Thursday, December 15, 2011

Home sales, prices climb in November says CREA.

The Canadian Real Estate Association says November sales of resale homes rose 6 per cent, while prices added 4.6 per cent year over year. The national body says seasonally adjusted sales were also up 0.5 per cent from October. It was the third straight month that national activity was up from the month before.
The national average price increased 4.6 per cent year over year to $360,396, the smallest jump since January. The number of newly listed homes was down 3.4 per cent from October to November.

Friday, December 9, 2011

REALTORS® and OPP launch Realty Watch

The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) and the Ontario Provincial Police have launched a new community policing program– Realty Watch.
“The program has two components,” says Sgt. Steve Montpetit, O.P.P. Provincial AMBER Alert Coordinator. “The first has to do with reporting suspicious activity. REALTORS® can report either directly to the police or through Crime Stoppers any suspicious activity they observe in the course of their day-to-day business . . . and that’s potentially very useful when you consider how much crime takes place during the day when people are away at work.”
“The second component of the Realty Watch Program has to do with responding to alerts,” Montpetit continues . “Both AMBER alerts, which go out in the case of child abduction cases , but other alerts as well, such as those that go out when people with a medical condition go missing. LSTAR has over 1,500 Members spread out over three counties linked together through an association-wide, internet-based communications system that allows them to receive alerts immediately. From a police perspective, that’s a lot of eyes on the ground.”
“Realty Watch is a concrete way REALTORS® can help improve the Quality of Life in our community,” says Jack Lane, LSTAR President. “In the course of doing our business, we’re out and about in neighbourhoods at all times of the day and night; provided we know what to look for, we might be able to provide useful information to the police, and that’s what Realty Watch is all about. As for the alerts, the broader the net the police can cast, the more likely we are to find people in trouble before it’s too late. “
Realty Watch was kicked off with an intensive training session, taught by Sgt. Montpetit and Sgt. Monica Harris, O.P.P. Provincial Crime Stoppers Coordinator and attended by over 134 REALTORS. Both Mark and myself attended this training session at the Real Estate Board.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

RE/MAX Market Outlook report says the Market will be balanced in 2012

Mississauga, ON (December 6, 2011) - Canadian residential real estate defied conventional logic and outperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year of housing activity virtually across the board. The trend is expected to carry forward into 2012 as Canadians continue to demonstrate their faith in home ownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy, according to a report released by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2012 examined trends and developments in 26 major markets across the country. Eighty-eight per cent (23/26) anticipated average price increases by year-end 2011 - with percentage hikes ranging from one to 16 per cent. The forecast for 2012 shows the upward trend moderating, but still ahead of 2011 figures. Overall home sales are expected to remain on par or ahead of last year's levels in 85 per cent (22/26) of markets in 2011 - including Saskatoon with a year-over-year percentage increase of 13 per cent and an eight per cent uptick in Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton-Burlington and Sudbury. Almost half of Canadian markets will match the 2011 performance, while the remainder should post increases ranging from one to five per cent next year.

London Condo Starts up this month!

LONDON, December 8, 2011 - New home starts were up in the London Census Metropolitan Area
(CMA) in November according to preliminary figures released today by Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation (CMHC). Builders laid foundations for 130 homes compared to 105 in November
2010.“Increased demand for townhomes homes raised new construction levels last month. Townhomes
offer a convenient lifestyle and are a more affordable option for buyers who want a new rather than an
existing home,” said Margot Stevenson, CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst.
Year-to-date, builders have started 1,082 single-detached homes compared to 1,388 in the first 11
months of 2010. Total starts are 19 per cent below last year for the same period.
As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help
Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing
solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and
knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Condo Market is soft!

