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Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team June Newsletter

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June is a busy month in so many ways.  Did you know that based on daylight hours, June has the longest days of the year? It also has the most marriages – and marriage proposals!

But as a homeowner, there are other things that make June particularly eventful. It’s a popular month for landscaping, gardening and, especially, planning renovations. (Let me know if I can help you by recommending a contractor or service provider.)

June is also a popular month to look for a potential new home. Some people are just curious and want to check out what’s available on the market. Other people, of course, are seriously planning to make a move, and could use some advice and help.

If you fall into either of those two camps, or even if you’re somewhere in between, give me a call. I’d be happy to answer your questions and offer my help.

What’s Memorable About Your Home?

Chances are, there is a characteristic of your property that everyone remembers, appreciates, and maybe even envies. It could be a spacious kitchen with an island and upgraded appliances… or a stunning backyard with a wrap-around deck and beautiful landscaping… or rustic hardwood floors that contrast with elegant, high-end ceramics.

Whatever it is about your property that people tend to like and remember, will also appeal to potential buyers. So, when listing your home for sale, make sure to emphasize that characteristic.

When buyers view homes, they tend to remember just one, or sometimes up to two or three features of each property. “Oh, that’s the house with the large rec room and bar.” Or, “That’s the property with the gorgeous landscaping.”

These are characteristics that help sell a property. Make sure you highlight them.

However, sometimes homeowners lose perspective of what is truly appealing about their property. Ask friends to tell you what features in your home make it appealing. You might be surprised by their answers.

As your REALTOR® I can help too. Call me.
I also invite you to order your FREE report today on “27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar” by clicking here.

The Problem With “Stuff”

The late comedian George Carlin used to have a routine called, “A place for my stuff.” He was referring to the idea that, besides being a place to sleep and eat, the purpose of a home is essentially to store all the stuff you accumulate over the years.

That may or may not be true. But, if you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of stuff in your home… stuff in closets, and stuff in the garage.

That’s just what happens!

The problem, however, comes when you try to sell your home. What may seem to you like a comfortable home office filled with supplies, office equipment, books and papers, may look to a buyer like an uncomfortable, small and cluttered space.

That’s the problem with “stuff”. Too much of it, and it gets in the way of buyers seeing and appreciating the great features of your home.

So, when you’re selling your home, what do you do with all that extra stuff?

One solution is to have a garage or yard sale. (If you call it a “moving sale” you’ll attract more buyers.) This is a great way to get rid of the things you don’t need anymore – and, perhaps, make a few dollars!

Another solution is to give some of the items you don’t need anymore to charity. There are many local organizations that can make good use of second hand clothing, furniture, and toys.

Finally, for all of the things you want to hang on to, but are cluttering up your home, consider renting a locker at a self-storage company.

One thing is for certain. The more spacious and comfortable each room of your home appears to potential buyers, the more likely it is that they’ll see the true value of your property and become interested.

Want more tips for selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call me today.
Click here to order your FREE special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

 

What’s Great About Your Neighbourhood?

When potential buyers view your home, they are just as interested in the surrounding area as they are in the property itself. So, before listing your home on the market, it makes sense to think about your neighbourhood and its key characteristics.

Here’s a good way to do that:

Imagine a relative from out-of-town coming to visit. She may say that she likes your neighbourhood, and wants to know what you enjoy most about living there.

How would you answer?

Would you talk about the friendly neighbours? Would you list the community events? Name all the local shopping? Describe the nice restaurants within walking distance? Or tell her about the local playground?

There are probably many things about your neighbourhood that make it great. What are the top three? Those are probably characteristics of the area that most buyers will want to know.

Your neighbourhood is a key selling feature of your property. I can make sure potential buyers understand its best features.That’s why it’s important to have me by your side, as your REALTOR®. Call today.
Learn more about us by visiting Winnipeg Area Real Estate Information.

 

notable, quotable… quotes!

“One who smiles rather than angers is always stronger.”
Chinese proverb

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”
Japanese proverb

“Nothing is inevitable, if we are paying attention.”
Marshall McLuhan

It pays to know the average price of homes for sale in your neighbourhood, as well as that of homes that have sold, including both over-list and under-list sales. We track all Winnipeg neighbourhoods daily, which allows us to more accurately set list prices on the homes we sell, while also making intelligent offers. If you would like a Free Home Value Appraisal in River Heights, Tuxedo, Fort Garry, Linden Ridge, St. Norbert, Bridgewater Forest, Headingley, St. Boniface, St. Vital, River Park South, Windsor Park, Southdale, Island Lakes, Royalwood, Sage Creek, East Kildonan, North Kildonan, Eaglemere, Sun Valley, Kildonan Meadows, Transcona, Birds Hill, East St. Paul, West Kildonan, Riverbend, Garden City, Deer Lodge, St. James, Grace Hospital, Optimist Park, West. St. Paul please Contact Us or Call (204) 792-6453.
Track the Winnipeg Real Estate Market!! Free Automated Email Service allows you to track the MLS market in real time. Follow the values in any neighborhood in Winnipeg. Find out what your neighbor’s house down the street sold for. Follow Winnipeg MLS listings in real time. Visit Winnipeg Market Tracker!

 
 
This information is courtesy of:
The Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team
Royal LePage Top Producers
Winnipeg MB
Phone: (204) 792-6453

Busy Month of Real Estate Activity!

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Winnipeg – While May is not a make or break month for the year, it has proven to be the busiest month of real estate activity for WinnipegREALTORS® and one the 114 year-old association counts on to contribute measurably  to the year–end total. 2017 did not disappoint.

May 2017 ushered in an all-time record sales and dollar volume month with MLS® sales just shy of 1,700 and dollar volume flirting with the one-half billion or $500 million mark. May sales of 1,696 were up 4% while dollar volume of $499.4 million increased 8% in comparison to the same month last year.

As a result, year-to-date sales in comparison to the same period last year, made up lost ground in April to total 5,434 sales, only 12 sales off last year’s brisk pace, while dollar volume of $1.58 billion gained a few percentage points to end up 4% ahead of 2016 at this time.

Winnipeg Real Estate Information Special Request
After 5 months, condominium sales are leading the way for all property types with an increase of nearly 9% over the same period in 2016. May’s condo transactions of 214 helped make this possible with a 13% jump in activity over May 2016. Year-to-date residential-detached sales on the other hand are down 1%.

Besides condos, May was an excellent month for single-attached and town house sales with increases of 25% and 18% respectively.

Current inventory going into June shows 2,406 residential-detached or single family home listings and 883 condominium listings. This translates to less than 2 months of residential-detached listing supply and 4 months for condos if no new listings were to come on the market.

 

It pays to know the average price of homes for sale in your neighbourhood, as well as that of homes that have sold, including both over-list and under-list sales. We track all Winnipeg neighbourhoods daily, which allows us to more accurately set list prices on the homes we sell, while also making intelligent offers. If you would like a Free Home Value Appraisal in Crescentwood, River Heights, Tuxedo, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond, Linden Ridge, Linden Woods, Fort Whyte, Whyte Ridge, St. Norbert, Bridgewater Forest, Assiniboine Landing, Headingley, St. Boniface, Norwood, St. Vital, River Park South, Windsor Park, Southdale, Island lakes, Royalwood, Sage Creek, East Kildonan, Valley Gardens, North Kildonan, Eaglemere, Transcona, Birds HIll, East st. Paul, Pritchard Farm, West Kildonan, Riverbend, River Grove, Garden City, Maples, Polo Park, Deer Lodge, St. James, Silver Heights, Crestview, The Oakes, West St. Paul please Contact Us or Call (204) 792-6453. We track the market closely and you can too with Winnipeg Market Tracker.

Notable MLS® areas with scarce to limited residential-detached listings include Riverview, Fort Rouge, Crescentwood, River Heights, Linden Woods, Charleswood, Whyte Ridge and Richmond West – all neighbourhoods in the southwest quadrant of Winnipeg.  In the southeast quadrant, St. Boniface, St. Vital, River Park South and Windsor Park in particular would welcome a new influx of listings to meet spring market demand.

Based on high turnover of inventory in May, other neighbourhoods in short supply include North and East Kildonan, Transcona, Mandalay West, the West End, Wolseley, St. James, Westwood and Crestview.

Beyond the success of over 1,750 REALTORS® working together to help buyers and sellers achieve more sales than ever before in one month, it is important to understand the economic impact of all these completed transactions.

