Category: Around Edmonton


Towns around Edmonton – Morinville, Alberta

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

Towns and cities around Edmonton, Alberta – Next up is Morinville (http://www.Morinville.ca)

Morinville is located northwest of Edmonton, along Hwy 2, within an easy commuting distance to St. Albert or Edmonton.

It was originally settled by Father Morin, hence the name Morinville.

Morinville’s population is currently about 8,000. The city is home to quite a few amenities, grocery stores, and the offices for the Municipality of Rural Sturgeon County.

Housing and property taxes are generally cheaper in Morinville, and for many people this is an added bonus to a nice community. It also has a mix of french and english-speaking schools.

There are several new housing developments continuing in and around Morinville. Single family homes are being built in “The Lakes” area in town, and in “South Glens” on the
southern part of town. There are also apartment and townhouse condos too.

Do check out Morinville as one of your options, should you be looking to move to the Edmonton area. Its another fine area of Alberta.

For more info about housing in and around Morinville, just fill-in the form below.

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Towns around Edmonton – St. Albert Alberta

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Towns and cities around Edmonton, Alberta – Next up is St. Albert (http://StAlbert.ca)

St. Albert is located northwest of Edmonton, straddling the Sturgeon River.  Soon, the only thing separating St. Albert and Edmonton will be the Anthony Henday Ring-road highway around Edmonton.

It was originally settled as a Métis community, and is now, one of the oldest original settlements in Alberta.

St. Albert received its town status in 1904 and, in 1907, was reached by the Canadian Northern Railway.

St. Albert’s population is currently about 60,000, with a substantial proportion working in different fields in Edmonton. The city is home to most amenities and it draws shoppers from surrounding areas like Morinville, Westlock, Barrhead etc…

The city has two school systems, Catholic and Protestant. Unlike most areas, the Catholic school system is the “public” system, while the Protestant is the “separate” school system. Full-french and french immersion schools are a key part of the schooling available from Kindergarten through Grade 12, should parents wish to explore that option for their children. The city also has excellent parks and walking/biking trails. The Servus Centre Sports facility features everything from swimming to hockey rinks, indoor soccer court… you name it. It’s a great facility.

Housing and property taxes are generally more expensive in St. Albert, but for many people this is offset by the secure, comfortable feeling of residing in this desirable community. The city has often been portrayed as having a bit of an “elitist” population, but this generalization is not founded in truth, in my opinion.

Check out St. Albert as one of your options, should you be looking to move to the Edmonton area. You just might like what you find.

For more info about housing in and around St. Albert, just fill-in the form below.

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Towns around Edmonton – Gibbons Alberta

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

There are different living and housing choices around Edmonton that can provide a good quality of life for those that choose them.

First up, the Town of Gibbons. (http://Gibbons.ca)

Gibbons is a town of about 3000 people, located 10 to 15 minutes north of the edge of Edmonton.
It lies near the junction of Hwys 28 and 28A, giving it good access to many areas. It has a diverse
cross-section of oilfield, agricultural, military, and other segments of the population found living
in Gibbons.

The housing market in Gibbons is predominantly older single family homes, that can be had
for thousands less than the comparable home in Edmonton. New homes have been built (and continue to be built) in Gibbons, along with some different condominium developments. There is currently an apartment condo complex being built along the main street.

Gibbons has most amenities for day-to-day living, although a weekly trip to a larger centre
like Morinville or Edmonton is not unusual.

Military families often choose it as a home, because of it’s easy commute to CFB Edmonton, more affordable housing, and friendly, quiet surroundings.

Keep Gibbons in mind, if a move to north Edmonton or CFB Edmonton is on your horizon.

If you would like more information on the housing market in and around Gibbons, please fill out the form below.

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5 of Edmonton’s Best Buildings

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

A young city, Edmonton’s historic structures are still relatively new, and they are complimented with the more creative structures found around town. Here are 5 of my favourite Edmonton buildings. What are yours? I’d love to hear!

1) AGA – It’s grand re-opening was January 31, 2010 and the new Art Gallery of Alberta (formerly the Edmonton Art Gallery) is an 85,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and a premiere presentation venue. Designed by Randall Stout Architects, Inc. of Los Angeles, the building is in itself a work of art and has created a buzz while we each interprate it’s design in our own way. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s Arts District on Sir Winston Churchill Square, the gallery secures Edmonton’s reputation as a world class city and centre for visual art.

2) Telus World of Science – Renowned for its striking and innovative buildings, Douglas J. Cardinal Architects Ltd. was appointed to design the science centre and bring it to life. For 25 years, children of all ages have enjoyed a positive science and technology destination in our City that inspires and motivates people to learn and discover. See the sky from a new vantage point in the observatory, catch a film in the IMAX theatre, or buy an “at home”experiment in the gift shop. Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, you will leave with an expanded mind!

3) Muttart Conservatory – The conservatory, designed by architect Peter Hemingway, is composed of four glassed pyramids built around a central service core, and is sure to catch your eye as you approach Edmonton’s lush river valley. The four pyramids of the Muttart shimmer in the sun and are home to thousands of species of plants, both domestic and exotic. Three of the structures have individual climates (arid, tropical, and temperate), while the fourth offers a changing theme. Visitors may recognize the glass and metal pyramids as bearing a striking resemblance to the four that sit outside the Louvre, Paris’ premier art gallery and museum.

4) Hotel MacDonald – The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (affectionately called “The Mac” by Edmontonians) was built in 1912 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and was designed in the Château-style characterized by 16th century French castles. It is named after Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and is laced with Indiana limestone and roofed with copper. Today, it is popular for weddings and is frequented by Edmontonians in search of a celebrity sighting!

5) Alberta Legislature – Built from 1907 to 1912 in the Beaux Arts styles of architects Allan Merrick Jeffers and Richard Blakey, the province’s foremost historic structure is set amidst beautiful gardens and water displays. Inside and out, the Legislature offers a rich experience in exploring Alberta’s past and present as the focal point of the province’s democratic process. Alberta’s premier architectural attraction overlooks Edmonton’s river valley and is steps away from the heart of downtown Edmonton.

There are too many beautiful and unique buildings in Edmonton to detail them all at once, but I look forward to hearing your favourites to add to my next blog on our most spectacular structures! In the mean time, if you or someone you know is looking for a new vantage point from which to call home, I look forward to hearing from you! Also, become a fan of our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdmontonRealty

Sarah Dulmage, Realtor
Re/Max Real Estate
Cell: (780) 934-8514
www.Knock-Knock.ca
www.facebook.com/edmontonrealty

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Around Town This February

Friday, February 5th, 2010

With homes selling steadily and a bright future for Edmonton, it makes one reflect on the fact that people just genuinely love living in Edmonton! And, it’s no wonder why. As Alberta’s “Festival City”, there are fun, free and family friendly ways to enjoy our beautiful City everywhere you look. If you’re thinking about where to take the kids this week-end, or wondering what about what would be something exciting and romantic to do this Valentines Day, here are 5 ideas to help you enjoy the City to it’s fullest;

1) The brand new Art Gallery of Alberta (#2 Sir Winston Churchill Square), formerly named the Edmonton Art Gallery, has been reopened to the public and has already become an architecural icon, with the flowing aluminum ribbon on it’s exterior causing chatter. With an enourmous amount of gallery space (85,000 sq. ft.), a doubling of educational classrooms for programming, and extensive facility usage opportunities, the AGA is attracting more of the most sought-after touring art exhibitions, bringing cultural enrichment to Edmontonians. Hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tours are available by calling 780-372-2486.

2) The Silver Skate Festival (Hawrelak Park) from February 19th to 21st. 11 am – 9 pm. This long-running event is now in it’s 20th year! This festival celebrating everything Winter is rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love of the outdoors and the pleasure of experiencing the cultural and aesthetic beauty of winter. With our Edmonton winters being snowy and bright, why not embrace and celebrate it! View the Cessco Snow Sculpture Garden and Competition, an interactive family area, the Mammoet Winter Triathlon, and the Northgate 10 km and 25 km Marathons. There is free parking at the event and a transit bus stop at the gate.

3) Jackie Parker Park (4540 – 50th Street): Skating, sledding and magical lights will entertain citizens on Friday and Saturday, February 26th and 27th from noon to 8:00 pm. Campfires and hot chocolate will keep everyone warm. Exclusive to this event is Bark in the Dark, an LED light party for dog lovers.

4) Edmontons Hope for Haiti Azucar Picante Restaurante & Cantina (13062-50 St.) On February 12th, 2009, the fund-raising evening consists of a Silent Auction with a 50/50 raffle and a benefit concert. Tickets are $10 and all monies from ticket sales, silent auction sales, the 50/50 draw will be distributed to Heart to Heart Haiti, Canada Red Cross, and the Edmonton Multicultural Society to help families arriving from Haiti.

5) Sweetheart Stroll – Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory (9626 96A Street) is transformed into a romantic haven. On February 13, 2009, enjoy the beauty of the pyramids at night along with music & dancing. www.muttartconservatory.ca

However you choose to enjoy the excitement of Edmonton, one thing is for sure: there is never a shortage of ways to do it! Our city is a great place to live, and there are equally as many beautiful neighbourhoods to live in. If you or someone you know is considering a move in to Edmonton or to a different home within the City, call me. I can be reached on my cell at (780) 934-8514.

Sarah Dulmage, Realtor
Re/Max Real Estate
Cell: (780) 934-8514

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Special Olympics comes to St. Albert

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
By Kevin Ma
Staff Writer, St. Albert Gazette

St. Albert is set to shine on for hundreds of athletes now that it’s been picked to host the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

Sharon Bollenbach, vice-president of sports for Special Olympics Canada, made the announcement at St. Albert Place Tuesday morning.

“It’s my pleasure to announce on behalf of Special Olympics Canada and Special Olympics Alberta that St. Albert will be the host community for the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games,” she said, to wild applause.

St. Albert had been competing against Edmonton and the Leduc/Westaskiwin/Beaumont/Devon coalition in its bid to host the games, which are held every four years. They will be held in February 2012.

St. Albert’s excellent facilities and skilled volunteers were instrumental to its winning bid, Bollenbach said. “There was also a real interest and enthusiasm here that was really engaging.”

Now the real work starts, said Coun. Gareth Jones, chair of the city’s bid committee.

“We are determined to make this week the greatest games experience these athletes have ever had, and to leave precious memories of St. Albert in their hearts.” Jones thanked the organizing committee for all its efforts.

“From now until 2012, let’s shine on!” he said, referring to the theme of the city’s bid.

Many preparations

The games will bring about 1,100 athletes, coaches and guests to the city by 2012, Jones said, which should be a boon to local hotels and restaurants. It will give the city national exposure, and hopefully should inspire local athletes to get involved in winter sports.

It will also benefit the entire region, emphasized John Pinsent of Special Olympics Alberta, not just St. Albert.

“We know the City of Edmonton and the County of Leduc and all the partners who made such fantastic bids will come together as a great community when we come here to St. Albert.”

St. Albert already has all the facilities it needs to host the games, said Mayor Nolan Crouse, so it won’t have to build anything new.

“It’s going to leave a legacy of community building and a legacy of general understanding by the city,” he said, one that would probably be preserved in public art.

St. Albert will host the event’s downhill skiers at Edmonton’s Rabbit Hill rather than Jasper as originally planned. The city made the decision last week for logistical reasons, Crouse said.

The city should have an organizing committee at work on the games by the end of the year, Jones said. They would likely check out next year’s national summer Special Olympics in London, Ont. for organizational tips.