Home sales in November 2011 dipped 7.1%, due in large part to a drop in condo sales. “Sales of detached homes were down only a marginal 1.8% from the previous November,” says Jack Lane, President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. “It was the condo market that was soft. Bear in mind, however, that condo sales for November 2010 were up 16.2% over November 2009, so the bar was set pretty high. The good news for condo sellers heading into an early Spring market is that there will be pent-up demand; the good news for buyers interested in condos is that there will be plenty of supply at a very reasonable price.” Overall Year-to-Date sales of all house types are down a modest 1.1% from last year. Listings were up 1.6% in November, at month-end the Association’s inventory of listings stood at 3,414, and the average price for a home (including condo sales) in the Association’s jurisdiction stands at $234,602, up 0.2% from the previous month. The year to day average price now stands at $232,819 which is up 4.1% over January 2011.
The news from St. Thomas was very positive. Fifty homes sold in London’s Sister City in November, up 22% from November 2010. The average price for a home in St. Thomas Year to Date stands at $185,303.

Monday, November 28, 2011

U.S. new home sales increase by 1.3% in October

According to the Economics Department of RBC, sales of new single-family homes in the U.S. increased by 1.3% to a seasonally-adjusted annualized rate of 307K in October, from September’s pace of 303K (initially reported as 313K.) Market expectations going into the report were for a pace of 313K, which would have represented a flat reading based on the initially reported pace for September. October’s increase in the pace of home sales follows a 3.4% increase last month, and represents the fastest pace of sales since May. Increased sales activity combined with an unchanged number of new homes available for sale to push months’ supply of unsold home down to 6.3 from the 6.4 seen in September (initially reported as 6.2.)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Record dollars invested into the Canadian Housing industry

Billions spent in new construction, renovation, and infill over the past decade have contributed to a serious upswing in the calibre of Canada's housing stock, propping up residential average price in the country's major centres.
Since 2000, the value of a Canadian home has doubled, rising from $163,951 to $339,030 in 2010. Nowhere has the upswing been better captured than in both the value of residential building permits issued nationally between 2000 and 2010 - at $340 billion - and the estimated $450 billion spent in renovation. The impact of these two forces alone has fuelled the Canadian residential real estate market - as well as the construction industry - for more than 10 years.
As a result, investment in Canada's housing stock is at an all-time high in the 16 Canadian residential real estate markets examined in the RE/MAX Housing Evolution Report. Higher quality housing translated into extraordinary price appreciation across the country - with 62 per cent (10 markets) experiencing increases in excess of 100 per cent since 2000.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Market stays the course!

The London St. Thomas Association of Realtors reported that Overall home sales in October 2011 were up 3% over the previous year. “The condo market was a little soft this month,” says Jack Lane, President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. “However, the more significant statistic to look at is the Year to Date figure, which shows condos down less than one percent from last year. In fact, total sales Year to Date are down a very marginal 0.6% from last year, so the bottom line is this: real estate in our jurisdiction is absolutely staying the course . . . and that’s good news when you consider the fact that our Year to Date sales at the end of January 2011 were down 9.3%.”

Listings were up 1.3% in October, at month-end the Association’s inventory of listings stood at 3,678, up 7.7% over last year at this time, and, the average price for a home (including condo sales) in the Association’s jurisdiction stands at $232,714, up 1% from the previous month and 4% up from January 2011. “What these stats tell us is that the market is both a balanced one – good for Buyers and Sellers,” Lane explains, “and one that offers buyers a great deal of choice, both in terms of price and style of home. Given interest rates that continue historically low and our area’s great affordability compared to other centres, it’s a good time for renters to consider a move into homeownership.”

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Doug and Mark at the REMAX Fall Connect

We made it to Mississauga in late Sept. to the RE/MAX Fall Connect. We took real estate courses the first day and Mark was able to see the speakers the second day. Great event and a good turnout for RE/MAX. Got our pictures taken with the RE/MAX dragster out of Stratford, and they just posted them on the website.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Canadian home sales pick up in September

According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity picked up in September 2011.
Sales activity rose 2.7 per cent in September from the previous month.
Holding in line with the ten-year average, activity during the first nine months of this year pulled ahead of sales over the same period last year.
· The number of newly listed homes held steady when compared to the previous month.
· The national housing market tightened in September from the month before, but remains firmly entrenched in balanced territory.
· The national average price posted the smallest year-over-year increase since January.
National sales activity rose 2.7 per cent in September when compared to August, and follows three months of stable activity. September’s increase reflects strengthened activity in a number of major markets, led by Toronto. The monthly increase pushed national sales to its highest level since recently tightened mortgage regulations dampened sales earlier this year.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fall is here in Colour!


