Edmonton resale housing market sizzles in third quarter

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REALTORS® have been kept busy with strong sales of homes through the Multiple Listing Service® in the past three months. September residential sales were up 65.9% from the same month in 2007 and built on year-over-year sales increases in July and August.

“Edmonton may be the only housing market in western Canada that has increased sales in the third quarter,” said Marc Perras, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “After peaking at record sales numbers in early 2007 the market slowed through the first half of this year. But sales have certainly picked up to the normal range and surpassed same month sales from last year.”

There were 1,140 sales of single family residences in September with an average price* of $362,097 down 1.9% from last month. Condominium sales were up from the previous month by 11.7% with an average price of $252,234 on 477 sales during September. Duplex and rowhouses sold on average for $315,690, which was up 0.1% from August with sales of 79 units. The average residential sales price (including all types of residential property) was down 1.3% from last month to $324,906.

“The sales increases may have been helped by slightly softer prices for all types of homes,” said Perras. “But a bigger factor is the continuing strength of the local economy including low unemployment, low vacancy rates and economic growth at four times the national average.” He also noted that the average price for single family homes may be lower because of the increased number of entry level priced homes being sold as compared to pricier move-up or estate sales.
“Home buyers have come to the realization that a sudden market collapse in Edmonton is unlikely and that now is actually a good time to buy a home while inventory still remains high and interest rates are low,” he said.

There were 8,808 homes in the MLS® inventory at the end of September (down 804 units) based on 3,140 listings and 1,729 sales during the month. The sales-to-listing ratio was 55% (51% in August) and days on market was down by two days to 61 days in September. Total residential sales for the month were worth $562 million contributing to a total of $5.63 billion in total MLS® sales this year.
Source: Realtors Association of Edmonton

FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

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It is that time of year again when thoughts of that oncoming winter pops to mind. And this is the time that you should be getting your home ready for the winter months. Heree is a brief checklist to guide you through some basic tasks before it is too late:

GROUNDS:
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage.
Repair any driveway cracks and/or heaved or settled walkways.
Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house.
Check (ideally during a rainstorm) for rainwater drainage away foundation.
Clean and put summer furnishings away.
Drain and store garden hoses.

EXTERIOR SURFACES
Check weathertightness of all exterior surfaces and components.
Check for deterioration of painted or finished areas. If too late for a full paint job, prime and touch-up bare wood surfaces.
Caulk and seal all joints in siding, around windows and doors.
Check and seal any foundation cracks.
Improve weatherstripping at exterior doors and windows as needed.
Reset storms and screens where required.
Look for any signs of insect or pest activity around the foundation and at wood components close to the ground.

ROOF (Use binoculars or hire a professional.)
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check eave areas for signs of moisture build-up or damage.
Check the condition of chimneys.
Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.

ATTIC
Check ventilation openings for nests or other blockage.
Check the position and condition of insulation for uniform coverage.
Look for any signs of excessive moisture or heat buildup.

INTERIOR ROOMS
Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned.
Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.
Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if over a year old.
Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) using built-in test buttons.

HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Clean all elements of the cooling system.
Remove (or winterize) room air conditioners.
Follow manufacturer instructions for the maintenance of your heating system.
Change or clean heating system filters on warm air systems (now and regularly).
Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks.
If present, clean and test the humidifier.
Have your heating system serviced annually by a qualified heating serviceperson before the heating season to keep it functioning efficiently and properly.

PLUMBING
Drain exterior water lines and open taps (in cold areas).
Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing.
Check the condition and temperature setting of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the temperature setting.
Check the plumbing system and fixtures for any evidence of water leaks or blocked drains.
Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

RE/MAX Global Balloon Day Marks 30 Years of Flight

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RE/MAX of Western Canada Joins Worldwide Celebration of Anniversary

(Kelowna, BC Oct. 6, 2008) – RE/MAX of Western Canada will join RE/MAX offices around the globe in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the renowned RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon. Eight RE/MAX hot air balloons are scheduled to fly in Edmonton, Calgary, the Fraser Valley (of Vancouver), Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina and Grande Prairie to commemorate the first flight of a RE/MAX balloon, in 1978.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to celebrate our company’s heritage,” said Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “The RE/MAX brand, including the balloon, is a big part of what’s made our brand so successful – it’s a symbol of our commitment to rise above the crowd and provide the most professional real estate services to real estate customers and clients in Western Canada.”

These flights will be held in conjunction with RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon flights at locations around the world. RE/MAX balloons will fly in a kaleidoscope of more than 700 colourful hot air balloons in the “Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension” during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4-12, 2008. In Oregon, RE/MAX pilot Darren Kling, will attempt a crossing of the Cascade Mountains, taking off in the Willamette Valley, passing by Mt. Jefferson and landing near Bend.

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Fleet is one of the largest in the world, with over 100 balloons located on six continents. The distinctive red, white and blue balloon, which represents the international real estate network, has become one of the most recognized corporate images in the world.

Because of the strong brand awareness it creates, the RE/MAX balloon has helped take the international franchisor to the top of several national and international brand rankings including Advertising Age’s Top 200 US Megabrands and Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Survey. In these two surveys, RE/MAX was the highest ranked real estate franchisor. In the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, RE/MAX has been the highest ranked real estate franchisor for eight of the last ten years.

Information about the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon program can be found at www.remax.com.