Well Winnipeg, it’s that time again: your monthly event guide!

As Winnipeggers, we face the harsh reality of very cold winters so as a city we are all guilty of jamming as many activities as we can in the summer. And why not? We deserve it after the horrifying weather we face during those long winter months. So, in an attempt to help you get the most of your summer, I have decided to provide you with an event guide to help you stay inspired during the month of August.

Here’s what’s happening this month:

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Kansa T-City Bones

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, August 1st @ 6PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Kansa T-City Bones

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, August 2^nd @ 1:30PM

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

Folklarama

Where: Multiple venues around the city

When: August 2 – 15

What: Folklorama is described as a “celebration of life and culture with World-class entertainment.” Each venue takes you into a new and exciting culture where you will experience delicious authentic food and beautiful cultural displays of art and entertainment. Folklorama is the longest-running multicultural event of its kind in the World. With multiple venues hosting every night, you will be sure to catch amazing shows and experience multiple cultures throughout these two weeks. Do not miss out! For complete details, please visit: www.folklorama.ca

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Kansa T-City Bones

Where: Shaw Park

When: Monday, August 3^rd @ 4PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Tuesday, August 11^th @ 7PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Wednesday, August 12^th @ 7PM

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

Rainbow Stage Presents: Sister Act

Where: Rainbow Stage

When: August 13 – September 1

What: Looking for a night of laughs and amusement? Check out Rainbows Stage’s rendition of the Broadway play Sister Act. This program will have you doubling over in laughter and is sure to be a great night out for the whole family!

For ticket information go to: www.tickets.rainbowstage.ca/TheatreManager/1/online

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux Fall Canaries

Where: Shaw Park

When: Thursday, August 13^th @ 12PM

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

Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Friday, August 14^th @ 7PM

To purchase tickets: http://www.bluebombers.com/single-game-tickets

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, August 14^th @ 7PM

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

 Dirty Donkey Mud Race

Where: Springhill Winter Park and Oasis Resort

When: Saturday, August 15

What: This race will leave you dirtier than a donkey! The 5km race foot race/obstacle course is – you guessed it – covered in mud. The event will end with music, food, and drinks. With crazy costumes, dirt holes, and a good ol fashioned Canadian party, this event is sure to bring even the grumpiest of donkeys to life! For more information on how you can register, follow: www.eventbrite.ca/e/dirty-donkey-mud-run-winnipeg-mb-assiniboia-downs-august-15-2015-tickets-13968047807

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, August 15^th @ 6PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, August 16^th @ 1:30

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

Easter Seals Drop Zone

Where: 220 Portage Ave.

When: Thursday, August 20

What: Looking for a little more adventure in your life? Why not rappel off a 220 foot building? On August 20^th Winnipeggers are invited to rappel down the RBC Building in order to raise funds to support and sustain vital programs and services for over 47,000 Manitobans with disabilities. Talk about becoming a real life superhero! Participants are invited to dress the part for the event while they show their support for the community that needs these programs the most. For more information on how to get involved and how much money rappelling off the building will raise to support this great cause, please visit: www.thedropzone.ca/winnipeg

Stars FORE Special O! Golf Tournament

Where: Glendale Golf & Country Club

When: Wednesday, August 26

What: This golf tournament, presented by the Winnipeg Police Association, is a Texas Scramble style golf tournament where golfers will meet two stars at each hole – a celebrity and a SOM athlete golfer. Entry fees are $350 per golfer, or $1300 for a foursome. All funds raised through the tournament support Special Olympics Manitoba. To register contact Kathleen Mason at kmason@specialolympics.mb.ca or phone 204-925-5633.

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, August 28^th @ 7PM

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

Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Calgary Stampeders

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Saturday, August 29^th @ 5PM

To purchase tickets: http://www.bluebombers.com/single-game-tickets

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, August 29^th @ 6PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, August 30^th @ 1:30PM

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks

Where: Shaw Park

When: Monday, August 31^st @ 7PM

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

There are many reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly: a sudden job relocation; a change in family situation; or perhaps an opportunity to purchase a new home that you just can’t pass up.

