Patrick's Real Estate Blog

More web presence

2008-07-23T13:19:30Z

If you use the web as much as I do you're looking at new content daily and implementing what you see, read, and hear into your life on a daily basis.

Being committed to internet as a tool for marketing propeties and informing buyers and sellers is a priority for me.

Feel free to look at the following endeavors and see some examples of the services availabel to all my clients.

My Century Web, there you can search all my listings and Century 21 Listings with emphasis on photos.
You Tube Channel
Blogging and more Blogging, providing real estate information and community information for buyers and selelrs.
Virtual Tours
Full MLS Search
Facebook

Thanks for your feedback and support, and I look forward to providing more and learning more.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Strong sales or listings?

2008-07-23T13:05:19Z

MLS Stats: More listings available for buyers to look at. A common question we hear today is can I write an offer subject to the sale of my home? More often the answer is yes. While this may not be an acceptable term in an offer for every seller it is quite common. The Red Deer market place is such that buyers can find the house that they really want and trade up. A contrast to 2006 and part of 2007 where buyers "dream homes" were scarce and they had to settle for a home that may not have met all their needs. Today you can find a better fit if so needed.

January 1, to July 1, 2008. Red Deer New Listings: 2174

January 1, to July 1, 2007. New Listings: 1786 a 21.72% Increase.

While it is considered to be a buyers market, sales do happen and are quite strong. Below the record levels of 2007 but above or on par with those seen in 2006. 2008 is a still a good year for selling in Red Deer.

Red Deer MLS Sales January 1 - July 1

2008, 1092 listings Sold

2007, 1342 listings sold, a decrease of 18.63%

Shopping around for a Realtor? A busy office is often the better choice. A busy office has agents working with buyers and sellers and despite a slow down they remain focused and attentive. Century 21 Advantage has been focused on ensuring their agents are knowledgeable and informed to help you through the selling process. Century 21 Advantage MLS residential (all areas): Listings YTD 2007: 312 listings Listings YTD 2008: 440 listings a 41% Increase Sales (Listings Sold) YTD 2007: 348 Sales (Listings Sold) YTD 2008: 362 a 4% increase.

For a real estate consultation feel free to schedule an appointment at your convenience through our office at 403-346-0021.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Penhold and Springbrook Real Estate Update:

2008-06-02T15:38:53Z

Saturday May 31 I had the pleasure of speaking to the attendees at the community breakfast. There were approximately 60 residents in attendance. The topic of discussion was that of an economic update with myself being asked to give a Real Estate update.

I'm always happy to discuss real estate and changes in the market place with home ownes so I enjoyed the opportunity to do so.

The house prices in the area have risen substantially over the years. Our data from the MLS board goes back to 1989. Back in 1989 the average house sale price in Penhold was $57,071. Springbrook was still operating as CFB Penhold. Penhold was and still is an affordable alternative to the larger City of Red Deer. Red Deer's average sale price in 1989 was $95,459.

Jumping to the first recorded MLS sales data for Springbrook in 1997, the average home sold for $61,425 in Springbrook. At that time the sales consisted of townhouses and half duplexes. Penhold's average sale price of houses was considerably higher at $86,432. Still more affordable than bigger brother Red Deer. Red Deer's average sale price for single family homes in 1997 was $131,499.

In 2000, sales and new development were occurring in Springbrook, as we entered into a prosperous new Millennium. Springbrook's single family homes sold for an average of $112,777 in 2000. Very close to the level of the more established Town of Penhold's average house selling price of $115,257. Again Red Deer maintained that $40,000 difference with sales average in 200 reported at $157,993.

So from 1989 to 2000 or the 90's, house prices in Red Deer climbed 65%. This is pretty substantial growth during a time when we were not in experiencing a "boom". Penhold's prices doubled over that same decade (101.95%).

For the whole story please visit my blog located here. You can subscribe to updates to my blog by clinking here:

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Patrick Galesloot

I have a Sump Pump

2008-05-25T22:56:26Z

This house has a sump pump, is that a good thing or bad? What is a sump pump and what is it doing in my house?

Common questions that I have heard from buyers. Depending on the age and location of your home you may have a sump pump.

A sump pump is, a pump that moves water from a basement sump pit.

Ok a sump pit is...?

A sump pit, commonly found in the home basement, is simply a hole to collect water. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the pit, or may arrive because of rain or because of natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.

Below the water table??? What the??

Ok don't panic. The water table in central Alberta is High. Higher than in other areas, and if you have lived in a house in Central Alberta I would venture a guess that you had or have a sump pump. You will find homes with sump pumps in just about every neighborhood of Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds, Springbrook, Penhold, and Innisfail. I could name more but I might as well say "Central Alberta". They are common and no cause for alarm.

For more on the Sump Pump situation see my Real Estate Blog.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

And yes I have a sump pump :-)

Selling in May have you calling out May Day??

2008-05-25T22:01:25Z

Frustrated selling in a buyers market? Understandable emotion. Perhaps a more closer look at the weekly stats, and market place numbers and comparing them from 2006 to now will help.

In Red Deer, May was/is , and not your typical movie fare, but when it comes to new listings 2008, is a block buster of a year.

It wasn't that long ago we were in a heated seller's market, we only have to look as far back as 2006. Then we started transitioning out of that frenzy in 2007 to today's buyer's market. Each market has it's good points and bad depending on the side of the transactional fence you are sitting. For those sitting on the selling transactional fence it can be tough pill to swallow. many are scratching there heads wondering what should I do, or what can I do to sell my house.

Sales are still strong this year there is no doubt about it. Interest rates are quite low and despite the sub prime crisis south of the border many Canadian buyers are still able to take advantage of buying zero down. I you are buying today you have much to be thankful for. I think it's important to look at how we got to where we are with this increase in inventory otherwise known as excess supply in the supply an demand world of economics.

In 2006 the weekly market of new listings and those being sold had a very narrow gap. Often the number of homes sold surpassed new listing coming onto market. In the height of things at least two buyers were available for every home. The average home owner (looking to own a home to live in) and the speculator (buying for an opportunity to sell for a quick profit).

To read more complete with statistical graphs visit my real estate blog, click here,

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

April open for business and business was...

2008-05-08T12:30:15Z

Good. Sales were down from record 2007 sales volume, but well above 2006 numbers.

Here at Century 21 Advantage, we led the way with listings sold in Red Deer. Out of the 220 properties sold in April Century 21 Advantage sold 56 which is a little over 25%.

How does this compare to what the market is like or what is every one else doing? Well today we see a total of 785 properties available in the City of Red Deer with 70 of those with conditional offers. That is great selection for buyers, and increased competition for the sellers who are striving to be part of the 220 sold. The number of sales is down from the 242 in April 2007 (-9.09%).

We expect the story of increased selection for buyers to dominate the real estate landscape here in Central Alberta for some time. We are still in a buyers market, and what a buyers market it is. Now is a great time for people to buy. Interest rates have decreased a full point since early March. Oil prices and crop prices are high creating economic conditions favourable to those industries. The products available for buyers 25, 30 and 40 year mortgages are readily available as well as there still are zero down mortgages available through CMHC. The vacancy rate is less than 2.5% in Red Deer which is great for investors.

So if you are buying you can buy with confidence in my opinion. You have the luxury of selection, low borrowing costs, and negotiating power. The sellers should not be in a panic however patience and grounded expectations should be the norm. 2007 sales volume was a record, we may be down but we're far from out.

April Sales volume comparison:

2006: 176 properties

2007: 242 properties

2008: 220 properties

More on the Red Deer Real Estate market please visit www.patrickgalesloot.com or my Red Deer Real Estate Blog

Tax Increase on the horizon for City of Red Deer

2008-04-28T15:47:07Z

Tax Increase on the horizon for City of Red Deer

The City of Red Deer is in the midst of a growth spurt. Through the 90's they like many communities the city held the line on taxes. Now with increases in population and further pressure on infrastructure and City services, Red Deer is facing a tax increase of up-to 7%. Quite a hike compared to other increases we face, but a needed one for long term prosperity. I don't think anyone likes to see increases in taxes, and especially not a 7% increases. I'm surprised cities are not embracing municipal legislation that limits the annual increases to a function of cost of living or other rates. It's popular to decrease or not increase the taxes, but at what price. A ceiling on increases such as the cost of living plus 1 maybe an option or simply not to exceed 5%. Puts added pressure on councils to be more creative or manage not just for today or their term but for the future.

