Todays blog is to update the reader on the latest homes stats for April and May of 2008 which have been made available by, "The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board which is an association of REALTORS committed to providing its members with the structure and services to ensure a high standard of business practice and ethics, and to effectively serve the real estate needs of the community."1
"Properties may be searched on the Internet through http://www.mls.ca/ This information is usually updated each business day. VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate the actual pricesin centers comprised of widely divergent neighborhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas."2
The Stats for April and May 2008 definitely show the same amount of listings coming to the market as last year this time but the sales have been behind by nearly 48% for the same period.
Below are the Stats as provided by Vireb
ZONE - COWICHAN VALLEY
UNIT SALES - MAY 08 - 64
UNIT SALES - APRIL 08 - 73
UNIT SALES - MAY 07 - 122
AVERAGE SALE PRICE - MAY 08 - $378,968 -- APRIL 08 - $382,792 -- MAY 07 - $347,678
% MEDIAN PRICE - $379,900
% OF CHANGE - 9%
NOTE* "Source: Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales data from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board.Median Price: An actual sale at or immediately adjacent to the midpoint in a price group. In the case of an even number of sales, the median is thehighest price in the lower half of that price group. If the total number of sales is an odd amount, the midpoint sale is taken to be the median."3
Now that summer is here and the weather is improving the sales figures should correct and the stats will reflect that in the next Board Stat update which we will post on the blog as soon as it posted. Check back soon.
Best Regards,
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
1 VIREB
2008. June 1, 2008 MLS Sales Summary, April-May 2008. Nanaimo: Vancouver
Island Real Estate Board: Multiple Listing Service.
2 VIREB
2008. June 1, 2008 MLS Sales Summary, April-May 2008. Nanaimo: Vancouver
Island Real Estate Board: Multiple Listing Service.
3 VIREB
2008. June 1, 2008 MLS Sales Summary, April-May 2008. Nanaimo: Vancouver
Island Real Estate Board: Multiple Listing Service.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Local Events
Looking for something fun to do with the whole family?! Why not check out some of these great community events!
June 29 Danish Folk Dance Group @ the Bandshell Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society246-9102
July 5 Pancake Breakfast @ the Legion Hall 7am-11am Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
July 5Huge Street Market Sale - Willow Street 8am-4pm Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
July 5 Strawberry Tea in the garden @ St. Michael's Church10am-2pm St Michael’s Church (250) 246-4470
July 9 – August 30KidzPlay Series – Treasure Tales Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820
July 26 Artisan’s in Waterwheel Park 10am-5pm Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
August 6,13 ,20 ,27 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
August 9Celebration - BC's 150th Birthday Bash Waterwheel Park. Chemainus Valley Cultural Society246-9102
September 3,10 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
September Silent Auction & Garage Sale in Waterwheel Parking Lot Chemainus Rotary Club Shannon (250) 246-2994
September 11 – October 25 The Miracle Worker by William Gibson Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820
October 4 Harvest Moon Dance – Chemainus Legion Hall Fraternal Order of Eagles – Craig (250) 246-3947
October 5 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
November 2 Christmas Craft Show @ the Legion Hall 9am -2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 –Ann (250) 246-4880
November 6 – December 28 Having Hope at Home by David S. Craig Chemainus Theatre Festival (250 246-9820
November 24Christmas Bazaar @ the Legion Hall Ladies AuxiliaryNovember 29Christmas Dinner Dance – Fuller Lake Activity Room Fraternal Order of Eagles – Merv (250) 246-3401
December 2 Golden Brush Community Awards @ the Theatre Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
December 6 Christmas Self Guided Walking Tour Gunnell (250) 246-2421
December 6Chemainus Christmas Carol Ship – BC Ferries- Fraternal Order of Eagles (250) 246-3947
December 7Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
December 20 – January 3 KidzPlay Series – Rumpelstiltskin Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820 out!