It’ll take a lot of hard work for St. Albert athletes to make it to the 2012 games, said Josh Petrone, who plays right wing for the local Special Olympics floor-hockey team.

“There will be a lot of teams there, and it’ll be some tough games.” Still, he and his killer wrist shot were hoping for gold.

Fellow athlete Josh Klein wasn’t sure if he’d make the nationals (”Probably not,” he quipped, when asked) but was really excited that the games were coming to town. “Work hard and have fun,” was his advice to all those training for the games.

St. Albert hosted the provincial Special Olympics this past summer.

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Home Staging sells homes faster, for more.

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Whether you are trying  to compete in your area and must be priced right and look better than the other homes to sell successfully.  Prospective buyers are already trying to imagine life in a house from the moment they lay eyes on it.  Home staging helps them visualize how they’ll live in the home, boosting the likelihood of a sale.

Why Stage ?

Call us for more information!

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RBC Grand Puba!!

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

I had the opportunity to listened to Patricia Croft speak last week in Edmonton - (dynamic, very intelligent, well spoken, confident woman). It’s taken me a few days to digest what she delivered.  At first I was thinking that I would learn some “insider information” on the forecast of for the Edmonton Real Estate Market, as was everyone there.  Instead we all heard how the foreign markets are affecting our economy.   No offence, Patty, but we were expecting some more, this is what we see in the local news every night

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Alberta realtors want drug house guidelines

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

EDMONTON — Alberta’s realtors are calling on the provincial government to adopt guidelines for cleaning up houses used for marijuana grow ops and meth labs.

The Alberta Real Estate Association released a report Thursday by indoor air quality consultant Karen Rollins and University of Calgary architecture professor Tang Lee. The group commissioned the pair to develop a set of standards.

Bill Fowler, director of industry and government relations for the real estate association, said there are currently no standards in place for air quality when drug houses return to the market for unsuspecting home buyers to purchase.

“When drug operations are busted, any issues with the plumbing, heating or electrical or the building structure all can be rectified because there are code requirements in place,” Fowler said.

“The big unknown is mould, air quality and air remediation. There are no accepted standards across the province, and our members are concerned about that.”

When drug criminals grow pot plants or cook meth, they leave behind a potentially dangerous mess of toxic moulds, chemicals and illegal changes to wiring, plumbing, venting and structural integrity.

“If it’s a grow op, the temperature is raised and extra humidity is added so these conditions are good for mould to grow and there are lots of spills,” said report co-author Rollins, of Canmore-based Indoor Air Quality Management.

Since forming in August 2000, the Edmonton Police Service and RCMP special task force Green Team has dismantled more than 500 grow operations throughout Alberta since it began, according to the Edmonton Police Service.

Fowler said in Calgary, there are about 100 drug operations busted a year.

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Edmonton Down Syndrome Buddy Walk – This Weekend!

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Hello, and welcome back to my soapbox! Periodically, I take advantage of the fact that I’m the only one with a password to add blog posts to this site, and use that power to preach about my favourite charity… specifically, the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS).

As many of you already knew, and now anyone who reads this article now knows, I have a son with Down Syndrome. He’s a real cute kid… not that I’m biased or anything!

Well, this coming weekend is the Annual Buddy Walk. We all get together at Hawrelak Park, go for a walk around the lake, and generally have a great time and socialize. Let me tell you, if you’ve never gone… make a point of doing so. It’s really a tremendous experience, and one the the things I look forward to every year.

Come join us! We’d love to have you there.

Here’s a link to the EDSS website and the information on the buddy walk.

http://www.edss.ca/?q=node/74

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Alberta announces 15-year $850M carbon capture and storage project

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

EDMONTON — The Alberta and federal governments promised $865 million in funding for a carbon capture and storage project near Edmonton on Thursday, but officials acknowledge that it will be years before any greenhouse gas emissions are piped underground.

“We have to start somewhere,” said federal Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt. “We start today, and we think – we know – we’re on the right path.”