Red Deer getting Greener

2008-04-27T00:51:47Z

Red Deer is divided by the Red Deer River which creates are lush attractive parkland community. Not to sit by and let this precious resource by squandered. The City of Red Deer recently approved measures to conserve water.

Council moved the following bylaws this week.

"That Bylaw 3215/B-2008 be read a first time. (Proposed amendment to the Utility Bylaw. Requirement for Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures for new construction or renovation projects that require a plumbing permit for a residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional structure)."

The Council also set up a rebate program for residences to switch form older higher water user toilets to more efficient models.

"Resolved that the Council of the City of Red Deer after considering the report from the Environmental Initiatives Coordinator, dated April 11, 2008 Re: 1) Utility Bylaw 3215/98 - Amendment 3215/B-2008 - Requirement for Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures / 2) Toilet Rebate Program, hereby establishes the residential toilet rebate program, to commence July 1, 2008 with rebates of $50 for a 6 litre toilet and $100 for a dual flush toilet."

You can find all the council minutes at the city's website www.reddeer.ca.

What affect does this have on you and I in our home?

The number of people asking about energy efficiency has been increasing every year particularly in new homes. The average home buyer and owner has been focused on heating and improving or lowering their respective energy bills. If you have been considering a renovation of your bathroom I would encourage you to not only update the look and style of your bathroom but also include efficient fixtures such as the low flow toilets mentioned above. The new toilets not only will reduce water bills for the home owner but also provide home owners with a new fixture which is both attractive and low maintenance compared to that big 1977 tank. Updating your home attracts more buyers in the future and makes your home more likely to sell. Low bills, increased resale potential, is great for all.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

.50% drop in Interest rates...means to you

2008-04-22T12:48:17Z

Today's announcement was a big one when it comes to decreases in the lending rate. The Bank of Canada reduced its benchmark lending rate by a half-percentage point to 3.0 percent. This is the second time in a row, the Bank of Canada has cut the overnight rate by 50bps, bringing the target rate to 3.00%. This is the first time since 2001 that the Bank has seen fit to cut rates by a full percentage point in just six weeks time.

While interest have been low for a long time the additional decrease means that the average home owner and purchaser will save considerably. If your mortgage is coming up for renewal you have an opportunity to reduce your mortgage payment or the amortization with the decrease in interest rates.

It also means that more buyers can qualify. It's no secret that housing costs have risen dramatically while lending rates have slowly crept up. This significant drop in interest rates allows more people to qualify than before. See the example below:

Mortgage principal of $300,000 at 5.75% interest rates your payment would be approx. $1875. With a .50% reduction the same $300,000 at 5.25%, your payment would be approx $1787. That same $1875 at 5.25% interest rate would actually increase your borrowing ability form $300,000 to $312,892. That's a 4% increase in buying power!

A brief look at the market for February saw an increase in listings, listings sold, as well as the average house price. With the average price of a home being $368,172, for the month of February, and there was 115 Single Family Homes sold. The average list price was $374,862. More in depth analysis of the market to follow. However it appears that we have all gotten used to higher house prices and they are not dropping drastically and in many cases not at all. With more affordable borrowing costs the average buyer has more buying power, and that is a good thing. Combine this with the increased spring selection and now is a great time to find the home you've been looking for.

If you were pre-approved in February and have slowly been searching for your next home, it's probably a great time to revisit your bank and talk about interest rates. For more on the bank of Canada visit: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/index.html

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Credit Cards, the free gift effect

2008-04-21T14:51:23Z

We walk by those "Enroll now and get a free gift" credit card tables all the time. If I have all those department store cards, how does that affect me? Does this "potential" debt capacity matter? What if I never use them? I just signed up to get the free Hockey Jersey or other "Free Gift".

The question back to you or I is, are you using them? Are you carrying a balance? At the end of the day it all adds up. If you are carrying multiple balances and multiple minimum payments this can affect your mortgage application.

My advice would be get rid of all the little cards and just keep the necessity ones.

How many credit cards are too many?

This is a tough question to answer, because there is no magic number of cards one should have or use. A good rule of thumb is to keep it between two and six cards. Having multiple cards can help you keep your credit score at a higher number. For example if you are looking a purchasing new furniture, and the cost for the furniture is $2000. If you have 2 credit cards with a credit limit of $2000, you are better off splitting the cost onto the 2 cards to keep the balance from getting close to the limit. Having the balance below 60% of your credit limit will help keep your score strong.

If I have a Sears, Bay, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Peoples, Esso, and Petro Canada Cards am I a higher credit risk because I have these cards?

Having multiple department store cards does not necessarily put you in a higher credit risk category. If all of these are cards that were applied for at one time and it was in the last year, chances are You credit score took a bit of a hit. Having new credit cards reporting on your credit bureau can lower your score, as your score is calculated based on payments made over time. If you have a new department store card that has only been open for 2 months you will not have a repayment history with that credit company yet.

One thing to watch with department store cards is make sure your payments have been made on time, every time. I have seen so many instances where a company will put a late payment on your credit report for paying 1 day late. This could be the payment was made with internet banking on the due date but the payment took a couple days to get to the credit company. Obviously, late payments are not what you want on your credit report.

What If I filled out the application for the "Free Gift" but never used them?

Free gifts are nice but be careful when you do this. Applying for department store cards can take up to 20 points off your credit score. If you have credit cards on your report that are not being used, you are not showing a repayment history, which could hold back your credit score a bit.

So, is that free Calgary Flames T-shirt worth it?

Thanks again to Scott Bourke at Regional Mortgage for assisting in answering. You can reach Scott at Regional Mortgage in Red Deer 1- 866-343-1125 or online at www.regionalmortgage.ca

Your Friend In Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Your Credit Score and You

2008-04-21T11:12:20Z

When working with buyers the question will come up have you spoken with your bank about whether or not you are qualified for the price level you are shopping in? This can be a conversation that happens at one of our first meetings and really it should. The challenge can be the buyer may be reluctant to part with this information until they get to know us, or simply they just don't know.

The first step in your buying process should involve a consultation with a mortgage specialist. I recently had an opportunity to speak with Scott Bourke a Mortgage Specialist with a local Mortgage Broker here in Red Deer, Regional Mortgage. The interview is below. I was specifically interested in credit for this interview.

Scott, I'd like to ask you about credit scores. Often we here terminology or phrases such as "good credit" or "bad credit". Can you give me examples of what a good score is and a bad score and what makes that up?

First, Your credit is based on a point system that is calculated based on your repayment history, and usage on your current credit (loans, Credit Cards, and Line of Credits). A "good credit score" is usually around the 600 point mark, and above. Usually, if you are under that 600 mark you have some blemishes on your credit, for example, Maybe you have some late payments on some loans or credit cards. It could mean you have a collection outstanding on your credit, or your credit balances are close to or over your credit limit.

Over time I can improve my score by?

The best way to improve your credit score is to make your payments on time, and try and keep your amounts owing on revolving credit (credit cards) at about 60% of the limit. For example if you have a credit card with a $1000 credit limit try and keep the balance around the $600 mark if you need to carry a balance. The closer you are to your credit limits will result in lowering your credit score. Also try and stay away from applying for too much credit, too many enquiries could also lower your score.

What are the benefits to having a good, better or best credit rating for me when I apply for a mortgage?

Your difference in score will really help you when you are applying for a mortgage because the better your score, the more banks that will want to have you as a customer. If you are under the 600 mark, that takes away a lot of the banks that are looking to lend you money. It also makes it a little more difficult to get insurance on the mortgage (required if you have less than a 20% down payment). If you are at the 680 mark, every bank wants you and that will give you a lot more options. Also if you are under the 600 mark, you could be looking at higher interest rates or insurance premiums.

What happens if I want to buy a house with my spouse and I have "bad" credit and she falls under the "good" credit category?

This is a really tough question to answer. The lenders will usually look at the higher income earner and most of the weight will fall on that person. If the higher income earner is the one with the good credit, they should be able to still qualify for a mortgage with discounted rates and fall within the insurers guidelines. If the higher income earner is the one with the poor credit, we could be looking at higher interest rates, or have to work on getting the credit fixed before proceeding with a mortgage.

What is the benefit for me in monitoring my credit score an how do I do that?

The benefit to monitoring your own credit score would be, to understand what is going on with your credit and payments. It is also good for you to check your credit once or twice a year just to make sure that there has not been any credit fraud against you. Check for credit cards that you did not apply for or loans that are not yours. You can check those by visiting Equifax's web site at www.equifax.ca. Enquiries that you pull yourself do not effect your credit score.

What is the most common credit score or rating that you come across and can you describe what type of person that would be?

The credit score that most people have is in the 650 to 750 mark. These are people that have made their payments on time have a couple credit cards maybe one of the cards is getting close to the limit, or a new loan that they just received. If you can get, or keep your score at a 680 mark, that is where you would like to try and keep it.

Thank You
Scott Bourke
Mortgage Consultant
Regional Mortgage Corporation
403-343-1125 Office
403-598-1055 Cell
403-343-1126 Fax
866-343-1125 Toll Free

www.regionalmortgage.ca

If you would like to see more Q&A on real estate I'd be happy to look into them for you. I trust this helps answer some of the questions you may have regarding credit and what it means to you. Thank You Scott for your help.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Does owning a "Green Home" matter??

2008-04-18T17:00:07Z

I been thinking more about this "Green" housing. I started wondering does owning a "Green Home" matter?

Actually, yes it does. Not strictly as an environmental good thing but for day to day living and increased equity I think yes putting green initiatives in your home make a difference.

From a selling stand point should you change the furnace out?
Yes. In today's competitive market having infrastructure such as a new furnace can help make the difference in your property selling. It's one less thing for the buyer to do. If your home is likely to fall in a price range that is filled with first time buyers do those first time buyers really have more money to set aside for a new furnace??

Looking at it from a buyer stand point, most would not pay more for a home with a newer furnace (mid efficient), however they would want to pay less for a home with an old furnace. That is to say a buyer would use the old furnace as a reason for them to pay less. Justify their low offer so to speak. In a sense a buyer would want the seller to have done the work and invested their money in a new furnace, and upgraded insulation etc... rather than see it as an opportunity for themselves to increase their long term equity position.

Other "Green" aspects that buyer wants in a home?

On demand hot water or tank less hot water system. Nice to have unless it is an older home with conventional plumbing. (ie no dedicated lines and pressure balance manifold)
R 40 insulation or higher in attic
Added insulation in walls and siding
New windows (no more aluminum sliders and wood panes)
Direct vent dryer hose
finished basement (insulated)

Perhaps the more accurate question is will owning a "Green home" increase my bottom line when I sell?

What green initiatives would you like to see on your home or your next home?

Your Friend in Real Estate
Patrick Galesloot

Some Green Resources:

www.treehugger.com
www.cagbc.org Canada Green Building Council
www.abcagbc.org the Alberta Chapter of the Green Building Council
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

New www.Century21.ca

2008-03-08T09:32:22Z

Recently the new www.Century21.ca launched and with that I have been blogging thererather than here. It seems to be working great and rather than duplicate entries I am attempting to import from my other blog rather than the typical cut and paste.

