Buyers are taking advantage of favourable real estate market conditions around St. John’s and areas….sellers too are reaping the rewards. Multiple offers are a factor in our marketplace once again, with well-priced listings—especially around the $200k to $260k  price range. Properties priced at market value will likely sell quickly for top dollar. The overall pressure on sales and price is significant across the board – and it’s not likely to subside unless more inventory comes on-stream.  The Bank of Canada released today that it will keep it’s interest rate “as is” but hinted at the fact it will most likely increase in June/July due to Canada’s higher then expect latest GDP numbers.

Total # of new MLS Listings [Feb] =567 (based on residential stats)

Total # of Sales [Feb] = 259

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 2650 (residential only)

Here is a break down by area for the month of February

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 117   Sales = 66 Sales/Listings Ratio = 56%

Average Sale Price is St. John’s: $270,742 for the month of February and the 12 month average $240,470

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 13 Sales = 7  Sales/Listings Ratio = 54%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $218,063

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =64 Sales = 18 Sales/Listings Ratio =28%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $268,980

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 37 Sales = 14  Sales/Listings Ratio = 38%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $259,371

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 48   Sales = 19  Sales/Listings Ratio = 40%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $225,728

We are about to enter into the fall St. John’s real estate market and things are still looking positive for the remainder of the year.  Average MLS housing prices for Newfoundland have been steadily increasing throughout the year.  Thanks to continuing low mortgage rates first time buyers and those looking to up size to bigger homes can still do so despite the large increase in Newfoundland housing prices since last year.  Two apartment (2-apt) homes are still in high demand and if priced right usually sell fairly quickly and for top dollar.

The average price for a home in St. John’s edged slightly higher again for another month, currently at $223,810 for a 12 month period) compared to the Newfoundland Average Sale Price of $201,799.  This is up from $170,941 from last years prices.

Total # of MLS Listings [Aug] =494 (based on single family homes)

Total # of Sales [Aug] = 336

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 2261 (residential only)

Here is a break down by area for the month of August

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 187   Sales = 147 Sales/Listings Ratio = 79%

Average Sale Price is St. John’s: $244,195 for the month of August

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 25 Sales = 26  Sales/Listings Ratio = 104%

Average Sale Price: $200,862

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =65 Sales = 33 Sales/Listings Ratio =51%

Average Sale Price: $261,353

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 36 Sales = 23  Sales/Listings Ratio = 64%

Average Sale Price: $250,678

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 37   Sales = 40  Sales/Listings Ratio = 108%

Average Sale Price: $228,363

The spring real estate market is upon us as noted by the increase in Active MLS Listings last month. Average home prices in all areas have increased since the April St. John’s Real Estate Market Stats.  Increased housing prices means added pressure to first time buyers. This spins off into lower vacancy rates – great for those who own investment 2-apt homes or considering buying an investment property.  Houses are still staying on the market longer – pricing your home correctly is crucial in the market.  I would still call it a buyers market,  but again, there are still some houses receiving multiple offers.

The average price for a home in St. John’s edged slightly higher again for another month (currently at $210,969 for a 12 month period).

Mortgage rates are still at all time lows. The Bank of Canada’s Prime lending rate is at 2.25% and supposed to hold steady here til 2010.  Great for varible rate mortgages but it might be the time to look into a fixed term as the rates can only go up from here.

Total # of MLS Listings [May] = 1108

Total # of Sales [May] = 347

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 3491

Here is a break down by area for the month of May

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 210  Sales = 103 Sales/Listings Ratio = 49%

Average Sale Price: $221,707 for the month of May

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 46 Sales = 15  Sales/Listings Ratio = 33%

Average Sale Price: $201,126

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =46 Sales = 21 Sales/Listings Ratio =46%

Average Sale Price: $240,342

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 36 Sales = 27  Sales/Listings Ratio = 75%

Average Sale Price: $236,090

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 50   Sales = 20  Sales/Listings Ratio = 40%

Average Sale Price: $205,934

Active MLS Listings have increased this month compared to March NLAR stats, while home sales have remained fairly constant.  The biggest increase in stats was Expired Listings.  Up a whopping 39% since last year.  What does this mean to the St. John’s Real Estate Market?  Houses are staying on the market longer.  Potential for price reductions.  It appears to be slipping into a buyers market now.  However, there are still houses selling the same day and some still seeing multiple offers.

The average price for a home in St. John’s edged slightly higher again for another month (currently at $206,938 for a 12 month period).

Mortgage rates are still at all time lows. The Bank of Canada’s Prime lending rate is at 2.25% and supposed to hold steady here til 2010.  Great for varible rate mortgages but it might be the time to look into a fixed term as the rates can only go up from here.

Total # of MLS Listings [Apr] = 975

Total # of Sales [Apr] = 288

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 2953

Here is a break down by area for the month of April

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 181  Sales = 66 Sales/Listings Ratio = 36%

Average Sale Price: $214,590 for the month of April

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 24 Sales = 10  Sales/Listings Ratio = 42%

Average Sale Price: $198,655

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =65 Sales = 22 Sales/Listings Ratio =34%

Average Sale Price: $239,039

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 45 Sales = 18   Sales/Listings Ratio = 40%

Average Sale Price: $231,872

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 56   Sales = 15  Sales/Listings Ratio = 27%

Average Sale Price: $202,399

It’s been an interesting 1st quarter for the Real Estate in Newfoundland.  The sky has not fallen in the St. John’s real estate market like the media and public were anticipating.   The average price for a home in St. John’s edged slightly higher (currently at $205,040 for a 12 month period).  Listings have increased in number as have the number of sales for the month of March.

Mortgage rates are at all time lows. (4.15% for a 5 year term seems to be the norm at the time of posting).  Variable rates have dropped considerably in the past year.  The variable mortgage rate was close to 6% middle of last year compared to 3.25% now.

This month, Newfoundland’s Real Estate MLS housing price break down is showing a 2% increase in sales while there was 789 new listings, an increase of 17% from last year.  Majority of the sales showing were in the $200,000 to $350,000 price bracket once again.

Total # of MLS Listings [Mar] = 789

Total # of Sales [Mar] = 266

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 2658

The average price of a home in the St. John’s Real Estate market is now $205,040  compared to the provincial average of $188,111 YTD for 2009.  Note this is for ALL Newfoundland (nlar.ca)

Here is a break down by area for the month of March

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 148  Sales = 83 Sales/Listings Ratio = 56%

Average Sale Price: $219,257 for the month of March

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 21 Sales = 11  Sales/Listings Ratio = 52%

Average Sale Price: $198,959

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =43 Sales = 24 Sales/Listings Ratio =56%

Average Sale Price: $235,156

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 32 Sales = 13   Sales/Listings Ratio = 41%

Average Sale Price: $202,407

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 47   Sales = 19  Sales/Listings Ratio = 40%

Average Sale Price: $184,753

After coming to a dramatic slowdown in December from a banner 25% price increase year, 2009 is back in full swing.  Although sales are down (25% compared to last January), much needed listings are up (5%).  Officially we are into a balanced market now.  Increased inventory, record low mortgage rates and what appears to be still a lot of buyers, the real estate market in St. John’s should hold its own compared to the rest of Canada.

This month, Newfoundland’s Real Estate MLS housing price break down is showing a 25% decrease in sales while there are currently 680 listings, an increase of 5% from last year.  Majority of the sales showing were in the $200,000 to $350,000 price bracket.

Total # of New MLS Listings [Jan] = 680

Total # of Sales [Jan] = 200

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 2289

The average price of a home in the St. John’s Real Estate market is now $198,757  2008.  Compared to the provincial average of $184,055 YTD for 2009.  Note this is for ALL Newfoundland (nlar.ca)

Here is a break down by area for the month of January

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 117  Sales = 48 Sales/Listings Ratio = 41%

Average Sale Price: $219,146 for the month of January

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 11 Sales = 6  Sales/Listings Ratio = 55%

Average Sale Price: $208,667

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =52 Sales = 14 Sales/Listings Ratio =27%

Average Sale Price: $264,325

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 32 Sales = 16   Sales/Listings Ratio = 50%

Average Sale Price: $229,048

Conception Bay Real Estate: Listings = 41   Sales = 17  Sales/Listings Ratio = 41%

Average Sale Price: $192,321

December is typically a slower month for real estate and the stats for this month show it.  Christmas, and the preparation for Christmas takes up most of the month.  For the most part, the buying and selling of homes is left to those that have no choice but to keep the house hunting active.

This month, Newfoundland’s Real Estate MLS housing price break down is showing a whopping 18% decrease in sales while listings this month show an increase of 16%.  Year to date, listings are up slightly by 3% and sales up 7% compared to this time last year.

Total # of New MLS Listings [Dec] = 357

Total # of Sales [Dec] = 312

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System = 2065

The average price of a home in the St. John’s Real Estate market is now $195,970  2008.  Compared to $173,844 YTD for 2007.  Note this is for ALL Newfoundland (nlar.ca)

Here is a break down by area for the month of December

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 73  Sales = 5 Sales/Listings Ratio = 7%

Average Sale Price: $202,896

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 11 Sales = 0% Sales/Listings Ratio = 0%

Average Sale Price: no sales for this month so $190,662 is YTD

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =29 Sales = 2 Sales/Listings Ratio =7%

Average Sale Price: $273,850

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 14 Sales = 3   Sales/Listings Ratio = 21%

Average Sale Price: $225,674

Conception Bay Real Estate: Listings = 15   Sales = 1  Sales/Listings Ratio = 7%

Average Sale Price: $201,814

The yard to date sales/listings ratio is 54%

The monthly Newfoundland Real Estate MLS housing price break down is showing an increase of 6% in listings this month and an increase of 27% in home purchases.  Year to date, listings are up 1% and sales up 13% compared to this time last year.  Properties sold in St. John’s in the $180,000 to $350, 000 range have doubled in number of units sold.

Total # of New MLS Listings [Sept] = 834

Total # of Sales [Sept] = 606

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System = 2587

The average price of a home in the St. John’s Real Estate market is now $183,929 year to date for 2008.  Compared to $165,813 9YTD) for 2007.  Remember this is for ALL Newfoundland (nlar.ca)  Prices are closer to the $200,000 average in St. John’s, Mount Pearl and surrounding areas.

Here is a break down by area for the month of September for single family homes

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 178 Sales = 122 Sales/Listings Ratio = 67%

Average Sale Price: $192,575

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 21 Sales = 24 Sales/Listings Ratio = 114%

Average Sale Price: $177,445

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =52 Sales = 32 Sales/Listings Ratio = 61%

Average Sale Price: $210,327

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 43 Sales = 25   Sales/Listings Ratio = 54%

Average Sale Price: $219,413

Conception Bay Real Estate: Listings = 41   Sales = 41  Sales/Listings Ratio = 100%

Average Sale Price: $197,360

One point to note:  I’ve notice a big decrease in the properties sold in the $100,000 to $200,000 range and a large increase in properties sold over the $200,000 mark.  Particularly the $260,000 to $349,900 range.

Total # of New MLS Listings [Aug] = 758

Total # of Sales [Aug] = 595

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System = 2675

Our Real Estate system is not showing the stats for my normal monthly Newfoundland MLS housing price break down by real estate area.

What I can report is for all of Newfoundland, the average sales price is $170,482 year to date for 2008.  Compared to $147,201 for 2007.  Remember this is for ALL Newfoundland (nlar.ca)  Prices are closer to the $200,000 average in St. John’s, Mount Pearl and surrounding areas.

Total # of Sales [Jun] = 476

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System = 2580

Listings are almost on par for the same time for 2007 but the sales are up 12% year to date.

There were a good number of new listings for the St. John’s, Mount Pearl and surrounding areas in June. Buyers still out number the sellers as noted from the number of sales which is up again this month.  Two apartment homes and investment properties are in high demand.  Single Family homes in East End St. John’s are short in supply.

Most of the new sub divisions for St. John’s (Clovelly Trails, Roncolli Estates, East Point Landing) are in building demand.  Pine Ridge Creek in Torbay will soon open up the new phase.

Here is a break down by area for the month of June for single family homes

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 173 Sales = 103 Sales/Listings Ratio = 60%

Average Sale Price: $191,024 ($184,730 for April)

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 23 Sales = 26 Sales/Listings Ratio = 113%

Average Sale Price: $202,627

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =35 Sales = 37 Sales/Listings Ratio = 106%

Average Sale Price: $216,424

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 32 Sales = 21 Sales/Listings Ratio = 66%

Average Sale Price: $192,465

Conception Bay Real Estate: Listings = 49 Sales = 28 Sales/Listings Ratio = 57%

Average Sale Price: $198,352

While Home sellers flooded the markets in Toronto and Saskatoon last month, causing the number of listings to surge to a record level in Canada. Kitchener-Waterloo, St. John’s Newfoundland, and Thunder Bay actually saw a decrease in the number of homes on the market.

It appears that throughout most of Canada we are seeing a pull back in prices and real estate sales, a cool down. But not in Newfoundland. The only thing cool in Newfoundland right now is the temperature. Prices are continuing to rise. Buyers are continuing to flood the market and investors are still looking for rental properties.

In Saskatoon where prices are continuing to sky-rocket, buyers seemed leery about the idea of purchasing a new home. “70 per cent said it was not a good time to make a purchase.” In contrast to Atlantic Canada where 49 per cent were positive towards the idea of owning a new home.

CREA released it’s First Quarter Forecast 2008 earlier last week and as expected, MLS home sales are forecast to ease gradually in all provinces in 2008, but record-level activity in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador during the first quarter will result in new annual records in these provinces.

Source: Homes Market Flooded by Sellers – Globe and Mail