What a month it has been! It seems that right after New Years, the real estate market in Edmonton and Area has been extremely active. The Edmonton Real Estate Board released their monthly statistics at the beginning of February, stating that this was a "typical" January, where sales and home prices have softened...my experience has been just the opposite. I have witnessed what I would call a "frenzy" of activity, listings going to multiple offers, writing offers above list price in order to obtain the perfect property, I have many buyers lined up just waiting for that certain property to come on the market, and then racing out to view it.

The areas in particular that I would say are extremely hot right now:

1) Downtown Edmonton, with the new Arena being talked about more and more, Central Edmonton is in high demand. My listing in The Savoy (#302) attracted two interested buyers within days and sold shortly after for very close to list price.I wrote an offer on unit #301 for a buyer client of mine last week, we are just reviewing condo documents and arranged an inspection on the property, when the listing realtor informed me that the sellers had accepted a back-up offer as well as another offer presented on the property even though it was pending!

2) Sherwood Park: Within the price-point of $350 000 single family homes in this region are selling within days. This price range being considered an entry level home in Sherwood Park there is significant demand for this growing city, while I was out there shopping with buyers it seemed that if we weren't waiting on the lawn when the sign was being put up, we didn't have a chance at purchasing the property. In most cases the home was pending before the buyers had a chance to view the home.

3) Leduc: In this city in particular, there is nothing for sale in the entry level price ranges, making these properties extremely desireable. Being within ten minutes to South Common and offering great schools and amenities to the residents, it seems Leduc is on the way up. One split level in particular has three different sets of clients waiting to write an offer on it, a 73 year old lady owns the home and would like to find something for herself before she sells her residence (this is referred to as a conditional listing). Another split level came on the market last Friday afternoon, recieved 6 showings in 12 hours, had two offers and luckily enough our offer was successful. Being completely renovated, new windows, siding, flooring, kitchen, large back yard, double detached oversized garage with RV parking, this was the one we had been waiting for.

Working with the buyer clients I have today, a valuable and important tool is AUTO-NOTIFICATION. As a realtor, I have access to the newest listings, 2 FULL DAYS before they hit the public MLS website. My clients who have provided me with specific search criteria such as price range, neighbourhoods, number of bedrooms, square footage, lot size, year built, basement development etc, will recieve the listings that match their search criteria IMMEDIATELY. With real estate timing is everything, and being the first person through the door could be the difference between successfully obtaining a property, and heartbreak. I pride myself on accomodating client's schedules, making myself avaliable, and keeping my clients up-to-date on market activity and what prices are doing in their area. Whether you are a seller looking to keep an eye on the market and keeping tabs on your property's potential sale price, or a buyer looking to get educated on specific areas in town this is a great option and a convenient service your realtor can provide for you.

If you are considering listing your home, now might be the very best time to beat the SPRING RUSH. With little inventory for buyers to choose from, you will face little competition when selling.

With interest rates at a historical low, and incredible weather this year, buyers are out in full force and looking to get a jump on finding the property of their dreams. If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Edmonton and Area give me a call, whether it is now, or building a plan for the future I am always avaliable to sit down with you and look at your options and where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years. Planning is the key to success, educating yourself on pricing and interest rates is the first step to upgrading your residence or getting into the market for the first time.

Feel free to contact me directly at 780-718-5608 or email me at RickyHillRealty@live.ca

To view the latest press release regarding the state of the Edmonton Real Estate Market copy and paste the following link into your toolbar!

www.EREB.com/news&events/latestmarketstatistics.html

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the real estate market, feel free to contact me directly at 780-718-5608.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ricky