MARCH REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

First quarter sales and dollar volume market activity are virtually the same as the first quarter of 2011. This result can be viewed positively given last year’s first quarter performance was the best in WinnipegREALTORS® history. First quarter sales are down 2% while dollar volume is up 3% in comparison to first quarter of 2011. March sales were down 4% while dollar volume as well decreased 4% in comparison to the same month last year. Keep in mind there was a real impetus last year to buy earlier than other years given the change in the amortization period from 35 to 30 years and yet we are still close in sales transacted thus far in 2012. There is a real opportunity to catch up next month as April 2011 was negatively affected by the 2011 flood where listings and sales fell off from what you would normally expect for this spring month. Going into April, there are 17% or more than 200 active residential-detached listings available for sale than was the case at the end of February. Helping increase supply was the 5% increase in new listings coming on to the market in March.

For residential-detached sales in March, the most active price ranges were from $200,000 to $249,999 and from $250,000 to $299,999 at 20% each of total sales. Next busiest price range was from $150,000 to $199,999 at 15%. The average days on market to sell for the most active price ranges was only 17 days. The average days on market for all residential-detached listings was 25 days, 3 days faster than last month and one day slower than March 2011. The average days to sell for condominiums in March was 31 days, three off the quicker pace set last month but 4 days quicker than March 2011. The most active price range by a wide margin in March for condominium sales was from $150,000 to $199,999 with 36% of total sales.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

FEBRUARY REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

OCTOBER REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

2011 has clearly become a surprisingly consistent and impressive string of solid sales months. October is no exception being second only to 2008 for the best sales on record for this month. Year-to date dollar volume is already the highest achieved in WinnipegREALTORS® 108-year history with $2.67 billion dollars worth of MLS® sales. October MLS® sales increased 13% while dollar volume was up 20% in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date MLS® sales are up 7% while dollar volume has increased 12% in comparison to the same period last year. Nearly 70 % of all MLS® listings entered on the market this year have sold thus far.

One factor in the strong market is the continuation of very attractive mortgage rates in combination with uncertainty around alternative investments such as the stock market. Improvement in the overall number of listings coming on the market in the last few months has improved and created a more balanced market. One indicator of this development in October is the total sales price to total listing price ratio falling under 100%. This means there is less price pressure on listings and in fact 56% of homes sold in October went for less than list price.

For sales in October, the most active price range was from $200,000 to $249,999 with 23% of total sales. The immediate price ranges below and above this one were in a virtual deadlock with 17 and 18% respectively of total sales. October 2011 had one house sale for $1,750,000 in St. Germaine and another million dollar home sell in Fort Garry. The average days on market to sell a home was 29 days, 3 days slower than last month and only one day off the pace set in October 2010.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

SEPTEMBER REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

Balmy summer weather in September created summer-like market activity which led to a third consecutive month of over 1200 sales. As a result, it makes September 2011 WinnipegREALTORS® best September ever. September 2010 was the previous best September on record. The dollar volume was impressive too as it easily eclipsed last year’s record by $30 million. With three months to go, year-to-date MLS® dollar volume stands at over $2.4 billion and MLS® sales of 10,400 are flirting with the best year ever in 2007 when there were over 13,000 MLS® sales by year end.

Call it what you will, a Jet -fueled market with our new NHL team, and exciting new developments including an IKEA, a Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a new football stadium, an expanded Winnipeg Convention Centre and a new airport opening at the end of the month, Winnipeggers are optimistic about what is happening in our city. Another undeniable factor pointed out by the Canadian Real Estate Association’s chief economist Gregory Klump is due to global economic instability and uncertainty and the increasing volatility in the stock market, interest rates are being kept lower for longer so real estate becomes an attractive alternative investment. Moreover, as CREA president Gary Morse stated in commenting on the August MLS® market results where Winnipeg clearly was one of the best performing markets bar none in the country, … “homebuyers are showing that they remain confident about the stability of the Canadian housing market, and recognize that the continuation of low interest rates represents an excellent opportunity to buy their first home or trade up.”

September sales increased 6% while dollar volume rose 12% in comparison to the same month a year ago. Year-to-date sales are up 6% while dollar volume has increased 11% in comparison to the same period last year. For sales in September, the most active price range by far was the $200,000 to $249,999 with 26% of total sales. The under $100,000 market continues to erode with only 4% of the market and the longest days to sell of 41 days. The average days on market to sell was 26 days, 2 days quicker than last month and 3 days faster than September 2010.

Since people brought fire into their homes in the form of early fireplaces nearly 400 years ago, it has warmed the body and soul and heated many welcome meals. Although the designs of fireplaces have evolved greatly over the years, the charm of a fireplace remains constant. Fireplaces differ in a variety of ways, including the type of fuel they burn, their construction, and how they are decorated. Older homes usually have a wood-burning fireplace, while newer ones often have a fireplace that burns natural gas.  There are also fireplaces that burn wood pellets, and some even burn coal. 

Many homeowners have upgraded from a wood-burning to a natural gas fireplace to reduce their heating and maintenance costs. Wood-burning, hand-built, masonry fireplaces have the greatest appeal, thus adding the most value to a home. However, they can cost thousands of dollars to design and build. Masonry fireplaces cost up to 80 percent more than prefabricated units. 

Prefabricated fireboxes look like masonry and are made of steel. Natural gas fireplaces appeal to homeowners because of their convenience, and several models are thermostatically-controlled meaning that the user sets the temperature and a sensor adjusts the amount of gas burned. Controlling the temperature with a wood-burning fireplace is difficult, and space is required to store the wood. The heating capacity of fireplaces is rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units). One BTU is the amount of heat generated by a burning match.

Some people are surprised to learn that a chimney is not required to have a fireplace. Direct-vent fireplaces vent the exhaust through an opening in an outside wall, similar to what is required for a clothes dryer. Vent-free fireplaces are natural gas or propane-burning units, and operate at 99 percent efficiency. However, they are not permitted in some areas, so be sure to check with your provincial and municipal government to determine if they are allowed in your community or strata unit. If you’re planning on building a home, be aware that some designs are very energy efficient and can be heated by a single fireplace. The location of the fireplace and circulating fans is crucial. Consult with a residential architect and fireplace contractor for more

information on specific units and their placement.

Another fireplace consideration is maintenance. Burning wood in a fireplace produces creosote vapours, which condense in the relatively cool chimney flue. The creosote residue accumulates on the walls of the chimney and can ignite if a hot ember rises up the flue and touches the residue. The result is an extremely hot fire.

If you regularly use a wood-burning fireplace, have it inspected at least once each heating season for creosote build-up. If detected, have it professionally removed. There are chemical chimney cleaners, which are poured on flames in the fireplace, but experts consider the cleaners to be inadequate and dangerous. Another option is to burn a special log containing compounds that remove build-up.  Both of these methods release powerful chemicals some of which mix with the indoor air in your home. Chimney sweeps (cleaning contractors) have the knowledge and experience to properly inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney.

Installing a fireplace in your home, or having the existing one repaired or upgraded is a great investment that adds value to your house. Consult with fireplace professionals and you will have not only warmth for years to come, but also happy memories of many evenings warming by the fire.

    AUGUST REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

Mosquitoes have become an endangered species in Winnipeg this year … but a new bug has appeared – the Winnipeg real estate sales bug! Sales in August are on par with August 2005 which was the best August ever in the real estate Association’s 108 year history. In August of 2005 there were 1293 sales – and this August we registered 1290 sales. But the dollar volume isn’t even close – in 2005 the 1293 sales amounted to $169 million in dollar volume – this year’s 1290 sales registered $297 million – so virtually the same number of sales - but a staggering 76% increase in dollar volume in 6 years.

In August, sales were up 27% from 2010; dollar volume was up 35%; and the 1784 new listings added in the month surpassed last Augusts’ listings by 13%. The record August numbers only added to the year-to-date positive statistics. From January to the end of August, listings are up almost 3%; sales are up 6% and dollar volume is up 11% at $2.14 billion.

The most active price ranges for residential detached sales continue to be 200,000 – 250,000 (20% of August sales) and $150,000-$200,000 (19%) respectively. Average days-on-market for single-detached homes was 28 days – down from 30 days in August of 2010. 10% of August sales were over $500,000 while 7% were under $100,000.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

KNOB & TUBE WIRING

In Winnipeg there is great concern with the growing frequency of incidents in which some property insurance underwriters have chosen to not renew existing policies on houses containing Knob and Tube wiring or have been refusing to issue policies for purchased homes containing Knob and Tube wiring. Knob and Tube wiring is single strand wiring and for the most part was the predominant form of electrical wiring in homes built prior to 1950. This type of wiring is approved in the Manitoba Electrical Code.

