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Posts Tagged ‘kitchener for sale’

Kitchener Market Snapshot for March 2020

Friday, April 3rd, 2020

 

Home Sales in March Came in Like a Lion Went out Like a Lamb

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (April 3, 2020) ––There were 577 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in March, an increase of 13.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 0.2 per cent below the previous 5-year average.

“We had a very strong start to the month which carried through right up until the province declared its COVID-19 related state of emergency on March 17th,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “Before the pandemic hit our region, I believe we were on pace to set a record number of sales for March with the continuance of high demand, low inventory, and a strong seller’s market.

During the first quarter of 2020, there were 1,327 home sales, 14.6 per cent above last year’s result for the same period and 4 per cent above the previous 5-year average.

Total residential sales in March included 348 detached homes (up 7.1 per cent), and 68 condominium apartments (up 5.1 per cent). Sales also included 136 townhouses (up 17.2 per cent) and 25 semi-detached homes (up 4.2 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in March increased 15.3 per cent to $583,752 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $679,728 an increase of 15.9 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $378,443 for an increase of 17.9 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $457,547 (up 23 per cent) and $492,752 (up 17.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in March increased 14.6 per cent to $544,500 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 16.2 per cent to $628,500.

“Of course, what is on everyone’s mind is the Coronavirus, and how this global pandemic is impacting every facet of our lives. The Ontario government included real estate services, legal and land registry as an essential service, but by no means is this business as usual for Realtors or their clients,” says Koehler. “As people everywhere follow instructions to only leave their homes for essential reasons, this is impacting the number of showings, and how properties are shown. Not everyone is in the position to postpone the purchase or sale of their home, and Realtors are adapting the technology we already use to serve our clients in this new environment and rigidly following Health Canada’s guidelines.”

REALTORS® listed a higher than average number of homes during the Month of March. There were 864 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to March of 2019, and the greatest number since 2015. The number of new residential listings was also 3.7 per cent higher than the previous ten-year average for March.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 535, a decrease of 35.9 per cent compared to March of last year.

Despite the much-needed addition of new inventory coming to the market, the number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.1 months for the month of March, 35.3 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for March was 2.73 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for March was 1.94 months.

KWAR’s president wishes to emphasize that while real estate continues to be an essential service in Ontario, consumers can expect that a REALTOR® will be taking all the necessary protections to ensure we’re doing our part to flatten the curve.

Koehler notes last month 51 listings were suspended on KWAR’s MLS® System, which means the listing is temporarily “off-market,” and there can be no marketing showings or offers during this period. KWAR’s president encourages buyers and sellers to discuss the current situation with their REALTOR®, to find out what they are doing to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transaction and to make the best and safest decision on how to move forward or hold your real estate decisions during this unprecedented time.

Trying to sell your home while in quarantine, self-isolating or worse yet, while someone in the house is sick, is not going to be in anyone’s best interest. We know many people are postponing their plans to list their home for the time being.

The average days to sell in March was 15 days, compared to 21 days in March 2019.

Media Contact: Tania Benninger, Stakeholder Relations, 519-584-1141

Read Online: https://kwar.ca/home-sales-march-2020

 

Historical Sales By Property Type 

Months Supply of Homes for Sale 

Kitchener Market Snapshot for January 2020

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020

Kitchener Market Snapshot January 2020

 

Fewer Home Sales in January as the Number of Homes for Sale Continues to Elude Buyers in Kitchener- Waterloo

“For the third consecutive month sales were down in January,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR.  “Slower January sales are a result of fewer homes being put up for sale. This is causing further price acceleration as we have enough willing and able home buyers contending for those few homes that are available.”

Total residential sales in January included 153 detached homes (down 19 per cent), and 39 condominium units (up 18.2 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 21 semi-detached homes (on par) and 68 freehold townhouses (up 7.9 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in January increased 15.7 per cent to $561,029 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $670,944 an increase of 18.8 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was 382,636 for an increase of 26.1 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $439,765 (up 20.3 per cent) and $484,190 (up 18.7 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in January increased 17.3 per cent to $536,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 22.6 per cent to $650,000.

“Consumers can’t buy what’s not there. The available number of homes for sale, or lack thereof, continued to evade home buyers in January,” says Koehler. “There is no doubt we would be reporting more sales if we had the inventory to match the demand.”

Koehler notes Kitchener-Waterloo and area continues to be an exceptionally attractive place to buy a home and a creditworthy buyer can negotiate an attractive interest rate with their mortgage lender.

REALTORS® listed 464 residential properties in KW and area last month, a drop of 21.1 per cent compared to January of 2019, and a decrease of 35.4 per cent in comparison 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 392, a decrease of 38.7 per cent compared to January of last year, and 63.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,080 listings for January. The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) in January was just 0.8 months, 38.5 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for January was 2.32 months, however, in the past 5 years the average supply for January was 1.96 months.

The average days to sell in January was 22 days, compared to 27 days in January 2019.

 

Historical Sales By Property Type  

Months Supply of Homes for Sale 

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type 

Historical Sales – By Price Range 

Average Days on Market

 

Pondering the question….Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Saturday, January 21st, 2017

Have you been grappling with this major decision since the start of this year – Keep my place and live here, or sell it and get way more for my asking price like everyone else around you?  What it all comes down to is exactly that – Should I stay or should I go??

Over the last six to eight months prior to the new year of 2017 we have seen an incredible change in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region Real Estate Marketplace with many homes netting far greater values than what they may be actually worth.  This is partially due to the lack of inventory levels and the influx of many new buyers from other surrounding areas wanting to get into the Kitchener-Waterloo market.

As mentioned in the KWAR (Kitchener Waterloo Association of Realtor’s) market update for December 2016 it was mentioned:

“2016 was marked by unrelenting demand for homes, in the face of fewer homes being put on the market,” said James Craig, President of the KWAR. There were 8,003 residential listings processed through the KWAR’s MLS® System in 2016, a decrease of 9.7 percent compared to 2015.

“For the past several months we’ve seen the number of months of inventory ranging between a ten-year low of 1 and 2 months,” says Craig. “While this puts sellers in a very strong position, it’s not so easy when those same sellers need to downsize or move-up.”

read the full blog post in our last December Blog

With this I wanted to clear any misconceptions you may have towards why you should make the decision to SELL your home sooner rather than later, while also keeping in mind the transition of where you will move forward with this if in fact you decide to unlock your equity and make this dream a reality.

Sold for $155,000 more than asking

This home sold for $155,000 more than the asking price by Riz within 12 hours of listing onto the MLS market.

I have monitored the market place since the start of the year and while in I personally can attest to having a record breaking multiple offer sale of my own in 2016 netting my sellers $155,000 more than the asking price for the above home in Laurelwood, Waterloo, we have since seen some close records being made during the start of this year of 2017 which I will share with you below.

These homes below have been listed on MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and have SOLD within just under 1 week, one being 9 days.  In most cases the homes have been showcased by way of open houses or just visits from a vast number of buyers and some of these homes have had 30 – 40 offers presented with multiple offers.

Property 1:  Listed on January 18, 2017 and sold in 9 days this Kitchener home sold for 137% over the asking price with numerous offers.

 

 

 

 

 Property 2:  This Kitchener Townhome situated in popular Huron Village was listed on January 19, 2017 and sold in 2 days for 110% over the asking price with numerous offers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 3:  This Laurelwood, Waterloo single detached home sold within 6 days of listing on January 18, 2017 for 105% over the asking price with many buyer offers.

 

 

 

 

 Property 4:  This detached backsplit home nestled in the Maple Hills area of Westmount, Waterloo was listed on January 18, 2017 and sold in multiple offers for 117% over the asking price in just 6 days.

