From the outside being a real estate agent seems easy.
I'm reminded of one of the poster boards set up near a drink station on the Drumheller Half Marathon which read "If it were easy, we would do it". That sign was at the 11 km mark of the 21 km run. Made me smile and added a little bit more of a spring in my step. Training for a fitness goal or weight loss goal is a lot like ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on September 13, 2011
"You always say now is the right time to buy, come on you're full of it"
I believe that real estate is a long term buy and hold investment so yes, buy now. The trick or "catch" if you're looking for one is the selling side of the equation. When should you sell or "cash in" is often of greater importnace than the buy.
Buying or selling real estate is also a personal decision. ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on August 5, 2011
The downtown district currently known as the Railyards is searching for a new name.
Red Deer’s Greater Downtown Action Plan, calls for new street and pedestrian connections to the riverfront, and a new pedestrian bridge linking parks areas to the developed city centre. The area presently known (or referred to as) The Railyards will become a high density residential district, with ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 29, 2011
How often have you heard that saying about real estate? Location, Location, Location.
The last few days I have been attending the Banff Western Connection Real Estate Conference and I've been thinking about "The Location". I just love Banff and coming here at all times of the year. I don't get to ski as near as often as I would like, but standing on top of the resorts here and ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on January 29, 2011
I've been a bit behind in blogging and getting the message out about the changes to real estate mortagge rules but here it is.
The summary of changes:
Amortization reduction from 35 years to 30
Ottawa would no longer guarantee insured mortgages with terms exceeding 30 years, compared to the present 35-year limit.
Home Equity Line of Credit capped at 85% and no longer insured by ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on January 21, 2011
Happy New Year!
What a finish to 2010. Red Deer MLS® Sales finished on a strong high note to end the otherwise lacklustre year. 2010 was a year many sellers and REALTORS® would like to forget. Just when we seemed to be turning the proverbial real estate corner the following month was a downturn. That up down cycle was hard on the industry, and sellers. For those ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on January 5, 2011
Quick Market update before we close the office for a few days for the Christmas break.
Sales in December have been heating up compared to the last two years. More buyers are taking advantage of their rate holds and the availability of quality Red Deer homes for sale. Sales of MLS® listings in the city of Red Deer are up 28% over 2009! Over the last couple of years 2010 is on ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on December 23, 2010
Christmas time may not seem like the ideal time to be hunting for a home. Many people will put there plans on hold because of the busy holiday season. However now more than ever maybe the ideal time to make your move.
Signs the Red Deer real estate market is changing:
Decrease in listing volume.
The number of listings available at any given time makes up "supply". ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on December 17, 2010
When you're up you're, and when you're down you're down.
2010 has been a year that looks like a roller coaster ride for MLS® sales volume in Red Deer. If you have been trying to sell your home it may not have been the fun ride you anticipated either. At the end of November the Red Deer real estate market for MLS® sales was a bright spot.
2010
100& ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on December 8, 2010
This morning it was -31C and the windchill put that even colder in the the -40's!
Is your home handling the cold?
Whether or not you are moving or just want to improve the heat in your home this year or next, here are a few things you can do:
Upgrade your furnace to a high efficiency,
I personally like the variable speed fan models. Less of a blast of the cold air when you turn ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on November 24, 2010