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I am proud to call myself an Edmontonian! One of the many reasons is because Edmonton is recognized world wide as “Festival City”, a city that offers world class event opportunities and fosters community pride. There is always something to do in Edmonton – Especially in the summer!

4 Happenings This Weekend:

Honda Indy Edmonton – Action Packed Excitement

The Honda Indy Edmonton races back from July 23-25, 2010, as the world’s fastest drivers tackle one of the most challenging tracks of the IZOD IndyCar Series. Gear up for 3 days of wild at the Honda Indy Edmonton as the 3.154 km racetrack makes this a thrilling stop on the IndyCar Series calendar. Anyone who loves cars and movies like “Fast and the Furious”, this event is for you!

A Taste of Edmonton – Gourmet Delights

Looking for an entertaining way to taste a plethora of Edmonton restaurants’ best dishes, while enjoying local entertainment – then A Taste of Edmonton is for you! This year, from July 23rd to August 1st, the Taste of Edmonton will return and over half a million people will indulge their palates with some of the best food and beverages that Edmonton restaurants have to offer. The Festival features a daily  line-up of entertainment on the Taste Main Stage from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Capital Ex – Something For Everyone

The list goes on and on and on. From concerts to rides to shopping to eating; there’s just so much to do in only 10 days.

- For the younger kids, there is Family Fun Town with interactive construction building, option to catch fish, as well as a firefighter zone where kids can learn how to create their own escape plan and more.

- For a full 10-days, TELUS Stage comes alive with daytime Family Entertainment and every evening, TELUS Stage Concerts showcasing some of the hottest musical acts in Canada.

- For adults only entertainment, Capital EX presents “Sip, The Wine and Food Experience” – Cool atmosphere, dim lights and plenty of character makes this the perfect place to meet up with friends or make new ones.

- For Everybody – Every evening the sky above the EX comes alive with a spectacular fireworks show that will be sure to dazzle you. Don’t miss a night of the excitement.

For more info – visit Captial EX’s Website

Forkfest – Locally Inspired

Take Edmonton’s tastiest independent restaurants, feature an affordable multi-course menu, spread the love over 10 days and what do you have? A reason to celebrate! And a reason to leave your belt at home…

Fork Fest is:

• A 10-day festival of fabulous food celebrating Original Fare’s independent restaurants in Edmonton

• Not in one location, but all participating Original Fare locations – Fork Fest happens simultaneously at each member restaurant.

• A culinary treat! Each Original Fare member restaurant is offering a multi-course meal for $25 or $45 —a great opportunity for newbies to surrender their taste buds to the difference an independent restaurant has to offer. It’s also a fantastic way to say ‘thanks’ to the regular customers who choose to keep Edmonton’s palate diverse by supporting independent restaurants.

• An affordable way for people to try many of Edmonton’s most flavourful places to eat. There’s no guessing what the bill might be, you’re assured there will be a menu of either $25 or $45 (some restaurants will offer both).

• When: July 18 – 22 & 25-29, 2010

These are just a few of the many options Edmontonians can enjoy – take time out of your schedule to experience your own city!

Thinking of investing in the Edmonton Real Estate Market?

We recommend starting small! Focus on the properties that can give you the biggest bang for your buck – like multi-family investing (four-plexes). Have questions about how to become a great real estate investor? Ask us here, by leaving your comments below.

The current state of the Edmonton Real Estate market reminds me of the mid to late 90′s! We are seeing major price reductions on homes making it an incredible time to buy a fantastic home at a great price!

There is an overabundance of inventory! Something that has not been seen since the early 2000′s. Buyers – this is great news! Presently, there is an amazing opportunity for Edmonton homebuyers to get homes at unbelievable prices. Investors or first time buyers, I recommend getting on the home buying bandwagon soon.

Personally, as a seasoned Edmonton Real Estate investor, I am buying as much real estate as I possibly can! Not only can I find the deals I am looking for, but also because I firmly believe that these opportunities will not be here for long. From my perspective, by 2014, we will be seeing record prices again. BUYERS ACT NOW!

From the EREB:

Edmonton, July 5, 2010: REALTORS® report normal client activity in the Edmonton real estate market with listings, showings and sales. The residential inventory is approaching record levels set in 2007 but prices held steady in the second quarter with the expectation that they will soften as usual through the fall and early winter.

“It has been quiet on the news front but very busy in REALTORS® offices as they list client’s properties for sale, book showings for buyers and attend open houses. This has not resulted in immediate sales, however, and, in anticipation that this slowdown will continue through the year, we have reduced our 2010 sales forecast by 2,000 units from 21,000 to just 19,000.”

The slight rise in prices for single family residences in the Edmonton area in May continued in June. SFD prices are up to $391,497 – an increase of half a percent. In the first half of the year average prices are up over 7.5% and are tracking higher than 2009. Condominium prices peaked in April and then flattened out to match the prices reported in 2009. In June the average condo sold for $242,644 – down 2.4% month-over-month. Duplex and rowhouse prices of $306,905 were down 4.6% from last month. Overall, the average residential price was down $4,795 in a month. As usual prices are expected to soften in the second half of the year as sales activity slows. “With the increased choices that buyers have in the marketplace right now it is that much more imperative that sellers consult with their REALTOR® to make sure their property is priced to attract an offer.”

¹. Residential includes SFD, condos and duplex/row houses.
². Single Family Dwelling
³. The middle figure in a list of all sales prices

* Average prices indicate market trends only. They do not reflect actual prices, which vary from house to house and area to area. For information on a specific area, call the Terry Paranych Team today!

Terry, What is your opinion of selling For Sale By Owner?

Think about it – If 90% of Edmonton Homes are being sold by an Edmonton Real Estate professional – where do you think the motivated Edmonton Home Buyers are looking? Watch my video on Edmonton For Sale By Owner to learn about my viewpoint on FSBO vs. Traditional REALTOR® Home Marketing System.