Thanksgiving was with the Pedlar family in Fordwich, near Listowel where the maples have turned a bright yellow already. So you don't need to go north to see the colours any nicer than right here at home!.....

The Harvest is here in Huron County


With Thanksgiving upon us it was nice to see the farmers getting their soybeans off with this great weather on the weekend here in Grand Bend.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Market continues to rebound!

The London Free Press reported that after a slow start, the London-St. Thomas real estate market continues to rebound this year. Year-to-date sales have almost caught up to 2010. The London-St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) said 702 homes sold in September, up 19.2% over the same month last year. The sales include 589 detached homes and 113 condos. So far this year, 6,512 homes have sold, slightly below the 6,567 sold in the same period last year. Real estate sales in London-St. Thomas were down as much as 15% in the spring compared to 2010, but the market started to turn around in June. "We had a bit of a slow start in 2011, but we're definitely on the right track now . . . and we expect this positive trend to continue." said LSTAR president Jack Lane. The number of active listings was also up 9% in September. "We're absolutely in a balanced market these days," said Lane, "which means a level playing field for both buyers and sellers."

Friday, September 23, 2011

Another nephew gets married!


My nephew Adam Samela married his sweetheart Kim at the Pineknott Golf Course in Dorchester. All the Pedlar boys made it to the event and it was a great party!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Higher prices for farmland, says RE/MAX Report

Rising agricultural commodity values and tight inventory levels have seriously contributed to a significant upswing in the price of Ontario farmland in 2011, according to a report released by RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.
The The RE/MAX Market Trends Report – Farm Edition 2011 found that shortages exist in the vast majority of centres studied, with pent-up demand fuelling unprecedented momentum virtually across the province. Upward pressure on acreage values has been consistent as a result. Of the 12 major agricultural communities examined, 11 (92 per cent) reported tight inventory levels, while nine (75 per cent) noted an increase in price per acre. Despite the current volatility in commodity prices, the long-term prospects for the agricultural industry continue to be bolstered by global realities, including population growth, an international grain shortage and decreased availability of quality farmland from a worldwide perspective. The average farmland price per acre in our immediate area is in the $8,000 - $10,000 per acre range.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The London area market heats up in August

The London Free Press reported that home sales in the London and St Thomas area heated up in August, jumping 21.7% compared with the same month last year. The London-St Thomas Association of Realtors said 763 homes sold last month: 620 detached homes and 143 condos. Association president Jack Lane said August sales were above the long-term average of 753 sales for the month. More sellers entered the market; the number of active listings was up 9.8% by month’s end. The market is balanced between buyers and sellers despite the jump in listings, Lane said. “Homes may stay on the market a little longer than they have previously, but the good news is that things are definitely moving.” After a slow winter and spring, the local real estate market has been on the rebound since June. Year-to-date sales are still 2.9 % below January to August last year, but Lane said there’s time to make up the gap. The average sale price for a detached home in August was $237,285, up 1.2% from July.
Most of the Realtors in the Grand Bend area are members of the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Tornado in Goderich leaves the town a mess




These are some of the pictures from the after mass of the Tornado.

Flint Car Show and the Woodward Cruise in Detroit





Finally made it to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit last Sat. on the 20th. But before we got to Detroit we had to stop into Flint to go to their "Back to the Bricks" car show, which was even better than the Dream Cruise.

St. Jacobs Market Day with Jeannette



Jeannette and I spent last Tuesday in the St. Jacobs area for our anniversary. What a great place to wonder around and you don't have to drive to Shipshiwana Indiana to see the flea market, garden market and the antiques.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Spent the day in Bayfield with Jeannette for our 29th Anniversary!



We had a great day in Bayfield shopping and checking out all the shops along the Main Street. The town is certainly changing over the years with new and renovated buildings all along the Main St.

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Long Weekend has been Hot at the beach


What a great weekend we are having and the beaches have been packed to say the least. Holiday time at the cottage in Port Franks and we are enjoying fun at the beach as well!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Legacy Centre Grand Opening in Thedford

Jeannette and I attended the Grand Opening of the Legacy Centre last Sat. July 23rd and what a great place this is going to be for Lambton Shores and the Thedford area. The ice surface of the original arena is still there, but that is all! With new dressing rooms, viewing area and glass around the rink, it looks like a new place. Plus there is the Library, Children's Daycare Centre and the new hall, which should become the meeting place, for the area. There was a great turnout for the opening and even though the power went out because of the tornado, the new generator kept everything happening. Hope you are able to enjoy the Centre yourself this coming year. (Lynda Hillman-Rapley from the Advance supplied the photo)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Golfing in the Heat at Camlachie

Our Real Estate Board from London (LSTAR), was invited to the Sarnia Real Estate Boards golf tournament last Thursday on the hottest day of the year, July 21st and it was like "HOT". Gerry Weir and Greg Harris from LSTAR helped us get through the day and we drank a lot of water!

The Wheat is being Harvested here in Southwestern Ontario


Summer is really here when the winter wheat is harvested. This is just north of Grand Bend along Highway 21 and as you can see the crop is off and from what I have heard, this could be a bumper crop.

Not So Pro Beach Vollyball in Grand Bend



Another great weekend here in Grand Bend with the Vollyball on the Beach. There were lots of teams and fun on the beach as you can see. The "RE/MAX" team didn't do so well as Mark and Garrett and their freinds got a good suntan but didn't win too many games. Nice to see lots of things to keep everyone busy this summer, and the weather was perfect.

Friday, July 15, 2011

There are Deer in Grand Bend

Just listed this property in Grand Bend and as we were taking photos this deer was watching us, wondering what we were doing!

Consumer Credit Slowing in Canada says CIBC

CBC News ...Canada's household credit is on pace to grow at its slowest rate in a decade, according to a new report released Thursday. CIBC Economics estimates that Canadians will add approximately four per cent to their outstanding debt - all from new mortgages - in 2011. If correct, that would be smallest rise in personal borrowings since 2002, according to CIBC economist Benjamin Tal and the author of the report.
"In fact, inflation-adjusted non-mortgage consumer credit is now rising at the slowest pace since the early 1990s," Tal wrote. That trend would be welcome news for the Bank of Canada. In the recent past, Bank Governor Mark Carney has publicly warned Canadians about the threat from building up too much individual debt, especially if interest rates rise late in 2011 to reduce inflation. Tal calculated that the slowdown in national consumer credit has been driven by Canadians opening fewer lines of credit, up only six per cent. That is the smallest increase on record. As well, growth in outstanding credit cards has been minimal, Tal reported, up less than one per cent in the year. Here, new limits imposed on borrowers by the card companies have crimped any debt increase in this area. The one growth area - home mortgages - is where accumulated debt is rising at a 1.8 per cent clip, or twice as fast as individual income growth, which stood at 0.9 per cent during the same period. But, rising mortgage debt was mitigated by the concurrent rise in the value of assets held by Canadians, according to the CIBC. That means the worth of an individual's house and that person's stock and bond portfolio is increasing at approximately the same pace as his or her mortgage debt is growing. "While debt is still rising faster than income, it is not rising faster than assets. The net worth position of Canadians has improved in the first quarter in absolute terms and relative to income," Tal said

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

REAL ESTATE SALES REBOUND IN JUNE

Nine hundred and thirteen homes exchanged hands in June: 741 detached homes, up 12.3%, and 172 condos, up 10.3%. "It's the best month this year and right in line with pre-Recession levels," says Jack Lane, the President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. "The market is definitely heading in the right direction." Residential listings taken last month numbered 1,746, up by 11.2%. "The uptick in listings is just further proof, that we are in a balanced market, one that’s good for buyers and sellers alike," says Lane. London was not the only City to have a good June. St. Thomas’s sales were up by 15.9% and its average house price Year to Date came in at $187,019, up 2.8%. This month, as in previous months and years, homes in LSTAR’s jurisdiction maintain their affordability compared to other major Ontario and Canadian centers.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Housing Market is Hot, Hot, Hot

The London Free Press reported that after a chilly spring, the London area real estate market started to heat up in June with a 12% jump in sales compared with the same month last year. The London St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) said Tuesday 913 homes sold last month. The breakdown was 741 single-family homes and 172 condos. June was the first month this year when sales topped 2010 levels. “It’s the best month this year and right in line with pre-recession levels. The market is definitely heading in the right direction,” LSTAR president Jack Lane said. Lane said he expects the improvement to continue in the second half of the year. “I think the rest of the year will be consistent — a nice steady marketplace.”