June 29 Danish Folk Dance Group @ the Bandshell Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society246-9102
July 5 Pancake Breakfast @ the Legion Hall 7am-11am Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
July 5Huge Street Market Sale - Willow Street 8am-4pm Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
July 5 Strawberry Tea in the garden @ St. Michael's Church10am-2pm St Michael’s Church (250) 246-4470
July 9 – August 30KidzPlay Series – Treasure Tales Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820
July 26 Artisan’s in Waterwheel Park 10am-5pm Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
August 6,13 ,20 ,27 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
August 9Celebration - BC's 150th Birthday Bash Waterwheel Park. Chemainus Valley Cultural Society246-9102
September 3,10 Wednesday Evening Market in Waterwheel Park Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
September Silent Auction & Garage Sale in Waterwheel Parking Lot Chemainus Rotary Club Shannon (250) 246-2994
September 11 – October 25 The Miracle Worker by William Gibson Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820
October 4 Harvest Moon Dance – Chemainus Legion Hall Fraternal Order of Eagles – Craig (250) 246-3947
October 5 Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
November 2 Christmas Craft Show @ the Legion Hall 9am -2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 –Ann (250) 246-4880
November 6 – December 28 Having Hope at Home by David S. Craig Chemainus Theatre Festival (250 246-9820
November 24Christmas Bazaar @ the Legion Hall Ladies AuxiliaryNovember 29Christmas Dinner Dance – Fuller Lake Activity Room Fraternal Order of Eagles – Merv (250) 246-3401
December 2 Golden Brush Community Awards @ the Theatre Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944
December 6 Christmas Self Guided Walking Tour Gunnell (250) 246-2421
December 6Chemainus Christmas Carol Ship – BC Ferries- Fraternal Order of Eagles (250) 246-3947
December 7Flea Market @ the Legion Hall 9am-2pm Royal Canadian Legion #191 Ann (250) 246-4880
December 20 – January 3 KidzPlay Series – Rumpelstiltskin Chemainus Theatre Festival (250) 246-9820 out!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Current Market Outlook
Hello,
On June 26 2008 we recieved this update on the Canadian Housing Market from TD Bank.
• The long awaited end of the Canadian housing
boom has occurred, reflecting more moderate
demand and increased supply of properties
for sale
• Most of Canada’s major housing markets have
moved out of seller’s territory to more balanced
markets
• TD Economics forecasts modest national average
price growth of 2.0% this year and 3.5%
next year, down substantially from the 10%
annual pace of the last six years
• Sales are significantly lower than in the banner
year that was 2007, but they are returning
to 2004-06 levels, held up by solid economic
and financial fundamentals
• Past erosions in affordability are the main factor
behind weaker sales, but affordability is now
set to improve
• Additional supply of homes for sale is booming
out west and new listings must be absorbed
at more conservative prices before demand
can lift prices again. After a pullback over the
next 12 months, Alberta’s major markets will
stabilize and post mild prices gains thereafter
• Saskatchewan is bucking the national cooling
trend, but price growth will come back down
to earth next year
Best Regards,
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
On June 26 2008 we recieved this update on the Canadian Housing Market from TD Bank.
• The long awaited end of the Canadian housing
boom has occurred, reflecting more moderate
demand and increased supply of properties
for sale
• Most of Canada’s major housing markets have
moved out of seller’s territory to more balanced
markets
• TD Economics forecasts modest national average
price growth of 2.0% this year and 3.5%
next year, down substantially from the 10%
annual pace of the last six years
• Sales are significantly lower than in the banner
year that was 2007, but they are returning
to 2004-06 levels, held up by solid economic
and financial fundamentals
• Past erosions in affordability are the main factor
behind weaker sales, but affordability is now
set to improve
• Additional supply of homes for sale is booming
out west and new listings must be absorbed
at more conservative prices before demand
can lift prices again. After a pullback over the
next 12 months, Alberta’s major markets will
stabilize and post mild prices gains thereafter
• Saskatchewan is bucking the national cooling
trend, but price growth will come back down
to earth next year
Best Regards,
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
Thursday, June 26, 2008
What does a lender look for?
Most lenders look at the five "Cs" of credit before approving a mortgage.
CHARACTER is a reflection of your stability and willingness to repay credit obligations. Have you used credit before and paid it back on time? Is your application completed accurately and honestly? Have you moved or changed jobs often?
CAPASITY is a look at your earning power, current income, and credit commitments. Can you really afford a loan now?
CAPITAL is your net worth (the difference between what is yours, free and clear, and your debts). This includes an in-depth look at your total financial situation, including the value of your home and other assets.
COLLATERAL is an item of value you own that can be promised to the lender. If you don't repay your loan, the lender has the right to take your collateral. By pledging collateral, you can sometimes get a large loan or lower interest rate - that's because you're more likely to pay back the loan when something you value is at stake, so the lender may be taking a smaller risk.
CONDITIONS include the national and local economic picture. Are there lots of layoffs or are employers hiring more people?
Allyson Foulis 746-5924
Cheryl Leukefeld 701-3978
CHARACTER is a reflection of your stability and willingness to repay credit obligations. Have you used credit before and paid it back on time? Is your application completed accurately and honestly? Have you moved or changed jobs often?
CAPASITY is a look at your earning power, current income, and credit commitments. Can you really afford a loan now?
CAPITAL is your net worth (the difference between what is yours, free and clear, and your debts). This includes an in-depth look at your total financial situation, including the value of your home and other assets.
COLLATERAL is an item of value you own that can be promised to the lender. If you don't repay your loan, the lender has the right to take your collateral. By pledging collateral, you can sometimes get a large loan or lower interest rate - that's because you're more likely to pay back the loan when something you value is at stake, so the lender may be taking a smaller risk.
CONDITIONS include the national and local economic picture. Are there lots of layoffs or are employers hiring more people?
Allyson Foulis 746-5924
Cheryl Leukefeld 701-3978
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
What Does a Home Stager Do?
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team is very pleased to welcome Barbara Milligan of Legacy ReDesign and Interior Decorating as a regular contributor to our Lifestyles Blog. Her insight into design as well as her passion for decorating translate into some very helpful and sage advice that every home seller could use to achieve a better result or advice for better enjoying the space you already have.
When selling a home it need to be a its very best. First Impressions are so essential and happen within the first five minutes. With this in mind a homeowner needs to make the best impact with their home that they can right up front.
REAL ESTATE STAGING is the art of decorating a residence, a condo, or a spec home with the specific intent of selling it. Decorating to sell is quite different from every-day living. It appeals to a diverse group of people who will walk through that home leaving a lasting impression in those first few moments
FIRST IMPRESSIONS are first Impressions and it pays in real dollars to make people remember your home.
WHAT DOES A HOME STAGER DO?
*Create an appealing home environment that is spacious and light with a sense of order
*Create a sense of warmth with your own accesories, furniture and will remain faithful to the style of the house.
*Use your own furniture and accessoriies in new way sto create buyer appeal
*Recommend any household repairs or home improvements that could be useful
*Organize your possesions to create spaces that are clutter free.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A HOME STAGER?
*Creates a great first impression.
*Helps buer to see the home'(s) potential through their own eyes
*Helps to build interest among several buyers
*Helps to obtain the very best selling price
Best Regards
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
When selling a home it need to be a its very best. First Impressions are so essential and happen within the first five minutes. With this in mind a homeowner needs to make the best impact with their home that they can right up front.
REAL ESTATE STAGING is the art of decorating a residence, a condo, or a spec home with the specific intent of selling it. Decorating to sell is quite different from every-day living. It appeals to a diverse group of people who will walk through that home leaving a lasting impression in those first few moments
FIRST IMPRESSIONS are first Impressions and it pays in real dollars to make people remember your home.
WHAT DOES A HOME STAGER DO?
