Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Ice Damming & Winter Weather

Sara Kalke — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:39:00 -0600

I am re-posting this article due to the crazy weather!

Here is a great article from Gord Enders, General Manager, Direct-Line Insurance that was included in the REALTORS Association Weekly Review this week, with tips on how to avoid ice damming. If you remember last year's HUGE dump of snow, ice damming was one of the major issues that caused insurance adjusters and contractors to be working well into the summer months to repair the extensive property damage across greater Edmonton. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Managing Snow Load and Ice Damming

While it has been a very mild and dry winter until recently, remember it is Alberta and we only need to wait the proverbial five minutes; plus, we are heading into the months when the majority of snow falls.

Snow load and ice damming may cause serious problems if not addressed immediately. Snow load can lead to roof collapse and ice damming may cause water damage in your attic and home. You may or may not have coverage depending upon your insurance provider.

Here are few tips to help you weather the winter.

Check your roof after major storms. Ensure there are no large drifts and remove snow from the eaves if snow pack is greater than 12 – 18 inches.
Ensure vents are cleared so as not to trap warm air under the snow contributing to ice damming.
Check the eaves regularly – the bottom two feet of your roof is usually where ice damming will occur.
If you find ice forming on your roof, remove the snow from on top of it, and sprinkle melting salt on it that is safe for roofs.
Always work in pairs on a roof for safety. Consider hiring a snow removal professional to avoid the risk entirely.

These are just a few suggestions to help you through the winter. Always remember to consult your insurance provider to find out specifically what your policy covers and excludes.

Courtesy,

Gord Enders
General Manager, Direct-Line Insurance
780-468-1007

Strong Spring Ahead: Latest News Release

Sara Kalke — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:46:05 -0700

Here's the latest news release from the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. We're seeing the usual increase in sales activity and strong price gains especially for condos (which often means that for the month, more expensive condos were purchased, rather than all condos gaining in value by 7%). In any case, solid market activity suggests a strong spring ahead, with plenty of activity.

Buying or selling? I'm happy to help!
Sara
780-710-7669

Local Housing Market Remains Active

Edmonton, March 4, 2013: The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that the housing market in the Edmonton CMA1 remains active. Residential listing activity was up 10% as compared to January and sales increased by 18.2%. The all-residential price (includes single family detached, condominiums, duplexes and row-houses) rose 4.3% in a month.

While the average price for a single family detached home broke through a psychological barrier at $400,973 in February ($399,832 in January), it was up just 0.3%. Condo prices showed stronger gains, rising 7.3% from January to $231,866. Duplex and rowhouse prices were also up month-over-month at $332,285 on average. The all-residential average price was $342,735 (up 2.9% from February 2012).

“REALTORS® were busier last month than in January both listing and selling more homes,” said President Darrell Cook. “As usual, sales activity will continue to increase as we move into spring. The inventory of available homes has increased and we expect hesitant sellers to come onto the market in the face of continuing strong prices.”

The pattern of sales in various price ranges has changed this year. “Confidence in the strength of our local economy and a shortage of attractive properties at the lower end of the price range are both moving consumers to consider higher priced properties,” said Cook. Sales of properties priced $425,000 to $550,000 have increased 19% so far this year, whereas sales of properties in the $200,000 to $375,000 range are down 9.6% compared to the first two months of 2012.

As of February 28, 2013, there were 4,183 residential properties listed in the MLS® System which reflects a 4.14 month supply at current sales levels. The days-on-market was 57 as compared to 53 last year. With an estimated 1,089 (1,008 reported) homes sold and 1,995 homes listed in February, the sales-to-listing ratio was 55%, up 4% from a year ago. Total Board sales for February were $470,309,954.

The figures above represent the sales in the Edmonton CMA1 as defined by Statistics Canada and includes the City of Edmonton and all municipalities in the four surrounding counties of Parkland, Sturgeon, Leduc, and Strathcona. Sales figures for February 2013 have been adjusted to anticipate sales during the month which will be reported after the data cut-off so as to compare more accurately with prior period figures.

REALTORS® in the Edmonton CMA and surrounding areas (including St. Paul and Cold Lake) contribute actual negotiated list and sale prices on a daily basis and are the most reliable source of pricing data in each local area and the entire market.

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MLS® System Activity (for all-residential sales in Edmonton CMA1)

February 2013		M/M % Change	Y/Y % Change
SFD2 average3 selling price – month	$400,973	0.29%	4.31%
SFD median4 selling price – month	375,500	-0.29%	4.31%
Condominium average selling price	231,866	7.28%	-0.55%
Condominium median selling price	212,450	2.14%	-4.30%
All-residential5 average selling price	342,735	4.33%	2.87%
All-residential median selling price	326,940	3.79%	2.17%
# residential listings this month	1,995	10.10%	-11.29%
# residential sales this month (estimated)	1,089	18.17%	-5.50%
# residential inventory at month end	4,183	11.76%	-13.22%
# Total6 MLS® System sales this month	1,473	20.90%	-5.30%
$ Value Total residential sales this month	$407 million	25.40%	-8.83%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales – month	$470 million	25.90%	-11.06%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - YTD	$871 million	21.60%	-13.24%

1 Census Metropolitan Area (Edmonton and surrounding municipalities)
2 Single Family Dwelling
3 The total value of sales in a category divided by the number of properties sold
4 The middle figure in a list of all sales prices
5 Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
6 Includes residential, rural and commercial sales

U of A Condos for Sale FABULOUS FRIDAYS

Sara Kalke — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:16:37 -0700

U of A Condos for Sale

Today's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS: Convenient & Smart U of A Condos!

Live like a King or Queen in your very own Condo!

Welcome to this week's edition of FABULOUS FRIDAYS! This week's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS are U of A Condos for Sale, convenient and smart condos for sale (and one house!) near to the University of Alberta, all under $400,000! (Click the underlined text to view.) I often have buyers calling me wanting to purchase a condo for themselves or their children going to University. Born & raised in the area (I grew up in McKernan and now live in Strathcona), I have a special affection for the awesome amenities near the University, from Whyte Avenue cafes and shopping to the High Level Diner and the Sugar Bowl. This selection of fabulous condos show the possibilities for ownership in this highly sought-after area.

From just $209,900 for a 1 bedroom condo, to brand new 2 bedroom condos for $272,895 and even a detached house for $319,900, this week's Fabulous Friday list has something to satisfy every wish list. Here they are, U of A condos currently for sale* - click on the underlined text to view.

If you have questions on any of these properties, or if there is anything else I can do for you, call me direct at (780) 710-7669.

Have a great weekend!
-Sara

*There are many Friday "lists" out there, from foreclosures to million dollar properties. Fabulous Fridays is my weekly compilation of interesting listings that are currently on MLS in Edmonton, from tiny mini homes to giant mansions; something different to peak your interest every week. Listing brokerages are on the hi-lite sheet for each property. The Fabulous Friday concept is copyright Sara Kalke 2013.

FABULOUS FRIDAYS: Central Edmonton Infill Homes for Sale

Sara Kalke — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:07:11 -0700

Central Edmonton Infill Homes for Sale

Today's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS: Location & Luxury

HGTV Green Home in Denver Colorado - click to visit my Pinterest page with a selection of new home ideas!

Welcome to this week's edition of FABULOUS FRIDAYS! This week's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS are Edmonton Infill Homes for Sale, the best of both worlds - central Edmonton locations and luxurious new homes (click the underlined text to view). This selection of fabulous infill homes shows that infill can be done right, especially in light of the recent zoning proposals by the City of Edmonton that some believe threaten the integrity, safety and community spirit of our central neighborhoods (more information is available via the Federation of Community Leagues).

With central locations, luxurious upgrades, and all the comforts of new construction technologies, these fabulous properties are sure to impress! From the attached two-storey in Rossdale just steps to the River Valley for $519,800, to the sleek elegance of brand new in Cloverdale for $895,000, to ultimate luxury in the sought-after Crestwood on Riverside Crescent for a cool $2,495,000, this week's Fabulous Friday list has something to satisfy every wish list. Here they are, central Edmonton infill homes currently for sale* - click on the underlined text to view.

If you have questions on any of these properties, or if there is anything else I can do for you, call me direct at (780) 710-7669.

Have a great weekend!
-Sara

10 Habits of a Clean Home

Sara Kalke — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:14:56 -0700

I recently read this blog article on 10 Habits of a Clean Home, and loved it (see below for the full list). It is like a window directly into my own Super-Mom's brain. And while my mom worked full-time when we were growing up, our house always seemed like a haven of cleanliness and organization. "Clean home, clean mind" is one of my favorite expressions, yet my home definitely isn't the land of Martha Stewart! It's all fine and good to want to be organized and clean, but how can you do it amid being a real family that actually LIVES in your home? ("Great, now the house is clean, let's stay in a hotel all week!")

Here are 10 Tips from my new favorite blog, idreamofclean.net that show you how to keep your home feeling clean, while allowing you to stay living there!

Happy Cleaning!

Your REALTOR®,
Sara Kalke

Direct: 780-710-7669

10 Habits of a Clean Home

1. Shine Your Sink.

Several years ago I was on the flylady email list and the first thing I learned was to “shine your sink” every night. (Unfortunately, that’s as far as I got with the flylady. Maybe I should try again!) Anyway, the shine your sink concept is a great habit to begin! Every night take five minutes to clean your kitchen completely. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, clean off the counters, and scrub and dry your sink until it’s shiny.

2. Wash One Load of Laundry Daily.

Instead of waiting until the weekend to wash several loads of laundry, get in the habit of washing one load every day. As soon as you wake up, put a load of laundry in the washing machine. As soon as it’s finished (that’s the hard part for me!), transfer the load to the dryer. Hopefully it will be finished by the time you leave for the day! When you get home, fold and put away the clothes.

You may need to modify the routine if you’re worried about your clothes getting wrinkled or you have more or less than seven loads of laundry every week. Just make adjustments and find a way to make laundry part of your daily routine.

3. Process Mail Immediately.

Go through your mail daily. As you walk in the door, open all envelopes, throw away or shred junk mail, and put bills and other action items in your command center.

4. Create a Command Center.

A command center is an area in your home that can be used as a catch all for items that need to be processed (i.e. bills that need to be paid, cards to send out, etc.). It’s also a place that can house items that need to be picked up quickly as you walk out the door like keys, bags, and phones. Some also benefit for having a calendar in this area. Customize the command center to fit your family and life!

5. Throw Away Trash.

Throwing away your trash seems so simple right? But, how many times have you (or someone in your family) taken something out of a package and put the package on the counter beside you? Or, maybe you’ve taken tags off clothes and just placed them on the dresser instead of the trashcan? Instead of waiting until later, just take a few extra seconds and immediately throw away trash in the trashcan.

6. Straighten Up Every Night.

Waking up to a clean home can make the start of your day more pleasing and productive. Take a few minutes each night to pick up around the house. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but straightening up nightly helps to keep the mess from becoming overwhelming.

7. Create a Cleaning Schedule.

Depending on your personality, a cleaning schedule can be as detailed or scaled down as you want it. You may want to clean bathrooms on Monday, mop and vacuum floors on Tuesday, dust on Wednesday, cut the yard on Thursday, and something else on Friday. Or you may prefer to do everything on the weekend. In either situation, a plan will help you move through the list much more quickly. Just like other areas in life, a plan will encourage, motivate, and enable you to reach your goal for a clean home.

8. Become a Minimalist.

Reducing clutter reduces stress. You’ll have less to clean, less to pick up, and less to maintain. You may even be able to live in a smaller house! Or at least not feel like you have to move into a bigger one.

9. Do One Thing.

Sometimes the list of household projects can seem so overwhelming. If you have a list of 10 things that you need to replace, build, or update, just pick one thing to complete. Then do one thing that will move you closer to finishing that project. For example, if you need to organize your closet, start with your pants. Then move onto skirts the next day, and tops the following day. Break down a large project by just doing one thing. And if you need help picking the “one thing” you can get daily prompts at SpringCleaning365.com. The tagline is: one thing. each day. all year.

10. Have a Junk Drawer.

Yes, a junk drawer is a must for a clean home. In some cases, a cabinet or closet may be more reasonable! Having a place to store random items that don’t have a home can be so freeing. Plus, when you’re in a hurry, sometimes it’s just easier to dump everything into one place. Of course, the only downfall is that you must clean it out periodically!

Please check out and follow idreamofclean.net for more great articles!

FABULOUS FRIDAYS: Edmonton Character Homes for Sale

Sara Kalke — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:44:24 -0700

Edmonton Character Homes for Sale

Today's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS: The best of Edmonton pre-1940!

Welcome to this week's edition of FABULOUS FRIDAYS! This week's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS are Edmonton Character Homes for Sale, the best of Edmonton homes built before 1940! (click the underlined text to view). This selection of fabulous character homes shows you the great variety in what is available for sale. With central locations, beautiful original detailing, and luxurious upgrades, these fabulous properties are sure to impress! From the impressive affordability of 1,161 ft2 in Alberta Avenue, to the upgraded elegance in sought-after Westmount for $495,000, and to ultimate luxury in the historic Molstad House Bonnie Doon for a cool $1.248 Million, this week's Fabulous Friday list has something to satisfy every budget and taste. Here are a few of my favorites, currently for sale in Edmonton* - click on the underlined text to view.

If you have questions on any of these properties, or if there is anything else I can do for you, call me direct at (780) 710-7669.

Have a great weekend!
-Sara

FABULOUS FRIDAYS: Edmonton Luxury Condos

Sara Kalke — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:53:00 -0700

Edmonton Luxury Condos for Sale

Today's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS: Views, Elegance & Class

View of Edmonton's beautiful River Valley

Welcome to this week's edition of FABULOUS FRIDAYS! This week's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS are Edmonton Luxury Condos for Sale! (click the underlined text to view). These fabulous condos can't be beat. With River Valley and downtown views, convenient locations and beautiful open floor plans, these fabulous properties are sure to impress! From spectacular River Valley views in The Valhalla penthouse for $368,800, Saskatchewan Drive elegance in the sought-after Riverwind for $479,000, to the ultimate luxury in the two-level AltaVista Penthouse for a cool $1.5 Million, this week's Fabulous Friday list has something to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. Here are a few of my favorites, currently for sale in Edmonton* - click on the underlined text to view.

