Home staging plays a very important part in successfully selling your house. The impression that the buyer makes of your home is what will determine him to make you an offer for it or keep looking. Here is what a properly staged house should convey to the buyer:

Cleanliness

Your house needs to look spotless. Because we might at times miss something important, it’s recommended to hire a professional cleaning firm at least once before starting to show your house to prospective buyers. While you are at it, it’s a good idea to depersonalize the space – remove family photos and personal items off the shelves, to allow the buyers to feel more comfortable inside your house and not like they are intruding in someone else’s home.

Space

The first thing you need to do in order to create space is to de-clutter. It’s a good idea to just take a look around and remove anything non-essential. Don’t forget kitchen appliances – it’s best to just remove or hide them, same with knives and anything else you might have lying around. Instead, add a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruits.

Your rooms need to look warm and inviting. Furniture can play a significant part here. It’s a good idea to arrange it in such a manner as to maximize the impression of space and at the same time group pieces together to maximize the potential for conversation.

Brightness

Buyers love a house which has enough light. Make sure your windows let as much light through as possible, and change your lamps with stronger ones. You should aim for something in the range of 100w for 50-60 square feet.

Color

It’s a good idea to use neutral colors for areas like the living room and kitchen, because beside being the safer option (different people have different tastes), it also makes a room look more spacious and brighter. For bedrooms however, don’t be afraid to use other colors. Avoid strong, vivid colors like pink – instead go for dark, relaxing colors, which will make the room look more intimate and cozier.

You can further add color to your house by using décor, such as flowers or artwork. Experiment with the way you arrange them, to obtain the best possible effect and draw attention to specific areas of the room.

Every buyer looks for the perfect house. And while it’s true that different people can have very different ideas of what the perfect house should look like, by applying the tips above you will greatly increase the chance that they visualize your house as their future home.

The city was founded in 1784^[7] as a fortress during the Russian conquest of the Caucasus and was for many years the main Russian military base in the region.

The Georgian Military Highway, crossing the mountains, was constructed in 1799 to link the city with Georgia to the south, and in 1875 a railway was built to connect it to Rostov-on-Don andBaku in Azerbaijan. Vladikavkaz has become an important industrial center for the region, with smelting, refining, chemicals and manufacturing industries.

From 1931 to 1944 and from 1954 to 1990, its name in both Russian and Ossetic languages was Ordzhonikidze (Орджоники́дзе) (afterSergo Ordzhonikidze, a Georgian Bolshevik), and from 1944 to 1954 it was officially called Dzaudzhikau (Дзауджика́у) in Russian andDzæwdžyqæw (Дзæуджыхъæу) in Ossetic. Vladikavkaz resumed its old Russian name, in 1990, shortly before the dissolution of the Soviet Union; the official Ossetic name was reverted to Dzæwdžyqæw.

Vladikavkaz was fought over in both the Russian Civil War and World War II. In February 1919, the anti-Communist Volunteer Army under General Anton Denikin seized the city, before being expelled by the Red Army in March 1920. In November 1942, the forces of Nazi Germany tried unsuccessfully to seize the city but were repelled.

In 1999, 2008, and 2010, Vladikavkaz was a target of bombings.

Ethnic groups in the city (2002 data):^{[citation needed]}

• Ossetians: 59.51%
• Russians: 27.59%
• Armenians: 3.89%
• Georgians: 2.32%

 The City of Edmonton has grown by over 60,000 people in the past two years according to the recent municipal census. Surrounding communities are also growing because of the strength of the Alberta economy. The pressure on housing is forcing real estate prices and sales volumes up and shortening the time it takes to sell a home.

The total value of residential real estate sales through the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) System has increased almost 14% compared to the same time last year. New arrivals to Edmonton have pushed the number of homes sold so far this year up from 13,377 to 14,858; an 11% increase. Average days on market was just 49 days in August compared to 53 last year.

The average price for a single family dwelling (SFD) in the Edmonton CMA in August was $435,430 (up 1.9% over July) and condos sold on average for $262,273; a 3.1% increase. Duplex/row house prices were down 2.7% to $349,590 which limited the average all-residential sales price to a 2.0% increase at $368,597 in August compared to July.

In the last half of the summer, residential sales were down compared to July from 1,999 to 1,552 units. Single family sales were down 15.4%, condo sales were down 20.8% and duplex/rowhouse sales were down 11.8% in the month. Total sales were down 6.0% when compared to August 2013.

We move into the fall with 5,334 residential properties in the inventory and a vibrant market. Homebuyers and sellers are encouraged to work closely with your REALTOR® for LIFE! Irina Mierzewski to find a suitable home in their preferred neighbourhood and price range.

The number of homes listed for sale in August was 4.2% higher than the same month last year. The sales-to-listing ratio was 67%: slower than the 75% last August.

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Highlights of MLS® System activity (for all-residential sales in Edmonton CMA1)

1 Census Metropolitan Area (Edmonton and surrounding municipalities)
2 Single Family Dwelling
3 The total value of sales in a category divided by the number of properties sold 
4 The middle figure in a list of all sales prices
5 Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses. 
6 Includes residential, rural and commercial sales

3 Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period sales figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end. The RAE trading area includes communities beyond the CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) and therefore average and median prices may include sold properties outside the CMA. For information on a specific area, contact Irina Mierzewski – your Russian/Ukranian Speaking Realtor in Edmonton.

OTTAWA, February 28, 2014 — Following the annual review of its insurance products and capital requirements, CMHC will increase its mortgage loan insurance premiums for homeowner and 1 – 4 unit rental properties effective May 1, 2014.

The increase applies to mortgage loan insurance premiums for owner occupied, self-employed and 1-to-4 unit rental properties, including low-ratio refinance premiums. This does not apply to mortgages currently insured by CMHC.

For the average Canadian homebuyer requiring CMHC insured financing, the higher premium will result in an increase of approximately $5 to their monthly mortgage payment. This is not expected to have a material impact on the housing market.

Effective May 1^st, CMHC Purchase (owner occupied 1 – 4 unit) mortgage insurance premiums will increase by approximately 15%, on average, for all loan-to-value ranges.

CMHC reviews its premiums on an annual basis and, going forward, plans to announce decisions on premiums in the first quarter of each year.

Based on a 5 year term @ 3.49% and a 25 year amortization

Based on a 5 year term @ 3.49% and a 25 year amortization

The residential home inventory on the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) rose 16% in January. Typically just over 1,800 homes in the Edmonton  come onto the market in January. Last month’s listings of 1,842 were higher than the 783 listed in December. Sales figures were higher than a typical January and higher than sales in December and January 2013. The increased inventory  kept prices stable in all housing categories.

Compared to December, the all-residential average3 price of $347,847 was down just $1,226 or
-0.16%. Single family detached (SFD) home prices were down 1.5% at $416,344. Condominiums were priced on average3 at $230,463 (down 1.5%) and duplex/rowhouses showed the biggest movement and were down 5.3% at $336,220.

Price stability and more property available for sale results in a balanced market.Right now both buyers and sellers have time to consider all their options and housing needs. More homes are listed every day and Irina Mierzewski your russian speaking REALTOR® can advise you of a suitable property as soon as it comes available.

The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 45% and the average days-on-market was 61 days in January compared to 73 days in January 2013. There have been four property sales over a $1 million already this year but half of the SFDs sold in January were sold at or below $385,000.

Strong economic indicators such as low unemployment, higher hourly wages and positive in-migration all support an optimistic view of the Edmonton and area housing market. Consumers are confident in their economic future and prepared to risk a first-time or move-up purchase. Low rental vacancies and the potential for higher rental rates are also attracting investors into the market.

Irina Mierzewski – your  russian/ukranian speaking REALTOR in Edmonton will be happy to answer all your questions and give her professional advise whether you sell or buy property in the near future.

Forecast for 2014:  value of MLS® sales in 2014 will increase by about 3% for the year after sales of $8 billion in 2013. This is based on an overall increase in the number of homes sold and increased prices.

The sale of single family homes in Edmonton will be static, at about 10,500. The number of sales of condo, duplex and rowhouse sales will increase by 2.5% throughout the region as these properties become the de facto entry point for first time buyers.

Prices, as usual, will fluctuate through the year but the 12-month average price for a single family detached property is anticipated to increase about 3%. Condominium property average prices are projected to increase about 2% over the year.

Market growth is always good for the seller who can expect to see a capital gain on their property. But it is also reassuring for the buyer who can expect steady growth upon entering the market.

The all-residential average price for the first three quarters of the year in the Edmonton CMA is $350,741 as compared to $340,090 in 2012. In September, the all-residential average was $352,057, up 5.4% from a year ago and inching up from $351,455 in the previous month.

Year-over-year sales were also up 19.4% with 1,466 (adjusted, 1,357 actual) all-residential sales in September. There were 13,691 residential sales in the Edmonton CMA in the first three quarters of 2013 as compared to just 12,876 sales at the same time last year.

The market is very active with many properties attracting multiple offers.The increases in the Alberta population are driving the market and because of the steady sales there are inventory shortages at the lower price ranges.

There were 926 (adjusted, actual 857) single-family detached sales in September at an average price of $408,642 (up 3.9% Y/Y) as compared to 773 sales a year ago at an average price of $393,374. Condos sold on average in September for $243,655 (438 adjusted sales, 406 actual), up from $224,330 last September (up 8.6%). Duplex/row house sales were up with 79 (adjusted ,73 actual) sales, valued on average at $338,250 ($316,973 last year).

Average sales prices are the highest they have been in five years,Combined with the highest sales numbers since 2012, we have year-to-date residential sales values totaling $4.8 million. Strong market fundamentals, increasing population and the persistence of low mortgage rates have convinced many buyers that an investment in real estate is secure.

The September sales-to-listing ratio of 65% was the result of 2,089 residential listings and 1,357 residential sales. The inventory of available homes on the Edmonton MLS® System was down from 5,557 units in August to 5,111 units in September. It took 54 days on average (up one) to sell a home in the Edmonton area. Irina Mierzewski has access to all the latest market data and effective marketing tools and is the best source of real estate advice for both buyers and sellers.

MLS® System Activity (for all-residential sales in Edmonton CMA1)

1 Census Metropolitan Area (Edmonton and municipalities in the four surrounding counties)
2 Single Family Dwelling
3 Average: The total value of sales in a category divided by the number of properties sold
4 Median: The middle figure in an ordered list of all sales prices
5 Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses
6 Includes residential, rural and commercial sales

3 Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual changes for a particular property, which may vary from house to house and area to area. Prior period sales figures have been adjusted to include late reported sales and cancellations and therefore reflect a more accurate view of the period than previously reported at month end. The RAE trading area includes communities beyond the CMA (Census Metropolitan Area) and therefore average and median prices may include sold properties outside the CMA. For information on a specific area, contact Irina Mierzewski – your local REALTOR®

FOR BUYERS: HOMEBUYING – THE  PROCESS I will be with you every step of the  way during the home buying process, so I wanted to give you a good idea  of what to expect. I came across this article that does a good job of  explaining what the home search and purchase process entails. I have a  wealth of information and resources so please let me know if you have  any questions. I look forward to working with  you.

How  to be the Most Attractive Homebuyer by Andrea Murad. © 2013 FOX  News Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that residential property prices in the Edmonton CMA1 were up again in March. The all-residential price (includes single family detached, condominiums, duplexes and row-houses) rose 3.5% in a month and single family detached prices were up 3.9%. Compared to March 2012, the all residential price was up 4.3% and the SFD price was up 7.0%.

Because of a shortage of lower priced homes, the average price is pushed up as buyers move up-market to find a home. The increase in average price may not increase the market value of a particular property. The relative number of homes sold in the $450-650k price range increased from 12.2% to 14.5% year-over-year while homes under $300,000 dropped from 40.7% of the market to 38.2%.

The average price for a single family detached home was $416,739 in March, condos were priced at $246,574 (up 6.3% m/m), duplex and rowhouses at $316,110 (down 4.9% m/m) and the all-residential average price was $354,759. SFD prices peaked in May of 2007 at $424,400.

The demand for homes in the Edmonton area continues to be driven by net job creation and low unemployment, economic stability and low rental vacancy rates. Sales were brisk with the sales-to-listing ratio up at 57% for March which indicates that almost six of the ten homes listed during the month were sold. Days-on-market was down from 57 in February to 50 in March.

The number of homes available for sale in the MLS® System inventory was up from 4,183 to 4,741 in March. While this is an increase of 558 properties from last month, it is down 15.4% from the same time last year. The lower inventory is exerting upward pressure on prices but has a dampening effect on sales. “When first time buyers cannot find a house that meets their needs or are forced into a multiple offer situation, they often remain on the sidelines. Low interest rates and rising rental rates create the interest and desire but lack of suitable properties means they are not able to make the transition to home ownership at this time.

REALTORS® are facing some multiple offer situations on lower-priced property but overall, the market remains in balance with neither buyers nor sellers having an advantage in most neighbourhoods.

Residential sales in the Edmonton CMA were up 1.14% in March as compared to March 2012. There were 1,497 estimated sales (1,386 reported) on listings of 2,422 during the month. SFD sales were down 6.63% from last year but condo sales more than compensated at 8.84% y/y increase. Note that sales numbers are estimated to reflect late reported sales and make a more accurate comparison with prior month actual sales.

MLS® System Activity (for all-residential sales in Edmonton CMA1)

Canada is one of the best countries in the world for home ownership. We are now clearly the fastest growing nation in the G8 regarding immigration as recently reported in the Globe and Mail. Canada is setting its sights on an annual immigration of 400,000 people by 2016 up from the current 320,000.
The demand for home ownership across all provinces will be significant for decades. As Canadians we can feel confident that our home will continue to be a place where we raise our families, have our dreams come true and remain a cornerstone of our life long financial wellbeing, despite what the media would like us to believe.
The U.S. economy is showing signs of consistent growth with housing starts and new jobs leading the charge. This of course bodes well for us and is particularly welcome news for our manufacturing and resource sectors.
So the economy on both sides of the border looks promising, immigration will continue to add to the growth of Canada and interest rates are historically low. Regardless of what some might want us to think Canada is Still the Best Place to Own a Home!
If you know anyone who is looking to buy a home, it’s important that they get pre-approved today! The spring market is fast approaching and there is evidence everywhere of a pent up demand. Having that pre-approved mortgage in hand can give someone the advantage over other buyers.
Call or email me today!