The stated problems with Knob and Tube wiring are associated with the age of the electrical system, its maintenance and how upgrades and changes have been accomplished. Between 30-35,000 homes in Winnipeg would include Knob and Tube wiring as Winnipeg’s housing stock contains a large number of homes built prior to 1950. Generally speaking this segment represents the most affordable housing; appealing to young first time home buyers, recent immigrants, seniors on limited income but also include more expensive homes in River Heights and Tuxedo.

Research shows existing policy holders in homes having Knob and Tube wiring are being notified that their insurance will not be renewed unless the Knob and Tube is replaced in short order (30-60 days). Failure by the owner to do so within the time frame has resulted in non-issuance or cancellation; a serious breach of a term of their mortgage agreement. In some cases, the insurance company’s notice to the homeowner is triggered by the sale of the home, in other cases it is the annual re-insurance of the home. In either case, the homeowner has been given very short notice to address this issue.

The cost to remove the Knob and Tube wiring is high; from a few thousand dollars to $35,000.00. In many cases the homeowners do not have the funds available for the required changes. Even in cases where there is a willingness by the current or potential owners to comply with the insurers’ demands, it is difficult to find qualified electrical contractors and trades people who can complete the work in the narrow time frame the insurers are requiring. The insurers’ practice to negate home insurance for those homes with approved Knob and Tube wiring will soon negatively impact the affordability of older homes as well as erode the equity of older properties for current homeowners.

Should you have concerns about this very important topic then please contact me. I have a great deal more information and can recommend several electrical contractors who will do a FREE inspection of your home to determine what percentage of the wiring is Knob & Tube and what the cost to remove it would be.

           JULY REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

Spectacular weather in July which kept ice cream and beer vendors busy did not deter sellers and buyers from remaining engaged in the market where there were 1,250 sales.  July 2008 is by far the best July ever at over 1,400 sales. New listings were ahead of last July too with over 1,700 added in July 2011. The average selling price in July was up nearly 7% compared to the July 2010.

July sales increased 4% while dollar volume went up 10% in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date sales are up 3% while dollar volume is ahead by just under 8% in comparison to the same period last year. The 7% increase in new listings this month over the same month last year translated into an overall 1% increase in year-to-date listings from 2010. As of the end of July, 11, 767 listings have been entered on the MLS system this year.

An improvement in new listings in July helped keep prices in check and there were less above list priced sales too so buyers had a little more breathing room. However, inventory still remains tight overall, especially in a number of Winnipeg neighbourhoods. So depending on the price range and neighbourhood you are interested in, multiple offers may well be in play.

For sales in July, the most active price range was from $200,000 to $249,999 at 24% of total sales. Second busiest was from $250,000 to $299,999 at 19%. Average days-on-market for sales in July was 26 days, 3 days slower than June and 2 days faster than July 2010.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

Enhanced Seller Disclosure – New Residential Offer to Purchase

Early in 2008 the Government of Manitoba commissioned an independent review of  current Manitoba law and practice concerning disclosure of the condition of homes during Real Estate transactions. As a result beginning August 1, 2011 the Residential Offer to Purchase form will be amended to include references to a Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). Buyers will be able to see the type of disclosure that is available to them prior to submitting an offer and to be more informed about the condition of the property prior to the closing of the Real Estate transaction.

A PDS is a written statement made by sellers about the property they are selling that discloses pertinent information to buyers in answer to specific questions. A PDS provides important information that most buyers would want to know before buying a property.

A clause has been inserted into all Residential Offers to Purchase whereby the vendor agrees to provide a PDS to the buyer either before writing an offer or in a defined time period after an offer has been accepted. The buyer will have a defined period of time to review the PDS and find its content satisfactory or not. The agreement is terminated if the buyer finds the content of the PDS unsatisfactory within that defined period of time. It is also worthwhile noting that either the buyer or the seller can delete that clause if they so choose.

Property Disclosure Statements are compulsory in the United States and England. They have increased buyer satisfaction and in many cases increased property values. However, it is most

important to note that in no way should a PDS relive buyers of their responsibility to be diligent when considering purchasing a property.

Should you have any questions regarding the new Residential Offer to Purchase or the Property Disclosure Statement then please contact me at anytime I would be happy to review the use and content of both with you.       

     APRIL  REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

In April, the 2011 flood in Manitoba affected WinnipegREALTORS® MLS® market as listings were down 15% from April 2010. Listings were down significantly in some of the rural municipalities such as St. Clement and St. Andrews and diminished in Winnipeg MLS® areas along the Red River (e.g. St. Vital, Frasers Grove, North End). Even Algonquin Park with Bunns Creek running through it experienced a noticeable new listings decline. As evident from softer sales performances in other major markets across the country, a federal election preoccupying many Canadian’s attention and concerns during the month of April may also have played a factor in reducing market activity.

For sales in April, the most active price range was the $200,000 to $300,000 at 40% of total sales. A close second was the under $200,000 price range at 31%. The range of $300,000 to $400,000 was 18% and over $400,000 was 11% of total sales. The average days on the market for all house sales was 26 days, 2 days slower than last month and 5 days off the pace set in April 2010.   

April MLS® sales decreased 13% while dollar volume dropped back 11% in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date sales are up 1% while dollar volume has risen 5% in comparison to the same period last year. MLS® listings entered on the MLS® system this year are down 3%.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

      MARCH REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

Not only were March sales the best ever recorded in Winnipeg it was also the best ever recorded first quarter with 2,500 MLS® sales and $570 million in dollar volume (no previous first quarter has eclipsed one-half a billion dollars before). March MLS® sales came close to 1,200 while dollar volume was at $275 million. The change in the mortgage amortization period from 35 to 30 years in March and mortgage rates starting to inch up spurred on more activity than initially predicted.

March MLS® unit sales were up 7% while dollar volume rose 14% in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date or first quarter MLS® market activity shows sales are up10% while dollar volume has risen 15% in comparison to the same period last year. Listings entered on the MLS® in the first three months are slightly ahead of last year.

For sales in March, the most active price range was the $200,000 to $300,000 at 38% of total sales. A close second was the under $200,000 price range at 35%. The range of $300,000 to $400,000 was 18% and over $400,000 was 9% of total sales. The average days on the market for all house sales was 24 days, two days quicker than last month and March 2010.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

Despite the unseasonably cold February, 1,313 sellers put their houses on MLS in the month, up 12% from last February … and 781 sellers sold their properties through MLS, up 10% from February 2010. As a result of 1313 new listings being added in the month the listing inventory available for sale rose 16% from last year’s inventory. So there are more houses to choose from for buyers – the second highest inventory of resale homes in the past 5 years.

The dollar volume for the month is up 14% from last year at $171 million and last February was a record February for dollar volume! With great February numbers, the impact on year-to-date is nothing but positive. Listings in January and February are up 14% from the first two months of 2010. 2,454 homes have been listed on Winnipeg’s MLS since the start of the year, and there have been 1,347 sales, up 12% from last year. Dollar volume is already at $296 million, up 17% from last year’s two month activity.

20% of all sales were under $150,000. On the upper end of the scale, 22% of the sales were above $300,000, including 5% over $500,000. That leaves 58% of sales between $150,000 and $300,000, 22% between $150,000 and $200,000, 20% between $200,000 and $250,000 with 16% between $250,000 and $300,000. Days on market for homes sold dropped to 26 days, 3 days fewer than February 2010. The highest priced condo sale in February was $383,000 and the lowest priced was $72,000. The highest priced house sale was $880,000 and the lowest was $25,000.

City of Winnipeg Property Assessment

By now most of you will have received your Proposed 2012 Property Assessment Value from the City of Winnipeg Assessment & Taxation Department.

Some of you may be satisfied with your new assessment and others may feel the assessment is unfair. You will notice there is an opportunity for you to discuss the proposed market value with the city prior to the finalization and mailing of the 2012 General Assessment notices in June 2012. Should you not be satisfied with the results of this meeting there is an opportunity for a formal appeal. As with most of these types of meetings and the appeal process the quality and accuracy of the information you use to defend your position will go a long way in determining your success. Also note, there are time parameters to attend this meeting and for the appeal process.

 I have attended these meetings and appealed my personal property assessment and assisted numerous clients with the process, both with a great deal of success. The most recent property assessment information for both your home and those in your neighbourhood is public knowledge and available online. I can provide you information from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) regarding recent sales in your neighbourhood that can assist you in confirming your property value. As a service for my past, present and future clients I would be happy to discuss the Assessment matter with you and offer my assistance if required.

 I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

IF you thought those heady days of bidding wars and soaring house prices were over, think again. One overjoyed St. Vital homeowner recently got $24,000 more than her asking price for her 50-year-old, 900-square-foot bungalow. A leading  Real Estate Service predicted Thursday the Winnipeg market will lead the way in house-price increases for major Canadian cities in 2011.

