Residential non-waterfront sales activity recorded through the MLS® system of Muskoka Haliburton Orillia – The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® numbered 206 units in July 2017. This was down 14.9% from year-ago levels.
On a year-to-date basis, residential non-waterfront sales were still running 7% above the first seven months of 2016. This was a record for the period.
Sales of waterfront properties came in 29% below last July. On a year-to-date basis, waterfront sales were down 9.9% from the first seven months of 2016. This was still the second highest level on record for this period.
“Sales have slowed noticeably this summer, going from record levels in the spring back to historically more average levels in the space of just two months,” said Mike Stahls, President of Muskoka Haliburton Orillia – The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®. “That said, inventories in Cottage Country remain near record lows so the market is still very tight even with a number of buyers having moved to the sidelines this summer.”
The median price for residential non-waterfront property sales was $282,250 in July 2017, an increase of 5.1% from July 2016. The median price for waterfront sales was a record $500,000 in July 2017, rising 25% from July 2016.
The dollar value of all residential non-waterfront sales in July 2017 totalled $62.5 million, falling 9.3% from July 2016. The total value of waterfront sales was $155.4 million, edging up 0.2% from July 2016. This was also a record for the month of July.
Load up on lemons if you’re searching for a powerful, environmentally friendly cleaner that can tackle virtually any household chore! Here are just a few ways they can make your home naturally sparkle:
Lemons are an excellent alternative to toxic cleansers plus they’ll fill your home with a refreshing citrus scent!
A great tip for squeezing as much juice as possible from your lemons is to microwave them for 30 seconds, wait a minute, then cut and squeeze.
Bank of Canada increased the overnight interest rate target to 1 percent on September 6, 2017. The Bank Rate is thus adjusted to 1-1/4 percent and the deposit rate is 3/4 percent.
Stating that the Candian economics are strong and consumer spending remains robust, the interest rate increase was seen as warranted however individual segments will be monitored closely.
The press release from the Bank of Canada paints a strong economy on several fronts including a stable, lower inflation rate at about 2%, growing exports, a cooling housing market back to a manageable level, and continued solid income and employment growth.
Read the full Bank of Canada interest rate press release
I found these well done promotional videos on the City of Orillia downtown core. Note the excitement and plethora of activity. Orillia is certainly alive with events of every kind for the whole family to enjoy and actively participate in the fun. Orillia, or any of the surrounding townships, are a great place to live, work and play all year round.
Orillia, or any of the surrounding townships, are a great place to live, work and play. Let us show you what we see in this thriving region and why you should consider a move to this year round playground.
Just Contact Us and we will show you around!
The Biggest Bang For Your Buck!
Whether renovating for yourself… for long term use, or in contemplation of selling, it is important to know where you should start and which items will offer a real payback.
Bathrooms and kitchens are always at the top of any list, and they are often the rooms that make the decision when buyers are comparing homes. However, never underestimate the value of a simple paint job to improve the appearance of a house.
When doing renovations, it is wise not to overspend (or under spend either) and be aware of current trends. The best advice is to hire a contractor or a specialist and do some comparison shopping first. For further information concerning contractors, we would be pleased to offer you our Concierge Service.
Below is the “Top 10 List” according to the Appraisal Institute of Canada (as of the date of their most recent online report).
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Painting & Décor (interior)
The most important thing to do when getting your home ready for sale is to ensure that it is clean, uncluttered and has a bright coat of paint. These will appeal to the most number of purchasers and are then in a position to visual their own belongings in the home without being distracted by strong colors or clutter etc.
Each house is unique and we would be happy to discuss and advise you on your specific situation.
The “Spruce-Up” for resale purposes
This option may only cost a few hundred dollars and a few hours of your time. Use this as a check list in getting your home ready.
Perhaps your home would take on a new look with some of the following items;
It is very important to carefully consider your pricing options when you bring your property on the market.
The biggest detriment to selling real estate is the all too common problem of overpricing. Anxious sellers often want to know why their property is not selling. The answer is usually one of three things: Location; Lack of Marketing and Exposure; or Price. There may be extenuating circumstances or factors that come in to play, but these are the most common things, with the most common being Price.
Why do we all sometimes make the common mistake of asking too much? There are several reasons. Obviously, we want the highest price possible for our home. Following are a few other thoughts:
Market value is defined at the price a property will bring if exposed for sale on the open market allowing a reasonable time to find a willing purchaser who buys with the knowledge of all the uses to which it is adapted and for which it is capable of being used.