If you have questions on any of these properties, or if there is anything else I can do for you, call me direct at (780) 710-7669.

Have a great weekend!
-Sara

Interest Rates Unlikely to Rise

Sara Kalke — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:26:16 -0700

Bank of Canada Maintains Overnight Rate... Again!

Here is some information on the latest news about interest rates, courtesy of Eva Neufeld with Mortgage Tailors (full article from Eva is below). A few items stand out to me:

The prime rate remains at 3%.
The Bank of Canada doesn't expect the economy to reach full capacity until the second half of 2014.
Any increase to the prime rate since 1992 has only been by 0.25% at any ONE time, so you won't see a large significant increase all at once.

A few mortgage brokers out there have told me they can still get financing at 2.99% for a 5-year term, so borrowing money to buy a home is still remarkably cheap! That being said, always talk to a professional before making any important financial decision.

Your REALTOR,

Sara Kalke

Direct: 780-710-7669

As you know, your variable rate mortgage, line of credit and/or student loans are all based on the Prime Rate and, as promised, here is your personal update from me on the recent Bank of Canada announcement on changes to their Overnight Rate which in most cases impacts your Prime Rate.

At 10:00 am EST, Wednesday January 23rd, 2013, the Bank of Canada again did what we expected them to do... they continued to maintain their overnight rate. What this means to you is that once again the prime rate on your mortgage, line of credit or student loan will not change and remains at 3.00%. This of course is fabulous news but as always, I like to remind you to make the most of the low payments you still have as the rate will increase in the future. Have you chatted to a financial advisor about a Tax Free Savings Account or some RRSP contributions to trigger a potential income tax refund next year as your payments continue to remain low? If you don't have a financial advisor, let me know and I'd be happy to recommend one to you.

Based on this news, the Bank doesn't expect the economy to reach full capacity until the second half of 2014.. much later than they projected. Based on this, they are unlikely to increase their rate in the foreseeable future with any change most likely to occur possibly as late as Fall 2013 to early 2014! Remember, that any increase to the prime rate since 1992 has only been by 0.25% at any ONE time, so you won't see a large significant increase all at once.

Fixed rates haven't changed much at all since the last announcement, at around 3.09% to 3.29% for a five year fixed term.

Based on this recent announcement, and the anticipation that the prime rate will still remain low for a while now, unless you feel otherwise, I'd recommend that you remain with your current variable rate product as the interest is lower than a fixed term rate right now. However, if having a fixed payment is important to you, call me so I can calculate what your new payment would look like and also if it is suitable for you. The next announcement on any change to the prime rate is March 6th, 2013 at which time I'll be in touch again.

FABULOUS FRIDAYS: Central Edmonton Homes For Sale

Sara Kalke — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:59:45 -0700

Character, Luxury & Location - Today's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS Central Edmonton Beauties

Welcome to this week's edition of FABULOUS FRIDAYS!

This week's FABULOUS FRIDAY LISTINGS are Central Edmonton Homes for Sale - Character, Luxury & Location! (click the underlined text to view). The location of these fabulous homes can't be beat. Mature trees, convenience to downtown and 124 Street, plus outstanding community create the perfect backdrop for these fabulous properties. From cozy and elegant modern interiors in Parkview for just $479,900, elegant infill in Cloverdale for $895,000, to the very sought-after mid-century modern in Laurier Heights ($1,159,000), this week's Fabulous Friday list has something to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. Here are a few of my favorites, currently for sale in Edmonton* - click on the underlined text to view.

If you have questions on any of these properties, or if there is anything else I can do for you, call me direct at (780) 710-7669.

Have a great weekend!
-Sara

Understand & Protect Your Credit Score

Sara Kalke — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:29:18 -0700

Here is an excellent article I just received from Eva Neufeld of Mortgage Tailors, Inc. all about how to protect your credit score:

Starting to See Holiday Bills Roll In? Understand and Protect Your Credit Score

Your credit score is the first thing a lender looks at when deciding if and at what interest rate they will lend you money, yet it is a mystery to many of us. Your credit bureau is a snapshot of your credit history and it gives lenders, employers, and even your landlord very detailed information about how you have used and treated credit in the past.
There are 2 reporting agencies in Canada, Equifax and TransUnion, and they both use a scale from 300-900. Your score is determined by 5 factors, each carrying a different weight: previous credit performance or on time payment (35%), current level of debt (30%), length of credit history (15%), pursuit of new credit (10%), and variety of credit (10%). The higher your credit score, the better.

Here are some basic steps to repairing and keeping your score high:

If You Can't Pay It All, Pay the Minimum - When you get an overwhelming bill it is tempting to just ignore it or pay a little bit late when you get that next pay cheque. This will seriously hurt your credit score. Pay the minimum on time and your credit score is protected.

Don't Max Out Your Credit Card or Line of Credit - Stay below 80% capacity to maintain credit and below 50%capacity to build credit. For example, if you have a $5,000 limit on your credit card never charge more than $4,000 (80%) against that card or it will actually have a negative effect on your credit score. If you are trying to build your credit, keep the balance under $2,500. If you charge the full limit of your credit card and but pay it off in full each month, it will still have a negative effect on your score because your balance was more than 80% of the limit.

Loyalty Does Pay When It Comes to Credit - Having 2 trade lines for a minimum of 2 years is best. Examples of trade lines are credit cards, car loans, RRSP loans, or personal loans. If you feel the urge to start cutting up your credit cards, make sure you always maintain 2 established trade lines. Playing the interest game and moving balances to new cards regularly will really hurt your score, not only because of all the requests for new credit on your bureau, but also because all of your trade lines will be new. Newer accounts will lower your average account age bringing down your score.

Saving $50 Today Hurts Your Score Tomorrow - Choose Your Credit Wisely - Resist those deals at the check-out that try to rope you into a new store credit card. Ideally you don't want to have any more than 6 - 8 hard inquiries per year showing on your credit bureau. Hard inquiries are applications for credit including a mortgage, car loan, credit card or other service. Soft inquiries are information requests such as you or your employer pulling your credit bureau. Hard inquiries impact your score (some types impact it more than others - ex. credit cards more than mortgage application) and soft inquiries do not.

Variety Is the Spice of Credit - Lenders look at your experience with a variety of types of credit. You may have a car loan payment automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month but how do you manage revolving credit? A combination of installment debt such as car loans, student loans, RRSP loans or personal loans with revolving debt such as a line of credit or credit cards actually helps to strengthen your score. One to two credit cards is best. Try to stay away from having more than 3.

Know Where You Stand - IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure the information reported to the credit bureau about you is correct. Statistics show that 70% of credit bureaus contain some kind of error. And 26% of borrowers have had a credit request declined or are paying a higher interest rate due to an error on their credit bureau. Pull your own credit bureau once per year from both credit reporting agencies to check for accuracy. To obtain a copy of your Equifax bureau visit www.equifax.ca and for TransUnion, visit www.transunion.ca. Both companies will provide you with the information from your bureau for free, but charge a fee to include your score.

If you are looking at renewing your mortgage, purchasing, or moving and know you have credit issues, contact me right away. I help my clients understand and improve their credit scores. The sooner we start the process the sooner you can improve your credit!

Eva Neufeld
Mortgage Advisor
Mortgage Tailors Inc.
Phone: 780-244-0505
Fax: 1-780-665-7291
Email: mortgagecoach@shaw.ca
Web: www.tailoredmortgagesolutions.com
Twitter: abmortgagecoch
Blog: @edmontonmortgagecoach.com

Edmonton Real Estate Forecast 2013

Sara Kalke — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:28:10 -0700

The latest Edmonton real estate forecasts for 2013 are rolling in. Predictions vary but are generally moderate. Royal LePage is predicting a 1% increase (click here for the full Edmonton Journal article), REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Darrel Cook is predicting 2% increase for houses and 1% increase for condos in greater Edmonton, and CMHC's David Lan is predicting a 2% increase and a reduction in inventory. We'll see what the future holds!

Buying? Selling? Questions? Contact me anytime!

Your REALTOR®,
Sara Kalke

Direct: 780-710-7669

Edmonton-area house prices to increase by less than one per cent in 2013: survey

By Bill Mah, Edmonton Journal January 8, 2013

Click HERE for the full article

In 2012, the average price of a detached bungalow in Edmonton increased 5.3 per cent year-over-year to $331,429. Standard two-storey homes went up 3.8 per cent to $356,286. Standard condos remained flat, increasing 0.2 per cent to $202,714, according a survey by Royal LePage.

Photograph by: Merle Prosofsky, Supplied , Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON - Edmonton home prices will rise slightly this year, while sales will decrease, says the latest Royal LePage House Price Survey released Tuesday.

The real-estate marketing firm forecasts Edmonton-region homes will sell an average of 0.6 per cent higher in 2013 than in 2012. Sales activity is forecast to decrease 3.4 per cent year-over-year.

Ken Shearer, a broker at Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate who compiled the Edmonton portion of the national survey, said the pace of home price growth and sales will slow down, despite an influx of people moving to Edmonton.

By the end of 2013, LePage expects the average national price to be one per cent higher compared with 2012.

“My experience is that I just don’t see that manifesting itself right now in the first to second quarter — maybe in the latter part of the year,” Shearer said.

“They are not necessarily all executive types.”

Sales activity in the last three months of 2012 decreased slightly because first-time buyers were deterred by new mortgage rules, harsh weather and concerns about Alberta’s energy sector, Shearer said.

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

Sara Kalke — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:51:17 -0700

Happy 2013! I received these tips for a positive New Year and like them so much I though I would share them with you. Wishing you a fabulous year! My slogan for this year is: "Let's Make It Happen!".

Questions? Comments? Time to Buy or Sell? Contact me anytime:

Your REALTOR®,
- Sara Kalke

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a “Thank You Walk.” It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

3. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

4. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

5. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going.

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Don’t chase success. Instead decide to make a difference and success will find you.

8. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a double latte.

9. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E’s. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. Remember that complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2012. I happen to know of a few good ones. : )

16. Don’t seek happiness. Instead decide to live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

Strong 2012 Sets the Stage for an Awesome 2013

Sara Kalke — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:59:52 -0700

2013 is looking like a strong market for Edmonton and area homeowners, according to the latest information from the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (full report below). Median prices of detached homes were up 4.49% year-over-year, and condo prices were down 1.86%. While sales activity was slow in December, that isn't necessarily a big worry, given that December is the time for family, friends and parties, and is usually a slow month. From what I am hearing from clients, there are a lot of buyers out there, they are just waiting for the increased inventory that comes with the New Year.

Here are a few tips for buying or selling in 2013:

If you are thinking of selling, now is the time to get started with preparing your home for sale. Homeowners who have well staged and professionally marketed homes sell faster and for more money. Check out my Top 10 Things to do Before You List Your Home.
A lot of homeowners wait until spring to put their homes on the market so that their grass is green... which seems like a good idea, except that a lot of buyers are already out shopping when there is still snow on the ground, plus you will be competing with a lot more homes if you wait until late in the spring.
For buyers, now is also a great time to start looking, as the savvy homeowner will be putting their home up for sale ahead of the big spring rush. Like always, it is extra important to work with an agent (like me!) who will stay on top of new listings as they come up on the market, as new inventory will be coming up for sale every day now.
Either side, don't be afraid to act! It's never too late to take care of yourself financially, and home ownership can be an awesome way to build up an investment over time, with the right advice of course.

Questions? Comments? Contact me anytime!

Your REALTOR®,

Sara Kalke

DIRECT: 780-710-7669

*As usual, these are just my personal opinions. I am not a lawyer, accountant, economist or fortune teller. Any real estate transaction is a huge decision and requires specific advice for your situation. I always recommend consulting professionals before making any significant financial decision.

Solid Growth of Local Real Estate Market in 2012 reported by REALTORS®

Edmonton, January 3, 2013: The local housing market in 2012 ended as it began, with robust sales, slowly increasing prices, stability and an optimistic swagger. The average all-residential price in December was $333,140, up 1.5% from the previous month. The price in December 2011 was $316,020. Sales during December were 31.0% down from November and 16.8% down from last December. Note: for comparison purposes current month sales figures have been adjusted to account for late reported sales and terminations; actual reported numbers as of month end are in square brackets.

The average price for a single family detached property on the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® in December was $391,427, up 2.5% month/month and 6.8% year/year. Condominium prices were up marginally (0.02%) from last month and sold on average for $225,143 in December. Duplex/row houses were priced at $297,753 on average (down 4.3% m/m). REALTORS® listed 1,026 [950] residential properties in December and sold 789 [731] properties. This resulted in a sales-to-listing ratio of 77% as compared to 73% in November. At month-end there were 4,354 residential properties in the inventory which is down 18.6% from a year ago. Sales were slower in December with average days-on-market up two to 66 days.

“Although sales and listing activity were slower this December than in previous years, prices continued their slow steady rise,” said President Doug Singleton. “Total sales for the year were up. The Finance Minister toyed with the mortgage qualification rules at the beginning of the year but otherwise this market operated in a smooth and stable manner. REALTORS® and their clients could trade in real estate with confidence and certainty.”

The price of an average single family detached home rose 6.8% during 2012 and the all-residential average price rose 5.4%. Sales were also higher in 2012 than the year previous with 18,020 residential sales and 20,393 total MLS® sales. Except for 2009 these were the highest sales numbers in five years. Listing activity, however, was lower than the previous three years. This dropped the available inventory of homes available on the local MLS® System to just 4,354 properties on December 31; the lowest level the inventory has been at since December 2009.

The highest average price for a single family detached home in the Edmonton area in 2012 was in June at $393,471 with the lowest price point being January at $364,106. The all-residential average price followed a similar pattern with the highest average price in May at $348,196 and the lowest point in January at $318,906. Condo prices peaked in May at $248,846 after rising from the January low point at $216,622.

