Looking to buy a home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. With so many options available and factors to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 5 essential tips for anyone looking to buy real estate in the current market. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or just starting out, these tips will help you make informed decisions and find the perfect home for you. And to make things even easier, I’ve created a video to accompany this post, so you can follow along. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 5 buyer tips for real estate!

#1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. 

This seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many people I meet for the first time who ask me to show them 5 homes that day, and when we get to the first home, I ask, so how much were you pre-approved for? and they say oh we haven’t gone to the bank yet 😲. In today’s competitive market, it’s essential to have a pre-approval in place before you start your property search. This will give you a clear idea of your budget and help you avoid wasting time (yours and mine) looking at properties outside your price range. It also gives you that competitive advantage of being ready to pull the trigger as soon as you find the property you love.

#2. Put your budget into a mortgage calculator. 

Just because you are pre-approved for a certain number, doesn’t mean you want to pay that much. There are tons of apps that you can find that will calculate your costs. You basically put in the purchase price, and your down payment amount, and it will calculate at today’s interest rate, how much your mortgage payments would be. You should also factor in property taxes, insurance and some utilities to get a good idea of how much your costs will be every month. You might find that you don’t want to spend as much as the bank is giving you. 

#3. Work with an experienced real estate agent.

A good real estate agent can be an invaluable asset in a competitive market. They can help you find properties that meet your criteria, so that you are not running around looking at homes that don’t have that walk-in closet or ensuite bathroom you want. They will negotiate on your behalf. And provide valuable insights on local market trends, like how to win an offer in today’s competitive market. 

#4. Be prepared to act quickly.

With low inventory and high demand, homes can sell quickly in today’s market. Be ready to make an offer as soon as you find a property that meets your needs. This may mean being flexible on closing dates, offering a higher deposit, or being willing to waive contingencies.

#5. Stay focused on your goals.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a hot real estate market, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals and priorities. Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) drive your decision making. Stick to your budget, timeline, and must haves to ensure you make a sound investment that meets your needs in the long term. 

For more information feel free to connect with me at 519-591-7413 or nicole@therizteam.com

Nicole Shantz – Sales Representative | The Riz Team – Real Estate Professionals | Royal LePage Wolle Realty, Brokerage

Remember….Don’t put it on HOLD…call The Riz Team to get it SOLD!!!™

Number of Home Sales in January Exceptionally Low

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

Waterloo Region Home Prices Continue to Cool in November

“Home sales continued to decrease in November, as they traditionally do at this time of year,” “At the same time, we know ever-increasing homeownership costs are contributing to the decline and putting downward pressure on sales prices which have plateaued since July.”

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

LISTINGS INCREASE WHILE HOME SALES SLOW IN MAY

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

There were 661 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in May, a decrease of 22.7 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 5.5 per cent below the previous 5-year average.

“The increase by the Bank of Canada to the key interest rate in April had the predictable result of knocking some buyers down if not out of the market in May,” says Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While the impact to prices is small, it has had a critical impact on some buyers and what they can now afford.”

Total residential sales in May included 404 detached (down 16.7 per cent from May 2021), and 115 townhouses (down 38.5 per cent). Sales also included 95 condominium units (down 12.0 per cent) and 47 semi-detached homes (down 36.5 per cent).

In May, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $875,194. This represents a 18.3 per cent increase over May 2021 and a 3.5 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,016,834. This represents a 17.0 per cent increase from May 2021 and a decrease 4.2 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $708,722. This represents a 17.7 per cent increase from May 2021 and a decrease of 7.2 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $545,825. This represents an increase of 19.7 per cent from May 2021 and a decrease of 9.1 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $730,768. This represents an increase of 10.7 per cent compared to May 2021 and a decrease of 7.0 per cent compared to April 2022.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $848,600 in May. This represents a 15.1 per cent increase over May 2021 and a 4.7 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $945,800. This represents a 14.6 per cent increase from May 2021 and 4.9 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

“With the announcement from the Bank of Canada about another interest rate hike this week we may see a   resurgence of buyers who have locked in at a lesser rate, but as borrowing costs continue to increase, we should expect demand will continue to soften, particularly in the more entry-level segment of the market,” says Bell.

There were 1,422 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 33.9 per cent compared to May of last year, and a 40.4 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for May.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of May was 902, an increase of 98.2 per cent compared to May of last year, and 28.8 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1267 listings for May.

The number of months of inventory increased to 1.6 months in May from 1.2 months in April. While inventory is still at historic lows, this is the highest it’s been since September 2019. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in May was 11 days, compared to 9 days in May 2021. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

**click on any chart for an interactive view**

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

KITCHENER-WATERLOO HOME SALES UP IN MARCH, AVERAGE PRICE DIPS FROM FEBRUARY

“The skyrocketing prices of the last two months took a bit of a breather in March, with the overall average price dipping five per cent compared to what we saw in February,” said Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While it is too soon to draw conclusions from just one month of home sales, I know many will be comforted to see a leveling off on the average price, no matter how incremental.”

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

Total residential sales in March included 416 detached (down 29.7 per cent from March 2021), and 114 condominium units (down 9.5 per cent). Sales also included 64 semi-detached homes (down 17.9 per cent) and 131 townhouses (down 33.8 per cent).

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $960,181. This represents a 25.5 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 4.6 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,132,637. This represents a 25.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease 6.4 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $565,782. This represents an increase of 33.4 per cent from March 2021 and a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $796,696. This represents a 27.4 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease of 7.6 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $876,371. This represents an increase of 34.5 per cent compared to March 2021 and a decrease of 5.0 per cent compared to February 2022.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS®® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $960,100 in March. This represents a 29.6 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,046,200. This represents a 28.1 per cent increase from March 2021 and 4.0 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $484,000. This represents a 32.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.2 per cent increase compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $765,500. This represents a 41.3 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.9 per cent increase compared to February 2022.

“Even though the average price decreased across all property types on a month-to-month basis, the MLS® HPI showed continued monthly gains for both townhouse and apartment property types,” notes Bell.  “As the province feels its way out of the pandemic, we are beginning to see some very preliminary signs of a potential cooling. We are not seeing quite as many multiple offers and some offers are coming in with conditions. Of course, when we say cooling, we’re talking about a market that has been scorching hot which is why we are pleased to see this happening.”

There were 1,131 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease 16.8 per cent compared to the record topping number of listings added in March of last year, and a 28.0 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for March.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 441, an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to March of last year, and 59.0 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,072 listings for March.

The number of months of inventory nudged up to 0.7 months in March from 0.5 months in February. Inventory has been under the one-month mark since October 2020. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in March was 8 days, the same as it was in March 2021. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

The More Homes for Everyone Act

Statement from KWAR President Megan Bell

Last week the Government of Ontario introduced a new bill, the More Homes for Everyone Act to address the province’s housing affordability crisis.

While we welcome several aspects of the proposed More Homes for Everyone bill, such as measures to support more timely municipal decision making and developing policies and tools to support multi-generational homes in existing neighbourhoods—bolder actions to increase supply were notably missing.

Ontario’s Housing Affordability Task Force had recommended limiting exclusionary zoning and allowing “as of right” residential housing up to four units and up to four storeys on a single residential lot. Instead, the government has committed to the Task Force’s recommendations as part of a “long term roadmap”.

KWAR is optimistic Waterloo Region will be bold about housing in their official plan update

Ending exclusionary zoning to allow for gentle density in our neighbourhoods is critical to filling the lack of “missing middle” supply for family-sized households.

While Minister Clark states that some municipalities (such as Toronto and Mississauga) were not ready, KWAR is optimistic that the Region of Waterloo (ROW) will take a more progressive view toward increasing density.  On the development side, the Waterloo region has been exceeding density targets set by the province. At KWAR’s recently held Where Do We Grow From Here Symposium we learned from the ROW’s Commissioner, Rod Regier the Region is proposing policies for the ROW official plan that would see a tiered approach to missing middle housing by allowing 4 units and up to 4 storeys, as-of-right, on all land currently zoned residential and on any new greenfield land (residential); and allow a range of 8 to 12 storeys, along specific corridors, such as the ION corridor.

KWAR encourages the Region of Waterloo to stay the course on its bold proposals for its Regional Official Plan and create ways to bring a broad range of housing options to our community.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

ABOVE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOME SALES AND MORE LISTINGS IN FEBRUARY

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

The 600 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) is almost on par with February 2021, and an increase of 48.5 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for February is 424.

