After sitting on the sidelines waiting out the market, you have decided on selling your home. You are not alone. This past fall, a NerdWallet study found that a fifth of homeowners plan to sell their homes in the next three years, and 41 per cent intend to list their homes in the next five years.

If they plan to follow through on these plans, this could mean an injection of supply in a tight Canadian real estate market, which could help improve the housing affordability situation.

For now, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home prices are up, demand is robust, and mortgage rates look more likely to have peaked at around the six per cent mark.

So, is this your time to erect a for-sale sign on your front lawn? If so, it is vital to understand the Canadian real estate market when selling your home. What should you be looking for anyway? Let’s dig deeper and assess some trends and factors to monitor during this exciting – and at-times daunting – period.

Here are eight things to consider when selling your home in today’s real estate market:

Work with Your Real Estate Agent

Some homeowners will make the mistake of going it alone. This is a misstep. Whether buying or selling, working with a real estate agent is imperative. Yes, you will pay commissions or fees, but it takes the guesswork out of the intense and crucial process. This industry professional understands the current market, knows the neighbourhood well, and comprehends the many facets of the sector’s rules and regulations. Remember, realtors have your best interests at heart, so it is wise to work with one.

Strategic Pricing

Should you strategically price your home or list it at whatever you want? Depending on where you are located, it could be a buyer’s or seller’s market. As a result, it would be prudent to strategically and correctly list your home’s genuine worth. Ultimately, it is about discovering the ideal listing price that strikes a delicate balance of fair market value and attracting buyers.

Here are a few measures you can employ to garner the right price:

Request a home evaluation to determine your property value compared to the rest of the area’s market conditions.
Perform a home inspection to ensure everything is ready to showcase.
Collaborate with your real estate agent on pricing.

Timing Your Listing

Believe it or not, even in today’s housing market, it is crucial to list your home at the right time. While it is not always possible, it should be prioritized, industry experts say. Why? You want to sell when prospective homebuyers want to acquire a property.

Here are a few things you need to know:

Winter is usually the slowest time of the year, particularly around the holidays.
People are typically ready to purchase a home when it is warmer outside.
Selecting the best day of the week can offer a competitive edge.
Your real estate agent’s online and offline marketing strategy will also consider the timing of your listing.

Check Emotion at the Door

Do you think your home is worth much more than what is being listed? Do you think it will be hard to part ways with the keys to your house that you saw your children grow up in? Would you reject a request from the homebuyer to toss in a new refrigerator?

Whatever the case may be, experts recommend checking your emotions at the door and making intelligent decisions. Remember, your objective in selling your home is to sell it fast and garner the best price possible.

Staging the Right Way

Staging is a critical tool in your selling arsenal. You want to present your home in the best possible light. Even if your home is crammed with so much stuff, you should try to remove many of these things and stage your living room, bedrooms, or kitchens so that they are attractive to buyers.

Here are several tips:

• Conduct a deep cleaning of your entire home.
• Stage your home to appeal to buyers rather than gorgeous furniture pieces (a single-family home will appeal to families, while a bachelor condominium suite will appeal to single professionals).
• Improve your curb appeal by mowing the lawn, installing a neat street number sign, changing the light bulbs, and organizing the yard.
• Snap high-quality photos of your home because many buyers will be performing their search online, meaning they will explore virtual tours, floor plans, and still images.

Yes, during the coronavirus pandemic, the buying frenzy meant anything goes, and buyers were indifferent to the conventional approaches to purchasing a property. Conditions have stabilized, and now it is best to utilize traditional methods in the real estate market.

Repairing Major and Minor Problems

From a leaky roof to a leaky faucet, sellers should be responsible enough to help repair major and minor problems throughout your house – inside and outside. By doing this, you can maximize your listing price rather than having to haggle with a buyer about having to repair or replace something. Additionally, homebuyers will request inspections anyway (they have made a comeback in the post-pandemic market!), so these professionals will inevitably find out sooner or later.

Expect Smart Buyers

In the end, many prospective homebuyers are equipped with a heavy arsenal of knowledge. Be it smartphone apps or an exceptional real estate agent at their side, you should definitely expect intelligent buyers to walk through your doors.

Finalize the Sale

After both sides of the transaction have agreed to the terms, it is time to sign a purchase agreement. Your attorney or a notary will have likely performed the legal aspects. The title is clear, the required documents have been filled, and the paperwork officials transfer ownership from you to the buyer. When closing day arrives (yay!), the buyer will visit the attorney’s office to finish the paperwork and offer the funds. At this stage, the transaction is complete, keys are exchanged, and proceeds from the sale will be distributed.

When Selling Your Home, It’s About Confidence

Indeed, buying and selling your home can be an arduous experience. There are many steps involved on both sides of a deal. That said, as long as you have trusted and seasoned professionals on your team, be it a real estate agent or a lawyer, you can be confident that selling your home in today’s real estate market is simple and hassle-free.

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Big News Alert!

The Bank of Canada decided to keep its overnight rate steady at 5%, sticking to its plan of quantitative tightening. But what does this mean for you? Let's break it down:

Global Economy: Things are looking up! The world economy is expected to keep growing at a steady pace, with the US leading the charge and the euro area on the path to recovery.

Inflation: Good news! Prices in most advanced economies are expected to stabilize, which should ease the pressure on your wallet over time.

Canada's Economy: We hit a speed bump last year, but we're getting back on track. Economic growth is expected to pick up, fuelled by strong population growth and increased spending by both households and governments.

Job Market: It's a mixed bag. While employment is growing, it's not keeping up with the number of people entering the workforce. But hey, at least there are some signs that wage pressures are calming down.

Your Money: Inflation has been high lately, but there's hope on the horizon. The Bank of Canada is keeping an eye on prices and aims to bring them back to a more stable level over the next year or so.

So, what's the bottom line? The Bank of Canada is holding steady for now, keeping an eye on inflation and the overall health of the economy. Stay tuned for more updates as the year progresses!

Got questions about how the Bank of Canada's decisions impact you? Wondering about mortgage rates and what's best for your financial future?

Whether you need answers or want a referral to an outstanding mortgage broker, reach out to me and let's navigate the world of finance together!

Thinking of selling your home this Spring? Don't wait too long! In 2024, you might find yourself competing with a surge of sellers and new home constructions. Maximize your home's value this Spring! Act now to beat the competition and capitalize on the market.

Contact me today to get started!

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

There were a total of 2,467 residential unit sales in the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market for March 2024, showing increases of 25.6% over February 2024, and 35.7% over March 2023. New residential listings amounted to 3,597, a number 32.4% higher than in February 2024, and 8.9% higher than March 2023. Overall inventory in the GEA increased 10.7% from February 2024, but is still 15.4% lower than March 2023.

Detached unit sales totalled 1,462, an increase of 26.1% over the previous month, and 36.8% higher than the previous year. Semi-detached unit sales increased 34.9% month-over-month and showed an increase of 43.9% year-over-year. Row/Townhouse unit sales also increased 29% compared to February 2024 and 31.4% compared to the previous year. Apartment Condominium unit sales also increased 30.8% over March 2023, and 14.9% from the previous month.

Total residential average prices came in at $420,959, a 3.4% increase from February 2024, and an 8% increase from March 2023. 

Detached homes averaged $517,131, increasing 1.7% from February 2024 and up from the previous year by 6.7%. Semi-detached units sold for an average of $408,555, an 11.5% increase year-over-year, and a 6.1% increase from the previous month. Row/townhouse prices were up 2.5% from February 2024 and 13.9% when compared to March 2023, selling at an average of $282,557. Apartment Condominium average prices hit $194,101, increasing 7% over last month and coming in 0.6% higher than the previous year.

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price* in the GEA came in at $392,600, increasing 2.7% from February 2024, and 4.4% from March 2023.

Detached homes averaged 40 days on the market, decreasing 8 days from February 2024. Semi-detached homes averaged 35 days on the market, a decrease of 7 days from the previous month, and row/townhouses’ days on the market decreased 11 days to 34. Apartment condominiums averaged 47 days on the market, dropping 18 days from February 2024. 

Overall, all residential listings averaged 39 days on the market, a month-over-month decrease of 11 days and a nine-day decrease when compared to March 2023.

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell this Spring, take advantage of the Spring Market and connect with me today!

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

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Looking to Refresh Your Space in 2024? Here are the Hottest Renovation Trends! Whether it's for family milestones, house functionality, or the need for extra space, renovations are on the rise! Need expert advice or looking to make a move? Let's chat!

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

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The Edmonton market is heating up! With a whopping 52.6% increase in residential sales from last February, it's time to seize the opportunities. Detached homes are flying off the shelves, averaging just 48 days on the market. Spring is shaping up to be BUSY! Whether you're buying or selling, let's navigate this market together. Connect with me today! 

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

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Exciting News for Canada's Job Market! Despite the unemployment rate ticking up, job gains have surpassed expectations, with 41,000 new jobs added in February.

As a Realtor, this signals positive momentum for the housing market! More jobs mean more potential homebuyers entering the market.

While employment growth may be trailing population growth, the surge in full-time work indicates stability and confidence in the workforce.

With job gains spread across various sectors, including accommodation and food services and professional services, the economy shows resilience and diversity.

As we navigate these economic shifts, rest assured that the real estate market remains a solid investment option.

Let's continue to monitor these trends and seize opportunities together!

Have questions? Thinking of buying or selling? I’m here to help you make the best financial decisions. Reach out today!

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

There were a total of 1,966 residential unit sales in the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market for February 2024, showing increases of 36.9% over January 2024, and 52.6% over February 2023. New residential listings amounted to 2,762, a number 27.7% higher than in January 2024, and 9.3% higher than February 2023. Overall inventory in the GEA increased 5.8% from January 2024, but is still 14.3% lower than February 2023.

Total residential average prices came in at $407,458, a 2.3% increase from January 2024, and a 10.4% increase from February 2023. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price* in the GEA came in at $382,200, increasing 1.5% from January 2024, and 3.7% from February 2023.

Overall, all residential listings averaged 50 days on the market, a month-over-month decrease of nine days and a seven-day decrease when compared to February 2023.

Detached unit sales totalled 1,159, a number 32.5% higher than the previous month, and 60.5% higher than the previous year. They averaged $508,411, increasing 5.2% from January 2024 and up from the previous year by 10.7%. Detached homes averaged 48 days on the market, decreasing 12 days from January 2024. 

Semi-detached unit sales increased 36.2% month-over-month and showed an increase of 28.0% year-over-year. They sold for an average of $385,163, a 7.7% increase year-over-year, and a 1.8% increase from the previous month. Semi-detached homes averaged 42 days on the market, a decrease of 11 days from the previous month.

Row/Townhouse unit sales also increased 44.6% compared to January 2024 and 49.2% compared to the previous year. Prices were up 2.4% from January 2024 and 9.7% when compared to February 2023, selling at an average of $275,735. Row/townhouses’ days on the market decreased eight days to 45. 

Apartment Condominium unit sales also increased 46.7% over February 2024, and 48.0% from the previous month. They averaged $181,347, decreasing 5.7% over last month and coming in 3.2% lower than the previous year. Apartment condominiums averaged 65 days on the market, showing no change from January 2024.

Considering buying or selling? I love to help!

Craig Finnman
RE/MAX Elite
(780) 982-1589⁠
craig@craigfinnman.ca⁠

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Exciting update from the Bank of Canada! Today, they've decided to maintain the policy rate at 5%, signalling a commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

Despite global economic growth slowing down, Canada's economy showed resilience, growing more than expected in Q4, albeit at a modest pace.

With employment growth trailing population growth, there are signs of easing wage pressures.

CPI inflation eased to 2.9% in January, but underlying pressures persist.

The Bank remains focused on balancing demand and supply, inflation expectations, and corporate pricing behaviour.

Now is the time to take action in the real estate market. Whether you're looking to sell, buy, or invest, take advantage of the opportunity presented! I'm here to guide you and help you make informed decisions.

Reach out today and let's discuss how you can leverage this moment for your real estate goals!

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At a time when mortgage rates are hovering between five and six per cent and home prices remain above their pre-pandemic levels, discussions surrounding the mortgage stress test have been prevalent across the Canadian real estate market.

The mortgage stress test is a federal government mandate requiring that borrowers prove they can afford higher payments if mortgage rates rise in the future. Typically, the stress test is the current mortgage rate plus two per cent. At the height of the current tightening efforts by the Bank of Canada (BoC), the stress test was north of eight per cent.

The purpose behind the rule is to prevent borrowers from taking on more than they can afford and to stop lenders from lending money to financially stressed or would-be fiscally challenged clients.

But now that the post-crisis real estate market is an environment where interest rates are at their highest levels since before the Global Financial Crisis, critics have wondered if the stress test is excessive, with some urging Ottawa to ease or suspend the measure.

For now, it appears that everything will remain the same, according to the country’s chief banking regulator.

What’s Going on With the Mortgage Stress Test?

According to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), the qualifying rate for uninsured residential mortgages will continue to be higher than 5.25 per cent, or the mortgage contract rate plus two per cent. Peter Routledge, the OSFI chief, stated in a December 2023 report that the stress test has resulted in a more robust and resilient mortgage financing system as it helps both borrowers and lenders better manage risk.

The federal government reiterated the OSFI’s stance shortly after its confirmation.

Others agreed, including Fitch Ratings.

The credit ratings agency supported the OSFI’s decision, calling it a positive for the Canadian real estate market, the nation’s banking system, and the broader economic landscape.

Underlying Risks in a Stable Mortgage Market

Despite everything that has transpired since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, both the Canadian real estate market and the mortgage industry have remained solid and cushioned the blows from the crisis-era fallout. In other words, delinquencies and forced sales have been largely absent in Canada.

However, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently warned that approximately 2.2 million mortgages will have to be renewed in 2024 and 2025. This would represent nearly half (45 per cent) of all outstanding mortgages, totalling roughly $675 billion.

Even if the central bank engages in lowering its benchmark policy rate and the bond market responds, it might not be swift enough to prevent borrowers from paying higher rates.

In fact, the CMHC projected that as households renew in the coming years, the higher mortgage rates will equal about $15 billion in additional payments for households each year.

Ultimately, this could result in consequences for the economy since the funds will be reallocated from other sectors, the CMHC says.

Mortgage Rates in 2024

Financial markets are bracing for rate cuts this year. Investors think they could happen as early as March, while economists believe the likelihood is sometime in the middle of the year. This will lead to lower bond yields and, as a result, lower mortgage rates, with experts saying the conventional five-year fixed mortgage could slide to around 4 per cent. But whether this will help or hinder the Canadian real estate market and the national economy remains to be seen.

Whether you're a homeowner, prospective buyer, or industry enthusiast, connect with me to discuss more about the latest developments shaping the Canadian real estate landscape.

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