Posted on
September 22, 2016
by
Warren Shouldice
As you may know, I rely on repeat clients and referrals to build my business. That’s why I work so hard to provide the best possible service, information and advice. I want my clients to feel comfortable relying on me for their real estate needs, and recommending my services to their friends and colleagues.
So when you need advice or recommendations from someone who is well connected to Calgary's real estate market, give me a call!
Market update:
The real estate market in our city continues to be on the slow side with the total number of transactions this year (detached, attached, and condo) remaining below long term averages. The detached segment, which accounts for well over half of all real estate transactions, continues to outperform attached homes and condos. In particular, the resale condo market continues to struggle due to high inventory levels as well as increased competition from new builds. On a more positive note, the benchmark price for detached and attached homes increased from last month suggesting that the market may be stabilizing after nearly a year of losses.
Quick stats:
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Aug. 16 |
Aug. 15 |
Y/Y % change |
Detached |
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Total sales |
945 |
906 |
4.30% |
Inventory |
1660 |
1768 |
-6.11% |
Months of supply* |
2.99 |
3.34 |
-10.65% |
Average DOM |
42 days |
37 days |
11.51% |
Benchmark price** |
$503,400 |
$520,500 |
-3.29% |
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Attached |
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Total sales |
338 |
284 |
19.01% |
Inventory |
1403 |
1277 |
9.87% |
Months of supply* |
4.15 |
4.5 |
-7.69% |
Average DOM |
52 days |
41 days |
25.98% |
Benchmark price** |
$331,600 |
$348,300 |
-4.79% |
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Condo |
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Total sales |
200 |
259 |
-22.78% |
Inventory |
1651 |
1293 |
27.69% |
Months of supply* |
8.26 |
4.99 |
65.36% |
Average DOM |
56 days |
49 days |
15.02% |
Benchmark price** |
$274,700 |
$294,600 |
-6.75% |
Benchmark price** The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.
Months of supply* The ratio between inventory and sales which represents at the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.
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The Vocabulary of Selling a Home
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As in any industry, there are terms and buzzwords that are unique to residential real estate. When you put your home on the market, you should know what those terms mean. Here are definitions for the most common ones:
Fair market value: This is an estimate of how much a specific home will sell for in today’s market, taking into account what similar properties in the area have sold for recently.
Seller’s Agent: That would be me, the REALTOR® who is helping you sell your property. I would also assist you in finding and buying your next home.
Buyer’s Agent: This is the REALTOR® who is representing the buyer of the property you want to sell.
Pre-approved Mortgage: This is a statement (often in the form of a certificate) from your bank or other lender that states that you qualify for a mortgage for a particular amount of money. A pre-approved mortgage adds credibility to any offer you make on a new home.
Staging: This is a strategy where a home is purposely prepared so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging may involve cleaning, de-cluttering, rearranging furniture, redecorating, and more.
Survey: This is a document that defines the boundaries and measurements of your property and any structures on it.
Offer: This is an offer of purchase, in writing, for a particular property.
Conditional Offer: This is an offer to purchase, but with conditions – such as “conditional on a satisfactory home inspection” or “conditional on arranging suitable financing”.
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Engaging the Other Senses
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When preparing a home for sale, most homeowners focus on pleasing the eyes. In other words, they make their property “look” as attractive as possible. That is, of course, a very important thing to do! However, your home will be even more appealing to buyers if you also engage their other senses.
Take smells, for example. Ideally, you don’t want any smells at all in your home during a viewing. So be careful about odours that can linger after cooking. Use the fan. Do not use scented air fresheners or strong perfumes in washrooms prior to viewings. If you or another family member smokes, avoid having the smell come into the home.
As for sounds, soft, pleasing music is fine. Just be sure to choose a style that would be acceptable to all. Think elevator music! If a neighbour is creating a loud noise next door – jackhammering a patio foundation, for example — ask him or her to keep it down during showings. Most good neighbours will be happy to do so.
