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In the last 30 days, 225 single family houses were sold, up 3.2% from last week.  The median price is down 0.6% to $547,900. The average house was on the market for 49 days, 1 days less than in my last report. Although the volume of sales is increasing slightly, we are seeing a corresponding slow decrease in selling prices.

 

In the last 30 days, 111 condos were sold, down 4.3% from last week.  The median price is down 0.5% to $278,700. The average condo was on the market for 61 days, 6 days less than in my last report. Both volume and selling prices are dropping due to a relatively high inventory level.

 

In the last week, the local inventory of single family homes has increased by 0.3% to 1471 homes.  Condo inventory has risen by 0.4% to 797 suites.  Overall, SFH inventory is stable or dropping slightly while the condo inventory is growing.

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We are very proud to share with you that the latest RE/MAX Western Canada Region Update lists Mark Roozendaal and Karl Leong as the #1 and #4 RE/MAX individual realtors in Victoria year to date for 2010.
 
We're pleased that our hard work is paying off for our clients, and would like to pass on our thanks for your trust, and for your many referrals.  If you are considering selling, or buying, please give us a call so we can put our expertise to work for you.
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Mistake #4 - Trying to “Hard Sell” During Showing:
 

Buying a home can be an emotional and stressful decision, and potential home buyers don’t want to feel pressured when viewing a home. So, let your home speak for itself.  Vacate your house during showings.  Allow potential home-buyers to comfortably view the house and property. Don’t try haggling or pointing out every improvement you’ve made. Good Realtors let buyers discover the house for themselves, only pointing out features they’re sure will be of interest, and being receptive to any questions the buyers might have.

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RE/MAX has just released their 2011 housing outlook for Canada.  Overall, markets are expected to stabilize with a variety of results across Canada.  In Victoria, sales volume is expected to grow by 8% with prices to increase 6%.  Considering that prices have softened by 5-7% in the second half of 2010, that figure is quite believable.  In the last 2 months, we have already seen local price and volume recovery in most market sectors when compared to the summer months.
 
If you would like to read the entire report just click here.
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Mistake #3 - Being unaware of your rights and responsibilities:
 
It is essential that you are thoroughly aware of the details involved in your real estate contract. These contracts are often complex — but no matter how confusing and convoluted the language, the contract is legally binding. As you soon as you sign your name, you are responsible for all of its contents. Not knowing your responsibilities could cost you thousands in repairs and inspections. Have an experienced Realtor explain the contract to you, or get your lawyer to review it, before you accept.
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In the last 30 days, 218 single family houses were sold, up 0.5% from last week.  The median price is down 1.2% to $551,110. The average house was on the market for 50 days, 1 day longer than in my last report.  Overall, prices and volume are stable in the SFH market segment.
 
In the last 30 days, 116 condos were sold, down 3.3% from last week.  The median price is down 3.9% to $280,000. The average condo was on the market for 67 days, the same as in my last report.  Condo sales are slowing and prices are softening as we head towards Christmas.
 

In the last week, the local inventory of single family homes has dropped by 6.5% to 1467 homes.  Condo inventory has fallen by 7.1% to 794 suites.  Inventory is getting pretty low, as we see each year, as Christmas approaches.

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Mistake #2 - Neglecting to showcase your home:
 
Take the time to ensure you’re offering the best possible first impression of your home to buyers.  A few improvements done to your home before placing it on the market can increase the chances of selling quickly, and for more money. 
 
When buyers spot an area of your home in need of repair, they consider this perceived cost when deciding upon an offer price—if they haven’t already been scared away.  And since buyers often aren’t sure about the cost involved for repairs, they will create a larger margin for error in their asking price.  Sellers are always better off dealing with these repairs themselves.
 
Stay tuned for tip #3 coming soon!
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On a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning like this it is easy to know that we live in a beautiful corner of the world.  We have peace, gentle weather, and gorgeous scenery all around us.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I still catch myself talking it for granted. 
 
At times like that, it can be a nice reminder to read about our area from the point of view of someone from elsewhere.  The link below will take you to the New York Times and an article about a recent visit to Galiano Island.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.  It's great!
 
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Selling your home is a complicated process.  It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of details involved, but the experience can be very manageable—and educational!—when broken down into its component parts and plotted out into steps.  Here is mistake #1.  Others will follow in the coming days.
 
1.  Faulty Pricing:
 
 It is essential you determine the asking price of your home based on its market value.  I know that this sounds obvious, but too many times home-sellers let emotions or needs influence their asking price, drawing from numbers based on the price paid for the house originally, or the amount of money they’ve invested in the home.  This mistake may prove to be a costly one. 
 
If your home is priced significantly higher than what the market is bearing at the time, prospective buyers interested in your style of home will reject it for larger homes listed at the same price.  And, those buyers who do see your house may have significantly higher expectations than what you have to offer.  Ironically, over-pricing your home actually increases the chances that your home will sell for less than it is worth.  Driving prospective buyers away will increase the amount of time your home stays on the market, which raises an additional red flag for buyers.  They become wary of the reasons your home has not sold, thinking, “If no one else has bought it, there must be something wrong with it.”  The bottom line:  price it correctly, and they will come.
 

Be vigilant, too, of pricing your home too low:  a lack of market value awareness could result in selling your home for much less than it’s worth.

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In mid January we will be releasing our market analysis for the third quarter of 2010.  The feedback that we have been receiving is excellent - especially if you appreciate the statistics and in depth info that is not normally published outside of the inside circle.
 
The report is FREE and without any obligation.  We'll send it to you via email, or via good old fashioned snail mail but you have to register in advance.  Of course, you can quit receiving it any time and we will never share your address with anyone.
 
The link below will take you to the registration page:
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