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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog has Moved
2007-12-11 20:17:00
Here are some of the newer posts at our new location, just click to read:New Construction in Edmonton : Housing Starts Down, New High-rise on the WaySo let it be written; so let it be done.Weekly Update on the Edmonton Real Estate Market: Dec 1 - 7Edmonton Real Estate Price AnalysisPrices Catch up to the MarketEdmonton's Economy Hottest in CanadaThink Inside the BoxWeekly Update on the Edmonton Real Estate Market: Nov. 24 - 30More Photos Sell Homes Faster and For More MoneyMy Thoughts on the Edmonton Real Estate Market
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2007-07-28 22:00:00
Here are some of the newer posts at our new location, just click to read: July Sales Statistics - What to ExpectWhy Are There So Many Homes for Sale in Edmonton ? 5 Reasons...Designer Guys Coming to EdmontonTwo Reasons to Consider a TeamThe true history of a listingYour Address On The WebCondo Developer Antes UpTop 5 Reasons to Work With a Real tor When you BuildAverage Effort for a Premium Price - It still amazes me!Relocating kids
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2007-05-03 17:59:00
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: Edmonton House Prices Up...A LittleAn Eastern Opinion on the Western Housing BoomThoughts on the Edmonton Real Estate MarketWill we boom, or will we bust?Change to Mortgage Insurance Makes Buying a Home More AffordableA Step Towards Rent Control in Alberta?Picture thisReal Estate Investments or Scams?Winning the bidding war: It's not always about moneyFrustration grows! Seller's market continues in Edmonton
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2007-04-20 07:16:00
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: FYI Measurements and Square FootageLand Transfer Tax Proposed for EdmontonDon't Get Stuck on List PriceRandom thoughts on the marketTypical Day At Our OfficeDealing With Multiple OffersFirst Time Home Buyers World Wide ExperiencesMulti-Family Units on the Rise in EdmontonHard to sell properties in the Edmonton areaAlberta Growth Healthier
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2007-03-28 00:29:00
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: Edmonton Condo Conversions - Worth Investing?Alberta Capital GainsGot Questions About Real Estate ? Ask Us!Edmonton Real Estate prices to go up 30%?Update on U of A Students Fighting HomelessnessU of A Students Fight HomelessnessRemax Says "No Price Relief in Sight" for Edmonton Real EstateReal Stories: How to turn $1300 into $45,000Housing Affordability on the RiseA Question From a Reader about Investing in Beaumont
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Properties for sale in Edmonton
2006-12-02 15:12:03
These hot new properties were listed by us today in Edmonton . Don't wait to long - they won't last.West Edmonton, 4lvl split with 1871 square feet on 3 levels. 4th level is mostly developed. Park like back yard, 3 full baths, 5 bedrooms and within walking distance of one of Edmonton's most popular schools. More info on this spectacular west Edmonton property can be found here. http://jamiesonplace.edmoton-homes.caSout h Edmonton, Immaculate 2 bedroom condo (2nd bedroom converted to a den and could be easily reconverted). Ideally located close to the university of Alberta this property has had numerous upgrades and won't last at $169,800.00 More details can be found at http://saddleback.edmonton-homes.ca North Edmonton, 1571 sqrft Bi level, with nanny suite down. There has been too many upgrades to mention here. All this gorgeous home needs is some paint, some updated floor coverings and this diamond will really really sparkle. If you want exceptional value check this pro...
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The Difference Photography Makes
2006-12-02 15:12:03
The Internet is the #1 place buyers look for homes, so it is extremely important that when you list your home for sale it is not only listed in as many places online as possible (especially the MLS), but also that it is displayed well. You spend a lot of time preparing your home for sale, making sure it looks its absolute best; it is your real estate agent's job to make sure it looks its best online. At Coldwell Banker Johnston we take dozens of photos of your home using studio lighting, a wide angle lens, digital stitching software, and photo-touch up software. What does that mean? It means our listings are listings that buyers want to see, and the more buyers that look at your property the more offers you'll get and the higher price it will sell for (nothing motivates a buyer to spend more than knowing there is another buyer willing to spend more). Wide Angle Photo graphy makes your home appear larger, and shows more of the space:Above: A small room looks even small...