You can view my bog at: http://www.century21.ca/patrick.galesloot/blog

Or subscribe to the feed: http://www.century21.ca/patrick.galesloot/blog/rss

Thank Patrick

Red Deer Alberta, a great place to live

2007-09-22T11:16:46Z

Red Deer lies in the "parkland" of Alberta. Evident when driving North from Calgary on The QE2 highway, you are welcomed by rolling hills, green fields and trees galore. A rather sharp contrast to the prairie fields of southern Alberta. The trees that are abundant in Red Deer, and the lush river valley are not the only attractions to the area. Red Deer had some distinct architecture, fixtures, parks and features. It's many of these parks, and green spaces that make Red Deer unique and a great place to live. The "Green Onion" is one such landmark that is both functional and a feature. The large green water tower has been affectionately dubbed the Green Onion by many. Sitting on top of the hill in a mature area known as Mountview, many kids have used it as a guide to find there way back from Kin Kanyon, Rotary Park, and for those of us old enough the old Westerner Exposition grounds.

Is the Sky Falling In Alberta??

2007-09-18T21:11:42Z

Alberta is the talk of all my friends and relatives from out of province. After escaping to the Okanagan for a family holiday, I heard over and over "How's the market?" or "Market is declining now?”

So what is going on here in Red Deer?

Lots!

The biggest recommendation I can make to clients is to be informed and have realistic expectations regarding time on market and price. Long gone is the day where the price was the starting price, and increases in value were measured as an hourly rate. However, conditions are ripe for buying and selling in Red Deer and area.

So far this month in Red Deer, there has been 159 properties sold this month with an average sale price of $314,346, and an average days on market of 36 days. Compared to the same time frame in August 2006 we are selling more properties. That’s correct more!

From August 1 – 27^th, the date at which I am researching this data, in 2006 there were 145 reported sales, an average price of $250,490 and days on market of 23.

Don’t let the rumor mill sway you from buying today. In fact the time is fantastic for buyers. The interest rates are still low at 5.74% for 5 year rates with anticipated rate increases having been put on hold. The financial reports from the province state that we have a surplus. Not just a little one either, this despite large increases in spending by the province.

On a local level, Penhold is the little town that can. Penhold has been lagging behind in growth in comparison to Blackfalds, and Sylvan Lake, but 2007 is Penhold’s year. The Red Deer Advocate recently reported that there is a “Penhold building boom”. They are currently experiencing a 260% increase in building permits from 2006. Penhold is not standing still at that either with plans to annex more land, and aggressively pursue major infrastructure for schools and recreation as well as commercial and industrial.

The biggest benefit to buyers today from 2006 is selection. The market is definitely more competitive with more offerings for buyers in every price category. Buyers can breathe, and make a decision this year. A welcome change from last years bidding frenzy.

Those conditions were exciting for sellers no doubt, but this year it is equally as exciting. Today sellers have the luxury of trading up or downsizing without hesitation or fear of homelessness. Many residents in 2006 were skeptical of selling as it was indeed hard to find a home. In 2007 we are seeing more and more home owners moving up with confidence.

Other notable indicators of a healthy economy, as reported from the provinces economy update:

New motor vehicle sales in Alberta rose by 3.4% in June
Alberta’s shipments still rose by 3.8% in the first half of the year, mainly due to increases in petroleum and coal and chemical products.
Nymex Natural Gas C$/MMBtu * September Contract August 17, 2007 $7.55, up from August 10, 2007 $7.09

It’s a great time to live in Alberta and call it home. If you have any comments or questions feel free to send them my way.

Move with confidence call us at Century 21 Advantage today.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Patrick Galesloot

Red Deer summer to do list for July.

2007-07-03T12:10:05Z

If you are new to Red Deer, or just planning a get away to our fine area here are a few places, and things that you may want to add to your list.

Westerner Days Fair & Exposition, July 18 - 22. Much more than an old time country fair but still has that look and feel. Midway rides, chuckwagons, agri shows, and affordable family fun. http://westerner.ab.ca/
Kinsmen Discovery Kanyon, An amazing facility for family fun. Best described as water slide and splash pool. One of the best feature is that it is free!! Pack a lunch and your inner tube and have a splash. http://reddeerkinsmen.com/parks_details.php?id=16
Sylvan Lake 1/2 Ironman Triathlon, July 20th - July 21st. http://www.sylvanlaketri.com/
Markerville Creamery Day Camps, July 4, 11, 18, 25. Markerville is a short 15 minute drive east from Penhold or Innisfail. Great for liesurely tours. Be sure to continue on to...
Red Deer Summer CentreFest, July 27, 28 & 29. offer the most fun filled three days you can spend this July! http://www.centrefest.ca/

Of course there is lots more to see and do. Visit Heritage Ranch, Mackenzie Trail, Fort Normandeau, Sunnybrook Farm, and the ever popular paddle boats at Bower Ponds.

