In This Edition
MarketTemperature: Listing Inventory Remains Low
HomeAdvisor: House Hunting Made Easy
HomeMaintenance: Spring Maintenance for your Spouse?
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Time to Sell?: I take pride in offering exceptional service.
1.An in-depth market analysis of your property
2.Property enhancement prior to marketing
3.A comprehensive promotional and marketing plan
4.Regular and clear communication so you know what is happening
5.Expert and experienced negotiation and structuring of the sale
6.Comprehensive transaction management
7.My “NEW” client appreciation program
Call Jim at 403 660 6239 or email Jim
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If you own a home or you are thinking of owning a home, you are on the property ladder. As you move up or down the ladder you will need advice and that’s where I come in. As your REALTOR® you have my real estate experience, loyalty, honesty and my commitment to helping you make the right real estate decisions. Call me for advice before you decide to buy or sell a home.
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MarketTemperature
Listings Inventory Remains Low
We are currently seeing the lowest March inventory levels in more than five years. New listings in March are five per cent lower than levels recorded in 2012, and five per cent lower after the first quarter. The overall active listings stand at just 4,006 units, up from February’s levels but well below the number available one year ago. Single-family,year-over-year sales growth declined by six per cent in March, a reflection of declining supply. Active inventory totaled 2,713 units, 22 per cent lower than levels recorded in 2012, and the lowest March inventory level recorded since 2007.
The effects this has on buyers in the current market are twofold. There is continued upward pressure on price so buyers may have to pay a little more for their purchase and possibly compete for a home that ticks all the boxes for several buyers.Also, the time buyers have to make a buying decision has been reduced significantly.
For sellers, you can expect a faster sale of your property with the possibility of achieving a better sale price than was possible at the end of 2012.

This does not mean every home will sell quickly, but those homes that are in demand, especially homes in sought after neighbourhoods will see less time on the market than they have in the past few years.

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Home Advisor
House Hunting Made Easy
After working with many home buyers, I have a few gems of wisdom to share. Over the past few years I have learned to guide buyers through a “House Hunting” process. When we do this together, house hunting becomes enjoyable and fun. Here are the steps I suggest for my buying clients.
First, imagine what your new home looks like, what community it is in and what the features inside and outside are. Create this scenario in your mind that helps you develop a picture of your house. Imagine we are at your house warming party. As your guests walk through your new home, what are the features you will be pointing out to them… the master bedroom, the closet space, the kitchen, the family room, the basement. Picture the home as you walk through it.
Then picture outside the house. What street is it on? What schools are near buy or what amenities are close. Everyone has different
ideals. For me, I would want an off leash dog park within a few minutes’ walk. You may want to be near a recreation centre. When you can visualize “your open house” will know what you are trying to achieve in your hunt for the house that suits you best.
The next step is to find that home the right way. There is a wrong way to look at homes and there is a right way. Most people waste a tremendous amount of time and energy going to open houses or looking at homes they see advertised on line, in magazines or the weekly real estate ads. These people say they are looking for the home that “feels right”. Often, when they find the one that does feel right they are left thinking “If only it were in a diffferent neighbourhood or on a different street. If I could just take this home from here and move it over there.”
What I want to share with you is that buying a home is not a process of selection; it’s a process of elimination. We begin the process by eliminating neighbourhoods and styles of homes you are not interested in and continue to refine. This does not mean we will eliminate all but one choice. We may have several possibilities.

I will have succeeded in my job when I’ve helped educate you to the point that when we walk across the threshold of a home you’ll know exactly what you are looking for and you’ll know if it is priced right. When we have accomplished this you will be ready to buy. You will know when we cross the threshold of your next home.
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HomeMaintenance
Spring Maintenance
0r…10 things for your spouse to do next Saturday:

1. Check air conditioning system (have it serviced every two or three years).
2. Check humidifier and clean if necessary.
3. Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms and replace batteries.
4. Clean windows, screens and hardware.
5. Check screens first and repair or replace if needed.
6. Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required.
7. Repair and paint fences as necessary.
8. Ensure sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in.
9. Check eaves troughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and
ensure water flows away from your foundation.
10. Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.

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I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Property Ladder News. As always, your comments and feedback are welcome. If you have any questions about real estate or there is a topic you would like me to cover here in The Property Ladder News, let me know.
Jim Perks
The Property Ladder Guy
403 660 6239