Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Consumer Confusion in Today's GTA Real Estate Market, by Gitta Levi , Century 21 Heritage Group.
No wonder today's Real Estate Buyers and Sellers in the GTA are confused! Every day there is another article on mortgage rules changes, and how this will effect the prices of homes, condominiums and townhouses in the GTA. These are the same "Guru's" that told us that there was a "condominium bubble" in the GTA, not too long ago. Surprise, surprise--last year (2010) condominium sales accounted for 55% of all real estate transactions in the GTA!
This morning, (Wed. Feb. 9th, 2011), the Globe and Mail's Report on Business ran a small article in their "Business Ticker" section, entitled "Housing Decline seen less severe for 2011", by Steve Ladurantaye. The author said that "the Canadian Real Estate Association has raised its sales forecast for the rest of the year, calling for a smaller decline than it had originally expected, as low interest rates keeps buyers in the market." He went on to say that "the association now expects sales to fall by 1.6% in 2011, compared to its November call for a drop of almost 9%. Prices are also expected to do better than forecast,with a gain of 1.3% instead of a slight decline." Chief Economist, George Klump, was quoted as saying "the announcement of the new changes to mortgage rules will likely bring forward some sales into the frost quarter that would otherwise have occured later in the year."
What does that mean for you, the GTA Real Estate Buyer or Seller?
Buyers--Mortgage rates are still very low, which relates to affordability when buying your first home, condominium or townhouse in the GTA. Right now, there is very little "product" on the market, so do your homework first, before you start your search, to see what you can comfortably afford, and then contact me and let me know what areas you wish to concentrate on in your home search.
Sellers--multiple offers are still out there! Make sure that you are realistic in your asking price, and that your home is "staged", clean, and inviting for potential Buyers coming through. I can help you with all that, as part of the service that I provide.
If you've been thinking of a real estate move, now is the time. Contact Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
No wonder today's Real Estate Buyers and Sellers in the GTA are confused! Every day there is another article on mortgage rules changes, and how this will effect the prices of homes, condominiums and townhouses in the GTA. These are the same "Guru's" that told us that there was a "condominium bubble" in the GTA, not too long ago. Surprise, surprise--last year (2010) condominium sales accounted for 55% of all real estate transactions in the GTA!
This morning, (Wed. Feb. 9th, 2011), the Globe and Mail's Report on Business ran a small article in their "Business Ticker" section, entitled "Housing Decline seen less severe for 2011", by Steve Ladurantaye. The author said that "the Canadian Real Estate Association has raised its sales forecast for the rest of the year, calling for a smaller decline than it had originally expected, as low interest rates keeps buyers in the market." He went on to say that "the association now expects sales to fall by 1.6% in 2011, compared to its November call for a drop of almost 9%. Prices are also expected to do better than forecast,with a gain of 1.3% instead of a slight decline." Chief Economist, George Klump, was quoted as saying "the announcement of the new changes to mortgage rules will likely bring forward some sales into the frost quarter that would otherwise have occured later in the year."
What does that mean for you, the GTA Real Estate Buyer or Seller?
Buyers--Mortgage rates are still very low, which relates to affordability when buying your first home, condominium or townhouse in the GTA. Right now, there is very little "product" on the market, so do your homework first, before you start your search, to see what you can comfortably afford, and then contact me and let me know what areas you wish to concentrate on in your home search.
Sellers--multiple offers are still out there! Make sure that you are realistic in your asking price, and that your home is "staged", clean, and inviting for potential Buyers coming through. I can help you with all that, as part of the service that I provide.
If you've been thinking of a real estate move, now is the time. Contact Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
No wonder today's Real Estate Buyers and Sellers in the GTA are confused! Every day there is another article on mortgage rules changes, and how this will effect the prices of homes, condominiums and townhouses in the GTA. These are the same "Guru's" that told us that there was a "condominium bubble" in the GTA, not too long ago. Surprise, surprise--last year (2010) condominium sales accounted for 55% of all real estate transactions in the GTA!
This morning, (Wed. Feb. 9th, 2011), the Globe and Mail's Report on Business ran a small article in their "Business Ticker" section, entitled "Housing Decline seen less severe for 2011", by Steve Ladurantaye. The author said that "the Canadian Real Estate Association has raised its sales forecast for the rest of the year, calling for a smaller decline than it had originally expected, as low interest rates keeps buyers in the market." He went on to say that "the association now expects sales to fall by 1.6% in 2011, compared to its November call for a drop of almost 9%. Prices are also expected to do better than forecast,with a gain of 1.3% instead of a slight decline." Chief Economist, George Klump, was quoted as saying "the announcement of the new changes to mortgage rules will likely bring forward some sales into the frost quarter that would otherwise have occured later in the year."
What does that mean for you, the GTA Real Estate Buyer or Seller?
Buyers--Mortgage rates are still very low, which relates to affordability when buying your first home, condominium or townhouse in the GTA. Right now, there is very little "product" on the market, so do your homework first, before you start your search, to see what you can comfortably afford, and then contact me and let me know what areas you wish to concentrate on in your home search.
Sellers--multiple offers are still out there! Make sure that you are realistic in your asking price, and that your home is "staged", clean, and inviting for potential Buyers coming through. I can help you with all that, as part of the service that I provide.
If you've been thinking of a real estate move, now is the time. Contact Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
This morning, (Wed. Feb. 9th, 2011), the Globe and Mail's Report on Business ran a small article in their "Business Ticker" section, entitled "Housing Decline seen less severe for 2011", by Steve Ladurantaye. The author said that "the Canadian Real Estate Association has raised its sales forecast for the rest of the year, calling for a smaller decline than it had originally expected, as low interest rates keeps buyers in the market." He went on to say that "the association now expects sales to fall by 1.6% in 2011, compared to its November call for a drop of almost 9%. Prices are also expected to do better than forecast,with a gain of 1.3% instead of a slight decline." Chief Economist, George Klump, was quoted as saying "the announcement of the new changes to mortgage rules will likely bring forward some sales into the frost quarter that would otherwise have occured later in the year."
What does that mean for you, the GTA Real Estate Buyer or Seller?
Buyers--Mortgage rates are still very low, which relates to affordability when buying your first home, condominium or townhouse in the GTA. Right now, there is very little "product" on the market, so do your homework first, before you start your search, to see what you can comfortably afford, and then contact me and let me know what areas you wish to concentrate on in your home search.
Sellers--multiple offers are still out there! Make sure that you are realistic in your asking price, and that your home is "staged", clean, and inviting for potential Buyers coming through. I can help you with all that, as part of the service that I provide.
If you've been thinking of a real estate move, now is the time. Contact Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
THE GTA (Greater Toronto Area) REAL ESTATE MARKET, by Gitta Levi of Century 21 Heritage Group
I recently attended a group discussion at the Toronto Real Estate Board, headed by Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis, entitled "The Market According to Mercer". None of us have a crystal ball, including the economists, bankers and real estate agents, but what Jason Mercer had us consider is past history, affordability, prices, sales, resales and the new home and rental markets.
Based on statistics from the Toronto Real Estate Board and Statistics Canada, some interesting facts emerged.
Is the current real price level of a home in the GTA cause for concern? The issue is not the level of real price now, but rather how high it was two decades ago. The real estate market peaked in 1988, with the average home price around $400,000, the same as 2010. Income on the other hand has increased from the 1988 level of of approx. $50,000 per household to approx. $100,000 combined family income in 2010. When comparing price to income, buying a home in today's market is actually more affordable. Mortgage rates are as low as they were in 1951, with interest payments and % of disposable income dedicated to mortgage interest less of a burden in 2010 then they were in 1990, and relatively flat from 1996, with a small spike in 2007. When the bank qualifies a home purchaser for a mortgage, they consider the GDS (Gross Debt Service), i.e. the cost of carrying a mortgage including principle and interest, plus some utilities. This amount should not exceed 32% of your gross income. When we look at real estate history , prices from 1986 to 1995 with, with a small spike in 2007, a mortgage on the average priced home was not affordable.(This is one of the reasons that we saw so many "power of sale" listings during that same period).
Another very important factor to consider is the Canadian economy--it continues to grow, albeit very slowly. In the Bank of Canada Business Outlook Survery of Autumn 2010, when business owners were asked about sales volume expected increases over the next 12 months, 55% of them expected greater sales volume with another 20% expecting about the same growth that they had experienced in 2010.
What are mortgage deliquency rates like compared to the U.S? If you compare stats from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and the Canadian Bankers Association, the differential is staggering! Since 2007 to the present, U.S. rates have steadily risen to above 10%, whereas Canada has remained very close to .05%.
Unemployment is another key factor. The GTA Unemployment rate, from Statistics Canada (historic) and TREB (forecast) will not decline to "normal" for 2+ years. We currently stand at approx. 9% with a forecast of 8% (normal) for 2012.
The "Market" is confident that the Bank of Canada will keep inflation in check and interest rates will increase more slowly than originally expected.
