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May Newsletter:The winds of change may be blowing in the air as our spring market has not surged as in previous years
May Report - Sales moderate again in April but prices up - sign of things to come?
April statistics show that 8,762 houses sold in the Greater Toronto Area. “The market continues to experience a supply and demand situation and to-date it remains a sellers market," said TREB President Maureen O’Neill.
The GTA market was down 7 per cent from last April’s record 9,452 transactions. However, it is showing signs for a healthy 2008 compared to the diminished activity during the first quarter of 2008.
The sales pace however, did not take place evenly throughout the GTA. With 3,467 transactions in the City of Toronto, sales were down 10 per cent from a year ago. The 905 region was down five per cent from April 2007 sales, with 5,295 homes changing hands.
Prices continued to appreciate last month, to a GTA average of $398,687, up eight per cent from last April's $367,968. The average price in the City of Toronto was $446,781, up six per cent from April 2007. The 905 region’s average price of $367,196 increased five per cent from a year ago.
“For more than a decade, real estate has served as the economy’s engine,” said Ms. O’Neill. “It’s encouraging to see that consumers are continuing to put their faith in real estate as an excellent longterm investment.”
Breaking down the total, 3,398 sales were reported in TREB’s 28 West districts and averaged $372,575; 1,531 sales were reported in the 14 Central districts and averaged $539,133; 1,768 sales were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $429,262; and 2,065 sales were reported in TREB’s 21 East districts and averaged $311,350.
GTA resale housing market moderate in April, but prices up
TORONTO, May 5, 2008 -- With 8,762 houses sold in the Greater Toronto Area, April’s resale housing activity was down seven per cent from the record 9,452 transactions from the same timeframe a year ago, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill announced today.
“The market is showing signs for a healthy 2008 compared to the diminished activity we saw in the first quarter of the year,” said Ms. O’Neill. “We continue to experience a supply and demand situation and to-date, it remains a sellers market."
Sales activity however, was markedly different in the 416 and 905 regions. With 3,467 transactions in the City of Toronto, sales were down 10 per cent from a year ago. The 905 region was down five per cent from April 2007 sales, with 5,295 homes changing hands.
April’s GTA average price was $398,687, up five per cent from the same period a year ago. In the City of Toronto, the average price was $446,781, up six per cent from last April. In the 905 region the average price increased five per cent compared to a year ago, to $367,196.
Several neighbourhoods experienced strong sales in April.
Scarborough East (E08) saw an five per cent overall sales increase compared to April 2007, driven by robust detached home sales.
Caledon (W28) experienced a 15 per cent increase compared to the same timeframe a year ago as a result of strong condominium sales.
Condominium sales also drove Willowdale (C07) to a 32 per cent increase from a year ago.
In Thornhill sales increased eight per cent from last April due to strong detached home sales.
“The number of listings on the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service has increased to 24,539, up seven per cent from a year ago, which is good for homebuyers, who will find a greater range of options in the market,” said Ms. O’Neill. “With prices continuing to appreciate and increased listing inventory there are favourable factors in today’s market for consumers.”
You may wish to read about the Power of Sale section at my website that will show you the pitfalls to avoid and the clauses to put into your offer when you buy a Power of Sale property in Ontario. This new section will also explain Power of Sale and Foreclosure in detail. Read more here.
Last month was another strong month for sales. Prices and sales volumes were high, read more
I have a few 2008 calendars left in hand. If you would like to receive one of my calendars, please fill in your information at this form and I would be happy to send you a calendar once they arrive!
I found this very interesting mortgage rate website on the internet where they survey mortgage experts to gauge the state of mortgage rates over the next 30 to 45 days: Will rates rise, fall or remain relatively unchanged?
You may read about Sold Stats for W16, W19 and W20. If you want the stats for your area, just email me and I will send them to you.
Listing inventories are low, so if you are thinking of selling, this is a good time to list your home. The market has been 'very good' for the past month or so and new listings are need. Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation of your property?
It appears as if rates may hold steady for the short term. Many feel The Bank of Canada may hold the course in the near future on their current level of 4.75% prime, (Current Bank prime is shown here), so this should keep mortgage interest rates at their current levels.
Average single family residential prices were UP compared to the previous month. This is typical for this time of year. Price trends over the past 12 years indicate that prices will likely increase over the next month or so.
Last month was another very solid month to add to another banner year in real estate in the GTA. See graphs of the sales figures, read more
My blog is moving along. I enjoy posting to it and keeping you current on the real estate market. I will update the blog throughout each month to keep you current with the real estate market. This newsletter will continue to be published monthly. Read my Mississauga Real Estate Blog
NOTE: You can often negotiate a discount of 1% or more off posted rates. "Best" Mortgage Rates
BANK PRIME
As of
May 8, 2008
the Bank Prime Rate was
4.75%
Bank of Canada Prime Rate was 3.75% as of March 4, 2008 and March 4, 2008 was the date that the Bank of Canada reduced the prime rate by a whopping .5%
Prime means "best," and this is the rate that banks charge their absolute best customers for loans. Changes in the prime rate influence changes in other rates, including variable interest rate mortgages. This rate fluctuates based on economic conditions. Some mortgage companies offer interest rates starting at Prime less .75% as an incentive to borrow from them! These are known as "SUB PRIME" Mortgages and we know what happened in the US when too many sub-prime mortgages were given out in the mid 2000's Read more about Sub-Prime Mortgages
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