The Riz Team Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Kitchener Sellers’

Top 7 Tips to Attract the Best Offers for Your Home

Friday, November 17th, 2023

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Bank of Canada shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year. 

Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home. While pandemic-era home buyers were racing the clock—trying to lock in a low mortgage rate and gain a foothold in the market—current buyers are much more discerning. Higher prices and mortgage rates have pushed their limits of affordability, leading them to prioritize cost, condition, and overall value. 

The reality is, home inventory remains low, so most properties will still sell with some basic prep, the right price, and a good real estate agent. But owners who go the extra mile are more likely to sell faster and for a higher amount. 

If you have plans to sell your home and want to net the most money possible, this list is for you. Here are our top seven strategies to attract the best offers and maximize your real estate returns. 

 

  1. UNDERGO A PRE-LISTING INSPECTION

Many homebuyers hire a professional to complete a home inspection before they close. But did you know that a seller can order their own inspection, known as a pre-listing inspection, before they put their home on the market? 

Having a pre-listing inspection on hand and ready to share shows interested buyers that you’re committed to a transparent transaction. This can help you market your home, strengthen your negotiating position, and minimize roadblocks to closing. 

Of course, it’s always possible that a pre-listing inspection—which looks at the home’s major systems and structures, among other things—could turn up a significant problem. This does carry some risk, as you’ll be required to either fix or disclose any issues to potential buyers. However, in most cases, it’s better to know about and address deficiencies upfront than to find out mid-transaction, when it could cost you more in the form of repair credits, a delayed closing, or a canceled sale. 

We can help you decide if a pre-listing inspection is right for you. And if it identifies any concerns, we can advise on which items need attention before you list your home. 

 

  1. CONSIDER STRATEGIC UPGRADES

Embarking on major renovations before putting your home on the market doesn’t always make financial (or logistical) sense. However, certain upgrades are more likely to pay off and can help elevate your home in the eyes of buyers. 

For example, new flooring can generate up to a 150% return on investment at resale and a countertop upgrade could pay for itself. Similarly, research shows landscaping features can increase a home’s value by up to 12%.

Often, even simpler and less expensive fixes can make a big difference in how your home comes across to buyers. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour, modern light fixtures and hardware, and new caulk around the tub or shower can help your property look its best. 

But before you make any changes to your home, reach out. We know what buyers in your neighborhood are looking for and can help you decide if a particular investment is worthwhile. 

 

  1. HIRE A HOME STAGER

To get standout offers, you need potential buyers to fall in love with your home—and they’re much more likely to do so if they can envision themselves in the space. 

That’s where home staging comes in. Staging can include everything from decluttering and packing away personal items to bringing in neutral furniture and accessories for showings and open houses. 

According to the U.S.-based National Association of Realtors, home staging can both increase the dollar value of home offers and help a property sell faster. In fact, 53% of seller’s agents agree that staging decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market, and 44% of buyer’s agents see higher offers for staged homes. 

There’s plenty of strategy and research behind the process, so it’s smart to consider a professional. Reach out for a connection to one of our recommended home stagers who can help your property show its full potential. 

 

  1. EMPLOY A COMPETITIVE PRICING STRATEGY

While it’s tempting to list your property at the highest possible price, that approach can backfire. Homes that are overpriced tend to sit on the market, which can drive away potential buyers—and drive down offers. 

Alternatively, if you price your home competitively, which is either at or slightly below market value, it can be among the nicest that buyers see within their budgets. This can ultimately lead to a higher sales price and fewer concessions. 

To help you list at the right price, we will do a comparative market analysis, or CMA. This integral piece of research will help us determine an ideal listing price based on the amount that comparable properties have recently sold for in your neighborhood. 

Without this data, you risk pricing your home too high (and getting no offers) or too low (and leaving money on the table). Combined with our local market insights, we’ll help you find that sweet spot that will attract the best offers while maximizing your profit margin. 

 

  1. OFFER ALTERNATIVE FINANCING

Conventional mortgages, while widely used, may not be accessible to everyone. For example, higher mortgage rates and home prices have made it difficult for some homebuyers to pass the required mortgage stress test. 

Consequently, certain alternatives, like vendor take-back (VTB) mortgages, are becoming increasingly popular. A VTB mortgage is a unique financing arrangement in which the seller of a property provides a loan to the buyer for all or a portion of the purchase price. 

Buyers who don’t qualify for a traditional mortgage can be highly motivated to purchase from a seller offering a VTB loan. Sellers, consequently, can benefit too, by commanding a higher price or collecting more interest on their capital than they could from a standard investment. Depending on the seller’s circumstances, there may also be certain tax advantages. 

It’s important to note, however, that there are risks involved. Therefore, both buyers and sellers should seek legal and financial advice before entering into a VTB mortgage agreement to ensure all aspects are properly structured and understood. If interested, we can refer you to the appropriate professionals for help. 

 

  1. USE A PROVEN PROPERTY MARKETING PLAN

Gone are the days when it was enough to put a “for sale” sign in your yard and place a listing on the MLS. A strategic marketing plan is now essential to get your home in front of as many interested and qualified buyers as possible. 

The truth is, buyers who don’t know about your house can’t make an offer. That’s why we utilize a multi-step approach to marketing that starts with identifying your target audience, effectively positioning your home in the market, and communicating its unique value. We then use a variety of distribution channels to connect with potential buyers and performance-based metrics to monitor and improve our campaign results. 

Our proven approach can have a big impact on the success of your sale. Reach out to learn more about our multi-step marketing plan and discuss how we can use it to generate interest and offers for your home. 

 

  1. WORK WITH AN AGENT WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR AREA

To get the best offers possible, you need a real estate agent who knows your area inside and out.  Any agent can pull comparable sales data, but in a quickly-evolving market, even the latest comps can lag the current market reality. We have our fingers on the pulse of the local market because we’re working directly with sellers like you. We also represent local buyers who are active in the market, searching for homes like yours. 

That puts us in an ideal position to help you price your home for a quick sale and maximum profit. And since we hear first-hand what local buyers want, we can help you prep your home to broaden its appeal and highlight its most-coveted features. Additionally, we can use our extensive network of local agents to solicit feedback and get your home in front of more potential buyers. 

All of these factors can add up to a significant difference in your profit: According to a U.S.-based study, in 2021, the typical home sold by owner went for $225,000 compared to a median price of $330,000 for agent-assisted home sales. 

 

LET’S GET MOVING 

Are you ready to get a great offer for your home? Our multifaceted approach can help you maximize your real estate returns. Reach out for a free home value assessment and customized sales plan to get started! 

 

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

 Be sure to reach out to Nicole Shantz – Sales Representative for The Riz Team and discuss the current market conditions

Nicole Shantz

Sales Representative

Book a call with me! Click https://linktr.ee/NicoleShantz

c. 519.591.7413

o. 519.578.7300

e. nicole@therizteam.com

w. www.therizteam.com

a. 71 Weber St. E., Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 1C6 

Sources: 

National Post – https://nationalpost.com/moneywise-pro/high-interest-rates-are-still-a-problem-for-potential-homebuyers-here-is-advice-for-navigating-the-real-estate-market 

Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/prelisting-inspection/ 

RE/MAX Canada – https://blog.remax.ca/best-home-renovations-biggest-roi/ 

Journal of Real Estate Research – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5142154_Landscaping_and_House_Values_An_Empirical_Investigation 

National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/infographics/staged-for-success 

The Balance – https://www.thebalancemoney.com/looking-twice-at-overpriced-homes-1798671 

Real Estate Magazine – https://realestatemagazine.ca/the-return-of-the-vendor-take-back-mortgage/ 

RE/MAX Canada – https://blog.remax.ca/how-to-take-advantage-of-the-vendor-take-back-mortgage/ 

National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/quick-real-estate-statistics

Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot July 2023

Thursday, August 3rd, 2023

Strong Listing Activity in 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 EvaluationClick Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (August 3, 2023) — In July, there were 607 homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR), representing an increase of 10.4 per cent compared to the previous year and a decline of 21.6 per cent compared to the previous 5-year average for the month.

“The Waterloo Region residential real estate market experienced some growth in terms of unit sales and supply in July, with home prices showing moderate fluctuations,” says Bell. “Despite the Bank of Canada’s most recent interest rate hike, we saw more sellers coming off the sidelines with new listing activity reaching its second highest level for the month of July in over a decade.”