“In January we reported that the average price of a detached home crossed the million-dollar mark for the first time in December. Now in February, we have reached a new milestone with the average sale price of all residential property types coming in at just over one million dollars in the Kitchener-Waterloo and area,” said Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While I think it’s premature to suggest this is the new norm, it does reflect the continued appeal of Waterloo Region to buyers. We also need to be aware and recognize the impact this has on affordability for a growing number of people.”

Total residential sales in February included 331 detached (down 2.1 per cent from February 2021), and 110 condominium units (up 7.8 per cent). Sales also included 44 semi-detached homes (down 4.3 per cent) and 115 townhouses (up 2.7 per cent).

In February, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $1,007,109. This represents a 33.6 per cent increase over February 2021 and a 5.6 per cent increase compared to January 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,214,067. This represents a 33.1 per cent increase from February 2021 and an increase of 5.3 per cent compared to January 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $572,731. This represents an increase of 37.4 per cent from February 2021 and an increase of 6.9 per cent compared to January 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $862,994. This represents a 41.6 per cent increase from February 2021 and an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to January 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $917,535. This represents an increase of 33.8 per cent compared to February 2021 and an increase of 8.0 per cent compared to January 2022.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS®® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $974,600 in February. This represents a 36.8 per cent increase over February 2021 and a 5.4 per cent increase compared to January 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,090,000. This represents a 38.2 per cent increase from February 2021 and 5.0 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $ 464,400. This represents a 33.8 per cent increase from February 2021 and a 6.1 per cent increase compared to January 2022.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $729,900. This represents a 41.9 per cent increase from February 2021 and a 7.0 per cent increase compared to January 2022.

“The low listing inventory is not because people are not selling their homes, in fact we saw a spurt in the number of new listings in February, said Bell. “With homebuying demand still going strong, competition remains high, and homes were snapped up quickly.”

There were 806 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 9.5 per cent compared to February of last year, and a 24.3 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for February.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of February was 290, a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to February of last year, and 70.3 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 975 listings for February.

The number of months of inventory nudged up to 0.5 months in February from 0.3 months in January. Inventory has been under the one-month mark since October 2020. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in February was 8 days, compared to 10 days in February 2021 and a previous 5-year average of 19 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN JANUARY SET NEW RECORD

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team 

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

PRICES CONTINUE TO ESCALATE

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Feb 3, 2022) –– The 402 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR), set a new record high for January. On a year-over-year basis January’s sales were up 12.3 per cent; compared to last month they were up 16.5 per cent. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for January is 291.

“While it’s a new year, the song remains the same with homebuying demand outstripping supply in January,” said Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “This has resulted in price jumps across all property types.”

Total residential sales in January included 217 detached (up 4.8 per cent from January 2021), and 74 condominium units (up 1.4 per cent). Sales also included 24 semi-detached homes (up 14.3 per cent) and 87 townhouses (up 52.6 per cent).

In January, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $955,665. This represents a 37.3 per cent increase over January 2021 and a 13.6 per cent increase compared to December 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,152,707. This represents a 35.5 per cent increase from January 2021 and an increase of 12.9 per cent compared to December 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $538,239. This represents an increase of 42.2 per cent from January 2021 and an increase of 7.7 per cent compared to December 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $836,306. This represents a 47.9 per cent increase from January 2021 and an increase of 16.7 per cent compared to December 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $849,845. This represents an increase of 35.6 per cent compared to January 2021 and an increase of 10.3 per cent compared to December 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $924,900 in January. This represents a 37.1 per cent increase over January 2021 and a 8.6 per cent increase compared to December 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,038,200. This represents a 39.7 per cent increase from January 2021 and 9.8 per cent increase compared to December 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $437,700. This represents a 25.9 per cent increase from January 2021 and a 6.1 per cent increase compared to December 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $682,200. This represents a 40.7 per cent increase from January 2021 and a 6.1 per cent increase compared to December 2021.

Bell notes it is anticipated that the Bank of Canada will raise interest rates at their next scheduled announcement in mid-March. “I think we can expect over the course of the next few weeks, buyers who have yet to be priced out of the market will be looking to lock in a mortgage and scoop up any homes that come onto the market.”

There were 514 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 17.4 per cent compared to January of last year, and a 20.1 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for January.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of January was 174, a decrease of 22.0 per cent compared to January of last year, and 80.3 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 883 listings for January.

The number of months of inventory remained extremely low in January at 0.3. Inventory has been at half a month or less since July of 2021. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in January was 9 days, compared to 16 days in January 2021 and a previous 5-year average of 24 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Average Price of a Detached Home Reaches Million-dollar Milestone in December

HOME SALES IN 2021 SMASHED LAST YEAR’S RECORD-BREAKING TOTAL BY OVER 1000 UNITS

The 7,581 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in 2021 represent an increase of 18.3 per cent compared to last year’s record-setting number of sales that ended the year 2020.

On a monthly basis, there were 344 residential homes sold last month, a decrease of 1.7 percent compared to the same month last year.

“Home sales in 2021 have absolutely smashed last year’s record by more than 1,000 units,” says KWAR’s president, Megan Bell. “While this is a good time to sell your home, it remains a tremendously difficult market for buyers. Affordability for all types of housing within our community continues to be a concern which we expect to continue throughout 2022.”

Total residential sales in December included 177 detached (down 12.4 per cent from December 2020), and 56 condominium units (down 11.1 per cent). Sales also included 23 semi-detached homes (up 9.5 per cent) and 88 townhouses (up 37.5 per cent).

For 2021, total residential sales included 4,272 detached (up 10.8 per cent), and 1,127 condominium units (up 43.4 per cent). Sales also included 578 semi-detached homes (up 31.1 per cent) and 1,602 townhouses (up 20.9 per cent).

In December, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $842,014. This represents a 32.5 per cent increase over December 2020 and a 2.5 per cent increase compared to November 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,021,353. This represents a 34.7 per cent increase from December 2020 and an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to November 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $500,352. This represents an increase of 30.6 per cent from December 2020 and an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to November 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $717,475. This represents a 39.4 per cent increase from December 2020 and an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to November 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $770,246. This represents an increase of 33.5 per cent compared to December 2020 and an increase 7.3 per cent compared to November 2021.

On a year-to-date basis, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area increased 25.8 per cent to $770,596 compared to 2020.

• The year-to-date average price of a detached home was $920,726. This represents a 28.0 per cent increase compared to 2020.
• The year-to-date average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $448,208. This represents an increase of 17.3 compared to 2020
• The year-to-date average sale price for a townhouse was $632,875. This represents an increase of 34.9 per cent compared to 2020.
• The year-to-date average sale price for a semi was $673,543. This represents an increase of 29.4 per cent compared to 2020.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $851,700 in December. This represents a 32.1 per cent increase over December 2020 and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to November 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $945,600. This represents a 33.5 per cent increase from December 2020 and 3.3 per cent increase compared to November 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $412,700. This represents a 21.1 per cent increase from December 2020 and a 3.7 per cent increase compared to November 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $647,000. This represents a 40.0 per cent increase from December 2020 and a 3.0 per cent increase compared to November 2021.

There were 291 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 1.7 per cent compared to December of last year, and a 14.6 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for December.

On a year-to-date basis, there were 9,040 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area in 2021, an increase of 11.5 per cent compared to 2020, and a 3.8 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year annual average.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of December was 104, a decrease of 45.3 per cent compared to December of last year, and 85.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 727 listings for December.

The number of months of inventory touched an all time low of 0.2 in December. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for fourteen consecutive months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

“Supply not keeping up with demand was a steady refrain in 2021, and unfortunately I expect that will continue to be the case in the year ahead,” says Bell. “We need all levels of government working together to bring more supply into the housing market.”

The average number of days to sell in December stayed at 10 days, compared to 16 days in December 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 28 days.

The average days to sell in 2021 was 10 days, compared to 16 days in 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 22 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

A NEW RECORD HIGH FOR NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN NOVEMBER AND AN ALL-TIME RECORD LOW SUPPLY READING

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 3, 2021) –– There were 597 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) setting a new record high for November. Compared to the same month last year, November sales were up 4.4% and on par with last month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for November is 446.

“The elevated pace of home sales we’ve seen for the past year and a half showed no sign of slowing down in November,” says KWAR’s president, Megan Bell. “Despite some speculation of there being a housing market correction in store for Waterloo Region, sustained homebuying demand combined with a record low level of inventory in November produced continued price growth in the MLS® HPI benchmark price.”

Total residential sales in November included 324 detached (down 3.9 per cent from November 2020), and 106 condominium units (up 27.7 per cent). Sales also included 30 semi-detached homes (down 25 per cent) and 136 townhouses (up 21.4 per cent).

In November, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $821,969. This represents a 28.9 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $990,447. This represents a 31 per cent increase from November 2020 and a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $494,548. This represents an increase of 23.5 per cent from November 2020 and an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $700,476. This represents a 44.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $717,143. This represents an increase of 27.3 per cent compared to November 2020 and a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to October 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $825,000 in November. This represents a 34.1 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to October 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $915,800. This represents a 35.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and 3.2 per cent increase compared to October 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $398,000. This represents a 16.7 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 2.1 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $627,900. This represents a 45.5 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 4.0 per cent increase compared to October 2021.

“Lack of supply continues to be the refrain in November,” says Bell. “With inventory hitting an all time low it is a tough time to be house hunting right now.”

There were 605 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and a 14.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for November.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of November was 207, a decrease of 40.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and 80.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,071 listings for November.

The number of months of inventory reached an all time low of 0.3 in November. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for thirteen consecutive months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in November stayed at 10 days, compared to 14 days in November 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 24 days.

Bell notes that while the housing market typically slows down around the holiday season, she still expects to see a busier than normal December. “There is growing anxiety out there among buyers caused by the fear of missing out against rumblings of interest rates eventually going up in the year ahead.”

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales by Property Type 

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

PRICES CONTINUE TO INCREASE WITH STRONG HOME SALES IN OCTOBER

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 3, 2021) –– A total of 593 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR), a decrease of 11.1 per cent compared to last October and a decrease of 16.5 per cent compared to September.

“While not as red-hot as last year’s record-breaking October, it was still a higher-than-normal number of home sales for the month, and the second-highest October on record,” says KWAR’s president, Nicole Pohl. “The number of listings coming on the market can scarcely keep up with the demand for homes in Waterloo region, and the continued price growth we see in October reflects this.”

Total residential sales in October included 348 detached (down 13.2 per cent from October 2020), and 84 condominium units (down 8.7 per cent). Sales also included 40 semi-detached homes (down 9.1) and 121 townhouses (down 6.9 per cent).

In October, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $841,764. This represents a 32.9 per cent increase over October 2020 and a 6.1 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $997,654. This represents a 34.2 per cent increase from October 2020 and an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $464,738. This represents an increase of 18.1 per cent from October 2020 and a decrease of 7.1 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $693,324. This represents a 39.4 per cent increase from October 2020 and an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $726,313. This represents an increase of 34.6 per cent compared to October 2020 and an increase of 5.6 per cent compared to September 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $803,900 in October. This represents a 34.3 per cent increase over October 2020 and a 2.5 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $887,500. This represents a 35.5 per cent increase from October 2020 and 2.1 per cent increase compared to September 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $406,400. This represents a 22.7 per cent increase from October 2020 and a 3.5 per cent increase compared to September 2021.
•  The benchmark price for a townhouse is $603,900. This represents a 42.5 per cent increase from October 2020 and a 3.8 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

“With ongoing constraints on supply versus demand, home prices continued to accelerate in October,” says Pohl.

There were 621 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 18.4 per cent compared to October of last year, and a 12.1 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for October.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of October was 288, a decrease of 36 per cent compared to October of last year, and 76.5 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,285 listings for October.

The number of months of inventory remained at 0.5 in October. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for twelve consecutive months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in October was 10 days, compared to 13 days in October 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 22 days.

“Affordability throughout Waterloo Region continues to be challenged, creating significant barriers especially for many people who are just trying to get their foot in the door of the housing market,” says Pohl. “We are urging all levels of government to work together to tackle the supply issue facing housing markets across the country and right here in Waterloo region.”

Over the past two weeks representatives of KWAR, alongside REALTORS® from across Canada have been meeting with Members of Parliament to talk about Canada’s economic recovery plan and the need to prioritize housing. You can read about the ideas that REALTORS® are proposing here:  https://www.crea.ca/mp

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.