Want to help sell your house? Get Lost!

Here is a tip that I think more home owners selling their home should take into account.  I was showing homes the other day in Tuscany when my clients and I entered a property where the seller thought it was OK to stay for the showing, and try to give us his own sales pitch.  Wrong move!  He totally came off on us like a used car salesman.  It completely turned my clients off and they left the house in such a hurry they didn't even put their shoes on.  In over ten years of being in the real estate business this has happens not a lot, but occasionally.  More so it seems when we are in a market where the houses aren't selling themselves.  needless to say my clients never bought that particular house.

Want to know what is the best thing you can do during showings of your home?
Make yourself scarce!

Ever shopped in a store where the employees clearly work on commission and almost seem to lurk in the background, watching your every move, while you shop? I am sure we can all name a few stores in Calgary that match this description.

This scenario doesn't really put you in the buying mood, does it?
It can be uncomfortable exploring a home when you also feel like you're being watched or given a strong sales pitch. Making buyers feel comfortable when looking for a home is absolutely essential. Buying a home is not like buying a car. It's a huge personal decision that is stressful enough without someone trying to sell you a home you just stepped foot it. Buyers tend to have little interest in asking you questions about your property because the answers you provide will certainly be biased in some way. This is why you have hired a Realtor to represent you and your home. Now is the time to step back and let him or her do just that! 

Hope this helps the used car salesman out there.

Have a great day,

Nevin Van Nest . Realtor . Royal LePage Foothills

This posting is further to the Calgary Average & Median Sale Price Graph below. 

The Calgary real estate market has changed significantly in the past couple years.  With such high market increases everyone is left wondering, is the market going to increase...decrease.... or stay the same.  To give a little insight here is an overall snapshot of the Calgary real estate market from 2000 - 2008 and my opinion of what is going to happen this year.

As we proceed into 2008 there will also be additional content posted to my main blog http://www.calgaryrealestateonline.ca/ which will represent the month to month patterns we are seeing in 2008.

Feel free to check out the Calgary Market Prices and Trends 2000 - 2008 graph by clicking HERE.

2008 YTD

So far this year the forecast remains positive and we are seeing housing inventory absorbed relatively quickly as long as they are priced accurately.  After the seller's market we have been experiencing for the past couple years buyers are now very cautious, and well informed on areas and the market before they buy.  If a property is overpriced buyers are not going to jump all over it with offers, and ultimately the property will sit on the market while others around it sell. Now more than ever sellers must be careful were they are pricing their home.

As we proceed further into the 2008 we will have a better idea of what is in hold for the Calgary real estate market.  Right now it is difficult to put a figure on how much the market will go up or down, but I can almost be certain we won't see huge gains like we experienced in 2006 & 2007. I believe the now corrected market will regain its composure in 2008, and we will see modest gains in the range of 5% - 8%.  However if inventory levels increase dramatically like we saw in the fall of 2007 then the prices may start to decrease. Supply and is really what it all boils down to in the end.

I hope you find this information useful.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me or post your comments here on the blog.  

Nevin Van Nest . Realtor . Royal LePage Foothills

Hello and Welcome to my Calgary real estate blog!  I decided to write a Calgary real estate related blog after following a excellent Calgary housing blog for many months "The Calgarian Contrarian".  In 10 years of being a Realtor I had never seen a website or blog that posted such pertinent information on the Calgary market.  The Contrarian wasn't hosted by a Realtor but the content was rich and very informative. He obviously followed the market closely and was able to convey accurate information to the public in a timely manner. After enjoying his blog for many months the author decide to discontinue writing due to a new addition in his family....  a baby girl.  There is no better reason to retire from the blogging world in my opinion.  Congrats Contrarian!! 

 My goal for this blog is somewhat similar to the Calgarian Contrarian's.  The blog along with my website http://www.nevinvannest.com/  (The Calgary Real Esate Resource Website) is to convey to the public true and accurate information on the Calgary real estate market prices and trends.  Over the coming weeks there will be many additions posted to the blog and website.  Don't hold back, if you have any questions, comments or suggestion on topics or information you would like to see posted, feel free to let me know.   After all... this blog is here for everyone to enjoy, experience and gain from. I look forward to seeing everyone's posts in the near future.

Thank you,

Nevin Van Nest . Realtor . Royal Lepage Foothills