About South, AB

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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Current market conditons should always be considered when trying to decide if it's the right time to buy or sell real esate. Here's how the month of May looked in Lethbridge:

Total # of Listings (Month) - 696 (Up 33% from 2007)

Total # of Listings (YTD) - 2784 (Up 38% from 2007)

Total # of Expired Listings (Month) - 101 (Up 274% from 2007)

Total # of Expired Lisings (YTD) - 473 (Up 224% from 2007)

Total # of Sales (Month) - 273 (Down 32% from 2007)

Total # of Sales (YTD) - 1156 (Down 22% from 2007)

So, what can we interpret from this data?

Well, the number of expired listings continues to climb as sellers and REALTORS® alike are perhaps failing to realize how important it is to set a realistic list price when faced with stiff competition and a limited number of qualified buyers. Gone are the days of pulling a price out of a hat and hoping for the best. And based on the fact that total sales for the month are down substantially (last month, they were only down 14% from the previous year as opposed to 32% this month) we can assume that buyers are taking their time. They are realizing a shift in their favour and adjusting accordingly.

So what can a home seller do to be positioned correctly when it comes time to sell? Well, it simply doesn't matter how well you home shows and how fantastic your location is if your price is still not in line with current market conditions. There are a limited number of qualified buyers at this time, so when one of them walks through your home with the intent to purchase, make sure that your home appears to have the highest perceived value.

The moral of my story is, "When selling your home in a buyers market , you may only get one chance to make a first impression!" Make your home one of the most appealing amongst it's competition and find a qualified REALTOR® who knows how to help you do this!

Visit us for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate !

Energy efficiency is a topic that any smart homeowner should take an interest in. So, what's in if for a homeowner to increase their home's efficiency?

A. Save $$

B. Save the planet

C. Increased enjoyment and comfort

D. Any combination of the three!

While newer homes tend to be built with energy efficiency in mind, not everyone wants a new home. I personally love my older home for it's unique features, larger lot size and mature landscaping. So, where is your money best spent as the owner of an older home with regards to increasing the home's efficiency? Here are three of my faves:

1. Quit flushing money down the toilet...install a low flush or dual flush toilet. Or better yet, install a dual flush toilet retrofit kit to your existing toilet. Dual flush toilets were found to save an average of 26% more water than the single-flush 6-litre (1.5 gallon) toilet when used to replace non-efficient toilets. The added bonus is that you may be eligible to recoup up to $50 of your cost with the Natural Resources Canada's ecoENERGY retrofit for homes program. They have licensed AmeriSpec of Canada to perform their residential energy evaluations and there is a maximum grant amount of $5000 available for each home.

2. Upgrade your insulation. There's usually room for improvement here, so don't pay to heat the great outdoors. You know what your utility company charges and their rates are not likely to decrease... so keep that heat inside! Your ideal insulation levels will depend on your roof and attic type, but you are looking to hear numbers like R-28 for a flat roof and between R-40 and R-50 for others.

3. Heat and cool your home efficiently. As much as half your homes energy is used by the heating and cooling systems, so pretend these two systems are cars. Change the filters regularly and treat the units and their systems (ducts) to regular tune ups... it's money well spent.

More good news... if you are purchasing an older home and want to make these upgrades before you move in, talk to your mortgage specialist to find out how the costs can be included in your mortgage!

Check us out for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate!

Spring has sprung, the grass has ris, and here's how the state of the market is:

Total # of Listings (Month) 615 (Up 54% from 2007)

Total # of Listings (YTD) 2089 (Up 40% from 2007)

Total # of Expired Listings (Month) 106 (Up 203% from 2007)

Total # Expired Listings (YTD) 373 (Up 213% from 2007)

Total # of Sales (Month) 276 (Down 14% from 2007)

Total # Sales (YTD) 881 (Down 18% from 2007)

So what can we interpret from these stats as a REALTOR® or a home seller? Well, it appears that there are both more listings for buyers to choose from and also less buyers looking at this time, so if you are selling a home, you have your work cut out for you!

As a seller what are some things you can do to make your home stand out from the other 568 homes for sale in the City of Lethbridge at this time?

1. Set a selling price that is realistic and will make your home's perceived value appear the highest to buyers.

2. Make your home sparkle. Clean, de-clutter and stage your home to give it that extra edge against the competition.

3. Choose a qualified REALTOR to represent you. They will have the knowledge to help you set the right price, the expertise to market your home to it's full potential with the help of the MLS® and the knowledge to guide you through the steps to selling your home from start to finish.

Check us out for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate