<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>Edmonton Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Edmonton Real Estate - Information, Advice, and opinions on the Edmonton Real Estate Market. Contact Chris Proctor today for more information about the Edmonton Real Estate Market. 780-438-2500</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-housing-prices-up-in-first-quarter-of-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-housing-prices-up-in-first-quarter-of-2012.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Housing Prices up in First Quarter of 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
According to the latest
market report from REALTORS®
Association of Edmonton, the average selling price of a home in Edmonton climbed 2.2% to $335,187 in the first three months
of this year, compared to $328,094 during the first three months of 2011. 


“Other
markets, such as Toronto, are reporting feverish real estate activity
involving multiple offers and unconditional offers but our market is calm,
orderly and slowly evolving,” commented Doug Singleton, President of the
REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Listing activity is up when compared to
last year but sales and inventory are down which could indicate that market activity
will pick up markedly as the summer progresses.” 


Other
Edmonton housing statistics for March were: 




A 23.5% surge in
listings compared to February


A 24.5% climb in
total sales compared to February 


A 14.6% boost in
inventories (residential properties available for sale) compared to February


A 1.9% drop in
the average days-on-market compared to February


The average
selling price of a single family detached home climbed 1.3% from February, to
$380,083


The average
selling price for a condominium dipped 1.8% from February, to $231,629


The average
selling price for duplexes and rowhouses jumped 4.1% from February, to $319,020




“April
is the start of the real estate season when people who want to buy and sell
real estate are most active,” added Singleton. “There is speculation that
mortgage rates will start to rise which makes it more difficult for first time
buyers. However, there is lots of choice in our market with new properties
coming available daily.”


If you’re planning on
transitioning from or to your next home, then I’ll help you make sense of these
statistics, so that you can maximize your opportunity and enjoy a satisfying,
stress-free experience. 


Contact me today at (780)
709-0811 with your questions. Remember, I’m here to help!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:04:21 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/february-housing-marketing-statistics-for-edmonton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/february-housing-marketing-statistics-for-edmonton.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>February Housing Marketing Statistics for Edmonton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As reported by the REALTORS®
Association of Edmonton, Edmonton housing prices in February rose somewhat
significantly in February compared to the previous month, and even higher when
compared to the same period last year. Specifically, February sales rose 3.7%
vs. January and 5.7% vs. February/11, with the all-residential average at a
rather lofty $329,911. 


 “Average prices in February were higher than
the year-long average price for last year,” commented Doug Singleton, president
of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Buyers seem to have confidence and
REALTOR® offices are reporting solid traffic. This is lifting prices up and
they are already higher than at the same time in the past two years.” 


Other key statistics from February also
point to “confident buyers”: 




The
average single family detached home rose 3.1% from January, to $375,268.


The
average condo rose a whopping 8.5% from January, to $234,973.


The
average duplex and rowhouse rose 1.4% from January, to $306,491.


On a
year-over-year basis, prices rose across all categories.  


The
average days-on-market in February was 54 – down from 65 in January. 




“Nationally the housing still appears to
be soft,” added Singleton. “But the local market is much more robust.”


My experience in February is consistent
with these trends – housing prices in Edmonton are indeed going up. But is that good
news or bad news?


The honest answer to that is: it can be either. It depends your
situation, your plan, and your options.


If you’re selling, then it’s a great time
to list – because even though housing prices are rising, interest rates are
also rising as well (with the big banks already raising their rates a few weeks
ago). So this is an ideal “window” to get a premium price and attract the most
number of offers.


If you’re buying, then it’s really time
to get going – because there are two forces that are eating away at your buying
power: rising housing prices, and rising interest rates. So the sooner you can
get into the market and focus on a house that fits your needs and budget, the
better. You don’t want to be left on the sidelines – especially if you’re a
renter. With property taxes on the way up (as they always are!), your landlord
is most certainly going to pass these increases on to you. Why pay your
landlord’s property taxes when you can pay your own? 


My job is to
help you make sense of these statistics, so that you can make the numbers “work
for you.” Contact me today at (780)
709-0811 with your questions. Remember, I’m here to help! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:09:12 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-community-profile-ambleside.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-community-profile-ambleside.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Community Profile: AMBLESIDE</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
I
love Edmonton, and proudly call the city my home
and my “workplace” as well. And one of my favourite communities to visit and
work is Ambleside. 


