"We see an interesting trend developing in area real estate sales that is very different from what we‘ve seen other years," notes Real Estate Board President Richard Weima. "Real estate sales usually rise dramatically for the first few months of the year and then begin falling as the summer weather wears on. "This year, a straightâ€"line ly increasing ly increasing sales," Weima says. "Although we are definitely operatâ€" ing at a lower level of activity this year, each month has been better than the one before and we look forâ€" A total of 240 properties changed hands last month for a total dollar sales volume of $48.1 milâ€" lion; there were 288 sales in April, 1992, for a dollar sales volume of $58.5 million. pril showers brought slower sales to the local real estate { market last month with figâ€" ures from the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board showing an 18% drop in the total dollar volâ€" ume of sales over last April‘s results. Low mortgage rates can‘t offset slow April year, however, we‘ve seen line progression of steadiâ€" PUD ward to continuing on this positive note." There is still plenty of choice for buyers and this is an excellent time to buy, Weima adds. "We have to remember that real estate has been a cyclical business for decades," he says. "Ten years ago, in the middle of an economic recession, real estate sales were slow. Interest rates were T BELIEVE You STEPPED O SAMMY s ANT l‘ T DIDNT KnowW IT WAS APET/ high and the demand for ownerâ€" occupied housing was soft. A few years later, demand for housing increased dramatically and people saw the value of their properties increase substantially. Weima notes that interest rates have made the cost of carrying a property extremely low, which gives firstâ€"time buyers the opportuâ€" nity to drive current market condiâ€" T THOUGHT HE whs scarep oF T "resipes, iT OZ_I< >Z >Z|_|\ \M.um\a tions. Firstâ€"time buyers will likely nudge moveâ€"up buyers into the marâ€" ket, giving the whole economy a boost. "The key for vendors right now is to ensure they price their property in accordance with market condiâ€" tions. Buyers, too must realize that the "market value" of a property means a fair price negotiated by an interested buyer and a willing venâ€" dor. "We always recommend people seek the advice of Member of the Oakville, Milton and District Real Estate Board prior to buying or sellâ€" ing property in our area," Weima says. "Our members are wellâ€"versed in current property values and can provide expert assistance in ensurâ€" ing a housing transaction is comâ€" pleted satisfactorily. xm\ PULLEEZE! by Steve Nease