Michael Peterson's Blog: Real Estate Trends and News

Changes in Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing compliance requirements go into effect June 23rd, 2008. The changes will require brokers and sales representatives to collect more information than ever before. Support materials available below for more information.
 

Click here to view a powerpoint presentation explaining the changes.

Vancouver, BC – May 14, 2008. British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports residential sales dollar volume on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC dipped 1.4 per cent to $4.1 billion in April, compared to April 2007. Residential unit sales declined 11 per cent to 8,623 units during the same period. The average MLS® residential price in the province reached $478,044, up 11 per cent from April 2007.

“Rising inventories are providing more choice for consumers and exerting less upward pressure on home prices,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. Active MLS® residential listings in the province were up 37 per cent to 47,923 units in April. “The combination of a slower pace of home sales and some profit taking by investors is…

Kelowna, BC (May 5, 2008) – Twenty four students from Western Canada were recently notified that they will be individually presented with a RE/MAX 2008 ‘Quest for Excellence’ bursary, valued at $500, during their school commencement ceremonies.

The annual RE/MAX Quest for Excellence program encourages graduating students from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the North West and Yukon Territories to write an essay based on their personal experience in one of six topics – Leadership, Sports, Technology & Trades, Performing Arts, Fine Arts and Community Service.

“A record breaking 1568 entries were received from students across Western Canada,” says Marie Sheppy, Senior Coordinator, Corporate Affairs, RE/MAX of Western Canada.…

“Homeownership continues to be primary objective”, says Remax

While higher housing values and tight inventory levels have hampered home-buying activity so far this year, longer amortization periods and alternative housing types have offset the impact on most major markets across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

Despite a higher degree of frustration in the marketplace than in previous years, the RE/MAX Affordability Report found that first-time buyers, in particular, remain steadfast in their determination to purchase a home. In fact, entry-level purchasers are adjusting their expectations by sacrificing size, location, and even long-term financial freedom, to overcome challenges such as rising prices and serious supply…

The Bank of Canada cut the lending rate to 3.75% on March 4th and signaled further cuts in the near future. March’s cut put the advertised five-year conventional mortgage rate at 7.29% and competition among mortgage lenders continues to remain stiff. This enables borrowers to negotiate discounts from advertised rates; however, the U.S sub-prime mortgage fiasco has tightened credit conditions in financial markets resulting in smaller discounts. Housing prices are forecast to continue rising and additional cuts to mortgage interest rates are good for new housing affordability and demand.

The Bank of Canada does caution that there are clear signs that the U.S. economy is likely to experience a deeper and more prolonged slowdown than had been projected.…

Now that the Easter holidays and Spring break have come and gone, Spring is officially here! In Nanaimo, the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) for March 2008, shows a drop in unit sales with average sale price increases. The average sale price across the VIREB region for March 2008 was $338,846. This is an 8 per cent increase from the $313,560 posted at the end of March 2007. Unit sales volume increased slightly from the end of February 2008 to the end of March 2008, but dropped approximately 30% from March 2007. It’s a balanced market with plenty to choose from and we’re seeing more and more interest from elsewhere in Canada. As always, proper pricing continues to be key in this…