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  • Rom’s Real Estate Market Opinion – July 2024

    Rom’s Real Estate Market Opinion – July 2024

    Okanagan Real Estate Review

    Welcome to the Real Estate Review for the interior of British Columbia for July of 2024.

    The market in the interior of British Columbia is maintaining a healthy balanced trajectory. The absorption is well within that 12 to 20% range, indicating that we have a level balanced market between supply and demand.

    Inventory is rising throughout the province and in fact throughout the country giving buyers more to look at and forcing sellers to be more competitive in their pricing. . This is a result of houses coming on the market because of some of the political changes throughout the province and the country combined with a decrease in demand compared to the last few years.

    Interest Rates

    The Bank of Canada reduced its rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% in the beginning of June. The bank has also said they will continue to inch the rates down as long as inflation stays in check. At last check inflation was 2.9% which is just .9% above the bank’s target rate of 2%. This brings some uncertainty about further rate decreases in the short term.

    A balanced market is a healthy Market. A boom or a bust creates volatility and is not good for either buyers or sellers. We will see this trend continue throughout the rest of 2024 and likely see the beginnings of a rise in 2025.

    As always, this is just the real estate world according to Rom. Contact me today for all of your real estate needs!

  • Rom’s Feb 2023 Real Estate Opinion

    Rom’s Feb 2023 Real Estate Opinion

    Okanagan Market Prediction

    Light at the end of the tunnel

    As we predicted last month, we see some fairly positive light at the end of the tunnel in the real estate market in the interior of British Columbia. This light is coming from 2 directions.

    Generally, the spring market in real estate starts when the weather breaks. The weather started to break in the last week of February. Open houses are getting busier with more and more people out looking at houses.

    Secondly, the Bank of Canada decided to hold interest rates steady. This is the first time the overnight lending rate has not risen since February of 2022. Most of the consumer interest rates are based on the overnight lending rate.

    Record high inflation is beginning to come down with Real Estate prices leading the way. Fuel and grocery prices are expected to inch down in 2023 as well.

    Sales are up!

    Real Estate sales in the Okanagan in February, although down from February of 2022, have increased substantially from January of 2023. The absorption figures, which is the best statistic to use when trying to predict the future of the local markets, has increased moderately in all three zones as well.

    Not so fast…

    I cannot say at this point that the downward trend is over. The market always rises in the spring. However, I can say that combined with the interest rates, the spring market seems to be opening up fairly early and we should have a fairly active spring market in the Okanagan.

    However, you always have to remember, that is just the real estate world according to Rom.

    Please remember, I am NEVER too busy for any of your referrals!

  • Rom’s Jan 2023 Real Estate Opinion

    Rom’s Jan 2023 Real Estate Opinion

    Okanagan Market Prediction

    It’s a new year!

    I hope your 2023 has started off on a positive note! The big real estate stories for January 2023 are the absorption rate and the number of sales.

    Absorption Rate

    The absorption rate is down for the Central Okanagan zone encompassing Kelowna and surrounding areas. It is down to 9.01%. This is 3% below the important limit of 12%. Traditionally below 12% we will see downward pressure on prices.

    Number of Sales

    The other important statistic to note is the number of sales. Sales are down approximately 50%.  What this says is the demand has decreased dramatically. This decrease in demand for housing is a direct result of the rise in interest rates. As interest rates rise fewer and fewer and people can afford to buy a house.

    There is a silver lining in this cloud

    For the last few years sellers have been dictating to buyers what their house is going to sell for. Now buyers have a choice. The market has shifted to a more balanced market and in some places a buyer’s market. Sellers have had to get aggressive in their pricing in order to compete with other sellers. Sellers who refuse to accept that the price of their house has come down in the last few months, are sitting on the market with no offers. This trend is a good thing for buyers. They have more inventory to look at and can bargain more aggressively.

    Interest Rates

    On January 25th the Bank of Canada overnight lending rate was increased by 1/4 of a percentage point (25 Basis Points). This sent a message that the bank is softening its aggressive attack on inflation. The next interest rate announcement is on March 8th. I believe we will see a similar 25 basis point increase.  The bank desperately wants to slow the economy and bring down the inflation rate. However, if they keep an aggressive direction, it will increase mortgage defaults and foreclosures and that is not good for anyone.

    However, you always have to remember, that is just the real estate world according to Rom.

    Please remember, I am NEVER too busy for any of your referrals!

  • BUSINESS FOR SALE: Profitable Okanagan Based Wood Panel Manufacturing Company

    BUSINESS FOR SALE: Profitable Okanagan Based Wood Panel Manufacturing Company

    Okanagan Wood Panelling Business For Sale

    One of the cleanest, highly profitable businesses available – this Okanagan wood panelling manufacturing business offers an ease of operation with 8 long term employees. Two key staff can run the manufacturing end of the business. Little competition with export around 70% to the US.

    25 plus years of successful operation with well-established repeating markets and customer base. Extremely profitable with 15% projected growth for this year. Cash business with room for additional growth and product diversity. Business is on major route for trucking to the US and Canada.

    This is a great opportunity to own a reputable, profitable business AND live in one of the most desirable areas in Canada and the world. The Okanagan is a true 4 season playground offering boating, hiking, skiing, award winning wineries, championship golf courses and more. Don’t miss this special opportunity!

    Current owners prefer a buyer who is willing to relocate to the Okanagan and purchase the 2.2 acres of land & buildings. If interested, upon signing the NDA, I will provide you with an information package and video explaining the business and manufacturing process.

    Contact me today for more information.

  • Rom’s November Okanagan Real Estate Stats and Update

    Rom’s November Okanagan Real Estate Stats and Update

    Okanagan Real Estate Report November 2020

    Rom’s Real Estate Opinion

    The market rebound from a devastating Spring 2020 was surprising for everyone, including every Realtor® and top economists across this country. Since that time we have seen nothing but record breaking gains across the board, (other than Alberta which has been hit with the oil crisis). Sales are up, inventory is down, absorption is through the roof and prices continue to rise across the Central Okanagan.  The absorption rate for single family homes was over 57% in the month of November, breaking new records again.  This means that 57% of the total house inventory sold in one month.  Even in the boom of 2005-2008 we didn’t see these numbers.

    Canadian Real Estate Trends

    Let’s look at one of the trends that is arising from the global pandemic and allow me to make a prediction. There is no question that people are trending away from big cities in this country. Major Real Estate organizations are beginning to predict a slow down in Canada because of this trend. One of the things that is significantly different between the stock market and the Real Estate Market is that the Real Estate market is incredibly local. Very often 2 markets separated by a relatively short distance can be experiencing completely different markets.  To look at “Canadian Real Estate” stats and make decisions locally based on them is not an effective methodology.

    The 2 largest economies in Canada are Vancouver and Toronto. To give you an idea of how large the Real Estate markets are in these cities consider this. There are approximately 110,000 Realtors in Canada. 62% of them work in Toronto and Vancouver. That means that when a report talks of Canadian Real Estate they are primarily talking about Real Estate in Toronto and Vancouver.

    So let’s get back to our trends. If consumers are moving from the cores of the 2 major cities in this country the reports on Canadian Real Estate will be that sales in Canada are dropping. However, the fringe communities will likely benefit from that trend. The outlying suburbs of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa are already reporting an increase in sales. Here is the kicker: the Okanagan is an outlying area of Vancouver.  That may seem strange being it is 4 hours from Vancouver. However, an increased number of people in Vancouver are opting out of city life and coming to the Okanagan.

    Final Thoughts

    My prediction is that as long as the government does not shut down the country, in 2021 you will see news reports that the Canadian Real Estate market is beginning to soften. However, our stats in the Okanagan will remain strong as migration from Lower Mainland and Alberta continues. As always, this is just the Real Estate World according to Rom.

    Wishing you and your family a wonderful, safe and healthy Christmas and Holiday Season.
  • Rom’s September Okanagan Real Estate Stats and Update

    Rom’s September Okanagan Real Estate Stats and Update

     

     

    Central Okanagan

    “Unusual market activity seems to be the theme this year, although not surprising considering there is nothing normal about 2020.  The pandemic has definitely made people look at things differently.  We are seeing higher demand likely due to post-quarantine lifestyle changes.
    The Pandemic lifestyle changes (who doesn’t want to live in the Okanagan), still record low mortgage rates, very low listing inventory and a continuing migration of buyers from the Lower Mainland are driving up prices from in particular single family homes to record highs.  The Albertan buyers were only making up 7% last month, likely due to the effects of the Pandemic to the oil and gas industry.  The Benchmark home price (better representation than average or median house prices) was $710,700, up 6.3% from September 2019!  It is also remarkable that the sales activity in the one million and up range tripled this year.
    It is interesting to note that the largest type of Buyers are couples without children (29%) last month, followed by couples with children (24%), see graphic. This led me to believe that more semi-retired and retired couples aremoving and purchasing in the Kelowna area.  Overall, 41% of all the buyers were out of town buyers!  Also noticeable is the large amount of first time home buyers last month, 24% of all the buyers.
    The average number of days to sell a home, always a good barometer to watch, barely nudged over August’s 89 days, coming in at 90 days.

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    BC Overall market

    The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 11,368 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2020, an increase of 63.3 percent from September 2019. The average MLS® residential price in BC set a monthly record of $803,210, a 15.3 percent increase from $696,647 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in August was $9.1 billion, an 88.3 per cent increase over 2019.
    chart

    “The provincial housing market had a record-setting September,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Both total sales and average prices were the highest ever for the month of September as pent-up demand from the spring pushes into the fall.”

    “Average prices are skewing higher as demand for space during the pandemic drives sales of single-detached homes,” added Ogmundson. Total provincial active listings are still down about 12 per cent year-over-year, with some markets even more under-supplied as the pandemic continues to keep listings low.  Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 25.1 per cent to $49.7 billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were up 12.5 per cent to 65,023 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 11.2 per cent to $764,298.

    As always, this is just the Real Estate World according to Rom.
  • Kelowna condos – Now a good time to buy or sell?

    Kelowna condos – Now a good time to buy or sell?

    Is it now a good time to buy or sell your condo?

    These have been challenging times for all of us and some of the real estate market sectors have been and will be hit harder than others.

    I am expecting the condo market to take quite a hit; maybe not right away but over the next few months.  When comparing the condo market from April & May 2019 to April & May 2020, the Median Condo prices are already down by 7%.

    I feel that these are the main contributors to this happening:

    1. Market saturation of new condo’s, especially in the downtown core of Kelowna

    2. New tightening rules of CMHC that will be in effect as of July 1, 2020.  This will make it more difficult for (first time) home buyers to qualify for financing

    3. Mentality shifts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Buyers prefer to live in a single family home with their own yard rather than dealing with elevators and small living spaces.

    Therefore, I expect that the demand for 1/2 duplexes, townhomes and single family homes will increase.  However, I don’t think the market of condo’s under the $425,000 price mark will be touched by this.  This is simply because at that price point there is no alternative to a condo.

    Please remember that this is just the real estate world according to Rom.

    Have a real estate question? You can contact me anytime by text, phone or email.  I would love to have a chat with you to discuss the market or your buying/selling plans. I look forward to hearing from you!

  • Buying and Selling Real Estate During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    Buying and Selling Real Estate During the Coronavirus Pandemic

    Buying and Selling Homes during the Coronavirus Pandemic

    Even during this difficult time, I want to let you know that my obligation to help you sell or buy a home is still in force.

    The Government of British Columbia has released it’s list of Essential Services.  Real Estate services have been listed as essential.

    While following the guidelines set out by the government, I will continue to support my clients who are in the need to sell or purchase a home. Homes are still selling, albeit there is less activity.

    So, how do you buy and sell real estate in the coronavirus era?

    There are many factors to consider while trying to buy or sell while also maintaining social distancing. Open houses are unfortunately not advisable during this time.

    Virtual tours offer an in depth look inside a home and its floorplan. Touring a home virtually allows clients to see if a home makes sense to them.

    Another option available is if the home for sale is vacant. In fact, I have two vacant properties on the market currently (click the addresses listed below for more information on these listings)!

    968 Fuller Ave, Kelowna, BC

    205-1125 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC

    While showing vacant properties, I ensure that inside is sanitized, touch nothing and maintain distance from clients as they walk through.

    Upon making or accepting an offer, handshakes may not be feasible but teleconferencing and e-signing programs allow things to flow digitally.

    Realtors have checklists for buyers and sellers to ensure that properties are able to be viewed safely. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me to discuss further.

    Stay safe and healthy – Rom.

  • Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion Oct 2019

    Rom’s Kelowna Real Estate Opinion Oct 2019

    October 2019 Real Estate Report:

    *Click the images to enlarge

    Kelowna Real Estate Opinion for Oct 2019

    The Okanagan is continuing to go down the path of a mild correction or a flat market. Central Okanagan sales are down about 10% and prices are down about 4% for the year to date. Some people would say that this would be a declining market. However, compared to what Alberta is going through, we are simply flat. Also, our markets are still substantially higher/better than the 10 year averages. One of my favourite phrases these days is: the market is a good, balanced market, not boom or bust.

    The interesting thing to take note of is what is continuing to happen in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Both these 2 giants are continuing to show promise and positive gains in their lower-end markets. To give you an idea of how much statistics from Toronto and Vancouver affect the overall averages of the country, consider this. There are about 108,000 REALTORS® in Canada. About 62,000 of them are in Toronto and Vancouver. This explains why, when the media is reporting Canadian Real Estate statistics, it really has nothing to do with the market that your home is in, unless you live in Toronto or Vancouver.

    The market in the Okanagan will remain steady as we go forward into 2020. Keep in mind that the market will follow it’s usual annual trends. In other words, the last quarter of each year and the first quarter of the following year are always the slowest quarters of every year.

    If you are a first time home buyer, click here to read my recent blog on the new incentive program that was just introduced.

    As always, this is the Real Estate World according to Rom.

  • PEACEFUL & PRIVATE 6 BEDROOM SUMMERLAND HOME!

    PEACEFUL & PRIVATE 6 BEDROOM SUMMERLAND HOME!

    FOR SALE: 6015 JOY AVE, SUMMERLAND, BC$579,900

    PRICE REDUCED!!

    Peaceful and private 6 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in desirable Trout Creek! This home is located at the end of a no-thru street and surrounded by orchards making it very quiet and tranquil. The home features 3 bedrooms upstairs, with a large open-concept living and dining room which opens to a large kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Downstairs you will find a large family room with 3 more bedrooms, laundry room and space to put in a third bathroom. The home has a fireplace on each level and the bathrooms feature heated floors.

    The backyard is beautiful and park-like with a large covered deck, hot tub, chicken coop and plenty of room for a garden or children’s play area! Also included is an enclosed shop below the deck and large shed. There is ample room for parking as well as a 50-amp separate RV service. There is also gas onsite. Are you looking for a mortgage helper? This home is ready for a guest suite to be completed on the lower level! This is a must-see home!

    For more information or to schedule a viewing call Rom Houtstra at (250) 317-6405 or click here!