Warren Shouldice

Cell: 403-461-8103 |

Happy autumn. Let’s hope the coming season treats us all well!


Speaking of seasons, you may have noticed that the real estate market seems to have seasons. Traditionally, it’s slower in some months and busier in others. In fact, that might lead you to try to “time” the market and sell when it’s hot. But, be careful. Like the weather, the real estate market can be unpredictable. Yes, it may be active next spring – but, then again, it could be slow. There’s no way to know for sure. In fact, the best criteria for deciding whether or not to sell your property isn’t as much the market as it is your personal wishes. If you want to move within the next couple of months, there are ways to make that happen.


So, don’t let market conditions delay or derail your plans to move. Properties sell in all kinds of markets, and yours can too!



Market Stats:


 

Oct. 2019

Oct. 2020

Y/Y% change

Detached

     

Total sales

846

1,139

34.63%

Inventory

3,498

2,736

-21.78%

Months of supply*

4.13

2.40

-41.90%

Benchmark price**

$481,200

$489,800

1.79%

       

Semi-Detached

     

Total sales

144

174

20.83%

Inventory

710

559

-21.27%

Months of supply*

4.93

3.21

-34.84%

Benchmark price**

$398,300

$394,700

-0.90%

       

Row

     

Total sales

200

217

8.50%

Inventory

962

909

-5.51%

Months of supply*

4.81

4.19

-12.91%

Benchmark price**

$290,700

$274,400

-5.61%

       

Apartment

     

Total sales

248

234

-5.65%

Inventory

1,492

1,629

9.18%

Months of supply*

6.02

6.96

15.71%

Benchmark price**

$251,800

$248,600

-1.27%

 

*Months of supply: The ratio between inventory and sales which represents 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.


Protecting your Home Gadgets from Hacking

Imagine your coffee maker switching on by itself, staying on for hours, overheating and becoming a fire hazard. That’s not science fiction. As more and more appliances incorporate WIFI, the opportunities for hackers to play havoc with them increase.


How do you prevent that from happening? Here are some safety tips:

  • If your gadget uses a password to access the settings, change that password frequently. Ideally, change it once every 3 months.
  • Some gadgets, such as alarm systems, come with their own connection to the internet. Learn how to turn that connection off if it becomes necessary to do so.
  • Don’t leave an internet-connected appliance or other gadget on constantly unless it’s necessary. For example, you don’t need your home speaker system connected to your digital music providers all the time.
  • Baby monitors with video are a common target for hackers. Use a password unique to that device and change it often. Never leave the monitor on when not in use.
  • Never share passwords with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. Most home WIFI systems have a “guest” feature with a separate password and limited access. Use it.

In this age of internet connectivity — from coffee makers to stereos and even washing machines — it’s smart to play it safe. Know what’s connected and protect yourself.

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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.