Abbotsford Real Estate & Community

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Bob Dunn

  • Expired Listing Tell a Market Tale

    • When pricing your property there is one statistic that is a must to look at: The ratio of expired listings versus new listings on the market.
    • Sure it's important to look at how much inventory you have to compete against but you need to look at the daily dynamics.
    • If you have less new listings coming on the market than are selling the will be a decrease in supply.
    • When the number of new listings exceeds the current sales there will be an increase in demand. Its supply side economics and as we know an increase in supply can depress prices and a decrease in supply can increase prices.
    • The last two years with rapid swings in the market saw ratios range from nine to one hundred percent.
    • Over the long haul the ratio is usually 40% to 60% for both factors. You may find the following charts interesting.

     

     

     

     

  • Alex Kotai July Newsletter

    Your Mortgage Source Info Letter – July 2009 Edition
    Courtesy of Alex Kotai, Senior Mortgage Advisor
    yms Your Mortgage Advisor

    This month’s feature: Key Findings from CMHC Survey.
    CMHC recently conducted a survey of mortgage consumers in Canada. Below are some of the key findings of the study.

    ● Nearly 90% of mortgage consumers in Canada believe that home ownership is a good long term investment.

    ● 70% of purchasers feel that now is a good time to buy a home.

    ● 1/3rd of mortgage consumers plan to leave or sell their home in the next 5 years.

    ● More than 80% of consumers know what their credit score is and know what the debt service ratio is that lenders will
    use to qualify them for a mortgage.

    ● 73% of first time homebuyers used their own resources for their down payment.

    ● 75% of purchasers have a goal to pay off their mortgage faster than their current amortization.

    ● 20% of recent purchasers have made a lump sum payment to their mortgage.

    ● 78% of mortgage consumers were satisfied with either their lender or broker.

    ● Getting the best rate on a mortgage was the driving factor for only 57% of clients.

    ● 76% of clients remain loyal to their existing mortgage lender; however with first time home buyers only 47% of them
    got their mortgage with their existing financial institution. The younger the client the more likely they were to use a
    mortgage broker versus dealing with their financial institution.

    Finally, on average, about 25% of all mortgage transactions were facilitated through a mortgage broker.

    We hope you all have a Happy Canada Day.
    If you require any further information regarding this article or mortgage rates
    please give our office a call at 604‐556‐3893.

    Our Best Rates as at July 1, 2009


    Rates fluctuate daily and we may be able to obtain better rates than those
    shown below.

    Please call our office for the most up‐to‐date Best Rates.


    Terms Our Best Rates

    Variable Rate Closed
    • *(Prime + .40%) 2.65%
    • 4 year closed 3.89%


    *Based on current prime rate of 2.25%. All rates subject to change without notice. Some restrictions may apply. Rates above are best rates available and may vary depending on quality of the credit application. All mortgages are subject to credit approval.

     

  • 3 Story For Sale in Central Aldergrove

    F2830307_101_94
    New Townhouse Amidst Aldergrove Village

    • 1,588 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 3 story - $309,900

     -  Quiet, peaceful and friendly.
    This describes life at Emmy Lane, Aldergrove's newest 18 unit Townhome community. Close to schools, shopping & recreation, you can 'walk to it all' from this family friendly complex.
    With fully landscaped yards, maintenance free living and low strata fees, you will love the contemporary designer interiors, granite countertops in kitchen and your choice of dark or light cabinetry and flooring.
    Completion for Phase II scheduled for Winter 2009.
    GST not included.

    Property information

  • Ranch For Sale in Silverdale

    Viewcrest01
    Six Million Dollar View

    • 3,080 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm ranch - $899,999 - Lowest price in neighbour

     -  Property Features
    5.21 acres of serenity
    Two road frontages
    Southern exposure
    View of Mt. Baker, Fraser Valley and Fraser River
    Three naturally terraced usable levels
    340' deep water well
    Room for horses and livestock
    5 minutes from shopping, theater and West Coast Express
    New sundeck, 22' x 14'
    Double entrance driveway paved last in 2008
    RV shed, 14' x 31' x 12' High
    2 stall horse shed

    House Features
    3,080 square feet of living space
    Major renovations
    Hardwood floors
    Oak kitchen
    Clear grain cedar ceilings
    Two fireplaces
    Hot water heat
    Family room wired for surround sound
    Office with spectacular view

    Property information

  • 2 Story For Sale in Clayburn Views

    F2912991_101_94
    Prime Housing, Neighbourhood and Schools

    • 3,048 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - $539,900 - Maximum Dollar For Dollar

     -  Amazing East side 4 bedroom, 2 storey with basement PLUS a 3 car garage! Great location in a prime subdivision with close walking proximity to all school levels. Open concept design; flex room, crowns, 9 ft. Ceilings, 2" wide blinds, nicely decorated, and the balance of the new home warranty. The spacious kitchen with island is well laid out with lots of maple cabinets and counter space. There are 4 large bedrooms upstairs, some with great views of the valley and the master has a full ensuite including separate shower and soaker tub. Move in this summer and beat the heat with central air conditioning! Beautifully landscaped ground including the fully fenced backyard. Perfect home for the large family, with a basement

    Property information

  • Mission Real Estate Prices June 2009

    Mission’s MLS Statistics June 2009

     

     

    Detached Houses


     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    76

    46

    40

    New Listings 

    103

    106

    87

    Active Listings 

    352

    421

    365

    Benchmark Price 

    $339,846

    $381,712

    $351,013

    Median Price 

    $362,500

    $385,000

    $340,000

    Average Price 

    $369,598

    $389,856

    $347,130

     

    Townhouses

     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    10

    6

    7

    New Listings 

    5

    7

    14

    Active Listings 

    50

    39

    59

    Benchmark Price 

    N/A  

    N/A 

    N/A 

    Median Price 

    $238,000

    $287,500

    $220,000

    Average Price 

    $233,120

    $308,050

    $233,928

     

    Apartment Condos

     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    1

    3

    1

    New Listings 

    6

    10

    5

    Active Listings 

    30

    29

    31

    Benchmark Price 

    N/A  

    N/A 

    N/A 

    Median Price 

    $115,000

    $206,000

    $205,000

    Average Price 

    $115,000

    $222,666

    $205,000

    The BENCHMARK PRICE measures the value of a ‘typical’ Fraser Valley home as determined by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI). The HPI benchmark price of a detached home in June 2009 showed a decreased of 8 per cent compared to June 2008 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to May 2009.

     

    The MEDIAN PRICE is the middle price. If all the sales prices were listed in order from lowest to highest; ½ the sales are higher in value and ½ the sales are lower in value.

    The AVERAGE PRICE is the total dollar volume of sales, divided by the number of sales.

     

     

     

  • Mission's MLS Real Estate Statistics June 2009

    Mission’s MLS Statistics June 2009

     

    Detached Houses

     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    76

    46

    40

    New Listings 

    103

    106

    87

    Active Listings 

    352

    421

    365

    Benchmark Price 

    $339,846

    $381,712

    $351,013

    Median Price 

    $362,500

    $385,000

    $340,000

    Average Price 

    $369,598

    $389,856

    $347,130

     

     

     

     

     

    Townhouses

     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    10

    6

    7

    New Listings 

    5

    7

    14

    Active Listings 

    50

    39

    59

    Benchmark Price 

     

     

     

    Median Price 

    $238,000

    $287,500

    $220,000

    Average Price 

    $233,120

    $308,050

    $233,928

     

     

     

     

     

    Apartment Condos

     

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    1

    3

    1

    New Listings 

    6

    10

    5

    Active Listings 

    30

    29

    31

    Benchmark Price 

     

     

     

    Median Price 

    $115,000

    $206,000

    $205,000

    Average Price 

    $115,000

    $222,666

    $205,000

     

    The BENCHMARK PRICE measures the value of a ‘typical’ Fraser Valley home as determined by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI). The HPI benchmark price of a detached home in June 2009 showed a decreased of 8 per cent compared to June 2008 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to May 2009.

     

    The MEDIAN PRICE is the middle price. If all the sales prices were listed in order from lowest to highest; ½ the sales are higher in value and ½ the sales are lower in value.

     

    The AVERAGE PRICE is the total dollar volume of sales, divided by the number of sales.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Abbotsford Real Estate Prices June 2009

    Abbotsford’s MLS Statistics June 2009

    Detached Houses

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    157

    99

    129

    New Listings 

    214

    238

    211

    Active Listings 

    614

    789

    638

    Benchmark Price 

    $406,583

    $437,907

    $400,849

    Median Price 

    $387,500

    $435,000

    $432,000

    Average Price 

    $432,519

    $476,335

    $443,978

    Townhouses

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    44

    28

    56

    New Listings 

    60

    64

    60

    Active Listings 

    178

    194

    185

    Benchmark Price 

    $258,148

    $304,192

    $258,537

    Median Price 

    $262,500

    $267,900

    $248,250

    Average Price 

    $262,485

    $288,067

    $252,553

    Apartment Condos

    June -09

    June -08

    May-09

    Sales 

    60

    55

    46

    New Listings 

    106

    87

    90

    Active Listings 

    284

    313

    276

    Benchmark Price 

    $200,104

    $228,936

    $199,537

    Median Price 

    $183,000

    $200,000

    $182,000

    Average Price 

    $178,495

    $214,491

    $180,516

    The BENCHMARK PRICE measures the value of a ‘typical’ Fraser Valley home as determined by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI). The HPI benchmark price of a detached home in June 2009 showed a decreased of 8 per cent compared to June 2008 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to May 2009.

    The MEDIAN PRICE is the middle price. If all the sales prices were listed in order from lowest to highest; ½ the sales are higher in value and ½ the sales are lower in value.

    The AVERAGE PRICE is the total dollar volume of sales, divided by the number of sales.

  • Single Story For Sale in Huntingdon

    F2909466_101_94

    • 1,818 sq. ft., 3 bath single story - $365,000

     -  Heritage living at its finest. Welcoming 2 storey home with large front veranda. Enjoy the traditional formal living room, dining room, open family room off the maple kitchen.
    Master bedroom has a jacuzzi soaker tub.

    Minutes from Sumas border crossing, Costco and shopping center.

    This home has CHARACTER.

    Property information

  • BC Home Sales Continue to Climb

    Vancouver, BC – June 11, 2009. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reported that Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) residential sales in the province rose 3 per cent to 8,270 units in May 2009 compared to the same month last year. It was the first year-over-year increase since December 2007.

    The month of May also posted the highest number of residential sales since April 2008, on a seasonally adjusted basis, and was the fourth consecutive month of rising home sales.

    “Home sales have bounced back from the extraordinarily low levels recorded during the winter months,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Improved affordability and less uncertainty about the future are the main factors driving home sales higher.”

    “The combination of stronger consumer demand and fewer homes for sale is stabilizing home prices in many BC markets,” added Muir.

    Year-to-date, MLS® residential sales dollar volume was down 31 per cent to $11.7 billion over the same period last year.

    A total of 26,359 units were sold in the first five months of 2009, down 26 per cent from 2008, while the average MLS® price declined 7 per cent to $443,252.

    Courtsey of BCREA

  • HOUSING SALES AND PRICES STABILIZING IN FRASER VALLEY

    June 2, 2009

    SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) posted its highest sales volume in a year in May, processing 1,501 sales, the fourth consecutive monthly increase this year.

    Although that number is still six per cent less compared to the 1,599 sales processed in May of 2008, Board President Paul Penner says it’s a significant improvement compared to where the market was a few months ago.

    “We’re the closest we’ve been to a balanced market since early spring last year. Sales have increased, inventory has dropped and prices are stabilizing.”

    Penner says the market remains competitive. “REALTORS® are seeing an increase in multiple-offer situations, but only on properties that are priced right and at the more affordable end of the market.

    “With 10,000 active listings in the Fraser Valley, there is plenty of selection. REALTORS® continue to advise clients to be realistic with pricing, both on the listing and buying side.” The Fraser Valley Board’s MLS® showed 10,047 active listings at the end of May, a decrease of 10 per cent compared to the 11,132 listings available in May of last year. It received 29 per cent fewer new listings in May, 2,797 compared to the 3,941 new listings it received during the same month last year.

    Year-over-year decreases in residential benchmark prices continued to moderate in May. The benchmark price measures the value of a ‘typical’ Fraser Valley home as determined by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI). The HPI benchmark price of a detached home in May was $465,939, a decrease of 9.3 per Hcent compared to May 2008 when it was $513,798 and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to April 2009 when it was $460,229.

    The HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses decreased 11.2 per cent from $335,991 in May 2008 to $298,308 in May 2009 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to April 2009 when it was $295,078. The benchmark price of apartments also decreased year-over-year by 9.6 per cent going from $256,887 in May of last year to $232,170 in May 2009 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to April 2009 when it was $230,337.

    “The benchmark price is the most consistent measurement of price change. In May, all three residential categories saw steady, small gains compared to April. This is a positive sign,” Penner says.

