JUNE NEWSLETTER FROM CLARE DEJONG

Cambridge Real Estate News from Clare DeJong June 2011      Your Real Estate News Clare DeJong Sales Representative Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage 766 Old Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, Ontario 519-623-6200 or 1-866-623-6205 www.SellingCambridge.ca Now that summer's just around the corner, it's time to think about getting away.  If you’re wishing to purchase your own cottage or vacation property, we've got some important points to consider. We also have some great ideas on how to plan the perfect camping trip as well as a few simple tips that'll make your home appear much more spacious. Thanks for checking out this month's newsletter.  Please click the "Share on Facebook" button so your friends and family can check it out too! In This Issue... Cambridge Home Sales and Prices Up in May Advice on Buying a Vacation Property 5 Tips for Safe Summer Camping Trips A Waste of Space... Cambridge Home Sales and Prices Up in May  Residential sales activity recorded through the MLS® System of the Real Estate Board of Cambridge Inc. came in above year-ago levels in May 2011 reaching the highest level for May sales since the all-time record was set in 2007.  According to the Board’s statistics, home sales numbered 311 units in May, rising 12% from levels in May 2010.   “Demand came in stronger than expected in May,” said Val Brooks, President of the Real Estate Board of Cambridge Inc.  “It was actually the fourth best month of May on record, and coincided with a jump in the number of new listings.  With demand and supply both up the market remained firmly entrenched in balanced territory and we continued to see moderate price growth.”   The average price for homes sold in May 2011 was $294,401, up 3% from the average selling price in May 2010.  The dollar value of all home sales in May 2011 was $91.6 million, an increase of 16% from year-ago levels.  In both cases, these were the highest monthly levels reported.   New residential listings on the Board's MLS® System numbered 598 units in May 2011 jumping 23% from a year earlier.  This was also an all-time high.  There were 994 active residential listings on the Board's MLS® System at the end of May, up 6% from levels reported at the same time last year.   There were 3.8 months of inventory at the end of May on a seasonally adjusted basis, up slightly from 3.7 months at the end of April 2011.  The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.   Total sales numbered 322 units in May, up 13% on a year-over-year basis.  The dollar value of all sales in May 2011 totalled $94.8 million, up 13% from levels reported in May 2010. Advice on Buying a Vacation Property  There’s something special about owning your very own piece of paradise whether it’s a ski chalet, a cabin in the woods or a luxurious cottage.  Here are some important points to consider when purchasing a vacation home: Motives - Determine whether you’re looking for a retreat to enjoy with friends and family or an investment property that you can rent out on a regular basis. Location -  Figure out how far you wish to travel and whether or not you need year round access.  Waterfront property comes at a premium so determine if it's absolutely essential. Cost - Looking for a vacation home is exciting but it shouldn't be an impulse decision.  Make sure you can afford the mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc.  Don’t forget the impact rising gas prices have on travel costs. Co-Ownership - Purchasing your new getaway with someone else means you can share the upkeep and expenses.  Just make sure you agree on everything from day one so you can spend your time relaxing instead of arguing. Reno's - Buying a "fixer upper" is a great option as it allows you to add your own personal touch.  Major renovations often require permission though so make sure you’re familiar with local zoning rules and regulations. Buying a vacation home is a huge decision so do lots of research, get your finances in order and seek professional advice before taking the plunge.  If you’re considering a few different locations, let me know so I can refer you to a local market specialist who can best assist you with your specific needs. 5 Tips for Safe Summer Camping Trips  Camping's a great way to bond with nature!  Memories of roasting marshmallows around a crackling fire will last a lifetime but it's important to remember a few safety tips such as: Kitchen's Closed - Food attracts animals so empty your garbage and keep cooking equipment in your car. Smoke Signals - Make sure your fire can’t spread to ground cover or overhanging branches.  Keep water close by and extinguish it before going to bed. Lighten Up - Use an LED flashlight to help find your way around at night.  LEDs use less energy so you’ll minimize your carbon footprint. Be Prepared - Bring a fully stocked first aid kit as well as extra insect repellent, a whistle, flashlight, knife, map and compass. Be Aware - Check your campsite for sharp sticks, broken glass or jagged rocks.  Also, be aware of native wildlife, insects and poisonous plants. Camping's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life while creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.  If you're properly prepared and aware of potential hazards, you're sure to enjoy a wonderful outdoor adventure! A Waste of Space...  When it comes to selling your home, it’s often the small things that make a big difference.  Here are two very simple tips that’ll make your home seem more spacious: Remove half the items from closets and cupboards so they appear larger.  People never have enough storage space! Organize the remaining items so your closets and cupboards look neater and roomier.  Make sure to fold up towels and sheets. The points above may seem obvious but they’re often overlooked.  Remember, space sells and if people see your closets bursting at the seams, they’ll wonder if there’s enough room for all their stuff.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong