Friday, May 30, 2008
Edmonton Real Estate Statistic Ending May 30, 2008
To view the video of this week's real estate update click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk_X2HM6ySs
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Video of 1620 Hector Rd.
STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
Selling your home? Beyond the basics of completing needed repairs and addressing any issues revealed in your pre-listing home inspection, it’s also important to consider the effect your home’s appearance will have on prospective buyers. "Staging" a home should be thought of as creating an appealing but neutral space that will allow buyers to see the potential of your home. Naturally, it’s difficult to look at your own home objectively; it’s yours, after all. So consider enlisting a friend to help you evaluate your space, or you may wish to hire a professional home stager to make your home the star of the show.
Here are some tricks to consider:
* Staging is more about subtraction than addition. A room stuffed full of furniture will looked small, crowded, and difficult to move around in. Ideally, only the basic furniture should remain in order to highlight the size of each room.
* Get rid of clutter! Pack up your everyday items on table and dresser surfaces, knickknacks, magazines, electronics, etc. You want buyers to focus on your home, not on your "stuff".
* Remove personal items from view. While of course you love displaying your family’s photos and cherished mementos, they are a distraction for potential buyers. A buyer wants to be able to see themselves in the home and not feel as though they’re in someone else’s space.
* Take everything off the kitchen counters and display a few cookbooks and a beautiful glass bowl of lemons instead. A bouquet of flowers – real or silk – on the dining table is a nice touch.
* In bathrooms, get all of the clutter off the countertops and sink area. A few fluffy towels and attractive soaps can provide that "spa" feeling with minimal cost.
* Be sure walls and flooring are clean and maintained. Paint any rooms where the walls are in bad shape as well as any that have strong, "polarizing" colors. A potential buyer might find your red dining room and the purple in your teen’s bedroom a real turnoff.
* Have the exterior painted if its condition warrants improvement. As with interior paint, neutral colors work best.
* A few large potted houseplants can soften a room and make it feel friendly and fresh.
* Don’t forget the curb appeal of landscaping. Trim any overgrown bushes that may be blocking windows or walkways and remove any weeds. A few dollars’ worth of bright flowering plants can be charming when planted by a walkway, doorway, and mailbox.
To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: www.TeamLeadingEdge.ca
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Western prosperity boosts housing markets in Atlantic Canada
Alberta's red-hot economy is fuelling demand for residential real estate in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland this year, according to a report released today by RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "Strong economic performance in Western Canada continues to spillover into other parts of the country," says Michael Polzler, executive vp and regional director. "A serious influx of Western Canadian purchasers has bolstered housing sales in every Atlantic province." The report found that in-migration from Western Canada has played a major role in stimulating home-buying activity in key regional centres. While most purchases were made with retirement in mind, investment in residential real estate was also a factor driving sales. The wealth effect has also contributed to a bounce back in sales after one of the worst winters on record. In fact, 82% of markets surveyed in Atlantic Canada saw a reversal of trends in April. First-time buyers are a major force in most Atlantic markets surveyed, driving demand for residential properties priced at approximately $100,000 plus. Inventory in virtually every market is tight at the entry-level price point. The top-end of the market -- priced in excess of $250,000-$300,000 in most areas -- has also been brisk. Waterfront properties, in particular, have benefited from the increase in Western Canadian and European purchasers.
Newfoundland-Labrador currently leads the region overall in terms of percentage increases in both unit sales and average price, with the number of homes sold up close to 18% year-to-date and average price up almost 15%, compared to the same period one year ago. "Housing performance in Newfoundland has been nothing short of remarkable," says Polzler. "There are $10 billion in capital works projects on the table and the pressure in the real estate market is only starting to build. By year-end 2008, housing sales and values are expected to climb by double-digits, leading not only the region, but the country, in terms of percentage increase."