Total residential sales in July included 364 detached (up 8.3 per cent from July 2022), and 120 townhouses (up 7.1 per cent). Sales also included 74 condominium units (up 15.6 per cent) and 44 semi-detached homes (up 22.2 per cent).

In July, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $795,778. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase compared to July 2022 and a 5.2 per cent decrease compared to June 2023.

  • The average price of a detached home was $920,635. This represents an 8.8 per cent increase from July 2022 and a decrease of 8.4 per cent compared to June 2023.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $670,283. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from July 2022 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to June 2023.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $496,757. This represents a decrease of 4.8 per cent from July 2022 and an increase of 5.6 per cent compared to June 2023.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $665,328. This represents an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to July 2022 and a decrease of 3.8 per cent compared to June 2023.

WRAR 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.

July Average Sales Price by Property Type

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price

Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge
Benchmark Type: July 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change July 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite $765,000 -1.7 1.8 $764,600 -1.8 -1.2
Detached $869,000 -2.3 4.4 $797,100 -2.2 1.2
Townhouse $648,700 0.6 -0.3 $663,200 0.5 -11.9
Apartment $484,900 1.2 -5.5 $492,600 2.2 -14.8

 

July 2023 HPI Image for Stats Release

“In this ever-evolving market, demand persists despite the changing landscape. Increased listing activity is certainly welcomed to help offset the lack of supply and pent-up demand,” says Bell. “Working with a local REALTOR® is vital in navigating these shifting influences during the homebuying and selling process. Waterloo Region properties remain highly sought-after due to our diverse economy and desirable community, solidifying us in a competitive market.”

There were 1,194 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 1.4 per cent compared to July of last year and a 10.8 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for July.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of July was 1,107, a decrease of 14.8 per cent compared to July of last year and 22.6 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1431 listings for July.

There were 2.0 months of inventory at the end of July, up slightly from the end of June and in line with the previous 10-year average. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in July was 16, compared to 18 days in July 2022. The previous 5-year average is 18 days.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

average sales price by municipality
average sales price by township
monthly sales by property type
monthly supply of homes for sale
monthly median sales price by property type
monthly average sales price by property type
monthly average days on market

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate 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 Waterloo Region 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 Market Snapshot February 2023

Friday, March 3rd, 2023

Home Sales Down, Prices Stabilizing 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 EvaluationClick Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (March 3, 2023) —Sales volume through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) set a low for the month of February, with 439 homes sold, representing a decrease of 45.0 per cent compared to February 2022 and 31.5 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

“Once again, we experienced record low listing sales in February,” says Megan Bell, president of WRAR. “Increased borrowing costs, coupled with a shortage of housing supply and strong demand, have put a strain on prospective buyers as affordability continues to be a top concern; however, home prices have remained stable for the past several months.”

Total residential sales in February included 256 detached (down 45.3 per cent from February 2022), and 100 townhouses (down 33.3 per cent). Sales also included 55 condominium units (down 52.6 per cent) and 28 semi-detached homes (down 56.3 per cent).

In February, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $758,698. This represents a 25.1 per cent decrease compared to February 2022 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to January 2023.

  • The average price of a detached home was $877,884. This represents a 26.0 per cent decrease from February 2022 and a decrease 0.9 per cent compared to January 2023.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $642,777. This represents a 25.6 per cent decrease from February 2022 and an increase of 2.7 per cent compared to January 2023.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $461,322. This represents a decrease of 19.2 per cent from February 2022 and a decrease of 6.9 per cent compared to January 2023.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $667,250. This represents a decrease of 25.8 per cent compared to February 2022 and an increase of 2.6 per cent compared to January 2023.

WRAR 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.

Febstats1

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price

  Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge
Benchmark Type: February 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change February 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite $726,500 3.0 -24.2 $742,300 1.6 -25.3
Detached $822,800 4.2 -24.8 $770,800 1.8 -27.0
Townhouse $588,500 0.9 -22.3 $637,400 -0.2 -13.8
Apartment $473,800 -1.6 -14.3 $492,100 0.9 -7.6

 

 

“Limited supply and the small number of listings coming to the market continues to be a trend within the region,” says Bell. “There may be some hesitation for those considering selling their property due to decreased reported sale prices; however, with demand continuing to outpace supply and prices stabilizing, sellers are in a healthy position to make their move.”

Bell points out that although prices have fallen more than 20 per cent from their peak in February 2022, they remain significantly higher than three years ago.

There were 671 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, a decrease of 37.1 per cent compared to February of last year and a 24.8 per cent decrease 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 692, an increase of 75.2 per cent compared to February of last year and 38.0 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1117 listings for February.

The number of months of inventory is up 140.0 per cent compared to February of last year, but still historically low at 1.2 months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in February was 20, compared to 8 days in February 2022. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

febstats2
febstats3
febstats4
febstats5
febstats6
febstats7
febstats8

Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot January 2023

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

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 EvaluationClick Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (February 3, 2023) —The number of homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) totalled 297 units, a decrease of 41.9 per cent compared to January 2022 and 31.0 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

“Waterloo Region’s home sales in January were at their second lowest of any single month in well over a decade,” says Megan Bell, president of WRAR. “Home sales tend to be sluggish in January, and while we expected activity to ease to reflect economic challenges, this was a larger drop than originally anticipated.”

Total residential sales in January included 176 detached (down 38.5 per cent from January 2022), and 61 townhouses (down 44.5 per cent). Sales also included 43 condominium units (down 48.2 per cent) and 17 semi-detached homes (down 46.9 per cent).

In January, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $764,063. This represents a 20.1 per cent decrease compared to January 2022 and a 5.9 per cent increase compared to December 2022.

  • The average price of a detached home was $888,487. This represents a 21.5 per cent decrease from January 2022 and an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to December 2022.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $625,831. This represents a 26.1 per cent decrease from January 2022 and an increase of 2.2 per cent compared to December 2022.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $495,753. This represents a decrease of 9.3 per cent from January 2022 and an increase of 6.1 per cent compared to December 2022.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $650,588. This represents a decrease of 21.5 per cent compared to January 2022 and an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to December 2022.
january average sales price by property type

WRAR 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.

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price

Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge
Benchmark Type: January 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change January 2023 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite $705,100 -1.2 -23.7

$731,000

2.4 -21.3
Detached $789,900 -1.4 -25.9 $757,200 2.9 -23.2
Townhouse $583,100 -1.8 -17.6 $638,300 -0.2 -8.0
Apartment $481,300 2.0 -5.1 $487,600 -1.9 -4.3

“On a monthly basis, we saw the average sale price increase across all property types in January,” says Bell. “I’m also noticing more multiple offers happening, especially on detached homes that are priced under eight hundred thousand dollars.”

Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada again increased interest rates at the end of January by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent. “While not a huge increase, the continuance of interest rate hikes is an ongoing factor in the reduction of home sales within the market,” says Bell.

There were 579 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, a decrease of 13.3 per cent compared to January of last year and a 28.7 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 651, an increase of 167.9 per cent compared to January of last year and 34.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 998 listings for January.

The number of months of inventory is up 233.3 per cent compared to January of last year, but still historically low at one month. Between 2011 and 2015, January’s average months of inventory was 3.0 months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in January was 25, compared to 9 days in January 2022. The previous 5-year average is 21 days.

WRAR’s president says, “The demographic of buyers is also shifting as we observe fewer buyers coming from the GTA into the region.  While there are still some, it is nowhere like it was last January. These and other shifting influences mean it has never been more important for buyers and sellers to work with a local REALTOR® to help provide expertise during the homebuying and selling process.”

Affordability, combined with ongoing supply constraints, makes it difficult for buyers to navigate the continuous market changes while sellers also need to adjust to the evolving circumstances. 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://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

jan average sales prce
jan average sales townships
sales by property type
monthly supply of homes for sale
median sales price property type
average sales price by property type
average days on market

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate 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 Waterloo Region 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 Market Snapshot & Yearly Summary December 2022

Thursday, January 5th, 2023

Fewer Homes Sales in December Ends a Year of Weaker Sales Activity in Waterloo Region

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 EvaluationClick Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (January 5, 2023) —There were 7,770 homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) in 2022, a decrease of 24.8 per cent compared to 2021. On a historical basis, 2022 performed lower than previous years, with annual sales down 12.4 per cent compared to the previous 5-year average and 8.2 per cent below the previous 10-year average.

On a monthly basis, there were 280 homes sold in December, a decrease of 38.7 per cent compared to December 2021, and 32.3 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

“The number of homes sold in December was lower than any single month in well over a decade, marking an end to a turbulent year for home sales in Waterloo Region,” says Megan Bell, President of WRAR.

Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot October 2022

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Fewer Home Sales in October

 

“Unsurprisingly, the pace of home sales continued to slow in October after the Bank of Canada’s sixth straight interest rate hike in September,” says Megan Bell, President of WRAR. “Faced with higher borrowing costs, some buyers have had to re-assess what they can afford. As these buyers get moved to the sidelines, sellers question if now is the best possible time to sell.”

 

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 EvaluationClick Here

 

 

WATERLOO REGION, ON (November 2, 2022) —491 residential homes were sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR), a decrease of 39.7 per cent compared to October 2021 and 36.2 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

Total residential sales in October included 310 detached (down 38.2 per cent from October 2021), and 84 townhouses (down 45.1 per cent). Sales also included 64 condominium units (down 36.0 per cent) and 31 semi-detached homes (down 47.5 per cent).

“Unsurprisingly, the pace of home sales continued to slow in October after the Bank of Canada’s sixth straight interest rate hike in September,” says Megan Bell, President of WRAR. “Faced with higher borrowing costs, some buyers have had to re-assess what they can afford. As these buyers get moved to the sidelines, sellers question if now is the best possible time to sell.”

In October, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $763,630. This represents an 8.4 per cent decrease compared to October 2021 and a 1.6 per cent increase compared to September 2022.

  • The average price of a detached home was $860,568. This represents a 10.6 per cent decrease from October 2021 and a decrease of 0.3 per cent compared to September 2022.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $635,197. This represents a 9.0 per cent decrease from October 2021 and a decrease of 0.4 per cent compared to September 2022.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $488,277. This represents an increase of 3.9 per cent from October 2021 and an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to September 2022.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $624,999. This represents a decrease of 10.8 per cent compared to October 2021 and a decrease of 1.9 per cent compared to September 2022.
october 2022 average sales price by property type 2

WRAR 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.

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price

Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge
Benchmark Type: October 2022 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change October 2022 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite $723,200 -0.2 -8.8 $730,700 -2.3 -9.8
Detached $807,900 -0.0 -10.1 $751,800 -2.1 -11.6
Townhouse $603,700 -1.3 -3.2 $663,100 -2.4 1.8
Apartment $494,400 -0.1 6.5 $520,100 -6.6 7.3

 

October 2022 HPI Stats Chart for Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge

“While there is uncertainty in the minds of consumers about current market conditions, one thing is for certain, Waterloo region’s housing supply remains one of the tightest in the country,” says Bell.  “Buyers may be on the sidelines for now due to affordability, but the underlying demand for housing remains strong.”

There were 827 new listings added to the MLS® System in the Waterloo Region last month, a decrease of 3.3 per cent compared to October of last year and a 14.3 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 928, an increase of 134.9 per cent compared to October of last year and 34.9 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1425 listings for October.

The number of months of inventory is up 160.0 per cent compared to October of last year, but still historically low at 1.3 months. Between 2009 and 2015, October’s average months of inventory was 3.6 months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in October was 22, compared to 10 days in October 2021. The previous 5-year average is 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 housing market, your particular property and the community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

October-2022-average-sale-price-by-municipality
October 2022 average sale price by township
October 2022 sales by property type
October 2022 Months Supply
October 2022 median sales price by property type
October 2022 average sale price by property type
October 2022 average days on market

Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot August 2022

Wednesday, September 7th, 2022

Rising Borrowing Costs Continue to Tame Home Sales in August

 

“The decline was most pronounced in the apartment-style condo and townhouse categories which could indicate that rising borrowing costs are having a greater impact on first-time buyers and those looking for more affordable options.”   

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 EvaluationClick Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (September 7, 2022) — 659 residential homes were sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) in August, a decrease of 8.1 per cent compared to August 2021 and 11.2 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

Total residential sales in August included 413 detached (down 0.7 per cent from August 2021), and 117 townhouses (down 24.0 per cent). Sales also included 68 condominium units (down 26.1 per cent) and 61 semi-detached homes (up 10.9 per cent).

“While the number of homes sold in August was down on a year-over-year basis they were up almost 19 per cent compared to July,” says Megan Bell, president of WRAR. “The decline was most pronounced in the apartment-style condo and townhouse categories which could indicate that rising borrowing costs are having a greater impact on first-time buyers and those looking for more affordable options.”

In August, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $750,849. This represents a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to August 2021 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.

  • The average price of a detached home was $851,654. This represents a 3.0 per cent decrease from August 2021 and an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to July 2022.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $610,725. This represents a 4.2 per cent decrease from August 2021 and a decrease of 5.2 per cent compared to July 2022.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $464,959. This represents an increase of 4.3 per cent from August 2021 and a decrease of 10.9 per cent compared to July 2022.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $655,813. This represents a decrease of 1.0 per cent compared to August 2021 and a decrease of 0.8 per cent compared to July 2022.

WRAR 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.

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price 
  Kitchener-Waterloo  Cambridge 
Benchmark Type:  August 2022  Monthly % Change  Yr./Yr. % Change  August 2022  Monthly % Change  Yr./Yr. % Change 
Composite  $734,500  -1.9  -2.2  $750,700  -3.4  0.6 
Detached  $815,000  -1.5  -3.9  $764,700  -3.1  -1.3 
Townhouse  $618,400  -3.8  5.4  $715,200  -5.9  11.7 
Apartment  $513,600  -2.1  16.1  $578,500  -1.1  19.0 

 

 

“Today’s announcement by the Bank of Canada to increase its policy rate by 75 basis points to 3.25 per cent is discouraging news for borrowers as it affects their purchasing power,” says Bell. “However, we see signs that the market is moving towards more buyer-friendly conditions. REALTORS® are reporting fewer multiple offers resulting in final sale prices being closer to the asking price or with more conditions accompanying offers. Even so, with inventory still very tight, Waterloo region remains a seller’s market.”

There were 933 new listings added to the MLS® System in the Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 19.3 per cent compared to August of last year, and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for August.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of August was 1,003, an increase of 188.2 per cent compared to August of last year, and 31.8 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1593 listings for August.

The number of months of inventory is up 250 per cent compared to August of last year, but still historically low. There were 1.4 months of inventory in August 2022, down from 1.8 months in July 2022. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in August was 22, compared to 12 days in August 2021. The previous 5-year average is 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://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot July 2022

Friday, August 5th, 2022

“In the wake of July’s interest rate hike, home sales in Waterloo Region continued to slow,” says Megan Bell, President of WRAR. “We’re seeing a clear shift in the market and what people can afford to purchase or are willing to pay. On the bright side for buyers, it’s not the extreme sellers’ market it was.”

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

Click Here

WATERLOO REGION, ON (August 5, 2022) — 550 residential homes were sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) in July, a decrease of 32.8 per cent compared to July 2021, and 32.3 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month.

Total residential sales in July included 337 detached (down 30.4 per cent from July 2021), and 112 townhouses (down 32.9 per cent). Sales also included 65 condominium units (down 39.3 per cent) and 36 semi-detached homes (down 41.0 per cent).

In July, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $752,301. This represents a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to July 2021 and a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to June 2022.

  • The average price of a detached home was $842,241. This represents a 6.0 per cent decrease from July 2021 and a decrease of 7.0 per cent compared to June 2022.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $642,750. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase from July 2021 and a decrease of 3.3 per cent compared to June 2022.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $521,731. This represents an increase of 20.4 per cent from July 2021 and an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to June 2022.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $661,087. This represents an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to July 2021 and a decrease of 5.4 per cent compared to June 2022.
Price by Property Type July

WRAR 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.

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price

  Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge
Benchmark Type: July 2022 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change July 2022 Monthly % Change Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite $749,000 -5.3 1.1 $776,900 -3.9 3.4
Detached $827,100 -5.6 -0.8 $789,600 -4.2 1.3
Townhouse $642,500 -5.1 10.5 $760,500 -2.6 17.7
Apartment $524,800 -2.3 17.4 $584,700 -0.0 20.1

 

MLS® Home Price Index (HPI)

“The real estate market is cooling across the province, and we are seeing significantly fewer buyers from the GTA, which is also impacting prices,” reports Bell. “However, this is not entirely bad news since the previous market was not sustainable. We are all keenly aware of the issues relating to affordability of not just purchasing a home, but rentals as well, and there is clearly more work to be done.”

There were 1,174 new listings added to the MLS® System in the Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 34.0 per cent compared to July of last year, and a 9.2 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for July.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of July was 1,283, an increase of 215.2 per cent compared to July of last year, and 19.5 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1593 listings for July.

The number of months of inventory was 1.7 months in July, as it was in June. While this is still at historic lows, the last time it was near this range was September of 2019 when it was 1.6 months.  The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in July was 18, compared to 11 days in July 2021. The previous 5-year average is 17 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://wrar.ca/hpi/

Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.

July Average Sales Price WRAR
Average Sales Price - Tonwnship WRAR
Sales - By Property Type WRAR
Months Supply of Homes for Sale July
Monthly Median Sales Price – By Property Type July
Monthly Average Sales Price – By Property Type July
July Days on Market WRAR
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 Market Snapshot June 2022

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

HOME PRICES CONTINUE TO DIP AS MONTHS SUPPLY RETURNS TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL

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 Riz Team monthly market stats June 2022. Kitchener Waterloo, ON.

 

There were 561 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in June, a decrease of 24.0 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 17.3 per cent below the previous 5-year average. “For the fourth consecutive month we’re seeing home prices moderate as the number of properties available for sale has steadily increased” says Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “In June the average price of a detached home has levelled off to where it was this time last year.”

Total residential sales in June included 326 detached (down 20.7 per cent from June 2021), and 103 townhouses (down 32.2 per cent). Sales also included 84 condominium units (down 18.4 per cent) and 48 semi-detached homes (down 33.3 per cent).

In June, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $791,674. This represents a 4.2 per cent increase over June 2021 and a 9.6 per cent decrease compared to May 2022.

 

  • The average price of a detached home was $920,349. This represents a 0.0 per cent change from June 2021 and a decrease 9.5 per cent compared to May 2022.
  • The average sale price for a townhouse was $662,305. This represents a 11.9 per cent increase from June 2021 and a decrease of 6.5 per cent compared to May 2022.
  • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $497,429. This represents an increase of 11.7 per cent from June 2021 and a decrease of 8.9 per cent compared to May 2022.
  • The average sale price for a semi was $710,284. This represents an increase of 9.5 per cent compared to June 2021 and a decrease of 2.8 per cent compared to May 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 $790,600 in June. This represents a 6.8 per cent increase over June 2021 and a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to May 2022.

  • The benchmark price for a detached home was $876,600. This represents a 5.3 per cent increase from June 2021 and 7.3 per cent decrease compared to May 2022.
  • The benchmark price for a townhouse is $676,900. This represents a 15.8 per cent increase from June 2021 and a 7.1 per cent decrease compared to May 2022.
  • The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $537,100. This represents a 24.2 per cent increase from June 2021 and a 2.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2022.

“This time last year, sales were going through the roof,” says Bell. “The home buying scene is a little different this year with folks finally taking their postponed trips, attending weddings, and generally catching up on the many missed occasions of the past two years.” Of course, recent hikes in mortgage rates are also contributing to sales cooling, notes KWAR’s president.

“While any shift in the market will result in some individuals predicting the worse, the simple reality is that the market we had been in was unsustainable,” says Bell. “What this means for buyers is more inventory, more choices, and perhaps most importantly, potentially less stress when purchasing. For sellers, they need to ensure their properties stand out from the competition and be aware it may take more time to sell their home and for potentially less money than they were expecting.”

There were 1,285 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 49.2 per cent compared to June of last year, and a 41.7 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for June.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of June was 991, an increase of 165.0 per cent compared to June of last year, and 20.6 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1249 listings for June.

The number of months of inventory increased to 1.8 months in June from 1.6 months in May. While inventory is still at historic lows, this is the highest it’s been since September 2019 and a return to where inventory was in the pre-pandemic June of 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 June was 13 days, compared to 11 days in June 2021. The previous 5-year average is 17 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.

Kitchener-Waterloo Market Snapshot November 2021

Friday, December 3rd, 2021

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.


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