Action Trumps Knowledge and Other Summer Thoughts

It’s September, the month I typically consider as my real estate new year. After having the summer to reflect, relax and restore the brain, I usually arrive at this month full of innovation and enthusiasm. This year is no different. More on that a little later. Where August is normally the slowest month of the year for the group, we saw a rapid uptick in listings and buyers. I could not have forecasted this. It seems there is no predicting this market, and any attempts to do so are futile. I can tell you that townhomes, which were the hottest product for the last two years, are now pathetically limping along, lagging at the back of the race with the apartments. Sales are slow, prices are declining.

For most townhome sellers however, this is still an opportune time to hit the market if the plan is to purchase a larger home. Two years ago, detached home prices were skyrocketing with multiple offers being the norm. Now, there are many more options and buyers can be choosy. I believe a lower sale price on a townhome is a better trade-off than getting top dollar, but then having to compete and pay over asking with no conditions on a more expensive property. With interest rates having come down, it makes sense again to buy. Buyers are back in power, and Realtors need to sharpen their negotiating skills. To be honest, it’s more fun this way.

This summer brought a lot of rain and even though it was lamented by many, I enjoyed the boon to my landscaping skills. I planted so much this year, with little skill or knowledge, and the rain saved me. Just about everything flourished and it was a pretty sight to see. I think there’s a lesson there to remember; that knowledge and skill take a backseat to action (as long as you sprinkle in some rain). There is more fun in the doing of things anyway. It builds confidence and it’s a tangible way to learn.

Are you into paddle boarding? I spent some time paddle boarding this summer and it took a little time to figure out how to confidently paddle through the waves, but I think I can hold my own now. There is something so peaceful about being on the water, listening to the sounds of nature and getting a break from the constant chatter of our mobile world. If I’d had my phone, I would have been sorely tempted to hurl it far into the lake. Alas, it remained safely on terra firma and you can still reach me, my friends. Phones are great, but they’re also a blight on peace and sustained quiet.

As we move towards the fall season, the book club is back to regular meetings. If you’re at all interested in joining, please sign up on my website here. It’s an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. There’s no boring small talk, we simply discuss a lot of fascinating ideas and we share our experiences. It’s really become an event I’ve come to cherish. As well, stay tuned for the save the date email that will be sent out soon for our Christmas Minis. We’ll be hosting them at the new Airdrie Public Library, which I think is a great venue, but unfortunately is not pet-friendly, sadly. It’s also not elf-friendly. I’ve decided one year dressed like an elf is enough for a lifetime but I will happily hold a baby any time.