This week, the Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS® (LDAR) presented it's members the challenge of donating blood at our local Canadian Blood Services clinic. Although the turnout was not as impressive as it could have been, I am proud to say that over a third of the donations came from the REALTORS® at the brokerage I work under, Coldwell Banker First Lethbridge Realty.
I have always felt strongly about the importance of donating if you meet the requirements for blood donation. When I was 14, my Aunt Rita suffered from kidney failure and was kept alive through daily renal dialysis. I still remember visiting her and she was chained to that damn dialysis machine for a good part of her day.
My mom offered her a kidney (the way someone else would offer to lend you a cup of sugar) and I remember that there was never a question in her mind about doing it. If she had something that she didn't need that could change someone's life for the better, she would give it without a second thought.
They prepared for a future transplant, but my Aunt didn't stay in remission from her previous fight with cancer, thus making a transplant not possible. She eventually succumbed to the cancer, but not without a fight (I might also mention, that as a child, my aunt was stricken with a crippling bout of polio... some people really seem to get more than their share...)
So back to blood donation. As a REALTOR®, and the unpredictable schedule that goes with the territory, it is hard to commit to regular, ongoing volunteer work. Blood donation is a great answer to this dilemma. Clinic hours in Lethbridge are very flexible and most times you can walk in without an appointment. You can donate every 56 days and each donation has the potential to save up to 3 lives.
I have been a regular donor 6 years and today was my 12th donation (you can't donate when pregnant and until 6 months after, otherwise I'd have a few more under my belt!) Blood donation has taken on even more importance to me since my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last May. If there is ever a day that she could be freed of the restrictions of diabetes through a pancreatic or Islet cell transplant, I hope there is enough blood there for her.
Sadly, 1 in 2 Canadians is eligible to donate and only 1 in 60 does. If the real estate industry alone joined the cause to make sure that blood is there when needed, think of the difference we could make!
I recruited a few new donors to go with me this time (pictured below). We made a day of it by going for breakfast beforehand and it turned out to be a really great morning. And we got to walk away with the feeling that we gave something that we didn't need and it could possibly save a life.
Marie & Bill Oliver, REALTORS® with Coldwell Banker First Lethbridge Realty with two of the great staff at the Lethbridge Canadian Blood Services Clinic
November statistics continue to reflect the balancing of our local market. The number of new listings each month continues to decline from previous months as only those "serious" about selling are putting their homes on the market. Prices have stabilized considerably with a 12 month average sale price of $259,774 across our board.
With this said, I continue to hear buyers say they will wait. My feeling is that the perfect storm has brewed and it is time to take action for these reasons:
1. Inventory is still high, meaning there is a great selection of homes for sale in Lethbridge and the surrounding areas. Although the inventory has passed its peak, there are still many well priced homes to choose from.
2. Interest rates are low. "The Bank of Canada has cut the Target for the Overnight Rate by a total of 225 basis points since December 2007, bringing the rate down to 2.25 per cent."(Source: Housing Market Outlook - Canada Edition - Date Released: Fourth Quarter 2008)
3. CMHC is forecasting modest growth in the real estate market in 2009. "After a 0.8 per cent decline in 2008, Alberta’s average resale price will advance 0.7 per cent in 2009".(Source: Housing Market Outlook - Canada Edition - Date Released: Fourth Quarter 2008)
Trying to time the cycles of the real estate market to perfection is difficult and the exact right moment only becomes clear once it has passed. To take advantage of the opportunities that exist today, visit us at Lethbridge Real Estate.
| Total # of Listings [Month] | 354 | 337 | 325 | 5% |
| Total # of Listings YTD | 5980 | 4859 | 4196 | 23% |
| Total # of Expired Listings [Month] | 167 | 118 | 68 | 42% |
| Total # of Expired Listings YTD | 1599 | 644 | 626 | 148% |
| Total # of Sales [Month] | 107 | 174 | 224 | -39% |
| Total # of Sales YTD | 2479 | 3002 | 3351 | -17% |
| Total Sales Dollar Volume [Month] | $25,047,605 | $41,558,763 | $40,426,470 | -40% |
| Total Sales Dollar Volume YTD | $612,130,134 | $700,059,190 | $570,170,815 | -13% |
| Total # of Listings [Month] | 526 | 439 | 348 | 20% |
| Total # of Listings YTD | 5626 | 4522 | 3871 | 24% |
| Total # of Expired Listings [Month] | 228 | 132 | 39 | 73% |
| Total # of Expired Listings YTD | 1432 | 526 | 558 | 172% |
| Total # of Sales [Month] | 171 | 220 | 257 | -22% |
| Total # of Sales YTD | 2372 | 2828 | 3127 | -16% |
| Total Sales Dollar Volume [Month] | $42,744,800 | $52,254,149 | $48,173,767 | -18% |
| Total Sales Dollar Volume YTD | $587,082,529 | $658,500,427 | $529,744,345 | -11% |
In the course of my business, I come across many properties that make me think, "Should I add that one to my real estate portfolio?" Here are a few of my favorite investment picks for this week:
1. MLS#20084970 - Flower's On 9th: This thriving flower shop has been in the same location for 50 years, has an established clientelle, a solid income stream, staff willing to stay and an owner willing to train. In a great location near the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, this is one to put on your list.
2. MLS#20085100 - 308 - 4 Ave. Warner - This solid bungalow is located 45 minutes south of Lethbridge in Warner, AB... home of the Warner Hockey School. Freshly painted with refinished hardwood, new roof, siding and H20 tank in 2008, updated electrical, and an undeveloped basement with separate entrance... this is a "suite" deal for under $100K.
3. MLS#20084975 - 330 - 12 St. N. - This 2 bedroom bungalow had a complete makeover in 2005 and has been well cared for since. With 25% down, at 6 % over 25 years, payments work out to $815.27 / month. Property taxes were $1022 in 2008. Vacancy rates in Lethbridge are at all time lows (visit CHMC for rates and average rents) Do the math and call your mortgage specialist.
4. MLS#20085101 - 2027 - 1 Ave. N. - Suited for under $200K... need I say more?
5. MLS#20085895 - 151 Blackfoot Blvd. W. - Four bedrooms, parking for 4 vehicles, close proximity to the University of Lethbridge and the possibility of renting for $400 a room. Or a great place for your future graduate to call home through the University years. Only 5 years old.
6. MLS#20085858 - 1509 - 8 Ave. S. Lethbridge Fix and Flip. Priced under $170,000 with a full undeveloped basement and a single detached garage. If you've got the sweat, I think you can dig up some equity here!
Visit us for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate.
The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) came into effect in Canada on September 30th, 2008. It is a set of rules that telemarketers must follow regarding unsolicited telecommunications (by way of either fax or phone). Consumers can register up to 3 different telephone numbers in an attempt to reduce the amount of telemarketing calls they receive. Registered charities, political parties and newspapers are exempt from the DNCL rules.
This new regulation affects me in two ways, as both a consumer and a real estate agent. As a consumer, I am delighted to have a new tool to help me effectively battle unsolicited calls. As a mom with two small children, I get a little hot under the collar when I rush to the phone or my 1 year old's nap is cut short only to pick up the phone to hear a recorded voice ask me if I am interested in reducing my credit card rates..... for the third time this week....NOOOOOOO!
As a REALTOR®, this new set of rules affects me from the other side as well. As of yesterday, it became our office policy that unsolicited calls or "cold calling" would no longer be permitted (which brought mostly laughs, cheers and one sarcastic "Oh no! How will I ever do business?!" around the boardroom table!)
I personally don't believe in cold calling. I have never made a cold call, nor did I ever intend to. I really believe that there are better ways to reach people and build business. In my opinion cold calling shows great disrespect for people's time and personal family life. I believe that the unscrupulous acts of unsolicited telemarketing left a bitter taste in the mouths of many and based on the fact that the phone lines to register for the DNCL were absolutely JAMMED on September 30th, it seems there are a few Canadians out there who agree with me!
Visit me for more information on Lethbridge Real Estate
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Lethbridge Real Estate - Giving you a clear view on buying and selling real estate in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The Real Estate market in Lethbridge is changing daily. If you are looking at buying or selling real estate in Lethbridge, you want someone on your side who understands this changing market and how you can benefit from it. I am that person. Here is why I am different and what I will do for you:
I keep on top of market statistics. I make it my job every day to study and understand the Lethbridge Real Estate Market. From first time home buyers to seasoned investment buyers, I have the knowledge and passion to make your experience both enjoyable and successful. Here is what I offer to my buyers and sellers:
When purchasing a home, you will want a REALTOR® who you can communicate well with, who presents you all available options, is a good negotiator and who will be there for you through the entire process... even after the keys have been handed over! Most importantly, you'll want someone who always keeps your interests at the forefront. We have a great team of professionals who assist us in making your home purchase a smooth process.
When selling a house, the needs are a bit different, but you still need someone who is honest and professional and who has your best interests at heart. In addition to that, you will want to select someone with good negotiating skills and proven marketing techniques. The bottom line is that you'll want someone who will sell your house for the highest price in the least amount of time with as little inconvenience to you! You have come to the right place!
I am a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association, the Alberta Real Estate Association and the Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS®. I am proud to call myself a REALTOR® and adhere closely to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that govern my industry. As a Coldwell Banker REALTOR®, I also believe in and enjoy exceeding my clients expectations! I enjoy being a member of the Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS® Technology Committee as technology and the use of the internet now play an integral part in the home buying and selling process. I can honestly say that I am aware of and use the latest technology to make myself easily accessible to my clients and to give them every advantage possible!
I believe that every person and their situation is unique and I tailor my services to you. From first time buyer to experienced seller, I want to get to know you so I can truly understand how to make your buying or selling experience a positive one!
You can find out more about me and what I have to offer you at Lethbridge Real Estate.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Liz Toles, REALTOR®
Specializing in residential real estate in Lethbridge and surrounding areas including Coaldale, Coalhurst, Raymond, Magrath, Stirling, Warner and Taber.
Member of the Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS® (LDAR)
Member of the Alberta Real Estate Association
Member of the Canadian Real Estate Association
Member of the LDAR Technology Committee
Member of the LDAR Community Relations Committee
I also produce and assist with the writing and editing of the LDAR quarterly newsletter, "Real Estate Insight"
Millie and Liz are a great team, with lots of market knowledge and expertise. Their friendly personalities coupled with their attention to detail made the home selling process an extremely satisfactory experience.
~Sheila & Alan M.~
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