Source:
Lee Politano, B. Comm
Manager, Residential Mortgages
Ph: 780-264-1749
Fx: 780-637-1637
lee.politano@td.com
www.tdcanadatrust.com/msf/leepolitano
To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: http://www.teamleadingedge.ca/
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Open House - June 01, 2008

Beautifully decorated and upgraded 3 bedroom bi-level with a double garage. Upgrades include new furnace and hot water tank in 2005, newer laminate floors throughout the main level, baseboards and interior doors. The wind owns in the bay windows have been also replace. The large fenced yard features a unistone patio and back onto a green belt. The lower level development features a large family room with new track and pot lights. Also in the lower level you will find the 3rd bedroom, a second bathroom, and the laundry room. This home must be seen to be appreciated. All measurements and information to be verified by the purchasers. Virtual Tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egjswmZ-sbM
To price your own home online for free visit us at http://www.teamleadingedge.ca/
Monday, May 26, 2008
New Virtual Video of 208 Omand Drive
We have just posted a virtual video on this beautiful home in Whitemud Creek listed for a mere $588,888
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74cFBFqGcbc
Friday, May 23, 2008
JUST REDUCED - 208 Omand Drive
Upgraded and renovated 4 bedroom 2 storey home just steps away from the ravine and trail system connecting the city parks. To view all the information and pictures just click the following link: http://www.teamleadingedge.ca/view_listing/Ogilvie_Ridge/mls/E3138101To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: http://www.teamleadingedge.ca/
Thursday, May 22, 2008
New Listing - May 21, 2008

Perfect Starter Home
Impeccable 3 bedroom bi-level home with a fully finished basement, double detached garage, and a large fenced back yard backing onto a green belt. This home has had many upgrades in the last few years including new furnace, hot water tank, laminate floors, carpeting, baseboards and casings, and interior doors.
To view the interior video of this home visit me at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egjswmZ-sbM
To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: http://www.teamleadingedge.ca/
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Fixed Mortgage Rates vs. Prime (variable) Rate Mortgage
Lee Politano, B. Comm
Manager, Residential Mortgages
Ph: 780-264-1749
Fx: 780-637-1637
lee.politano@td.com
http://www.blogger.com/www.tdcanadatrust.com/msf/leepolitano

Friday, May 16, 2008
Edmonton Real Estate Statistic Ending May 16, 2008
To view this weeks real estate statistic update for the Edmonton area just click the following link to see the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-5YrPrsV9k
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Canadians remain confident in housing market: survey
Canadians overall are not influenced by the speculation that the Canadian
economy will be negatively affected by the U.S. economic downturn,
according to a report released today by the Canadian Association of
Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP). According to the report,
Canadians have shown themselves to be keen observers of the fallout from
the subprime mortgage meltdown south of the border. Awareness of the U.S.
housing crisis is up from last year, as only 11% of those surveyed said
they were not at all aware of the U.S. housing crisis, compared with 22%
who were in the dark in the fall of last year. When it comes to choosing
the best time to purchase, the survey results were mixed. One-third of
respondents said now was a good time to buy a house, one-third said it was
not a good time and the final third were neutral. "This report indicates
mortgage consumers are educated, informed, and attuned to local market
conditions," said Jim Murphy, president and CEO of CAAMP. "Canadians are
aware of the strength of the economy and remain confident in our housing
and mortgage markets." The most positive attitudes are in the Atlantic
region, the survey showed, where 49% of residents feel it is a good time to
purchase a home. Meanwhile, in western Canada, consumers are making
decisions based on rising housing prices and deteriorating affordability.
For example, 70% of Saskatchewan residents have reacted to the province's
current hot housing market and felt it was not an appropriate time to
purchase a home-which is even higher than the 60% who held this view in the
Fall of 2007. Canadians have yet to react to suggestions that the economy
will soon start feeling the impact of higher energy and food prices, and
that Ontario is hovering close to a recession, according to the CAAMP
survey. "Job creation in Canada is still very strong. Moreover, the housing
market doesn't respond immediately to swings in employment; it takes people
time to react to changes in personal circumstance," said CAAMP chief
economist Will Dunning. "Even if recent forecasts are right and the labour
market in Canada should start to weaken, momentum from past job creation
should result in continued strong housing demand well into 2009," he added.
