The Hot St. John's Market Takes A Breather - 02/26/09 07:26 AM
According to the Senior Market Analyst with CMHC, the fourth quarter average MLS® prices in St. John's surged 27% to $193,529 compared to $152,160 during the fourth quarter of 2007, representing the only growth market in Canada. 
Prices spiked in the 2008 as there were often multiple buyers for the same home leading to a bidding war which contributed to the significant rise in average prices for the year.  In light of this, real estate in St. John's, NL was one of the best places to have been invested in North America in 2008.    
Thus far in 2009, market demand has weakened allowing for a more moderate pace of sales.  As well, inventory has began to rise and … (0 comments)

A Badge Of Honour For The Taking - 02/24/09 07:05 PM
Have you ever thought of going to the Far East?  I am not talking about the Far East from whence the wise men came with a caravan of gifts for Jesus.  I'm talking about the far east of North America where you can acquire the badge that says "I Have Seen the East and Really Lived!"  OK, perhaps there is no real badge, but there should be!  If there were, it would be awarded to those who had gone to the most easterly point in North America. 
I have heard some in the media refer to the east coast of Canada … (8 comments)

Oh Canada, O! Say Can You See? - 02/20/09 08:02 AM
Well, the highly anticipated visit of US President Barack Obama finally happened today. He and the Canadian Prime Minister, Steven Harper met with the press to answer a barrage of questions about our inter country relations, bilateral trade, border security, the environment, the war in Afghanistan, energy demands and of course, not the least of importance, the economy.
After listening to them eloquently address the multiple questions skilfully crafted by the press, I felt as though we Canadians and Americans were very good friends. One might even say the best of friends.There was so much warmth between the state leaders that … (2 comments)

Living In The Atlantic Ocean. It Has Its Moments! - 02/14/09 07:32 AM
Here we are; right in the middle of the Atlantic!  Not literally of course, but we in Newfoundland are surrounded by the frigid sea.  Once a year our lives are marked by the anniversary of a life altering event thrust upon us all.  It punctuates the fact that we live right here.  We know this Atlantic well with all its complexities like we know our lot in life.  We know its beauty, its power, its abundance toward all.  But this day we remember the Atlantic Ocean most for its wild and cruel temperament.      
On Feb 15th, 1982, in the early morning … (4 comments)

An Act Of Kindness! - 02/10/09 08:21 AM
When we pass a car parked on the side of the road with the emergency lights flashing, most of us would stop to see if we can help, right?  Well, from what I observed today, it turns out that most of us keep on driving.  Generally, we think we have to for so many reasons.  Traffic might get jammed if we stop, we would be late for work, a meeting or shopping or school, it's far too cold, I'm not dressed for it, etc. etc.  We tend to rationalize that someone else is on their way to assist this person, so we don't really need to do anything. 
Well today, … (5 comments)

Negotiating For Real Estate in St. John's Newfoundland - 02/09/09 08:36 AM

Negotiating for Real Estate in St. John's, Newfoundland is a skill well worth honing.
Typically Real Estate transactions are formed as binding buy and sell agreements that must be negotiated by at least two parties.  A Purchase and Sale agreement is between a specific buyer and seller and as a minimum, lists the terms and conditions of the agreement, the parties involved in the transaction and the planned closing date. 
While it is true that some folks would rather not haggle for anything (nice luxury for those who can afford it), negotiating is as important to Real Estate trading as writing the … (4 comments)