MOVING ON

 "To stand still is to lose, To move is to gain, To change is to grow." --Anonymous

 Properties are still moving

 It is hard to ignore the headlines proclaiming that the real estate bubble has "burst".  Most people have heard about the current market troubles experienced by our American neighbours to the south.  Here in Alberta, however - and Edmonton, specifically - it is not time to sound the alarm bells.  Conditions here are looking positive, and recent numbers bear that out.

 Despite a slower first half of the year, sales were strong in July - the usual expected summer decline did not materialize.  Edmonton-area residential sales were up 14% compared to the same month last year.  Prices have adjusted slightly in response to the levelling of the market, but are still quite stable with no major fluctuations.  The average price for a single family detached home was $379,224 (down just half a percent from the previous month), with days-on-market at about 55.  Though national figures may appear negative at times, they do not reflect Edmonton's strong economy.

 The fact is that people are still moving, and so are their properties.  If you have been considering upgrading your lifestyle, now is a great time.  On the buying side, there are many homes on the market to choose from; on the flip side, properly priced homes are sure to sell.  Moving up is the perfect way to take advantage of both markets. 

 If the Price is Right

 In spite of some myths to the contrary, you can make money in this market, so long as you avoid one of the biggest pitfalls you face in selling your home: overpricing.  It is thinking that seems counterintuitive, but is actually critical in selling both profitably and quickly.  Selling can be a very emotional experience, but do not let your bias cloud your judgement when it comes to deciding on a listing price. 

 Overpricing can bring consequences that, as a buyer, you do not want to see.  The higher the price, the less traffic and interest you attract, from both individuals and other real estate agents; it may result in fewer offers and/or a slow sale.  Additionally, your home will be competing with correctly priced homes that may have more to offer in the same price range, while alienating potential buyers in a lower bracket.  If your property is not moving because of overpricing, a vicious cycle can begin: the longer your home is on the market, the fewer expressions of interest you receive; people may begin to suspect that there are hidden problems, and shy away.  Be sure to take the time, and seek professional advice, to price it right the first time.  Properly priced homes will sell!

 Help with the How-to: Besides the #1 crucial price point we must consider the presentation of your home.  Having your home in pristine condition every time buyers come through your home will put their mind to rest and allow them to see the quality workmanship and the true character of the home.

 Correct pricing is only one part of a successful home marketing plan.  While I will do a comparable market analysis to determine the right listing price for your property, I will also put a marketing plan in place to ensure that it gets top dollar.  When you list with me, we go through all the details to prepare your home for sale, from staging to public promotion, to generate the most interest possible from day one and to ultimately get you the best price in the shortest timeframe.  I am here to make you money and to educate you about what you did not know you did not know; I want to make your "moving on" experience a move up!

-ANGIE RESENDES

RE/MAX RIVER CITY 780.439-7000 www.AngieSellsHomes.com

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

STATISTICS COMPLIMENTS OF THE... EDMONTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS