Real estate sales have defied expert predictions as evidenced by Vancouver sales rocketing ahead 117% year-over-year http://tinyurl.com/lmpz9g However, markets are local in nature so let's look at the Kitchener-Waterloo market year-to-date and where the market is heading in the months to come.
Year-to-date MLS sales to the end of August '09 totalled 3422 ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on September 16, 2009
I get asked this question often by buyers and sellers of new or newer homes. Why should I spend $400 for a home inspection? Isn't it covered by the Ontario Tarion warranty program? My answer is always the same...spend the money. It will give you peace of mind and may save you grief at resale time. I recommend taking a home inspector along for your pre-delivery ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on August 26, 2009
Beginning today, I'll report mid-month on the MLS power of sale activity in Kitchener-Waterloo. We can use this information as one indicator of the health of the local market. As of August 15, 2009, there are 19 active MLS listings under power of sale in the Twin Cities. Of note, 18 are in Kitchener and 1 in Waterloo. July saw 488 residential ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on August 16, 2009
I get irritated when I see Realtors make misrepresentations in advertising. Unfortunately, they appear all too often and the reason is a lack of accountability. Gone are the days when the broker manager had to approve your ad copy before it saw the light of day. Today, I read about a great new listing that included among the features "backs on greenbelt". For many, this ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on August 10, 2009
Many lenders have cancelled their pre-approval program. Others are charging a rate premium. Why? It's estimated that less than 1/3 of pre-approvals are funded. Those that aren't cost millions of dollars in wasted time and effort. So what to do? At Centum Discount Mortgage Canada, we can pre-qualify you and do a credit check. You'll know what you ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on July 4, 2009
Residential real estate in June 2009 provided a bit of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy economy. Kitchener-Waterloo shows approx. 569 sales through the Multiple Listing Service which surpassed June 2008's total of 564. Of note, 75% of sales were under $300 000 and new construction accounted for only 6% of the totals. The average days on the market ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on July 3, 2009
In my last post, we looked at the consequences of higher interest rates upon the renewal of your mortgage. Here are 10 tips designed to protect you from becoming overextended financially in this event.
1. Don't buy too much home. Avoid the temptation to overspend based on what you qualify for. Downsize your expectations and upgrade when you have more equity. Remember ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on July 3, 2009
As Realtors, we are certainly thankful for the resurgent real estate market Canada-wide. Low interest rates have been instrumental in increasing affordability to entice first-time buyers into the market. Real estate is local so let's look at a typical scenario in Kitchener-Waterloo. A couple buy a detached home for $250 000 with 5% down and get a 4% mortgage with a 5 year ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on June 25, 2009
The Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board reports 527 residential sales in K-W for May 2009 representing a 9% increase over May 2008 sales. The average price declined year-over-year by 1.4% to $261,628. Right about now you're probably thinking "What about the Recession?" This increase in sales is being driven by low interest rates resulting in increased affordability. ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on June 9, 2009
Caveat emptor comes from Latin and embodies the principle of "let the buyer beware". When I think back to the tough times in real estate in the early '90's, I remember a number of new clients forced to sell who had bought a private sale during the good times in 1989-90. An analysis of their situation often revealed a number of issues. In many cases, they had overpaid ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on June 5, 2009