As of September 15, 2009 there were 11 active listings under Power of Sale in K-W. This represents a significant decline over the 19 in mid-August. Of note, all 11 were in Kitchener. As expected, the active market resulted in the sale of 16 Power of Sale properties in August versus 9 in July. The low level of homes for sale will continue to mean Power ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on September 18, 2009
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 versus ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on September 16, 2009
The Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board has released August 2009 sales data. In K-W, there were 482 sales matching a record set in 2007. The average price declined from August 2008 by slightly more than $10 000 and the median price dipped to $237,200 versus $242,000 in August 2008. Condominium sales were up 67% over August 2008 as record interest rates improved affordability. ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on September 3, 2009
With the real estate market having improved considerably since May, I thought it time to revisit the topic of million dollar home sales reported through MLS in Kitchener-Waterloo. Year-to-date, there have been 2 sales including the one pictured above. It has over 8000 sq ft of living space and sits on 1.5 acres in scenic Hidden Valley. There are currently 18 active listings ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on August 31, 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
Fortune Magazine has named Waterloo's Research in Motion(RIM) as the fastest-growing company in the world. RIM makes the popular Blackberry mobile communication devices. Companies outside of the U.S. were included in the magazine's annual list for the first time. Their criteria include profit, turnover and return on investment. Of note, Saskatchewan's Potash ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on August 18, 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
For those of you under 30, at one time wallpaper didn't decorate your computer screen but rather your walls. Trends in home decor tend to be cyclical and the resurgence of shag carpeting is just one example. Oprah Winfrey recently pronounced that wallpaper in home decor is back. Wall coverings are hip and trendy and no longer reserved just for walls as ceilings are ...
Posted by Jeff Gingerich
on July 20, 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