Indeed,
there’s so much to love about this charming and unique community – it’s really
something you have to personally experience to truly appreciate. However, I’ll
do my best by giving you a brief thumbnail sketch of why Ambleside is truly an
outstanding place to live and raise a family. 


Ambleside
is... 




Incredibly accessible
     and very “walkable.” So if the thought of quaint walkways, trails and
     paths inspires you to get your running shoes on, then you’re in luck!


Full of natural,
     green spaces including three parks (with more on the way!). The parks are
     well maintained and ideal for families and friends.


Dotted with a lake
     and ponds to really make you feel that you’re getting back to nature.


Conveniently within
     minutes of the Anthony Henday Freeway and the Edmonton International Airport.


Served by all of the
     modern shopping conveniences that you’d normally find in a much larger
     community – which means you’ll find WalMart, Safeway, London Drugs,
     Canadian Tire, Cabelas and plenty more on the way, including Staples,
     Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, Future Shop, Montanas, 5 Guys Burgers, Swiss
     Chalet, and more.


Ideal for starting
     and raising a family, with a future school site that will be developed in
     the near future.


Safe and secure,
     with a new police station and new fire station currently under
     construction. A 60,000-square foot medical building is also on the way.


Full of different
     kinds of housing to suit all needs and budget – from individual, couples
     of families starting their journey of home ownership, to larger families
     and retired couples who want to “enjoy it all” but without having to move
     to a big, busy city.


Home to many
     community events, such as the annual Family Day Frolic that was held last
     month – there were sleigh rides, skating, games and more!   




As you can see, I’m sold
on Ambleside and it’s truly one of my favourite communities in all of Edmonton. It’s also one of my most frequent
“workplaces,” because more and more people are in agreement with me and want to
call it home. 


If you’re interested in discovering more about a community
that is truly unlike any other in Edmonton and, for that matter, anywhere else
in Canada that I’ve ever been, then call me
at (780) 709-0811. I’d be happy to provide you with more information, and take
you on a tour. 


And be prepared to fall in love, because Ambleside is truly
something special!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:24:33 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/january-housing-marketing-statistics-for-edmonton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/january-housing-marketing-statistics-for-edmonton.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>January Housing Marketing Statistics for Edmonton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As
reported by the Realtors
Association of Edmonton, housing prices in January followed a “business as
usual” pattern for this time of year: slightly lower prices than December, and
about the same volume. 


“We
are predicting a slow but steady growth pattern for the market in 2012 and, as
usual, this year started off slowly but is already showing signs of strength as
we roll into spring,” commented Doug Singleton, President of the REALTORS®
Association of Edmonton. “Listing and sales activity is up markedly as compared
to a year ago. Listings in January as compared to December are up over 126%.” 


In
terms of specific numbers for January: 




The average
price of a single family detached (SFD) home dropped 1.1% from the previous month to $362,926, but rose
year-over-year by nearly $9000. 


The average
price of a condo was $215,407, down 4.9% from the previous month, and down
nearly $9000 from the same period a year ago. 


Duplex and
rowhouse properties sold on average for $304,590 – a hefty 8.3% boost from the
previous month, and nearly 3% higher year-over-year. 


The average
residential price (including all SFD, condo, duplex and townhouse properties sold in the Greater Edmonton
Area) was $318,034: up 0.7% from December and up 2.6% from last January. 


The
sales-to-listing ratio was 36%. 


There were 2,441
residential properties listed and 881 sold – up just over 7% from the same
period a year ago


Average
days-on-market was 65 – no change from the previous month 




“Interest
rates remain at a historic low point and are not expected to rise this year.
Combined with an expected increase in listing activity, the low interest rates
make this a great time to enter the real estate market,” added Singleton.
“Buyers have increased choice and there is a massive amount of information in
the real estate market. REALTORS® are uniquely qualified to sort through the
data and help buyers and sellers to make informed decisions that support their
hopes and dreams. REALTORS® are here when life happens.” 


With years of
experience helping Edmonton buyers and sellers just like you, my job
is to help you make sense of these statistics so that you can achieve the best
possible results with the least amount of hassle, stress and worry. Contact me today
at (780) 709-0811 with your questions. Remember, I’m here to help! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:09:13 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/were-changing-domain-names.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/were-changing-domain-names.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>We're changing domain names!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hi All,


There are some big changes coming in the near future! We have decided to stop using the www.FirstHomePros.com domain name, and we're changing it to www.GoEdmontonHomes.com. But don't worry your searches will still be available on our new website, and we promise that our new website will be better than ever! Thank you for all of your support!


If you have any questions you can alwasy call or text me at 780-709-0811.


Cheers,


Chris Proctor
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:12:13 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-real-estate-market-update-for-june.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/edmonton-real-estate-market-update-for-june.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Real Estate Market Update for June</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ As reported by the Edmonton Journal, last
month Edmonton home sales jumped a healthy 7.6% compared to a year
ago, according to the Realtors Association of Edmonton. In total, the June
housing market saw 54% of listed homes sell for a total of $584 million (1,768
sales; 3,260 listings).

A
couple of key factors behind this boost in sales are, of course, the hot
Alberta economy and those good ol’ historically low interest rates – which make
home ownership a reality for many people, especially first time home owners and
former renters.  


However,
another factor that is boosting home sales appears to be a slight dip in
average selling prices, which further makes ownership affordable and
attractive. The average price for a single family home fell 2.86% in June to
$379,409, while condo prices dropped about 5% to $231.582.  


So
what do these numbers foretell about the summer and fall? According to ATB
Financial economist Dan Sumner, the road ahead should be marked by stability
and balance, instead of volatility. 


 “A strong Alberta economy and an improving
labour market means that prices are unlikely to fall by much,” Sumner stated, “while
the fact that valuations are near the upper end of what many homebuyers can
afford means prices have limited upside potential, especially with mortgage
rates set to rise eventually.” 


For home sellers, this means
that there’s no need to panic – there’s no “bubble” here that appears on the
verge of bursting, and you shouldn’t expect to wake up next month and find that
the value of your house has sunk. So it’s no time to panic. However, it does mean that there is going to be more
competition, given that more homes are now within the budget of more home
owners. So that means preparing, staging, and marketing your home is VERY
IMPORTANT if you want to realize full market value, and not get “damaged” by
the increased competition. 


For home buyers, this means
that it’s a very good time to jump into the market and, when you find the right
house, make a competitive offer. As Sumner states (and as everyone knows),
interest rates will rise – they can’t
really go in any other direction! – and even if home prices stay stable, even a
1% spike in interest rates will add tens of thousands of dollars over the life
of your mortgage. Why pay that money to your bank or lending institution, when
you can keep it in your account – or better yet, spend it on your new house (or
maybe that amazing golf vacation you’ve been dreaming about...). 


As a Realtor® who
specializes in serving the Edmonton
marketplace, my job is to make these local statistics work for my clients –
whether they’re buying or selling. Give me a call at 780-709-0811
to discuss your unique real estate plan. Remember, I’m here to help!  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:59:52 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rate-hikes-on-the-horizon.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/mortgage-rate-hikes-on-the-horizon.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>Mortgage Rate Hikes on the Horizon</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As reported by the Canadian
Press, home buyers and sellers should gear up for mortgage rate hikes sooner
instead of later. 


That’s because, while the Bank of Canada this week declined
to change its current 1% overnight rate (which banks use to formulate their
mortgage and other lending rates), it announced in a statement that the
economic recovery, if it continues, will inevitably lead to hikes in the near
future.  


"To the extent that the expansion continues and the
current material excess supply in the economy is gradually absorbed,” the Bank
of Canada noted in its statement, “some of the considerable monetary policy
stimulus currently in place will be eventually withdrawn." 


For those who have been closely following the Bank of
Canada’s actions (or inactions) over the past few years, this news may not seem
all that newsworthy. After all, the Bank’s Governor Mark Carney has been rather
vocal over the last few months about how consumers should prepare for higher
rates. 


However, what makes this week’s statement different – and
more impactful – is that the Bank has never actually officially signalled that
it will eventually bump of interest rates. But that’s what it did, and so
barring an unforeseen shock to the economy, it’s pretty much a foregone
conclusion that sometime this year the Bank’s rate – and hence, mortgage rates
– are on the way up. Some analysts are even predicting the increases to start
as early as September. 


If you’re planning on
buying a home: the
impending rate hike does give you an attractive financial incentive to put your
home buying plan into action sooner, instead of later. Though the mortgage rate
hike won’t be severe, even a difference of .50 basis points can mean tens of
thousands of dollars in interest in the long run. I’m sure the buyers out there
reading this can find better things to do with that cash then give it to the bank
in interest! 


If you’re planning on
selling a home:
this means a couple of things. For one, it means that per the point I raised
above, there are going to be some pretty motivated buyers out there who want to
“close the deal” before the rate hikes start coming. That gives you a good
reason to put your home selling plan into action. Also, chances are you’ll need
a new mortgage for your next home – and you’re obviously better off getting
that in place prior to the hikes, too. 


I’ll build your customized buying, selling or buying and selling plan – one that helps you
get ahead of the mortgage rate hike curve. Call me at 780-709-0811.
I’m here to help!  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:53:22 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/new-rules-for-home-inspectors-in-alberta.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/new-rules-for-home-inspectors-in-alberta.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>New Rules for Home Inspectors in Alberta</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As
reported earlier this month by the Edmonton
Journal, the Provincial government has passed some much-anticipated new
rules affecting home inspections in Alberta. 


Under
the Home Inspection Business Regulation,
Home Inspectors must: 




meet minimum
qualification and education standards in order to be licensed by the province
(those who already hold a Registered Home Inspector or Certified Master
Inspector certificate are pre-qualified)


carry $1 million
in “errors and omissions” insurance


post a $10,000
security fee in case of negligence or incompetence 




Home
Inspectors who don’t meet these requirements can apply a conditional licence,
which expires in March 2013. 


In
addition, the new regulations put an end to contracts that limit liability, and
subjects deceitful Home Inspectors to possible prosecution under the Fair
Trading Act, which carries fines up to $100,000. 


"The
public wanted this," commented Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk.
“There was huge support from consumers, realtors, appraisers and mortgage
brokers. Home inspectors wanted it, too, because they are very proud of what
they do." 


Of particular
note to potential home buyers, the new rules apply only to resale properties and not on new home inspections, which
are inspected by municipal safety code officers (who are already accredited by
the Safety Codes Council of Alberta).  


In
my view, this is clearly a step in the right direction. Home Inspection plays
an important role in ensuring that a transaction is fair and a “win-win” for
everyone – sellers and buyers alike. It’s also a victory for professional Home
Inspectors, who can now separate themselves from those who aren’t competent and
qualified to be doing the job. 


If
you’re looking to buy or sell your home with me, I’ll personally connect you to
an experienced and certified Home Inspector who will either help you make key
repairs and fixes (if you’re selling), or ensure that you go into a
transactions fully-informed of what it is you might be purchasing (if you’re
buying). 


Call me at 780-709-0811. I’m here to help!  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 14:11:53 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/open-houses-for-may-long-weekend.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/open-houses-for-may-long-weekend.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>Open Houses for May Long weekend!!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hi Everyone,


 


Come check out our open houses this weekend!


 


STUNNING, renovated Terwillegar Towne 2-storey. Saturday May 21 2-4 p.m. 


1917 Tanner Wy


 


Unbeatable Location of this Parkallen GEM! Sunday May 22 2-4 p.m.


11123 70 Ave


 


Can't wait to see you there!!


 


-Chris


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 13:40:08 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/first-time-home-buyers-driving-real-estate-market-report.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.goedmontonhomes.com/blog/first-time-home-buyers-driving-real-estate-market-report.html</link>
            <author>chris@goedmontonhomes.com (Chris Proctor)</author>
            <title>First Time Home Buyers Driving Real Estate Market: Report</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
According
to a recent Re/Max report, first time home buyers across the country are
driving the real estate market forward.


There
are a few factors behind this trend. The first is the prospect that higher
mortgage rates are just around the corner. In fact, most of the major banks
have already hiked their standard five-year, fixed rates. 


The
second is the Government’s new mortgage rules, which reduce the maximum
amortization period for government-insured mortgages from 35 years to 30 years.
What’s very interesting here is that instead of preventing first time home
owners from taking the plunge into the housing market, the new rules are simply
compelling many people to change their expectations. They’re willing to bend a
bit when it comes to location, size or quality of home in order to join the
ranks of “home owner.”   


As
a REALTOR® who has helped many individuals and families buy their first home, I
can certainly understand these trends. It not only makes smart economic sense
to buy instead of rent (i.e. pay your OWN mortgage instead of your landlord's!),
but it’s extremely satisfying to turn the key and unlike your very own home.
That’s the Canadian dream after all, and it’s always gratifying for me to help
make that happen.


If you’re searching for a new home and want to build a plan that cost
effectively and strategically moves you towards the perfect home for your
needs, goals and budget, then call me at 780-709-0811.
I’m here to help! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 14 May 2011 10:13:42 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