 

 

 

 

 Property 5:  This end unit townhome in Laurelwood lasted only 6 days while being offered 40 offers and netting 132% over the asking price after being listed on January 18, 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 6:  This Eastbridge, Waterloo Semi-Detached home was listed on January 17, 2017 and sold within 7 days at 127% over the asking price in multiple offer bids.

 

 

 

 

 

 Property 7:  This single detached home in sought after Laurentian Hills, Kitchener was listed on January 16, 2017 and sold within 6 days for 112% over the asking price in multiple offers.

 

 

 

 

 

In summary, you can see if you are considering selling your home this year, it is imperative that you contact your Real Estate Professional who can guide you with the activity on the current marketplace and get you ready for this fierce and competitive “Seller’s Market.”  Of course, as a buyer one must also consider the vast number of opportunities lost within multiple offers with the increased number of buyers looking to purchase and the lack of inventory available, hence my wanting to reach out to anyone considering selling this year in saying, Don’t put it on HOLD…Call RIZ to get it SOLD!!!™

Let’s setup a time to meet together and discuss how I can get you more money for your home with all the buyers I have waiting to purchase homes in various areas of Kitchener-Waterloo.  My enhanced proven marketing systems have allowed me to deal with thousands of people within the Region over the years and this has brought me many referral clients.  Let me put my marketing skills to work on selling your home!

Get a Free Home Evaluation from Riz

Click on the image above to be directed to my FREE Home Evaluation Sign-Up Page and let me show you how I can get you more money for your home!!!

KW Home Sales Take A Leap in February

Friday, March 11th, 2016

2016 Was The Most Active February We’ve Seen On Record Since 2008

Residential sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were up 28.2% compared to the same month last year with 452 homes being sold in the month of February, 18.6% above the 5-year average for the month.

Residential sales (KW & Area) in February included 280 single detached homes (up 40.7% from last February), 33 semi-detached (down 17.5%), 31 townhomes (up 6.9%) and 103 condominium units (up 25.6%).

“This was the most active February we’ve seen on record since 2008, when 464 residential homes were sold,” stated Charlotte Zawada, President of the KWAR. “With interest rates holding steady and Waterloo Region remaining an attractive place to live and invest, I think we will continue to see buoyancy in our local housing market.”

Single detached homes sold for an average price of $419,480 an increase of 7.7% compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $242,272, an increase of 8.3% while townhomes and semis sold for an average of $328,569 (up 10.0%) and $291,770 (up 12.0%) respectively. The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 10.3% to $361,889 compared to February 2015 with 42.0% of home sales in February occurring in the $250,000-$350,000 range.

“This time last year we were experiencing some really frigid temperatures that helped contribute to a 5-year low in home sales for the month. Things have been quite a bit warmer these past few weeks in comparison, and it goes to show how much of a role weather can play when it comes to buying or selling one’s home,” said Zawada.

The 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.

Consumers uncertain about current market conditions should work with a REALTOR® to develop an effective selling strategy. If you are buying, a REALTOR® will negotiate on your behalf and guide you through every step. A REALTOR® understands the local market and must, by law, look after your best interests.

February_2016_Stats_Release_Final_002

Screen Door Decor

Monday, July 27th, 2015

Screen DoorsScreen doors let the breeze in and keep the bugs out. They open your home to the sounds and scents of summer, and help cool your house without wasting energy on air conditioning. Want to let in a little more summer this year? Here’s what you need to know about picking the perfect door.

Screen doors have come a long way from the hard-to-open metal models and flapping wood doors of your childhood. Available in metal, vinyl or wood, many feature smooth hydraulic or pneumatic closers and springs or chain stops that keep them from slamming shut or swinging open. Designed for both practicality and curb appeal, doors are available in a wide variety of colours, styles and finishes. Your choices include:

