KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (March 5, 2020) ––There were 467 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in February, an increase of 36.5 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 15.3 per cent above the previous 10-year average.
“After a few consecutive months of sluggish home sales, home buying activity in February was much stronger,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR.
Total residential sales in February included 272 detached homes (up 52 per cent), and 62 condominium units (up 14.8 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 32 semi-detached homes (up 33.3 per cent) and 101 freehold townhouses (up 18.8 per cent).
The average sale price of all residential properties sold in February increased 16.3 per cent to $571,023 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $673,825 an increase of 13.2 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $371,923 for an increase of 16.4 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $443,382 (up 12.9 per cent) and $485,831 (up 8.4 per cent) respectively.
The median price of all residential properties sold in February increased 18.2 per cent to $550,050 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 18.6 per cent to $630,000.
“Like many other markets across the province, the story of our local housing market continues to be one of supply and demand,” says Koehler. “Market-wide, the number of homes available for sale is simply not keeping up with the number of people wanting to purchase a home in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.”
REALTORS® listed 609 residential properties in KW and area last month, an increase of 7.8 per cent compared to February of 2019, and a decrease of 5.9 per cent in comparison 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 447, a decrease of 39.4 per cent compared to February of last year, and 62 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,179 listings for February. The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) in February was just 0.9 months, 40 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for February was 2.55 months, and in the past 5 years the average supply for February was 1.76 months.
KWAR’s president points out that now more than ever sellers should avail themselves of a REALTOR®. “With a multitude of buyers jumping on a scarcity of properties for sale, many homes are selling for more than the asking price. A REALTOR® will ensure you have maximum exposure to these buyers through the MLS® System and will manage the intricate process of any multiple offers professionally.”
The average days to sell in February was 17 days, compared to 26 days in February 2019.
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.
Fewer Home Sales in January as the Number of Homes for Sale Continues to Elude Buyers in Kitchener- Waterloo
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Feb 5, 2020) ––There were 281 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in January, a decrease of 8.2 per cent compared to the previous month. Contrasted to previous Januarys however, home sales last month were only 3.6 per cent below the previous 10-year average, and 3.8 per cent below the previous 5-year average.
“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.
Sales Dip in December, While Prices Continue toEscalate
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Jan 6, 2020) ––There were 5,925 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in 2019, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to 2018. Contrasted to past years, 2019’s annual sales were 2.3 per cent below the previous 5-year average, and 3 per cent above the previous 10-year average.
On a monthly basis, sales dipped 9 percent compared to last year, with 244 home sales in the month of December.
“Overall, it was a steadfast pace of home sales in 2019,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “When annual home sales in Kitchener-Waterloo hit near 6000 transactions, I consider it to be a strong real estate market.”
Total residential sales in 2019 included 3,590 detached (up 5.9 per cent), and 648 condominium units (down 7.8 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 421 semi-detached homes (down 0.7 per cent) and 1,266 freehold townhouses (down 3.7 per cent).
The average sale price of all residential properties sold in 2019 increased 9.3 per cent to $527,718 compared to 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $614,743 an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to 2018. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment style condominium was 332,409 for an increase of 9.6 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $409,979 (up 10 per cent) and $439,844 (up 11 per cent) respectively.
The median price of all residential properties sold last year increased 10.1 per cent to $490,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 8.6 per cent to $570,000.
“In 2019, the lack of supply continued to be a hurdle for anyone who was trying to buy their first home, move-up from their current residence, or downsize. This ongoing state of the market caused further escalation of home prices in 2019. With interest rates expected to stay low in the year ahead combined with Waterloo region’s ongoing growth, I expect 2020 will see more price gains alongside a steady increase in sales,” says Koehler.
The number of months of inventory averaged 1.5 throughout the year, hitting its highest point in May when there was 2.1 months of supply, and ending the year at 0.7 (3-4 months supply is historically normal for Waterloo region). The average days to sell in 2019 was 23 days, compared to 24 days in 2018 and a previous 10-year average of 38 days.
Dollar volume of all residential real estate sold last year increased 10.9 per cent to $3.1 Billion compared with 2018.
While the majority of residential MLS® System activity is properties for sale, REALTORS® are increasingly representing landlords and tenants. Last year 733 residential leases occurred through KWAR’s MLS® System, which is on par with last year and, 2.5 times as many as just four years ago.
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.”
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.
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!
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!!!
The Ontario Real Estate Association had asked the government to expand the land-transfer tax rebate program for first-time buyers as one way to help more of them get into the housing market.
Finance minister Charles Sousa is giving first-time home buyers a $4,000 land transfer tax rebate
The change, which takes effect on Jan. 1, means first-time buyers will not pay land transfer tax on the first $386,000 of the cost of their homes.
“For many this will mean no land transfer tax on the purchase for their first home,” said Sousa.
“The housing market is an important source of economic growth and employment in Ontario and improving housing affordability will help more Ontarians participate,” he said
Under the land transfer tax break, more than half of first-time home buyers won’t have to pay land transfer tax at all.
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.
What does “I’m home” mean to you? Is it family, comfort, style or relaxation? Is it gardening, a
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Post a photo of a favourite moment at home to royallepage.ca/IMHOME to enter the
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Enter to win great prizes
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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.
Remaining objective can be a difficult task when viewing an open house. It is easy to fall in love with a home’s appearance, blind to problems that may make it unsuitable. While aesthetics can be an important consideration, it is necessary to look beyond window-dressing.
Aqualified home inspector should be hired before purchasing a home, but there are areas that consumers can examine on their own. This will shorten your list of potential homes and reduce the likelihood that a home inspector will reject it as unsafe or unsuitable. Here are some considerations and common problem areas to look for when touring an open house:
General Upkeep
Much can be surmised from the general state of the home. Is the home clean? Are lawns left uncut? Are the walls chipped and in need of paint? If smaller chores have been ignored it may be an indication of a broader disregard for home maintenance.
Water Leaks
Check ceilings and drywall for stains, bulges and other signs of water damage. Water that works its way inside via a leaky roof or a cracked foundation can rot wood, create mildew and mold, destroy possessions and can be expensive to repair.
Does it Work?
Test lights, faucets, the heater, air conditioning, major appliances (that are to be included with the home) – even flush the toilets to ensure everything is working as it should.
Floors
As you walk across the floors be aware of spongy (soft or springy) sections. Excessive squeaking and uneven, bumpy floors may also be indicative of expensive forthcoming repairs.
Doors & Windows
Check that doors and windows fit snugly in their jambs and operate smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. If the wood around windows and doors is not protected from moisture, it can rot away. Feel for drafts in these areas too.
Poor Drainage
On a wet day walk around the yard and look for areas where water collects. This can be an especially bad sign if there are soggy areas near the home’s foundation.
Grout & Caulking
If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles is loose and crumbly, there is a good chance that water is finding its way into the wall or under the floor.
Structural
Although this is definitely an area where you want the services of a qualified home inspector, you can get an idea about possible structural problems if you see deep cracks in the foundations or loose mortar and bricks.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Naturally, one the most important factors will be determining if the house suits your family’s needs. If you do not want to replace all of your furniture, make sure it will fit into the rooms of the new house. This is difficult to do by eye, so be sure to bring a measuring tape. Also, take note of storage space. If you are moving from a home with large closets and a shed, make sure your new house is able to store an equivalent amount of belongings.
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.
MLS®, REALTOR®, and the associated logos are trademarks of The Canadian Real Estate Association.
The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
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.