So where does Jason Mercer see the Toronto Real Estate Board average GTA selling price going into 2011 and 2012? The average selling price will have room to grow, but at a much slower pace, with 3% the average growth rate vs. 8% in 2010. New listings in the GTA will grow, but at a moderate pace. The "Market" will remain balanced, but tight enough to promote price growth. The new home market, mainly high-rise or condo market has seen good growth and has remained resilient. 71% of the high-rise builders co-operate with TREB members in selling GTA condos (as per RealNet Canada), so your trusted Real Estate Professional can help you with your purchase. Condos remain affordable housing for end users and great investment properties. CMHC stats show that there are less vacant units in condo buildings vs. "purpose built" apartment buildings, since, in general, they are newer with more modern finishes and amenities. Rental rates continue to grow, with 1+1 and 2 bedroom units continuing to be very desirable.
Where do you fit into "the Market"?
*Currently renting? Rental prices continue to rise. If you have a job, or if you have RRSP savings, or have saved enough for a downpayment, consider buying. Home ownership is affordable.
*Up-sizing? The gap between your current home to a larger property is shrinking. Affordability is the key, so this may be the right time for you. Find out what "price differential" you can comfortably afford.
*First-time Buyers? Low mortgage rates and a "balanced" market are key factors to consider. If you qualify for a mortgage, the time is right for you to be buying.
*Investors? Rental rates to continue to rise and there are many new and "nearly new" condo buildings ready for you to purchase. If you have a downpayment the tenant will be paying most of your mortgage.
*Down sizing? After selling your current home and getting something smaller or less expensive , you will probably have money left for an investment condo--something to consider.
This may be the right time for a consultation about your real estate future. Feel free to email Gitta at gitta@gittalevi.com, or call Gitta directly at 416-587-8222. I'm never too busy to answer your questions or help you decide what would be the best "market" for you.
Based on statistics from the Toronto Real Estate Board and Statistics Canada, some interesting facts emerged.
Is the current real price level of a home in the GTA cause for concern? The issue is not the level of real price now, but rather how high it was two decades ago. The real estate market peaked in 1988, with the average home price around $400,000, the same as 2010. Income on the other hand has increased from the 1988 level of of approx. $50,000 per household to approx. $100,000 combined family income in 2010. When comparing price to income, buying a home in today's market is actually more affordable. Mortgage rates are as low as they were in 1951, with interest payments and % of disposable income dedicated to mortgage interest less of a burden in 2010 then they were in 1990, and relatively flat from 1996, with a small spike in 2007. When the bank qualifies a home purchaser for a mortgage, they consider the GDS (Gross Debt Service), i.e. the cost of carrying a mortgage including principle and interest, plus some utilities. This amount should not exceed 32% of your gross income. When we look at real estate history , prices from 1986 to 1995 with, with a small spike in 2007, a mortgage on the average priced home was not affordable.(This is one of the reasons that we saw so many "power of sale" listings during that same period).
Another very important factor to consider is the Canadian economy--it continues to grow, albeit very slowly. In the Bank of Canada Business Outlook Survery of Autumn 2010, when business owners were asked about sales volume expected increases over the next 12 months, 55% of them expected greater sales volume with another 20% expecting about the same growth that they had experienced in 2010.
What are mortgage deliquency rates like compared to the U.S? If you compare stats from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and the Canadian Bankers Association, the differential is staggering! Since 2007 to the present, U.S. rates have steadily risen to above 10%, whereas Canada has remained very close to .05%.
Unemployment is another key factor. The GTA Unemployment rate, from Statistics Canada (historic) and TREB (forecast) will not decline to "normal" for 2+ years. We currently stand at approx. 9% with a forecast of 8% (normal) for 2012.
The "Market" is confident that the Bank of Canada will keep inflation in check and interest rates will increase more slowly than originally expected.
So where does Jason Mercer see the Toronto Real Estate Board average GTA selling price going into 2011 and 2012? The average selling price will have room to grow, but at a much slower pace, with 3% the average growth rate vs. 8% in 2010. New listings in the GTA will grow, but at a moderate pace. The "Market" will remain balanced, but tight enough to promote price growth. The new home market, mainly high-rise or condo market has seen good growth and has remained resilient. 71% of the high-rise builders co-operate with TREB members in selling GTA condos (as per RealNet Canada), so your trusted Real Estate Professional can help you with your purchase. Condos remain affordable housing for end users and great investment properties. CMHC stats show that there are less vacant units in condo buildings vs. "purpose built" apartment buildings, since, in general, they are newer with more modern finishes and amenities. Rental rates continue to grow, with 1+1 and 2 bedroom units continuing to be very desirable.
Where do you fit into "the Market"?
*Currently renting? Rental prices continue to rise. If you have a job, or if you have RRSP savings, or have saved enough for a downpayment, consider buying. Home ownership is affordable.
*Up-sizing? The gap between your current home to a larger property is shrinking. Affordability is the key, so this may be the right time for you. Find out what "price differential" you can comfortably afford.
*First-time Buyers? Low mortgage rates and a "balanced" market are key factors to consider. If you qualify for a mortgage, the time is right for you to be buying.
*Investors? Rental rates to continue to rise and there are many new and "nearly new" condo buildings ready for you to purchase. If you have a downpayment the tenant will be paying most of your mortgage.
*Down sizing? After selling your current home and getting something smaller or less expensive , you will probably have money left for an investment condo--something to consider.
This may be the right time for a consultation about your real estate future. Feel free to email Gitta at gitta@gittalevi.com, or call Gitta directly at 416-587-8222. I'm never too busy to answer your questions or help you decide what would be the best "market" for you.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Buyer Confusion in Today's GTA Real Estate Market
How can today's Real Estate Buyers not be confused! The Globe and Mail's "Report on Business", of Aug. 26th, 2010, features an article by Sunny Freeman entitled "Home Sales drop 25% as prices climb". Read the heading alone, you will be gripped by fear--fear that if you're buying in today's real estate market you'll be sorry. But if you go on to actually read the article, you'll find the Canadian home prices are still on the rise even as sales fall and demand peters out.
Home sales fell by 25% since the peak at the beginning of the year, when there was very little real estate inventory , and more buyers than properties to buy. As more homes became available, and mortgage requirements became tighter, the "multiple offers" scenario decreased. But, according to a study by the Conference Board of Canada, Canadian home prices are still on the rise, a trend that is likely to continue, said conference board associate director, Michael Burt.
According to Michael Burt, "most of the costs associated with home ownership, such as mortgage costs and insurance, are outstripping inflation and income growth". "As a result, housing affordability in Canada, which has been deteriorating over the past decade, will continue to decline during the next two years."
Sales in the GTA for July were down 30% from 2009, but prices were essentially flat. As more resale houses come onto the market and fewer buyers compete for homes, the GTA housing market is at a "crossroads", between a balanced market and one that favours buyers. Some economists predict that the real estate market could move further toward a buyers market, which could lead to a deceleration of price increases, or a price drop.
Seasonally-adjusted homes sales in the GTA fell 8.2% in June from the previous month, and shrunk 19.7% compared to June of 2009, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. However, the average Canadian home price sat at $342,662 compared to $326,689 in 2009. Real Estate sales activity this year is up 5.6%, compared to the first seven months of 2009.
Confused! Who wouldn't be! The best advice that I could give anyone wanting to buy a home or condo in the GTA is , if you're working and can afford home ownership, go for it! No one really knows what's ahead for us--no one economist, no one realtor, and certainly not the media. If you compare home ownership with any other investment that you can make in today's GTA marketplace, real estate has traditionally out performed them all. And besides, instead of paying your landlord's mortgage, you will be paying your own and have a HOME to show for it.
If you are considering home ownership is today's GTA marketplace, and would like the consultation of a REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, feel free to contact Gitta Levi directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
Home sales fell by 25% since the peak at the beginning of the year, when there was very little real estate inventory , and more buyers than properties to buy. As more homes became available, and mortgage requirements became tighter, the "multiple offers" scenario decreased. But, according to a study by the Conference Board of Canada, Canadian home prices are still on the rise, a trend that is likely to continue, said conference board associate director, Michael Burt.
According to Michael Burt, "most of the costs associated with home ownership, such as mortgage costs and insurance, are outstripping inflation and income growth". "As a result, housing affordability in Canada, which has been deteriorating over the past decade, will continue to decline during the next two years."
Sales in the GTA for July were down 30% from 2009, but prices were essentially flat. As more resale houses come onto the market and fewer buyers compete for homes, the GTA housing market is at a "crossroads", between a balanced market and one that favours buyers. Some economists predict that the real estate market could move further toward a buyers market, which could lead to a deceleration of price increases, or a price drop.
Seasonally-adjusted homes sales in the GTA fell 8.2% in June from the previous month, and shrunk 19.7% compared to June of 2009, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. However, the average Canadian home price sat at $342,662 compared to $326,689 in 2009. Real Estate sales activity this year is up 5.6%, compared to the first seven months of 2009.
Confused! Who wouldn't be! The best advice that I could give anyone wanting to buy a home or condo in the GTA is , if you're working and can afford home ownership, go for it! No one really knows what's ahead for us--no one economist, no one realtor, and certainly not the media. If you compare home ownership with any other investment that you can make in today's GTA marketplace, real estate has traditionally out performed them all. And besides, instead of paying your landlord's mortgage, you will be paying your own and have a HOME to show for it.
If you are considering home ownership is today's GTA marketplace, and would like the consultation of a REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL, feel free to contact Gitta Levi directly at 416-587-8222, or email gitta@gittalevi.com.
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