Alternative mortgage products, including longer amortization periods, no
down-payment mortgages, and interest-only mortgages, continue to grow in
popularity in Canada. In 2007, CAAMP found that 37% of recent home
purchases had been funded with extended amortization mortgages. In the
current survey the most positive opinions are held by people who are most
likely to be in a position to use extended amortization products - renters
looking to buy. Younger Canadians looking to become first-time home owners
are most interested in alternative mortgage products and while cautious and
conservative, they are optimistic about the overall future of these
options. "CAAMP members are committed to working with consumers to ensure
they have the mortgage solution that is affordable and best suited for
their unique needs," said Andrew Moor, chairman of CAAMP. In addition, the
report says that the arrears rate for residential mortgages remains close
to the very low levels that have held since mid-decade, about one quarter
of a percentage point. Canada has certainly not experienced the sharp
increase in arrears and defaults that has occurred in the United States. As
well, CAAMP reports that the mortgage market and volume of mortgages
outstanding continues to expand. More than 11% growth is forecast for 2008
for a total of $913 billion, up from $821.5 billion in 2007. With this
growth comes a shift in mortgage lending activity. Residential mortgages
are provided by a wide variety of lending institutions, ranging from the
chartered banks to credit unions, caisses populaires, and insurance
companies, among others. "Mortgage brokers are fast becoming a trusted
source and are growing in popularity with first time buyers and
increasingly with other consumers," said Moor. "More than one-third of
mortgage transactions for new homeowners came through brokers." The report,
"Housing and Mortgage Market Trends in Canada," was authored Dunning and is
based on information gathered by Maritz Research in an online survey
conducted in April 2008.
Lee Politano
Manager Residential Mortgages
TD Canada Trust
Tel 780 264-1749
www.tdcanadtrust.com/msf/leepolitano
"Making the impossible...POSSIBLE!!"
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To find the value of your own home online for free visit us at www.TeamLeadingEdge.ca
Thursday, May 8, 2008
MLS® housing sales and prices remain stable in April
Single family house prices for the month of April were stable. The average price for single family homes dropped less than half a percent in April to $386,033. Residential sales through the MLS® in April were lower than the two previous years at 1,823 units.
Single family home prices are still 6.6% lower than April 2007. Condos sold on average for $256,947, a decrease of 2.3% from last month. On the other hand, duplexes and rowhouses sold during April were priced 2.3% higher at $316,065 on average. Overall, the average price for all types of residential property was down 2% at $336,931 when compared to March and down just 2.1% from a year ago.
“The Edmonton housing market is stable and buyers and sellers seem to be coming to a realistic view of housing prices,” said Marc Perras, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “In this market, with a very high inventory, pricing is a key component of a successful sale.”
There are 10,606 residential properties currently available on the MLS® (up 12% from last month’s record inventory). The average days on market was just 52 days; up one from March. There were 4,471 residential listings during the month and the sales to listing ratio is a low 41%. Total residential sales were $1.99 billion and total MLS® sales were $2.3 billion.
Real estate in Edmonton continues to be a buyer-friendly market. Keeping an open mind and thinking realistically about the housing market and the prices of homes are key elements to a successful purchase.
To find out the value of your home online for free visit us at: www.TeamLeadingEdge.ca
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Bank of Canada likely to trim rates again: TD Economics
The U.S. economic outlook is still gloomy, and economists at TD Bank expect another 100 basis points in rate cuts out of the Bank of Canada to help fend off any fallout north of the border. Last week, the U.S. Federal Reserve pared back the pace of its rate cuts, delivering just a 25 bps rate cut, and the Fed's economic assessment was not quite as bad as feared, notes TD Economics in a research brief. "Even before the Fed delivered the rate cut, expectations for easing at the April 30 meeting had been scaled back. And with the statement that accompanied the decision, there are now indications that the Fed is not as worried about downside growth risks as it was just six weeks ago. What has shifted?" TD asks. "Not much, quite frankly, when assessing economic fundamentals. In fact, the U.S. economy seems to be decelerating at an accelerating pace," it says, noting that the labour market is clearly in contraction, GDP growth is slowing and domestic demand is weakening. . Yet there have been signs of repair in the credit markets, TD says. "Against this backdrop, it is obvious the economy is not out of the woods yet, and although there are heartening signs of improvement in the credit market, it too, has much work still to do. The U.S. economic slowdown in this cycle is expected to be worse than that in 2001, and on this condition alone one can justify further Fed easing to address the situation. We continue to expect another 75 basis points of rate cuts based on our expectation that economic conditions will get much worse before staging a convincing and sustained turnaround," TD predicts.
