813 Home Street Winnipeg, Manitoba LISTING

Beautiful & classic two storey in historic Winnipeg's West End beckons to a new owner. Beautifully kept & intact, the wood trim, 10 inch baseboards and classic design is sure to win over any family. Tons of space in this SIX bedroom, 2 full bath home. Front sunporch leads into a main floor foyer, boasting a beautifully crafted wooden staircase and tiled floors. Leading through the home there is a living room, formal dining room and kitchen with a bedroom or office off the kitchen. Upstairs features a full bath with claw footed tub & 4 bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is a dbl bedroom which makes an ideal master bedroom...a sleeping & den area...away from the kids! The basement is high, features the 2nd full bath, storage, rec room & the final bedroom with a large window. An ideal home for large families, also full of potential for investors. Low taxes!
813 Home Street Winnipeg, Manitoba

JANUARY MLS® SALES AMONG BEST FOR THIS MONTH

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MLS® Sales Even With 2011, Dollar Volume Up 7%

WINNIPEG – With the exception of 1997 when January sales were at 660, January 2012 sales activity ranks among the best results for all other Januarys as none have even threatened the 600 sales level. Dollar volume is another story altogether as despite sales being in a virtual deadlock with last January, there was still nearly an additional $8 million worth of sales activity. As a result, we see a replay of previous years where even if sales are not up to the previous year level, the dollar volume sets a new monthly record.

Interestingly enough, some of the real star performers of last year relate to property type, dropped off in the first month this year in comparison to activity the same month a year ago. Sales of single-attached were off 25% while condominiums dropped 16%. And vacant lots and mobile homes both decreased 8%. The saving grace was the 4% increase in single family homes which accounts for the lion’s share of all MLS® sales. For example in 2011 this dominant property type comprised 74% of all MLS® sales.

Rural sales in particular stood out in January as represented 29% of all single family home sales.

January MLS® sales were down just 2 properties (564/566) while dollar volume was up 7% ($133.3 million/$124.5 million) in comparison to the same month last year. New listings entered on the MLS® in January of 1,045 were off 8% from January 2011.

“We do not read a lot into one of our slowest months of the year,” said Shirley Przybyl, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “It is fair to say however that is does track well in line with our 2012 MLS® forecast where we predict MLS® sales holding the line with last year’s 13,000 plus  performance and that dollar volume will still move up higher due to tight market conditions remaining firmly entrenched in 2012.” She added, “The extremely low interest rate environment will continue to be a real incentive for first–time buyers to get into the housing market.”

The most active residential-detached price ranges were almost evenly divided amongst three between $150,000 to $299,999. Together these sales represented 51% of total sales. Close behind the three price ranges was $100,000 to $149,999 with 15% of total sales. Condominium sales were a different story with only one price range from $150,000 to $199,999 making up 43% of all sales.

The average days on market to sell a home in January was 42 days, 2 weeks slower than last month and the same pace as January 2011. The average days on market for condominium sales was 35 days, 2  weeks slower than last month and 3 days quicker than January 2011.

                                   

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,600 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®.   WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession.  REALTOR®, MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are trademarks owned and controlled by the Canadian Real Estate Association and are used under licence.

For further information, contact Peter Squire at 786-8854.

PRESS RELEASE

December 7, 2011

For Immediate Release

       

MOMENTUM PUSHES NOVEMBER MLS® MARKET ACTIVITY TO NEW HIGH

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November MLS® Dollar Volume Surpasses $200 Million for First Time

WINNIPEG - Mustache or not, WinnipegREALTORS®’ Movember stands for MLS® momentum. In the last few months, 2011 has been exceptional and now the year-to-date is challenging the best year ever… 2007. November set a new sales record for the month, edging out November 2007 by one sale. The dollar volume vaulted 30% higher than 2007 and is 11% better than 2010, which was the highest November on record until this year.

While it appears 2007, with a 200 sale lead over 2011, is a sure bet to hold its title as the all time best year with over 13,000 MLS® sales, it will easily be supplanted by 2011 for dollar volume. It is still possible, if momentum carries the day again in December, that 2011 could be only the second year in WinnipegREALTORS® illustrious 108-year history to crack the 13,000 sales level.

