Concerned about Condensation on Windows?

If you see a haze of condensation on your window, should you be concerned? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on a number of factors.

First of all, an occasional build-up of condensation is normal and often the result of fluctuating humidity in the home. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about. If you’re using a humidifier, try adjusting the levels. If the humidity is being generated naturally, try placing a dehumidifier nearby. Also, remove any plants and firewood from the area, as they can release a surprising volume of moisture into the air.

Do you see moisture in between the panes of glass that make up the window? If so, that means the seal has failed and moisture has crept in. Double and triple pane windows often contain a gas (argon, for example) that boosts the insulating qualities of the window. When the seal fails, the gas disappears, making the glass colder and often allowing condensation to creep in. Eventually, you’ll want to get it replaced.

If you see moisture build-up anywhere on the frame of the window, particularly at the joints, that could be a sign of water leaking through. That’s an issue you should get checked out immediately by a window contractor.

If you take care to price your home correctly — that is, at a price that is in line with what similar properties in the area have sold for recently — then you have a good chance of selling it at or near your asking price.

That doesn’t mean you won’t get a low-ball offer. You might. So what do you do when that happens?

First, understand that the buyer may not necessarily be trying to steal away your home at a bargain-basement price. He might simply be mistaken about its true market value. Of course, he might also be coming in at a low price in the hopes he’ll get lucky.

You will never actually know the buyer’s motives. So it would be a mistake to get angry or dismiss the offer out-of-hand. That low-ball offer might end up being the beginning of a negotiation that results in you selling your home at a good price.

Your first step is to work with your REALTOR® to determine:

• How serious the buyer is.

• How qualified the buyer is. (For example, does he have a preapproved mortgage?)

• How amenable the buyer is to a counter-offer that reflects the true market value of your home.

• What that counter-offer should be.

This isn’t an easy process. It takes knowledge and experience to get it right. That’s why working with a good REALTOR® is essential.

WINNIPEG - The strong sales performance in August resulted in bringing year-to-date sales ahead of last year for the first 8 months of 2015. Last month 2014 was ahead slightly but the lead slipped away by the end of August owing to the 11% increase in sales over August 2014.

 Dollar volume on the other hand has remained ahead of 2014 throughout the year.  In fact, August reinforced this consistent edge by setting a new dollar volume record for this month.  Over $340 million was transacted through the MLS® in August with one single family home sale fetching $2.1 million. Year-to-date dollar volume is now over $2.5 billion. It is up nearly 3% over last year and is the highest level it has ever been for the first 8 months.

 At 1,258 sales, August 2015 is right up there with the best. The three higher August month sales on record are modestly better with none reaching the 1,300 level.  As for listings, compared to the last few years, where there was a 25% and 19% increase in MLS® inventory by month end over the previous year, this year’s 5,600 listings is more restrained.  It is up less than 10% from August 2014 and down nearly 400 listings from last month.

 Nevertheless, the healthy supply of listings which roughly equates to four and one-half months on hand if no new listings were to come on the market, has not gone unnoticed by buyers wishing to take advantage of historically favourable mortgage rates and some of the more affordable house prices in the country.

 “At this point in the year, we are experiencing our 5^th best sales year and dollar volume is ranked first and poised to set a new record by year end,” said WinnipegREALTORS® president Dave Mackenzie. “We are confident in the stability and consistency of Winnipeg’s real estate market. It really is symptomatic and reflective of a Manitoba economy which is diverse, resilient and performing well.”

 Manitoba boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and has shown positive gains in job creation. Its unemployment rate has averaged 2.1 % below Canada’s rate over the past 15 years. Manitoba’s GDP is expected to be the third best in the country at 2.2% in 2015.

 While condominium sales have been the subject of some concern this year some perspective is in order. Based on a five-year average of sales up until the end of August 2015 sales of 1,118 are only down 3%. The 160 condo sales or 26% increase in August over the same month last year has narrowed the year-to-date deficit from 19% at the end of July to 13% at August month end.

 “Two things need to be kept in mind for condominiums in the context of our local market,” said Mackenzie. “Despite their gains in overall MLS® market share over the last few years at the expense of single family homes, the latter still represents the lion’s share of our MLS® market activity. This year three out of every four sales is a single family home where condominiums have been closer to one in ten at 12% of total MLS® market share. The second point is we still have four months to go and a month like we had in August shows the gap may be narrowed further before year end.”

 Speaking more to the affordability of Winnipeg’s housing market where prices have been held in check due to a very balanced housing supply, the recent release of RBC’s housing affordability index for the 2015 second quarter is helpful in understanding where we fit in a national context.  It shows when it comes to buying a detached bungalow based on the pre-tax income needed to service the costs of owning a home at current market values Winnipeg is right in line with Montreal and Ottawa, not far off Calgary and Edmonton and well below Toronto and Vancouver.

