April was the busiest month of 2012  with a marked increase in sales compared to previous months.

Townhouse condos enjoyed the best month of sales in over 2 years, with 10 units being sold. Detached home sales were up as well with 13 sales.

While sales were up, so was the average time on the market, which further proves a larger inventory, giving buyers more time to make their choices. A balanced market!

Average  home prices can be found here

The folks at London Strengthening Neighbourhoods Strategyhave a great website where Londoner’s can promote their neighbourhood by posting “Little Gems” or announce an event or simply share what they love about their neighbourhood.

It’s also a great place to browse and learn all about London.

There is very little there promoting the White Oaks neighbourhood. It’s time to share what you love about White Oaks.

It’s easy!. Visit the the London Strengthening Neighbourhoods Strategy website and add  your “Little Gem”

Here is the White Oaks neighbourhood page

Well, the first quarter of 2012 is complete and Whites house prices are up slightly compared to the first quarter of 2011.

The average sale price of all White Oaks houses (no condos) in the the first quarter of 2012 was $194,261, up very slightly from $193,106 in the same period of 2011.

The number of sales fell from 26 in 2011 to 19 in 2012.  The month of March 2012 showed a sharp drop off in sales compared to March 2011 and March 2010.

Sales activity across the entire London St. Thomas Association of Realtors jurisdiction was also down in March 2012

Townhouse condo sales activity for the first quarter had the same number of sales as 2011 while average price rose from $115,915 to $123,038

A more detailed graphical analysis of White Oaks home prices can be found here

Preparing your home for the spring market

Spring is in the Air! The busy spring real estate market is upon us-if you are thinking of selling this spring, it is time to get going.

Fix it Up

Prospective buyers want to move into a house where all mechanical systems are fully functional. In order to ensure everything is working properly, you should have your mechanical systems inspected by licensed contractors. If there are minor repairs to be made they should be done at this time. You should have your furnace and air conditioner cleaned, fix any plumbing leaks and make sure all electrical outlets are in working order. Fixing minor repairs will show the buyer that the home is well maintained. Covering up minor problems warns potential buyers that you could be also hiding something a lot more serious.

Create Space

Even though your taste may be impeccable, a home can be too full of ‘stuff’, even too well decorated. It is difficult for people to mentally imagine placing their own furniture into a home when it is cluttered, or filled with lots of fine collectibles.

So what can you do as a seller? Remove things. Pack some things up and put them in the attic, basement or into storage – make the house look more spacious. Every area in your home will look better half-full – even your closets. Take out half the clothes in your closet and remove half the small appliances littering your kitchen counters, you’ll be surprised how much better your house will look. Even a fridge full of magnets can be distracting. Also, keep curtains and blinds open to create an open, airy look.

Create a blank canvas

Often, a new coat of paint goes a long way when you are showing your home. Choose a nice neutral colour that not only covers over old marks but also freshens the place up. It is often easier for prospective buyers to visualize their own decorating preferences when they have a “blank canvas” to look at. They are more likely to purchase a home that they truly view as theirs rather than somebody else’s.

Prepare the Yard

Grab people’s attention by enhancing your yard and landscaping. If your house looks inviting and well-maintained from the street, people will imagine that it’s attractive on the inside, too.

• Prune bushes and hedges; trim trees.

• Keep your lawns looking healthy and green by mowing it often, fertilizing it, and keeping it edged and trimmed.

• Clean up and dispose of pet mess.

• Prepare your gardens and plant colourful flowers.

• Repair and paint fences.

• Seal your driveway, if needed

• Stain your deck, if needed

First impressions are so important; showcase your home to the best of your ability. Potential buyers never come back for another look, hoping the house will show better the second time around. If it doesn’t show well, they just don’t come back.

Still not sure where to start? Get a Free Market Evaluation.  Help is just a click away

I have been reporting monthly White Oaks Real Estate statistics for quite some time now. Every month I gather the facts and try to add an opinion or two and frankly sometimes it is hard to come up with a unique comment on a month’s activities.

White Oaks real estate has been remarkably consistent the past few years. This could be good news or bad news, depending if you are a glass half-full or glass half-empty person.

Take a look at  all sales of detached and semi-detached homes from 2010 till February 2012

The 2012 ytd (Jan-Feb) sales number is exactly the same as Jan-Feb 2010 and Jan-Feb 2011

If you think, like I do, that  good, consistent home values are the  sign of a solid neighbourhood, then “boring” can be a good thing. Your glass is at least half-full!  Forget half-empty.

If you are thinking of selling, what you do now can result in “above average” results. Contact me for a Free Market Analysis