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Alberta reports another record surplus
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Ok so we have posted similar articles to this in the past. However this is hot of the press from the Edmonton Journal and you can find this story every where in Edmonton right now. CBC ran a insightful documentary on the Alberta boom and it certainly captures the Alberta spirit. The pace of home sales will continue to be strong in the Edmonton area and this news won't make too many buyers reconsider their decisions. Edmonton ? Higher projected revenue in the current fiscal year and better-than-forecast year-end results from 2005-06 will allow the Government of Alberta to increase its investments, the province announced Wednesday.There will be additional funding for infrastructure, health, education, and savings, it said, as part of the 2006/07 first quarter fiscal report."Alberta's economy is strong and vibrant, with the population growing by an estimated 90,000 people last year, the equivalent of the City of Red Deer," said Finance Minister Shirley McClellan. That kind of gro...
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Formal Complaint Against Comfree Under Fair Trading Act
2006-12-02 15:12:03
The Alberta Real Estate Association has made a formal complaint to the Alberta government under the fair trading act. The journal has decided to cover this news today and my comments about the article are in italics below...ComFree 's barbs draw complaint by realtorsWebsite 'misleading,' Alberta government toldDavid Finlayson, The Edmonton JournalPublished: Saturday, August 19, 2006EDMONTON - The battle between real estate agents and upstart ComFree has reached a new level, with the Alberta Real Estate Association making a formal complaint to the government about the company's "misleading" statements.The 35-page complaint to Alberta Government Services under the Fair Trading Act details statements on the Edmonton ComFree website that the real estate association says "may mislead or confuse" consumers.ComFree, short for commission-free, charges people selling their home privately a set $595 fee to advertise it on their website and in their magazine, and is in competition with lice...
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Top 10 Questions to ask the Agents That Want to List Your Ho
2006-12-02 15:12:03
If you are considering selling your home, you've probably already thought about preparing your home for sale, where you are going to move to, what sale price you'd like for your home. Another very crucial step is to interview at least three successful real estate agents who sell homes like yours in your area. Even if you think you can sell your home alone without professional help, the agents you interview won't mind. They know most do-it-yourself sellers fail and within 30 to 60 days list their homes for sale with one of the agents already interviewed.Each agent will have a "listing presentation" during which they will outline their skills, experience and marketing strategies. Here are the key questions to ask each agent if they didn't already answer them in their presentation:1. How much can you get for my home? Not:what is my home worth?what price should I list my home for?These questions are important, but the most important thing what your home will actually sell for. The b...
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Homewoners Sell Record Number of Houses
2006-12-02 15:12:03
CREA's monthly report shows a slowdown in July, lead by Calgary and Vancouver. Edmonton's market increased significantly, but not enough to raise the national average. An important thing to note, these stats only include resale housing, and Calgary and Vancouver both had record sales of new homes which could account for the difference.This month in Edmonton we (at Coldwell Banker Johnston) are seeing fewer listings get multiple offers, it doesn't seem to be the feeding frenzy now that it was in August. There appear to be more listings for sale - I don't have any hard stats to prove this, it's just something we are feeling. My bet is when the stats come out for August there will still be lots of records set in Edmonton, but price increases will be less, the number of listings will be greater, and the number of days on market will be longer (July set an all time record for days on market in Edmonton).Here is the article from CBC News:Sales of resale homes are heading for another ...
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BC Real Estate Benefits from Alberta's Strong Economy
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Interesting article from the Journal about how much property Alberta ns are buying up in BC. One thing is missing for me - a stat showing how many recreational properties were sold to people from BC.... it would be interesting to compare.Albertans find home away from home in B.C.Shawn Ohler, CanWest News Service; Edmonton JournalPublished: Sunday, August 27, 2006EDMONTON -- Cash-flush Albertans are taking advantage of their province's recent oil boom by snatching secondary properties from their westerly neighbours at unprecedented rates, according to a real estate research firm.Albertans have purchased 2,219 properties in B.C. worth more than $650 million in the first six months of 2006, ahead of the 2005 pace, and drastically more than buyers from elsewhere in Canada and the United State s, according to Landcor's recently released property sales report.Ontario, in comparison, ranks second with 381 properties worth more than $200 million, followed by California (188 properties, near...
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Canadian Real Estate Won't See the Same Cooling as the U.S.
2006-12-02 15:12:03
This article from the Globe and Mail outlines all the reasons that the Cana dian real estate market is still going strong, and won't see the same kind of downturn as in the US. They do suggest that with the kind of price increases we've seen in Calgary and Edmonton a local cooling may be in order, but at the same time says that housing is here is so affordable relative to the rest of the country that we could just keep on trucking. A closer look at the economy in Alberta shows that it will be some time before there is any price correction here.Why our housing market is better insulatedCanadian real estate may be cooling, but it's not crashing, ROB CARRICK writes, and we positively shine compared with slumping U.S. sales and pricesROB CARRICKThe Massachusetts real estate market is just the thing to cure any smugness Canadians might have about how much their homes have gained in value.A blast of negative news about the U.S. housing market was released this week, including a report t...
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New homes in Edmonton, a safe investment?
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Many times as a real estate agent I've been told by prospective buyers "we're going to build." This is a desire I completely understand, however I've often had mixed emotions about this. In certain cases I've been convinced that is the best alternative for my clients due to their needs and their ability to pay and understand the building process. In many cases though - especially with young couples building their first home - I've had some reservations. Take for example that they really don't have a good reference point for what they want and how that will work for them over time, especially when it comes to materials and layout. When I bring forward this reservation most young couples look blankly at me and then hurt and then that's about the last time I hear from them until they go to sell. This is where most of them realize they need a professional to assist them with all the intracasies involved, the least of which is colour choices ect.The reality is the very hel...
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TD Warns of Potential Housing Bubble in Western Canada
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Everyone knows property prices have gone through the roof in Calgary in Vancouver, and they are at new record-setting levels in Edmonton every month. TD Economics now says there is potential for a bubble in western Canada . The important thing to note is that they state that in Edmonton "affordability remains surprisingly good."TD warns of potential for housing problems in West By Ottawa Business Journal StaffThu, Aug 31, 2006 1:00 PM ESTHousing activity in Central and Atlantic Canada has cooled down without prompting a price correction, but select cities in Western Canada are "flashing warning signs" that suggest the recent pace of price gains has been unsustainable.That's the conclusion of TD Economics latest "Housing Bubble Watch" report."Canada's real estate markets appear to be in good shape and market conditions are becoming more balanced. Key exceptions are Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton," says TD's deputy chief economist, Craig Alexander."The recent dramatic price gains in...
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We've Moved!
2006-12-02 15:12:03
At Coldwell Banker Johnston we usually help our clients move, but today we've moved ourselves... the new - and soon to be greatly improved - Edmonton Real Estate Blog resides at http://edmonton-homes.typepad.com/If you subscribe to our feed there is no need to change anything. Thanks to everyone who has visited us here at Blogspot and helped necessitate the change to a more powerful blogging solution.
