British Columbia home sales fell in February for the second consecutive month. Is it a trend? It is hard to say this early into the year: however, there is a general slow down in the market.
Does this mean price reduction? I do not think so. It means that houses are taking a little longer to sell, more possibilities for buyers to chose from unlike a few years ago when there were more buyers then sellers. We are heading toward a more balance market, and I feel a more stable market. Not everything goes up for ever. You may be asking yourself if this mean that we will see a sell-off like the US. This I do not see as the fundamentals in Canada are sound and the economy, particularly in BC is very strong. This in conjunction with lowering interest rates in Canada will help to maintain a healthy market for 2008.
For more information on the recent sales in BC please read the article below from the British Columbia Real Estate Association.
Vancouver, BC – March 17, 2008. British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports residential sales dollar volume on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC rose 4.5 per cent to $3.26 billion in February, compared to the same month in 2007. Residential unit sales dipped 9.8 per cent to 6,822 units during the same period. The average MLS® residential price in the province reached $478,172 in January, up 15.8 per cent from February 2007.
“BC home sales fell for the second consecutive month, marking the slowest start to a year since 2003,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “While it’s still too early to call a trend, fewer home sales and an increase in active listings may be pulling the BC housing market toward balanced conditions.”
“Strong employment and wage gains over the last year continue to underpin housing demand,” said Muir. The number of unit sales recorded in the month was 13 per cent above the February average from 1998 to 2007. “However, continued erosion in housing affordability may be taking a toll on the ability-to-pay for some buyers.”
Additionally, a weak US economy and lower demand for BC lumber is negatively impacting BC’s forestry industries and local resource communities, while current economic volatility may also be impacting the confidence for some would-be buyers.
For more information, please contact:
Cameron MuirChief EconomistDirect: 604.742.2780Mobile: 778.229.1884Email: cmuir@bcrea.bc.ca
For more information on the market in Victoria feel free to contact us or long onto our website and click on the Victoria Real Estate Market Update.
Cheers
Bill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Monday, 10 March 2008
Victoria Real Estate - Housing Starts Surprise
The latest housing starts were released last week and show a surprisingly strong performance that surprised more then a few. This along with the strong employment numbers that were released for February show a fairly resiliant Canadian economy.
On the surface it looks like Canada and the US are going in two different directions. The US heading down on poor economic numbers caused by the credit crunch, low consumer demand and some may say an unpopular war. Canada on the other hand, with the crippling high dollar taking its toll on the manfacture centre in central Canada is still adding more jobs to the work force, a fairly positive feeling from consumers, and strong demand for real estate. Will it last? That is the big question. Many say it can't maintain the pace without its largest trading partner buying up our commodities other than oil. Maybe Canada is just behind on the curve and all the gloom and doom that is out there will finally coming knocking on its door.
Our economy is definately on slow down and that may good. Allow a breather, but not a gasp before it ticks up again. I feel this may good for house prices in the long run. The slow down in rising prices may give a chance for real wages to catch up and that accompanied with low interest rates now and into the immediate future will definately keep the real estate market in Victoria ticking along as well as its economy. This will make it a more balanced market.
For more information on the latest housing starts feel free to contact us or read the latest article from the Globe and Mail by following this link
If you are looking for some hardworking and dedicated Real Estate Agents in Victoria BC, who put you first please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheers
Bill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
On the surface it looks like Canada and the US are going in two different directions. The US heading down on poor economic numbers caused by the credit crunch, low consumer demand and some may say an unpopular war. Canada on the other hand, with the crippling high dollar taking its toll on the manfacture centre in central Canada is still adding more jobs to the work force, a fairly positive feeling from consumers, and strong demand for real estate. Will it last? That is the big question. Many say it can't maintain the pace without its largest trading partner buying up our commodities other than oil. Maybe Canada is just behind on the curve and all the gloom and doom that is out there will finally coming knocking on its door.
Our economy is definately on slow down and that may good. Allow a breather, but not a gasp before it ticks up again. I feel this may good for house prices in the long run. The slow down in rising prices may give a chance for real wages to catch up and that accompanied with low interest rates now and into the immediate future will definately keep the real estate market in Victoria ticking along as well as its economy. This will make it a more balanced market.
