Hello 2012!
With the dawn of the new year, I'm filled with optimism as we look ahead at our real estate market. I want to take a moment to encourage everyone to dig deep down and dust off those ideas of your dream property. Have those ambitious ideas taken a back seat over the last year? Well, the gloomy world news of 2011 is behind us — so let's move forward! Turn the TV off and explore the possibilities owning a property where you can take full advatge of our beautiful province.
In most of our areas real estate prices have remained stable for the year and there are even some pockets that enjoyed a 10 to 15 percent increase (including waterfront and land). The cost of borrowing is extremely low right now and there is a good chunk of inventory to choose from. Our real estate investments can be economical with great returns — bundled with the emotional benefit of having a place to relax and share with family and friends. I know it sounds cliche, but there is something for everyone.
This might be the year to buy that piece of recreational property, whether it's a cabin nestled in the woods, a trailer on a rural plot of land or a beachfront home on the river. Having lived in the Greater Saint John Area my entire life, I know first hand that we often forget to take a moment to take in the beauty that New Brunswick has to offer. Our hills, valleys, lakes and rivers are some of the finest in the country — there really are some hidden gems just beyond our everday commute!
I'm confident 2012 is going to be a great journey. It's never too early to start asking questions and sharing your real estate ideas. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me, I would love to hear them!
Take care,
Pam DeCourcey
REMAX Professionals Saint John
Email: pam@decourceyandcompany.com
Twitter: @pamdecourcey
Facebook: fb.me/pamdecourcey
www.decourceyandcompany.com
Balanced conditions set to return to most Canadian housing markets in 2012, while residential values expected to once again set new records, says RE/MAX
Mississauga, ON (December 6, 2011) - Canadian residential real estate defied conventional logic and outperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year of housing activity virtually across the board. The trend is expected to carry forward into 2012 as Canadians continue to demonstrate their faith in homeownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy, according to a report released by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2012 examined trends and developments in 26 major markets across the country. Eighty-eight per cent (23/26) anticipated average price increases by year-end 2011 - with percentage hikes ranging from one to 16 per cent. The forecast for 2012 shows the upward trend moderating, but still ahead of 2011 figures. Overall home sales are expected to remain on par or ahead of last year's levels in 85 per cent (22/26) of markets in 2011 - including Saskatoon with a year-over-year percentage increase of 13 per cent and an eight per cent uptick in Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton-Burlington and Sudbury. Almost half of Canadian markets will match the 2011 performance, while the remainder should post increases ranging from one to five per cent next year.
Saint John Real Estate Market Update, September 2011
Pam DeCourcey, of REMAX Professionals Saint John, discusses the latest MLS Market Stats released from the Saint John Real Estate Board. Contact us at DeCourcey and Company today for more information, questions or commments.
There’s a Blizzard forecast tomorrow. It’s Miracle Treat Day!
The money raised on Miracle Treat Day here in the Saint John Area will directly support sick and injured children at our local CMN Hospital, The IWK Health Center in Halifax. Our office will be stopping by our local Dairey Queen in Rothesay tomorrow for some cool treats. We fully support The Dewar Family, owners of our local Dairy Queens, for all of their contributions to the IWK and our community!
Since 1992 RE/MAX Agents have raised over $40 million in Canada alone for the Childrens Miracle Network. We are proud to make a contribution with every home we sell here at DeCourcey and Company.
MLS Trends Report for the Greater Saint John Area, Jan. to June 2011
View the full MLS Trends Report for the Greater Saint John Area here. (PDF)
Here is a breakdown of our Greater Saint John MLS stats as interpreted by CMHC, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. These numbers are representative of the first half of 2011, January to June. It's interesting to note that the Kennebecasis Valley area has not only the highest sale price in the Saint John Real Estate Board, but also the province. Grand Bay seems to be the hardest hit with a decline of over 13% in sales, but from my experience it is due to the lack of inventory of homes in Grand Bay, ie not a varied selection.
As with everything, our economy is tied into the world markets and the repercussions are still felt here on the East Coast, albeit a little softer. We have been fortunate that our market did not see abnormally large increases that needed major market adjustments. Yes, our market is a bit flat at the moment but taking into consideration our Western counterparts, we will weather the turbulence.
- Kelly
Kelly DeCourcey
Realtor
REMAX Professionals Saint John
www.decourceyandcompany.com
twitter.com/kellydecourcey
kelly (at) decourceyandcompany.com
