Market Update for May in Waterloo Region – Kitchener Waterloo Condos and Lofts
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, Kitchener Waterloo, New Construction, Sellers | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, lofts, market, market update, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update | Leave a comment
New Construction vs Condo Conversion vs Resale – Buying a Condo in Kitchener Waterloo
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, Kitchener Waterloo, Loft Style, New Construction, Sellers, Video | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market update, new construction, realtor, remax, sales reps, twin city realty, waterloo | Leave a comment
Assessed Value, Appraised Value and Market Value… What do they all mean? Kitchener Condos and lofts for sale
The value of your home greatly depends on who is looking at it. Ultimately the value you want to know is what a buyer is willing to pay for it but there are several different values put on it depending on the reason. Have a look at the video I shot and see what it all means.
April 27, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, Loft Style, New Construction, Sellers, Video | Tags: CMHC, condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market, market update, new construction, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Downsizing? Maybe its time to think about Uncluttering Your life! – Kitchener Waterloo Condos for sale
Uncluttering your Life!
Are you thinking of downsizing to a condo but stuck on what to do with all that extra stuff? Well you’re not alone. The downsizing population has enjoyed living in their large spacious homes that offer plenty of storage options. Over the years we can certainly collect a lot of things that don’t serve any purpose today. The biggest step for most of us is to be able to emotionally detach ourselves from our collection!
When moving to a condo you know that you will be able to live a lifestyle of freedom from all that hard outdoor work. So with that in mind you can easily step into your garage to target those snow shovels, snow blower, lawnmower, and collection of tools and trinkets that are adorning the shelves. Imagine the relief of purging all that extra stuff by donating or selling all the unneeded items.
Next is your basement, I am sure it has seen its collection of boxes and totes filled with different items that more than likely only serve as a reminder that you need to dust again.
Do we really need that second set of living room furniture? The extra end tables or set of 6 chairs from the old kitchen set? Let it go… it will be happy that it’s in a new home where it will be loved and used. The great feeling of donating to the less fortunate is another gratifying feeling of downsizing.
Have a garage sale, stop by the donation centres or pass it down to your children.
The magazine Style at Home offers 10 great tips for downsizing. Here are the Top 5
1. Write a list of all the items you love and can’t live without
2. Start thinning out your belongings at least three months before the move.
3. Get a feel for the size of your new rooms by comparing them to rooms of similar dimensions in your present home.
4. Heavily edit areas with items that don’t have as much sentimental value.
5. Don’t throw anything in the garbage. Recycle, reuse,
So whether you are just thinking of downsizing or have already purchased that condo and getting ready for the upcoming move, hopefully these tips will save you time and stress!
Visit the link to view the complete list.
http://www.styleathome.com/homes/real-estate/top-10-tips-for-downsizing/a/308
March 21, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Loft Style, New Construction, Sellers, Uncategorized | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, kevin baker, kitchener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Be Sure You Understand the Closing Paperwork Before Signing – Kitchener Waterloo Condos for Sale
When buying that new Condo and you are meeting with the lawyer to get all the final paperwork signed please be sure you understand what you are signing and if you don’t, take the time to get your lawyer to explain it too you. Click on the video link to hear more.
February 23, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, New Construction, Sellers, Video | Tags: closing paperwork, condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, lawyers, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market update, mortgage, new construction, paperwork, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Doing a Final Inspection and Why it’s so Important – Kitchener Waterloo Condos for sale
So Closing day is only days away, the packing is still going on, you have boxes filling every room in the house. Your agent calls and asks if you would like to do a final walk through of the home. Even though you are crazy busy it is still a necessary and important part of the process. Have a look at the video to why…
February 15, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Video | Tags: condo, condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, home inspectors, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market update, new construction, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Market Predictions for Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate – Homes and Condos for sale
Hey Everyone, I attended a CMCH housing forecast last week and then on Tuesday of this week I listened to Craig Alexander, Sr. V.P. and Chief Economist for TD Bank give his predictions on where the housing market is going for 2012. Have a listen and hear my brief synopsis on the info I gathered.
January 27, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, New Construction, Sellers, Video | Tags: CMHC, condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market, market update, mortgage, mortgage brokers, new construction, real estate, realtor, remax, TD Bank, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Buying a Condo To Fit Your Needs Now and in the Future – Kitchener Waterloo Real estate condos
January 20, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, New Construction, Sellers, Video | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, loft selling, market, market update, real estate, realtor, remax, tanglewood condo, twin city realty, waterloo | Leave a comment
Offer Price and Fair Market Value – Kitchener Waterloo Condos for Sale
So you have found the right condo…. now its offer time, but what price to offer. Here is where a Realtor can help. Knowing what fair market value of a home is extremely important in determining what to offer on the condo of your dreams. You don’t want to overpay for something based on emotion. Watch the video to hear my thoughts on why this is an important consideration in your next home purchase
January 10, 2012 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, Loft Style, Sellers, Video | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft selling, market update, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, waterloo | Leave a comment
Mortgage Pre Approvals.. why they are a good idea! – Kitchener Waterloo Condos for sale
Before you start your home buying search a great first step is to get a mortgage preapproval from your bank or mortgage broker. There are a few key reasons as to why. Have a look at this video to hear some helpful advice.
December 12, 2011 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, New Construction, Video | Tags: condo buying, condo selling, condo units, downsizing, first time buyer, kevin baker, kitchener, ktichener, kwhometeam, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, market update, mortgage, mortgage brokers, mortgage news, mortgage rates, new construction, real estate, realtor, remax, twin city realty, update, waterloo | Leave a comment
Inspectors, Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers and Realtors. Putting together the right group – Waterloo Homes for sale
Part 2 in my series on what buyers should be aware of when looking for a new place. Make sure you put together a great group of professionals to help you with the process. Have a look at the video to hear my thoughts….
December 9, 2011 | Categories: Buyers, Kitchener Waterloo, Video | Tags: agents, condo buying, condo selling, condo units, first time buyer, home inspectors, kevin baker, kitchener, kwhometeam, lawyers, loft, loft apartments, loft buying, market update, mortgage brokers, real estate, realtor, remax, sales reps, twin city realty | Leave a comment
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