Whatever the reason, this strategy will help when you need to sell fast. It’s called the “3 Up” strategy.

• Fix it up.

• Clean it up.

• Spruce it up.

First, you need to fix it up. That simply means getting things repaired around your property, such as a broken floor tile in the kitchen or a sticking patio door that’s difficult to open and close. Maintenance issues like these distract buyers from the appealing qualities of your home. Fortunately, repairs can usually be done quickly.

Second, clean it up. Obviously, when your home is clean and tidy it’s going to look its best. You also want to eliminate as much clutter as possible. You don’t need to make every room look like a magazine cover — but that’s a good attitude to have when prepping your home for a quick sale!

Finally, spruce it up. That means making any quick improvements that are going to make your home even more appealing. It might mean replacing the kitchen counters or giving the main rooms a fresh coat of paint.

Of course, the number one strategy for getting that SOLD sign on your front yard is to select a great REALTOR®. Hint hint.

WINNIPEG   - Since 2007 when for the first time June sales surpassed 1,500, this level has become the new benchmark upon which June is judged.  At 1,509 MLS® unit sales in June, over 1,500 sales have occurred three times after 2007 including last year when there were 1,515 sales. There is only a 55 unit sales difference or over 3% higher sales activity in the record-setting June 2008.

Not much difference on a year-to-date basis either.  Year-to-date sales are running less than 1% ahead of last year with 6,502 sales. This total is only off 7% from 2007, which at the halfway mark and year end holds the highest unit sales level in WinnipegREALTORS® 112-year history.  

This reinforces why Winnipeg’s real estate market may lack the excitement of other housing markets because it’s so steady and stable in generating similar results every year.

“In all honesty, our Winnipeg market can be quite boring due to how  remarkably close the month end numbers are in comparison to the same month  the year before,” said WinnipegREALTORS® president David MacKenzie.  “I will take that result any day over the uneven swings which occur in some other major Canadian markets.”

A byproduct of this stability is more affordable house prices. In RBC’s most recent housing affordability report  which has been compiled since 1985 and-captures Manitoba’s proportion of pre-tax household income needed to service the costs of owning a home at market values , condos fared better with bungalows and two-storey homes going up marginally. In conclusion, RBC says “affordability measures remain remarkably close to long-term averages”. Sound familiar?

Speaking of average house prices, they are very much in line with last year at the half-way mark of 2015.

There is no breakout like this for condominium sales; however, the year-to-date average sale price of $241,029 is up over 1% from the same period in 2014.

As indicated in the 2015 annual MLS® forecast, a plentiful listing supply will ensure well balanced market conditions prevail and therefore keep a lid on increasing house and condominium prices. 13,728 listings have been entered on the MLS® this year, an increase of 14% over 2014. Based on brisk sales activity in June, there is an inventory of approximately four months going into July.

Reflecting how prices are being kept in check is the similar dollar volume this June compared to last June. Dollar volume eked out an ever so slight edge over 2014 (less than 1%) with a record-setting $416 million for this month and one of the highest monthly totals on record. Year-to-date dollar volume of nearly $1.8 billion is up less than 2% over the same period in 2014. It is the highest level on record for the first six months.

Owing to a healthy supply of MLS® listings and historically low mortgage rates, buyers are continuing to capitalize on choice and rates or choice rates if the property they have long sought after is available for sale. Demand is holding up well too with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 5.6 % and continued population growth fuelled by strong immigration. Manitoba’s real GDP is expected to grow 2.3% in 2015, making it the third best among provinces and above the national average of 1.8%.

“Given the outstanding selection of listings available throughout the city and entire capital region, it behooves buyers to see for themselves and call their REALTOR® for their expert advice,” said MacKenzie. “REALTORS® know the market and can give you quick access to new MLS® listings. Your chances of finding what you want have never been better – resale or new properties.”

