Let’s talk real estate

Lynda Cox

It is hard to believe that we are entering another winter season; here is my final home check-up with some fun thrown in for the young ones—just in time for the holidays.

1. Run any ceiling fans on low and rotating clockwise forcing the warmed air down from the ceiling.

2. Stock up on de-icer. Apply sparingly, it’s toxic to pets and not great for your laneway; sand or kitty litter is always a good alternative.

3. Invest in a good shovel. Keep it lightweight, nonstick and with a curved handle to keep you upright OR get to know a nearby student and help with their cash flow.

4. Make or buy a Draft Dodger/Snake to stop up drafty doors and windows. These are easy to make and also make great gifts. Get the kids involved. You can find easy instructions online.

5. Test all your safety devices. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher. Replace if necessary.

6. Change the furnace filter.

7. Get the chimney cleaned before that first fire.

8. Last call to turn off your outdoor tap and bleed the line.

9. Have some fun; make a Bird Seed Wreath for your feathered friends. You need a bundt pan and the following: ¾ cup of flour, ½ cup of warm water, 3 tbsp. of corn syrup, 1 pkg unflavoured gelatin, 4 cups bird seed, cooking spray. Combine the gelatin and the warm water. Whisk in the corn syrup and flour until smooth. Add the birdseed and mix well. Pack firmly into the sprayed bundt pan. Let it set for 24-48 hrs until hard. Tie it with a strong, bright ribbon and hang it where they’ll find it. Fun for the children and makes a great gift.

Now on to the Real Estate Update

Let’s compare 2016 to 2017 year-to-date sales.

• Last year 65 condos sold. Average sale price was approx. $331,000

• This year 82 condos sold. Average sale price was approx. $337,000

• Last year 63 residential properties sold. Average sale price was approx. $631,000

• This year 57 residential properties sold. Average sale price was approx. $613,000

• No big changes. The residential Sandy Hill market was not quite as robust as 2016

BUT finally we have some good news for condo owners—it’s been a long time coming.