The Hintze Team Blog

The number of homes sold through the MLS@ System of the Parry Sound Real Estate Board was up considerably on a year-over-year basis in June 2010.
According to statistics provided by the Board, residential sales numbered 57 units in June 2010, 30 per cent above levels reported in the same month last year.
"June was a good month for home sales, but the large year-over-year gain largely reflects the weak showing last June," said Shirlene Johnston, President of the Parry Sound Real Estate Board. "Looking ahead to the second half of 2010, sales activity has been widely forecast to soften as the HST and rising interest rates impact affordability."
The number of new residential listings on the Board's MLS@ System rose 27 per cent from year-ago levels to 147 units In June. While new supply stands well above levels reported last year, it has actually been trending lower in, recent months. Active residential listings numbered 705 units at the end of June, up 19 per cent from a year earlier.
There were 12.4 months of inventory at the end of June 2010, down from one year earlier (13.5 months). The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.
The Parry Sound Real Estate Board is committed to a high standard of business practice, strong business ethics, and continuing education development that assists REALTORS® in effectively serving the real estate needs of the community. With approximately 100 Members, its REALTORS© service a large geographical area, extending from the French River to the north, southerly to Go Home Lake Road, easterly to the Highway 11 corridor, and westerly which includes the shores of Georgian Bay.

Should I add on or buy a bigger home?
Consider these questions before making a choice between adding on to an existing home or moving up in the market to a bigger house:
How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel the current house?
How much additional space is required? Would the foundation support a second floor or does the lot have room to expand on the ground level?
What do local zoning and building ordinances permit?
How much equity already exists in the property?
* Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy housing needs?


How do I prepare the house for sale?
First and foremost, put it in the best condition possible, especially if you are in a market with few buyers and lots of homes for sale. That means taking care of any major repairs that could deter a buyer (such as replacing any broken windows or replacing a leaky roof) if you can afford it. Next, work on your home's curb appeal. Make sure your landscape is pristine. Mow the grass, clean up any debris and weed the garden beds. Plant a few annual flowers near the entrance or in pots to be placed by the door. Other quick fixes that don't cost a lot of money but can help you get top dollar for your home:

Source: remaxprimerealestate.com