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October sales fall back like daylight savings time

May 7, 2019
by Jordan Katz
October sales fall back like daylight savings time 
 
WINNIPEG - October sales decreased 10% from October 2016 and were off 4% from the 10-year October average. The drop in sales activity was largely predominant in the residential-detached and condominium property types selling for under $300,000.
 
The sales decrease in part, was the result of being up against increased sales activity in early October 2016 because home buyers then wanted to maximize their buying power before the October 17th stress test came into effect on insured mortgages. The new qualification requirement meant applicants had to qualify for the five- year fixed term Bank of Canada rate of 4.64 per cent.
 
October sales of 1,023 pushed year-to-date sales over 12,000 – only the second time this has happened and just 1% off last year’s record-setting pace of over 12,100 sales. Year-to-date dollar volume is the highest it has ever been at nearly $3.5 billion, up over 3% from 2016. Based on slower sales and dollar volume activity in the last two months of the year dollar volume, will not reach the $4 billion benchmark level but another annual dollar volume record will be set.
 
“October sales results clearly showed how government intervention in to the real estate market has affected it”, said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “The first-time buyer market for residential-detached properties has been softer this year and conversely more affordable property types such as single attached and townhouses have performed better.”
 
Both single-attached and townhouse sales this year are well ahead of 2016 with percentage increases of 10% and 23% respectively. Residential-detached sales are down 2% for the first 10 months.
 
One offsetting factor to mitigate a higher percentage decline in residential-detached sales in 2017 compared to last year, as a result of tougher mortgage qualification requirements, is a stronger move-up market.
 
Two examples back this point up. In October the southwest MLS® zone which had an average residential-detached sale price of over $400,000 saw sales increase this October while all the other more affordably priced MLS® zones ,including the rural MLS® areas outside Winnipeg, were either seeing fewer sales or flat in residential-detached sales activity.
 
Another example of stronger move- up activity this year is the significant difference in million dollar plus sales compared to the previous three years. For the first ten months there have been 45 sales in total, 40 residential-detached sales and 5 condominium sales. This compares to a total of 27 in 2016 and 20 in both 2015 and 2014.
 
“Our market may experience move-up sales activity than normal until the end of 2017 given that The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) just approved a new stress test on federally regulated mortgage lenders with respect to insured mortgages commencing January 1, 2018,” Sonnichsen said. “Similar to last year’s higher qualification requirement on insured mortgages which has heavily impacted first-time buyers, this new guideline will affect move-up buyers more and will limit their ability to qualify for higher-priced homes. They must meet the minimum qualifying rate for an uninsured mortgage which is the higher of either the five-year Bank of Canada rate or one that is 2 percentage points higher than their contractual mortgage rate.”
 
Helping some Manitobans feel confident about advancing their buying decision now before this new stress test kicks in is the recent good news of job gains for Manitoba. Statistics Canada reported the Manitoba economy added 4,000 new jobs in October and as a result had its unemployment rate drop to 5.2 per cent, second only to British Columbia at 4.9 per cent.
 
Further, October 2017 MLS® sales activity reported prevalent condominium sales in the under $200,000 price range. These sales represented 44% of total condo sales. In comparison sales under $200,000 for the residential-detached property type were 16%.
 
“Whatever price range you are looking to buy in, you need to be calling a REALTOR®- a market expert who will help you navigate the ever changing real estate environment and real estate financing” said Marina R. James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®. 
 
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Since 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® has assisted its members in achieving high levels of excellence in organized real estate by providing superior tools and services that enhance and build a vibrant real estate industry. Representing over 1,900 REALTORS® and other industry related professions active in the Winnipeg metropolitan area, WinnipegREALTORS® promotes the value of a REALTOR® and organized real estate. WinnipegREALTORS® provides its members with essential market information, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, marketing products, an effective industry voice and strong leadership to further their professional success.
 
 
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
 
For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 
 

WinnipegREALTORS® has highest third quarter sales on record

May 7, 2019
by Jordan Katz
WinnipegREALTORS® has highest third quarter sales on record
 
WINNIPEG - September sales of close to 1,200 processed through WinnipegREALTORS® MLS® System closed off the third quarter with a record total of 3,916 sales, just ahead of the previous best third quarter in 2016.
 
