November Market Update

Resale housing sales continued their strong trend through October with sales of all housing types through the Multiple Listing Service® in October at the second highest level on record (after October 2006). There were 1,535 residential properties sold in October; up 23% from 2008 but down almost 10% from last month which follows the normal seasonal trend of month to month sales dropping through the fall.

“The housing market in Edmonton and area is still robust,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Homebuyers are confident about their future prospects and keeping an eye on the possibility that mortgage rates will rise. They can lock-in their housing costs for five years while rates are at historic lows if they buy in this market.”

Residential housing prices remained stable within typical ranges for seasonal fluctuations. Prices for single family dwellings were down 2.2%, on average* from last month but up marginally (0.12%) from last year. Condominiums were priced down 3.2% from September but the same price ($11 difference) as a year ago. Overall, the average residential price in October was $318,969, down 2.5% from last month but up a third of a percent from 2008. Single family dwellings sold for $363,694 and condos sold, on average, for $237,601.

There were 2,205 homes listed on the MLS® System in October with 1,535 sales for a sales-to-listing ratio of 70%. The total value of residential sales in October was $490 million and total MLS® System sales (including rural and commercial properties) is up over last year for the year-to-date to over $6.18 billion. Total available inventory was 5,530 homes which is a typical 3.5 month supply. Homes sold on average in 47 days (44 in September but 58 in October 2008).

“Good looking homes in the average price range always sell quickly,” said Ponde. “Less desirable homes may take a little longer to find a buyer and home sales at the upper price ranges are steady. It is important to consult your REALTOR® to devise a strategy for buying or selling a home to ensure you get the latest market and neighbourhood information.”

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

*All info taken from EREB.com

October Market Update

Although sales were not at record levels in September, they compared favourably with sales levels last year and settled in for the third best September ever. Only sales in September 2006 of 1,844 residential units and last September (1,729) were better than the 1,704 sales pegged last month.

“We have experienced strong sales through the third quarter,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “At the end of the first quarter YTD sales were down over 21%, and after six months they were up almost 2%. The last three months have had strong buyer demand and year-to-date sales are up 5.3% over the same period last year.”

The strong sales also boosted prices of both single family and condominium properties. Prices dipped slightly in August after showing steady gains all year but bounced back to mid-summer levels in September. The average price of a single family dwelling was $371,947 and condos were priced on average at $245,546 (both up 1.4% over August prices). SFD prices are up over $20,000 from where they were on New Years Day.

Higher prices have not resulted in greater listing activity. 2,564 homes were listed in September resulting in a 66% sales-to-listing ratio as compared to September 2008 with over 3,100 listings and a 55% S/L ratio. The slower listing activity dropped inventory to 6,032 from 6,445 units last month but there is still almost four months of inventory at present sales volumes.

Duplex and row house properties sold on average for $299,964 and the combined Average Residential Price was $327,235 in September; up 2% from September 2008.

“Homes are selling slightly faster than last month and much faster than last year at this time,” said Ponde. “I expect that sales in this market will show continued strength through the fall and early winter.” The average days-on-market was 44 in September; down four days from August.

*All info taken from EREB.com

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

September Market Update

Residential sales through the Edmonton and Area Multiple Listing Service® in August were lower than the number posted in July but higher than sales the previous August. There were a total of 1,673 sales last month as compared to 2,277 in July (a monthly record) and 1,541 in August 2008.

“Although sales numbers cooled a bit after record sales in June and July, we are still experiencing the strength of the market in Edmonton,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Our members continue to report high buyer interest. Although sales in the fall are slower than the spring, buyers are looking for a home and sellers can reach them through the MLS® System.”

Prices for Single Family Dwellings climbed steadily all year and peaked in July at $372,741. The average* SFD sold for $366,788 in August, down 1.6 percent from the previous month. The current price is just $2,400 lower than average prices in August 2008.

Condominium prices were also down in August; dropping less than one percent to $242,035 on average in August from $244,265 in July. By comparison, the average price for a condo in August 2008 was $251,048. The average price has come down because of the increased amount of lower priced product that has entered the market rather than the value of a particular property being marked down.

Duplex and row house properties sold on average for $294,007 and the combined Average Residential Price was $318,321 in August; down 3.3% from $329,207 in August 2008.

“Our market is operating normally,” said Ponde. “There is a balance between buyers’ and sellers’ expectations and, while prices fluctuate seasonally, there are no major price swings. The strong inventory and activity levels result in moderation and stability.”

The average days-on-market was 48 in August; up two days from July. At the end of August there were 6,445 residential properties active on the MLS® System.

*All info taken from EREB.com

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

August Market Update

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reported a record number of single month sales of residential properties for the second month in a row. Buyers who created record sales in June carried through for a record in July as well. Although sales were off almost 11% from June the total number of July sales was 2,277, creating a new July record.

“The market is stable and strong sales and market activity are not driving prices up dramatically,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Attractive mortgage rates and consumer confidence are powering the local market and sellers are being realistic about their pricing.”

The average* SFD sold for $372,741 in July as compared to $369,859 in June (up ¾ of a percent). Condominium prices were down one percent at $244,265 on average in July from $247,071 in June. Duplex and rowhouse prices were up 1.8% from a month ago to $296,284. The average residential prices was down just over 1% to $324,847. Average prices in all categories in July were down from the same month last year.

“The total value of residential sales for the year have surpassed what they were last year at the same time,” said Ponde. “REALTORS® have sold $3.845 billion worth of residential property so far as compared to $3.842 billion last year at the end of July.” Listing activity was down with just 2,764 properties listed as compared to 3,179 last month and 3,582 in July 2008.

The average days-on-market was 46 in July; down three days from June. At the end of July there were 6,592 residential properties active on the MLS® System down by just 107 properties from June. Total sales through the MLS® System are worth $4.42 billion after just seven months of business.

*All info taken from EREB.com

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

July Market Update

Hello everyone,

It’s been a busy couple of months, as low interest rates combined with the summer season have given home buyers that push they’ve been looking for to look at purchasing a new home.

At the mid-point of the year, the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton is confident that the local real estate market has regained stability. The 9,741 sales of residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing Service® in the first six months surpassed the six month year-to-date figure for last year (9,567) and residential sales in June set a new record for the month. Residential sales in June totalled 2,552 units which surpassed the 2007 record of 2,203 units sold and was the third best month for unit sales in MLS® System history.

“Buyer confidence, especially among first time buyers, was evident in Edmonton despite lingering economic concerns in other markets,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “When mortgage rates looked like they might start to rise, many potential buyers locked in lower mortgage rates and then went searching for a qualifying home.”

Listing activity slowed slightly from last month (down 0.03%) with 3,179 residential listings. The strong sales drove the sales to listing ratio to 80% from 68% last month. Prices continue to climb with one month increases of 0.6% for single family dwellings and 1% increases for condominiums. The average* SFD sold for $369,859 in June as compared to $367,672 in May or $351,870 on January 1. Condominiums sold for $247,071 on average in June; up from $244,734 in May and $234,286 at the start of the year. At the end of 2008 Q2, SFDs sold for $381,384 and condos sold for $262,365.

“Last year prices fell from the high point in March. This year prices have just continued to climb,” said Ponde. “Prices typically decline slightly in the second half of the year but the drop, if it occurs, will not be precipitous.”

The average days on market was 60 days or more early in the year but dropped to 49 in June; another indicator of buyer enthusiasm. At the end of June there were 6,785 residential properties active on the MLS® System (2.65 month supply at current sales volumes) which offers a wide range of choice for those eager buyers.

*All info from EREB

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

June Market Update

Last month, there was a visible increase in home sales. According to The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, the number of residential Edmonton properties sold in May (through Multiple Listing Service®) was up 17% compared to the previous month. Out of 3,180 residential properties listed, 2,161 were sold.

“Sales continue to rise month-by-month,” says Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Listing activity, while not as frantic as last year, is still active, so there continues to be a good supply and variety of homes available.”