MLS® property type breakdown shows condominium sales in June were only down 6% in comparison to last June. This is a vast improvement over some earlier months such as February and April when they were well off last year’s sales activity.

“We surveyed our real estate brokers recently and the majority of them felt the introduction of the new Condominium Act on February 1, 2015 had some impact on sales,” said MacKenzie. “Everyone involved in the condominium sales process is adjusting to the new requirements of the Act so our expectations are to see sales numbers perform better in the second half of 2015. Let’s not forget either an increased supply of affordable residential-detached homes competes directly with condominiums.”

Year-to-date sales show residential-detached units up 5% while condominiums have decreased 15%.

The most active price range in June for residential-detached sales was $250,000 - $299,999 (23% of sales), followed by the $200,000 - $249,999 range (15%) and the $300,000 - $349,999 range (15%). Another 22% of sales were split evenly in the $150,000 - $199,999 and the $350,000 - $399,999 ranges.

Average days on market was 29 days, 4 days slower than June 2014. The highest priced residential-detached sale was $1,165,000 and the least expensive sale was $32,000.

The most active price range for condos was $150,000 to $199,999 (35% of sales) followed by the $200,000 to $249,999 range (18%) and the $250,000 to $299,999 range (16%). Days on market for condos was 49 days, compared to 41 days last year with the highest priced condo selling for $655,000 and the lowest priced sale at $57,000.

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.

When you purchase a home, you’re hoping it will continually go up in value — just like a good investment.

However, there’s something else that you want to see go up in value as well: the neighbourhood. In fact, the neighbourhood plays a key role in what the home will be worth in years to come. If the neighbourhood goes down in terms of desirability, so will the market value of the home.

That’s why, when shopping for a new home, it’s important to get a feel for the value of the neighbourhood, and whether or not it’s on the upswing.

How do you do that? One way is to simply take a walk. Look at the properties. Are they well maintained? Is the landscaping groomed and attractive? Those are signs of “pride of ownership” — a clear indication that owners value their homes and the neighbourhood.

Another way is to do some research. Has crime gone up in the neighbourhood? Are there improvements planned, such as new parks? Is the neighbourhood attracting the kind of people you want as neighbours? How does the neighbourhood school rank?

Some of this information may be difficult to get on your own and that's what makes it so important to work with an agent who has done this research for you and can give you the information you need to make these informed decisions. 

Thinking about buying? Call me today to help you get started!

As a resident of this city, I often hear people complaining about having “nothing to do” in Winnipeg. So I decided to dedicate a blog post every month with a list of things to do in the city in the upcoming month. I’m going to affectionately call this series “What up Winnipeg!?”, because I once saw a show called “What up Waddena” when I was 15 and I thought that was the funniest thing ever. No one said I had a great sense of humour.

Without further ado, here’s what’s happening in our lovely city this month:

Canada Day at the Forks presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries

Where: The Forks

When: Wednesday, July 1^st  9:30AM-11:30PM

What: Looking for a cheap, fun way to spend your day off with the kids? Head down to The Forks! With countless kid friendly activities including an obstacle course, Grey Cup festivities and a free photo booth, to name a few, you can keep your kids entertained for hours! And for those looking to take in a little music, there will be three stages offering entertainment from the likes of Leanne Pearson to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, to the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra. Finish the day off with a spectacular firework show starting at 11:00PM. For more information, follow this link: http://www.theforks.com/events/signature-events/canada-day-at-the-forks

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux City Explorers

Where: Shaw Park

When: Wednesday, July 1 @ 4:00PM

To purchase tickets, follow the link: http://goldeyes.com/tickets/

Winnipeg Blue Bomber Home Opener

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Thursday, July 2 @ 7:30PM

What: Come watch the Blue and Gold take on the Tiger Cats on home turf for the second time this year in the 2015 home opener! To purchase tickets, visit: http://www.bluebombers.com/single-game-tickets

