Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Update for November 2013
HOME SALES DOWN IN NOVEMBER, UP ON YEAR-TO-DATE BASIS
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 4, 2013) –– Homes sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the
Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in November were down 8.2 percent compared to
November of last year. Residential sales have totalled 6,080 on a yearly basis which represents a 2.3 percent
increase over last year, and also a year-to-date record for total units sold since 2007.
A total of 459 residential properties were sold compared to 500 the same time last year. Residential sales in
November included 295 single detached homes (down 9.2% from last November), 41 semi-detached (up
20.6%), 30 townhomes (up 7.1%) and 90 condominium units (down 15.1%).
“Looking back on 2013 as it winds down, we’ve had a strong and stable year of homes sales” says Lynn
Bebenek, newly elected President of KWAR. “The strength of our local economy and low interest rates continue
to support housing demand in Waterloo Region.”
Single detached homes sold for an average price of $370,068 an increase of 3.0 percent compared to last
year. The average sale price for a condominium was $214,932 an increase of 3.4 percent while townhomes and
semis sold for an average of $268,194 (up 2.3%) and $240,645 (up 1.7%) respectively. The average sale price of
all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 3.1 percent to $320,591 compared to November
2012.
“November’s housing sales demonstrate that Waterloo region continues to be a desirable place to live and
work,” says President Bebenek, “With local job creation expected to outpace losses next year, and barring any
drastic changes in lending rates, Waterloo region should continue to enjoy a healthy housing market in 2014.”
December 4, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, lofts in kitchener, market update, Mortgage News, Remax, sales rep, waterloo ontario, waterloo region school board, westvale | 1 Comment
October 2013 Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Update – Kitchener Homes For Sale
SOLID HOME SALES IN OCTOBER
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 5, 2013) –– Residential property sales through the Multiple Listing System
(MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in October were down 4.0 percent
compared to October of last year.
A total of 481 residential properties were sold compared to 501 the same time last year. Year-to-date sales are
up 3.3 percent with 5,620 homes trading hands so far this year. That stands 2.2 percent above the 5-year
average and up 3.2 percent from the same time in 2012. Residential sales in September included 313 single
detached homes (down 2.8% from last October), 44 semi-detached (down 8.3%), 36 town homes (up 9.1%) and
85 condominium units (down 7.6%).
“On a monthly basis the number of sales in October was in line with the average of the past 5 years,” says
Dietmar Sommerfeld, President of KWAR. “Looking at year-to-date figures, homes sales are the highest they’ve
been compared to the last five years.”
Sommerfeld says he is confident about the local economy and the region’s housing market, pointing to a
recent Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) report (Fall 2013) that states steady mortgage rates
combined with stable/increasing employment in the Region will continue to keep housing demand strong
moving into early 2014.
Single detached homes sold for an average price of $352,807 an increase of 3.6 percent compared to last
year. The average sale price for a condominium was $214,226 a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to
October of last year. The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased
3.3 percent to $312,785 compared to October 2012.
If you ever have any questions on the information provided or specific pricing of your home feel free to give me a call to discuss. I am always happy to help.
November 7, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers | Tags: Bank of Canada, condo, condo buying, eastbridge, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, kevin baker, kwhometeam, loft, lofts in kitchener, market update, Mortgage News, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario, waterloo region school board | Leave a comment
How To Prepare When Mortgage Rates Start Going Up – Kitchener Waterloo Homes For Sale
Five ways to prepare for higher mortgage rates
Mortgage rates on the rise? No need to panic; what you need is some smart strategies to prepare. Here are our top 5 tips:
1. Don’t take the money. If you’re buying a new home, don’t be tempted to borrow the maximum amount your lender will allow.
2. Do more than the minimum.If you have a variable-rate mortgage, build in some wiggle room by setting your payments higher than required.
3. Plan to pre-pay. Find out what your pre-payment privileges are and pay whatever you can.
4. Conduct a reality check.Find out what your mortgage balance will be at renewal and use our online mortgage calculator to project what your payments could be if you renewed at a higher rate. Start to ease up to your new payment level so at renewal, it’s like a merge lane!
5. Watch your bad debt. Be cautious about any credit card or other high-interest debt.
Getting prepared for higher rates is not about panicking, it’s about being prudent.Give me a call if you have any questions.
October 2, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: assessment, Bank of Canada, banking practices, condo, condo buying, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, kitchener, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, loft, market update, Mortgage News, Mortgage Rates, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, sales rep, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Don’t Forget Your Fall Home Maintenance To Do List- Kitchener Waterloo Homes for sale
Your fall “to-do”
list for home maintenance!
A few hours spent on fall maintenance will protect the investment you’ve made, and make for a more comfortable and worry-free winter ahead. Get started with our fall “to-do” list:
- Ensure windows and doors (especially the one between house & garage) close tightly; repair or replace weather stripping if needed.
- Check your roof for loose or missing shingles.
- Ensure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear.
- Check your chimney for nests, other obstructions, or buildup of residues.
- Get a pro to inspect your heating system. Clean or replace the furnace air filter each month all winter.
- Have ducts professionally cleaned every few years; vacuum everything you can reach.
- Check your home safety devices and change the batteries.
- Change the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air from the ceiling down.
- Cover outside of air-conditioning unit.
- Drain and store outdoor hoses. Protect delicate landscaping.
By doing a few small things you will ensure your home is ready for the winter months and you can enjoy them in comfort.
Have a great fall season!
September 4, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: first time home buyer, home buying, home inspection, home maintenance, home upkeep, home value, kevin baker, kitchener, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, sales rep, to do list, waterloo ontario, waterloo region school board, westvale | 1 Comment
Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Update for July 2013
Hey Everyone, Here are the stats for the Waterloo Region and it looks like another great month. With a solid July we are now in positive territory for the year on Sales Volume, while prices remain up from last year which is great news for home sellers. If you have any questions or need any advice on buying or selling please feel free to give me a call at 519-579-4110 or email to kevinbaker@kwhometeam.ca
HOME SALES CONTINUE UPWARD TREND
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (July 4, 2013) –– Residential property sales through the Multiple Listing
System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) half way through
the year are up 1.4 per cent compared the same time last year. Residential sales totaled 3,511, 2.2
per cent ahead of the previous 5-year average of residential sales year-to-date.
In the month of June 648 residential properties were sold compared to 607 in June of last year,
representing a 6.8 per cent increase in sales volume.
“Residential sales in Kitchener-Waterloo continue to perform well” says Dietmar Sommerfeld,
President of KWAR. “We’re seeing a slow and steady upward trend in sales which is exactly what we
like to see, stable and steady growth.”
June’s sales included 422 single detached homes (up 9.9 % from last year) 122 condominium units
(down 7.6 %), 58 semi-detached (up 9.4 %) and 35 freehold townhouses (up 6.1 %). Year-to-date
residential sales display a similar distribution with 2,367 single detached homes (up 3.6 %) 605
condominium units (down 9.4 %), 283 semi-detached (up 6.0 %) and 218 freehold townhouses (up 0.5
%).
On a year-to-date basis, the average sale price of all residential sales increased 4.6 per cent to
$327,569 compared to 2012. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $371,898 an
increase of 4.2 per cent compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium units sold
in the first half of the year was $215,219, an increase of 2.7 per cent over 2012.
July 8, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: condo, condo buying, first time home buyer, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, loft, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, sales rep, waterloo ontario, waterloo region school board | Leave a comment
Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Market Update for May 2013 –
HOME SALES HEAT UP IN MAY
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (June 4, 2013) –– Residential property sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®
System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in May were up 16.1 per cent compared
to the same time last year. Led by strong sales of single detached homes, it’s the first time sales have surpassed
the 700 unit mark in the Month of May since 2007.
