Warren Shouldice

Cell: 403-461-8103 |

Summer is finally here and that’s great news for those of us who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors! Whether you prefer sports or leisure activities - or ambitious do-it-yourself projects - here’s hoping the days unfold just the way you wish.


Some of the best summer days are spent getting together with family and friends for fun, food, refreshments and relaxing conversation. If your discussions turn to real estate, I sincerely hope you will refer me to your friends and family for general inquiries or any specific questions they may have. I appreciate it when you let others know that I’m available to assist them as I would assist you.


Have a wonderful summer!

 

Market Update:


New listings coming onto the market continued to decline in June, which is helping to reduce oversupply. Year-over-year, new listings saw a decrease of nearly 19 per cent. Sales activity slowed this month compared to last year by six per cent, but the pullback in new listings was enough to cause inventories to fall by 15 per cent compared to last year’s elevated levels. Although conditions have improved in recent months, most areas and price points are still experiencing "buyers market" conditions.

 

Quick Stats:


 

June 2018

June 2019

Y/Y% change

Detached

     

Total sales

1,209

1,100

-9.02%

Inventory

4,816

3,961

-17.75%

Months of supply*

3.98

3.60

-9.60%

Average DOM

41

49

19.53%

Benchmark price**

$507,100

$488,900

-3.59%

       

Attached

     

Total sales

394

418

6.09%

Inventory

2,137

1,790

-16.24%

Months of supply*

5.42

4.28

-21.05%

Average DOM

51

62

22.42%

Benchmark price**

$332,900

$317,300

-4.69%

       

Apartment

     

Total sales

292

262

-10.27%

Inventory

1,877

1,790

-4.64%

Months of supply*

6.43

6.83

6.28%

Average DOM

59

71

20.55%

Benchmark price**

$258,300

$250,200

-3.14%


*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.



5 Things Buyers Hate to See

When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, you’ll want them to see the beautiful chandelier in the foyer or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a whole family to sit down for breakfast.


But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not notice?

Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about a small kitchen or a home backing onto a noisy main street.


However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change. Here are five of the most common:

  • Clutter. Closets stuffed full of clothes or rooms crammed with too much furniture are distractions. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy - and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home.
  • Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things that need repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, or overgrown lawns and shrubbery.
  • Smells. Of course, you can’t see smells. But buyers will notice the lingering aroma of exotic cooking, cigarette smoke, and pets. These smells may even limit the amount of time they want to spend exploring the home.
  • Personal items. Buyers will understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders - in the form of vacation pictures, trophies, or scattered children’s toys - can make a buyer feel like an intruder.
  • You. It’s nothing personal, but buyers prefer to view your home without you in it.

Fortunately, all these things can be easily dealt with before you show your home.


How a Home Inspection Helps You

Whether you’re considering buying a particular home, selling your current property - or doing both - a home inspection can help.


This inspection is conducted by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home - structure, wiring, plumbing, and more - and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself.


For example, a home inspector can determine that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak that needs to be fixed.


You’ll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That’s why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)


Need to find a reputable home inspector? Call me today for a recommendation.

Read
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.