5 Things Real Estate Buyers Hate too See:

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When you show your home to prospective buyers, there is probably a long list of things you’re hoping they’ll notice. For example, the beautiful chandelier in the foyer, or the spacious backyard and large deck, or the kitchen with the island big enough for a family to sit down for breakfast.

But what about those things you’re hoping buyers will not zero in on? Every home has some features that are less than enticing to the typical buyer. You may not be able to do much about an unfinished basement or a home backing onto a noisy main street.

However, there are several things buyers don’t want to see that you can change. Here are five of the most common:

• Clutter. Back rooms in basements filled with boxes and other items. Closets stuffed full of clothes. Rooms crammed with too much furniture. Clutter of any kind makes buyers feel uneasy – and gets in the way of showcasing the wonderful features of your home.

• Maintenance issues. Buyers definitely don’t want to see a lot of things needing repairs or replacement, such as dripping faucets, faded or chipped walls, or overgrown lawns and shrubbery.

• Smells. You can’t see smells, of course. But buyers will notice the lingering aroma of exotic cooking, cigarette smoke, and pets.

• Personal items. Buyers will, of course, understand that a family is living in the home they’re viewing. However, constant reminders – in the form of vacation pictures, bowling trophies, or scattered children’s toys – can make a buyer feel like an intruder.

• You. It’s nothing personal, but buyers prefer to view your home without you in it. The good news is, all these things can easily be dealt with before you show your home.

Looking for more ideas on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call Sharon Gregresh of Sutton Group Nor-Vista Realty today at 780-702-9999.

Sharon and her team can help you get your Edmonton Area Home Ready For Sale.

Edmonton Real Estate Prices Press Release September 2011

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Edmonton, September 2, 2011: The average* price of a single family home has remained remarkably stable for the past four years according to figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. The average selling price in August has varied from a high of $372,000 in 2008 to the low of $367,700 in 2009. Last month SFDs sold on average for $370,438. Prices have varied within a range of just over one percent.

“Consumers are wary in the face of uncertainty in the global economic markets and they receive constant reminders from federal officials about the dangers of carrying too much debt. Other real estate markets have seen recent boom and bust cycles that are not evident in our local market,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “Residential property is holding its value and the economic prospects for the Alberta and Edmonton markets show real growth potential in the next few years.”

Condo prices have slipped seven percent since 2008 because of an oversupply and lack of demand resulting from tighter mortgage qualification rules. In August 2008, the average price for a local condo was $248,000. This past August it was just $231,735. Overall, the all residential price has varied from $329,600 in 2008 to $324,217 this year (August figures).

In August 2011, there were 969 single family homes reported sold through the Multiple Listing Service® with 428 reported condo transactions with a total of 1,507 reported sales of all types of residential property. There were 1,564 total residential sales in July 2011 reflecting the typical pattern of slower sales as we head into fall.

“A stable market place and slightly lower prices combined with a slower sales cycle means that there are homes available in all price ranges,” said Mooney. “The residential median price ($315,000) remained almost the same as the previous month while the average prices dropped. This indicates that there is a softening of prices at the upper end of the market. Under these conditions, sellers with property priced below the average price for their property type and location will attract more attention and get a quicker sale.”

The sales to listing ratio notched up four percent to 51% as a result of steady listing activity and the typical sales cycle stretched to an average of 57 days-on-market indicating slower sales in August.

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Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

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Local Housing Market continues upward trend

Edmonton, August 3, 2011: According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, the average price of housing increased through July as compared to the previous month. The all-residential average price increased 1.1% to $334,054; up from $330,298 in June. Single family home prices increased 1.3% while condo prices rose 4.3% during the month.

Residential sales in July were 1,441 up 3.6% compared to the same time last year. Residential listing activity dropped slightly in July to 3,038 units; down 210 units from June but up 193 units from the same time last year. The inventory of homes on the Multiple Listing Service® is quickly approaching par from last year at 8,421 properties available as of July 31.

“Our local housing market is quite healthy with affordable prices, a good inventory and strong sales,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “The selection of properties on the market for buyers is excellent. With employment opportunities popping up throughout the region and interest rates being very attractive, now is a good time to purchase a property in Edmonton.”

The average* price of a single family detached home in July was $384,656 with a median price of $360,000. Condo average price was $244,225 with a median of $223,000. Duplex and rowhouse prices rose on average from $296,969 to $309,816, a 4.3% increase.

“The increase in housing prices is on track with our January forecast and as we move into fall, we don’t see prices increasing substantially,” said Mooney.

The average days-on-market in July was 51 days: the same as in July 2010. The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 47% in July and total MLS® System sales were over $3.887 billion for the year so far.

Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

Edmonton Real Estate Prices---

Edmonton Real Estate Market & Stats, August 2011 Press Release for

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Local Housing Market continues upward trend

Edmonton, August 3, 2011: According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, the average price of housing increased through July as compared to the previous month. The all-residential average price increased 1.1% to $334,054; up from $330,298 in June. Single family home prices increased 1.3% while condo prices rose 4.3% during the month.

Residential sales in July were 1,441 up 3.6% compared to the same time last year. Residential listing activity dropped slightly in July to 3,038 units; down 210 units from June but up 193 units from the same time last year. The inventory of homes on the Multiple Listing Service® is quickly approaching par from last year at 8,421 properties available as of July 31.

“Our local housing market is quite healthy with affordable prices, a good inventory and strong sales,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “The selection of properties on the market for buyers is excellent. With employment opportunities popping up throughout the region and interest rates being very attractive, now is a good time to purchase a property in Edmonton.”

The average* price of a single family detached home in July was $384,656 with a median price of $360,000. Condo average price was $244,225 with a median of $223,000. Duplex and rowhouse prices rose on average from $296,969 to $309,816, a 4.3% increase.

“The increase in housing prices is on track with our January forecast and as we move into fall, we don’t see prices increasing substantially,” said Mooney.

The average days-on-market in July was 51 days: the same as in July 2010. The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 47% in July and total MLS® System sales were over $3.887 billion for the year so far.

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Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

REALTORS® Optimistic About Strength in the Local Housing Market

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Edmonton, July 5, 2011: Economic and other external indicators point to a strengthening of the local real estate market according to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.

• Statistics Canada reported that Alberta boasted the highest spike in population in the first quarter with a 0.4% increase.
• The Conference Board of Canada predicts that housing prices in Edmonton will increase from five to seven percent in the short term although local prices are currently down when compared to last year.
• Although the Bank of Canada seems reluctant to raise interest rates because of the negative impact on exports, CMHC reports that Canadians are budgeting for an interest rate hike.
• While housing prices nationally are up by 8.6% (May figures) Edmonton prices are tracking predictably in a stable market.
• CIBC is of the opinion that Alberta home prices are over-valued by 17% yet RBC names Edmonton amongst the most affordable major metro markets in Canada.
• A report by Peters and Co. forecast that $180 billion will be spent on new oilsands projects in the next decade with current oilsands operations and maintenance adding another $30 billion a year.

“The various reports and indicators can be confusing and contradictory,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “Alberta and Edmonton are often moving in a different direction than the rest of the country and a national statistic or trend may not apply here. REALTORS® are very optimistic about the current market and are prepared to help home buyers and sellers sort through the figures to determine the best housing strategy for each individual or family.”

In the first half of the year the average* price of a single family detached home has risen from $357,540 to $379,409 while the all-residential price has risen from $308,497 to $330,297. However compared to the same-month year-over-year, prices have risen consistently between the levels set in the past two years.

In the short term, when compared to the previous month, prices in June were generally stable. Single family homes were up 0.31% from $378,239 to $379,409. Condo prices dropped from $239,782 to $231,852 (down 3.3% after rising 3.1% in May). Duplex and row house prices climbed slightly from $295,334 to $296,689. The all-residential average price dipped 0.5% during the month of June.

There were 1,768 residential sales in June with 3,260 listings resulting in a sales-to-listing ratio of 54%. This is compared to 53% in May. There are currently 8,432 residential properties in the MLS® System inventory and days-on-market is slower at 53 days (up from 50 in May).

“We know that all real estate is local and homeowners and buyers should focus on local data and local expertise to guide their decisions,” said Mooney. “Is it a good time to buy a home in Edmonton? If your domestic needs have changed and you need to move, then seek professional advice and start the process.”

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Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

Sutton Group Nor Vista Realty Furnish your Move Contest

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You could win $5000 in Furniture & Appliances! When you buy or sell with Sutton Group-Nor-Vista Realty!

Rules and Regulations for $5,000 Brick Gift Card

1. Prize Draw:

• Eligibility for Sellers: A Purchase Agreement must be entered into with the Condition Removal date (Firm Date) falling between April 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 in order for the seller(s) to be entered into the draw. The Seller(s) must be represented by a Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. licensed

REALTOR® on the Purchase Agreement. The entry is only eligible if all conditions on the sale of the property are removed or waived successfully. Contracts

that are not completed successfully (Non-waiver of Conditions) will eliminate the seller(s) entry. Multi listing projects including developments with more than

one listing in the same building or complex will only be eligible for one entry per project.