November MLS® unit sales increased 6% (881/829) while dollar volume rose 11% ($202.1 million/$182.2 million) in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date MLS® sales are up 7% (12,367/11,583) while dollar volume is ahead by 12% ($2.88 billion/$2.58 billion) in comparison to the same period last year. Just under 70% of all listings entered on the MLS® have sold this year.

The residential-detached property type led the way this month with an 8% increase in sales and 14% rise in dollar volume in relation to what happened last November. It  also made up 74% of all MLS® sales activity this month. Condos grabbed the second highest market share at 12% of total MLS® sales.

Speaking of condominiums, with a month to go, sales for the first time have gone over 1,500 and that represents a 12% increase over the same period last year. However, the most notable and marked positive change in sales from last year is vacant lots with 500 sales so far and a 25% increase over 2010.

“Contrary to what some people and prognosticators think given global economic uncertainty and warning signs for Canada’s economic outlook, our local MLS® market is firing on all cylinders as consumers are seeing housing as a haven of stability in contrast to other investments,” said Ralph Fyfe, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “Of course helping them make their decision easier is the continuation of very low and favourable mortgage rates. As a result, Winnipeg still has some of the most affordable house prices for any major city in Canada and certainly is by far the lowest among Canadian cities with an NHL team.”

“One reason condominiums have been so popular this year is not only for the alternative lifestyle they offer a buyer but also the attractive pricing compared to detached single family homes,” said Fyfe. “Over 50% of condominium sales in November sold in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range whereas with residential-detached homes, only 18% sold in this price range.

For residential-detached sales in November, the most active price range was from $200,000 to $249,999 with 24% of total sales. The ranges immediately above and below this range were evenly split and together, represented another 35% of total sales. As for condominiums, $150,000 to $199,999 with 53% of total sales was the most active range. A distant second range was from $100,000 to $149,999 at 18%.

The average days on market to sell a residential-detached home was 27 days, 2 days quicker than last month and 5 days faster than November 2010. The average days on market to sell a condominium was 32 days, 3 days slower than last month and 2 days faster than November 2010.

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,600 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®.   WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession.  REALTOR®, MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are trademarks owned and controlled by the Canadian Real Estate Association and are used under licence.

For further information, contact Peter Squire at 786-8854.

Kelowna, BC (December 6, 2011) RE/MAX Western Canada Press Release

 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 homeownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy, according to a report released today 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. 

 

By year-end, an estimated 460,000 homes are expected to change hands, up three per cent from the 447,010 units reported in 2010. Sales are expected to climb one per cent to 464,500 units in 2012. The value of a Canadian home is set to climb to $363,000 by year-end—an increase of seven per cent over the $339,030 posted one year ago. By year-end 2012, the average price in Canada is forecast to appreciate two per cent to $371,000.

 

“What 2011 proves is that real estate continues to have momentum,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “The economic underpinnings support ongoing demand, particularly as job creation efforts continue and unemployment rates edge down further. Nationally, we remain on an upward track, and the confidence consumers have demonstrated in housing over the past decade will prove well founded once again next year. The rising belief in homeownership is key, especially among Generation X and Y—some of whom are making their moves sooner. Boomers and retirees are changing, too. They’re healthier and more active, with longer life expectancy. Overall, we’re seeing an extension of the homeownership cycle, and it’s great news for housing going forward.”

 

Improvement in both provincial and local economies, especially during the second half of 2012, should serve to further stimulate homebuying activity. Calgary, Saskatoon, and Halifax-Dartmouth will likely lead the country in unit sales in 2012, each with a projected increase of five per cent.  Regina, Greater Toronto, Saint John, Moncton, and St. John’s anticipate a three per cent increase in home sales next year.

 

 “Canadian consumers are intent on making their moves now, in advance of higher housing values,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Housing markets are not impervious to the impact of economic concerns moving forward, but real estate has proven its resilience time and again—2011 was case in point, as residential real estate markets actually experienced an upswing in the volatile third and final quarters, instead of responding to economic concerns both here and abroad with a retreat in sales and prices.”

 

While tighter supply levels contributed to steady price appreciation in most major markets across Canada this year, an increase in inventory more in line with years previous should ease upward pressure on average price in the year ahead. The highest appreciation is expected in Regina, where values are forecast to increase eight per cent, followed by Greater Toronto, Halifax-Dartmouth, and St, John’s—each posting a five per cent gain. Overall, 81 per cent of the markets examined are forecast to set new records for average price next year. Noteworthy milestones include Greater Vancouver, which will break the $800,000 threshold, as well as Regina and Kitchener-Waterloo, which will reach the $300,000 mark.

 

“While prices will remain on the upswing, buyers will benefit from greater selection moving forward,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Quebec. “Stability or modest growth will characterize sales activity, while GDP moves forward at a more muted pace in 2012. Whether markets will meet or potentially exceed projections will hinge largely on consumer confidence.  An unexpected call for interest rate hikes could also serve to bolster sales.”

 

Other highlights include:

 

·         Population growth and immigration are major factors expected to prop-up housing demand and household formation in the coming years. Since 2000, Canada’s population has experienced double-digit growth of 11 per cent. By 2031, over 42 million people are expected to call Canada home.

·         Investment will also continue in Canada’s major centres, with income producing properties at the top of the most wanted list. Low vacancy rates and stock market volatility reinvigorated this segment of the market in 2011 and the very same factors are forecast to influence sales moving forward.

·         Condominiums are expected to gain an increasing share of the marketplace, particularly in Western Canada and Ontario. A focus on higher density urban growth is impacting purchasing patterns and introducing new, affordable options—critical to the attainability of homeownership as price continue to move upward.

·         Housing stock in major Canadian centres will improve as municipalities focus on redevelopment and revitalization. 

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Listing Drive By's

Hey home buyers!  I am sure this has happened to you, you book a house to go see with your agent. Its perfect, you know it is, it has that walk in closet and 4th bedroom for the out of town guests, and it is right down the street from the school. The pictures look awesome, huge kitchen overlooking the huge yard and lots of space to entertain and play.

 You arrive at the showing only to discover that the house is on a busy intersection, or next door to a cemetery, or something that would be a deal breaker for you and your family. This is an understandably disappointing situation and we agents don't like any client to feel like this.  I have had clients so crestfallen from finding that their dream home was next to a noisy machine shop they almost gave up house hunting on the spot. Since giving up means you won't be getting a house anytime soon, we definitely don't recommend that! (ps, they forged ahead and bought a house the very next day!)

 What I learned from that experience years ago was to recommend to my buyers to do a drive by if they can.  Drive by and check out the neighbourhood, distance from the stores, how busy the street is.  Drive down the back lane and check it out.  These dive by visits are totally valuable!  One of two things will happen: You will find a deal breaker and know you don't need to waste valuable family time looking at a house that just will not do...or... you will now be even more excited to see it.  Frankly that makes things just that much more fun for us agents!  Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that this will be required for me to even book a showing with you, you may not have the time or means to do this, totally understandable.  Its just one of those things that if you have the time and are in the area you can go do.

 So, remember, looking for a house means checking out its online merits, its outside merits and its neighbourhood merits all before checking out its inside merits.  You will feel better about booking any showing when all of those three things look great:)

Winnipeg Real Estate Market Exceeding Expectations

Winnipeg REALTORs Press Release November 2011:



WINNIPEG – In what has clearly become a surprisingly consistent and impressive string of solid month sales, and October is no exception with the second best sales on record for this month, 2011 has now supplanted 2008 for second place and with two months to go, is less than 2% off the strongest sales performance ever in 2007. Year-to date dollar volume is already the highest achieved in WinnipegREALTORS® 108-year history with $2.67 billion dollars worth of MLS® sales.



October 2011 helped get the fourth quarter off to a great start with everything up in  double-digit percentages. New listings rose 11%, sales were ahead by 13% and dollar volume reached 20%. Only 2007, the year that 2011 is nipping at its heels, had better sales in October.



October MLS® unit sales increased 13% (1,076/949) while dollar volume was up 20% ($256.9 million/ $214.2 million) in comparison to the same month last year. Year-to-date MLS® sales are up 7% (11,486/10,754) while dollar volume has increased 12% ($2.67 billion/$2.39 billion in comparison to the same period last year. Nearly 70 % of all MLS® listings entered on the market this year have sold thus far.



