Warren Shouldice

Cell: 403-461-8103 |

December is traditionally the month for connecting, or re-connecting, with friends and family. Usually this is done with phone calls, family get-togethers, dinners, parties and other celebrations.

So let me take this opportunity to “connect” with you!

I wish you and your family a wonderful month, and a prosperous new year!

 

Quick Stats

  Nov. 15 Nov. 14 Y/Y % change
Detached      
Total sales 799 1033 -22.65%
Average DOM 43 days 38 days 12.96%
Benchmark price* $510,700 $518,600 -1.52%
       
Attached      
Total sales 269 411 -34.55%
Average DOM 49 days 36 days 35.68%
Benchmark price* $352,400 $357,600 -1.45%
       
Condo      
Total sales 195 327 -40.37%
Average DOM 50 days 41 days 20.06%
Benchmark price* $287,000 $300,700 -4.56%

    

*Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on it's attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

 

 

Does the Property Meet the “Lifestyle Test”
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Lifestyle is a very important criterion when shopping for a new home. After all, a home and its surrounding neighbourhood are the places where much of your lifestyle is going to be experienced.

So when considering a new home, think about the lifestyle to which the property is going to lend itself. Ask yourself:

  • How much entertaining do we do?
  • How important is it to have good schools located nearby?
  • How long will the commute to work be?
  • How big of a backyard do we require?
  • Do we need a rec room?
  • How easy will it be to get to golfing, dance lessons, baseball practices, movies and other activities my family and I enjoy?
  • How important is it to be in a quiet area?
  • Do we want a local park nearby for jogging, playing with the kids, and walking the dog?

This list is just an example. Ideally, you’ll create your own list of questions to ask yourself when considering a particular home.

 

Surprising Secrets of Successful Home Staging
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“Staging” is about setting up and decorating each room of your home so that it looks as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Studies show that a property is more likely to sell quickly and for a better price if it is effectively staged.

Even if you haven’t heard of staging before, you probably already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter and making sure everything is clean and “guest ready.”

However, there are some home staging “secrets” by staging professionals that you may not know. Here are a few examples:

Increase horizontal surface space. Make sure desks, countertops, coffee tables, end tables, etc. are as free of items as possible. Give the impression that there’s lots of room available on horizontal surfaces.

Flowers. Fresh flowers or flowering plants placed in a couple of rooms, such as the kitchen and living room, can have a dramatic impact on how inviting that room looks. Just don’t overdo it.

Don’t be daring when you paint. You may love the idea of a bright yellow and green combination in the family room, but not everyone will share your daring sense of style. If you paint, stick to neutral colours.

Less is more. Be brutally honest about the amount of furniture you have in each room – including wall hangings. Is there a desk, side table or other piece you can put away in storage? Think about ways to make each room more spacious. Space is king!

Ultimately, the best staging advice is to use your common sense. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer as you walk through your home. Ask yourself, “What changes will make this room even more attractive?”

Want more staging tips? Call today.

 

Make Buying a Home Smooth Sailing
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In the nautical world of pleasure boating, there is a specific process to follow to ensure a fun day on the water. Skip one of those steps and you risk having a miserable experience.

The same holds true when buying a new home. There is a process to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are the basics.

Find a good REALTOR®. Preferably someone who knows the area.

Determine what you can afford. Get a pre-approved mortgage.

Make a wish list. What kind of home or neighbourhood are you looking for? View the right properties. Pick those that closely match the criteria on your wish list.

Make an offer. Your REALTOR® can help you make an offer that gets you the home you want at the right price.

Get a home inspection. This is a must.

Get the paperwork done. Your REALTOR®, lawyer and lender will typically handle all the transaction paperwork for you.

Prepare for the move. Find a good mover. Don’t forget to arrange for telephone, internet, change of address and other details.

Follow this process and your move should be smooth sailing.

 

notable, quotable... quotes!

 

“The really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.

Mark Twain

 

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”

William Shedd

 

“We can help others in the world more by making the most of ourselves.”

Earl Nightingale

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.