About South, AB

The dramatically rising cost of home heating is a bothersome concern for most Canadians. Heating your home efficiently this winter will be the key to keeping your energy costs under control. Here are some quick, easy, and most importantly, inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize impact to your pocketbook:

- Adjust Your Personal Thermostat: Wear a sweater and dress warmly around the house. When you're stationary - such as when watching television, using the computer or reading - you're most susceptible to a chill, so snuggle under a throw or blanket. Since hot air rises, change the direction of ceiling fans to blow warmer air back down to you. Counteract the icy influence of cooler floors with thick socks and slippers or possibly area rugs.

- Adjust Your Home Thermostat: It goes without saying that the less energy you use, the lower your heating bills will be. Set your thermostat at 21°C when you're home awake, 18°C when you're sleeping and 15°C when you're out of the house. Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 per cent.

- Let the Sun Shine In: During daylight hours, keep your curtains open and let the sun help heat your home naturally. To prevent this solar heat from escaping, insulate your windows with plastic film to reduce heat loss by 50 per cent. Also consider purchasing insulating curtains, which are curtains that have a foam thermal backing. They are more expensive, but pay for themselves within 7 years.

- Seal the Leaks: Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doorframes, baseboards, ducting and electrical outlets to save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill. Remember to close your fireplace flue when you're not enjoying a fire. Install a door sweep to resist against under-the-door drafts. Turn off the heat supply and close the door to unused rooms, such as a guest bedroom. Close interior doors leading to hallways or stairways to keep the heat where it's needed most.

August stats are in and it is noteworthy to point out that the total listings for the month (535) were down significantly when compared to the 670 homes in Lethbridge listed for sale last month. That's a 20% decrease in the amount of homes listed for sale. We can interpret from this that an increasing amount of home owners are realizing that if there is not significant motivation to sell, now may not be the ideal time to do so.

This decrease also had an impact on the amount of expired listings bringing the year to date number of expired listings down from 220% to 211%. Although this percentage of homes left unsold is still much higher than previous years, we can see that the shift is still happening daily.

With all this said, people still buy and sell homes in Lethbridge every day. The need to downsize or upgrade, a new job or relocation, a new start... the reasons to make a move are plenty. The services of a REALTOR® are now more valuable than ever in making sure the process is effective and goes smoothly.

Visit us for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate.

Lethbridge Real Estate Board

MLS ® Statistic Report

[AUGUST 2008 ]

Here's how the month of June stats looked:

Total # of Listings (Month) - 653 (Up 30% from June 2007)

Total # of Listings (YTD) - 3437 (Up 36% from 2007)

Total # of Expired Listings (Month) - 170 (Up 240% from June 2007)

Total # of Expired Listings (YTD) - 642 (Up 228% from 2007)

Total # of Sales (Month) - 279 (Down 13% from June 2007)

Total # of Sales (YTD) - 1436 (Down 20% from 2007)

Although it appears that the number of expired listings (month) is still astronomical compared to last years data, it is actually showing signs of improvement when compared with the May 2008 stats. And although sales for the month are down 13% for June compared to 2007 stats, they are again showing signs of improvement when compared to May sales that were down 32% from previous years numbers.

What does all this mean?? It appears that the market is slowly, but surely correcting itself. It also teaches us that we may not be wise to compare to last year! Really... is it a fair comparison to make?? Last year was off the charts and comparing to those skewed stats will only keep us from moving forward today!

Seller's still need to be diligent in pricing a home in Lethbridge and be realistic when faced with a large number of competing homes for sale. If a buyer is shopping for a pair of pants and they all look pretty much the same, it's simple logic that says they will buy the least inexpensive pair. The same could be said about houses right now... so make sure your house in the one "On Sale"!

Visit us for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate.

Good fences make good neighbours – and the right fence can really make your yard. These ideas can help you find a style that works for your space. Choose your style:

- Private. A solid-board fence blocks an unattractive view completely, but it also cuts out light and breezes and can make you feel boxed in.

- Semi-private. This style, which can have subtle spacing, louvers or lattice to let in light, is friendly, comfortable, and makes your yard feel bigger.

- Open. Great if you want to enclose your property but don’t want to block it off visually.

Chain-link. Definitely the most cost-effective choice, but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. It’s good for defining boundaries, keeping kids and pets in, and maintaining a sense of openness. If you’ve got a big yard and a small budget, this is the way to go.

Wood. Styles range from split rail and picket fences to board-on-board styles that look great on both sides and offer privacy, yet let in air and light. The downside to wood? It needs regular maintenance to look good over time.

PVC/vinyl. Vinyl fencing looks just like painted wood, but you’ll never need to paint it – all you have to do is clean it once a year.

Iron, aluminum or steel. Use it if you want an open, formal look. Aluminum, which looks like wrought iron but is less expensive, is the most budget-friendly choice. If cost isn’t an issue, custom ironwork is an excellent way to incorporate a fence or gate that’s completely unique.

Natural “fencing.” Hedges and shrubs reduce noise and dust better than a fence, are less expensive, and look lush and beautiful. You’ll just have to be patient while your “fence” grows in.

Be nice to your neighbours. Talk to them before you do anything. Choose a design that looks good from both sides, and make sure you know exactly where your property lines are.

Think outside the box. You may not need to surround your whole yard to get the privacy you want. Consider using a fence to screen in a sitting area or create an outdoor room.

A great-looking fence adds tremendous value to your home – whether it’s resale value or your own enjoyment of it. Think carefully about your needs and your personal style, then go ahead and build a fence you’ll love for years to come.

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If you are looking to become a first time home buyer in Lethbridge, Alberta, now may be the time for you to make your move. Conditions are favorable for first time home buyers and now is as good a time as ever to get into the housing market. Here are 3 great reasons to get onto the property ladder and start building your real estate portfolio:

1. Huge Selection - Right now there are an abundance of homes for sale in Lethbridge to choose from. Buyers are able to look without pressure and with plenty of time to make an unhurried, informed decision.

2. Interest rates are still low - At the time of writing, the prime lending rate is just 4.75% and with fewer buyers looking for homes (compared to this time last year), banks and mortgage brokers in Lethbridge are willing to work hard to earn your business.

3. Even with the inflation of home prices, there is still great opportunity to be had. Many buyers may feel that perhaps their opportunity to buy has passed... not true! If you are single and can't qualify for a mortgage on your own, you may want to partner up with a like minded individual and purchase a home together, or consider buying a home with a suite in the basement that could generate some income. If you dont' have a down payment, you may look at having a family member gift it to you or the possibility of a $0 down mortgage. Low vacancy rates (less than 1%) have rental prices creeping up so get into home ownership and quit making your landlords mortgage payments!

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago... the next best time is today. The same goes for purchasing a home, so get in touch with your REALTOR and make your move while the water is still warm!

Visit us for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate.