http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/News.php Real Estate News for Windsor and Essex County Ontario en-us http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/images/cam_thumb.png http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/News.php 90 36 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:30:30 -0700 http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/SingleArticle.php?ID=19004 | Ministry Of Transportation - Windsor Traffic Cameras Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:35:00 -0700 http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/SingleArticle.php?ID=19006 BUCKINGHAM REALTY (WINDSOR) LTD. MARKET WATCH | Windsor-Essex County Residential Market | For the Period Ending October 31, 2011During the period ending October 31, 2011 there were 4209 residential sales in the market place this compares to 4197 residential sales for the same period in 2010. As of October 31, 2011 there were 10,971 residential listings received this compares to 11,469 in the same period for 2010 and is a decrease of 4%.The sales to listings ratio (listings sold expressed as a percent of listings received) for the period was 50% in 2010 it was 48%.The inventory of the active residential listings as of October 31, 2011 was 2833, this compares to 3018 in 2010. This is a decrease of 6% in active residential listings. The average residential selling price was $170,890 for the period ending October 31, 2011. This is an increase of almost 5% from 2010.The average listing during the period took 75 days to sell (74 in 2010) and sold for 95% of the list price. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:53:18 -0700 http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/SingleArticle.php?ID=19008               | Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:07:21 -0700 http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/SingleArticle.php?ID=19016 | For Buyers: | If you're serious about buying a home, a qualified home inspection is a small investment that offers major returns. The inspection determines the structural and mechanical soundness of the home, and identifies existing and potential problem areas. A standard report by a qualified home inspection company also lists practical suggestions and provides cost estimates for repairs. You will then have precise information about the condition of the home and full knowledge of any work that may be required. It's a cost-effective way to buy peace-of-mind while undertaking one of life's most important investment decisions. | Your Buckingham sales representative will be happy to provide you with a list of qualified inspectors. | | For Sellers: | Preparing for Home Inspection | If you are selling your home, there is a very good chance you will receive a visit from a professional house inspector. It is wise to be prepared and fully understand what inspectors will be looking for. An ounce of prevention will help ensure your home inspection is a success. | You may wish to familiarize yourself, or have an advance inspection, to identify the condition of your home in the following areas: | 1. Structural: Inspectors will be looking for structural damages caused by renovations, termites or dry rot, or signs of cracks from the settling of the foundation. The condition of support beams and joists will be inspected for integrity. | 2. Electrical: Correct loose or incorrectly wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems. | 3. Water: Correct any water leaks, which can cause extensive damage over time. Check for basement and roof leaks, as well as areas where there are drain pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances that use water. Ceilings and floors will show evidence of water damage, as will the underside of sinks. | 4. Plumbing: An inspector will look to see if all plumbing fixtures are working, protected by grouting or caulking and free from cracks. Also ensure that drains are clog-free. | 5. Heating and Cooling Systems: Your heating and cooling systems will be checked for working condition, up-to-date servicing and cleanliness. | 6. Safety: Ensure all windows and doors lock securely and open easily. Remove any potential hazard such as loose railings or rotting steps. | | Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:13:50 -0700 http://www.cameronpaine.com/preview/SingleArticle.php?ID=19018 Many buyers - and sellers - wonder what drives housing prices. Unlike an item for sale in a store, the advertised price of a home is not necessarily the figure required to purchase the property. Home pricing is very sensitive to fluctuations in market conditions, plus a host of other variables. | | Some of these variables include: what the owner originally paid for the home; whether there are additional lines of credit secured against the property; and what kind of margin the seller needs in order to acquire a new home. This is where the expertise of a professional real estate agent is vital. He or she will help you determine if the house is fairly or properly priced to begin with, and what a fair offer might be. Your sales representative will also counsel you throughout the offer and counteroffer process, where the buyer and seller ultimately negotiate the selling price of a home. | | Occasionally, a home may sell above its listing price. This can happen when there are a number of competitive offers. On other occasions, a house that was initially priced considerably higher than fair market value may ultimately sell for substantially less if there is both the impetus to sell and conditions that suggest the market will not sustain the initial pricing. | | What this means for buyers is that it is always wise to view houses that are slightly above your ideal price range so that you don't exclude potential properties that ultimately will sell within your range. Your sales representative can also provide you with historical selling information about similar properties in the area. This may assist you in determining whether there is room for negotiation. | | At the same time, you also need to be prepared to accept the fact that an accurately-priced home may sell at or above its list price, and that the process may be competitive.