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Sioux City Explorers

Where: Shaw Park

When: Thursday, July 2 @ 7:00PM

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Ottawa Champions

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, July 3 @ 7:00PM

Shoot4Shine in support of Shinerama

Where: Siddall Park

When: July 3^rd & 4^th

What: This year marks the 3^rd annual Shoot4Shine soccer tournament. This a 6 on 6 format tournament with a guaranteed 3 wins. Registration is $30/player or $210/team. There will be prizes for first and second. All proceeds collected will go towards the University of Manitoba's Shinerama campaign in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. For more info or to register, contact Austin (acoombes9@gmail.com) or Felipe (fflores@cc.umanitoba.ca).

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Ottawa Champions

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, July 4^th @ 6:00PM

WWCFL Championship

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Saturday, July 4^th @ 2:00PM

What: Come watch as the Regina Riots take on the Edmonton Storm for the title of 2015 WWCFL Championship at the home of the Blue Bombers. The event is hosted by Manitoba Football and the Winnipeg Wolfpack. Tickets can be purchased at The Bomber Store for $10.

WWE Live: SummerSlam Heatwave Tour

Where: MTS Centre

When: Saturday, July 4^th @ 7:30

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venue/139625

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Ottawa Champions

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, July 5^th @ 1:30

Journey

Where: MTS Centre

When: Tuesday, July 6^th @ 7:30PM

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venue/139625

Wiz Khalifa

Where: MTS Centre

When: Thursday, July 8^th @ 8:00PM

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venue/139625

Rainbow Stage: Les Miserables

Where: Rainbow Stage

When: July 9^th-27^th

What: This year’s production features the musical phenomenon known as Les Miserables. This blockbuster hit musical combines an uplifting story with unforgettable lyrics that will leave you feeling overcome by song and emotion. It is advisable that this play may not be suitable for children under the age of 10. Tickets can be purchased through this link: https://tickets.rainbowstage.ca/TheatreManager/1/online

Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Montreal Alouettes

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: July 10^th @ 6:00PM

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

Rockin’ on the Red

Where: The Half Moon Drive-In, Lockport, MB

When: July 10^th-12^th

What: Rockin’ on the Red in association with Steeltown Ford and Children’s Rehabilitation Centre presents a 3-day music festival offering activities for the whole family including face painting, Amusements Midway Rides, and a Classic car show. For more information, follow: http://j1design.ca/halfmoon_rockinonthered/index.html

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the St. Paul Saints

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, July 10^th @ 7:00PM

Reebok Spartan Race

Where: Grunthal, MB

When: July 11^th

What: This race is a 5km race with waves of 250 athletes released every 30 minutes starting at 8AM. Entry registration is $75-$85 depending on category and Spartan Kids can be registered for $20 or $25 on race day. Team discounts can be set up through customer service and parking is a $10 cash charge on race day. Spectators can be sold on race day for 1 for $10, or 4 for $20, these prices are also  cash only. For registrations details, follow the link: http://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/735/overview

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the St. Paul Saints

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, July 11^th @ 6:00PM

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the St. Paul Saints

Where: Shaw Park

When: Sunday, July 12^th @ 1:30

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the St. Paul Saints

Where: Shaw Park

When: Monday, July 13^th @ 7:00PM

The Full Flex Express Tour

Where: Adrenaline Adventures

When: Tuesday, July 14^th @ 4:00PM

What: Union Events Presents Full Flex Express Winnipeg featuring: Jack Ü (Skrillex and Diplo), Zed's Dead, ASAP Ferg, Kiesza, Tycho, Hundred Waters, Anna Lunoe, and Mija. For tickets and more information, follow: http://fullflexexpress.com/