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Freddie Mac: Better Days Ahead in Housing in the US.

Freddie Mac’s chief economist is optimistic that the housing market and economy in the States will improve in the second half of 2011, reports NAR's Realtor Magazine. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said mortgage rates will likely remain historical lows of between 4.5 percent and 5 percent for the remainder of the year. Also, he expects more buyers to stop waiting on the sidelines as recent price drops in home prices have improved affordability. Nothaft said consumers’ uncertainty about the economy has caused them to delay home purchases and other “big-ticket items.” "Some potential buyers who have the means to buy are awaiting clearer signs that home values have firmed," Nothaft says. But Nothaft says they should be getting their signs in the second half of the year, with projected job gains, and a growing, improved economy. "Even though near-term concerns over income and sales growth are restraining consumer spending, business hiring, and new building, a number of positive signs in the economy indicate that growth will continue and is likely to accelerate in the second half of this year," Nothaft said. "Look for a gradual improvement in housing activity in the coming year.”

Monday, June 27, 2011

Tom Ferry sales power training today

Getting more training on social websites here in Mississauga. Great info and looking forward to keeping in touch.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

REMAX Recreational Report 2011

Mississauga, ON (June 13, 2011) - Canada's recreational property market is gaining serious traction as savvy purchasers take advantage of ideal conditions, setting the stage for what is expected to be the best market in recent years, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The 2011 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report , examining sales and trends in 46 markets across the country, found that substantial equity gains and recovering stock portfolios in major centres have contributed to an upswing in demand from coast to coast. Demand rose in 78 per cent of markets, while sales were up or on par in 41 per cent of recreational centres. Inclement weather, including a late thaw and an abundance of precipitation, resulted in a slow start in many areas, but should be offset by stronger peak season activity. While starting prices have remained relatively stable across the board, there are deals to be had in virtually every region - especially at the top end. Luxury sales, as a result, have climbed in at least half the markets examined. Inventory levels are healthy throughout the country, although there has been some tightening reported at entry-level price points in about one-third of markets. Some of the best selection of product in recent years is now available.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

New RE/MAX Curbside Marketing is now working

RE/MAX has just brought out "Curbside Marketing", which allows buyers to view properties instantly right on their phone. Price, description and the actual listing will come up on your phone, complete with pictures. Just TEXT the unique number on the sign, (try 25120) to 58888 for instant property information and if you have a smart phone you can get a link to photos and virtual tours, on my mobile website. Try it and if your in the area watch for the RE/MAX curbside marketing signs.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Demand for luxury homes intensifies amid rising Canadian and global wealth

Improved financial standing among high net worth individuals is the major factor driving strong sales activity at the top end of Canadian housing markets, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada and RE/MAX of Western Canada examined 12 major centres from coast-to-coast and found that luxury sales have surged in close to two-thirds of housing markets between January 1 and April 30 of this year, compared to the same period in 2010. Leading in terms of percentage increases over the four-month period were Greater Vancouver (118 per cent) - where foreign investment has also played a major role - Ottawa (59 per cent), Calgary (51 per cent), Halifax-Dartmouth (27 per cent), Winnipeg (24 per cent), Hamilton-Burlington (13 per cent) and Greater Toronto (nine per cent). Six of the seven major cities - with the exception of Calgary - are poised to set new records in top-end activity by year-end. Several are just short of peak levels reported in 2010, such as Victoria, Regina, and London-St. Thomas.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

National Sales Soften

Statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), reveal that national resale housing activity softened in April when compared to March 2011. Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity was down 4.4 per cent in April 2011 compared to the previous month. As expected, declines were largest in some of Canada’s more expensive and active markets, including Toronto, Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Moving into Townsend Meadows

Loreen Collins receives the keys to her unit in Townsend Meadows from Jeannine Campbell. Loreen is moving from her lakefront home in Lake Valley Grove to her new unit in Block One and is excited about moving into the community.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Recreational Property Report from RE/MAX is on it's way!