If a property is properly priced it will do the following:
You may think that interested buyers “can always make an offer”, but if the home is overpriced, potential buyers looking in a lower price range will never see it to make that offer.Those who can afford the home at your asking price may recognize that they can get more for their money somewhere else. You may
Those who can afford the home at your asking price may recognize that they can get more for their money somewhere else. You may hear things like “It was too small for them” or “they want a main floor family room.. or an extra bedroom etc.”
What they are really saying is “They expected more for the Price”.
The Realtor does not determine what your home is worth. Market Conditions, Solds, Competitions, and Trends Determine Value, and then together we determine the price.
Don’t pick the Realtor who promises you the highest price to get you to list with them. Pick the one who knows the market and substantiates the price with facts and experience, like Lakeview Realty Inc. We are here for you! Just Contact Us.
As the saying goes…
This is especially true when marketing your home. Try to view it through the purchaser’s eyes, and review this check list to see if it measures up. Preparing your home for showing takes some work.
Curb Appeal:
Driveway, Walk and Front Entrance:
Decks and Porches
Garage
Interior Inspection
Now all the major items are repaired or checked, following is an outline of last minute items to show to the best advantage.
Final check list for showings:
A few last minute tips:
These are the basic things that you should review and do where able or appropriate. There may be some other things that we can assist you with in terms of furniture arrangement and décor, that would make it easier for a purchaser to view your home.
If you need any assistance regarding names of dependable trades people or suppliers to help you get the job done, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are constantly adding to the list from satisfied clients. Visit our Concierge Services for more information
Spending the time and effort to prepare your home for sale can provide you with benefits you hadn’t imagined in both the length of time your home is on the market and the price you will realize for your home.
Most people ask us when we evaluate their home what things they need to do to prepare. The most important things are obvious. Do minor repairs, paint where necessary (neutral of course) and remove all clutter. There are a number of inexpensive storage boxes on the market that are attractive and useful, which you can use in your future home as well. It’s a good time to start sorting out and packing in moving boxes …or doing that garage sale that you have been planning for a while.
In the alternative, it is probably a good time to start sorting out and packing in moving boxes …or doing that garage sale that you have been planning for a while. “The Moving Store” has everything you need to begin the packing process, (such as different size cardboard boxes, tape guns, and labels etc.) It is also a good idea to have different colour labels for different rooms. (It makes it easier on moving day.)
If doing renovations.. the most important major renovations (as always) are kitchens, bathrooms and main floor family rooms.
We also have names of contractors, workmen, painters and flooring people that we have used and found reliable. Please click here to visit our Concierge Section.
Even if you are not planning on moving in the near future, but are some planning some improvements, make sure they are the right things.
We would be happy to visit and give our opinion on what to do and the current value of your home. Just Contact Us!
Affordability
It is important to know what you can afford. Get pre-approved with a financial institution prior to beginning your search. Shop around to get the best rate and terms to suit you. It will make your offer stronger if you don’t require a condition for financing.In addition to the pre-approval, we will review
In addition to the pre-approval, we will review together with my section on Residential Resale Cost/ and procedures, so you can budget for the other closing costs involved.
Defining your needs
If you are purchasing with someone else, sit down and discuss what is important to each of you and discuss which things are imperative, and where you will make compromises.
Picking a Neighbourhood
Be open to alternatives we might suggest. There may be areas or pockets that you haven’t thought about. Or know about, that would meet your criteria.
Also consider different types of homes in your price range, at the beginning of your search. Know your options.
Choose an Agent & Agency Relationship
Hopefully, at this point, you have chosen to work with us, or are if we have just met, you will see the information we have provided that we have the knowledge and expertise you are looking for.
After reviewing and discussing Agency and home it affects you, a decision will have to be made as to whether you choose to be a customer or a client in the buying process. More information is available from us on this topic.
Viewing & Choosing
You will be notified by phone or e-mail attachments of all new properties that may meet your requirements as soon as they are processed. This is usually well in advance of the home is listed on a public site.
We will then make arrangements to view those you are interested in.
After viewing enough homes to feel comfortable with your decision, make the choice. It is difficult to find the absolute perfect home.
Decide on the one that meets most of your requirements and where you are prepared to make compromises or changes.
Preparing the Offer
We will then prepare the offer, present it, and negotiate it on your behalf.
After Acceptance
We will follow up after acceptance to satisfy any conditions, forward documentation to your lawyer and follow up with the process to closing.