In 2017, the Canadian Real Estate Association estimates each home sale will generate an estimated $53,300 in spin-off spending and create one job for every three transactions. MLS® home sales and purchases in 2017 will add an estimated $27.6 billion in spin-off consumer spending to the economy and create almost 192,000 jobs.

Track the Winnipeg Real Estate Market!! Free Automated Email Service allows you to track the MLS market in real time. Follow the values in any neighborhood in Winnipeg. Find out what your neighbor’s house down the street sold for. Follow Winnipeg MLS listings in real time. Visit Winnipeg Market Tracker!

 
This information is courtesy of:
The Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team
Royal LePage Top Producers
Winnipeg MB
Phone: (204) 792-6453

April MLS® Sales Fall Off First Quarter Pace

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April Residential MLS Detached Sales

 

WINNIPEG – After a solid first quarter of MLS® sales activity, April sales were more subdued. Unit sales of 1,300 were down 5% from a record April in 2016 but still up 2% over the 10-year average for this month.

MLS® dollar volume decreased 1% in April however for the first four months is up 2% to $1.08 billion. New MLS® listings in April fell 5% while the inventory or active listings at the end of April is down 7%.

The percentage of new listings being converted to sales is in line with April 2016 when the equivalent of over 53% of the 2,439 listings entered on the MLS® in April were sold.

The drop off in sales activity compared to April 2016 was most noticeable in the first-time buyer market segment. WinnipegREALTORS® has identified a concern regarding the new stress test on insured mortgages and its impact on buyer qualification.

Winnipeg Real Estate Information Special Request

For residential-detached properties under $300,000 there was a 15% decrease in sales activity in comparison to last April. On the other hand upper price ranges in residential-detached outperformed April 2016.

There was also a decline in condominium sales in the price ranges from $150,000 to $249,999.

Another new development this year which helped propel higher end sales was the City of Winnipeg’s impact fee which came into effect on May 1, 2017. There have already been 15 sales of homes valued over $1 million and six of those are new or to be built homes in the Waverley West MLS® area. It is clear buyers are advancing their plans to commit earlier this year to avoid paying the impact fee ($500 for every 100 square feet).

It is also apparent from examining April sales activity that vacant lots in rural municipalities benefited from the onset of higher fees in Winnipeg as there was a jump of 27% in vacant lot sales from April 2016. The vast majority of those are located outside Winnipeg.

 

It pays to know the average price of homes for sale in your neighbourhood, as well as that of homes that have sold, including both over-list and under-list sales. We track all Winnipeg neighbourhoods daily, which allows us to more accurately set list prices on the homes we sell, while also making intelligent offers. If you would like a Free Home Value Appraisal in Crescentwood, River Heights, Tuxedo, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond, Linden Ridge, Linden Woods, Fort Whyte, Whyte Ridge, St. Norbert, Bridgewater Forest, Assiniboine Landing, Headingley, St. Boniface, Norwood, St. Vital, River Park South, Windsor Park, Southdale, Island lakes, Royalwood, Sage Creek, East Kildonan, Valley Gardens, North Kildonan, Eaglemere, Transcona, Birds HIll, East st. Paul, Pritchard Farm, West Kildonan, Riverbend, River Grove, Garden City, Maples, Polo Park, Deer Lodge, St. James, Silver Heights, Crestview, The Oakes, West St. Paul please Contact Us or Call (204) 792-6453. We track the market closely and you can too with Winnipeg Market Tracker.

 

In terms of residential-detached sales activity while the most active price range remained from $250,000 to $299,999 at 20% the next busiest from $300,000 to $349,999 was not far off at 16%.

The average days to sell a home in April was 25 days, one day quicker than the record-setting April 2016. The sales- to -list price ratio in April was 99.19%, an improvement from the 98.59% in April 2016.

Condominium sales continue to be most active in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range which represented 30% of total sales. Next busiest at 16% was the $200,000 to $249,999 price range. Average days to sell a condo in April was 40 days, one day quicker than April 2016.

 

Track the Winnipeg Real Estate Market!! Free Automated Email Service allows you to track the MLS market in real time. Follow the values in any neighborhood in Winnipeg. Find out what your neighbor’s house down the street sold for. Follow Winnipeg MLS listings in real time. Visit Winnipeg Market Tracker!

