Chris Heard

2011 a typical year for home sales in Ottawa

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 699 residential properties in December through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 618 in December 2010, an increase of 13.1 per cent. The five-year average for December sales is 611. The total number of homes sold through the Board's MLS® system in 2011 was 14,412, an increase of 1.7 per cent over 2010. The average price for 2011 was $343,701, an increase of 5.2 per cent over 2010.

Of December's sales, 177 were in the condominium property class, while 522 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"Resale home sales in 2011 were slightly above the five-year average of 14,326, and that's really the story for the year. The market started off the year quietly, but gained momentum as we headed into spring and summer, losing very little steam during the fall and posting the best November on record, which leaves us with a very solid balance sheet for 2011," said Past President Joanne Tibbles. "In many ways, it epitomized Ottawa's real estate market: no dizzying highs, no dramatic lows, just slow and steady growth over the long term," she added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in December in the Ottawa area was $332,527, an increase of 2.6 per cent over December 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $262,514, an increase of 3 per cent over December 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $356,267, an increase of 0.2 per cent over December 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

Condo sales drive resale market in October

Ottawa, November 3, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,062 residential properties in October through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,038 in October 2010, an increase of 2.3per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1,071.Of those sales, 253 were in the condominium property class, while 809 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties. “Condos were the main driver of resale home sales in October, with condo sales up 14.5 per cent from the same month in 2010, whereas residential property sales numbers were near-identical to last year’s,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “We’ve been hearing a lot about the rising popularity of condos in Ottawa and these numbers certainly support that, but it’s just one piece of our steady resale market, with sales very near the five-year average for October. Also, listing inventory and days on market are both up slightly as we move towards the end of the year,” she added. The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $337,797, an increase of 2 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $259,316, a decrease of 1.5 per cent over October 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $362,341, an increase of 3.7 per cent over October 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

Open House in Nottinggate on Sunday

October 2011
Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
25	26	27	28	29	30	1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31	1	2	3	4	5

Nottinggate, Orléans  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 303 Farincourt Crescent on October 30 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Property information

Smooth sailing for home sales in September in Ottawa

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,202 residential properties in September through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,071 in September 2010, an increase of 12.2 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,160.

Of those sales, 280 were in the condominium property class, while 922 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"Not much has changed in the Ottawa resale housing market since last month. Sales remain slightly above average, prices continue to appreciate at a moderate rate, and homes are taking about the same amount of time to sell," said Board President Joanne Tibbles. "The stability and affordability of our housing market, coupled with low interest rates, is still appealing for investors and for home buyers who want to make Ottawa the best place to call home," she added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in September in the Ottawa area was $335,765, an increase of 3.4 per cent over September 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $254,864, an increase of 5.9 per cent over September 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $360,334, an increase of 3.2 per cent over September 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

Solid June for Ottawa home sales

Ottawa, June 3, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,712 residential properties in June through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,543 in June 2010, an increase of 11 per cent. The five-year average for June sales is 1,695.Of those sales, 378 were in the condominium property class, while 1,334 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“It’s obvious that the dream of home ownership is alive and well in Ottawa, with solid sales numbers like these. First-time buyers are out in the market in a big way, due to continued low interest rates, and after last year’s HST-affected spring, we’re seeing a return to what the June resale market usually looks like in Ottawa,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in June in the Ottawa area was $353,560, an increase of 8 per cent over June 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $275,996, an increase of 9.6 per cent over June 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $375,539, an increase of 7.3 per cent over June 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

Ottawa resale housing market remains in balance

Ottawa resale housing market remains in balance

Ottawa, June 3, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,659 residential properties in May through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,686 in May 2010, a decrease of 1.6 per cent.Of those sales, 369 were in the condominium property class, while 1,290 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in their Spring 2011 Ottawa Housing Market Outlook, the Ottawa Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) transitioned from a seller’s market to a balanced market in 2010 and will remain in that territory in 2011. CMHC analysts define Ottawa’s resale housing market as balanced when between 35 and 55 per cent of the number of homes listed for sale (new listings) in a given month are sold.“Sales numbers for May were virtually unchanged from 2010, but prices continued to rise at about the same rate as we have seen for the past few months, demonstrating solid demand for resale housing in our area,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “Sales numbers for May were virtually unchanged from 2010, but prices continued to rise at about the same rate as we have seen for the past few months, demonstrating solid demand for resale housing in our area,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “A balanced market offers no distinct advantage to either buyers or sellers, so I’d advise anyone thinking of buying or selling to work with a local REALTOR® to help them achieve their goals. There are different strategies for marketing a home or making an offer to purchase in a balanced market versus a buyer’s or seller’s market. An Ottawa REALTOR® can help make the process easier for consumers,” Tibbles added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in May in the Ottawa area was $352,347, an increase of 5.6 per cent over May 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $261,871, an increase of 6.4 per cent over May 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $378,228, an increase of 6 per cent over May 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

2 Story Split For Sale in Bourget

5 B/R custom home in Bourget!

• 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story split "Hi-Ranch" - MLS® $394,900

Bourget, Clarence-Rockland

Property information

April sales return to pre-HST levels

Ottawa, May 4, 2011 :Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,536 residential properties in April through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,814 in April 2010, a decrease of 15.3 per cent. The five-year average for home sales in April is 1,612.Of those sales, 316 were in the condominium property class, while 1,220 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties, which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“Sales in April 2010 soared well above average in advance of the implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax in Ontario last July. Normally in Ottawa, we see a brisker sales period beginning at the end of April or early May, but last year’s spring market started earlier by about three months due to the HST. That surge in sales pushed April’s five-year average up significantly; it’s not out of the ordinary for about 1,500 homes to be sold in April in our market,” said Board President Joanne Tibbles. “Home prices still continued to rise at the usual moderate rate last month, demonstrating a solid demand for resale homes in Ottawa. Re-sale housing inventory is up 17.2 per cent from this time last year, indicating that Ottawa is clearly in a healthy, balanced market,” Tibbles added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in April in the Ottawa area was $351,226, an increase of 5.4 per cent over April 2010. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $255,232, an increase of 2.1 per cent over April 2010. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $376,090, an increase of 5.4 per cent over April 2010. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

2 Story For Sale in Fallingbrook

• 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $379,900

Fallingbrook, Orléans  -  Mr & Mrs Clean live here! Beautiful site finished oak hardwood floors! Ceramics in kitchen & all bathrooms! Bright family room with fireplace, toplights & vaulted ceiling! Open kitchen with eating area! Spacious living/dining room! Large master retreat with ensuite & balcony for your morning coffee! Lower level with two rec rooms & den (with window) featuring laminate floors! Southern backyard with pool! C/air! Smoke & pet free! A gem!

Property information

RE/MAX Market Trends Report for Ottawa, 2010

Ottawa

Stability has characterized Ottawa’s residential housing sector in 2010, with the number of homes sold slightly ahead of levels reported one year ago. Th e city saw 10,747 homes move through its MLS system, compared with 10,721 during the same period one year earlier. Values have posted an increase of 8.5 per cent year-to-date, with average price rising to $326,666, up from $301,072 in 2009. Active listings have been building, up 11 per cent to 6,557, bringing the market into balanced territory. Consumer confidence remains high in Ottawa, propped up by a solid high-tech and government base. Demand remains strong in all segments of the market, with move-up purchasers most active. Th e introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) caused some hesitation among purchasers in both July and August, although buyers have since moved forward. Single-family detached homes continue to account for the lion’s share of activity, but inventory has held values in check with average price—at $340,294—on par with 2009 levels. Multiple off ers continue with some frequency in the city’s hot pockets, including Westboro, Golden Triangle and Glebe. Th e condominium market has experienced robust growth year-over-year, with average price rising close to 15 per cent (now at $253,823 year to-date vs. $221,742 in 2009). Real values have increased more moderately, as much of the increase can be accounted for by an influx of higher-end product. Developers have responded to strong demand for units at all price points, with new condominium construction occurring throughout the city. Inventory levels are growing as these new projects come to completion, which is expected to prompt some leveling in price in 2011. Th is is already evident in the downtown core, where condominium suites have experienced an upswing in days on market. Demand is strongest for units in the city’s established west end and downtown neighbourhoods. Despite tighter lending criteria, small investment product and properties with income potential remain highly sought-after. Investors and end users are vying for rare duplex properties, driving values a signifi cant 21 per cent ahead of one year ago, while sales have remained on par (84 units in 2010 vs. 82 one year ago). Th e average duplex now commands $406,039, up from $334,892 last year. While activity has begun to moderate into the final quarter, the upper end of the market has surged ahead. Sales of homes priced over $500,000 are up 42 per cent (820 units vs. 579), while million-dollar-plus sales have climbed 56 per cent year-over-year (42 vs. 27). Demand is not expected to fall off any time soon in the top 10 per cent of the market. Overall, the most active price point is between $300,000 and $400,000. Affordable entry-level product will continue to be sought-after in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. By year-end, Ottawa will see sales come in slightly below or on par with 2009 levels, while average price pulls slightly ahead of the year ago figure, setting a new record for the Ottawa market.

 Excerpted from the RE/MAX Market Trends Report Fall 2010. For information on other Canadian markets featured in this report, go to www.remaxottawa.com!

Resale Market Becomes More Balanced

November 2, 2010                   

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,042 residential properties in October through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,197 in October 2009, a decrease of 12.9 per cent.  Year to date, the number of properties sold has declined 2% compared to the same period last year, a record setting year.

Of those sales, 221 were in the condominium property class, while 821 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.) which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"Six months ago we were in a strong seller's market, now we have moved into a more balanced market position," said Immediate Past President Rick Snell.  "Some properties are still receiving multiple offers but this is happening much less often than was the case in the spring."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $340,719, an increase of 6.8 per cent over October 2009. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $263,292, an increase of 13.4 per cent over October 2009. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $361,560, an increase of 5 per cent over October 2009. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

Toronto Star article a good read: Competition Bureau Misguided about the MLS. Buying a home is different than buying an airline ticket! Check it out!

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/article/798369--competition-bureau-misguided-about-mls

Ottawa housing market soars into spring

Ottawa, April 7,2010 : Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,499 residential properties in March through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 1,161 in March 2009, an increase of 29.1 per cent. Of those sales, 327 were in the condominium property class, while 1,172 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.) which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“The spring market kicked off early and strong this year, possibly boosted by the unseasonably warm weather and absence of snow in March,” said Board President Pierre de Varennes. “Inventory is still lower than at this time in 2009, but has begun to increase slightly in recent months,” he added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in March in the Ottawa area was $329,767, an increase of 15 per cent over March 2009. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $240,409, an increase of 15.1 per cent over March 2009. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $354,698, an increase of 15.1 per cent over March 2009. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,540 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.

The MLS® system is a member based service, paid for by the REALTOR® members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. The MLS® mark symbolizes the cooperation among REALTORS® to effect the purchase and sale of real estate through real estate services provided by REALTORS®. MLS® commercial and residential listings are available for viewing on the Board’s internet site at www.OttawaRealEstate.org and on the national websites of The Canadian Real Estate Association at www.mls.ca and www.ICX.ca. Information about listings and open houses is also available in the Board’s weekly newspaper, Ottawa Real Estate Guide, available free at 700 locations across the Ottawa area.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA  (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Housing performance expected to accelerate in 2010, as economic stability returns to Canadian markets, says RE/MAX

2009 a record year for resale home sales, despite slow start

2009 a record year for resale home sales, despite slow start

Ottawa, January 6, 2010 : Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 689 residential properties in December through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system compared with 467 in December 2008, an increase of 47.5 per cent. This brings the total number of residential properties sold through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system in 2009 to 14,742, up 7.4 per cent from 2008 and setting a new record. The previous record of 14,565 sales was set in 2007. The average price for all of 2009 was $303,888, an increase of 4.9 per cent over 2008. Of December’s sales, 185 were in the condominium property class, while 504 were in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.) which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

“Ottawa’s housing market felt the chill of the global financial crisis last winter, but sales warmed up even before the spring weather arrived, and over the course of the year Ottawa had five record-breaking months of sales. Listing inventory was at a low level throughout 2009, which led to many multiple-offer situations,” said Board President Pierre de Varennes. “Ottawa’s housing market bounced back very strongly from its brief downturn, and we ended the year ahead of the previous annual sales record, which certainly no one expected back in January,” he added.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in December in the Ottawa area was $307,807, an increase of 13.1 per cent over December 2008. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $246,062, an increase of 17.9 per cent over December 2008. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $330,471, an increase of 12.8 per cent over December 2008. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of 2,540 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association and thus are entitled to use the term REALTOR®.