In general, anything you can do, even something minor, that will make your home more appealing to all the buyer’s senses is worth the effort.
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Go Beyond Property Needs and Wants
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When you shop for a new home, you’ll probably start by thinking about what you need in your next property. Your list might include a spacious kitchen; three bedrooms; and, a mature tree in the backyard.
Those are property features and, of course, they’re important. But finding your next dream home involves more than just property features. It also involves getting what you want from the surrounding area. After all, a home isn’t going to be enjoyable if commuting to work from your neighbourhood is long and agonizing. So when you shop for a new home, also think about:
- Work. How will you get to work? Is public transit nearby?
- School. Where will your kids go to school? Is transit or bus service available? Will your kids be able to walk to school?
- Kids. Where will your kids play and hang out? Are there nearby playgrounds and parks?
- Neighbours. Do the local homeowners seem like the kind of people you’d like as neighbours?
- Shopping. Where will you do your weekly shopping?
- Hobbies. How far will you be from golf, theatre, or other hobbies?
As your REALTOR®, I can help you answer these questions. Call me today.
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notable, quotable... quotes!
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“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill
“Always aim for achievement and forget about success.”
Helen Hayes
“It is best to disregard talk and judge only actions.”
Dorothy Day
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Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.
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Posted on
September 6, 2016
by
Warren Shouldice
This is a busy month in many households. Summer is over. The kids are back in school. It’s time to prepare for the change in seasons.
One thing that's not experiencing a whole lot of change is the real estate market in our city. Detached homes (-3.3% from last year) continue to outperform attached (-4.7%) and condos (-7.1%). The considerable difference between housing sectors can be directly attributed to inventory levels and months of supply which are quite different between the three.
Now more than ever, it's very important that both buyers and sellers pay close attention to the data in their particular market segment. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss an upcoming purchase or sale please let me know.
QUICK STATS
*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents at the current pace of sales and how long it would take to clear existing inventory.
**Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on its attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.
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What Buyers Notice Most When Viewing a Home
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Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or... the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom!
Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So, when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to notice and remember.
Say, for example, you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets put in that room! Now it’s a cluttered space.
What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered, potentially unusable space.
Buyers will also notice a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. They will remember all the things that stand out, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.
So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property.
If you have a wonderful sitting room with large windows and a great view, make sure that space is clean and comfortable. You may even want to “stage” it a little, perhaps with some fresh flowers and a good book sitting on the end table.
As your REALTOR®, I can help you determine the most marketable features of your property and how to ensure buyers notice – and remember – them. Call me today.
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Make a “Great Things” List
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What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away?
Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special.
If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make a list of all the great things about your property that potential buyers will want to know.
Start by thinking about what you think are the desirable features of your home. Write down what you really love about the house and the surrounding area.
Next, think about what friends and other visitors to your home think is great about it. Have you ever heard anyone say something like, “I really love your kitchen!” or, “This is such a quiet street”? Those are indications that potential buyers will like those features and characteristics too.
Finally, talk to me. I can help you determine all the great things about your home and area, and how to market them.
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Can You Afford the Home You Want?
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Can you afford to purchase the home you really want? Here are some things to consider:.
- What kind of home do you want? What kind of neighbourhood do you want to live in? What features and characteristics do you need in a home? (Three bedrooms? A large livingroom for entertaining? A backyard big enough for a garden?)
- What homes currently on the market match that criteria? Are there some properties for sale that are close to what you’re looking for? What are their listing prices? How much, realistically, will it cost to buy one of those homes?
- How much, realistically, can you expect to get for the sale of your current property?
- How much of a mortgage will you need? How does that compare to the mortgage you qualify for?
- What additional costs will you incur in selling your current property and purchasing your new home? (For example, moving, home inspection, repairs and renovations, closing costs, etc.)
Chances are, there’s a home on the market that you can afford – and is right for you. Call me today to discuss.
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notable, quotable... quotes!
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“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
J. K. Rowling
“Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”
Abraham Lincoln
“People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.”
Anne Tyler
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Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. ©IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.
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