Along with an increase in home sales, prices in the local market are also on the rise.  In May, single family homes sold on average* for $367,672, which was up 4% from last month, but down 4% from a year ago. Condominiums sold for $244,734 on average, which was up 3.7% from April prices, but down 6% from the prices last year at this time. The average residential price was $326,332, which was up 4.6% from last month, but down 4.2% from a year ago.

“Prices are still lower than last year, but rising steadily,” said Ponde. “So house hunters should be making their buying decisions sooner rather than later to ensure that their buying power is not eroded by the rising prices.”

Now is a great time for buyers to purchase a home, while there is a wide selection of homes available and a reasonable market in place.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the market or real estate in general.

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com

May Market Update

Hello everyone,

Just a quick update on the status of the Edmonton Real Estate market.

Sales activity on the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® increased in April as compared to March and April of 2008. There were 3,019 new residential properties listed in April with sales of 1,843 (up 33.6% from March and 1.1% from April 2008).

The average* price of single family homes in the Edmonton area was up 1% from March but, at $353,386, was still 8.5% below the last April price of $386,033. Condo prices were up 2.4% from last month to $236,020 while duplex/rowhouse prices were up 5.2% at $291,068.

“Increased sales activity is evident in most real estate offices and some REALTORS® are reporting multiple offers on select properties,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “However, inventory is still relatively high and sellers should price their properties aggressively to attract offers.”

The number of residential properties available through the MLS® System on April 30 was 7,539 – up 1% from last month but well below the glut in April last year when there were 10,606 properties available. The year-to-date sales-to-listing ratio is just 46% but the April S/L ratio of 61% is an indicator of increased activity. Average days-on-market in April was 51 – a number last seen in March 2008.

“REALTORS® are optimistic about the Edmonton market,” said Ponde. “In-migration figures are positive, retail sales in Alberta are still higher than the rest of the country and unemployment figures are lower than other parts of Canada. First-time buyers are entering the market because of historically low interest rates and renovation incentives are encouraging move-up buyers to consider relocation.”

Total sales through the MLS® System for the month were valued at $635 million with a year-to-date total of $1.75 billion. Total YTD sales value is down 23% from the same time last year but sales are off by just 16%.

*all info from EREB.com

warm regards,

April Market Update

The average* price of single family homes in the Edmonton area has hovered around the $350,000 mark for the first quarter of this year, reported the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. At the beginning of January the average price for a SFD was $351,870. The price varied slightly and at the end of March the average SFD price was $349,716, up 0.7% from the previous month. Condo prices were a little more volatile but popped up 1.6% in March to $230,469, after a 5% drop in February. The average price of a duplex/rowhouse was $276,776.

“With price stability, low interest rates, spring weather and pent-up demand; it appears that REALTORS® are starting to get busy again,” said Charlie Ponde, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “Our offices are reporting an increase in buyer interest. Sales in March were up 28% from the previous month.”

Residential sales through the Multiple Listing Service® in March totalled 1,380 units. Total MLS® sales (including commercial and rural sales) were 1,513 units. This is a 30% increase over the previous month. Total residential sales for the first quarter were 3,185 units and total MLS® sales were 3,471 with a YTD value of $1.1 billion.

There were 2,891 residential listings in March (down 31.7% from last March) resulting in a month end inventory of 7,476 residential properties (down from 9,464 in March 2008). The sales-to-listing ratio was 48% and average days-on-market was 56 days (down five from February).

“The market is once again operating in a normal fashion with typical seasonal fluctuations,” said Ponde. “REALTORS® are prepared with daily statistics and market knowledge to help clients understand the market fluctuations and advise them on pricing and marketing strategies that help buy and sell homes and commercial properties.”

For a free no obligation market evaluation, please contact me via phone or email.

Warm regards,

Bev O’Shea
RE/MAX river city
Direct: 780-445-8267
Fax: 780-439-7248
bev@edmontoncityhomes.com
www.EdmontonCityHomes.com