• Eligibility for Buyers: A Purchase Agreement must be entered into with the Condition Removal date (Firm Date) falling between April 1, 2011 and December
31, 2011. The Buyer(s) must be represented by a Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. licensed REALTOR® on the Purchase Agreement. The entry is
only eligible if all conditions on the sale of the property are removed or waived successfully. Contracts that are not completed successfully (Non-waiver of
Conditions) will eliminate the buyer(s) entry. All Purchase Agreements must close to the original buyer(s) listed on the Contract; assignment of the Agreement
will void the buyer(s) entry.

• No Purchase/Consideration Required: Contestants may enter by sending a self addressed pre-paid envelope to Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd.
addressed to “$5,000 Gift Card Promotion”. An entry form will be mailed back and must be received by registered mail before December 31, 2011. The
correct answer to a mathematical skill-testing question will be required.

2. Draw Date:
The draw will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 between 9 am and 4pm.

3. Notification for Winner:
Within two weeks of the Prize Draw Date, the winner will be contacted in writing by Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. The winner’s name will be posted on
Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd.’s website: www.SuttonNorVista.com. The winner will have 31 days from the draw date to respond and claim the prize. If
after this period the winner cannot be located, the Company will redraw from all other eligible entrants.

4. Prize:
$5,000 gift card redeemable at the Brick department store. This prize must be accepted as awarded; no substitutes. Prize may not be exactly as shown.
The prize will be awarded to the winner upon Completion of the Sale (Possession), meaning that funds have been paid in full to the seller(s), excluding any
holdbacks deemed necessary by the lawyers.

5. Restrictions and Notices to Entrants:

Contest rules prohibit the following from being entered to win: Staff and REALTORS® working for any Sutton franchise at any time during the promotion, as

well as relatives (including parents, grandparents, and siblings, and spouses or common laws of these relatives) of staff and REALTOR® working for Sutton

Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. at any time during the promotion are not eligible to win. All entrants must be 18 years or older to win. In the event that a winning

ticket stub lists more than one name, Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. will award the prize to any individual whose name is listed on the stub. The Sutton

Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. is not responsible for resolving any disputes that may arise between the different individuals. We do not rent, sell or trade our

contact lists. The personal information collected by Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty Ltd. for this draw will be used only to notify winners.

7 Kastle Point-St.Albert Home For Sale

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http://youtu.be/fsogFcJDhis/a>

Spectacular 1900 SqFt Scott Arthur Custom Bungalow. The moment you enter the front door you will be blown away by the calibre of finishing's. Gorgeous mahogany hardwood floors throughout the main floor, cherry stained kitchen cabinets. The front foyer is huge and enters onto the living room and the spectacular wall of windows that overlook the back yard. The Kitchen is enormous and is loaded with everything that even the most discerning chef would want. The Master suite is incredible with a large walk-in closet & the 5 pce ensuite is enormous. Attn to detail is abundant in this home from the built in cabinetry, to the intricate crown moulding, amazing bathroom fixtures, brick exterior, a back yard landscaped with 2 patios you can't go wrong. These are just a few features that give this property incredible value. The developed useable living space is nearly 3800 SqFt due to the finished basement. Complete with family /games room, 2 huge bedrooms with walk-in closets, a 4pce bath, and tons of storage.$649,900

Edmonton Homes For Sale - Is the Market Improving in Alberta?

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First Quarter Housing Sales on Normal Track; Prices Up
 

Edmonton, April 5, 2011: REALTORS® expect the local real estate market to follow a well-worn annual sales track. However, like the stock market, large external forces can skew the market. In 2010, the threat of increased mortgage rates and a change to mortgage qualification rules accelerated sales in the first quarter and caused a sales slump in the following months that took all summer to work through. This year there are no external influences on the market and it is operating normally again.

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, residential sales in the first quarter are normal for this time of year although lower than 2010 numbers because of the abnormalities imposed on the previous market. There were 3,479 residential sales in the first quarter, which is down from 3,890 last year.

“We will see sales number bounce back as we move into the spring market period,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “All the fundamentals for this market are positive. There is job stability, low unemployment, income growth and in-migration. New home builders are busy and I expect buyers to be looking at the housing options which match their lifestyle changes.”

