Today is May 7th/08. Although, here in Red Deer, we have had over 20 degree Celcius weather already this year, you'd think we were back to winter again. The snow is coming down, mixed with rain. Welcome to Alberta. Constantly changing.
Speaking about constantly changing, the Real Estate market is very similar. If we were to compare the market today to the market last year at this time it would be entirely different. Today is much more of a Buyers market. Buyers of today can take their time to look around and be choosy. Last year at this time, it was definately a Sellers market. Buyers and their agents were lined up outside on the sidewalk waiting to view a "just listed that morning" home after another agent showed it to their Buyers. For the most part, that home then subsequently had an offer on it just hours later.
Today, if Sellers want to sell their home, it has to be priced right to begin with. This is not a time to start high and see how it goes. Sellers should be in the bottom end of their price category and then can usually expect their home to sell within about 60 days. Having said this, priced right, homes are still selling quite quickly. Sales are still strong so it is a good market for Buyers to find something they like and Sellers that are priced right.
Have a great day and hope for sunshine.