The growth of the Edmonton market is also reflected in the increased number of higher priced properties sold. There were 403 residential properties sold for over $700,000 in 2012, including 89 priced at one million or more. In 2008, just 1.63% of homes were in the $700,000 or above category. Last year 2.23% of the sold properties were at that level. The most expensive property sold in 2012 was valued at $2.72 million. Six owners in total picked up properties located in Crestwood, Magrath Heights, Windsor Park, Hodgson, Twin Brooks and Westridge each valued at $2 million or more.

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Activity (for all residential sales on Edmonton MLS® System)

December 2012		M/M % Change	Y/Y % Change
SFD² average selling price - month	$391,427	2.48%	6.81%
SFD median³ selling price	$365,700	0.74%	4.49%
Condominium average¹ selling price	$225,143	0.02%	-0.63%
Condominium median selling price	$211,000	-5.17%	-1.86%
All-residential⁴ average selling price	$333,140	1.52%	5.42%
All-residential median selling price	$320,000	1.59%	5.79%
# residential listings this month	950	-39.95%	-11.05%
# residential sales this month	731	-36.76%	-16.84%
# residential inventory at month end	4354	-23.36%	-18.60%
# Total⁵ MLS® System sales this month	837	-36.16%	-16.80%
$ Value residential sales this month	$244 million	-30.83%	-12.33%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - month	$289 million	4.77%	6.76%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - YTD	$7.0 billion	4.75%	5.92%

¹ The total value of sales in a category divided by the number of properties sold
² Single Family Dwelling
³ The middle figure in a list of all sales prices
⁴ Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
⁵ Includes residential, rural and commercial sales

¹ Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end. The RAE trading area includes communities beyond the CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) and therefore average and median prices may include sold properties outside the CMA. For information on a specific area, contact your local REALTOR®.

City of Edmonton tax assessments 2013

Sara Kalke — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:51:36 -0700

It's that time that homeowners either love or hate: property assessments are being mailed out today from the City of Edmonton. The City's interactive map shows how much the City believes your neighborhood's value has changed as of July 2012 (the City assessments are intended to reflect market value on July of the previous calendar year).

A few items of note:

Assessment value IS NOT necessarily equal to current market value! Property assessments are just an approximation of what the City feels your home is worth based on your neighborhood, square footage, age, etc. of your property. HERE is a comprehensive list of the criteria that the City's property assessors use to determine value. Remember that two homes that are identical in age and square footage in any given neighborhood can be DRASTICALLY different inside, so it is especially important to review your notice and of course call your REALTOR® or a property appraiser to give you a better idea of market value.
Remember the City only knows as much as the property owner tells them - it is not uncommon to see homes that have been totally upgraded that still have a City assessment reflecting the state of the home prior to the upgrades being done.
The assessment is for JULY of the PREVIOUS YEAR, so the assessments you receive in the next few weeks will reflect what the City believes the value of your home was in July 2012. I have seen market values (i.e. the price a home sells for) vary by as much as $300,000 (an extreme example!) from the City assessment value, so make sure that you get a current market evaluation of your home before you buy or sell!
Of note are a few neighborhoods that saw significant increases in assessement value from the City: Ritchie - 9.4% increase, Cromdale - 8.5% increase, Highlands - 7.5% increase, and Lansdowne - 7.3% increase (*information from the Edmonton Journal - link to full article below)
If you disagree with your assessment, information on the appeal process is available on the City's website HERE, along with other answers to common questions about your assessment.

Questions? Comments? Contact me anytime!

Your REALTOR®,
Sara Kalke
(780) 710-7669

*As usual, these are just my personal opinions. I am not a lawyer, accountant, economist or fortune teller. Any real estate transaction is a huge decision and requires specific advice for your situation. I always recommend consulting professionals before making any significant financial decision.

Average home values in Edmonton up 1.3 per cent

Edmonton property assessments mailed out this week

By Jodie Sinnema, Edmonton Journal January 2, 2013 12:40 PM

Civic property assessments are being mailed out this week, with the typical single-family home in Edmonton now valued at $364,000, an increase of 1.3 per cent from July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012.

Photograph by: Ryan Jackson, file , edmontonjournal.com

EDMONTON - Civic property assessments are being mailed out this week, with the typical single-family home in Edmonton now valued at $364,000, an increase of 1.3 per cent from July 1, 2011 to July 1, 2012.

That compares to a drop of 1.7 per cent last year, but is relatively stable compared to the nine-per-cent spike in 2010, and two consecutive 10-per-cent declines the years before.

Full Article: Click HERE

Top 10 Things To Do Before You List Your House

Sara Kalke — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:08:49 -0700

With the New Year approaching, many people are making those big decisions, especially... if it's time to MOVE! If you are thinking of selling, early in the New Year can be one of the very best times - inventory (i.e. competition) is low, buyer demand is increasing steadily, and you'll have the pick of the crop when it comes time to find a new home! If you are thinking of selling, it's time to get cracking on those little details that make all the difference between "for sale" and SOLD!

Confused of where to start? One of the best services that I provide to my clients is a pre-sale consultation, where we discuss what improvements and upgrades are WORTH your money, and what will make the biggest impact on the price you get for your home. Last I checked most homeowners like to make as much money as possible on the sale of their homes... let me help you!

So, here are my Top 10 Things to Do Before You List Your Home!

Deal with any MAJOR issues NOW! If you have any serious issues with your house that could significantly affect the value, NOW is the time to deal with them, properly. Major issues can include: leaky basements, mould, issues with any of your home's systems: plumbing, heating, electrical, etc. Get quotes and *HIRE PROFESSIONALS*. Create a thorough paper trail of their opinions and resolutions. There's nothing like a major issue to prevent your home from selling, and if/when you find a buyer that is willing to take on your major issues, expect that they will want to pay rock bottom price for it. So get to the fixing now!
Get Organized! Find your paperwork, including all permits for developments on the property (missing permits? See point #1 - this WILL come up, so deal with it now instead of losing a sale!). Meet with your mortgage broker or bank and find out the nitty-gritty of a move: can you afford it, can you port your mortgage or will there be a payout penalty, what will your payments for your new home be? While you're at it, pull up a year's worth of utility bills (buyers often request to see these), as well as manuals and warranties for your appliances and heating systems in the home. Meet with your REALTOR (me!) now, and get help with the items that follow.
Fix It Up! When you have lived in your home for a while, it starts to be difficult to see the little flaws. Invite a friend (or your REALTOR!) over to help you notice all the little flaws that buyers will notice. Most of these are quick fixes that you probably have meant to get to for years (guilty as charged!)... now is the time to do them! Some of the most common include: leaky faucets, broken/chipped plumbing fixtures, uneven front steps, mismatched baseboards, missing caulking or grout, outdated light switch and outlet covers. These are generally all quick and cheap to fix, and make your home look fresh and put together when complete!
Paint it Pretty! If you have any paint touch-ups required, now is the time to do them. With the best return-on-investment of any home improvement, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Look through housing magazines, Pinterest, or have your REALTOR (i.e. me!) pop over and give you an idea of what the trendy colours are for SELLING (selling is in capital letters to remind you that just because black feature walls might be in a magazine, they are a very bad idea for selling your home to buyers!). Please, please take the time to ask about what colours are trendy... one of the fastest ways to WOW buyers is with neutral, modern colours.
Declutter! I mean REALLY declutter. We all have too much stuff... but buyers will pay more for a house that looks like there is LOTS of storage space. They'll fill it up with just as much stuff as you when they move in, but let's at least pretend that you are part Martha Stewart while you are selling. It's amazing what a difference a little decluttering does... I hear ALL the time from clients that they want to buy their own houses once we are done decluttering and staging! If you have time, start with the icky areas that take the most time - basement storage rooms, garages, closets - do some real purging and donate to your local charities. If you are short on time, consider renting a storage unit that you can go through at a later time, and get all those extra boxes and items out of your house!
CLEAN! Oh how I love a clean house. Having been in thousands of houses, my estimate is that at least 50% of houses on the market need a serious, DEEP cleaning. Really! That's every second house. You don't want to be that house! True deep cleaning needs to be done, and can actually last you the whole time you're selling, with regular touch-ups here and there of course. By deep cleaning, I mean really actually clean all those forgotten areas: in and around your utilities and appliances (dusty, rusty, dirty furnaces and hot water tanks are a huge turn-off, so are filthy ovens and fridges!), inside your fireplace (using the appropriate cleaner of course!), the bottom of cupboards (especially under the sink), and don't forget the grout in your bathroom. You may want to hire a professional to clean your carpets and your blinds, and once the snow melts, the outside of your house and eaves troughs. In winter, clean off your driveway thoroughly, and once spring hits, be sure to clean up your yard appropriately.
Replace! I know it seems backwards for me to be bringing this up now, after decluttering and cleaning, but you'll understand once you start the process. Once you have decluttered and done a true deep clean, you'll be able to tell if there are any parts of your home that just can't be fixed by a good cleaning, and that really show up now that you have decluttered. New carpet is another high return-on-investment item, and no one wants to buy a house with a dirty, smelly carpet. And don't be ashamed - carpet just wears out over time! Go deal hunting and stick to something affordable but not the very lowest quality (one or two steps up, NOT the most expensive either). You might notice that your old yellow stove just isn't going to get clean no matter how much you try, or no amount of superglue can hold your dishwasher together... Appliances can be affordable too, I recommend the scratch-n-dent section at Trail Appliances (a lot of those appliances have never been used, they have just sat in showhomes!). But BEFORE you spend any of your hard-earned money, ask your REALTOR (me!) about what is worth replacing and what isn't.
Depersonalize! We are getting close now! It's time to take down the family portraits, the name-tags, the family calendar, and for goodness sakes, tuck away all of your personal and private documents in a locked filing cabinet.
Do a 5-Senses Walk-Through! Back to the basics... walk through your house as if you were a buyer, starting with the front walkway, main floor, second floor (if you have a two-storey), basement and garage. Did you know the first thing a buyer does when entering a home is take a big ol' WHIFF?! This is where you actually want that too-honest friend to tell you if your house smells. Or ask your REALTOR! 1) SIGHT = curb appeal, first impressions, 2) SMELL = what lingering scents do you have around your home? Can you smell pets (including pet food or litter?), food, clothing, teenagers? 3) TOUCH = are your light fixtures, door knobs and railings clean or are they greasy or dirty? Is your floor smooth with all seams in place or do you hurt your feet going over cracks and bumps? 4) SOUND = is your furnace clunking, your fridge rocking, your pets barking or meowing, your vents squealing, or your neighbours yelling? I have heard all of the above and it can be seriously distracting! 5) TASTE = okay, this sense is the least applicable for homes. You don't need to have snacks for potential visitors, but metaphorically speaking, if the other 4 senses are taken care of, the home should leave a GOOD taste with potential buyers!
Hire the BEST Agent! Now this one seems straight-forward enough... you should hire an agent who really, truly cares about the little things that make all the difference between "for sale" and SOLD! It is easy to put up a for sale sign, but it takes experience, finesse and marketing savvy to get you the MOST money out of your home. Click Here for details on my selling plan, or call me up and I'll pop over and show you my whole selling plan!

Questions, comments? Call me anytime! Happy selling!

Sara

Direct: (780) 710-7669

Email: sara@sarakalke.com

Home Design 101: The Kitchen Sink!

Sara Kalke — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:19:33 -0700

Thinking about renovating or building a new home perhaps? I often have clients tell me how overwhelming it can be to start a renovation, or to picture a home after renovations. This explains why so many houses with a even few key design flaws sit on the market for so long. So, I have decided to dedicate a series of blog articles to home design, from my perspective, that is, someone who sees buyers reject homes all day long, and helps sellers make the little changes to take their homes from "for sale" to SOLD!

So, where to begin? With THE KITCHEN SINK of course! The kitchen is the hub in any home, the most important room for resale, and of course, the most expensive room to change. Buyers will often immediately reject a home if the kitchen doesn't work, even if the rest of the home is perfect! So if you have a kitchen you want to update, or if you are building a new home, I am a firm believer that you have to begin with the kitchen, more specifically, the kitchen sink!

Questions to ask yourself about your kitchen sink!

Do you want to be able to look outside from your kitchen sink, specifically into the backyard to watch the little ones or the view?
What kind of natural light would you like at your kitchen sink or in your kitchen in general?
The most important FUNCTIONAL space in your kitchen is the countertop area between your sink and your stove... do you want to be turning around to get from your sink to your stove, or would you prefer to do all of your washing and prepping in a direct line with your stove, so you're not dropping broccoli on the floor?!

Now you should be able to see what I am talking about - all three questions should be relatively straightforward to answer! MOST home-buyers want a view from the sink, natural light, and a functional kitchen where food preparation and cooking is as easy as possible. Suddenly we have gone from limitless options, to a pretty specific floor plan! There are only so many places in a home where the kitchen sink can go really, and the rest of the design follows from there!

Here are a few photos of fabulous kitchens... more can be found in my Kitchen Perfection page on Pinterest!

Two examples of island kitchens, with island sinks. In the photo on the left, note the sink is directly across from the stove, but the homeowner installed a tap above the stove for easy water access. The sink faces out towards the open dining room which allows for natural light and an open floor plan. In the photo on the right, there is an abundance of natural light. You can't see the sink but I'm assuming it is directly across from the stove like in the first photo. Great open design but a big pain for prep.

The kitchen on the left is an example of an island kitchen with TWO sinks - a small bar-style sink on the island, and the big sink under the window. Note the prep space between the sink and the stove. This is my favorite style of kitchen design. The kitchen on the right has a similar plan, with a gorgeous view too!

Questions? Comments? Want a second opinion on your renovation or building designs? I'd be happy to help!

Sara

(780) 710-7669

Follow me on Pinterest: Kitchen Perfection page

Prices Up, Sales Activity Remains Steady in November

Sara Kalke — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:37:29 -0700

Prices Up, Sales Activity Remains Steady in November

Edmonton real estate market statistics are out for November 2012 from the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (full news release is below). Here is my interpretation of the data, including a few items that aren't hi-lited in the news release.

