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Are we moving to a Balanced Market in 2010?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.,
Canada’s housing market is expected to cool this year and next, but isn’t at risk of falling victim to a U.S.-style foreclosure crisis anytime soon; Canada will continue to do well in comparison to our neighbours to the south.
That is because lending practices here are much more sound than in the U.S. The likelihood of Canada having a meltdown like they had in the U.S. is extremely low; This is a combination of the lending practices prior to the peak in 2007 — they were more restrained, better underwriting practices in Canada. We also think there are a number of factors in the Canadian market which have lent themselves to more prudent lending.


The HST now factors heavily into home buying decisions in Ontario and is creating indecision.
Reviewing the most recent Toronto Real Estate Board statistics. Sales are moving along well and the inventory levels are continuing to rise at a pace that is typical for this time of year. For May 2010 there were 9,460 sales reported to TREB! Unlike recent record breaking months, this falls below the record breaking territory we hit in May 2007, but is similar to other May numbers we have experienced in previous years. Currently there are 25 K homes for sale up from 22 thousand 6 last month. Last year, there was actually a decrease in the available number of homes between April and May. This year there was an increase, which is seasonally typical. This is causing us to go into more of a “Normal or Balanced Market” and step away from some of the silliness we’ve been experiencing over the last year.
In select pockets and price ranges, inventory is still pretty scarce, but in the majority of neighbourhoods of Toronto there is more selection for the buyers out there. That means there’s a greater likelihood this year that there may be a correction or softening in housing prices rather than a continued increase. We expect the market to continue cooling through out the year and continue to cool into 2011. The TD Bank predicts prices will decrease by 2 - 3% by the end of 2011.
Professional Promotion & Marketing, Google Presentation and Proper Pricing are more important now to have your home enter the market at the right price point, attract willing buyers and be sold within a few weeks. Call David Pylyp 647 218 2414

Comments(4)

Brian Madigan
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker

David,

You are quite right I think in your analysis. The numbers truly point to a balanced market. Most commentators have an overreaction to one simple piece of news.

Brian

Jun 03, 2010 03:00 AM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

David, As always, a great presentation.  I am glad to hear the HST will not have too negative an impact on the TO area. 

Jun 10, 2010 12:06 PM
David Pylyp
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., - Toronto, ON
Brian, Thank you for your participation Marcia, We are all nervous about the HST until it actually shakes out on all the contract permutations, Builders are holding back inventory because they could be hit with 13% on teh retail side to collect in addition to land transfer taxs (on sales over 400K) We will see. I think the market will ratchet down further during the summer till we have some clear indication of how the New home market will lead prices in the resale sector. Buyers decide the prices.
Jun 10, 2010 12:51 PM
Marcia Hawken
WILLIAM RAVEIS - Naples, FL
Naples Luxury Specialist

David, I can see where the new home market would be impacted.  Good point.  Thanks again for the info.

Jun 15, 2010 11:54 AM