Tips for Moving With Kids

2007-07-03T11:10:05Z

As the school year comes to an end, the start of summer brings "Moving Day" for lots of kids-and with it a multitude of concerns and unknowns. Every child two years of age or older, depending on the child's abilities and development, should take part in family discussions and help plan for the move. Expert advice on moving with children can help make the move a positive adventure for all and a true family affair.

Looking Forward To Your New Home

If your children don't accompany you on a preliminary visit, take pictures of your new home and community.
Research your new community so you can talk about the neighborhood, the house, the schools, local areas of interest, and the benefits your family will enjoy in your new home.
Involve your children in plans to decorate their new bedrooms or play areas.

Leaving Your Old Home

Let your kids tell the neighborhood that you're moving.
Let them help plan for the care of plants and/or pets during the move.
Help them collect contact information of their friends and neighbors (don't forget e-mail addresses).

Coping With Moving Day

While packing and unpacking are in progress, consider having a sitter or friend watch your infants or younger children.
Keep kids busy while helping them feel part of the move! Let younger kids color, put stickers on their boxes, or make box labels, so they can be immediately recognized among the plethora of boxes and be removed from the moving van.
Prepare a "ready box" that is the last packed and first off the van. This box should be stocked with things you will need immediately upon arrival.

More Information:

C21SmoothMoves.com offers parents tips on talking to their kids about moving; insight into how children might feel about a move; separate advice for moving during the summer and during the school year; and recommendations on how to make the new house feel like home. (www.Century21SmoothMoves.com)

Over Pricing Home Today Ensures it is Staying on Red Deer's Housing Market!

2007-06-18T16:08:41Z

When it comes to pricing your home, you'll find lots of "experts." The neighbors may want you to set a high price, thinking it will make their homes more valuable. Your company may encourage you to set a lower price so the home will sell quickly and you can move to your new assignment. You might be thinking in terms of what you paid for your home, how much you've spent on it, or how much profit you want from it.

But who sets the price? When you put your house on the market, you set the asking price. But it is the market that determines the selling price. If the asking price is set correctly, the house is likely to sell fairly quickly. If set too high, the house may languish on the market, unseen by the right buyers.

Pricing It Right

A correct asking price is crucial to a timely sale. That's where we come in. But how do we know how to advise you on price?

First, we look at the prices brought by similar homes recently sold in the area, and compare their features to those in your home.
Then we survey the competition, seeing what homes are currently on the market, how they compare to yours and how long they have been up for sale.
Next we look at how the number of buyers compares to the supply of homes for sale.
We take stock of the direction of the market. Are prices rising or falling? Are homes selling quickly for the asking price?
Finally, we look at the incentives other sellers are offering, such as paying some closing costs, and what conveys with the property, like draperies or washer and dryer.

As you noticed neither how much you paid for your home nor how much money you wish to profit from the sale affect the market value of your home.

Avoid "Testing The Market"

Many times, sellers are tempted to price their homes a little high in hopes of getting more money from the sale. But often the opposite happens, and they sell - after a long time on the market - at a price below what the home would have sold for if it had been priced correctly at first. This is because most buyers look only at homes they can afford.

If a home is overpriced, many potential buyers don't bother to consider it because the asking price is above what they can afford to pay.
Buyers who do tour the overpriced home see that it doesn't measure up to others in the same price range.
By pricing the home close to market value, on the other hand, the sellers make the most of their best opportunity to sell to the home's true market during the highest traffic period - the first weeks after the new listing comes out. That's when real estate agents call in the buyers they have been working with to see what's new on the market.

For a personal pricing consultation, please give us a call or send an e-mail question of your own. We'd like to help you price your home right from the start.