June is a busy month in so many ways.

Did you know that based on daylight hours, June has the longest days of the year? It also has the most marriages - and marriage proposals!

But as a homeowner, there are other things that make June particularly eventful. It’s a popular month for landscaping, gardening and undertaking renovations.

June is also a popular month to look for a potential new home. Some people are just curious and want to check out what’s available on the market. Other people, of course, are seriously planning to make a move, and could use some advice and help.

If you fall into either of those two camps, or even if you’re somewhere in between, give me a call. I’d be happy to answer your questions and offer my help.

Market Update:

The detached segment continues to drive the Calgary housing market. Prices improved across all price points and accounted for 65% of all transactions last month, the highest level since 2012. The year-over-year benchmark price sits at $509,000. Which is 1% higher than last year. This is the first year-over-year increase since June of 2015.

Attached homes are also seeing some minor price gains to both yearly and monthly benchmark prices, while not as strong as the detached sector, the attached market is certainly transitioning into more balanced conditions compared to the previous two years.

Apartment style homes continue to struggle with oversupply issues. The May benchmark price of $271,200 sits 2.9% lower than last year and is down over 11% from highs recorded in 2014. The largest peak to trough declines have occurred in the South, South East, and City Centre districts, this is likely related to new apartment construction in these areas.

Quick Stats: 

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.

      
What's Memorable About Your Home?

Chances are, there is a characteristic of your property that everyone remembers, appreciates, and maybe even envies. It could be a spacious kitchen with an island and upgraded appliances... or a stunning backyard with a wrap-around deck and beautiful landscaping... or rustic hardwood floors that contrast with elegant, high-end ceramics.
Whatever it is about your property that people tend to like and remember, will also appeal to potential buyers. So, when listing your home for sale, make sure to emphasize that characteristic.

When buyers view homes, they tend to remember just one, or sometimes up to two or three features of each property. "Oh, that's the house with the large rec room and bar." Or, "That's the property with the gorgeous landscaping."

These are characteristics that help sell a property. Make sure you highlight them.

However, sometimes homeowners lose perspective of what is truly appealing about their property. Ask friends to tell you what features in your home make it appealing. You might be surprised by their answers.

The Problem With "Stuff"

The late comedian George Carlin used to have a routine called, "A place for my stuff." He was referring to the idea that, besides being a place to sleep and eat, the purpose of a home is essentially to store all the stuff you accumulate over the years.
That may or may not be true. But, if you're like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of stuff in your home... stuff in closets, and stuff in the garage.

That’s just what happens!

The problem, however, comes when you try to sell your home. What may seem to you like a comfortable home office filled with supplies, office equipment, books and papers, may look to a buyer like an uncomfortable, small and cluttered space.

That's the problem with "stuff". Too much of it, and it gets in the way of buyers seeing and appreciating the great features of your home.

So, when you're selling your home, what do you do with all that extra stuff?

One solution is to have a garage or yard sale. (If you call it a "moving sale" you'll attract more buyers.) This is a great way to get rid of the things you don't need anymore – and, perhaps, make a few dollars!

Another solution is to give some of the items you don't need anymore to charity. There are many local organizations that can make good use of second hand clothing, furniture, and toys.

Finally, for all of the things you want to hang on to, but are cluttering up your home, consider renting a locker at a self-storage company.

One thing is for certain. The more spacious and comfortable each room of your home appears to potential buyers, the more likely it is that they'll see the true value of your property and become interested.

What's Great About Your Neighbourhood?

When potential buyers view your home, they are just as interested in the surrounding area as they are in the property itself. So, before listing your home on the market, it makes sense to think about your neighbourhood and its key characteristics.
Here's a good way to do that:

Imagine a relative from out-of-town coming to visit. She may say that she likes your neighbourhood, and wants to know what you enjoy most about living there.

How would you answer?

Would you talk about the friendly neighbours? Would you list the community events? Name all the local shopping? Describe the nice restaurants within walking distance? Or tell her about the local playground?

There are probably many things about your neighbourhood that make it great. What are the top three? Those are probably characteristics of the area that most buyers will want to know.

Your neighbourhood is a key selling feature of your property. I can make sure potential buyers understand its best features.

Notable, Quotable... Quotes!

“One who smiles rather than angers is always stronger.”
Chinese proverb

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”
Japanese proverb

“Nothing is inevitable, if we are paying attention.”
Marshall McLuhan

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
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