The two levels of government have teamed up with Shell Canada, Chevron Canada and Marathon Oil Sands to push forward the Quest project, which is projected to eventually collect up to 1.1 million tonnes of climate change-causing carbon dioxide a year from the Scotford oilsands upgrader, pipe it to a wellhead and inject it more than two kilometres underground.

Total cost of the project is expected to be $1.35 billion, with the balance coming from the companies involved.

It would be the first funding agreement to draw on Alberta’s $2-billion carbon capture and storage fund and Ottawa’s $1-billion pool for such projects. Alberta Energy Minister Mel Knight said other projects will be announced soon.

If the project proceeds, it would become one of a handful around the world injecting CO2 on this scale.

Carbon capture and storage is held out by industry and government as a major part of the strategy to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent over 2006 levels by 2020. It works by collecting carbon dioxide from large emitters, piping it to wellheads and injecting it deep underground in geological formations that are sealed off from the surface by impermeable rock or clay caps.

The technology has worked on a small scale but remains unproven in large, commercial projects. In addition to engineering challenges, questions about the regulatory regime and legal liability for the CO2 remain unanswered.

Those unknowns are a big part of the reason why Shell won’t promise to start injecting gas until 2015. The companies won’t even make a final decision on spending the money to go ahead for several years to come, said Shell vice-president Graham Boje.

“This project has gone through a couple of decision gates, but it’s still got more to go before it gets to what we call final investment decision,” Boje said.

Boje said the location of the injection site hasn’t been determined. He expects it will be within “10s of kilometres” of the Scotford facility.

Knight said any new infrastructure for the project would have to go through public hearings in front of the Energy and Resources Conservation Board.

“There’s ample opportunity at that point for full public hearings,” said Knight. “Not just public meetings, but public hearings in front of a quasi-judicial board to address those issues that will come forward.”

Knight said that not only will the Quest project develop technology and practices that will be shared openly with other industrial emitters, it will allow Alberta oil companies to squeeze more oil from depleted wells by injecting them with CO2. Knight said wide use of carbon capture and storage could increase the amount of recoverable oil in the province by 10 to 15 per cent.

Amy Taylor of the environmental think-tank the Pembina Institute said the announcement was welcome, but still lacked the most important component of what she called a “serious” climate change program. She said the government has to radically increase the price it levies on carbon emissions from the current $15 per tonne.

“What we really need to do is get a price on carbon to get these technologies economical without huge taxpayer subsidies,” she said.

Taylor notes that taxpayers are shouldering 65 per cent of Quest’s costs.

“We like to see polluters pay more of their fair share,” she said.

Most experts agree that carbon emissions need to cost emitters between $70 and $80 per tonne to make carbon capture and storage economical.

Taylor said the federal and provincial governments are placing too much emphasis on projects such as Quest and not enough on renewable energy sources.

“That’s what’s really missing, is the balance.”

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Edmonton Down Syndrome & The Business Development Bank of Canada

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

On some occasions we have the opportunity to experience the best of people, both as individuals and as groups. Its these times that remind me of why Canadians have such a terrific reputation, why Alberta is the finest place in the world to live, and why Edmonton truly is the City of Champions.

Today the Business Development Bank of Canada hosted their annual golf tournament. Like almost every golf tournament it was an 18 hole texas scramble, it started painfully early, and ended with a big steak buffet. But unlike most golf tournaments that I have the pleasure of participating in, the BDC tournament raises funds for a local charity. That’s being a community minded business in my opinion; this bank leverages their relationship with clients and friends to raise money for people in our very own community. Each year they raise money for a different charity, thus spreading the charity around to different groups.

This year the BDC raised money for the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society!

If you’ve read my bio page, you know that this charity is special to me. My son, Gabriel, was born with Down Syndrome. So obviously this is a charity that I not only support, but feel passionate about.

The amazing support, both financial and personal, that we received from the participants was spectacular. Honestly, words cannot express how appreciative we were to receive their support. (I’ve re-written this blog post 6 times to try to get it right!)

