Looks like spring!

It has been quite the extreme in weather this spring. We seem to go from no snow on the ground one day, to shovelling snow the next, to needing sunscreen the following day, and then repeat.... Is it safe to say that we are done with the snow? Hey, we live in Southern Alberta! We are not really out of the woods yet until the end of May or so. BUT we do have the clubhouse so no matter what the weather is doing outside, there is always something for the family to do inside. As far as sales activity goes, there have been a few people looking around, but the market is still soft. With any luck, this nice weather will bring people out from their hibernation and start shopping.

Springtime Selling Tips

Springtime selling tips Inventory almost always rises in the spring. Why? Because the largest number of buyers are actively searching for a new home during the months of April, May and June – although Calgary’s spring is arriving a little late this year. Your clients may be asking how they can make their homes stand out among the sea of new listings. Here are some tips to share with them: • Wash windows inside and out: Sparkle sells homes. A potential buyer may not realize why a home seems so inviting but will feel drawn to it if the windows are spotless and reflect sunlight. • Rake the yard / trim back bushes: Clean out dead leaves and debris. Don't let overgrown vegetation block windows or the path to the entrance. • Mow diagonally and edge lawn along driveway / sidewalks: Artfully manicured lawns show the seller pays attention to the details. Diagonally mowed lawns make a yard appear larger. • Transplant tulips and daffodils or buy flowers in containers: Research shows that yellow flowers stimulate buying urges and induce feelings of happiness and contentment. • Clean drapes, curtains & blinds and open every window: Wash, dry and press window coverings. Toss blinds into a soapy bathtub for a quick wash. Get rid of all accumulated dust and spider webs. Crisp linens and a spring-time breeze through the windows invites the season inside. • Set out fresh-smelling flowers such as just-clipped lilac branches or peonies: Natural scents are more appealing than artificial and trigger fewer allergies. • Polish floors to a high gloss: Hardwood floors should be refinished, if necessary. Make ceramic and linoleum floors twinkle and shine. Bleach dull grout. Thoroughly clean all area rugs. • Utilize towels, throws, pillows in light colors – yellows, pinks, pale blues, lavenders: Towels, linens, throws and sofa pillows are inexpensive accents. Replace aging items. • Offer an outside mat for cleaning shoes: Spring weather is often unpredictable, it can be 18 degrees one day and snowing the next – as Albertans well know!

Another cottage going up!

Work on digging the basement for a new cottage at the lake started this past week. The shingles on another new one are complete. It is exciting to see development continue out there! Hopefully this action will excite potential buyers, letting them see what a quality development this is, and result in more sales!

January to now...an update

The recreational property market is still soft. Yes there has been some interest with one cottage sold at the lake and it looks like another is pending, but we are still in a soft market. 2012 had a slow start too, but then we ended up with 20 sales at the lake for the year. Do I see things picking up? Yes. When? Good question. Last year it was not until the summer that we really saw some good sales activity. Perhaps it will be the same this year. Buyers are shopping around, but I still see them as being somewhat hesitant to make a decision. And why not? There is not pressure to buy. Interest rates are low. There is plenty of selection. There is not a lot of competition. However, when they see a bargain...stand back because there will be a stampede! Just my opinion.