The firm said in its fourth-quarter 2010 house-price and market forecast report it expects the average selling price for a resale home in Winnipeg to jump by seven per cent to $244,000 this year from $228,000 in 2010.

That's more than double what it thinks the national average increase will be -- about three per cent -- and well above the projected increases for the other eight cities covered in its report. It also would come on the heels of a 10 per cent average-price hike in 2010.

The company report notes that while the Winnipeg market has slowed a bit over the past year, demand remains strong and listings remain in short supply. That's keeping upward pressure on selling prices. And while not as common as they were during the pre-recession boom of 2007 and early 2008, multiple offers and above-list selling prices are still very much a part of the local market, the company added.

A good example is the St. Vital bungalow a Realtor sold last month on behalf of a client who is moving into a care home. The woman's two-bedroom home in Old St. Vital was listed at $199,000 and sold for $223,000. There were seven bids for the home, all at or above the listing price. This month in the same area a home listed at $189,900 received 17 offers and sold for a whopping $251,200.                                                                                                                                                                              I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

OCTOBER REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

WinnipegREALTORS® will set its 10th consecutive annual MLS® dollar volume record in 2010. 2001 finished with a dollar volume level just shy of the $1 billion mark. Ten years later the final amount could possibly reach $2.7 billion. October MLS® unit sales were down 3% while dollar volume was up 6% in comparison to the same month in 2009. Year-to-date MLS® unit sales are even with last year while dollar volume is up 10%. Total MLS® listings entered on the MLS® this year are 17,744; an increase of 12% over 2009.

Compared to many other markets across the country Winnipeg is holding its own in terms of sales activity. Toronto’s October sales declined 21%, Calgary’s 35%, Edmonton’s 29% and Vancouver’s 37% compared to 2009. There is some disappointment in regard to the lower end of the residential-detached housing market where sales continue to show some appreciable declines over the year before. WinnipegREALTORS are of the opinion provincial land transfer tax relief would be helpful in addressing this development which has emerged more

noticeably since 2009.

For sales in October, the most active price ranges were the $150,000 to $199,999 at 25% of total sales and the $200,000 to $249,999 at 23% of all sales. It is interesting to note for the first time in any month, let alone October, residential-detached sales over $500,000 represented the highest percentage they have ever been at 5% of total sales and were almost the equal of sales under $100,000. The average days on market for residential-detached sales was 28 days.       

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

SEPTEMBER REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

It took until the month of September last year to set a new sales and dollar volume MLS® record in comparison to the same month the year previous. Ditto for 2010. Summer was a little slower than usual this year so it certainly appears cottagers and vacationers entered the fall market in larger numbers than 2009. September MLS® unit sales were up 1% while dollar volume was up 9% in comparison to the same month in 2009. Year-to-date MLS® sales are up less than 1% and dollar volume has risen 10% in comparison to the same period last year. Total MLS® listings entered on the MLS® this year are 16,481, a 13% increase over the same period in 2009.

More listings are helping create a more balanced market to keep a lid on house prices, Winnipeg’s resurgence in the last month of the third quarter and good economic fundamentals sets the stage for a good October. We are in a bit of a sweet spot at this time with favourable mortgage rates, more listings, strong sales and prices holding firm. Our glorious autumn summer weather can only help encourage prospective buyers to get out and view present and new listings coming onto the MLS® market.

For home sales in September, the most active price ranges were the $200,000 to $249,999 and the $150,000 to $199,999 with 23 and 19% respectively of total sales. The $250,000 to $299,999 and the $100,000 to $149,999 price ranges each had 14% of sales. The average days on market for sales was 29 days, one day quicker than last month and September 2009.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

AUGUST REAL ESTATE SUMMARY

Despite a drop in sales activity this summer in comparison to July and August last year, year-to-date sales are slightly above 2009 and dollar volume is up nearly 11% and closing in on $2 billion, the fastest pace at which this milestone level will be reached. August is showing a softer first-time buyer market, sales under $200,000 are down 33%, sales from $200,000 to $250,000 are off 16%. In the $300,000 to $350,000 price range there were 6% more sales in August 2009 than August 2010, sales in the upper price range brackets are either equal or better than 2009 with twice as many sales over $500,000 than in 2010 including two sales above $1,000,000.