1. Basic vinyl or aluminum. Durable and affordable, these doors come in a surprising variety of attractive styles; you’ll find everything from traditional designs to art deco-inspired geometrics.
2. Storm/screen door combo. Traditionally, people replace the screen door with a storm door in the winter. A combination door makes the “swap” easier; simply remove or slide the glass down in summer and replace it with a screen.
3. Wood. From rustic doors featuring carved animals to pretty “granny doors,” wood can really add to the look of your home. However, winter cold and damp can be hard on them, so manufacturers suggest that you take them down when it gets cold to prevent warping.
4. Sliding. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, sliding screen doors that go with patio doors make it easy to open up your home to a fresh breeze.
5. Retractable screens. If you don’t like the look of a screen door, these are a great option, and are available at your local home improvement store. Screens pull out from the sides and lock shut with a magnetic catch. Handy homeowners will be able to install them with little effort.
With the right screen door for your home, comfort and curb appeal are a breeze!

Tips for installation
Thinking about installing your screen door yourself? Manufacturers include installation instructions that only require hand tools, but most DIY resources suggest an intermediate level of “handiness.” If that doesn’t sound like you, consider using an experienced carpenter or the store’s installation service.

Condo Cool
You don’t have to live in a house to kick back and enjoy the breeze. Welcome summer into your space by installing a screen door to your balcony. It’s a great way to make your indoor and outdoor spaces feel unified and to make your condo feel more spacious.

 

 

Home away from Home…

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

Looking for that cottage life?cottage

Do you have a dream of owning a place outside of the city where you can escape, kick back and relax? If so, you’re not alone. As demand continues to increase and average prices continue to rise, now more than ever you will need to be patient, establish a list of ‘musts’ and work with a Realtor who understands the recreational market, if you want your dreams to come true.

To begin your search, target potential areas and consider a road-trip to visit your most coveted spots. Once you find your ideal location, narrow your search by establishing a list of priorities. Do you plan to use your recreational property for seasonal versus year-round use? Do you wish to build a new cottage or buy an existing one? What are your hobbies? Is proximity to hospitals, public transit or schools important? If you are near water, lakes can vary tremendously in terms of allowances for boating, fishing and swimming. In the winter, do you want to use both cross-country and downhill skiing facilities?

With your priorities established, you will also be in a strong position to act fast if you need to. Popular sites are in demand.

Buying a recreational property can be considerably more complex than a standard home purchase and it generally takes longer. There is considerably more time and travel involved. The effort, according to a growing number of Canadians, is more than worth it.

Before you begin your search, give me a call. I can get you started down the right path toward your home away from home. If I cannot assist you directly in your purchase transaction, I can refer you to a quality Royal LePage Realtor in your desired area from our network of over 13,000 real estate professionals from coast to coast.

For the most recent Royal LePage Recreational Property Report, visit www.royallepage.ca and click Press Releases.,Demystifying Mortgages – How Much Can You Borrow?

A home is typically the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime, and for most Canadians this means obtaining a mortgage. The amount of your mortgage will determine the size and location of your new home – not to mention the size of your payments. So how do lending institutions decide how large your mortgage loan can be?

Call RIZ today to purchase your home away from home! 519-716-7253 (direct)

walk way                                                                    cottage living room

Flooring choices on the greener side!

Tuesday, July 7th, 2015

What goes under foot is seldom an easy decision. Colour, surface texture, room usage and price all come into play. Today, greener options abound, adding to the myriad of choices already available.

Increasing interest in incorporating renewable resources into the home has resulted in many beautiful eco-friendly flooring options.

For homeowners looking on the greener side, it’s worth a look at the many sustainable products available today:

