In our next installment of this series on virtual real estate investing., Bryan Ellis will share the internet analogies to the physical concept of real estate development.

Toronto Homes & Condos For Sale

If you are thinking of buying a Home or Condo you are probably wondering when is the best time to buy. You are probably searching the Internet for Toronto Homes & Condos for sale and there is a lot to look at. But is this the right time? If you talking about interest rates the answer is most certainly yes. Interest rates have never been lower and it is a great time to take advantage of this.

But interest rates are not the only thing to consider. Time of the year is also a factor when searching for Toronto Homes & Condos for sale . The usual peak times for the Toronto Real Estate market are from March to July and from September to December. This is not to say that you should not look at other times of the year as there are always new listings coming onto the market. There will be, however, a greater number of Toronto homes & condos for sale during these times.

This also means, of course, that there are a greater number of buyer looking and bidding on these homes. Because of this the average price of homes & condos is usually higher during these peak times.

The opposite is true during the non-peak months. Because the number of Toronto homes & condos for sale is less than the peak months so is the number of buyers and also the average price.

Ultimately the answer to when the right time to buy is dependant on what is available and for what price at the time you are searching. And as long as you have a qualified and professional Realtor working for you under a buyer agency contract you will be certain to get the best possible deal.

Lu & Stefan Hyross are full-time RE/MAX Sales Representatives with combined experience of more than 30 years in the City of Toronto.