    Courtesy of Fraser Valley Real Estate Board

  • Abbotsford BC MLS Statistics May 2009

     

    Abbotsfords MLS Statitstics May 2009
    Detached Houses
    May-09May-08Apr-09
    Sales 12911892
    New Listings 211279168
    Active Listings 638780627
    Benchmark Price $400,849 $438,449 $395,245
    Median Price $432,000 $447,000 $370,750
    Average Price $443,978 $464,102 $396,684
    Townhouses
    May-09May-08Apr-09
    Sales 565342
    New Listings 617059
    Active Listings 185178205
    Benchmark Price $258,537 $302,713 $255,883
    Median Price $248,250 $314,000 $275,000
    Average Price $252,553 $312,159 $275,103
    Apartment Condos
    May-09May-08Apr-09
    Sales 467049
    New Listings 9010973
    Active Listings 276328268
    Benchmark Price $199,537 $228,519 $196,196
    Median Price $182,000 $188,000 $170,000
    Average Price $180,516 $202,211 $178,729

  • Mission BC MLS Statistics - May 2009

     

    Mission MLS Statistics May 2009
    Detached HousesTownhousesApartment Condos
    May-09May-08Apr-09May-09May-08Apr-09May-09May-08Apr-09
    Sales 406450755161
    New Listings 87155891486599
    Active Listings 365396354594154312231
    Benchmark Price $351,013 $383,360 $346,352       
    Median Price $340,000 $380,000 $355,500 220,000$299,900 149,000$205,000 $180,000 $165,000
    Average Price $347,130 $396,432 $353,919 233,928$306,520 177,503$205,000 $182,566 $165,000

  • Abbotsford Listings & Sales by Market Share

    Blanket statements about the real estate market can be so miss leading. Media reports and industry reports all tell us that the average sales price is down over last year’s prices. Statistically this is correct but a closer look at the market is required to find out how this applies to you.

    In the table below I’ve separated sales and listing in $100,000 increments and calculated their percentage.

    Price Range

    Listings

    Sales

    000 – 300K

    1.4%

    3.5%

    300 – 400K

    21.8%

    35.2%

    400 – 500K

    21.3%

    31.9%

    500 – 600K

    18.5%

    17.6%

    600 – 700K

    18.9%

    6.4%

    700 – 800K

    4.8%

    2.5%

    800 – 900K

    2.8%

    2.2%

    900 – 1,000K

    1.7%

    0.7%

    1,000,000 above

    8.7%

    0.0%

    Sales and listings of houses up to $500,000 account for 67% of market but only account for 45% of the available listings. Sales and listings of house above $500,000 account for 33% of sales and 55% of listings. Did you notice that 8.7% of listings are above $1,000,000 but there have been no sales above $1,000,000 this year?

    With such strong demand in the below $500,000 range and so little demand above $500,000 there are occurrences in the market that are predictable. It is my observation that prices are not declining in the up to $500,000 range. True. There have been some price deductions in this range but they were over priced hopeful that the market would bolt forward. Accurately priced houses in the range continue to sell.

    What I’ve seen above $500,000 is significant price reduction with listings receiving few ad calls, few open house attendees and few showing. For the buyer there are great opportunities in the price range. Demand is down and supply is up which calls for a price adjustment.

    I can help you determine where you fit into this market and what choices are available.

    Call my office at 604-852-2234 and let’s talk.

  • Abbotsford YTD Real Estate Statistics

    I like to compile my own market statistics so I can get a nice snapshot view rather than dig through pages of multi-layered statistics for every city in the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. The table below includes average sales price and the number of units sold for detached houses, townhouses and apartment condominiums.

     

    2008 Average Prices & Units Sold

    Houses

    Townhouses

    Apartments

    Avg Price

    Units Sold

    Avg Price

    Units Sold

    Avg Price

    Units Sold

    Jan

    $427,880

    87

    $287,210

    24

    $206,424

    53

    Feb

    $466,164

    106

    $283,508

    31

    $187,302

    78

    Mar

    $446,931

    126

    $312,581

    29

    $191,739

    60

    Apr

    $462,195

    150

    $286,144

    41

    $204,440

    82

    May

    $464,102

    118

    $312,159

    53

    $202,211

    70

     

    There is some interesting information here. First, prices are still up over this period last year. Houses are up $47,000, townhouses are up $20,000 and apartments are up $17,000. The last few years almost every month had an average sales price higher than the previous month. This year the average has been down then up than down and than up again.

     

    In units sold townhouses and apartments are at the same level as last May. The noticeable difference is in house sales which are down from 176 to 118, a 33% decline.

     

    So where are the best buys? Following the law of supply and demand the best buys are in detached houses. the supply of house is significantly higher than last year and demand is down. The best buys are probably in the $500,000 plus price ranges but that is topic for another posting.

     

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