• Give a tree another lease on life with salvaged wood flooring. A rustic look can be created with reclaimed wood. Buying reclaimed lumber continues to get easier, and in some instances, less expensive relative to the cost of new hardwoods.
• Bamboo is a good option for rooms with low humidity. High abundance and a natural look make sustainable bamboo an attractive flooring option. Bamboo grows to maturity in three to five years, about a quarter of the time it takes to grow trees used for hardwood.
• Linoleum flooring has retained its popularity over decades. Unlike vinyl flooring, which is a synthetic product made of chlorinated petrochemicals, linoleum is manufactured from natural compounds including linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins and ground limestone. With natural, renewable elements used in its manufacturing, this eco-friendly flooring option continues to remain a popular option.
• Cork flooring has many eco-friendly attributes. Like bamboo, cork is quickly renewable. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree and grows back every three years. Cork has anti-microbial properties to reduce allergens, is fire retardant and provides a comfortable feel under foot. Cork flooring can be finished in a variety of paints and stains to complement any room setting.
• Polyester (P.E.T.) Berber carpet is a sustainable option made of recycled plastic bottles. Anytime we can reuse these materials, we reduce the amount of new materials being manufactured and we reduce non-biodegradable materials in our landfills. Polyester Berber is spill resistant and comes in a variety of aesthetically – pleasing colours and patterns.

Whatever your home’s style or design, an eco-friendly flooring option exists to complement the desired look and existing patterns.

Looking to Make a Small Room Appear Bigger??

Monday, June 22nd, 2015

Helpful hints in making a small room appear bigger!

Small rooms are the bane of the home decorator. How do you achieve a pleasing look that doesn’t feel cramped and claustrophobic? Short of building an addition or knocking down walls, you are limited to a few, but effective, decorating tricks that create the illusion of space.

The strategic use of colour and light is the best way to achieve this. Choose light shades of paint or wallpaper for the walls. Lighter colours reflect light making for a brighter room. Use an even lighter shade of the same colour or white for ceilings and floors. A darker colour on the ceiling will make the ceiling look lower and tends to make the walls look as though they are closing in.

Avoid harshly contrasting colours. In fact, a monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is very effective. Steer away from too many patterned items. The goal here is to blur perspective.

Anything you can do to bring light into the room will also give the effect of increased space. A corner wall sconce that casts light up onto the wall works well. Try to vary lighting effects for interest. A skylight is a great way to add light to a room, but isn’t always practical or affordable. Mirrors are a great solution for small rooms. Place mirrors directly across from another for maximum impact. A mirror placed across from a window is also effective. Place a lamp in front of a mirror to add more light to your room.

If you have wood or patterned flooring, have it installed so that the lines run diagonally across the room. This makes for longer lines, which give the appearance of a larger space. When furnishing the room, pick objects that are proportioned to the size of the room. For example, opt for a loveseat over a full-sized sofa. Lastly, keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid using a lot of knick-knacks and keep the room tidy and well organized.

Preparing your home for a sale!

Thursday, June 11th, 2015

Are you ready?

 

When you have decided that the time is right to sell, the first step in preparing for the sale of a home is finding out its worth. Contact me for a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent selling price of similar neighborhood properties.

Working to ensure your home is in the best condition possible for showing to prospective buyers will position you to receive top dollar. This includes repairing or improving any trouble spots that could deter a buyer, such as squeaky doors, a leaky roof, dirty carpet and walls, and broken windows.

The first impression that potential buyers form of your property as they drive or walk up should not be underestimated. The “curb appeal” of your home is extremely important. You can create a positive first impression by making sure the lawn is pristine – the grass cut, debris removed, garden beds free of weeds, and hedges trimmed.

However, the trick is not to overspend on pre-sale repairs and fix-ups. This is especially important if there are few homes on the market but many buyers competing for them. On the other hand, making such repairs may be the key to selling your home in a down market.

Don’t Put it on HOLD…..Call RIZ to get it SOLD!!!

First Impression Counts!

Thursday, June 4th, 2015

… For Buyers and Your Neighbours

The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it’s for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you’ll boost your home’s curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:

– Edge the gardens, clean out debris
– Pull the weeds and rake the leaves
– Prune the plants and wooly shrubs
– Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds
– Tidy the garage of winter trappings
– Dispose of rusty broken garden décor
– Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door
– Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired
– Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced
– Reseal the driveway
– Hide the garbage cans
– Sweep the step
– Fix the saggy gutters

Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.


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