Jim Datlen - Blog

Real Estate Outlook: What to Expect in 2012

jim.datlen@century21.ca — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Over the last few weeks, I've been watching the real estate market slow down. Really - it's slowing down. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. You might not have heard about a market slow down in the media, and I agree. Often, I read articles in the media talking about the "hot" market etc, but they are reporting what has happened, and not what is happening.

But don't worry too much about a slowing market. It's simply slowing down to the point of almost no growth, it's not going to decline - for the next year at least. According to the latest Housting Outlook Report from Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation released on November 4th, resale market activity will hold steady in 2012. The number of sales is expected to decline by 2.2%, and prices will increase just very slightly by 1%. For the full CMHC report, just click here.

It is interesting to note that the market is slowly going to change from the sellers market that we experienced this past spring to a buyer's market by the 2nd half of next year. Right now, we're in a balanced market which means that correctly priced properties are now taking several weeks to sell, and properties that are slightly overpriced are just going to languish on the market. By the 2nd half of next year though, sellers will be competing against each other to get their properties sold. That doesn't necessarily mean a reduction in price, but it does mean that the house they are selling needs to be spotlessly clean, fresh-smelling, recently painted, and staged.

Another reason that sellers will need to ensure the house they are selling is perfect is that next year, only 55% of homes put on the market will actually sell. This is a decline from this year where 60.3% of homes will sell and from last year when 57.2% of homes put on the market actually sold.

So, I've given you a lot of boring numbers brought to you by a boring entity, the government. But these numbers do show that it is always a smart idea to make sure your house shows it's best when selling. The better it shows, the more likely you'll get your property sold.

To find out more about the staging and advertising packages that I offer, give me a call. I'm ready when you are.

The Japanese Earthquake & Tsunami - it affects us here in Ontario too

jim.datlen@century21.ca — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Recently, many north-east coastal towns and villages in Japan were wiped out by a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, killing almost 30,000 people.

This horrible natural disaster is a global disaster too. Much of the manufacturing industry in Canada relies on parts supplied by factories in Japan. These Japanese factories are now closed as the country deals with the situation. Without the parts supplied by these factories, our manufacturing industry in Canada will have to lay off workers, too. The layoffs and work slowdowns have already begun in the automotive sector - and it started with the "Big Three" North American companies i.e. Ford, GM & Chrysler - they use Japanese electronics in their cars.

The Japanese people are very proud and are trying their best to recover, without asking for help from the rest of the world. But this stubborn pride may hurt, too. They need our financial help to clean up, and to re-build homes and businesses.

By donating, you're not only helping the people of Japan but you're also indirectly helping our fellow Canadians in the manufacturing sector. I've donated, how about you?

To donate, visit the Canadian Red Cross website or the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Earthquake Relief Fund website today.

Start your Spring Garden a bit early

jim.datlen@century21.ca — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

While skiers and winter outdoor enthusiasts may feel a sense of sadness as winter draws to an end, the thought of spring flowers brings joy to the hearts of most gardeners.

Even though there may still be snow on the ground, it’s not too early to begin planning your garden and even planting it – indoors. Indoor planting is especially beneficial for those of us living in northern climates where the growing season is significantly reduced. Here are a few tips courtesy of the Ontario Real Estate Association to get your garden growing early.

Planting an indoor garden of seedlings is a relatively easy, fun and rewarding project. All you need are seeds and three basic things – soil, water and light to give your garden a head start this spring. Petunias, lobelia, marigolds, snapdragons and coleus are some of the most popular flowers to seed indoors in March. Other warm weather flowers can be started indoors in April.

Purchase seeds at your local garden center and plant them according to the package directions for germination time, planting depth, spacing and transplanting information. Sow the seeds in a good quality “soil-less” soil or starting mix that has been sterilized. Using soil from your garden is not advised since there is a possibility of introducing insects or disease to the seeds and the seedling plants. Seeds can be planted in a flat, tray, pot, egg carton or peat pot as long as it has proper drainage. Be sure to thoroughly clean the containers before use.

Seeds started indoors have the same basic requirements as outdoor seedlings – soil, water and light. However, indoor seedlings need a little more attention to artificially maintain an ideal growing environment. Once the seeds have been planted at the proper depth, moisten the soil with a light spray and keep them continually moist until they have germinated. Once germination takes place, simply water the plants as needed.

Seedlings need a lot of light to grow properly. When seedlings receive insufficient light they become tall and spindly or "leggy." Even if you have a window that receives full sun, you might need to supplement it with artificial light. Because it would be all but impossible to recreate the intensity of direct sunlight, you'll need much longer growing days to compensate. Use bulbs that are specifically made for growing plants and place them just a foot or so above your seedlings. You'll want to keep these lights on at least 14 hours a day. Fluorescent tubes are ideal because they won't produce as much heat which can quickly dry out your seedlings.

Wherever you decide to set up your indoor garden be sure it has good air circulation and the temperature ranges between 18C to 21C. Although you may be anxious, it’s important not to start seeds indoors too early. If they outgrow your flats or small pots you might try thinning them and transplanting the largest to bigger pots, but for the most part you want to plant them outside just as they become large enough to survive transplanting. This is generally four to six weeks after sowing, when they have at least two sets of true leaves. If you're aiming to plant towards the end of May, you probably shouldn't be starting seeds any earlier then late March.

Having the proper information and equipment will ensure your indoor garden’s success. Check with your local garden centre or a good gardening book for more tips and happy gardening!

It's All About Respect

jim.datlen@century21.ca — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Today, one of my friends posted a little story on Facebook that has inspired this blog. My friend encountered a rather nasty woman yelling at a senior citizen in a mall parking lot. The reason for the yelling? The nasty woman thought the senior gentleman in question was driving too slowly as he approached a pedestrian crossing at which the woman was waiting to cross. And, this nasty woman had the gall to follow the senior as he parked just so she could continue yelling at him. Wow.

My Facebook friend (I'll call her "D") stepped in and offered the senior gentleman an escort as he walked into the mall. D ignored the nasty yelling woman, turned her back on her and strolled with the gentleman into the mall.

When I read D's posting today, I was horrified that the senior citizen was harrassed by that nasty woman. And then, I immediately thought that it was just like D to step in and do the right thing.

I really like reading D's posts on Facebook, she has a lot of good tidbits that make you stop and think. And today's posting did just that. We need to remember that senior citizens are equal members of our society. Most seniors I know are still working to make our society better, too. Whether it's volunteer work, taking care of the grandkids or even still working for pay, the senior members of our society deserve more. Take a moment and think about the senior citizens in your life. Think about them, and then think about whether you're doing as much to better our world as our senior citizens have.

My friend D has. It's All About Respect.