 
This information is courtesy of:
The Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team
Royal LePage Top Producers
Winnipeg MB
Phone: (204) 792-6453

Winnipeg March MLS® SALES UP 5%

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In March, 1,111 MLS® listed properties sold in the Greater Winnipeg market region, which is an increase of 5% over March 2016 and 8% over the 10-year average for this month. Dollar volume rose 10% to $326 million. This is the first time in March there has been over $300 million in MLS® sales transactions.

MLS® listings entered in March were right in line with last year at 2,200 though active listings or inventory of 3,903 listings going into April is down 9% from 2016. This is largely due to a very active 2016 which left less listings carrying over into 2017.

Winnipeg Real Estate Information Special Request

Due to a good result in March where sales start to accelerate and are significantly higher than either of the first two months of the year, first quarter sales of 2,438 are in line with last year and 5% ahead of the 10-year average for the first three months. Dollar volume of close to $700 million is at its highest level ever for the first quarter and up over 4% from the same period in 2016.

Looking more closely at single family home sales in the first quarter in comparison to the same period in 2016 they are down less than 2% while condominiums are on a record setting pace with an increase of 18%. Condos may well be benefiting from their lower price point in comparison to single family homes as anyone requiring an insured mortgage with less than 20 per cent down must qualify for the higher Bank of Canada 4.64 % 5-year term rate.

Another point worth noting with regard to March specifically is explaining why the average residential-detached selling price was just under $320,000, noticeably higher than the 2016 year- end average of $302,707. It was the result of what is called a compositional shift in sales activity where March had a real overweight in higher priced sales. For example, there was a 25% increase in sales over $350,000 and above compared to March 2016.

It pays to know the average price of homes for sale in your neighbourhood, as well as that of homes that have sold, including both over-list and under-list sales. We track all Winnipeg neighbourhoods daily, which allows us to more accurately set list prices on the homes we sell, while also making intelligent offers. If you would like a Free Home Value Appraisal in Crescentwood, River Heights, Tuxedo, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond, Linden Ridge, Linden Woods, Fort Whyte, Whyte Ridge, St. Norbert, Bridgewater Forest, Assiniboine Landing, Headingley, St. Boniface, Norwood, St. Vital, River Park South, Windsor Park, Southdale, Island lakes, Royalwood, Sage Creek, East Kildonan, Valley Gardens, North Kildonan, Eaglemere, Transcona, Birds HIll, East st. Paul, Pritchard Farm, West Kildonan, Riverbend, River Grove, Garden City, Maples, Polo Park, Deer Lodge, St. James, Silver Heights, Crestview, The Oakes, West St. Paul please Contact Us or Call (204) 792-6453. We track the market closely and you can too with Winnipeg Market Tracker.

If you take the median price (mid-point of all sales) of residential-detached homes in March 2017 there is a far closer alignment to March 2016 – $285,500 versus $284,000.

For the first three months this year the average residential-detached selling price is $307,977, a 2.4% increase over the same period in 2016. As for condominiums, the average selling price for the first quarter is $244,406, a 7.9% increase over first quarter 2016.

Residential-detached unit sales in March were more spread out amongst a number of price ranges with the highest at 18% of total sales from $250,000-$299,999 and the $200,000-$249,999 at 15%. A close third at 14% was from $350,000-$400,000.

March condominium unit sales at nearly one in four sales were from $150,000-$199,999 however there were a number of price ranges with sales activity in the teens. Amongst them, the $250,000-$299,999 was highest at 18%.

Track the Winnipeg Real Estate Market!! Free Automated Email Service allows you to track the MLS market in real time. Follow the values in any neighborhood in Winnipeg. Find out what your neighbor’s house down the street sold for. Follow Winnipeg MLS listings in real time. Visit Winnipeg Market Tracker!

 
This information is courtesy of:
The Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team
Royal LePage Top Producers
Winnipeg MB
Phone: (204) 792-6453

Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team September E-Newsletter

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This is a busy month in many households. Summer is over. The kids are back in school. It’s time to prepare for the change in seasons.

If you’re trying to find someone to help finish any lingering yard work or home repairs, give me a call. I can recommend professionals in almost any home related field – like contractors, designers, landscape companies, junk removal services, handy people, and more.

Of course, if you, a friend or neighbour wants real estate help, please call me for the professional advice you need.

 

What Buyers Notice Most When Viewing a Home

Do you remember the last time you viewed a home for sale? What do you recall about that property? You1 likely remember the features and characteristics that stood out, such as the gorgeous hardwood floors, the spacious kitchen with the long island, or… the faucet that was dripping in the main floor washroom!

Obviously, you want potential buyers to notice the great features of your home rather than those things that are less appealing. So, when preparing your home for sale, pay particular attention to what a buyer is likely to notice and remember.

Say, for example, you have a small unused bedroom that has become the unofficial storage room. If something doesn’t go anywhere else, it gets put in that room! Now it’s a cluttered space.

What will buyers remember about that room after a viewing? Will they see the potential for a home office or comfy reading room? Most likely, they will just remember a small, cluttered, potentially unusable space.

Buyers will also notice a dripping faucet, a scuff in the wall, or the lingering odour of spicy cooking in the kitchen. They will remember all the things that stand out, regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

So, when you list your property, make sure that what stands out for potential buyers are the desirable features of your property.

If you have a wonderful sitting room with large windows and a great view, make sure that space is clean and comfortable. You may even want to “stage” it a little, perhaps with some fresh flowers and a good book sitting on the end table.

As your REALTOR®, I can help you determine the most marketable features of your property and how to ensure buyers notice – and remember – them. Call me today.

Make a “Great Things” List

What’s great about your home? Is it the spacious foyer and generous main floor closet space? Is it the 2beautiful washroom? Is it the playground that is only a short walking distance away?

Although some properties may look similar at first glance, every home is unique – with features and characteristics that make it special.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make a list of all the great things about your property that potential buyers will want to know.

Start by thinking about what you think are the desirable features of your home. Write down what you really love about the house and the surrounding area.

Next, think about what friends and other visitors to your home think is great about it. Have you ever heard anyone say something like, “I really love your kitchen!” or, “This is such a quiet street”? Those are indications that potential buyers will like those features and characteristics too.

Finally, talk to me. I can help you determine all the great things about your home and area, and how to market them.

Can You Afford the Home You Want?

Can you afford to purchase the home you really want? Here are some things to consider:3

What kind of home do you want? What kind of neighbourhood do you want to live in? What features and characteristics do you need in a home? (Three bedrooms? A large livingroom for entertaining? A backyard big enough for a garden?)
What homes currently on the market match that criteria? Are there some properties for sale that are close to what you’re looking for? What are their listing prices? How much, realistically, will it cost to buy one of those homes?
How much, realistically, can you expect to get for the sale of your current property?
How much of a mortgage will you need? How does that compare to the mortgage you qualify for?
What additional costs will you incur in selling your current property and purchasing your new home? (For example, moving, home inspection, repairs and renovations, closing costs, etc.)
Chances are, there’s a home on the market that you can afford – and is right for you. Call, text or email me today to discuss.

notable, quotable… quotes!

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

J. K. Rowling

“Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing.”

Abraham Lincoln

“People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.”

Anne Tyler

 

 
It pays to know the average price of homes for sale in your neighbourhood, as well as that of homes that have sold, including both over-list and under-list sales. We track all Winnipeg neighbourhoods daily, which allows us to more accurately set list prices on the homes we sell, while also making intelligent offers. If you would like a Free Home Value Appraisal in River Heights, Tuxedo, Fort Garry, Linden Ridge, St. Norbert, Bridgewater Forest, Headingley, St. Boniface, St. Vital, River Park South, Windsor Park, Southdale, Island Lakes, Royalwood, Sage Creek, East Kildonan, North Kildonan, Eaglemere, Sun Valley, Kildonan Meadows, Transcona, Birds Hill, East St. Paul, West Kildonan, Riverbend, Garden City, Deer Lodge, St. James, Grace Hospital, Optimist Park, West. St. Paul please Contact Us or Call (204) 792-6453.
Track the Winnipeg Real Estate Market!! Free Automated Email Service allows you to track the MLS market in real time. Follow the values in any neighborhood in Winnipeg. Find out what your neighbor’s house down the street sold for. Follow Winnipeg MLS listings in real time. Visit Winnipeg Market Tracker!

 
 
This information is courtesy of:
The Michael Leclerc Home Selling Team
Royal LePage Top Producers
Winnipeg MB
Phone: (204) 792-6453