*Create an appealing home environment that is spacious and light with a sense of order
*Create a sense of warmth with your own accesories, furniture and will remain faithful to the style of the house.
*Use your own furniture and accessoriies in new way sto create buyer appeal
*Recommend any household repairs or home improvements that could be useful
*Organize your possesions to create spaces that are clutter free.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A HOME STAGER?
*Creates a great first impression.
*Helps buer to see the home'(s) potential through their own eyes
*Helps to build interest among several buyers
*Helps to obtain the very best selling price
Best Regards
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The Relationship Between the Rising Price of Oil and Gas and Real Estate
Welcome to our Blog! As we encounter important issues on a daily basis in this multi-facetted world of real estate, we feel compelled to share many of these lessons with you. We look forward to sharing information with you, and to learning from you in return.
This week’s real estate topic is how oil and gas prices may have an effect on location in real estate. Every time I hear news from all sources and venues recently, the headlines are dominated by how the looming energy crisis will effect our lives. This is Part 1 of a six part series on the various ways real estate will be affected.
My Team is keeping a very close eye on this issue as I believe that this will ultimately have a profound effect on proximity to man made amenities to decrease people’s exposure to gas dollars spent on travel time to and fro work, school, doctors, hospitals, shopping, recreational facilities etc.
I am already starting to hear trepidation on the part of Buyers when I am showing them properties that are more than 10 minutes from any major commercial center. For the first time the subject of gas prices and number of trips to town is starting to dominate conversations. Inevitably as gas prices rise as they are anticipated to do, this may effect the way we analyze properties in terms of their comparative market value. ie. people will pay a premium to live closer to city centres, and conversely there may be a downward pressure on remote locations to compensate for increased travel costs.
So, inevitably we can look forward to higher densities in town cores and more multi-use buildings in our central business districts; put another way, a trend towards urban and city living, with an emphasis on the pragmatic aspect of location.
Best Regards,
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
This week’s real estate topic is how oil and gas prices may have an effect on location in real estate. Every time I hear news from all sources and venues recently, the headlines are dominated by how the looming energy crisis will effect our lives. This is Part 1 of a six part series on the various ways real estate will be affected.
My Team is keeping a very close eye on this issue as I believe that this will ultimately have a profound effect on proximity to man made amenities to decrease people’s exposure to gas dollars spent on travel time to and fro work, school, doctors, hospitals, shopping, recreational facilities etc.
I am already starting to hear trepidation on the part of Buyers when I am showing them properties that are more than 10 minutes from any major commercial center. For the first time the subject of gas prices and number of trips to town is starting to dominate conversations. Inevitably as gas prices rise as they are anticipated to do, this may effect the way we analyze properties in terms of their comparative market value. ie. people will pay a premium to live closer to city centres, and conversely there may be a downward pressure on remote locations to compensate for increased travel costs.
So, inevitably we can look forward to higher densities in town cores and more multi-use buildings in our central business districts; put another way, a trend towards urban and city living, with an emphasis on the pragmatic aspect of location.
Best Regards,
The Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
Monday, June 23, 2008
Welcome To Our Blog!
Lifestyles there are many it’s why we choose to embody it in our company name. 1st time home buyers, parents downsizing, families expanding or savvy investors there are many reasons why you should work with a professional realtor and the advantage of his or her market expertise. We at Lifestyles have created this Blog to offer and share with you local market expertise, local flavour and an array of topics specifically written or chosen to efficiently assist you through the complex real estate world. Debbie Simmonds and Michael Pickard our team realtors will contribute articles on a daily basis and at times will serialize topics that need more discoveries. Michelle Rodger our Lifestyles administrator welcomes your comments and topic suggestions and will also contribute helpful articles every home seller or home buyer can use to be prepared for a successful real estate transaction. We hope you enjoy our Blog and find rewards in checking back regularly.
Best Regards
Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
Best Regards
Debbie Simmonds Lifestyles Real Estate Team
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