Real Estate Sales for November

We’re nearing the end of 2010 and, so far, the real estate market has remained stable since the second half of the year.

 

Let’s take a look on how the market looked for the month of November:

• Similar to previous months, residential property sales in November remained below those of previous years. Although, comparing November 2009 to this year, the decline was not as steep as it has been in previous months. The number of sold residential properties was 17 percent below that of last year.
• The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. recorded that over the past 11 months the average sale price for homes is 7 percent more than during the same period in 2009.
• According to the President of Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, Catherine Garbe, the market currently continues to stabilize and real estate sales continue to show signs of stabilizing at more normal and sustainable levels.
• New listings in November 2010 were up 5 percent as compared to last year. On a year-over-year basis the number of active residential listings on the MLS® System at the end of November was up 9 percent.
• To read more about the detailed statistics for November 2010 click here.

We are currently seeing the market continue to stabilize. Let’s wait for the statistics in December to conclude the residential property sales activity for the year 2010.

Until next time,
Jamie

 

Transferring a Loved One to a New Home

Let me begin by saying this is not about ones typical transfer to a newly bought home or apartment, today I am addressing the topic of transferring a family member to a new home where they can be taken care of by professionals. This usually involves placing a family member in a Nursing Home due to physical illness such as a stroke or mental illness such as dementia.


Some people do not want to even consider sending a loved one to a new “home”; rather they prefer the idea of using a family caregiver to take care of their loved one in their own home. This is most understandable, however the stress put upon that caregiver can be overwhelming. A Nursing Home can be a safer, more comfortable and more interactive place for your loved one.

I found a good read about Nursing Homes which may change your thoughts about them. It is a conversational article allowing the reader to read a discussion between Linda Jackson, a social worker at Baycrest (one of the world's premier academic health sciences centers focused on aging) who organizes caregiver support groups, Donna Macdiarmid who had her husband put in a new “home” and members of the general public with questions regarding Nursing Homes. To read this interesting article please click here. I found it very informative and learned a lot from the conversations.

Until next time,
Jamie

2010 Canadian Housing Observer: An Update

“Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada’s post-war housing shortage, the agency has grown into a major national institution. CMHC is Canada’s premier provider of mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy and programs, and housing research”.

The Canadian Housing Observer, an annual publication put out by the CMHC, now in its eight year, provides a comprehensive report of Canadian real estate activity which plays an important part in the Canadian economy. The report addresses the impact of housing activity on employment and on Canada’s financial situation. In the most recent report released, it shows that new home construction, rental, buying, selling and renovation for 2009 accounted for more than one-fifth of Canada’s total gross domestic product - which translates to $307 billion!

The report also details factors which affect real estate activity in Canada such as governmental regulations, consumer behaviour and industry practice. It also gives a comprehensive analysis of housing statistics for 2009. To read more about CMHC and The Canadian Housing Observer click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Century 21 on Your Mobile: The Next Generation

Great news!  Your well trusted real estate franchise company, Century 21, has created a new innovation that can reach more users worldwide! Introducing Century 21 on your mobile phone!  The software application will soon be available to download onto your iPhone 3G (or higher) mobile phone!  Once the app is downloaded you will be able to check for property listings, find a property in your area and even help you find a REALTOR®!  Click here to watch a short video clip about the new Century 21 iPhone app.

Until next time,
Jamie