At the end of March, the average* residential price (includes all types of housing including condos) was down 4.6% from a year ago at $327,725. The average price of a single family detached home was down to $378,912 compared to 2010 (a -2.6% change) and condos were priced down 7.5% year-over-year at $232,706.

As the market picks up momentum, prices inch up each month with the average residential price up 4.8% from a month ago. Compared to February, prices for SFDs were up 5.8% and condos up 0.8%.

“REALTORS® expect that prices will continue to climb slowly through the next quarter as usual,” said Mooney. “We are already seeing strong sales in the lower end of the market but tighter mortgage qualification rules have slowed sales in the upper end. Sellers should review their asking prices or consider minor home improvements that will appeal to the potential buyer.” Mooney urged both buyers and sellers to contact their REALTOR® to get assistance and advice on home selection and pricing strategy.

REALTORS® listed 2,960 residential properties in March and sold a total of 1,503 properties. Current residential inventory is 6,885 up 7.8% from last month. The residential sales-to-listing ratio in March was 45% with days on market down from 58 to 50 days. Total MLS® System sales this year are $1.235 billion.

Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

This information was provided by the Realtors Association of Edmonton. Should you want to discuss the Edmonton Real Estate Market please contact Sharon Gregresh or Kimberly Bedry at 780-702-9999.

Legal, Alberta Home For Sale – $254,900

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Small town living at its best. This home is located close to the amenities of the big city but nestled into the quiet community of Legal. There are no houses backing it and you have tremendous views over the fields. Sit on your gorgeous dec…k in the private back yard and enjoy a sunset. The home is a nice size and has ‘newer’siding, shingles, windows, soffits, fascia and a deck. The main floor has nice sized livingroom with a woodburning fireplace and large picture window looking out over the back yard at the amazing countryside views, it is attached to a formal diningroom. The kitchen is a good size with access to the deck through a large bayed patio door. There are three goodsized bedrooms upstairs and 1 1/2 baths. The basement is fully finished and feels like it goes on forever. There is a massive Familyroom with wetbar, 3 piece bath, bedroom/den, oversized laundryroom and huge storage space. This is a great family home. There is back lane access, great for skidooing or atving.

February Housing Prices mirror 2009 after increasing from January

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Edmonton, March 2, 2011: It was 2009 all over again if the housing figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton are any indication. Prices for all categories of residential property sold in February mirrored prices in the same month in 2009 after showing pricing gains from January this year.

Single family detached properties sold for $359,934 on average* in February; up 1% from January. The February price was down 3.1% from a year ago but close to the $349,810 price in February 2009. Condo prices followed the same pattern. At $230,911 on average, condos were up 4.5% from a month ago but down 0.65% year over year. In February 2009, condos sold for $229,685. The average price for a duplex/rowhouse in February was $303,440; up 2% from January but down 5.6% from a year ago. In 2009, the February price for this category was $288,379.

“Sales and prices in early 2010 were pushed up by the impending mortgage rate increases and qualification changes,” explained REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. “Now that the market is stable, price levels have returned to the 2009 levels. However, the price increases for all housing types from January indicate the slow upward movement that local REALTORS® anticipated.”

The all-residential average price (including single family, condo, duplex, townhouse, mobile home and other residential housing types) was up three quarters of a percent from January but down 1.8% from a year ago. However, at $312,840 it matched the February 2009 price at $310,488.

REALTORS® listed 2,631 residential properties in February and sold a total of 1,044 properties. Current residential inventory is 6,389 up 13.4% from last month. The sales-to-listing ratio in February was 39% with days on market down from 67 to 58 days. “With the recent announcement by the Bank of Canada that interest rates are not being raised, consumers can have confidence in the strength of the local real estate market,” said Mooney. “Call a REALTOR® to begin your house search.”

Highlights of MLS® System activity

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end.

Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent

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A qualified, competent real estate agent will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. An agent provides value to the homeowner in many ways: 

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.
• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including marketing, financing, negotiations and more. 
• Handles all showings.
• Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your agent doesn’t have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.
• Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side.
• Can handle and advise on all price and contract negotiations.
• Provides you with all the possible options and opportunities without holding back.
• Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options. Unlike buyers and sellers, an agent has no emotional attachment to property.
• Has the knowledge to help you ask the right questions.
• Being a third party, potential buyers are more likely to tell your agent the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This objective viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.
• Your time is valuable. A real estate agent allows you to spend your time how you want.