For more information on the latest housing starts feel free to contact us or read the latest article from the Globe and Mail by following this link
If you are looking for some hardworking and dedicated Real Estate Agents in Victoria BC, who put you first please do not hesitate to contact us.
Cheers
Bill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Victoria Real Estate - Average House Prices Drop
The latest stats from the Victoria Real Estate Board have just been released and they point to a drop in the average house price from January ’s $606, 449. Does this mean we are on a down ward trend? Maybe the average price has dropped, but this is definitely not the best statistical measurement for house prices because of the skewing by some very expensive homes that can greatly affect the average price. The best indicator statistically is the median price - the middle number if you will, and this number has gone up from January’s 530,200. Maybe the very expensive homes are not selling as fast but the median price homes in Victoria are very hot right now. For more on last months statistics please see below.
The number of sales of homes and other properties in the Greater Victoria area moderated in February. There were 619 sales through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, down from the 707 sales in the same month a year ago. There were 464 sales in January.
Victoria Real Estate Board President, Tony Joe, says the market continues to be well-balanced with strong demand for homes that are realistically priced coupled with a growing selection of available properties for sale. “The total number of properties available for sale rose to 3,311 in February - a 13 per cent increase over February of last year,” noted Joe.
Last month over 27 per cent of single family homes sold for under $450,000 while nearly 37 per cent of condominiums sold for under $275,000. At the higher end of the market, Joe noted that there were nine sales in Greater Victoria and one sale on the Gulf Islands of over $1 million.
The average price of single family homes sold in February in Greater Victoria was $587,295; the median price was $543,500. The six-month average for single family homes was $588,826. The average price of all condominiums sold in February was $333,408; the average for the last six months was $334,577. The median was again lower at $299,450. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $422,607; the six month average was $426,685. The median price was $395,000.
MLS® sales last month included 316 single family homes, 177 condominiums, 73 townhomes and 13 manufactured homes.
If you have any questions or would like more information on these statistics please visit our website or the Victoria Real Estate Boards site for the latest stats and all the historical as well.
Cheers
Bill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
The number of sales of homes and other properties in the Greater Victoria area moderated in February. There were 619 sales through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, down from the 707 sales in the same month a year ago. There were 464 sales in January.
Victoria Real Estate Board President, Tony Joe, says the market continues to be well-balanced with strong demand for homes that are realistically priced coupled with a growing selection of available properties for sale. “The total number of properties available for sale rose to 3,311 in February - a 13 per cent increase over February of last year,” noted Joe.
Last month over 27 per cent of single family homes sold for under $450,000 while nearly 37 per cent of condominiums sold for under $275,000. At the higher end of the market, Joe noted that there were nine sales in Greater Victoria and one sale on the Gulf Islands of over $1 million.
The average price of single family homes sold in February in Greater Victoria was $587,295; the median price was $543,500. The six-month average for single family homes was $588,826. The average price of all condominiums sold in February was $333,408; the average for the last six months was $334,577. The median was again lower at $299,450. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $422,607; the six month average was $426,685. The median price was $395,000.
MLS® sales last month included 316 single family homes, 177 condominiums, 73 townhomes and 13 manufactured homes.
If you have any questions or would like more information on these statistics please visit our website or the Victoria Real Estate Boards site for the latest stats and all the historical as well.
Cheers
Bill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Winter Recreational Property Prices Remain Red Hot During Canada’s Coldest Months
Canadians are committed to their winter retreats despite rising prices!
While sunshine states such as Florida and Arizona have long enticed Canadians to purchase their winter retreats in warmer-weathered American cities, the uncertainty clouding the U.S. housing market has many Canadians favouring properties north of the border. In fact, 36 per cent of Canadians who own a winter recreational property or who are considering purchasing one cite they are more inclined to buy a property in Canada than in the U.S. because of the economic uncertainty plaguing our southern neighbours, according to the 2008 Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report released today.
The 2008 Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report comprises a nationwide research poll of Canadians’ attitudes on the market (conducted by Angus Reid) and an analysis of recreational property prices, trends and activity in selected winter leisure markets across the country.
Sky’s the limit when it comes to buying mountainside For those looking to enjoy their own winter wonderland, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia offer the greatest selection of recreational areas, with real estate prices increasing from east to west. Strong demand combined with limited mountain-based properties has prices ranging from $180,000 to $850,000 in Quebec, $400,000 to $1 million in Collingwood, and $450,000 to $2 million in British Columbia for a standard detached, mountainside, three-bedroom chalet. A shortage of listings in areas of high demand, such as Whistler and Fernie, has led to property prices appreciating by as much as 10 and six per cent, respectively, in the past year.