September sales of 1,193 were down less than 2% from September 2016, the highest level of sales for the month of September in WinnipegREALTORS® 114-year history. The impressive third quarter sales activity moves total MLS® sales to just 11 sales shy of 11,000, the new benchmark sales level established in 2016 for the first three quarters.
 
“Our sales activity this year has kept pace with record-setting sales in 2016” said Blair Sonnichsen. “Our more affordably-priced housing options in our local real estate market have been instrumental in enabling buyers to successfully conclude a purchase this year.”
 
One of those options includes purchasing a property outside Winnipeg as the outlying rural municipalities have experienced growth in total market share over the past few years. In September alone rural residential-detached sales represented 28% of total sales.  
 
 
This year-to - date breakdown chart of all residential-detached sales in Winnipeg and the rural municipalities shows the latter represents 26% of total sales. Steinbach is the most active MLS® area of all MLS® areas WinnipegREALTORS® tracks every year with 365 sales in the first nine months. 
 
“Our capital region has been growing at a more rapid pace than the City of Winnipeg and that is being reflected in our residential-detached sales,” Sonnichsen said.
 
When it comes to condominium sales Winnipeg is far more dominant compared to outside the city and Osborne Village remains the premier MLS® area with 132 sales. Of note this year is the emergence of the downtown in second place with 92 sales -14 of them occurred in September.
 
Backing up WinnipegREALTORS® contention that real estate is more affordable than in most other major markets across the country was the recent release of RBC’s Housing Affordability Measures 2017 second quarter report. In stating housing markets such as ones in the Toronto area are eroding Canada’s affordability to its worst level since 1990, it shines a light on Winnipeg saying its “neutral affordability conditions continue to support brisk housing activity. Home resales in the area are on pace to equal, if not surpass, last year’s record high”. It goes on to say Winnipeg’s housing affordability is “very close to its long-run average”.
 
“REALTORS® are well informed market experts who can show you all the affordable housing options which exist in Winnipeg and the capital region,” said Marina R. James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®.
 
Going into the fourth quarter listing supply remains balanced overall however there are differences within WinnipegREALTORS® market region and between the various property types.
 
The most active price range for residential-detached sales in September was from $250,000 to $299,999, 22% of total sales. 55% of all residential-detached sales in September were priced under $300,000. The highest priced residential-detached property sold was $1,451,000 while the lowest was $22,000.
 
Condominium sales activity was most active in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range at 27% of total sales. 77% of all condominiums in September sold for under $300,000. The highest condo sales price was $560,000. The lowest-priced one was $49,500.
 
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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,900 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market. Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 
 
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
 
For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 

Upper end market a high point in August

May 7, 2019
by Jordan Katz
Upper end market a high point in August
 
WINNIPEG - What stood out in August was the performance of the higher end of the market where residential-detached sales above $500,000 were up 32% over August 2016and 7 sales eclipsed 1 million dollars in value. There were some other high end commercial sales with a motor inn and apartment complex each selling for over $1 million.
 
MLS® unit sales of 1,288 were down 5% from August 2016 - the best August on record. However sales in August were up nearly 6% over the 10-year average for the month of August. As a result of the upper end market performing so well and residential-detached sales under $300,000 down 35% from August 2016 MLS® dollar volume increased 4% to $378 million.
 
Year-to-date MLS® unit sales activity is marginally ahead of 2016 with a total of 9,796 sales. Dollar volume on the other hand has risen 5% over 2016 to $2.86 billion.
 
At the end of August inventory of 2,469 residential-detached properties is down 11% while condominium supply of 855 units is up 5% in comparison to the same time last year.
 
“August demonstrated demand and confidence in our local market remains strong by virtue of the strength of the upper end market,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “It also showed the higher stress test requirement on insured mortgages is preventing a number of buyers from achieving their dream of homeownership and in some instances keeping existing owners from making their next step to another home.”
 
He added,” With this week’s Bank of Canada interest rate increase to 1% and the federal government considering placing a new stress test on uninsured mortgages, it will make purchasing a home even more difficult for buyers.”
 
Simply put, the new stress test on uninsured mortgages will require low-risk borrowers to be approved at two percent above the rate offered to them by their lender.
 
WinnipegREALTORS® supports the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) position which is calling on the federal government to refrain from introducing any new additional measures to cool housing markets such as Winnipeg’s. When you include the most recent bank rate increase there have been nine changes to tighten mortgage finance in Canada since 2008.
 
As CREA states in its submission to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), “We do not believe it is prudent to extend the stress test to uninsured mortgages until the market has had time to absorb and analyze the impact of the compounding effect of interest rate increases and the previously announced tightening measures.”
 
While 2017 has been tougher on first-time buyers in particular purchasing a residential-detached property, other property types have experienced gains this year due in part to them making alternative choices. Sales of condominiums, duplexes, resort properties and single-attached have all had single-digit percentage increases over the same period in 2016. Town house sales have risen the highest percentage at 11%. It should also be noted commercial property sales are up 9%.
 
“You need to be talking to your REALTOR® about the options available to you in our local real estate market, “said Marina James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®. “REALTORS® know the market and what alternative property types may be possible if your first choice is not attainable.”
 
The most active price range for residential-detached sales in August was from $250,000 to $299,999, 20% of total sales. Another 30% of sales were evenly split percentage-wise between the $200,000 to $249,999 and $300,000 to $349,999 price ranges. The highest priced residential-detached property sold was $1,700,000.
 
Condominium sales showed very similar percentage market share in the three price ranges from $150,000 to $299,999 with the lowest price range of $150,000 to $199,999 slightly ahead with 24% of total sales. The highest condo sales price was $439,900.
 
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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,900 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market. Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 
 
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
 
For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 

June ushers in another stand out month of sales activity

May 7, 2019
by Jordan Katz
June ushers in another stand out month of sales activity

WINNIPEG - July sales results show a continuation of a second quarter of brisk market activity. Condominium sales really stood out in July with a 32% increase over July 2016.

 

 

Total July Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) unit sales of 1,438 went up 6% over July 2016level and the 10-year July sales average. It is the second best July on record with onlyJuly 2014 eclipsing it by 3%.  This July’s dollar volume of $416 million is the first time the month of July reached and surpassed $400 million in sales transactions.

 

 

“Initial concern this year of tougher mortgage requirements affecting sales activity is being overcome by strong demand for all  property types,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®.  “I cannot emphasize enough that in our local market we have different affordable options to choose from. Buyers are taking advantage of them through our REALTORS® keeping them informed and current on all the properties available on our MLS®.” 

 

 

Year-to-date MLS®  sales of 8,508 is now slightly ahead of last year’s record-breaking pace while dollar volume at nearly $2.5 billion is up 5% over the same period in 2016.

 

 

With a new release of 2016 Statistics Canada Census data this month which provides more breakdowns on families and household make-up, the city of Winnipeg and its entire CMA (includes surrounding municipalities) have grown faster in population over the past 5 years than the national average. Moreover, the number of private dwellings occupied in the city of Winnipeg and surrounding rural municipalities has ratcheted up to accommodate increased population demand for housing.

 

 

“These increases in combination with low unemployment numbers and low mortgage rates are creating favourable conditions for sustained housing market activity,” said Sonnichsen. “Proof of how well we are performing this year is our higher conversion of sales to listings in comparison to 2016 when there were 420 more MLS® listings entered by the end of July.”

 

 

The drop in listings this year is almost entirely attributed to residential-detached listings whereas other property types such as condominiums have seen their listings in line or greater than 2016.

 

 

The most active price range for residential-detached sales in July was from $250,000 to $299,999, 23% of total sales. Broken down further, both the $250,000 to $274,999 and the $275,000 to $299,999 price ranges represented 10.95% and 12.20% of market activity. The closest to these ranges in representing higher sales volume were the $225,000 to $249,999 and $300,000 to $324,999 at 8.55% and 8.26% respectively.

 

 

In what is one of the best month performances ever for condominiums at 207 sales, the most active price range was from $150,000 to $199,999 at 27% of total sales. The next busiest price range was from $250,000 to $299,999 at 18% of total sales.

 

 

“Our REALTOR®  and mortgage professional members are succeeding in helping buyers navigate through a more difficult mortgage qualification environment in 2017, “ said Marina R. James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®. “You should be working with them to understand and determine what your best course of action is with respect to purchasing a home in our local market.”

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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,900 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 

 

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

 

For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 
 
    

October sales fall back like daylight savings time

November 19, 2017
by Jordan Katz
October sales fall back like daylight savings time 
 
WINNIPEG - October sales decreased 10% from October 2016 and were off 4% from the 10-year October average. The drop in sales activity was largely predominant in the residential-detached and condominium property types selling for under $300,000.
 
The sales decrease in part, was the result of being up against increased sales activity in early October 2016 because home buyers then wanted to maximize their buying power before the October 17th stress test came into effect on insured mortgages. The new qualification requirement meant applicants had to qualify for the five- year fixed term Bank of Canada rate of 4.64 per cent.
 
October sales of 1,023 pushed year-to-date sales over 12,000 – only the second time this has happened and just 1% off last year’s record-setting pace of over 12,100 sales. Year-to-date dollar volume is the highest it has ever been at nearly $3.5 billion, up over 3% from 2016. Based on slower sales and dollar volume activity in the last two months of the year dollar volume, will not reach the $4 billion benchmark level but another annual dollar volume record will be set.
 
“October sales results clearly showed how government intervention in to the real estate market has affected it”, said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “The first-time buyer market for residential-detached properties has been softer this year and conversely more affordable property types such as single attached and townhouses have performed better.”
 
Both single-attached and townhouse sales this year are well ahead of 2016 with percentage increases of 10% and 23% respectively. Residential-detached sales are down 2% for the first 10 months.
 
One offsetting factor to mitigate a higher percentage decline in residential-detached sales in 2017 compared to last year, as a result of tougher mortgage qualification requirements, is a stronger move-up market.
 
Two examples back this point up. In October the southwest MLS® zone which had an average residential-detached sale price of over $400,000 saw sales increase this October while all the other more affordably priced MLS® zones ,including the rural MLS® areas outside Winnipeg, were either seeing fewer sales or flat in residential-detached sales activity.
 
Another example of stronger move- up activity this year is the significant difference in million dollar plus sales compared to the previous three years. For the first ten months there have been 45 sales in total, 40 residential-detached sales and 5 condominium sales. This compares to a total of 27 in 2016 and 20 in both 2015 and 2014.
 
“Our market may experience move-up sales activity than normal until the end of 2017 given that The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) just approved a new stress test on federally regulated mortgage lenders with respect to insured mortgages commencing January 1, 2018,” Sonnichsen said. “Similar to last year’s higher qualification requirement on insured mortgages which has heavily impacted first-time buyers, this new guideline will affect move-up buyers more and will limit their ability to qualify for higher-priced homes. They must meet the minimum qualifying rate for an uninsured mortgage which is the higher of either the five-year Bank of Canada rate or one that is 2 percentage points higher than their contractual mortgage rate.”
 
Helping some Manitobans feel confident about advancing their buying decision now before this new stress test kicks in is the recent good news of job gains for Manitoba. Statistics Canada reported the Manitoba economy added 4,000 new jobs in October and as a result had its unemployment rate drop to 5.2 per cent, second only to British Columbia at 4.9 per cent.
 
Further, October 2017 MLS® sales activity reported prevalent condominium sales in the under $200,000 price range. These sales represented 44% of total condo sales. In comparison sales under $200,000 for the residential-detached property type were 16%.
 
“Whatever price range you are looking to buy in, you need to be calling a REALTOR®- a market expert who will help you navigate the ever changing real estate environment and real estate financing” said Marina R. James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®. 
 
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Since 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® has assisted its members in achieving high levels of excellence in organized real estate by providing superior tools and services that enhance and build a vibrant real estate industry. Representing over 1,900 REALTORS® and other industry related professions active in the Winnipeg metropolitan area, WinnipegREALTORS® promotes the value of a REALTOR® and organized real estate. WinnipegREALTORS® provides its members with essential market information, professional development sessions, networking opportunities, marketing products, an effective industry voice and strong leadership to further their professional success.
 
 
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
 
For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 
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WinnipegREALTORS® | 1240 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G0T6 Canada
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Upper end market a high point in August

September 8, 2017
by Jordan Katz
Upper end market a high point in August
 
WINNIPEG - What stood out in August was the performance of the higher end of the market where residential-detached sales above $500,000 were up 32% over August 2016and 7 sales eclipsed 1 million dollars in value. There were some other high end commercial sales with a motor inn and apartment complex each selling for over $1 million.
 
MLS® unit sales of 1,288 were down 5% from August 2016 - the best August on record. However sales in August were up nearly 6% over the 10-year average for the month of August. As a result of the upper end market performing so well and residential-detached sales under $300,000 down 35% from August 2016 MLS® dollar volume increased 4% to $378 million.
 
Year-to-date MLS® unit sales activity is marginally ahead of 2016 with a total of 9,796 sales. Dollar volume on the other hand has risen 5% over 2016 to $2.86 billion.
 
At the end of August inventory of 2,469 residential-detached properties is down 11% while condominium supply of 855 units is up 5% in comparison to the same time last year.
 
“August demonstrated demand and confidence in our local market remains strong by virtue of the strength of the upper end market,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “It also showed the higher stress test requirement on insured mortgages is preventing a number of buyers from achieving their dream of homeownership and in some instances keeping existing owners from making their next step to another home.”
 
He added,” With this week’s Bank of Canada interest rate increase to 1% and the federal government considering placing a new stress test on uninsured mortgages, it will make purchasing a home even more difficult for buyers.”
 
Simply put, the new stress test on uninsured mortgages will require low-risk borrowers to be approved at two percent above the rate offered to them by their lender.
 
WinnipegREALTORS® supports the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) position which is calling on the federal government to refrain from introducing any new additional measures to cool housing markets such as Winnipeg’s. When you include the most recent bank rate increase there have been nine changes to tighten mortgage finance in Canada since 2008.
 
As CREA states in its submission to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), “We do not believe it is prudent to extend the stress test to uninsured mortgages until the market has had time to absorb and analyze the impact of the compounding effect of interest rate increases and the previously announced tightening measures.”
 
While 2017 has been tougher on first-time buyers in particular purchasing a residential-detached property, other property types have experienced gains this year due in part to them making alternative choices. Sales of condominiums, duplexes, resort properties and single-attached have all had single-digit percentage increases over the same period in 2016. Town house sales have risen the highest percentage at 11%. It should also be noted commercial property sales are up 9%.
 
“You need to be talking to your REALTOR® about the options available to you in our local real estate market, “said Marina James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®. “REALTORS® know the market and what alternative property types may be possible if your first choice is not attainable.”
 
The most active price range for residential-detached sales in August was from $250,000 to $299,999, 20% of total sales. Another 30% of sales were evenly split percentage-wise between the $200,000 to $249,999 and $300,000 to $349,999 price ranges. The highest priced residential-detached property sold was $1,700,000.
 
Condominium sales showed very similar percentage market share in the three price ranges from $150,000 to $299,999 with the lowest price range of $150,000 to $199,999 slightly ahead with 24% of total sales. The highest condo sales price was $439,900.
 
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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,900 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market. Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 
 
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.
 
For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 
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WinnipegREALTORS® | 1240 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G0T6 Canada
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MAY DELIVERS BEST MONTH EVER

June 20, 2017
by Jordan Katz
MAY DELIVERS BEST MONTH EVER

WINNIPEG - While May is not a make or break month for the year, it has proven to be the busiest month of real estate activity for WinnipegREALTORS® and one the 114 year-old association counts on to contribute measurably  to the year–end total. 2017 did not disappoint.

May 2017 ushered in an all-time record sales and dollar volume month with MLS® sales just shy of 1,700 and dollar volume flirting with the one-half billion or $500 million mark. May sales of 1,696 were up 4% while dollar volume of $499.4 million increased 8% in comparison to the same month last year. 

As a result, year-to-date sales in comparison to the same period last year, made up lost ground in April to total 5,434 sales, only 12 sales off last year’s brisk pace, while dollar volume of $1.58 billion gained a few percentage points to end up 4% ahead of 2016 at this time. 

“A stellar month for WinnipegREALTORS® which we know is attainable based on strong market fundamentals and a healthy choice of listings to choose from, “ said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®.  “The difference this year, as a result of tougher qualifying criteria for insured mortgages, is fewer residential-detached sales under $300,000. Offsetting them to some extent are gains in lower priced condominium sales."

Sonnichsen added, “Another factor this year, which cannot be ignored, is City of Winnipeg impact fees on residential development in new emerging areas.”  “There are more existing residential-detached home sales happening in price ranges above $300,000. May recorded an upsurge in sales from $300,000 to $499,999 of 21%.”

After 5 months, condominium sales are leading the way for all property types with an increase of nearly 9% over the same period in 2016. May’s condo transactions of 214 helped make this possible with a 13% jump in activity over May 2016. Year-to-date residential-detached sales on the other hand are down 1%.

Besides condos, May was an excellent month for single-attached and town house sales with increases of 25% and 18% respectively.

“Not only does Winnipeg have one of the most affordable housing markets in the country but it also offers many alternatives to more expensive single family homes,” said Sonnichsen.   

Current inventory going into June shows 2,406 residential-detached or single family home listings and 883 condominium listings. This translates to less than 2 months of residential-detached listing supply and 4 months for condos if no new listings were to come on the market. 

Notable MLS® areas with scarce to limited residential-detached listings include Riverview, Fort Rouge, Crescentwood, River Heights, Linden Woods, Charleswood, Whyte Ridge and Richmond West – all neighbourhoods in the southwest quadrant of Winnipeg.  In the southeast quadrant, St. Boniface, St. Vital, River Park South and Windsor Park in particular would welcome a new influx of listings to meet spring market demand.  

Based on high turnover of inventory in May, other neighbourhoods in short supply include North and East Kildonan, Transcona, Mandalay West, the West End, Wolseley, St. James, Westwood and Crestview. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of working with your local REALTOR® - a market expert – to understand what exactly is happening within the local market you are interested in,” said Marina James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®.

Beyond the success of over 1,750 REALTORS® working together to help buyers and sellers achieve more sales than ever before in one month, it is important to understand the economic impact of all these completed transactions.

In 2017, the Canadian Real Estate Association estimates each home sale will generate an estimated $53,300 in spin-off spending and create one job for every three transactions. MLS® home sales and purchases in 2017 will add an estimated $27.6 billion in spin-off consumer spending to the economy and create almost 192,000 jobs.

“May was without doubt a win for buyers, sellers and the local economy,” said Sonnichsen

All markets are local and vary within a specific market region. To understand what is happening with your property type, price range and area of city or outside Winnipeg, call a REALTOR® to provide you with their expert advice and knowledge.

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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,900 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 
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April MLS® Sales Fall Off First Quarter Pace

May 10, 2017
by Jordan Katz
April MLS® Sales Fall Off First Quarter Pace
 
WINNIPEG - After a solid first quarter of MLS® sales activity, April sales were more subdued. Unit sales of 1,300 were down 5% from a record April in 2016 but still up 2% over the 10-year average for this month.

MLS® dollar volume decreased 1% in April however for the first four months is up 2% to $1.08 billion. New MLS® listings in April fell 5% while the inventory or active listings at the end of April is down 7%.

The percentage of new listings being converted to sales is in line with April 2016 when the equivalent of over 53% of the 2,439 listings entered on the MLS® in April were sold.

The drop off in sales activity compared to April 2016 was most noticeable in the first-time buyer market segment. WinnipegREALTORS® has identified a concern regarding the new stress test on insured mortgages and its impact on buyer qualification

For residential-detached properties under $300,000 there was a 15% decrease in sales activity in comparison to last April. On the other hand upper price ranges in residential-detached outperformed April 2016.

There was also a decline in condominium sales in the price ranges from $150,000 to $249,999.

 “April is the kickoff to our spring market and first-time buyers are a driving force to generating sales activity,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®.  “We are now learning first-hand how tougher mortgage qualifications and higher insurance fees are making it more difficult for this buyer segment to purchase a home.”

Another new development this year which helped propel higher end sales was the City of Winnipeg’s impact fee which came into effect on May 1, 2017. There have already been 15 sales of homes valued over $1 million and six of those are new or to be built homes in the Waverley West MLS® area. It is clear buyers are advancing their plans to commit earlier this year to avoid paying the impact fee ($500 for every 100 square feet).

It is also apparent from examining April sales activity that vacant lots in rural municipalities benefited from the onset of higher fees in Winnipeg as there was a jump of 27% in vacant lot sales from April 2016. The vast majority of those are located outside Winnipeg.

 “Demand remains strong for MLS® listings,” said Sonnichsen. “The average days to sell for residential-detached and condominiums was better than last year’s record-setting April.”

In terms of residential-detached sales activity while the most active price range remained from $250,000 to $299,999 at 20% the next busiest from $300,000 to $349,999 was not far off at 16%.

The average days to sell a home in April was 25 days, one day quicker than the record-setting April 2016. The sales- to -list price ratio in April was 99.19%, an improvement from the 98.59% in April 2016.

Condominium sales continue to be most active in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range which represented 30% of total sales. Next busiest at 16% was the $200,000 to $249,999 price range. Average days to sell a condo in April was 40 days, one day quicker than April 2016.

“In an ever-changing real estate industry with new technology, regulations and market conditions, you need to be contacting a REALTOR® who can provide you with their professional advice and market expertise,” said Marina James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®.

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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,850 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 

MARCH MLS® SALES UP 5%

April 21, 2017
by Jordan Katz
MARCH MLS® SALES UP 5%
 
WINNIPEG -  In March, 1,111 MLS® listed properties sold in the Greater Winnipeg market region, which is an increase of 5% over March 2016 and 8% over the 10-year average for this month. Dollar volume rose 10% to $326 million. This is the first time in March there has been over $300 million in MLS® sales transactions.

MLS® listings entered in March were right in line with last year at 2,200 though active listings or inventory of 3,903 listings going into April  is down  9% from 2016. This is largely due to a very active 2016 which left less listings carrying over into 2017.
 
Due to a good result in March where sales start to accelerate and are significantly higher than either of the first two months of the year, first quarter sales of 2,438 are in line with last year and 5% ahead of the 10-year average for the first three months. Dollar volume of close to $700 million is at its highest level ever for the first quarter and up over 4% from the same period in 2016.  
 
“Overall we are quite pleased with the MLS® first quarter sales results since they are only a few sales shy of last year’s same period total and we ended up recording our best year ever in 2016,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “The second quarter by far is our busiest and one we count on to put us in a good position to deliver solid year end numbers. The consistency and steadiness of our MLS® market over the past few years bodes well for strong sales numbers to continue.”

“Helping give us more confidence going into the second quarter are Manitoba’s employment numbers,” said Peter Squire, MLS® market analyst.  “The recently released Statistics Canada labour force survey shows Manitoba’s March employment went up 2,800 jobs and the unemployment rate decreased 0.3 percentage points to 5.5 %. Only B.C. has a lower rate at 5.4%.”
 
Looking more closely at single family home sales in the first quarter in comparison to the same period in 2016 they are down less than 2% while condominiums are on a record setting pace with an increase of 18%. Condos may well be benefiting from their lower price point in comparison to single family homes as anyone requiring an insured mortgage with less than 20 per cent down must qualify for the higher Bank of Canada 4.64 % 5-year term rate.

“Condos are leading the way so far in marked sales increases compared to the first quarter in 2016,” said Sonnichsen.  “They have captured an additional 3 percentage points of total MLS® market share at the expense of single family or residential-detached sales”.

Another point worth noting with regard to March specifically is explaining why the average residential-detached selling price was just under $320,000, noticeably higher than the 2016 year- end average of $302,707. It was the result of what is called a compositional shift in sales activity where March had a real overweight in higher priced sales. For example, there was a 25% increase in sales over $350,000 and above compared to March 2016.

If you take the median price (mid-point of all sales) of residential-detached homes in March 2017 there is a far closer alignment to March 2016 - $285,500 versus $284,000.

For the first three months this year the average residential-detached selling price is $307,977, a 2.4% increase over the same period in 2016. As for condominiums, the average selling price for the first quarter is $244,406, a 7.9% increase over first quarter 2016.

Residential-detached unit sales in March were more spread out amongst a number of price ranges with the highest at 18% of total sales from $250,000-$299,999 and the $200,000-$249,999 at 15%. A close third at 14% was from $350,000-$400,000.

March condominium unit sales at nearly one in four sales were from $150,000-$199,999 however there were a number of price ranges with sales activity in the teens.  Amongst them, the $250,000-$299,999 was highest at 18%.

All markets are local and vary within a specific market region. To understand what is happening with your property type, price range and area of city or outside Winnipeg, call a REALTOR® to provide you with their expert advice and knowledge.
 