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Gary South Shore Railcats

Where: Shaw Park

When: Wednesday, July 15 @ 7:00PM

Winnipeg Fringe Festival

Where: Various Venues around Winnipeg

When: July 15^th – 26^th

What: Winnipeg hosts North America’s second largest Fringe Theatre Festival featuring 120 companies from around the orld to present comedy, drama, dance, improv, musical shows and more all centering around Winnipeg’s Old Market Square. With shows for all ages and a fantastic outdoor venue, you’ll find all types of entertainment. For more information, visit: www.winnipegfringe.com

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Gary South Shore Railcats

Where: Shaw Park

When: Thursday, July 16^th @ 7:00PM

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Gary South Shore Railcats

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, July 17^th @ 7:00PM

MTS Super Spike

Where: Maple Grove Rugby Park

When: July 17^th & 18^th

What: This unique two-day event combines Western Canada’s largest outdoor beach volleyball tournament with a concert series all wrapped up in a festival atmosphere. This year’s concert line up will include talents from The Trews, The Revival, and more! For more information and registration info, follow this link: https://www.superspike.ca/about/introduction

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Gary South Shore Railcats

Where: Shaw Park

When: Saturday, July 18^th @ 6:00PM

One Direction:

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Friday, July 24^th @ 7:00PM

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/one-direction-on-the-road-again-winnipeg-manitoba-07-24-2015/event/11004D54B5FE983A

Folklorama Kick-Off

Where: Festival Park Stage – The Forks

When: Saturday July 25^th 4:00PM-11:00PM

What: Folklorama Kick-Off is a free event held at the Festival Park Stage at The Forks hosted by Manitoba Liqupr and Lotteries. The free event offers fun for the whole family, including a marketplace with interactive children's activities and cultural demonstrations. The mainstage show will showcase both local and international performing groups which will kick off at 7:00PM.

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Amarillo Thunderheads

Where: Shaw Park

When: Wednesday, July 29^th @ 7:00PM

5 Seconds of Summer: Rock Out with Your Socks Out Tour

Where: MTS Centre

When: Wednesday, July 29^th @ 7:30PM

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venue/139625

Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the B.C. Lions

Where: Investor’s Group Field

When: Thursday, July 30^th @ 7:30

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

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Amarillo Thunderheads

Where: Shaw Park

When: Thursday, July 30^th @ 7:00PM

Winnipeg Goldeyes host the Amarillo Thunderheads

Where: Shaw Park

When: Friday, July 31^st @ 7:00PM

Should you sell first and buy later? Or Vice-Versa?

When you’re thinking of selling your home and buying another, you face the inevitable question: Should I list my property first or buy my new home first?

Let’s take a look at both options.

If you attempt to buy a property before listing your home, you run into a couple of challenges. First, sellers may not take you seriously as a potential buyer. After all, you haven’t put your own home up for sale. As far as they’re concerned, you might merely be testing the market. Second, your property might not sell as quickly as you thought it would. If there is an early closing date on the home you purchased, you might end up owning, and paying a mortgage on both properties, at least until your home sells.

If, on the other hand, you list your property before buying a new home, sellers will know you’re serious. That puts you in a competitive position in the event of multiple offers. Also, if your home sells quickly, you’ll have the peace-of-mind of knowing exactly how much of a new home you can afford. You’ll be able to shop with confidence.

Of course, like the first option, there is a chance that the closing dates won’t match and you’ll end up owning two properties for a period of time. However, solutions such as bridge financing are available to help.

So, there is no perfect answer. But in this market, where average days on market for listings in Winnipeg are sitting at 29 days, you may opt for the "peace of mind" route and sell your house first, knowing you can shop with confidence for your new home,

WINNIPEG -       While still a large influx of new listings came onto the market in May, it was the first decrease over the same month the previous year in over two years. Just this year alone monthly increases have been significant (e.g. 33% spike in March over March 2014). 

 One month does not make a trend. However, due to less inventory going into June and higher sales activity occurring in the spring market, the Multiple Listing Service® inventory has a supply of four months.  Altus Group, a leading national housing consulting firm which tracks local markets every month, states five months inventory of resale product is considered to be a “normal” market.

“Overall our local market is balanced and offers plenty of choice for discerning buyers to find their preferred property,” said WinnipegREALTORS® president David MacKenzie.  “Sellers on the other hand need to be realistic in their pricing as there is lots of competition from other similar properties.”

After five months of MLS® activity one in five single family home sales are achieving above list price results. Condominiums are more like one in ten with another 15% selling at list price.

Year-to-date MLS® sales of 4,993 are slightly ahead of last year while 1,455 sales recorded in May were 7% off the pace set in May 2014. MLS® inventory remains healthy at 5,751 listings while new listings coming on the market of 2,726 were down 1% over last May.

Residential-detached property sales this year are up 7% despite suffering a 5 % setback in May. Condominium sales are off 20% from 2014 but experienced 10% or half the annual percentage decrease in May. In terms of total MLS® market share, residential-detached sales represent 76% while condos are 12%.

May dollar volume of $410.0 million is one of only five months in WinnipegREALTORS® 112-year history to eclipse $400 million. It decreased 6.5% from May 2014. Year-to- date dollar volume of $1.37 billion is up 2% over last year and is the highest on record for the first five months.

President David Mackenzie said we should be pleased with another solid year so far. “The numbers speak for themselves and it is not trite to say ideal conditions exist within our local market to take advantage of such favourably low mortgage rates. Your REALTOR® can help you find what property best suits your needs.”  

The most active price range in May for residential-detached sales was $250,000 to $299,999 (23% of sales), followed by the $200,000 to $249,999 (16%) and the $300,000 to $350,000 (15%).

Average days on market was 25, the same as May 2014. The highest priced residential-detached sale was $1,405,000 and the least expensive sale was $35,000.

The most active price range for condos was $150,000 to $199,999 (31% of sales) followed by the $200,000 to $249,999 and the $250,000 to $299,999 price ranges (both at 18%). Days on market for condos was 41, compared to 30 last year. The highest priced condo went for $950,000 and the lowest priced sale was $60,000.

**Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,850 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.

With all this warm weather we’re having the last thing we want to be doing is cleaning! So I’ve done the research and found some “life hacks” for cleaning that go a long way and keep your home fresher, longer, allowing you to enjoy the much needed sunshine!

Toss out paper towels: Use microfiber cloths instead. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters, glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning products. They're reusable (machine-wash, hang to dry) and cost about $5 for a two-pack. Save the environment and your pennies!

Use vinegar on everything: Diluted with water, vinegar is a household M.V.P. Use it for everything from laminate floors to chandeliers. 

Clean while you cook: Linda Cobb suggests filling your sink with hot soapy water as you start dinner. "Place used dishes and pans in the filled sink so they'll be soaking while you eat," she says. Also, wipe up any spills immediately—don't give sauces, oils or spices a chance to sit around. Make relaxing time longer!

Cook your sponges: We all know that sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it's shredded and smelly, replace it.

Shower doors made easy: Rubbing a teaspoon of lemon oil on glass shower doors twice a month causes water to bead up and roll off. Or, try Rain-X Original Glass Treatment, a car-care product made to keep rainwater off your windshield. Use it twice a year.

Tame that drain: Keep drains free of hair and clogs by using a product like Drano or Liquid-Plumr to make sure potential clogs are gone, then pour boiling water down drains once a week to keep problem-free.

Squeegee kids: Dirty window panes are no problem when you use rubber-edged squeegees, which are quicker and more effective than cloth or newspaper. 

Keep drawers to a minimal: Most people have drawers full of clothes they don't wear, and their dresser tops then become repositories for things they can't store. Get rid of things you haven't worn in a year and vow to put away your clean laundry each week.

Dynamic ways to lose static: Since fabric softener and dryer sheets can strip towels of their absorbency, add ¼ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle or throw two (new, clean) tennis balls in your dryer to get rid of static electricity, soften fabrics and eliminate the need for dryer sheets.

Velcro labeler: Label the bottom of each electronic game controller (Xbox, for example), and then Velcro it to the console, suggests Linda Cobb. You'll never have to pick them up again (because you have angel children who will put them back after playing).

Lost, but never really lost: Every house needs one. Use a cute vintage lunch box or lidded storage container to stash lost game pieces, stray screws and buttons, and similar small items. When you’re missing an item, you'll know where to look first.

5-minute clean-ups: Do a 5-minute sweep through each room, taking a laundry basket with you. Place in it anything that doesn't belong in that room, then put away the stuff that does belong there. OR, do the logical thing and hand your child the basket and say “go!”

Stop clutter from the start: Mount a plastic or cloth shoe rack inside your front entry closet door, and use it to stash all kinds of living room and family room miscellany—toys, hats, gloves, magazines. Label these for each family member. You can even designate one of the pockets for mail you're not sure whether to save or toss.

Closing day is an exciting time. After all, you’re moving into your new home!

However, it can be stressful as well. The last thing you need is to be confronted with something you don’t understand. So here is a quick list of common “closing day” terms.

• Disbursements. This is the allocation of funds to the appropriate parties, such as the seller. Your lawyer will take care of this for you.

• Possession. This is the moment on closing day when you are legally able to take possession of your new home. It’s usually when your REALTOR® or lawyer hands you the keys.

• Title. This is a legal document that identifies the property and its owner.

• Closing costs. These are expenses, excluding the selling cost of the property, that are due on closing day, such as legal fees, reimbursement for pre-paid utilities, utility deposits, insurance, and taxes.

• Closing adjustments. These are expenses pre-paid by the seller that need to be reimbursed on closing.

There may be other terms you come across on closing day as well. Don’t worry, a good REALTOR® can help make the day go smoothly for you and your family.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call today.

Year-to-Date Statistics Positive Across the Board

WINNIPEG - The real estate market is either very, very good … or really, really suspect … depending on which headlines you choose to read.

It’s difficult to decide what’s really happening from the sound bites, but the numbers on the resale market for the first 4 months of the year paint a fairly rosy picture. Statistics for the first third of the year are up from comparable numbers last year, and last year recorded the 4^th best resale numbers in the past 20 years and the best dollar volume ever through the Multiple Listing Service®.

“Our numbers continue to support our Forecast Breakfast predictions.” said WinnipegREALTORS® President David MacKenzie. “In January we predicted that sales would be up 0-2% year-over-year and home prices would increase by the same amount. And the January through April activity bears that out and then some.”

The April MLS® listing inventory, the number of properties available for sale in Winnipeg, rose almost 36%. So buyers had more properties to choose from than last April (5,232), which indicates more balance in the marketplace.

Listings entered into the MLS® system were also up 23% over last April, with the addition of 2,837 properties this year.

Sales followed suit. The number of sales processed in the month was up close to 4% from last April, with 1,273 sales recorded. And dollar volume was up 8.8% at $362.3 million. 

The April numbers helped maintain positive year-to-date market stats. 8,336 listings have been entered on the MLS® system since January 1^st - up 25% from last year - and 3,538 sales have been recorded - up 4% from the same period in 2014.

The January through April dollar volume is up 6.5% at $962.4 million.

President David MacKenzie was positive about the market activity in the first 4 months: “We often say that real estate is local with national averages and trends meaning very little. Our market is OUR market. And even within our own market … activity is local. What’s trending in Island Lakes will not necessarily be mirrored in the North End. I know of some MLS® areas where offers are few and far between while in other pockets of the City, multiple offers are still happening.”

He went on to say that in April, 22% of residential detached homes sold for more that list price, 8.5% sold at list, while 69% sold below list.

For condominiums, almost 11% sold above list … 18% sold at list … and 71% sold below list.

The most active price range in April for residential detached homes was $250,000 - $299,999 (22% of sales), followed by the $200,000 - $249,999 range (16%).

