www.clickthatblog.com

Kitchener Real Estate Board Statistics for Sept 2008

Here are board statistics for the Kitchener-Waterloo real estate board. Please note that the information here is only based on residential real estate. If you would like a more detailed report, please contact Melanie or Warren.

July 2008 – Sept 2008

(Single-Family All Categories (Condo, Towns, Semis, Singles), All Areas)

May 2008 – July 2008 (Single-Family Detached, All Areas)

Unit Sales and Average Price from 2000 – July 2008 (All Residential Listings)

All information deemed to be accurate and based on monthly statistics of the Multiple Listing Service gathered by the Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate board.

Thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

Lately I have been thinking how cool it would be if we could do all our offers electronically. Not only would this be convenient, it would also be a very “green”. Coming from a technical background, I personally would like to see this happen. I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t use tablet PC’s to do our offers. Since security and privacy are an issue, then we need to find a way to securely transmit the data. Secure webservers would be one way. Currently the following systems are all done electronically: land title, MLS, MPAC. If we can bank online then we can definitely do our offers online. Maybe Web 3.0 or 4.0 will include this feature. Come on techies get programming!

I see a future where I will go into somebody’s house with my 100GHZ supertablet PC. Internet is connected via a wireless Terabyte initernet connection that utilizes 2048,000,000 bit supercryptoamzinglythebestuncrackable encryption, dna identification challenge and repsonse verification. I am presenting the counter offer to my clients on their 2 bedroom space pod situated on planet Remaxia. The universe is experiencing incredible growth, the Canadian dollar is the offical universal currency, pigs can fly and RIM and Microsoft rule the world.

Maybe I am being a tiny bit silly here. All I am saying is that I hope we move to a model where we are doing offers on our computers and then processing them electronically instead of the current paper-based method we are currently using.

It will be really interesting to see what the next 5-10 years will do for our industry.

Anyways, thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

Seems like one of the most common questions people ask me these days is what is going on with the real estate market in Kitchener-Waterloo. Now being the positive person I am, I am telling people that the market is a bit soft right now but I am very optimistic that we should be able to weather the storm. One thing is for sure, people still need a place to live and as long as there are still buyers, there will be sellers.

What I am seeing happening right now is that houses are sitting on the market a little longer and some people in some areas of the city are getting less money then they would have a year ago. I think there are few of factors at play here. Some of these factors are, the US subprime situation, the current election, the time of year, banks have stopped offering 0 down or 40 year mortgages, the negative media exposure coming from the US and other areas of Canada.

Take a look at this chart:

According to the above chart, the overall average house prices consistently gone up over the last 8 years in our area. In some areas the appreciation has been alot higher. My point is, sooner or later things cool down. The hot market of the last couple of years is starting to cool. How much will it cool? Only time will tell.

I have heard news reports stating that the Kitchener-Waterloo real estate market is one of the top ten markets in Canada to invest in. I believe this to be true.

Here are a couple record postings that might cheer you up! When I read the following postings I can’t help but remain optimistic.

Housing sales on track for record year
http://news.therecord.com/article/251944

Townhouses, condos bolster real estate sales
http://news.therecord.com/article/424344

Residential sales up 10 per cent
http://news.therecord.com/article/423822

Townhouses, condos and semi-detached are currently selling well. This means that parts of our market are still strong, Hopefully this will spill over into the other areas that are not doing as well.

Luxury house sales in our area are also up:

Re-Max reports upswing in luxury home sales in major Canadian cities
http://news.therecord.com/article/237718

Luxury housing market standing its ground
http://news.therecord.com/article/420246

Luxury home sales rising in ‘unprecedented’ uptick
http://news.therecord.com/article/238144

It always gets better!

By Warren McNeil

We successfully completed the Run for the Cure as TEAM REMAX for another year. What an emotional experience. I think what really made it hit home for me was the signs on people back that said, “I am running for Mom” or “I am running for Grandma”.

My goal for our team this year was $4000 and I think we raised around $3000. We won’t know our final numers until early next year. Our team was half the size of last years so I knew we wouldn’t be able to do as well. TEAM REMAX as a whole had raised $46000 online. That is amazing and I am glad that our Kitchener-Waterloo team could be part of it. I want to congratulate Durham Region for another successful year. They are the benchmark for all of us and every year continue to do an amazing job!

I wanted to post the pictures again but unfortunately, our camera battery was dead. The best I could do for pictures was a few shots I got with my Blackberry. A friend of mine has some other pictures that I will upload as well. I am a terrible picture taker!! Sorry!

http://picasaweb.google.com/warren.mcneil/RunForTheCureTEAMREMAX2008#

Once again thanks to all our participants and the people who helped us fundraise. Your support was greatly appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

Warren McNeil
TEAM REMAX (K-W)

By Warren McNeil

Look at that, two blog posts in one week! Here comes a little rant.

When we deal with different people everyday, we offten learn alot of new things. I think how we deal with each other is extremely important and we need to pay carfeul attention to each others wants and needs. Everyone is unique. Everyone should be treated with respect. We need to be adaptable and not let our opinions get in the way of the people we interact with. Just because we don’t like something that doesn’t mean that our clients should dislike it too. I see it all too often where somebody will insult another person unintentially by imposing their thoughts, opinions or beliefs on them. For example, a person whose favourite car is Ford might accidently insult a person whose favourite car might be a Mazda. I like to think that I keep these thoughts to myself because from the other person’s point of view, my difference of opinion, belief or thought may turn them off. Politics are a prime example of our right to have our own view. I try to never talk politics with people unless it is a general conversation. Some people get paid to have an opnion. Talk radio hosts and televison personallities get paid to talk about this stuff. But as an indiviudal, I think we are just opening ourselves up to arguments and confrontation. I prefer to keep these views to myself. This is something I learmed from my dad. That’s not to say that I have never given my opnion. I just hope I didn’t insult anybody

Here are a few examples of the kinds of differences people may have as they relate to real estate and houses

- Some people like carpet, where others would prefer hardwood. Likewise, some people like lamimate while others prefer hardwood.

- Some people like wallpaper while others only want paint

- Some people can see past clutter while others prefer neat and tidy

I think you get my point..The variety of differences people have are nested deeply within our personalities. We as realtors need to be aware of these differences when we work with our clients.This is something we learn when we deal with different people.

When clients ask questions, we have to make sure we answer them promptly and accurately. In this Internet age, people want information immediately. That’s why they invented Google. I bet that I visit Google’s website at least 10-20 times a day to look something up. We are information freaks.

Here is something I have learned about buyers: Buyers sometimes want to do their own research before looking at the house. As realtors it is our job to present our listings in the best possible light so the buyer has all of the information. If we don’t do that then we risk losing a potential buyer. We need to provide lots of pictures, measurements, attractive brochures, easy access to details and lastly create an approachable presence so people feel comfortable when they make their first inquiry. Once we start dealing with the client, we need to provide them with all the information they request and answer questions promptly and accurately.

Thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

I know I already wrote something about this before but I feel the need to keep mentioning it….

After spending the last several months with our new construction project in Drayton, all I can say is I think more people should visit this community and consider moving there. The value is incredible!! If you are looking for big houses on large lots in a peaceful community, then Drayton is the place to be. Drayton is approximately 30 Minutes from Guelph, Waterloo and Listowel.

If you are concerned about the commute I think you should reconsider. The roads going to and from Drayton are no where near as busy as other commutes people make everyday. Personally I don’t think the commute is half as bad as the commute to Toronto via the 401. If the commute still bothers you, stay home; they have high-speed Internet!!!

Drayton may not be for everyone. But I think it would suit alot more people if they would just come and visit. Nothing will change you from being a city person but if you like the smalltown feel then Drayon should satisfy your smalltown desires

Read my other blog post about Drayton:

http://www.clickthathouse.com/blogs/melanie__warren_mcneil/archive/2008/01/02/10-reasons-why-drayton-is-a-great-place-to-live.aspx

Thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

In just two weeks I will be running with our Team, (Team Remax) around Bingeman park to help raise funds to find a cure for *** cancer. Many people die from this type of cancer every year and we need to support ongoing research to help find a cure! I have known people who have had *** cancer and died. This past year I lost someone close to me from pancreatic cancer so I will be running for her.

I am so proud of the people who helped us last year. This year is shaping up to be another good year. We have over 20 people on or team so far! Our team as a whole is very a strong team. We represent only a small part of Team Re/Max. This team has continually raised money year after year through the Yard Sale for the Cure and the Run for the Cure. Once again Team Re/MAx is aiming to raise 100,000. We hope to help with that goal any way that we can.

As you know, I don’t like to use my blog for solicitation but this is different. This is for a good cause. So please support us!!!

If you would like to join my team, go to the following URL and perform the following steps:

1. Go to https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/select_site.asp

2. Select Kitchener-Waterloo

3. Fill out all the required information

4. Make sure that the area is Kitchener-Waterloo and the team to join is Remax. You will need to type in my last name “mcneil” to be able to join my team

If you would like to donate, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/participant_search.asp

2. Select Kitchener-Waterloo from the drop down list

3. Type in a last name for a participant “mcneil”

4. Click search

Thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

As some or most people are aware, there is an upcoming plan to integrate a rapid transit system to link Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge together. Looks like the plan is being fastracked and could be approved as soon as next summer (2009). Based on previous votes, the favourite mode of transportation will be electric trains LRT (light rapid transit) instead of BRT (bus rapid transit). As far as the approval is concerned, apparently the province will not accept objections of impact on property values or business disruptions. Those types of concerns will be left up to regional council. The province will be concerned about impact on waterways, groundwater, rare and endangered species, aboriginal treaty rights, nursing homes, group homes and hospitals, designated historical buildings, and park and trail systems. I expect there will be some opposition from people. There always is.

I understand from reading on the http://transitea.region.waterloo.on.ca/ website that they expect our population to grow from 500,000 - 729,000 in the next 25 years. As a realtor, this means continued new construction and a very active real estate market. I think that if you are an investor, this should be an indication that the future of our area looks really promising. Anytime large developments occur in an area, property values will be affected positively or negatively. Investing in the right area will depend on careful due dilligence. I think it will be interesting to see what the next 10-15 years looks like. I expect that in 10 or 15 years, I will look back on this time and say, “I remember when the only modes of tranportation were, Grand River Transit, taxi and automobile.” or “When I went to school, I wore paperbags for shoes”. Ok maybe that last part is a little bit far fetched. My dad use to tell me that all of the time.

But seriously…

Our community is really starting to show major promise. Take for instance, the Breslau airport. We just flew out of the Breslau airport two weeks ago. What a rush! We didn’t have to drive down to Toronto, we were five minutes from our office. It was great! Just another example of one convenient resource we have access to.

I noticed we are even getting a Popeyes chicken over on Ottawa now. I can here the angels playing their harps. . Too bad the Krispie Kreme didn’t make it! Oh well… The restaurant that took it place serves terrific food.

Another thing! We must be the Tim Hortons capital of the world because we sure do have a lot of them. I find that really convenient because if I miss one, I just have to go down the street for five minutes and catch the next one. Heck there is even a Timmy’s at the hospital. We definitely can’t live without our Timmy’s.

Ok I am just rambling on now. For more information about the Waterloo Region Rapid Transit initiative, see the following links:

http://news.therecord.com/article/355321

http://transitea.region.waterloo.on.ca/

Check out these videos:

http://transitea.region.waterloo.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=1000002

Thanks for reading!

Kitchener Real Estate Board Statistics for July 2008

Here are board statistics for the Kitchener-Waterloo real estate board. Please note that the information here is only based on residential real estate. If you would like a more detailed report, please contact Melanie or Warren.

May 2008 – July 2008

(Single-Family All Categories (Condo, Towns, Semis, Singles), All Areas)

May 2008 – July 2008 (Single-Family Detached, All Areas)

All information deemed to be accurate and based on monthly statistics of the Multiple Listing Service gathered by the Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate board.

Thanks for reading!

By Warren McNeil

So you’re thinking about buying a condo. Here’s a list that might help you to see the benefits:

1. You want indoor/underground parking

2; You don’t want to shovel your snow or mow you grass anymore. Virtually no upkeep!

3. You want to be able to come and go without worrying about doing landscaping every other day. Ideal if you want to travel. (Maybe this is similiar to 3!)

4. You are tired of renting. It’s time to build equity.

5. You would like access to facilities such as a pools, fitness centre’s or game rooms.

6. You could rent it out and receive rental income. Diversification people!!!

7. You can socialize with other condo owners or not depending on your level of friendliness.

8. Controlled entry

9. Usually more affordable. Great entry level/first-time home buyer housing.

10. Strong part of our Kitchener-Waterloo market right now. They are outperforming everything else right now according to our board statistics.

Happy condo hunting!

Hope you found this information useful.

Thanks for reading!