Jim Messner

The Cochrane market although only a few minutes from Calgary has a market of its own. Take for example December 2008 when only 7 homes sold. Now we know thats a quiet time of year but only 7!

The Condo market in Cochrane is going through some real change. Just a couple of years ago you couldnt find a condo to buy or rent. Now with the addition of several new complexes either just having been built or that are about to be opened the market will be flooded with Condos.

For Condo and new home Buyers - a word of caution.
Just because you are buying new doesn't mean you can let your self relax. Ask yourself if you are dealing direct with the Builder or the Builders Rep - who do they really represent? Who's best interests are they going to look after when push comes to shove? In some cases I can answer that one for you.

Im not saying that Builders and their sales people are all crooked in fact that's not true.

However when a person's paycheque is coming for Mr Smith (their Boss and Builder in one) and I need to stand on the fence will I really stand on the fence when push comes to shove? Will I really go the extra mile for Mr. Jones the Buyer?
Theres lots of Mr Jone's out there but only one Mr Smith (My Boss).
If something I know could kill the deal would the sales rep disclose it to the buyer when working directly for the seller? In Fact in Alberta (I'm not sure about other proivinces and states - check) There is no law that says in this situation I must represent the Buyer fairly when I work for the Builder.

When you hire a Licensed Realtor a number of things happen.
1. You eneter into a legally binding relationship where the Realtor must look after your best interests - all the way through the process!
2.The Realtor is paid by the deal not the Builder him self.
3. The Realtor's Boss is YOU! Not the Builder!
I can go on and on but the Realtor must abide by the Real Estate Act - Not the Builder.
The Realtor must abide by Consumer protection laws - not the builder. The builder only has to work with New Home Warranty Rules and the Fraud and False pretence sections of the Criminal Code - in other words - Prove it when something goes wrong? (In some cases).

Trust me when I say - save yourself the hassle & stress - Hire a Realtor on new builds.

Get your Realtor to involve a reputab;e Home Inspector too. Yes even when its new they can find issues and problems! My last Home Inspection on a brand new show home found multiple issues right down to the taps not working and some had the hot and cold mixed up. Electrical recepticles with no wiring or not hooked up? Sound like a rush job to you?

Protect yourself with a honest experienced Realtor and if its a Condo make sure they are Ceritifed to deal in Condos - Certified Condominium Specialists are the best in that area.

By the way - Cochrane Alberta is a beautiful place to live and raise a family!

Calgary Home Prices - March 2009.

The Calgary area average price went up in March of 2009! Does this mean that we are at the end of the free fall in home prices in the Calgary area?

I wouldn't get too excited yet.

First of all the average price isnt as accurate as the median price and next one month doesnt tell a story. Although we all wonder how much lower can prices go its likely not over yet. No one has the crystal ball. If you are thinking of buying now is the time - for a number of reasons.

1. Mortgage rates are so low one wondrs how the banks are making any money!

2. House prices are at the same level they were before Calgary hit the Boom 3 years ago.

3. History tells us that waiting will usually cost you more - not less.

Think for just a minute even if house prices stay the same what if the mortage rate went up 1/2 a point over night? How much will that cost you. If you dont know call me! If house prices start to stabilize then be careful as the banks are watching too. They will raise rates. IN fact many in the industry state that the banks should raise rates as that will stimulate buyers into action.

So we dont have the crystal ball - no one does but the indicators are getting real interesting as to whats about to happen (if anything) with Calgary's home prices.

One thing is for sure; Im glad I live in Calgary! Contact me any time and Stay tuned!

If you are wondering about everything you have heard in the news and how hard it is to sell a home then you need to speak to the right people.

As in any market homes need to be properly presented or their listings will expire. This happens in all markets. Right now about 11 or 12% of the market is selling. Sounds low doesn't it!

Your home can sell, you must be serious about selling and we will help you.

Do yourself a favor and spend an hour to see our presentation.
You will see why homes do not sell.
You will see the tools that we have that others don't.
You will see why serious and sound marketing principals will make a difference.
The days of a sign in the yard and an ad in the paper are long gone!

Check us out at: www.JimMessnerHomes.com

Call us

Toll Free 1-866-681-3858
Local Calgary area: (403) 681-3858
E-Mail: Homes@Telus.net

See the difference now!

Jim Messner

First Place Realty

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