 RBC’s chief economist Craig Wright said “…homebuyers in the province continue to face little undue pressure as affordability levels remain very close to historical norms.”

 The most active price range in August for residential-detached sales was $250,000-$299,999 (22% of sales), followed by the $200,000-$249,999 (17%) and $300,000-$349,999 (16%).  Average days on market for residential-detached sales was 38 days, a week slower than August 2014. The highest-priced residential-detached sale was a home in Headingley which sold for $2.1 million. The least expensive sale was $35,000.

 The busiest condo price range in August was $150,000-$199,999 (31% of sales), followed by $200,000-$249,999 (22%) and $250,000-$299,999 (19%).  Average days on the market for condominium sales was 55 days, two weeks slower than August 2014. The highest priced condo sold for $501,000 and the lowest priced sale was $60,000.

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,880 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession.  REALTOR®, MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are trademarks owned and controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association and are used under licence.

Here’s your monthly event guide for September!

To me there is nothing better than fall in this city. Well, maybe Summer.. But I really like to make the most of fall because we all know it’s just a precursor to 7-8 months of frozen hell. So as busy and crazy as September can be with school and work, I think it’s super important to spend these last few weeks enjoying the reminisce of summer, and embracing the sweater weather. So what’s going on this month that will help you make the most of September? Let me fill you in:

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Tuesday, September 1^st @ 7PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Twin Shadow in Concert

Where: West End Cultural Centre

When: Wednesday, September 2^nd

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24185769-twin-shadow-at-west-end-cultural-centre

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Wednesday, September 2^nd @ 7PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Nas, Travis Scott, and oOoOO in Concert

Where: MTS Centre

When: Thursday, September 3^rd

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24412264-nas-at-mts-centre

Kenny Rogers in Concert

Where: Club Regent Casino

When: Thursday, September 3^rd

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24047749-kenny-rogers-at-club-regent-casino

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Thursday, September 3^rd @ 7PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, September 4^th @ 7PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Lincoln Saltdogs

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, September 5^th @ 6:30PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Manitoba Brain Injury Association Annual Walk

Where: Assiniboine Park Conservatory

When:  Sunday, September 6^th@ 10:00AM

What: The 11^th annual walk in support of those affected with this disability. All those affected and loved ones are invited to join in on the event to help create awareness within the community. For more information, follow: http://www.mbia.ca/11th-annual-mbia-walk-2015/

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Lincoln Saltdogs

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, September 6^th @ 1:30PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Lincoln Saltdogs

Where: Shaw Park

When: Monday, September 7^th @ 1:30PM

To purchase tickets: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Janet Jackson in Concert

Where: MTS Centre

When: Tuesday, September 8^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/24093189-janet-jackson-at-mts-centre

Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival

Where: The Forks

When: Friday, September 11^th – Sunday, September 13^th

What: Supporting an incredibly important cause, this 3-day event sets out to create awareness and funds to help more Manitoba kids survive cancer. CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and The Chidlren’s Hospital Foundation are teaming up to help those who are most vulnerable and need our help the most. For more information on how to sign up a team and/or donate, you can visit http://www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca/NetCommunity/2015/dragon-boat/2015-dragon-boat

Banjo Bowl: Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Saskatchewan Rough Riders

Where: Investors Group Field

When: Sunday, September 12^th@ 5:30PM

What: Come out and watch as the Prairie rivals fight it out on the turf in the 12^th annual Banjo Bowl. Tor purchase tickets: http://www.bluebombers.com/single-game-tickets

Electric Donkey Run (#ElectricDonkeyRun)

Where: The Forks

When: Saturday, September 12^th  - evening

What: This 5K Glow party is sure to make you wanna dance the night away! Participants are invited to come out in their brightest gear and move their way throw the 5K “run” in any way they choose. Think you can dance 5K straight? Why not give it a shot! To register follow: http://www.electricdonkeyrun.com/

Dream Walk 2015

Where: Assiniboine Park – Lyric Theatre

When: Saturday, September 12^th@ 9:00AM

What: This walk is in support of the Dreams Take Flight organization which is a national non-profit organization consisting of Air Canada volunteers dedicated to providing the trip-of-a-lifetime to physically, mentally or socially challenged children. This organization seeks to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a child who feels limitations and show them that all dreams are possible.

D’Arcy’s A.R.C. Woof Walk

Where: Kildonan Park

When: Saturday, September 12^th@ 12:30PM

What: The 5^th annual Flipper memorial walk is in support of the D’Arcy’s A.R.C. shelter. Funds raised from the event will be allocated to iBARC for D’Arcy’s A.R.C. campaign. A wing in the expanded shelter will be dedicated to the memory of Flipper. For more information and how to register, follow: http://www.darcysarc.ca/

Mark Mills & Doug Hoyer in Concert

Where: Park Theatre

When: Wednesday, September 16^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.parktheatervideo.com/

AC/DC and Vintage Trouble in Concert

Where: Investors Group Field

When: Thursday, September 17^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/23429638-acdc-at-investors-group-field

Kids Help Phone “Being There for Kids” Breakfast

Where: Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites

When: Friday, September 18^th@ 7:30-9:00AM

What: This year’s breakfast will feature an important speaker who will speak out about the tragic loss of her daughter when she took her own life after a never ending struggle as a victim of cyber bullying. This may be the most important meal this month, so register today and find out how you can make an impact on a child who is suffering in silence. Event details and tickets: http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/event/being-there-for-kids-breakfast/

The Tenors in Concert

Where: MTS Centre

When: Friday, September 18^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/23686828-tenors-at-mts-centre

Motionball Marathon of Sport

Where: Westwood Collegiate & Sansome School

When: Sunday, September 20^th; registration @ 9:30AM

What: Motionball’s mandate is to introduce the next generation of volunteers and donors to the Special Olympics movement through integrates social and sporting events, creating relevant, meaningfull experiences that help bring the fun back into giving. Since its inception in 2002, motionball is organizing events in 11 Canadian cities and as a result of the many individuals, partners and organizations that have supported the movement, motionball has currently donated over $5,000,000 net to the Special Olympics Canadian Foundation. This full day event will have you sweating and smiling the whole day! Partnered with a local Special Olympics athlete, you will be playing alongside an individual who is directly impacted by this event and the funds raised throughout the day. If you’re competitive and have an interest in giving back to those who are in need, please follow this link for more information: http://www.motionball.com/ To register a team, please email Kyle at knimchuk@gmail.com

Terry Fox Run

Where: Assiniboine Park – Lyric Theatre

When: Sunday, September 20^th@ 8:30AM

What: This year marks the 35^th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope that inspired Canadians across the country and brought attention to the necessity of research in the fight against cancer. The Run is an all-inclusive, family-oriented activity, and charges no entry fee or minimum pledge amount.  Participants can run, walk, blade or bike in the company of those who believe their efforts are making a difference. The event will be held rain or shine. There will be a 3km, 5km and 10km run. People can also walk or bike at this free event. To download a pledge form or register online, go to www.terryfox.org

Shania Twain in Concert

Where: MTS Centre

When: Sunday, September 20^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/23757448-shania-twain-at-mts-centre

Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Calgary Stampeders

Where: Investors Group Field

When: Friday, September 25^th@ 7:30PM

Tickets: http://www.bluebombers.com/single-game-tickets

Harlequin and Trooper in Concert

Where: Club Regent Casino

When: Friday, September 25^th

To purchase tickets: http://www.songkick.com/concerts/23838318-harlequin-at-club-regent-casino

Culture Days

Where: Various venues

When: Friday, September 25^th – Sunday, September 27^th

What: Culture Days invites everyone to explore, discover and participate in arts and culture in every community across the country. In 2014, Culture Days’ 5th anniversary weekend was an incredible success according to the estimated 2 million people who participated in the 7,643 free activities hosted by artists and cultural organizations of all types in 891 cities and towns across Canada. The events are free to the public and are hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind the scenes”—and to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work in their community. For full event details, go to: http://mb.culturedays.ca/en

Nuit Blanche Winnipeg

Where: Downtown/Winnipeg Art Gallery/Plug In, Exchange District, St. Boniface

When: Saturday, September 26^th @ 6:00PM – Sunday, September 27^th @ 6:00AM

What: NUIT BLANCHE WINNIPEG is a free all-night exploration and celebration of contemporary art. Every year, NUIT BLANCHE WINNIPEG attracts thousands of people to the downtown area to celebrate and experience art. Nuit Blanche Winnipeg is supported by Culture Days Manitoba. For more details, please go to: http://nuitblanchewinnipeg.ca/

Walk for Wildlife

Where: St. Vital Park

When: Saturday, September 26^th@ 8:15AM

What: The PWRC’s third annual Walk for Wildlife is a 5 km individual or team walk  or 10 km individual or team run where participants are encouraged to collect pledges/donations from family and friends that will go directly towards caring for injured and orphaned wildlife in the province of Manitoba. Our goal is to raise the necessary funds to allow the PWRC to operate on a continual basis and provide superior care to Manitoba’s injured and orphaned wildlife. To register, go to: https://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=10614