"The Canadian economy has started to show signs of strain, due to the headwinds from the U.S. economy creating a substantial drag on Canadian exports. Canadian real GDP is, therefore, on track to disappoint the Bank of Canada's forecast for a 1% pace of growth in the first quarter," it adds. "The combination of little upside for growth and few imminently concerning price pressures makes a good recipe for further rate cuts. And as a result we continue to expect two more 50 basis point rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, which ultimately leaves rates at a cyclical nadir of 2.0%,"TD concludes.
Lee Politano, B. Comm
Manager, Residential Mortgages
Ph: 780-264-1749
Fx: 780-637-1637
lee.politano@td.com
www.tdcanadatrust.com/msf/leepolitano
To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: www.TeamLeadingEdge.ca
Monday, May 5, 2008
RE/MAX Awards $12,000 in Bursaries to High School Graduates
RE/MAX Awards $12,000 in Bursaries to High School Graduates
Kelowna, BC (May 5, 2008) – Twenty four students from Western Canada were recently notified that they will be individually presented with a RE/MAX 2008 ‘Quest for Excellence’ bursary, valued at $500, during their school commencement ceremonies.
The annual RE/MAX Quest for Excellence program encourages graduating students from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the North West and Yukon Territories to write an essay based on their personal experience in one of six topics – Leadership, Sports, Technology & Trades, Performing Arts, Fine Arts and Community Service.
“A record breaking 1568 entries were received from students across Western Canada,” says Marie Sheppy, Senior Coordinator, Corporate Affairs, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “Each year, the caliber of essays we receive far exceed our expectations. These young adults are sure to succeed in their chosen field and we are pleased that we can help fuel their achievements.”
“In the spirit of giving back to our communities, we take pride in knowing that RE/MAX can help students reach their education goals”, says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “We hope that the bursary program encourages the applicants to continue to strive in their Quest for Excellence”
Quest for Excellence Award Winners are as follows:
Leadership Category – Alyssa Anderson, Lloydminster, SK, Carmen Danyluk, Kamsack, SK, Matthew Roy, Victoria, BC, Gladys Yeung, Winnipeg, MB
Sports Category – Taylor Gordon, Kamloops, BC, Kieran Halliday, Parksville, BC, Gabrielle Hodgson, Vancouver, BC, Kait Serafin, Vernon, BC
Technology & Trades Category – Joshua Craig, Westbank, BC, Dallas Hale, Delta, BC, Donna Shuman, Victoria, BC, Brittany Wall, Brandon, MB
Performing Arts Category – Jing Cheng, Delta, BC, Michelle Huie, Calgary, AB, Bernice Pui, Edmonton, AB, Matthew Zimmerman, Steinbach, MB
Fine Arts Category – Denay Amaral, Kitimat, BC, Callan Field, Calgary, AB, Natasha Ivanovic, Surrey, BC, Janyne Laing, Gallivan, SK
Community Service Category – Salina Haramsi, Vancouver, BC, Neil Kalra, Saskatoon, SK, Kelsey Phillips, Edmonton, AB, Celia White, Nanaimo, BC
RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with over 17,800 sales associates situated throughout its more than 638 independently owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 35th year, is a global real estate system operating in over 65 countries. More than 7,000 independently owned offices engage over 110,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca
For more information: Marie Sheppy
RE/MAX of Western Canada
Office: (250) 860-3628
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Edmonton Real Estate Statistic Ending May 04, 2008
Well the listing inventory contiunes to rise. Currently on the Edmonton Real Estate Board we have 14,342 properties listed. Which consist of 7,112 residential homes, 3,699 condominiums and 1,436 acreages.
In Edmonton proper we have 7,001 active listings. In the last 30 days we have had 1,134 sales. That give us a listings to sales ratio of 6.17:1. With that high of a ratio I will expect the see continued downward pressure still on home valuations.
We are still expecting the market to stabilize and even possibly see an increase in valuations before the end of the year.
The current market trend makes our current situation a perfect for a buyer to pick up tremendous deals before we see the market turn around.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Preventive Maintenance Pays For Itself
Consumers should remember that maintenance costs need to be considered when purchasing a home. All homes require constant care. General estimates indicate that every home will require between 1 percent and 3 percent of the home's value in annual maintenance costs in order to keep it in good condition, and this figure does not necessarily include major or emergency repairs. But since you already own your home - let’s talk about how to create some best practices when it comes to maintaining your home.