It’s a win/win situation, a more balanced market is allowing listings to catch up to demand and is creating more balance and breathing room for buyers to have opportunities to purchase a home they desire. In August sales price to list price ratio of market activity was just over 100%. 100% indicates equilibrium between sales and listings. August MLS® unit sales were down 12% and dollar volume is off 5% in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date MLS® unit sales have risen less than 1% and dollar volume is up 11% compared to the same period in 2009. The 14,843 listings entered on the MLS® this year are up 15% from 2009.

In August, the most active price ranges were the $150,000 - $199,999 and the $200,000 - $249,999 at 22% and 21% respectively. Average days on market were 30 days, two days slower than last month and the same time as August 2009.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

HOW IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?

No matter where I go, to the doctor’s office, barbers, restaurant, or the grocery store people who know me and that I am a Realtor are offering me their concern. They keep telling me the Real Estate market in Winnipeg is in a downturn and they are concerned for me. As much as I appreciate there concern, I’m pretty sure they are not getting the facts.

There has been a great deal of reporting via the media with regards to the current state of the Real Estate market. Unfortunately most of the statistics quoted are from cities outside of Manitoba. When I want to know what the weather will be like in Winnipeg tomorrow I don’t check the forecast for Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver. At the same time what is happening in the Real Estate market in those cities does not necessarily mean it is

happening in Winnipeg. Although almost always it is those centers that the media reports on.

Interest rate increases have been pointed at as a cause for concern in slowing the market. In April the 5 year fixed rate was 3.69% today it is 3.89%. Based on a $100,000 mortgage that is an increase of $10.72 per month, a modest increase. Affordability has also been cited as a cause for concern. The average Canadian house price is $342,662 in Toronto $435,062,

Calgary $415,431, Vancouver $657,934 and in Winnipeg it is $$224,067! Home ownership is clearly much more affordable in Winnipeg than it is nationally.

My point: If you want the facts about what is happening in the Winnipeg Real Estate market; buying, selling, or just have questions then call me, I would be happy to give you the “FACTS”. 

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

Thinking of Selling? - Preparation is Critical!

¨ An uncluttered home that shows well and is well prepared will  sell faster and for more money than a home that is not!

¨ Call me, after 24 years as a Realtor I have access to and will                                                   assist with a home handy man to fix the fence, clean out your basement or take stuff to the dump, a painter to do some touch up, a lawn care service to cut the grass or cleanup the yard, a professional to stage your home so it shows the best.

¨ Sometimes you may not know where to start, call me I would be happy to visit your home and offer suggestions...of course there is no cost or obligation for this service.

  Thinking of Buying? - Preparation is Critical!

¨ Buying a home in Winnipeg's market where there may be multiple offers on a home, where homes sell in days and    often for 10% - 30% over asking price can be overwhelming.

¨ Buyers emotions run high in this market place, buying a home is not a sprint it is a marathon. Patience and caution should be exercised to protect you and your investment.

¨ I can help, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs, the current market and outline a step by step process that will make the transaction of the largest        investment you may ever make both stress free and a       enjoyable.

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.

CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROFESSIONALS

No one buys or sells a home alone. You need the help of a professional and likely a whole team of professionals to assist you in achieving your goals and protecting your interests. A real estate transaction can be

stressful enough. So when it comes to choosing professionals to help you

before, during and after the transaction, be selective. Typically, you will require a realtor and a lawyer to complete the purchase and/or sale. But you may also need a lender, home inspector, insurance broker, home

improvement contractor, landscape specialist, interior designer,

tradesperson(s), etc.

 1. Qualifications: Before you hire any professional, make sure they have the appropriate qualifications. Ask specifically what degree, certification or training they've received. Many professionals in the home industry are licensed or certified by their respective professional or trade associations. Ask to see these documents.

 2. Experience: As author Douglas Gray points out in Home Buying Made Easy, a lawyer with ten years experience may only have spent six months handling real estate transactions. Remember, you'll be relying heavily on the skill, advice and insights of each professional you hire. Make sure they have experience in the specific field you require.

 3. Reputation: Ask for client testimonials and references. Be sure to call these people and ask for their candid opinions of the services provided. Talk to others in the industry. Word of a good, as well as a bad, reputation gets around.

Choosing the right professional is like picking the right players for a

baseball team. The better you choose, the more likely you are to win the game. (Or, in this case, the home of your dreams.)       

I am available at anytime to discuss the Real Estate market. Get the FACTS. Whether buying, selling or if you just have questions, call me. I would be pleased to assist you, your friends or your family with your Real Estate needs.