Blog by Ann Hickey

What Happened in the market in January?

February 17th, 2014
Market OverviewSingle Family Detached Residential PropertiesThe market has started off stronger compared to last January in the below markets, with increased gross sales, which is the value of homes sold, as well as number of homes sold.  North Vancouver gross sales increased 25%, though number of homes sold is only up 1%.  This indicates the increase in home sale prices.  Looking at the aver ...

Housing Market to Remain Stable in 2014

February 17th, 2014
Wild price swings are a thing of the past, economists say. The years of wild swings in Lower Mainland’s real estate markets should be behind the region in 2014 as 2013’s rebound in sales settles down into relatively stable conditions, according to local economists.

Read full article: Metro Vancouver housing market expected to remain stable in 2014. Vancouver Sun.

Does Real Estate have Anything Left to Give in 2014?

February 17th, 2014
At some point, there has to be a housing correction. Right? Some argue there was a correction in 2013, based on declining sales activity. But prices never really followed and by September the market was roaring as consumers raced to buy homes in a climate of fear based on mortgage rates rising in response to the U.S. Federal Reserve easing its bond purchasing activity. The big change will o ...

What Does Densification Look Like for Vancouver?

February 17th, 2014
What can you expect to see more of in 2014?  Developments comprising smaller detached homes, duplexes and coach houses. An increased interest in individually-owned row houses that are not part of a condominium building. Highrise buildings will continue to rise higher and higher, especially in urban centres and near important transit stations. In neighbourhoods, community opposition will compe ...

Who Agrees with Predicted 4.4% Price Increase in Vancouver?

February 17th, 2014
Metro Vancouver house prices will increase by an average of 4.4 per cent this year to $801,000, according to the latest Royal LePage house price survey. But Vancouver real estate experts suggested Thursday the forecast might be slightly optimistic. “I’m expecting price increases in the one-to-two-per-cent range,” B.C. Real Estate Association chief economist Cameron Muir said in an interview ...

Is Vancouver's Condo Market Hot?

February 17th, 2014
Millennials, immigrants and baby boomers have propelled condos to a 70-80 per cent share of Vancouver’s total housing sales – dramatic proof that the “virtuous circle” of density and amenities supporting each other’s urban growth is an unstoppable trend and not a bubble. Read full article: Vancouver condo values enjoy a robust future, report predicts.  Vancouver Sun. ...

Will Mortgage Rates Drop Again?

February 17th, 2014

Falling bonds yields could push mortgage rates lower in coming weeks as banks compete in the spring housing market, traditionally the strongest real estate period of the year.

Read full article:  Here we go again with dropping mortgage rates. Financial Post.

Do We Really Live in the Second Least Affordable City in the World?

February 17th, 2014
Homes in Vancouver cost 10.3 times gross annual median household income in 2013, according to the Demographia International Housing Affordability survey. Hong Kong, Vancouver and Honolulu have the least affordable housing markets across nine nations in the Demographia International Housing Affordability survey. Read full article: Vancouver's housing market is the second least affordable in t ...

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