SALES THIS WEEK: 16 (DET'D 12; ATT'D 2; LAND 2)

NEW LISTINGS: 29

CURRENT LISTING COUNT: 1272 (HISTORICAL LOW - 745; HISTORICAL HIGH - 1390)

SALES TO LIST RATIO: 7.3% (UNDER 15% FAVOURS BUYERS; 15-22% BALANCED; 22%+ FAVOURS SELLERS)

As we move toward the winter months, sellers sometimes ask us whether they should keep their home listed. After all, they ask, aren't there fewer sales in the winter months? While this may be true, there are also fewer listings and this can present sellers with an opportunity. We know from experience that sales happen all year long, including late fall and winter. Some sellers find success at this time because there aren't so many other homes on the market. One thing is for sure: if you’re not listed, you have no chance for a sale!

SALES THIS PAST WEEK: 15 (DET'D 12, ATT'D 2, LAND 1)

NEW LISTINGS: 28

TOTAL LISTINGS: 1245 (HISTORICAL LOW: 745, HIGHEST: 1390)

SALES TO LIST RATIO: 7.3% (UNDER 15% FAVOURS BUYERS, 15-22% IS BALANCED, 22%+ FAVOURS SELLERS

We understand that commissions represent a sizable cost to sellers. Some would say they're too high. But if that's true, you would expect the numbers of Realtors to have increased over time. Actually, our numbers are down over 30%. Real estate is a high risk, high expense profession. The commission we earn on today's sale must also cover all the unpaid work we did yesterday. Answering questions about commission is a normal part of our Marketing Plan. Ask us for a copy. 

SALES THIS PAST WEEK: 13 (10 DET'D, 3 ATT'D, O LAND

NEW LISTINGS: 15 (TOTAL LISTINGS 1282)

SALES TO LIST RATIO: 4% (15% and under favours buyers, 15 - 22% is balanced, over 22% favour sellers)

Did you know, more than 1/3 of all buyers found their properties through referrals from their Realtors? It makes sense, when you think about it. We make our living by knowing the market inside & out and making recommendations to our clients. As a matter of fact, we often sell new listings that aren't even advertised yet. This is why you should begin your search for property by finding a Realtor to work with. Tell us what you're looking for. Let us put our market knowledge and years of experience to work for you. 

There were 13 sales on the Sunshine Coast, Oct 2 - 8, inclusive

SALES:     7 detached homes, 4 attached, and 2 land.

PRICE RANGE: 0 - $300K: 6 sales;         $300K - 500k: 4 sales;          $500K - $1M: 2 sales;        $1M+: 1 sale

AREA: PENDER HARBOUR: 2;   HALFMOON BAY: 0;   SECHELT: 7;   ROBERTS CREEK:0;   GIBSONS: 4

NEW LISTINGS: 35

CURRENT LISTING COUNT: 1301 [LOW: 745, HIGH 1390]

SALES TO LIST RATIO: 4.5%  [0 -15% favour Buyers, 15 - 22% is balanced; 22%+ = Seller's market]

As the 3rd quarter of 2012 draws to a close, we can report that the numbers of sales on the Sunshine Coast is up 5.5% over this time last year. However, we also note that prices across most categories have dropped 5 - 7%. How can sales increase, but prices go down? The market is largely driven by supply and demand. We still have a large supply of listings. Even though the demand has increased, it still has not reached a level sufficient to stabilize prices. 

Real estate contracts, like everything else these days, have become far more complex. What used to take 1 or 2 pages "back in the day" now requires 10 pages or more.

It’s no longer just about property and price. We now must cover off issues pertaining agency, remuneration and identity verification, in addition to the inspections and other due diligence steps that have become a part of our practice. BC's real estate market is extremely active and dynamic. That means we're often leaders in legislation and regulation. The result is, our real estate laws and procedures are among the most comprehensive in the world and that has led to lengthy, complex contracts of purchase and sale.

The good news is, drafting and understanding contracts is part of what we do for a living. It's our job to represent you and protect your interests. This is the heavy lifting – let us handle it!

SALES THIS WEEK: 13 (DET'D: 8; ATT'D: 5; LAND: 0)

NEW LISTINGS: 27

CURRENT LISTING COUNT: 1278 (HISTORICAL LOW - 745; HISTORICAL HIGH - 1396)

SALES TO LIST RATIO: 5% (UNDER 15% FAVOURS BUYERS, 15-22% BALANCED, 22+% FAVOURS SELLERS