Re/Max 2011 Housing Outlook Press release

Residential values expected to climb further in 2011 as housing sales stabilize in most major centres, says RE/MAX

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Special Monthly e-Report: Spread Good Cheer Without Overspending

Myth #2

The agent on the For Sale sign will look out for my interests.

You would think that all the changes in agency disclosure laws over the years would have altered the way consumers approach buying a home.  But in my experience, most buyers, and especially first-time buyers, still don't understand the concept of representation and mistakenly believe that a listing agent will watch out for their interests.  Unfortunately, buyers are still more likely to shop for homes rather than shop for an agent who will assist them in finding a home.

I've tried to help dispel this myth.

In order purchase a home, you should determine your needs as a buyer, and subsequently find an agent that matches your needs.

Are you looking for an agent with superior negotiating skills? An agent that has the experience in the marketplace?  An agent that comes highly recommended from friends and family? Whatever it is, you need to pinpoint and refine your needs and make that a clear directive for yourself while on the hunt for a great agent. 

In any event, I recommend you ask agents for a list of references and and letters of recommendation that they have recently received.  If they cannot produce any, I suggest you continue your search for an agent that displays the qualities that are important to you.  

Special Monthly E-Report: Watch for Wear and Tear around your Home!

Here is my latest monthly E-Report, some things that you should be aware of for your real estate investment!







you can also download the .pdf here:
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Re/Max Condominium Report

Condominiums first step to homeownership 

in most major centres, says RE/MAX

Given serious escalation in detached housing values, condominium apartments and towns have now emerged as the first step to homeownership, says RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. 

Affordability has fuelled buying activity across the board, according to the 2010 RE/MAX Condominium Report, highlighting trends and developments in eight Ontario markets and one in Nova Scotia. Condominiums now represent one in every three homes sold in the Greater Toronto Area; close to one in every four homes sold in Ottawa and Hamilton-Burlington; and almost one in every five homes sold in London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Collingwood.  The trend has translated into a solid upswing in unit sales activity, with 78 per cent of markets posting an increase in year-to-date sales (January – September 2010 vs. 2009)—with percentage gains outperforming overall residential sales in most markets examined.  

As one of few affordable housing options available to first-time buyers, the concept is poised for dramatic growth in years to come.  The lifestyle has also gained a foothold with younger, hipper audiences, as the definition of homeownership evolves with the changing demographic.  Dreams of the small home with a white picket fence are being replaced by the funky loft apartment in close proximity to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. 

Other factors that support an escalation in condominium sales include an expanding population base, especially in areas like Barrie which saw a 21 per cent increase in the 2006 census.  Immigration and in-migration will also play a role, with at least half of new immigrants settling in Ontario—and more specifically, the Golden Horseshoe.  Urban renewal and intensification also add to the mix, drawing younger purchasers to the downtown core of major urban centres. 

While the greatest activity continues to occur in the lower price points—under $200,000 in areas like Ottawa, Barrie, and London and under $300,000 in Toronto and Collingwood—luxury product is also attracting more affluent empty-nesters and retirees to the maintenance-free lifestyle.  Condominium sales in the GTA over the $1,000,000 price point have seen a 49 per cent increase year-over-year, while condos priced in excess of $450,000 in Ottawa have seen sales jump 72 per cent compared to the same period in 2009.  

Investors are also an active part of the equation, spurring demand for entry-level resale product in college and university towns like London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Barrie—in the hopes of cashing in on student housing.  New construction in major centres has also experienced an increase in investment activity—with the vast majority of units in Toronto's downtown core purchased by Asian and Middle Eastern investors as a long-term hold. 

Unlike 1989, when a flood of new condominium listings wreaked havoc on the market, these purchasers are in for the long haul.  Leverage is not a factor, with most paying cash for their units.  If they can't sell their apartments, they're more than prepared to rent them out. 

New Series: 10 Common Myths To Choosing A Buyers Agent

Myth #1:

All real estate agents are the same.

Many buyers think that anyone who holds a real estate license is equally capable of assisting them in buying a home.  But I would ask them, "Does everyone with a driver's license operate a vehicle the same way?"  Of course not.  Both drivers and real estate agents are licensed by their province.  But just as drivers approach the road differently, so can real estate licensees vary considerably in how they approach their job.

In a similar vein, real estate designations indicate that an agent has completed advanced training, which is usually a sign of higher competence.  After all, would you rather hire an accountant or a certified accountant?  Still, designations don't necessarily guarantee a higher level of service.

To be truly successful in this business, we all need to remain committed to personal growth and skill development.  That effort includes designations, but it also involves something more – an eagerness to constantly find ways to raise the bar.  So if buyers want to avoid the risks involved in believing that we're all the same, they should ask around, interview a couple real estate agents, ask them how they run their business, what percentage of their business is repeat/referral?  Get a referral from a trusted friend or family member. 

Remember: the agent that advertises the most is not necessarily the best agent!

Thanks,

Adam Marshall, Broker

Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc.

Direct Line: (519) 757-9544

... never too busy for your referrals!

Voted Brantford's Favourite Male Real Estate Agent

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Brantford Real Estate August Market Update

Home sales recorded through the MLS System of the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association were up from the same month last year in August 2010. Meanwhile, new supply continues to trend lower. This is reducing the number of homes available on the market, which in turn is keeping the market in balance.

According to statistics provided by the Association, residential sales totalled 169 units in August 2010. This is up 15 per cent from levels in August 2009. Some 1,486 homes have traded hands on a year-to-date basis in 2010, also 15 per cent above levels reported in the first eight months last year.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales activity was up five per cent month-over-month in August. It was the first increase in five months. Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations.

Supply continues to trend lower in response to the recent softening in demand. New residential listings on the Association's MLS System declined 14 per cent from year-ago levels to 238 units in August. There were 760 active residential listings on the Association's MLS System at the end of August, down seven per cent from the same month in 2009.

The average price of homes sold in August was $232,400, up nine per cent from August 2009.

The dollar value of all home sales in August 2010 totalled $39.3 million, rising 26 per cent from the same month in 2009.

Total sales activity in Brantford numbered 179 units in August 2010, up 21 per cent on a year-over-year basis. The total value of all sales activity amounted to $43.2 million, 38 per cent above levels reported in August 2009.

There were 4.5 months of inventory at the end of August 2010, down from 5.6 months a year earlier. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.