The ongoing maintenance of a home is a significant contributor to holding or increasing its value. All homeowners should plan a solid preventive maintenance schedule, so potential problems can be fixed before they become more costly and damaging. Quite often when we inspect homes, many of the defects we find would have been preventable with some routine monitoring and smaller repairs. But left unchecked, minor concerns grow into more significant problems.
There are many other benefits for current and potential homeowners when they incorporate preventive maintenance into their annual planning. Preventive maintenance:
Avoids expensive emergency repairs: Contractor fees rise in proportion to the urgency and the hour of the service call.
Saves money and aggravation: Repairs planned for completion during off-peak times are less expensive and less stressful.
Minimizes homeowner insurance premiums: Correcting deficiencies before they lead to catastrophic failure and a possible insurance claim will keep premiums reasonable.
Eliminates costly consequential damage: When major home components, like a roof, fail, the damage to home interiors and furnishings can be substantial.
Homes in good condition sell at higher prices than neglected counterparts.
Every house is different, and maintenance needed at different times of the year will vary. But for now, here is a Spring Maintenance Checklist to start your own preventive maintenance program.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
GROUNDS
Check condition of driveways and walks.
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for blockage.
Check fencing conditions and gate operation.
Check retaining walls for cracks, bulges and leaning.
Check all landscaping; trim all bushes and trees.
Check all out-buildings, porches and patios.
Check for proper grading and drainage throughout property.
Check lawn sprinkler system operation.
Check all equipment in preparation of pool opening.
Check (during rainstorm) for drainage away from foundation.
SIDING AND CHIMNEYS
Check all surfaces for damage or deterioration.
Check caulking at all joints.
Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components.
Check condition of masonry chimneys and vents.
Check foundation for settlement, cracks and spalling.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Check for damaged screens or broken glass.
Check weatherstripping, caulking, and window putty.
Check for frame decay or damage.
Clean and install screens.
ROOFS
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check fascia and soffit for signs of leaks/moisture build-up.
Check all flashings for fit and seals.
Check television antenna or satellite dish mounting.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
Clean fungi or algae from roof surfaces.
PORCH AND PATIO
Check all wooden supports and railing components.
Check flooring for wear or damage.
Apply preservative to wood decking and components.
Seal patios at foundation.
INSECT INFESTATION
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity.
Check for insect damage.
Arrange for treatment or repair.
INTERIOR AREAS
Check attic, ceilings and walls for evidence of leaks.
Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage.
Check condition of all painted or finished walls and trim.
Check carpet and flooring for wear or damage.
Check condition of all stairs and railings.
Check condition and operation of all windows and doors.
Test smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
SLAB/FOUNDATION
Check for cracks or breaks in wall.
Check for evidence of water infiltration or dampness.
Check for decaying sills and window frames.
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity
Check for changes in framing conditions.
Check crawlspace ventilation, insulation, and vapor retarders.
Test, clean and lubricate sump pump.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Assess power distribution for overloads issues.
Check condition of incoming service wire and supports.
Test circuit breakers and label all circuits at panel.
Test arc-fault and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (regularly).
Check circuits for over-fusing.
Check all receptacles and switches.
Check operation of vent and/or attic fans.
HEATING/COOLNG SYSTEMS
Follow manufacturer instructions for HVAC systems.
Inspect and install room air conditioners.
Clean all serviceable elements of heating system.
Change or clean heating system filter (regularly).
Check venting systems for corrosion and leaks.
Clean and de-energize humidifier.
Check and lubricate attic fan.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
De-winterize and check exterior faucets.
Check well and components.
Check septic tanks and systems.
Check water and waste piping for leaks.
Check hot water supply temperature.
Follow manufacturer instructions for water heater.
KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
Check condition and operation of all appliances.
Clean and change range fan filters.
Check all toilet flush mechanisms.
Check and repair all leaking faucets and valves.
Caulk and grout tile at tubs and showers.
Clean aerators and showerhead.
Click to
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.
To find the value of your home online for free visit us at: www.TeamLeadingEdge.ca