People were buying mulligans, 50/50 tickets, and bidding on silent actions items without any concern; knowing that it was going to a good cause. More than 95% of the participants took part in my event at hole #6; a chipping contest to win a digital picture frame.

To say that I was moved by the generosity is an understatement. I can’t count the number of times I heard “It’s for a great cause” or “It’s for the kids? Keep the change.” My event cost $5, and many people were leaving $20 bills behind “for the kids”.

I watched during the silent auction as 2 men bid hard against each other for a golf bag; only to realize that neither wanted it and were only trying to drive the price up on each other!

Another golfer was the successful bidder on a spectacular framed picture of Tiger Woods golfing with Jack Nicklaus. What a piece of history! He paid a lot of money for the item and immediately handed it to the auctioneer, saying “See what you can get for this in the live auction.” His only stipulation… leave his name off the microphone. It sold for $700 the second time around.

I saw this generosity all day long, from complete strangers on the golf course and in the clubhouse alike. The chef, with 140 hungry golfer to feed, took the time to visit with the kids who were there with Down Syndrome. He made their day.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the participants of the tournament, those who donated silent auction items, and the hard working staff of both the BDC and the Belvedere Golf Club. Particular Sandra Mellor and her hard working team who’ve been organizing this event since January in their free time; all for the benefit of people they’ve never met!

Today was a day that I won’t ever forget. It reminded me that being Canadian is a great thing, and made me proud to be in the City of Champions.

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Edmonton Real Estate Market Update – September 8, 2009

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Below are the statistics for the Edmonton Real Estate Market for the past week. If you have any comments about the information or Edmonton real estate, I’d love to hear from you. 

- John Carle, Realtor
ReMax Real Estate Edmonton
www.knock-knock.ca 
NEW LISTINGS # of New Listings Average List Price
Single Family 204 $430,934
Condos 125 $238,484
SALES # of Sales Average Sale Price Average Days to Sell
Single Family

70 

$345,682
 

39
 

Condos

 39

$243,783
 

54
 

 

CURRENT MARKET # of Listings Average List Price
Single Family * 

 1370

$463,042
 

Condos * 

 992

$254,223
 

 

* based on last 60 days.
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Edmonton City planners unveil lines to West End, Mill Woods

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Thanks to the Edmonton Journal for a great article on yesterday’s LRT announcement. The plans for the LRT extension extends out to the west end and into Millwoods; that’ll make the LRT system much more effective. The challenge is the $1,000,000,000 price tag. OUCH!

Many people are worried about their property value as a result of this announcement. Personally, I don’t think that it will negatively impact house values, as evidenced by the recent expansion from the UofA to Southgate. those homes haven’t gone down in value. In fact, I recently sold a home to a friend of mine who specifically wanted to be close to the LRT for easy access to downtown.

But I would love to hear thoughts and comments from you. Do you think the LRT expansion will help or hinder property values? What do you think of the $1 Billion dollar price tag?

You can read the original Edmonton Journal article here.

You can also watch the Global Edmonton newscast from last night by clicking the link below:

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/videos/index.html#Nnm5yltTP5GjR4RHqGzNtbiRF_rTuhx4

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Edmonton Real Estate Market Update – August 31, 2009

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Below are the statistics for the Edmonton Real Estate Market for the past week. If you have any comments about the information or Edmonton real estate, I’d love to hear from you. 

- John Carle, Realtor
ReMax Real Estate Edmonton
www.knock-knock.ca 
NEW LISTINGS # of New Listings Average List Price
Single Family 180 $459,681
Condos 137 $282,757
SALES # of Sales Average Sale Price Average Days to Sell
Single Family

108 

$383,140
 

45
 

Condos

 71 

$243,328
 

61
 

 

CURRENT MARKET # of Listings Average List Price Avg. Days on Market
Single Family * 

1381 

$460,211
 

n/a
 

Condos * 

1018 

$258,096
 

n/a
 

 

* based on last 60 days.
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