“High levels of demand combined with limited inventory have pressured winter recreational property prices upward – a trend expected to continue well into the future,” said Lisa da Rocha, vice president, marketing communications, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Local buyers and foreign investors alike are taking advantage of Canada’s iconic snowy winters, and realizing winter recreational properties are a sound long-term investment.”
While snowfall levels in North America have decreased over the past few decades; when asked, “Are you less likely to purchase a winter recreational property if a reduced level of snowfall continues?” 66 per cent of Canadians who own a recreational property or are considering purchasing one are clearly committed to the cold climate and answered that regardless of snow, a winter recreational property would still be their winter retreat.
Not so little cabin in the woodsWhile everyone’s idea of a winter retreat may differ, there are a variety of property types available across Canada from rustic chalets to grand lodges to maintenance-free condominiums to satisfy every need. Canadians list their top three features as a traditional chalet structure with a rustic charm, extra rooms for guests and grand fireplaces.
Buyers in areas including Whistler, Vernon and Big White, are demanding luxury properties with features including granite countertops, heated floors and stainless steel appliances.
TOP SEVEN WINTER RECREATIONAL PROPERTY FEATURES*
Rank
1) Winter Recreational Property Features
2) Traditional Structure with Rustic Charm
3) Extra Bedrooms for Guests
4) Grand Fireplaces A Large, Open Great Room
5) Outdoor Hot Tub
6) Office with Internet Access
7) Professional Kitchen
*Among Canadians who own or are in market to buy
Added da Rocha: “Now more than ever, Canadians are placing greater emphasis on their living spaces. We are seeing huge demand for chalets to be outfitted with the highest grade of granite and marble, exotic wood flooring and other high-end features. Real estate is as much about style and comfort as it is bricks and mortar.”
Additional report findings:
More than four-in-ten (43%) respondents find the idea of owning a condo over a chalet attractive. Canadians aged 55 + (46%) find condos more appealing than standard chalets compared to those 35-54 years (38%), presumably for their maintenance-free lifestyle. However, in some markets such as Collingwood, there is an increased pressure on detached residences, versus the traditionally popular condominium.
Eight per cent of Canadians own a winter recreational property or are considering purchasing one in the next three to five years, with residents of British Columbia representing the largest purchaser population (13%) and Atlantic residents making up the smallest (4%). Quebec and Ontario residents comprise nine per cent and seven per cent of winter recreational owners and future buyers, respectively.
Winter recreational markets including Mont Tremblant, Canmore, Whistler and Fernie are increasingly attracting European buyers.
Poll Methodology
Angus Reid Strategies conducted the survey portion of the Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report from January 24-25, 2008. The poll was conducted on-line with a randomly-selected, representative sample of 1,455 Canadians survey respondents aged 18 year and older. The results have a maximum margin of error +/- 3.1% 19 times out of 20. The results among Canadians who own, or are considering a purchase of, a winter recreational property are based on a representative sub-sample of 130 respondents, with an associated margin of error of +/-8.6%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to Statistics Canada’s most current age, gender and region Census data.
About Royal LePageRoyal LePage is Canada’s leading provider of franchise services to residential real estate brokerages, with a network of over 13,000 agents and sales representatives in 600 locations across Canada operating under the Royal LePage, Johnston and Daniel, and Realty World brand names. Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund, a TSX listed income trust, trading under the symbol “BRE.UN”, manages Royal LePage.
For more information real estate in Victoria BC please feel free to contact us at http://www.propertiesinvictoria.com/
CheersBill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals - Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
While sunshine states such as Florida and Arizona have long enticed Canadians to purchase their winter retreats in warmer-weathered American cities, the uncertainty clouding the U.S. housing market has many Canadians favouring properties north of the border. In fact, 36 per cent of Canadians who own a winter recreational property or who are considering purchasing one cite they are more inclined to buy a property in Canada than in the U.S. because of the economic uncertainty plaguing our southern neighbours, according to the 2008 Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report released today.
The 2008 Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report comprises a nationwide research poll of Canadians’ attitudes on the market (conducted by Angus Reid) and an analysis of recreational property prices, trends and activity in selected winter leisure markets across the country.
Sky’s the limit when it comes to buying mountainside For those looking to enjoy their own winter wonderland, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia offer the greatest selection of recreational areas, with real estate prices increasing from east to west. Strong demand combined with limited mountain-based properties has prices ranging from $180,000 to $850,000 in Quebec, $400,000 to $1 million in Collingwood, and $450,000 to $2 million in British Columbia for a standard detached, mountainside, three-bedroom chalet. A shortage of listings in areas of high demand, such as Whistler and Fernie, has led to property prices appreciating by as much as 10 and six per cent, respectively, in the past year.
“High levels of demand combined with limited inventory have pressured winter recreational property prices upward – a trend expected to continue well into the future,” said Lisa da Rocha, vice president, marketing communications, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Local buyers and foreign investors alike are taking advantage of Canada’s iconic snowy winters, and realizing winter recreational properties are a sound long-term investment.”
While snowfall levels in North America have decreased over the past few decades; when asked, “Are you less likely to purchase a winter recreational property if a reduced level of snowfall continues?” 66 per cent of Canadians who own a recreational property or are considering purchasing one are clearly committed to the cold climate and answered that regardless of snow, a winter recreational property would still be their winter retreat.
Not so little cabin in the woodsWhile everyone’s idea of a winter retreat may differ, there are a variety of property types available across Canada from rustic chalets to grand lodges to maintenance-free condominiums to satisfy every need. Canadians list their top three features as a traditional chalet structure with a rustic charm, extra rooms for guests and grand fireplaces.
Buyers in areas including Whistler, Vernon and Big White, are demanding luxury properties with features including granite countertops, heated floors and stainless steel appliances.
TOP SEVEN WINTER RECREATIONAL PROPERTY FEATURES*
Rank
1) Winter Recreational Property Features
2) Traditional Structure with Rustic Charm
3) Extra Bedrooms for Guests
4) Grand Fireplaces A Large, Open Great Room
5) Outdoor Hot Tub
6) Office with Internet Access
7) Professional Kitchen
*Among Canadians who own or are in market to buy
Added da Rocha: “Now more than ever, Canadians are placing greater emphasis on their living spaces. We are seeing huge demand for chalets to be outfitted with the highest grade of granite and marble, exotic wood flooring and other high-end features. Real estate is as much about style and comfort as it is bricks and mortar.”
Additional report findings:
More than four-in-ten (43%) respondents find the idea of owning a condo over a chalet attractive. Canadians aged 55 + (46%) find condos more appealing than standard chalets compared to those 35-54 years (38%), presumably for their maintenance-free lifestyle. However, in some markets such as Collingwood, there is an increased pressure on detached residences, versus the traditionally popular condominium.
Eight per cent of Canadians own a winter recreational property or are considering purchasing one in the next three to five years, with residents of British Columbia representing the largest purchaser population (13%) and Atlantic residents making up the smallest (4%). Quebec and Ontario residents comprise nine per cent and seven per cent of winter recreational owners and future buyers, respectively.
Winter recreational markets including Mont Tremblant, Canmore, Whistler and Fernie are increasingly attracting European buyers.
Poll Methodology
Angus Reid Strategies conducted the survey portion of the Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report from January 24-25, 2008. The poll was conducted on-line with a randomly-selected, representative sample of 1,455 Canadians survey respondents aged 18 year and older. The results have a maximum margin of error +/- 3.1% 19 times out of 20. The results among Canadians who own, or are considering a purchase of, a winter recreational property are based on a representative sub-sample of 130 respondents, with an associated margin of error of +/-8.6%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to Statistics Canada’s most current age, gender and region Census data.
About Royal LePageRoyal LePage is Canada’s leading provider of franchise services to residential real estate brokerages, with a network of over 13,000 agents and sales representatives in 600 locations across Canada operating under the Royal LePage, Johnston and Daniel, and Realty World brand names. Brookfield Real Estate Services Fund, a TSX listed income trust, trading under the symbol “BRE.UN”, manages Royal LePage.
For more information real estate in Victoria BC please feel free to contact us at http://www.propertiesinvictoria.com/
CheersBill
Bill Ethier B.Sc - REALTOR®
Properties in Victoria Professionals - Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
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