Just finished talking to Eva Blay, from Point Blank Communications today regarding the first 4 months of activity here in the Grand Bend area. The full RE/MAX Recreational Report will be out in June but with over 50 areas reporting, Eva has to start now to collect the information. Our first 4 months has been slower with the snowy weather we have been having here in Southwestern Ontario, but as soon as the sun is out and the election is over I would expect our numbers will be comparable to last years for listings and sales. Sales so far are somewhat slower by 15% but the listings are up 30%, so there is a good supply of inventory now available. The starting price for a typical 3 bedroom winterized property is now $475,000, up from $425,000 last year with the highest sale of a lakefront in the past 6 months, over $1.5 million. We are expecting the market to get considerably better in the next 6 weeks as long as the rain stops and the farmers are happy campers!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Weather Dampens Real Estates Sales for April

The London Free Press reported that the cool, gloomy spring weather helped dampen the real estate market in the London area last month. The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) said 750 homes sold in April including 619 detached homes and 131 condos, 23.6% below the sales in the same month last year. LSTAR president Jack Lane noted that April 2010 set a sales record for the month and this years April sales were close to the long-term average. 'When you factor in the persistently poor weather that has plagued our region over the last few months, I think 2011 sales point to a healthy, vibrant market. I predict by year's end, our numbers will be down only marginally from those of 2010,' said Lane. The average price for all homes sold in the area jumped 5.5% last month to $242,111.

Detached-Home Starts leveling off in London

LONDON, May 9, 2011 New home starts were lower in the London Census Metropolitan Area1 (CMA) in April according to preliminary figures released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Builders laid foundations for 133 homes compared to 224 in April 2010.  “While total new home construction in the London CMA moved lower, detached home starts leveled off,” said David Lan CMHC’s Senior Market Analyst for the London CMA. “On a year-over year basis, detached home starts were down by nine per cent in April compared to the 46 per cent in March 2011. Contrary to the trend elsewhere, starts were up in St.Thomas” added Lan.

Monday, April 18, 2011

First Time Buyers getting ahead of the Higher Interest Rates

Driven by the threat of higher interest rates down the road, first-time buyers are contributing to strong upward momentum in residential housing markets across the country, according to a report released by RE/MAX. The RE/MAX First-Time Buyers Report , highlighting trends and developments in nineteen major Canadian centres, found that low interest rates and balanced market conditions have provided significant impetus in 2011, particularly at lower price points. Just over 30 per cent of markets are reporting sales in excess of 2010 levels as a result, while almost 70 per cent have experienced an upswing in average price. Leading the country in terms of percentage increases in the number of homes sold are Western Canadian markets, including Saskatoon (up close to 15 per cent), Greater Vancouver (up close to 12 per cent), and Winnipeg (up just over 11 per cent). With an average price hike of close to 20 per cent year-to-date (February), Greater Vancouver continues to show unprecedented strength, followed by Hamilton-Burlington (eight per cent), Quebec City (seven per cent), Winnipeg (close to seven per cent), Greater Toronto (five per cent), and Greater Montreal (five per cent).

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

March Sales are Warming up!

The London Free Press just released this article about the London Market, saying the area real estate market showed some signs of improvement last month after a chilly winter. The London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) said 647 detached homes and 162 condos sold last month for a total of 809. That's still down 5.8% from the same month last year but is an improvement over the last three months when sales were down 9-13% LSTAR president Jack Lane called the March numbers "solid." "Considering how much miserable weather we had in March, I think these numbers speak to the strength of our market and I expect this positive trend to continue throughout the year," he said. Lane noted the number of sales was just below the ten-year average sales for March of 813 homes.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Down in the Big Smoke of Hogtown for OREA

The OREA Assembly was at the Harborcastle Hotel in Toronto and it was very exciting with the election of the new board of Directors for Ontario. All the Real Estate Boards in Ontario were represented with their voting delegates, plus other real estate agents that came to observe the proceedings, hear the delegates and be educated as well. This was a great opportunity to see how our provincial association was run and to meet the agents that volunteer their time to do this. This was the view out the window of my room, but you can't tell how cold it was.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Busy Month of March for me!

With spring just around the corner, it is getting busier and the Real Estate Board is keeping me busy as well. OREA meetings are in Toronto this week, where we get to vote for our southwestern Ontario Representative, on the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Board of Directors. Joe Hough, from my real estate board, the London and St.Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR), is running so I wish him luck with the election. I get to vote at this meeting as I am the Vice President of LSTAR, so that should be interesting meeting all the candidates from across Ontario that will be at the meeting.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

London St. Thomas Board of Directors for 2010

This is a photo of the 2010 Board of Directors for LSTAR. Great group of professionals that I got to work with this past year at the real estate board in London. I will miss some of them, but then again there is a new Board of Directors for 2011 and I get to meet more wonderful real estate agents that care about real estate and their profession

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Made it up skiing...

If only Grand Bend had a ski hill, we would be in heaven here! But at this point in time there are not any volcanoes or major fault shifts that would create a mountain, so we have to go to Collingwood. Here I am with Mark and Garrett trying to keep warm on a cold day....note the smiles on our faces though.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Home Sales still steady in January

The London St. Thomas Association of Realtors reported that in the first month of 2011, 428 homes exchanged hands, down 9.3% from the previous year.
“The ten year average for January sales stands at 458,” explains LSTAR President Jack Lane.
“So, while this month’s figures are nothing to get excited about, they are also nothing to be
concerned about. Slow and steady wins the race.”  This month, as in previous months and years, homes in LSTAR’s jurisdiction maintain their affordability compared to other major Ontario and Canadian centers.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Winter is quiet time along the Ausable River


With all the activity going on around town this past weekend it was quiet down by the river with the snow piling up and not a lot of boat traffic!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Winter Carnival here in Grand Bend





The weather was perfect for the Winter Carnival here in Grand Bend. These pictures show some of the snow carvings along the Main Street. Everyone had alot of fun in the snow.

Mud Creek Cottage only steps to the Beach



Just listed this great lake view cottage in Port Franks on Mud Creek Road. Only a short walk to the sandy beaches of Lake Huron this 3 bedroom year round retreat features a 100' x 160' private treed lot, central gas heating with air conditioning, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace and 4 appliances. This is the view off the front deck with Mud Creek out the front door.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Home Sales Down according to CREA

The Canadian Real Estate Association just reported that home sales across Canada dropped 3.9% in 2010, less than the forecast, on stronger than expected activity in the forth quarter. Some 447,010 homes traded hands over the mls system in 2010. The annual average price for a home in Canada rose 5.8% to $339,030. CREA predicts the market to be stable in 2011, with prices starting to plateau in some of Canada's most active market areas.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Home sales stay the course in 2010

By Year End, 2010 had managed to outstrip 2009 by a modest 0.7% in terms of sales. A total of 8,128 homes exchanged hands in 2010 – 6,587 detached homes (up 0.4%) and 1,541 condos (up 2.1%), putting sales for last year on par with those of 2002 and 2003. “Both of those years were banner years for real estate,” says Richard Thyssen, 2010 President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. “Our Census Metropolitan Area took a hit with the Great Recession, but we bounced back. Holding our own over the past year is evidence that the sort of market stabilization that both the Canadian Real Estate Association and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation forecast in the autumn of 2010 is, indeed, taking place. “
A total of 381 homes exchanged hands last December – 301 detached homes and 80 condos, down 14.7% and 5.9% respectively from December 2009. However, to put these figures into perspective, December 2009 had the distinction of being the best December on record with 438 sales. “We were just coming out of the downturn,” explains Thyssen. “There was a lot of pent up demand that got met in December 2009, which accounts for the unusually high volume of sales.” The average number of sales during December over the past decade stands at 379. The average price for a home in the Association’s jurisdiction in 2010 rose 6.3% for detached homes to stand at $240,147, 7.9% for condos to stand at $171,098 , and 6.4% for total residential to stand at $227.056. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar