spring newsletter |

Virtual house hunting

In today’s stay-at-home environment, some prospective home buyers have put off their search, at least for now. It may surprise you to know that real estate activity is continuing, while keeping a safe distance. You can get a head start on your home search with some help from technology and your local real estate professional.

Responding to the constraints of the pandemic, more homes are now being promoted with virtual tours, offering a 360° view of every room. Some listings even offer live virtual walk-throughs by the agent, with the questions answered in real time. Other ground-work, such as researching the neighbourhood to locate schools and shopping, or investigating future developments that may impact resale value can go forward now.

The safety and comfort level of our customers is our priority. Contact your Coldwell Banker professional to learn what options are available and choose what’s right for you.

Canadian home prices stay stable

As expected during the pandemic, Canadian MLS® home sales fell sharply in April, according to statistics issued by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). But while the number of transactions declined last month, sale prices have held relatively steady in markets across the country.

The national average price for homes sold in April was $488,000, down only slightly by 1.3% from the same month last year. Excluding Canada’s most active and expensive markets, Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto, the national average reduces to $392,000, says CREA.

Of course, this is just ‘the big picture’ on the national front. Home prices can vary dramatically between regions, within neighbourhoods and even on the same street. For a detailed look at resale prices in your area, contact your local Coldwell Banker professional.

Welcome Spring with a splash of colour

At a time when many of us are spending more time at home than ever before, it’s a great time to perk up your surroundings with a fresh coat of paint. Keeping your décor neutral, with soft, light colours will create a feeling of spaciousness. Strong colours can then be introduced on a limited basis, such as on just one accent wall to add drama.

Starting with a more neutral backdrop, you can welcome Spring with a splash of colour. Introduce colourful accents like throw pillows, area rugs or artwork in bright shades to make your room ‘pop’. Your accents can easily be changed with the seasons to refresh your look throughout the year.

If you would like further information on any of the above topics, or others, please provide us with your contact information and we’ll be in touch.

Colour says curb appeal this spring

Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market or just want to give your property a fresh new look, nothing says spring like a burst of colour. Planting flowers is always a good way to start. Annuals deliver bright colours for a season, but they can be labour intensive since you have to plant new ones every year. Annuals can also be less drought tolerant than perennial flowers. A great solution is to use annuals in easy to reach urns, window boxes and planters.

But why stop at gardening? You can introduce a pop of colour by painting your lawn furniture, flower pots or even your front door. Just be sure your colour selection complements your house and the overall tone of the neighbourhood.

Want some helpful advice about which improvements will add to enjoyment and your home’s resale value? Contact Gary & Debbie today – your local Coldwell Banker professional.

Canadian real estate forecast for 2019

There’s an active national market on the horizon for Canadian real estate in 2019, according to the latest industry forecasts.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has issued its national MLS^® sales forecast for 2019. The CREA forecast predicts that national MLS^® sales activity will rebound modestly next year to 496,500 units, over this year’s forecast of 479,400 units sold.

The national average price is also forecast to rebound to $513,300 in 2019, placing it roughly in line with the record figure reached in 2017.

Of course, this is just a glimpse of ‘the big picture’ on the national scene. Home prices can vary dramatically between communities, within neighbourhoods, and even on the same street. For a more detailed look at home sale activity and resale prices in your area, contact Gary & Debbie today – your local Coldwell Banker real estate professional.

What’s the right size home for your family?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a big question that’s likely on your mind, “What size home should I buy?” For some, the answer is simple: As big as you can afford! But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Home size matters on many levels from personal preference to resale value, future plans, your budget, and more.

There’s a lot more to consider than just square footage. You need to choose your home size not by the numbers but by the feel. Don’t put too much stock in the listing size on paper. Find out in person if each room, bathroom, and living area is large enough for your needs and if the flow is right. Consider things like sight lines and easy access to high traffic areas. Even ceiling height can make a home with a smaller footprint feel spacious.

If you’d like some advice in finding the right home for you, contact Gary & Debbie today – your Coldwell Banker professional.

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