Fire ban lifted

Just in time for the long weekend, the fire ban has been lifted. Let's still use caution out there, while we enjoy those fresh s'mores and hotdogs around the campfire.

Going into May Long Weekend

It has been a slower start this year market wise, but coming into this weekend, we have closed two sales recently. This is nice to see. As we still have a large inventory of properties for sale at the resort, it's great to have a couple of SOLD signs out this weekend. It seems like we sell one, list two. Yes there are lots of places for sale, and it is a common scene in recreational property areas, not just at Lake McGregor Country Estates. Smart shoppers take their time, check out the market, and then make a move, knowing that they go a good deal. They know that it's a "Buyer's market". There is no pressure to BUY NOW. They can study the market and then make their choice. There are deals to be made and these Buyers won't be the ones kicking themselves later thinking "I wish we would have bought back in 2012 before the prices went up!"

First Week of May

Okay, other than the fact that it is snowing right now, it is looking like spring is here to stay for a while! Last weekend the clubhouse was busy as there was a "Celebration of Life" for a local neighbor of the resort, as well as a end of season celebration for the Warner girls hockey team. As a result, the parking lot was full. There was even a boat or two out on the lake! Things were starting to green up nicely, and now after our rain...and snow, things will really get growing once the heat comes. The forecast is for the sun to make an appearance starting Sunday afternoon! Interest in the resort has picked up too with the nice weather. We have fielded several calls and emails over the past couple of days and we are expecting several people out to check out the resort this weekend. There is a good mixture of people looking for RV lots and cottage lots this week. I see that we have one or two new park models ready to be brought it for the RV lots. This should go good with the new cottages that will be constructed this year. I hear that there may be 4 or 5 new ones at least this year. Nice to see progress!

Spring 2012 Pictures

In the first photo you might be able to zoom in and see about 15 deer that are in the background grazing on the fresh green grass. The second photo is a view down Cormorant Crescent.

Time to get the boat out!

A sure sign of Spring! The marina is out and ready to go for the season! Yes, we are ahead of the game this year. The docks are out waiting for the boats, fishing, and just chilling out at the lake!

Realtors want action on grow ops and condos

Realtors want action on grow ops and condos

Choosing a real estate agent to work for you

So you are looking to sell your home, your property, your real estate investment. You have chosen to use a real estate agent (a good choice if I do say so myself!). How do you chose an agent? Shop around! My first suggestion is to see who works in the area. Look online. Talk to the local people. As much as some of us real estate people like to think that we can be experts in all areas of real estate in all areas of the country, we cannot. A local real estate agent knows what is going on locally. They know what prices properties are selling for. They know how long properties are taking to sell. They know the local economic climate - what new developments are coming; what is happening with the local job market; what the tax climate is like. My point is, just because someone is a top notch real estate agent in one area, does not mean that they are an expert in another. For example, I do not know much about the local real estate market in Lethbridge or Calgary. If someone has a property that they want to sell there, (or buy) and they ask me to help them, the best thing that I feel that I can do is to refer them to a real estate agent who knows that area. I am also aware of areas where an agent has listed a property that is out of their region, put up a sign, and the agent is never seen again. How is that beneficial? Not very.

Check for For Sale signs. What is the condition of the sign itself? Does it look like someone takes care in their work, or is the sign falling down?

Check on the internet. Google an area and real estate agent. One warning - there are some bogus real estate sites, the same as in other industries. Make sure you check around and make a few phone calls to make sure that the agent is who he/she says they are. Ask how much activity they have had in the area that you are looking at.

Interview a few agents. If you "click" with one another, great! If not, move on. Remember that the agent works for you. Make sure that you have an employee that you are comfortable with.