Average sales prices are up about $10k from last month. At first glance, it looks like WOW, prices in Edmonton are up $10,000! I'm rich! Before you go buy yourself a new boat for Christmas, remember average prices are always just an average. I like to look at median prices (which the association explains in paragraph 2 of the news release), and those are up to levels not seen since August. Good news? Well, probably...
I don't consider average and median sales numbers within one short month's time to be a true indication of where the market is going. What really matters is the trend over several months, if not a year. Average and medians of about 1,000 sales per month show the value of the homes being purchased that month, which in my opinion holds a certain degree of randomness - the sales could have been of high-end homes, condos or middle value homes, and even a couple high-end sales can skew the results. Did you notice that the year-over-year total sales volume (for residential sales) was actually down 3.5%? To me this says that yes there was a price increase month-over-month in November, but total sales were actually down from last year, which most likely equals a fairly steady market.
Remember new builds? Those aren't always included in our sales statistics either. My experience over the last few months dealing with new builders (yes, I do work with new builders too!) has been that most builders are selling homes like hot cakes, especially in the lower price points. More expensive homes seem to stay on the market longer. A good sign for a busy spring market ahead in my opinion.
Now a note on what the report doesn't say: CANADA. Canadian. National. There is so much hype right now about NATIONAL real estate trends, and a national real estate bubble, it makes me a little cranky! The markets in Canada are so drastically different; you absolutely cannot compare market trends for Toronto with Edmonton or Vancouver with Regina. It just doesn't make sense to try, as there are totally different market fundamentals at play, unless you consider interest rates and common prime minister as realistic market fundamentals... Do I think there is a real estate bubble in Vancouver and Toronto? Well, probably. Do I think there is a real estate bubble in Edmonton? Not right now!

*As usual, these are just my personal opinions. I am not a lawyer, accountant, economist or fortune teller. Just a snapshot into how my brain crunches the news release numbers into the experience I have in the marketplace!

Questions? Comments?

Reach me at 780-710-7669!

Sara

Average Housing Prices make dramatic leap in November

Edmonton, December 4, 2012: A significant lift in single-family detached prices from $372,061 in October to $382,923 in November drove up the all-residential average price from $324,924 to $331,198 (up 3.32% Y/Y). Condominium prices, which surged upwards in October, dropped back to the September level for an average of $230,493. This is about 1% higher than a year ago. Duplex and rowhouse prices were $312,041 on average (up 3.2% y/y).

The median price for single-family detached homes was $363,000 in November, the highest it has been since August. When the median price is lower than the average price, it indicates that there were more lower-priced homes sold. Even a few higher-priced homes drive the average price up. There were 51 sales reported for properties priced over $600,000 in November: the same number as reported in October. A year ago there were just 43 homes sold over $600,000.

REALTORS® listed 1,610 residential properties in November and sold 1,063 properties. This resulted in a sales-to-listing ratio of 66% as compared to 61.7% in October. At month end there were 5,681 residential properties in the inventory, which is down 8% from a year ago. Sales were slower in November with average days-on-market up three to 64 days.

“The slow steady escalation in housing prices reflects the confidence that home buyers have in the local economy,” said Singleton. “People are moving up but also relocating to take advantage of job opportunities. As a result the housing market is stable and balanced.”

On November 1 the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton added real estate sales activity from Northeast Alberta to the local Multiple Listing Service®. However, for comparative reasons the additional property sales in Bonnyville, Elk Point, St. Paul and Cold Lake have not been added to the sales reported by the Association in the Greater Edmonton area. The reporting format for the local housing statistics is being redesigned and sales in NE Alberta will be reported in January.

“We are pleased to welcome the 70 REALTORS® from Northeast Alberta to our membership,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Doug Singleton. “The members and their clients are now part of a larger association and will benefit from increased services and a wider choice of MLS® listings. Unfortunately the integration of the additional listings and sales has to be delayed for a month while the new reporting format is finalized.”

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Activity (for all residential sales on Edmonton MLS® System)

November 2012		M/M % Change	Y/Y % Change
SFD² average selling price - month	$382,923	2.90%	4.90%
SFD median³ selling price	$363,000	1.40%	4.60%
Condominium average¹ selling price	$230,493	-1.60%	1.00%
Condominium median selling price	$222,500	1.60%	1.10%
All-residential⁴ average selling price	$331,198	1.90%	3.30%
All-residential median selling price	$315,000	0%	1.60%
# residential listings this month	1,610	-27.70%	-9.10%
# residential sales this month	1,063	-22.70%	-6.60%
# residential inventory at month end	5,681	-11.30%	-8.00%
# Total⁵ MLS® System sales this month	1,217	-21.50%	-6.30%
$ Value residential sales this month	$352 Million	-21.20%	-3.50%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - month	$415 Million	-20.50%	-44.70%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - YTD	$6.70 Billion	7.14%	4.29%

Top 10 Winter Home Selling Tips

Sara Kalke — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:00:54 -0700

Winter Home Selling Tips

Here are 10 ways to help you sell your home in the winter:

Shovel & Sand Your Walks: The approach to your home should not be scary! Make sure your walks or driveway are cleared and sanded. You do not want potential buyers slipping on your property, and you definitely do not want to give the impression that you don't care. If you own a vacant property, make sure the snow is shoveled there, even if it means hiring a snow removal company.
Turn Your Exterior Lights On: When it gets dark at 5pm, there's nothing worse than showing up to a bunch of dark houses and trying to make them seem warm and cozy. Get a motion sensor light for your front walkway, or even better, turn on the exterior light before you leave for the showing.
Turn Your Interior Lights On Too!!! If you live in your home and have enough time before a showing, turn on all the lights before a showing. I really mean all the lights - basement, laundry room, garage, etc. Your home will really stand out compared to dark homes!
Have the Heat On: I know so many homeowners (myself included) who turn the heat down while they're normally away from home. While you're selling, keep that heat on to 20 degrees Celsius, so buyers don't get a chill in your home, especially if they come at a time when no one is usually home. No one feels comfortable in a 10 degree house... they're buying a home not a meat aisle in the grocery store!
Be Extra Sensitive to Smells: now that you can't open the windows to air out your house as often, don't forget that your house won't smell much to you, but did you know that the first thing that buyers do when they enter a home is take a good whiff? Make sure your home doesn't smell like food, wet dog, smoke, incense, or one of the worst offenders - strong air freshener!!! Put your dog food into a sealed container (it will last longer than in the bag anyway!).
Don't Over-Scent: I covered it in the last point but it's so important I'm repeating myself. Don't use strong plug-in air fresheners, and for goodness sakes, don't put them in every plug-in in the house! A light linen scent Febreeze is okay in the laundry room. Other than that, the best smell is of a clean, well maintained home, so use your ventilation fan, bathroom fans, and keep your carpets and floors clean. Remove all free-standing garbage cans for showings, and if you can, take out the trash under the kitchen sink (or at least tie the bag shut) before showings. I don't mind lightly scented diffuser sticks in bathrooms and kitchens, but don't push it - you don't want buyers to get suspicious of what you are covering up. While I'm at it, don't leave candles burning unattended!
Maintain Your Furnace: Your house shouldn't sound like it is about to lift off when the furnace starts. Have Atco gas check your furnace, and a trained professional service your furnace on a regular basis. Clean your furnace filter. Turn off your furnace electricity and vacuum the inside of your furnace gently (or have your service provider do this if you aren't comfortable). Furnaces are very important to buyers and get special notice in the winter.
Install and Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: This is as much for you as it is for your buyers. More info about CO detectors HERE.
Clean Your Fireplace: A fireplace is a beautiful selling feature in the winter, but not if it is full of soot or the glass is dirty. Fireplace companies and professionals have various products and tools to use to keep your furnace clean (and safe) for use in the winter. If you have a GAS fireplace, you can even turn it on before a showing to create a nice cozy feeling.
Make Chocolate Brownies for the Showing Agent: Okay, I'm totally kidding on this one!! I don't think you have to leave baking or treats for us at showings! I find buyers often don't want to impose and eat snacks left out for us. Milk and cookies are great for Santa, but you don't need to leave them for us! If you did need to leave out something, wrapped chocolates or candies would be great. Just saying!

Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from you.

- Sara

Solid Winter Market Ahead?

Sara Kalke — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 00:39:50 -0600

Strong October Sales, Reduced Inventory Points to a Solid Winter Market

REALTORS® Association of Edmonton has just released their latest sales numbers (full news release below). Two numbers pop out at me in particular:

Residential sales this month were up 9.40% from the same month last yar
Listing inventory has dropped to 6,406 from the steady 7,000 - 8,000 numbers we have been seeing throughout the year.

Doubtless most of the inventory drop comes from the many sellers who were unsuccessful at selling over the summer taking their homes off the market (I have noticed a large volume of expired listings as usual at this time of year). That being said, I did notice that October was particularly busy, especially for buyers, and with many listings coming off the market, sellers just might have a better chance of selling now than they did a few months ago when there was much greater competition. That said, correct pricing and professional marketing can make all the difference in actually selling your home, not just letting it sit on the market through endless showings and frustrations.

I suspect that these numbers are pointing to a stable, solid winter market in Edmonton. Winter can be an awesome time to buy and sell, with more motivated players in the market. As our Association president said, the best time to make a move is when your life calls for it, so if it has, let me help you!

Questions, comments? Reach me here or via social media - just follow the links at the top of the page!

Sara

Nothing Scary in Halloween Housing Market

Edmonton, November 2, 2012: Even with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins running through the streets, homeowners could find refuge in the local housing market. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that housing prices in October were up compared to a year ago and are the highest in October in the past five years. The all residential average price for the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® was up 0.6% at $324,924 when compared to October 2011. The average price of a single family detached home was $372,061 up 2.1% over a year ago. Condos were priced on average at $234,177 which was an uptick of 1.8% from a month ago and up 5.4% from last October. Duplex/row house prices were down 1.1% Y/Y at $305,777.

“Homesellers are pleased that their property may be worth more than it has been in the past five years but homebuyers can plan their financing in an environment of small, steady price increases,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Doug Singleton. “The housing market is be-deviled in other centres but here in Edmonton both buyers and sellers find it heavenly. The pace of sales is steady, prices increase year-over-year, there is sufficient inventory and average days-on-market is reasonable.”

REALTORS® listed an average of 72 homes each day in October and sold an average of 44 per day. There were a total of 2,228 residential listings in October, with sales of 1,375 properties. As a result of lower listings and larger sales volumes, the month end residential inventory was down (-7.9%) from last month with 6,406 properties available. Days-on-market was an average of 61 and the sales to listing ratio was 62%. There was $447 million worth of residential property, $53 million of rural and $23 million of commercial property sold through the Edmonton MLS® in October.

“Life happens to us all,” said Singleton. “Unless you are an investor, the best time to buy or sell your home is when your lifestyle changes. No matter what your personal circumstances, your REALTOR® is here when life happens.”

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Activity (for all residential sales on Edmonton MLS® System)

October 2012		M/M % Change	Y/Y % Change
SFD² average selling price - month	$372,061	-2.10%	2.90%
SFD median³ selling price	$358,000	-0.40%	3.30%
Condominium average¹ selling price	$234,177	1.80%	5.40%
Condominium median selling price	$218,900	-1.80%	4.20%
All-residential⁴ average selling price	$324,924	-0.60%	2.10%
All-residential median selling price	$315,000	-0.30%	1.00%
# residential listings this month	2,228	-7.70%	4.60%
# residential sales this month	1,375	-4.40%	9.40%
# residential inventory at month end	6,406	-7.90%	-7.90%
# Total⁵ MLS® System sales this month	1,551	-5.10%	6.70%
$ Value residential sales this month	$447 Million	8.90%	11.70%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - month	$522 Million	8.20%	-30.50%
$ Value of total MLS® System sales - YTD	$6.25 Billion	10.00%	11.40%

Halloween Safety

Sara Kalke — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:42:02 -0600

With Halloween just a few days away, it's time to remember to keep those kids safe as they hit the streets for candy. Below are tips I just received from the Edmonton Police Newsletter - subscribe by clicking HERE.

Happy Halloween and may the candy be good!
Sara

Halloween Safety

The EPS would like to send out a friendly safety reminder so everyone can enjoy Halloween night this Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Tips for children

Carry a flashlight and cell phone.
Have an emergency plan if something bad happens – know who you can talk to or approach if you have any problems or get lost.
Let your parents/guardians know where you will be and stay in areas that you know and are comfortable with.
Ensure you can see through a mask or makeup.
Avoid wearing long capes or things that can be tripped on, or caught on things.
Empty your candy bag and check in often with your parents or friends’ parents.
Walk on well-lit streets and avoid alleys or dark areas.
Trick-or-treat on one side of the street, then cross to the other. Never criss-cross the street.
Don’t go to houses that don’t have lights on, or that you don’t think are safe.
Leave valuables at home (money, iPod’s).
Don’t carry anything that looks like a weapon.

Tips for parents

Accompany your kids trick-or-treating or ensure that they are with a responsible adult.
If your kids are older, outline a set area that they can go to and a timeframe to be home; ensure that your kids check in often (every 30 minutes) and know who they are with.
Provide your kids with a cell phone and a flashlight.
Have an early meal with your children prior to trick-or-treating. This will help discourage your child from sampling candy before you can check it.
Keep the lights on in your home – make it safe for other kids to come to your door.
Check the candy your child brings home – throw out anything that is opened, suspicious, or that you don’t recognize.
Make sure your kids are dressed for the weather.
Don’t allow your kids to carry anything that looks like a weapon.
Make sure that your kids costume(s): don’t drag on the ground, cannot be easily grabbed, and can’t get caught on things.
Encourage your children to choose light coloured costumes or costumes with reflective strips. These costumes are easier for drivers to see.
Consider face paint or make-up instead of a mask. A mask’s eyeholes can make it hard to see.
Remind your kids to stay in well-lit areas and out of alleyways.

Tips for adults

If you’re going out to celebrate, ensure you have a safe way to get home – public transit, taxi, or designated driver.
If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 to report it as part of our Curb the Danger program.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!