It's always a thrill to be able to help first time home owners find their first home. It always takes me back to when De and I found our first home. We really didn't know what was happening or what we were doing, and really kind of shocked to know we COULD own a house. That was 1996, in a market place that was more a buyers market than a sellers. Interest rates back then were ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 30, 2009
Last week in real estate was a busy week. Sales increased, pending sales increased, and new listings slowed down just a bit. It ads up to a good week.
Overall sales numbers continue the April trend that saw us mirror the sales results of 2006. With interest rates continued to be fore-casted at record lows, and oil prices steadily climbing, the so called spring fling market blip is turning out ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 26, 2009
If you are getting a mortgage and putting less than 20% down on that home purchase you were required to get mortgage insurance. This insurance is provided through two companies, one being CMHC.
Who is CMHC?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada's national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada's post-war housing shortage, ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 22, 2009
Days on Market is a measure of sales typically an average number. A better measure may be the "median" rather than an "average". The average DOM for April sales was 44 days while the median DOM for April was 40 days. An indicator that buyer's are looking and buying at those listings that are "fresh" on the market. On the Red Deer MLS® system we have our housing data sorted ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 17, 2009
One of the more frequently asked questions I and my peers receive is "How long has it been on the market?", and another is "how long will it take to sell my home?". Both questions essentially centered around "days on market" (DOM). Days on Market (DOM) is reported on sold properties, and not often calculated on active properties. The days on market for active properties can be influenced ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 16, 2009
Just in time for the long weekend, Stats.
As you can see, the market is looking up. All in all there has been lots of activity. Busy open houses, and lots of buyers taking advantage of the record low interest rates. The spring like conditions are also bringing more would be sellers to market. New listings increased by 31% form the week before, while sales increased 16%.
Pending ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 13, 2009
Moving from one house to another is always a challenge, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here are some simple tips on how to get it done with minimal stress and strain.
Look at all the alternatives: hiring a moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself. Whichever alternative makes most sense for you, get bids from more than one vendor.
A few days before ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 9, 2009
Welcome to May! April is always a mixed bag when it comes to weather. We had snow, followed by double digits and temps into low 20's for a brief period, then frigid snow again. We were up and out BBQing, then hunkered down while the chill was in the air. Interest rates mean while remained low, and dropped slightly. Happy home buyers can now lock in for under 4% with rates ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 3, 2009
What a gorgeous day it was to be outside for our inaugural "Shredathon".
The shredding event we dubbed "Shredathon" is a new concept in Red Deer and area for the most part. The response was well received by those that attended.
The shredding was free courtesy of Merlin Shredding, and co sponsored by us, Cenutury 21 Advantage. All that we asked was you bring your shredding to us, your ...
Posted by Patrick Galesloot
on May 2, 2009