Real Estate Information: Pickering, Ajax, Pickering Village, and Durham Region2014 March

Frank Steinhausen, Broker
FSteinhausen@REMAX.net
RE/MAX Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Phone 905-428-6533
Fax 905-668-1850

Archive for March, 2014

GREATER TORONTO REALTORS® REPORT LATEST MID-MONTH RESALE MARKET FIGURES

March 23rd, 2014 Categories: Real Estate News

Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher announced that
Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 3,459 transactions through the TorontoMLS system during
the first two weeks of March 2014. This result for the TREB market area as a whole was virtually
unchanged in comparison to 3,464 transactions completed during the same period in 2013.

“Despite the poor weather conditions experienced during the first half of March, an abundance of willing
buyers were actively searching for a home to purchase. However, many of these people continued to be
affected by the enduring shortage of single-detached, semi-detached and townhouse listings, which
means that in some cases they could not find a home on which to make an offer, or they were facing stiff
competition from other buyers,” said Ms. Usher.

For all home types combined in the GTA, the average selling price was $560,948 – up by almost six per
cent in comparison to the average price for the same time frame in 2013. The semi-detached market
segment in the City of Toronto led the way in terms of price growth during the first 14 days of March, with
a year-over-year increase of more than ten per cent.

“Semi-detached houses represent a more affordable ownership option for some households. Because of
this, some semi-detached listings have attracted many interested buyers. This competition has served to
exert strong upward pressure on the average selling price,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager
of Market Analysis.

“The average single-detached price was down slightly in the City of Toronto year over year because of a
smaller share of luxury deals this year compared to last. Tight market conditions will continue to drive
strong detached price growth in 2014,” added Mercer.

Posted by Steinhausen | Currently Comments Off on GREATER TORONTO REALTORS® REPORT LATEST MID-MONTH RESALE MARKET FIGURES

Is the housing market going to cool down, level out or gain steam?

March 18th, 2014 Categories: Real Estate News

No one can say for sure what’s around the corner. If you’re currently considering home ownership, here are a few points to consider:

Do Your Homework – It’s important to plan ahead so research local amenities and public transportation. Consider features like parks and schools if you’re planning to start a family.

Financial Accountability – Ensure you’re financially ready to buy a home. There are many other costs in addition to mortgage payments so know what you’re getting yourself into.

Go Pro – Have a real estate agent guide you through the process. Get a market analysis of the homes recently sold in the area you’re interested in as well as an idea of community trends.

Stick to Your Budget – Be sure to examine your individual needs and never overextend yourself financially. Make a list of the features that fit your family’s lifestyle before looking at homes and stick to it.

Think Straight – It’s normal for home buyers to experience a full range of emotions during the complex, real estate rollercoaster ride. House hunting should be fun so don’t take things personally or let your emotions rule every decision.

Inspect the Unexpected – Just because you’ve checked over the house thoroughly doesn’t mean all’s well behind the scenes. Making an offer conditional on a home inspection means there won’t be any nasty, expensive surprises.

An uncertain real estate market can make it difficult to know whether you should hold off purchasing a home in case prices fall or jump right in before prices skyrocket. The time to buy is when your budget matches your needs so always consider your personal circumstances carefully before making decisions.

Posted by Steinhausen | Currently Comments Off on Is the housing market going to cool down, level out or gain steam?

Foods that boost your energy

March 11th, 2014 Categories: Real Estate News

Many people order an espresso or reach for an energy drink when they
need a boost. However, there are other foods that can give you a similar
increase in energy and are, arguably, a lot healthier. Here are a few
examples: •
• Coconut oil. It contains high quantities of medium chain fats, which
are a quick source of energy.

• Honey. It tastes sweet because it’s a natural form of sugar. As we all
know, sugar gives you a quick boost.

• Iron containing foods. Lack of iron in your diet can leave you
feeling sluggish. Adding more beans, spinach, and lentils to your diet
– perhaps in salads – can help boost your iron levels.

• Nuts. Almonds, cashews and other nutrient-rich nuts are the ideal
quick snack for an energy boost.

• Dark chocolate. It’s great news for chocolate lovers, but keep the
portions small. •
Finally, not drinking enough water can also rob you of energy. In fact, water
may be the best energy-boosting “food” of them all.

Posted by Steinhausen | Currently Comments Off on Foods that boost your energy

TorontoMLS Sales Up in February

March 6th, 2014 Categories: Real Estate News

Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher announced that February 2014 home sales reported by Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® were up by 2.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. Total February sales amounted to 5,731 compared to 5,613 last year.

“Despite the continuation of inclement weather in February, we did see a moderate uptick in sales activity last month. The sales increase was largely driven by resale condominium apartments. New listings of resale condominium apartments were up on a year-over-year basis, giving buyers ample choice. This is in contrast to the listings situation for singles, semis and townhomes, where supply continued to be constrained. Some would-be buyers had difficulty finding a home that met their needs,” said Ms. Usher.

“If we see renewed growth in listings for low-rise home types, the pace of sales growth will accelerate as we move through the year,” Ms. Usher continued.

The average selling price for February 2014 sales was up by 8.6 per cent to $553,193, compared to the average of $509,396 reported for February 2013. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 7.3 per cent year-over-year.

“While the strong price growth experienced over the last year should prompt an improvement in the supply of listings, sellers’ market conditions will continue to prevail this year. Home prices, on average, will trend upwards at a pace well-above the rate of inflation. The impact of strong price growth on affordability will be mitigated by low borrowing costs,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Posted by Steinhausen | Currently Comments Off on TorontoMLS Sales Up in February

FranksRealEstateBlog.com

Categories

Archives

Blogroll

Archive for March, 2014

GREATER TORONTO REALTORS® REPORT LATEST MID-MONTH RESALE MARKET FIGURES

Is the housing market going to cool down, level out or gain steam?

Foods that boost your energy

TorontoMLS Sales Up in February