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: Scotiabank Bets on EdmontonWaiting for the bubble to burstEdmonton's "Housing Bubble"Alberta to Raise Minimum wageCity to cut spendingEdmonton Housing Prices Continue Upward ClimbRalph in ReviewWestern Canada Housing Bubble an ExaggerationA Condo With Room for Your Horse!TD Warns of Potential Housing Bubble in Western Canada
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: Canadians rush to U.S.-style exotic mortgagesEdmonton Taxes Will go up Less Than House ValuesEdmonton's Best Real Estate blogEdmonton Journal Feature: House for saleEdmonton Real Estate Prices Up 46% in One YearEdmonton Real Estate Prices and Supply UpAlberta's Real Estate Industry gets new rulesCanadian MLS Sales to Set New Record in 2006Downtown Edmonton Economic ReportAnother red flag on Alberta's economy
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The Edmonton Real Estate Blog Has Moved
2006-12-02 15:12:03
Here are some of the new posts at our new location, just click to read: Home seller's guide to perfect holiday showingsNew Mortgage Legislation Lowers Minimum DownpaymentAlbertans Spend Spend SpendEmpty Edmonton Schoolyards to Become Affordable HousingMore Edmontonians Living in LuxuryCENTURY 21 Canada Fall 2006 House Price SurveyAlberta's Economy Moderating, But Still Leading The CountryNorth Edmonton Home for saleReal Estate Survey: What Consumers WantResale Activity reaches new heights in Edmonton
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Average Edmonton Home Now Costs Over $318,000
2006-08-29 19:45:06
The most interesting bit of info in this article, is that the average home in Edmonton (not greater Edmonton) now costs over $318,000. Especially when 5 years ago only 6% of homes in Edmonton sold for over $300,000. So what does it all mean? Has the cost of housing inflated in Edmonton too quickly - will it deflate just as fast? Or have the prices here just caught up to the rest of the country,
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CMHC Predicts Another Housing Downturn
2006-08-16 03:38:00
Today CMHC released another report forecasting a cooling housing market. For almost as many years as we've seen record breaking housing results, CMHC has been forecasting a downturn. I think now they just realize that if they stick with the same message, eventually they'll be right.Interest rates to temper housing demandROMA LUCIWGlobe and Mail UpdateRising interest rates will help cool Canada's booming housing market by next year, but that doesn't mean prices are about to fall.According to a quarterly outlook from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., housing starts will rise to 227,900 units in 2006 from 225,481 last year, before sliding to 209,100 units next year.?Higher mortgage carrying costs, due to modest increases in mortgage rates and rising house prices, will temper housing demand in Canada in the latter part of this year and next,? said Bob Dugan, the CMHC's chief economist.Low borrowing costs, strong economic growth and a solid labour market have sparked a real estate ...
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GDP growth forecast to pass the U.S. - Edmonton
2006-08-14 01:05:00
What does this mean in Edmonton . The author of below article has two states of mind. One Canada is going to do better than the U.S. in terms of GDP growth on the other hand the Western Canadian real estate sector is going to languish. I'm no econimic expert with a crystal ball. Or at least mine has been dropped so many times that its well cracked but I have a few problems with his theories. Firstly, it is pretty evident that the growth in Western Canada is what is going to drive up the GDP for Canada. I'm not one of those Ontario is a bag of wind believers in fact if anything it is Ontario's stabilty that allows this growth and the softer employment conditions prevent all out inflation. So what I want to know from any and all economic guru's is how will it be when Edmonton for example on an affodability scale is still more affordable than places like Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria that homes here will languish. They may soften but will most likely retai...
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Alberta Land Titles Backlog
2006-08-12 04:20:00
Brisk house sales cause backlog in land titlesLast Updated: Friday, August 11, 2006 | 4:14 PM MTCBC NewsPeople buying homes in Edmonton and Calgary are now waiting three weeks or more for their mortgage and land title paperwork to clear the system.Normally, the wait is two to six days.Eoin Kenny, spokesman for Alber ta 's Government Services, says brisk real estate sales and the inexpensive cost of second mortgages are causing the record-breaking backlog."For instance, in 2004-2005, we did 5.8 million transactions. Last year it was 6.5 million transactions. And we're looking to break 7.5 million this year. So that gives you some sense of just how busy those offices are."Officials in land titles offices in both cities are working evenings and weekends to deal with a record number of mortgages and title transfers.Kenny says homeowners can speak with their real estate agents or lawyers about how they can still safely take possession of their properties even if the paperwork isn't read...