“This year has been all about exceeding expectations,” said Ralph Fyfe, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “One good example is how we were too conservative on projecting our home sales. We underestimated the emergence of heightened listings and sales activity in new developments such as Waverley West, east Transcona, and even in rural hot spots such as Steinbach.”



Another factor is the continuation of very attractive mortgage rates in combination with uncertainty around alternative investments such as the stock market. The last months in particular have been performing exceptionally well. October 2011outperformed the previous 10-year sales average by 10%.



Owing to improvement in the overall number of listings coming on the market in the last few months, inventory has improved and created a more balanced market. One indicator of this development in October is the total sales price to total listing price ratio falling under 100%. This means there is less price pressure on listings and in fact 56% of homes sold in October went for less than list price.



For residential-detached sales in October, the most active price range was from $200,000 to $249,999 with 23% of total sales. The immediate price ranges below and above this one were in a virtual deadlock with 17 and 18% respectively of total sales. October 2011 had one house sale for $1,750,000 in St. Germaine and another million dollar home sell in Fort Garry. Condominium sales activity was dominant in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range with 44% of total sales.



The average days on market to sell a residential-detached home was 29 days, 3 days slower than last month and only one day off the pace set in October 2010. The average days to sell a condominium in October was 26 days, 9 days quicker than last month and 5 days faster than October 2010.



As in any local market with the mix and diversity Winnipeg has within the entire capital region, whether you are buying or selling, you need to be talking to a REALTOR®. They are market experts able to provide a very accurate reflection of the current market based on the unique features and attributes of a particular property.



Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing over 1,600 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®.   WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession.  REALTOR®, MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are trademarks owned and controlled by the Canadian Real Estate Association and are used under licence.



For further information, contact Peter Squire at 786-8854.

How to start looking for a home.

Sounds simple right? You just... start looking. Right? Pick up a newspaper, start calling everyone in it. Or check out Realtor.ca, all the listings are on there, why bother with a realtor?

Well sure that is one way to do it, but since my high school teacher introduced me to the concept of "work smart, not hard" I can't get it out of my head! I will give you an example: I received a call last week from a young man asking about one of my listings, he had seen it on MLS and wanted to know more. I had to tell him that unfortunately it was sold. Then two days later they called me again, wanting to know more about the same house. I had to tell them again that it was still unfortunately sold. They wanted to know why it was showing as active on MLS then. Well, I find sometimes MLS is behind a little bit, whereas our system is in real time. I also did inquire both times to them that if they would like I could set them up on a home search for their area of choice, thus eliminating the work they are putting into all the calling and waiting. They declined stating that they could not afford a Realtor. When I tried to tell them that as a buyer they did not pay for an agent they said that they preferred calling around until they found a house that was still available that they liked.

While that is fine, and certainly an option... it baffles me why a serious buyer would not want to hire an agent that works just for them? We have access to real time listings, and all they have to do is sit back and let the homes come to them. Certainly shop around until you find an agent you are comfortable with and knows the area you want to live in. Also, since it is really free for you as a buyer, why wouldn't you want all that knowlege and experience for free? Believe me, you are missing out on a lot of places by thinking that they are all in the newspaper, online or having open houses. I understand that some people are "go getters" and love to be involved in the hunt:) however, why not have the best of both worlds? Often I recieve daily emails from clients with a list of addresses or MLS numbers they want me to check out... so a few clicks later and all the info they need is in their inbox to peruse at their convenience. No making 20 phone calls and recieving the call back when it is not convenient for you... no waiting to hear back from someone who may not have time to call you back at all. We make it about convenience for YOU.

Some objections that I have gotten to people who say they don't want a realtor are as follows:
- They can't afford it, and I have already mentioned that this is free for buyers
- They are not really serious about looking right now.. they just want to be casual and don't want any pressure. Hey, I can understand that! I have lots of people on my mailing list that are casual, I just email them homes, check in every few months. Then when they are ready to buy, they can call. I too hate pushy salespeople too.
- They are afraid of getting a 'bad' realtor. Well, I say get a referral from a friend, or during your own hunt feel out different agents to see if you can find one that you connect with and knows her stuff. Then when you feel ready to buy, you feel more confident and excited. Buying is stressful enough... why make it harder?

So the easiest way? Trust me, just hire a realtor.