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Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,850 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854. 

FEBRUARY MLS® SALES DOWN 6%

March 9, 2017
by Jordan Katz

PRESS RELEASE

March 7, 2017

For Immediate Release               

 

FEBRUARY MLS® SALES DOWN 6%          

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Condominium Sales Continue Double-Digit Increase Over 2016

 

WINNIPEG - True to form February MLS® market activity marked another solid result in sales which were 4% above the 10-year average for this winter month. So being down 6% from February 2016 which is the only February to reach and eclipse 800 in sales is no reason to be disappointed.

 

One clear pattern emerging this year has been the fast start to condominium sales. Year-to-date sales are up 33% and dollar volume has jumped 37%. One thing is for sure. There is no lack of listings to enable this pattern to continue. With the exception of 2016 where the condominium inventory was nearly 12% higher than the current 665 condominium listings on the market now, they remain elevated over previous years.  Only 2015 is close since it was the first year when a real spike in condominium supply took off.

 

On the other hand residential-detached or single family properties are not keeping up with last year’s record-setting pace. Listings entered on MLS® for the first two months have decreased 6% while sales are down 8%. 

 

One price range which did unusually well in February was for home sales over $1 million. You often may not have one sale in this month as was the case in 2016 or just one in February 2015. This year there were 7 and this significant difference is the first clear indication of the City of Winnipeg’s new impact fee on new residential property. Buyers intending to build their luxury homes in Winnipeg are advancing their plans to avoid paying Winnipeg’s impact fee which comes into effect May 1, 2017.

 

February MLS® unit sales of 766 were down 6% in comparison to February 2016 while dollar volume of $217.4 million decreased 2% from the same month last year.  New listings coming on the market in February also fell 9% from February 2016.

 

“Not only are we coming off a record-setting year but are faced with new challenges in stricter mortgage qualifications and new City of Winnipeg impact fees on residential property,” said Blair Sonnichsen, president of WinnipegREALTORS®. “While too early to tell at this juncture in the year it is apparent already some substitution to more affordable property types is occurring and buyers are aware of Winnipeg’s new impact fees.”

 

Regardless of some of the new wrinkles in the 2017 real estate market one overriding housing demand driver well intact is immigration and the manifestation of it in population increases.   In February some of the Statistics Canada 2016 census data was released which showed Manitoba is growing at a faster rate than the national average. While Winnipeg’s growth rate from 2011 to 2016 was 6.6%, higher but less than a percentage point above Manitoba’s at 5.5%, what really stood out is to what extent some of the rural municipalities within the capital region are growing. Steinbach’s has increased 17%, Niverville (26.6%), Ste. Anne (30%), Blumenort (19.3%) and Ile des Chenes (25.1%).

 

“Winnipeg has always been in our name since WinnipegREALTORS® incorporation in 1903 however our MLS® market area encompasses the entire capital region,” said Marina James, CEO of WinnipegREALTORS®.  “We therefore are well attuned to the growth taking place outside Winnipeg.”

 

The most active residential-detached price range was from $250,000-$299,999 at 21%. Another 30% of residential-detached sales came from the next higher and lower price ranges with both tallying 15% of total sales. The average days to sell a residential-detached property was 34 days, 3 days faster than February 2016.

 

The most active condo price range was the $150,000-$199,999 at 36% of total sales. The average days to sell a condominium was 45 days, 3 days quicker than February 2016.

 

All markets are not only local like WinnipegREALTORS®  market region but vary within as evident from differences in population growth rates.  Whether buying or selling you should be calling a REALTOR® because they know the variations within a local market and how the different property types behave throughout the capital region.

 

Established in 1903, WinnipegREALTORS® is a professional association representing just over 1,850 real estate brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and financial members active in the Greater Winnipeg Area real estate market.  Its REALTOR® members adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) designed exclusively for REALTORS®. WinnipegREALTORS® serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organized real estate profession. 

 

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         For further information, contact Peter Squire at (204) 786-8854.

 

 

 
 


 

 

 

Shaila Wise

WinnipegREALTORS®
External Relations and Social Media Coordinator
Phone: 204-786-8854  Ext. 219
Fax: 204-784-2343
Website: www.winnipegrealtors.ca
Email: swise@winnipegrealtors.ca
 

 

 

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