A total of 765 residential properties were sold in the month of May compared to 659 the same time last year.
Comparing the 5-year average for the month of May shows a 16.3 per cent jump in activity this past month.
Year-to-date sales are practically on par with the same time last year nudging up by six residential sales.
“Waterloo region’s residential real estate market was alive and well in May, says Dietmar Sommerfeld, President
of KWAR. “On a year-to-date basis, we are seeing sales activity that is right in line with last year’s results and a
little above the 5 year average.”
May’s sales included 528 single detached homes (up 17.9 % from last year) 122 condominium units (up 2.5 %),
59 semi-detached (up 20.4 %) and 45 freehold townhouses (up 18.4 %). Year-to-date residential sales were 3.5
per cent above the 5-year average with a total of 2,860 units to date.
The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 6.9 percent last month
to $333,288 compared with May 2012. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $378,473 an
increase of 7.4 per cent compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $212,638, an
increase of 3.8 percent compared to May 2012.
“The spring home buying season was in full swing in May,” says President Sommerfeld. “This was reflected in the
strong price gains and is a sign of the confidence that homebuyers have in the local housing market and
Waterloo region as a great place to live and invest.
June 12, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers | Tags: condo, condo buying, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
April 2013 Market Update for Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate
APRIL SHOWERS BROUGHT MAY FLOWERS…AND HOME BUYERS
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (May 6, 2013) –– Residential property sales through the Multiple Listing
System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in April were
identical compared to April last year.
Home sales in April were 1.9 percent above the 5-year average for the month. There were a total of
683 residential properties sold in the month of April compared to 683 the same time last year. In
comparison to March, residential sales grew 11.6 percent, continuing the trend of increasing home
sales since the beginning of 2013.
“Low interest rates and a strong local economy continue to make it favourable for people to invest in
homes in the Region,” says Dietmar Sommerfeld, President of KWAR. “This April set a record for dollar
volume of sales compared to the last 10 years.”
April’s sales included 471 single detached homes (up 3.5 % from last year) 117 condominium units
(down 7.9 %), 47 semi-detached (down 14.5 %) and 41 freehold townhouses (down 2.4 %). Year-todate residential sales were only 1.1 percent below the 5-year average with a total of 2,085 units to date.
The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 6.2 percent
last month to $334,777 compared with April 2012. Single detached homes sold for an average price
of $378,936 an increase of 6.1percent compared to last year. The average sale price for a
condominium was $216,209, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to April 2012.
May 9, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, kitchener, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, market update, real estate, Remax, sales rep, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Bank of Canada Keeps Benchmark Rate Unchanged!
Key Interest Rate Stays Put
With a lower growth forecast, the Bank of Canada is once again keeping its key policy rate unchanged, noting that our historic low rates “will likely remain appropriate for a period of time, after which some modest withdrawal will likely be required.” With a weaker second half of 2012, the bank projects that growth in Canada will regain some momentum through 2013, with the economy “reaching full capacity in mid 2015 – later than anticipated.”
The prime rate for most lenders should stay at 3%, now unchanged since September 2010.
The Bank’s next rate decision is scheduled for May 29.
As for fixed rates, we continue to enjoy historically low rates for those looking to purchase or refinance, perfect for the spring market!
| Terms | Posted Rates | Our Rates |
| 6 MONTHS | 4.00% | 3.95% |
| 1 YEAR | 3.00% | 2.65% |
| 2 YEARS | 3.04% | 2.69% |
| 3 YEARS | 3.70% | 2.65% |
| 4 YEARS | 4.64% | 2.85% |
| 5 YEARS | 5.24% | 2.84% |
| 7 YEARS | 6.35% | 3.49% |
| 10 YEARS | 6.75% | 3.69% |
| Rates are subject to change without notice. OAC E&OE | ||
| CURRENT PRIME RATE IS | 3.00% |
| PRODUCT | RATE |
| 5 YEAR VARIABLE: | 2.60% |
April 17, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers | Tags: Bank of Canada, banking practices, condo buying, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, lofts in kitchener, market update, Mortgage News, Mortgage Rates, real estate investing, realtor, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Spring Market update for Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate – March 2013
Here is the latest report on how the market is doing in Kitchener Waterloo and the region of Waterloo. As always if you have any questions or need any advice as to when a good time to buy or sell is please give me a call at 519-579-4110 or email kevinbaker@kwhometeam.ca
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (April 4, 2013) –– Residential property sales through the Multiple Listing
System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were in keeping
with the 10-year historical average for the first quarter.
During the first quarter of 2013, there were a total of 1,397 home sales, 7.6 percent below last year’s
total for the same period.
“Home sales have been affected by tightened mortgage rules,” says Dietmar Sommerfeld, President
of KWAR. “First time buyers are most impacted but at the same time low interest rates should help
foster a healthy upcoming spring market.”
Home sales in the month of March totalled 607 units, 9.4 percent lower than the same month a year
ago and 1.5 percent below the 5-year average. March’s sales included 393 single detached homes
(down 12.1 %), 107 condominium units (down 12.3 %), 58 semi-detached (up 5.5) and 43 freehold
townhouses (up 7.5%).
While sales were down last month compared to the same period a year ago home sales have
increased month over month since January of this year and the average sale price of all residential
sales increased 2.9 percent to $320,229 compared with March 2012. Single detached homes sold for
an average price of $367,714 an increase of 3.4 percent compared to last year. In the condominium
market prices were up 3.6%, with the average condo unit selling for $206,298.
April 10, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: condo, condo buying, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, lofts, lofts in kitchener, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario, westvale | Leave a comment
Boost your Down payment and get a RRSP Refund using Federal Home Buyers Program for First Time Buyers
The Deadline for this RRSP season to help with your first home; contribute before March 1, 2013!
It’s RRSP season! If you’re a first-time buyer, consider how the Federal Home Buyers’ Program (HBP) and a tax refund can boost the funds you have available for your purchase.
If you have RRSP contribution room, you should contribute your savings before March 1, 2013 so you can qualify for a 2012 tax refund based on the amount you contribute and your marginal tax rate. Then, after 90 days, you can redeem those funds under the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP). The HBP lets first-time homebuyers withdraw up to $25,000 each (or $50,000 for a couple) tax-free from their RRSPs. You’ll need to pay those funds back, of course, on a repayment plan, but this strategy can make a substantial difference in the affordability of home ownership!
While your funds are tied up for those 90 days, we can get you an interest rate hold. Let’s have a conversation about the HBP and determine if this strategy can work for you.
For more information on how to use this tool for the purchase of your first home please contact myself at kevinbaker@kwhometeam.ca or Tracy Bennett at Bennett Capitial tracy.bennett@bennettcapital.ca
January 28, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers | Tags: Bank of Canada, condo, down payment, federal home buyer program, first time home buyer, home buying, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, lofts in kitchener, market update, Mortgage News, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, rrsp contribuitions, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Energy Efficient Home Insurance Rebate – Get 10% of your premium refunded! – Kitchener Homes and Condos For Sale.
Energy Efficient Home Insurance Rebate – Get 10% of your premium refunded!
Consumers can receive a 10% refund of their mortgage insurance premiums as well as their extended amortization surcharge if they their amortization is more than a 25 years.
Mortgage Insurance Premium Refund 25 years:
| $300,000 mortgage @ 95% LTV | Premium Payable* |
| Standard Premium (95% LTV = 2.75%) | $8,250 |
| Energy-Efficient Premium Refund (10%) | ($825) |
| Total Premium | $7,425 |
Mortgage Insurance Premium Refund 30 years:
| $300,000 mortgage @ 95% LTV | Premium Payable* |
| Standard Premium (95% LTV = 2.95%) | $8,850($600) surcharge refund |
| Energy-Efficient Premium Refund (10%) | ($1425) |
| Total Premium | $7,425 |
The following chart will give you an idea in Ontario for the rating required for the year you purchased. You will need to have the rating from the builder or qualfied energy advisor.
* Depending on the closing date of your purchase, the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Energy-Efficiency Rating required differs:
| For purchases with a closing date… | EnerGuide Rating Required |
| On or after January 1st, 2013 | 82 |
| From April 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2012 | 80 |
| From July 27st, 2005 to March 31st, 2010 | 77 |
In order to make an application for a refund you will need to fill out one of the attached forms and send it to your insurer along with and EnerGuide report showing your house rating. The supporting documents cannot be older than five years or a new energy efficiency evaluation will be required. If you renovate your existing home to increase it’s EnerGuide rating by at least 5 points(to a minimum of 40) you can apply for the refund as well.
I have applied and received funds for those that fit the requirements when my clients have bought a house that meets the guidelines. Please contact me if you are looking to purchase an Energy Efficient Home in 2013 that is 82 or higher. At Bennett Capital, we will get you the best rate and apply for the refund for you at closing.
Information provided by Tracy Bennett of Bennett Capital. For More information please contact myself kevinbaker@kwhometeam.ca or Tracy at tracy.bennett@bennettcapital.ca January 25, 2013
January 28, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers | Tags: energy audit, energy rebate, first time home buyer, full time realtor, green homes, home buying, Home energy audit, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, lofts in kitchener, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | 1 Comment
Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Market Update for 2013 –
I listened to Craig Alexander, Chief Economist for TD Bank speak yesterday on where he see’s the Real Estate market going for 2013. Have a look at the video to hear my thoughts on what he had to say.
January 18, 2013 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: Bank of Canada, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, market update, Mortgage Rates, Remax, sales rep, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Hiring a Realtor and What To Look For – Kitchener Waterloo Remax Twin City Realty Sales Rep
With availability of information, mobile phones and websites it is even more important to hire a Realtor based on what they can do for you to get the home sold quickly, efficiently and for the most amount of money. Have a look at this video to hear my thoughts on what you should be looking for when interviewing your Realtor.
December 12, 2012 | Categories: Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: brokerage, commission, condo, facebook, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home value, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, loft, lofts in kitchener, marketing, price, real estate, realtor, realty, Remax, sales rep, sales representative, twin city, waterloo ontario, westvale | Leave a comment
When is the Best Time to Sell? – Kitchener Waterloo Homes for sale
One of the questions I get asked a lot is….”is now a good time to sell my home? With Christmas and winter just around the corner the answer might be different than you think. Have a look at the video to hear my thoughts.
December 3, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers | Tags: condo, condo buying, fall market, first time home buyer, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, lofts in kitchener, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, spring market, summer market, waterloo ontario, westvale, when is the best time to sell, winter market | Leave a comment
Mortgage Plus Improvments and How It Works – Kitchener Waterloo Homes for sale
If you are in the market for a new home and are having trouble finding something that suits or have found something but it needs a bit of work and you may not have the extra money out-of-pocket, then you can get a mortgage plus improvements type product to help make that home a possibility. Have a look at the video to hear how the product works.
November 7, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: Bank of Canada, banking practices, condo, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, market update, Mortgage News, Mortgage Rates, real estate, real estate investing, realtor, realty, Remax, sales rep, twin city, waterloo ontario | 1 Comment
The Commission Free Way May Not Be The Best Way. – Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate
If you have been thinking of selling your home yourself here is a great video on one families experience and how they ended up using a Realtor to get the home Sold.
October 17, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: assessment, facebook, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario, westvale | Leave a comment
Assessment Value vs Market Value – Kitchener Waterloo Homes for sale
The new assessments are out in the Kitchener Waterloo Region and i am getting the question is that what my house is worth? Have a look at the video to why assessment value is different from market value.
October 15, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Uncategorized, Video Blogs | Tags: assessment, condo, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, loft, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
How Long Will My House Take to Sell? – Kitchener Waterloo homes for sale
How long will my house take to sell? That is one of the most asked questions I get from consumers. It depends on several variables. Have a look at the video to hear my thoughts on Kitchener Waterloo average days and why.
September 20, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, market update, Mortgage News, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario, waterloo region school board | Leave a comment
Pricing your Kitchener Waterloo Home or Condo Properly – Kevin Baker Remax Twin city
Coming into a fall market it is more important than ever to price your home properly get maximum dollar and so that it doesn’t become stale in the buying public eyes. Have a listen to hear my thougths as to some things to look for when setting a price for you next home sale.
August 23, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home prices, home value, house prices, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, market update, pricing your home, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | 1 Comment
New Mortgage Rules and how they affect you – Kitchener Waterloo Homes for sale
Last week the government mortgage rule changes came into effect. There were 2 major changes that are going to effect people and the amount that they will be able to borrow. Have a listen to the video to hear my thoughts.
July 16, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: assessment, Bank of Canada, banking practices, condo, condo buying, first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, loft, market update, Mortgage News, Mortgage Rates, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
May Market Update for Waterloo Region – Kitchener Waterloo Homes for Sale
STEADY STREAM OF HOME SALES IN MAY
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (June 5, 2012) –– Sales of residential properties via the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were steady last month, keeping in line with the previous 5 year average for May.
Members of the KWAR sold 650 residential properties in May, a decrease of 3.4 percent compared to May of last year. On a year-to-date basis this brings the total number of sales recorded through the MLS® System of the KWAR to 2,844 a 2.7 percent increase compared to 2011.
May’s sales included 440 detached homes (down 1.1%), 117 condominium units (down 10.7%), 50 semi-detached (up 16.7%) and 38 townhouses (up 26.7%).
The average sale price of all residential sales increased 0.5 percent to $312,219 compared with May 2011. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $353,368, which is on par with May of last year. The average price of condominium units sold in May was $206,063 a 2.9 percent decline compared to last year.
The dollar volume of all home sales in May was $202,942,505, down 2.9 percent from year-ago levels.
“Sales in May demonstrate continued strength in the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market”, says Sara Hill, President of KWAR. “What we saw last month is a steady stream of homes sales, combined with an excellent selection of listings on the market, which helped to moderate price gains.”
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. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.
June 14, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers | Tags: first time home buyer, full time realtor, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, market update, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Resale vs Condo Conversion vs New Construction
If you are thinking of buying a condo there are 3 types to choose from. Here I talk about the differences between new construction condo’s vs condo conversions and the resale condo market.
June 4, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: condo, first time home buyer, home buying, home value, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, loft, lofts in kitchener, market update, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Mulitple Listing Service (Mls) vs Exclusive or Selling Privately – Kevin Baker Kitchener Waterloo Realtor
I shot this video over a year ago and i think its does a good job of explaining the differences between listing “exclusively” or “Privately” vs the MLS system. Have a look to hear my thoughts on my experience with both.
May 2, 2012 | Categories: Local Kitchener Waterloo, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: exclusive, full time realtor, home buying, home value, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, market update, mls, multiple listing service, private, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, sale, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
Market Value, Appraised Value and Assessed Value… What do they all mean? – Kitchener Homes for sale
The value of your home is different depending on who is looking at it. Have a look at the video I shot to explain the differences between the 3 very different types of values for your home.
April 27, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Local Kitchener Waterloo, Random thoughts, Sellers, Video Blogs | Tags: assessment, banking practices, first time home buyer, home buying, home value, inventory levels, kevin baker, Kitchener waterloo, kwhometeam, kwrealestatelife, lofts in kitchener, real estate, real estate investing, Remax, waterloo ontario | Leave a comment
KW Real Estate Life 