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October brings slight bump to sales for Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley housing market saw slight increases in both total transactions and overall inventory this month after sales hit their lowest point for the year in September.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,155 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, a decrease of 35.8 per cent compared to the 1,779 sales in October of last year, and a 11.6 per cent increase compared to sales in September 2018.

Of the 1,155 sales, 438 were residential detached homes, 306 were townhouses, and 292 were apartments.

“While slight, this is the first time since May that sales here have been on the upswing.” said John Barbisan, President of the Board. “We’re beneath typical activity levels for this time of year but it’s good to see that buyers and sellers are still finding success this season.”

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley in October finished at 7,746 listings, increasing 1.3 per cent month-over-month and 41.3 per cent year-over-year.

A total of 2,776 new listings were received by the Board in October, a 5.8 per cent decrease from that received in September 2018, and a 12 per cent increase compared to October 2017.

“We’re in a much better spot in terms of overall inventory compared to this time last year, and now closer to a more balanced market. Attached inventory in particular has seen notable gains, doubling year-over-year for townhouses and nearly tripling for apartments.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell both an apartment and townhouse in October was 31. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 39 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $986,700, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.2 per cent compared to September 2018 and increased 1.1 per cent compared to October 2017.

• Townhomes: At $538,400, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.4 per cent compared to September 2018 and increased 7.1 per cent compared to October 2017.

• Apartments: At $432,800, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.3 per cent compared to September 2018 and increased 17.2 per cent compared to October 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201810.pdf

Housing supply ample as buyers remain hesitant in September

SURREY, BC – The slowing of sales activity and expansion of overall inventory that has defined much of 2018 for the Fraser Valley housing market continued in September, with sales at their lowest point and inventory at its highest for the year.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,035 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, a decrease of 36.1 per cent compared to the 1,619 sales in September of last year, and a 10.4 per cent decrease compared to sales in August 2018.

Of those 1,035 sales, 376 were residential detached homes, 250 were townhouses, and 274 were apartments. This was the lowest number of transactions in a month this year for each category.

“Buyers remain reluctant as the market continues to adjust,” said John Barbisan, President of the Board. “We’re seeing good things happening in terms of inventory, but it only opens the door so much while prices are moving at a much slower rate.”

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley in September finished at 7,647 listings, increasing 4.2 per cent month-over-month and 30.6 per cent year-over-year. This is the highest level of supply for the Fraser Valley since July 2015.

A total of 2,946 new listings were received by the Board in September, a 14.4 per cent increase from that received in August 2018, and a 3.4 per cent increase compared to September 2017’s intake.

“If you want to sell soon, the most important thing you can do to be successful is to price effectively. Talk to your REALTOR® who can help you understand what buyers are looking for in your local market.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in September was 33, and 32 for townhomes. Single-family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 39 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $988,900, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 2 per cent compared to August 2018 and increased 1.1 per cent compared to September 2017.

• Townhomes: At $546,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.4 per cent compared to August 2018 and increased 9.5 per cent compared to September 2017.

• Apartments: At $438,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1 per cent compared to August 2018 and increased 22.5 per cent compared to September 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201809.pdf

What are your plan’s for retirement?

So, how much is enough? The amount of money you should have saved before you retire depends on many personal factors and considerations, including:

  • Your lifestyle: If you live well within your means and have prudently saved for retirement, you may not need to adjust your lifestyle much. It is better to have the choice to downsize your lifestyle and spending habits than it is to be forced to due to lack of adequate planning.
  • Your retirement plans: Although it’s wise for both you and your spouse/partner to save for retirement, there are other considerations that may impact your total savings target:
    – At what age do you plan to retire?
    – If you have a spouse/partner, will you retire at the same time?
    – Will you receive a pension from your employer?
    – Do you plan to continue working parttime?
  • Your health: If you are healthy, and have longevity on your side (e.g., your parents lived past the expectancy of 81 years for women and 76 years for men), consider saving more money.
  • Other income sources: If you will receive a pension from your employer, money from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Old Age Security (OAS), or dividends from investments, include them in your overall retirement plan.
  • Financial obligations and expenses: These may include a mortgage, car payments, credit card debt, healthcare expenses and financial support for children or grandchildren.

Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone and your circumstances may change at any time. Changes in your health or that of a family member, or changes in your
family status, may affect your financial situation. For any circumstance changes that may impact your retirement plans, be sure to connect with a financial advisor who can help you update your plan and stay on track to reach your retirement goals.

Love to hear your thoughts or any feedback you may have.

New High School in Willoughby R.E Mountain

Langley, BC – The Langley School Board has announced that the new secondary school being built in Langley’s Willoughby neighborhood will be named R.E. Mountain Secondary School when complete. The current R.E. Mountain Secondary School, adjacent to the new construction, will be renamed when it is converted to a middle school.

The Ministry of Education announced a new 1,500 seat secondary school would be built on the Willoughby Slope in September of 2016 and construction began in August of 2017. Completion of the newest Langley secondary school is expected in the Summer of 2019 for a September 2019 opening. 

Fraser Valley market finds comfortable pace in May as inventory reaches highest level in two years

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley stepped towards a more balanced market in May, with both sales and overall inventory reaching their highest points for the year.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,758 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, a decrease of 35.1 per cent compared to the 2,707 sales in May of last year, and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to the 1,708 sales in April 2018.

Of the 1,758 sales processed last month 417 were townhouses and 516 were apartments, together representing 53 per cent of all transactions in May.

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley finished at 6,736 listings last month, the highest level since September 2015, increasing 18.9 per cent month-over-month and 29.5 per cent when compared to May 2017.

“This is the most inventory we’ve had in over two years,” said John Barbisan, Board President. “Now that the pace of our market has begun to settle, we’re seeing more opportunities for buyers and less pressure to make fast decisions.”

The Board received 3,965 new listings in April, a 15.6 per cent increase from April 2018’s 3,429 new listings, and a 6.8 per cent increase compared to May 2017.

“Sales continue to be strong and there’s plenty of potential for sellers if they understand the market and price effectively. Consult your local REALTOR® for informed perspective on what’s happening in your community and what your best options are.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in May was 15, and 16 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 24 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $1,020,800, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley
    increased 1.1 per cent compared to April 2018, and increased 11.6 per cent compared to May 2017.
  • Townhomes: At $555,500, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1 per cent
    compared to April 2018, and increased 20.6 per cent compared to May 2017.
  • Apartments: At $452,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.2 per
    cent compared to April 2018, and increased 42.4 per cent compared to May 2017.

Full Package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201805.pdf

 

New Fraser Valley listings stood-up as spring market fails to show in April

SURREY, BC – Buyer activity in the Fraser Valley stayed coy throughout April despite a bump in inventory across all three major residential types.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,708 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, a decrease of 23.4 per cent compared to the 2,230 sales in April of last year, and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,664 sales in March 2018.
Of the 1,708 sales processed last month 413 were townhouses and 498 were apartments, together representing 53 per cent of all transactions in April.
Active inventory for the Fraser Valley finished at 5,667 listings last month, increasing 18.2 per cent month-over-month, and 15.3 per cent when compared to April 2017.

Continue reading →

Spring market kicks-off with slim supply in March

SURREY, BC. While sales reached slightly above the ten-year average for the month, a lack of sufficient inventory in the Fraser Valley continued to put pressure on homebuyers in March.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,664 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, a decrease of 24.8 per cent compared to the 2,213 sales in March of last year, and a 20.1 per cent increase compared to the 1,385 sales in February 2018. The ten-year average for sales in the Fraser Valley in March is 1,658 transactions.

Of the 1,664 sales processed last month 410 were townhouses and 460 were apartments, together representing 52 per cent of all transactions in March.

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley finished at 4,796 listings last month, increasing 10.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreasing 0.2 per cent when compared to March 2017.

“We continue to see demand capped-off due to an inadequate amount of supply,” said John Barbisan, Board President. March is typically when we see our market kick into gear, but we need to see higher levels of new listings coming in and greater overall inventory if we want more homebuyers to find success in the Valley.

The Board received 2,865 new listings in March, a 24.9 per cent increase from February 2018’s 2,293 new listings, and a 6.7 per cent decrease compared to March 2017.

“On the plus side, despite a tighter market pricing has remained relatively stable for our region. Talk to your REALTOR® who can help show you the best options at the price level you’re looking for.

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in March was 13, and 16 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 30 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

* Single Family Detached: At $1,001,400, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 0.9 per cent compared to February 2018, and increased 15.2 per cent compared to March 2017.

* Townhomes: At $541,800, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2 per cent compared to February 2018, and increased 24.9 per cent compared to March 2017.

* Apartments: At $440,400, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 4.3 per cent compared to February 2018, and increased 48 per cent compared to March 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201803.pdf

2018 brings more of the same for Fraser Valley real estate

Fraser Valley housing market activity in January continued on the momentum seen throughout 2017 with year-over-year increases seen for both sales and pricing.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,210 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, an increase of 24 per cent compared to the 976 sales in January of last year, and a 10 per cent decrease compared to the 1,344 sales in December 2017. This was the third highest sales total for a January in the Board’s history, behind only 2016 (1,338) and 1992 (1,270).

Of the 1,210 sales processed last month 281 were townhouses and 338 were apartments, together representing 51 per
cent of all transactions in January.

“This will be the third consecutive year of heightened market activity for our region, and we’re starting 2018 exactly
where we left off – gradually rising prices, tight inventory, and the dominance of attached home sales,” said Gopal Sahota, Board President.

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley finished at 3,962 listings last month, increasing 3.8 per cent month-over-month, and decreasing 10 per cent when compared to January 2017. January’s sales-to-active listing ratio was 31 per cent.

The Board received 2,092 new listings in January, a 63.8 per cent increase from December 2017’s 1,277 new listings, and a 3.9 per cent decrease compared to January 2017.

“Generally, pricing continues to be heavily impacted by ongoing demand and a lack of incoming inventory,” continued Sahota. “While conditions may differ depending on property type and area, it remains a complex real estate environment overall where a thorough understanding of the market and knowing what you’re looking for can make all the difference.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in January was 19, and 24 for townhomes.
Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 46 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $982,700, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley
increased 0.6 per cent compared to December 2017, and increased 15.1 per cent compared to January 2017.
• Townhomes: At $519,400 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.2 per cent
compared to December 2017, and increased 23.4 per cent compared to January 2017.
• Apartments: At $404,100, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 4 per cent
compared to December 2017, and increased 44.1 per cent compared to January 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201801.pdf

Another big year for Fraser Valley real estate