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New Office Building in Downtown Edmonton - First in 17 Years
2006-08-08 21:51:00
So we're finally getting some new office space in downtown Edmonton. It's been a long time since something commercial has gone up - 17 years to be exact - a sure sign that this city is growing. Commercial rents are up 70-100% in the downtown core, further evidence of the tight market. It's a three-story project at Jasper Ave, and 104 st., the article below also outlines some other upcoming changes to the downtown landscape....Edmonton's joining the office space partyOil money is driving the Alberta capital's commercial real estate renaissanceCATHIE BARTLETTSpecial to The Globe and MailEDMONTON -- Something unusual will happen in downtown Edmonton next month -- for the first time in 17 years, construction is scheduled to begin on a commercial office building.It will be modest by any standard -- just three storeys -- but it's significant given that downtown Edmonton has not seen a new commercial building since 1989.And it speaks to the commercial property resurgence that the cit...
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Edmonton House Price Worries
2006-08-08 21:48:00
The article below discusses the concern on pricing in Edmonton . I'd be worried if my home was in Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary but right now our market still holds good value for buyers compared to other markets in Canada, and Alberta, especially when you consider employment, taxation and the province's fiscal position. It may be true that some workers will hold off on recolating to Edmonton based the price of housing. That should curb the positive net migration that the city is currently enjoying, which is a major factor contributing toward the current demand for housing. Should the demand lower of course, future price increases will be affected. However, there are still many opportunities for savvy buyers to find properties and negotiate fair deals for those properties. In some cases many agents are having their strategy of having offers presented at a specific date back fire on them, giving buyers some good options.If the reports of Alberta's economic position as a power ho...
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House prices soaring high in Strathcona
2006-08-06 19:03:03
From the "Sherwood Park News" this article highlights what the Sherwood Park market is doing, as opposed to the Greater Edmonton area as a whole. The president of the Edmonton Real Estate board points out in the article that even though prices are soaring, they are still quite reasonable compared to the rest of the country. As I blog this, our client M. Elliot, who is a Calgary investor sitting
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MLS® home sales set record for first half of 2006
2006-08-06 19:03:03
The latest release from CREA (Canadian real estate association), as per every release for the last few years it is better than expected and breaking records. And like every release for the past few months Calgary and Edmonton are pulling up the averages with surging markets. Enjoy... Ottawa ? July 17, 2006 ? Resale housing activity in Canada?s major markets in the first six months of 2006
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Albertans Confident Amid Rising Prices
2006-08-06 19:03:03
Even with new housing price records being set every month, consumer confidence is up in the province. The following is an excerpt from a report done by the Conference Board of Canada. Consumer sentiment continues to climb Confidence reaches record levels in the Prairies National consumer confidence ? a significant indicator in projecting Canada?s housing market ? continued to rise in the second
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Alberta reports record surplus
2006-08-06 19:03:03
The big news in Alberta today was the announcement of a record $8.7 billion dollar surplus. Now many of you have some extra change in your pockets for some projects, so the Alberta government finds itself awash in resource reveue. Now that King Ralph will be stepping down the question remains do the politicians go on a spending frenzy, do they maintain a tight grip on the cash doling it out on
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How Long Will The Edmonton Real Estate Market Stay Hot
2006-08-06 19:03:03
You?ve probably heard about the real estate market in Edmonton; if you thought it was hot in the spring, the pot is boiling over now. Alberta is out pacing the rest of the country as prices are rapidly increasing; the average price of an Edmonton home was up 39% in the first half of this year compared to last. You?ve probably also heard stories about homes selling with multiple offers and over list price. In the current market buyers should expect to pay at least list price and probably more. We?ve developed a new marketing strategy to get the most out of the hot market, and as a result our listings are selling well above the area average. See www.JustSoldEdmonton.com for examples. Why is the Edmonton market so hot? Jobs - The employment rate is the highest it has been in 30 years. Oil - Oil and gas prices are high, there are over $7 billion worth of projects on the books to expand the oil industry in the province (which means more jobs). Net Migration - All these jobs mean mo...
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