Average days on the market was 27, compared to 26 last April. The highest priced residential detached sale fetched $1,590,000 and the least expensive sale was $8,000.

The most active price range for condos was $150,000 - $199,999 (25% of sales) followed closely by the $200,000 - $249,999 range (22%). Days on market for condos was 49, compared to 38 last year with the highest priced condo going for $630,000 and the lowest priced sale at $244,579

Written by WInnipegREALTORS® 

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,850 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. 

Welcome to my very first blog!

If you know anything about me, you know that I have a lot to say. Always. Like all the time. So a blog is probably the best medium for me. Or the worst, depending on how you look at it.

For those who don’t know me, you will.

In all seriousness, I am a licensed Realtor here in Winnipeg and I specialize in residential resale. I started on my journey to becoming a real estate professional about a year ago. I’m actually writing this from the Starbucks I used to sit in only one year ago cramming (mostly people watching) for my exams.

So why real estate? Why join an industry that is completely saturated with agents? Have you noticed that? Everyone in this city knows an agent. There are 1,700 of us, after all. I did know this number going into it; I wasn’t blind-sided by that. So my honest answer is this: “Because I can do it, too. And I want to do it better”.

I’ve really adopted the “why not me?” mentality which looks like this: there are so many people in so many different fields of work, but when you pick the one you’re set on and you consider all the successful people who have walked before you, you have to take a step back and ask: “why not me?” It also helps that I come from the most supportive family in the World. So supportive, in fact, that if I told them I’d like to run away and join the circus, they’d smile and reply warmly: “we believe in you.” I’ve actually contemplated saying this to them just to prove this point and have that story to tell at family dinners.

I’ve veered off - I tend to do this.

Now, back to my decision of becoming a Realtor. Not only did I view this as a ginormous challenge that I just had to take, I also have an extensive background in the people industry (I call it this because there is no better word) and when I really sit back and consider what makes me happiest it’s helping and working with people. I love meeting new people, I love connecting with people from different walks of life, but most importantly, I love figuring out how I can help people.

Everyone needs help. Usually it isn’t obvious; usually it's something terribly simple like a smile or a kind word. I remember sitting in an assembly when I was 9 years old and there was a presenter who came to speak about bullying. I’ll always remember what she said which was that everyone goes through their day with their own problems and suffering  and the best thing you can for someone is to pay them a compliment to help make that day better  – something genuine of course. She made this big spectacle about complimenting kids on their shoes and hair and I remember thinking “that’s what I need to do: I need to help more people have a better day.” There are many, many things that contribute to why I feel the way I do about helping people, but this always stood out to me and I have personally seen how much people benefit from a kind word here or a warm smile there creating a small human connection that will stick out amongst the sh*t people go through every day.

So what better way to help someone than to help them make one of the biggest decisions of their lives and help realize their dreams? As a kid we moved around a lot due to family circumstances and I remember dreaming about what “home” felt like. For everyone that’s a different feeling, but everyone has it and everyone deserves to fulfill that feeling and expectation. I understand that; I understand the emotions that go into these huge transactions and I think that’s what sets me apart from the pack. Working with mostly first time home buyers, I can feel the emotions my clients feel and their happiness becomes my happiness. I understand the emotional lead up to possession date and the rollercoaster that has led to achieving their very first home and just how much that means to a person.

So that’s me and why I’m here, and this is my blog. The types of posts you can expect to see are going to have a lot to do with real estate and the Winnipeg market, but you can also expect a mixture of other things that have to do with living in Winnipeg. I’ll talk about upcoming events, things you should do in the city and the businesses I support and why. Yes, I’ll have an opinion, and no, you won’t have to agree with it. Even though you should.

I hope you follow me along this crazy, fun, and challenging journey. I hope you learn something from me and I hope I can learn something from you.  Above all, I hope to help you, brighten your day, and maybe even work with you one day and help fulfill your real estate dreams.