Home sales climb along with market supply

Sales activity in September surged to 1,702 units, the most active September since 2014.

September's new listings increased over the month, but levels were comparable to the prior year. The market supply is down 12 percent compared to last year, with the increase in sales relative to new listings, preventing any monthly gains in inventory levels.

"The recent rise in new listings, combined with low lending rates and softness in prices, has helped support some of the recent upward trend in sales," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"However, conditions vary significantly based on the price range and property type."

Supply adjustments relative to demand is causing the housing market to shift toward more balanced conditions. Currently, 3.7 months of supply represents the most balanced conditions observed in September for over five years. Helping support some of the more recent monthly gains in prices....

The strength of the Canadian real estate market has continued to prove itself throughout the pandemic. RE/MAX Canada expects growth for the remainder of 2020. However, we're not out of the woods yet, with an active market for the foreseeable future and balanced conditions at the national level into 2021, which is great news for Canadians.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Chief Economist Bob Dugan told reporters at a press conference that the agency stands by its previous forecast in May that warned of a drop in Canadian house prices between nine and 18%.

"I'm not convinced that we have a sustainable basis for housing demand in the economic disturbance that's going on related to COVID-19," Dugan said. "That's why I say I stand by the forecasts."

RE/MAX expressed their opposition over CMHC's forecasts in the spring.  Dugan's statement continues to raise eyebrows – RE/MAX's and other industry members as well, as the...

Home sales in August held steady despite the continued impact of COVID-19

In August, total residential sales were relatively stable compared to last year with year-over-year gains in the detached and row sectors, which offset declines in the semi-detached and apartment products. 

August sales were reported at 1,573, which in comparison to the past five years remained consistent. Sales activity year-to-date remained almost 13 percent less than last year.

“Recent national reports have shown a bounce back to new record levels over the past several months. Calgary has seen improvements over the lows recorded during the lockdowns but is far from record levels,” said CREB® chief...

Interest rates in Canada are at an all-time low. Rates are being pushed down by the uncertainty of Covid-19, and they're not expected to be rising anytime soon. The Bank of Canada hinted that interest rates wouldn't rise until 2023.

"Based on the Bank's new forecasts, this implies it has no intention of raising policy rates for several years," states Capital Economics economist Stephen Brown. "While the Bank may eventually raise its central scenario forecasts for growth and inflation, our forecasts are still consistent with the broad message in today's policy statement. That is, despite the huge stimulus, there is little chance that a surge in inflation will justify raising interest rates within the next few years."

What do these historically low-interest rates mean for you?

Great news, if your rate is variable, your rate is predicated on prime, which is set currently at 2.45%. You either have a variable rate of prime (2.45%) minus or plus a spread. Ie....

Economic uncertainty continues while detached and semi-detached home sales report an increase

With higher sales for detached and semi-detached properties, July sales total increased over levels last year. Year-to-date sales persist at 15 percent lower than last year's levels, despite the improvements in July.

"There have been improvements relative to the lowest sales levels caused by COVID-19, but it is too early to say things are shifting back to pre-pandemic levels," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"We are still facing record-high unemployment rates, significant government aid, and uncertainty throughout the business community....

Amidst COVID-19 pandemic sales decline by two percent from last year  

Following the three months of COVID-19 weighing profoundly on the housing market, June sales activity shows an increase over the previous month, totalling 1,747 units.

Caution continues, as monthly sales are almost two percent less than the activity reported last year. Yet this represents a notable improvement in comparison to the past several months, where declines year-over-year surpassed 40 percent.

“Recent price declines, easing mortgage rates and early easing of social restrictions are likely contributing to the better-than-expected sales this month,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

“However, the market remains far from normal. Challenges, such as double-digit unemployment rates, will continue to weigh on the market for months to come.”

Total of 3,335 new listings in June, which was a six percent increase over...

CMHC Rule Changes Coming for July 2020

Here we go again, more changes to lending, this time the changes will affect high ratio mortgage insurance with CMHC. High ratio mortgages are anyone who is putting down less than 20% on their purchase price. GE (Genworth )and Canada Guaranty are both private mortgage insurance companies and will not be implementing the same changes at the time of this article, but we expect it would be likely to see them follow suit with the changes in the future as it will decrease their risk and exposure. 

WHAT will change?  

The new rules will lower the debt allowed for a homeowner to take on. So essentially you will qualify...

Impact of COVID-19's on the Calgary housing market continues

In May, Calgary's housing market activity remained slow, though sales surpassed the lows from April, which saw fewer than 600 sales.

May sales totalled 1,080 units, a 44 percent decrease from last year's totals.

"The initial shock of COVID-19 and social distancing measure is starting to ease. This is bringing some buyers and sellers back to the market. However, this market continues to remain far from normal and prices are trending down," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"Activity has also shifted toward more affordable product, which is likely causing differing trends depending on product type and price range."

Sales have declined in all price ranges, but a more significant percentage of sales are below $500,000.

The drop in inventory in the higher price ranges has not been enough in comparison to the decrease in sales. The months of supply is higher than the already elevated...

Impact of COVID-19 on Calgary real estate market

With social distancing measures in place, the housing market is adjusting to the effects of COVID-19.

April sales were 573 units, a decrease of 63 percent over last year.

"The decline in home sales does not come as a surprise. The combined impact of COVID-19 and the situation in the energy sector is causing housing demand to fall," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"Demand is also falling faster than supply. This is keeping the market in buyers' territory and weighing on prices."

Eased sales activity seen in all price ranges, but the largest decreases occurred in homes priced over $600,000.

With more of the sales seen in the lower price ranges, the average price decrease was higher than eight percent. Average prices for homes are also declining, indicated by the benchmark price, that dropped by almost two percent in comparison to last year.

New listings for April recorded 1,425 units,...