Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1/2 per cent

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.

Inflation in Canada is evolving broadly as expected. Total CPI inflation remains near the bottom of the Bank’s target range as the disinflationary effects of economic slack and low consumer energy prices are only partially offset by the inflationary impact of the lower Canadian dollar on the prices of imported goods. As all of these factors dissipate, the Bank expects inflation will rise to about 2 per cent by early 2017. Measures of core inflation should remain close to 2 per cent.  

The dynamics of the global economy are broadly as anticipated in the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report (MPR), with diverging economic prospects and shifting terms of trade. China continues its transition to a more sustainable growth path and the expansion in the United States is on track, despite temporary weakness in the fourth quarter of 2015. The U.S. Federal Reserve has begun to gradually withdraw its exceptional monetary stimulus. While risks to the world outlook remain and have been reflected in sharp price movements in a range of asset classes, global growth is expected to trend upwards beginning in 2016.

Prices for oil and other commodities have declined further and this represents a setback for the Canadian economy. GDP growth likely stalled in the fourth quarter of 2015, pulled down by temporary softness in the U.S. economy, weaker business investment and several other temporary factors. The Bank now expects the economy’s return to above-potential growth to be delayed until the second quarter of 2016. The protracted process of reorientation towards non-resource activity is underway, helped by stronger U.S. demand, the lower Canadian dollar, and accommodative monetary and financial conditions.  National employment remains resilient despite job losses in the resource sector and household spending continues to expand. 

The Bank projects Canada’s economy will grow by about 1 1/2 per cent in 2016 and 2 1/2 per cent in 2017. The complex nature of the ongoing structural adjustment makes the outlook for demand and potential output highly uncertain. The Bank’s current base case projection shows the output gap closing later than was anticipated in October, around the end of 2017. However, the Bank has not yet incorporated the positive impact of fiscal measures expected in the next federal budget.

All things considered, therefore, the risks to the profile for inflation are roughly balanced. Meanwhile, financial vulnerabilities continue to edge higher, as expected. The Bank’s Governing Council judges that the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate, and the target for the overnight rate remains at 1/2 per cent.

Provided by: Bank of Canada

http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2016/01/fad-press-release-2016-01-20/

News Release: January 5, 2016

FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE IN HOT DEMAND THROUGHOUT 2015

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate experienced its strongest year in a decade in 2015. This was the second highest year for property sales in Fraser Valley’s history, just shy of the region’s previous sales high in 2005.

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 21,095 sales in 2015, 33 per cent more than the 15,840 sales in 2014, and 0.9 per cent fewer than the 21,282 sales in 2005. The total dollar volume of MLS® sales was a record setting $12.1 billion, four billion more than was sold in 2014.

In contrast, the Board received a typical volume of new listings in 2015 – 30,998 – comparable to the average over the last ten years, set at 31,296 new listings.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, attributes 2015’s market strength to a strong economy elevating consumer housing demand. “The Fraser Valley has always appealed to consumers looking for competitive pricing and a diverse range of housing options.

“Last year shows that consumers recognize the long-term value of property ownership in the Fraser Valley, particularly valuing the single family home, which they recognize is becoming a limited commodity. Sales of single family detached increased across all of our communities, in some instances more than doubling 2014’s sales.”

Sales during December were the highest for that month in Fraser Valley’s history. The Board processed 1,543 sales, an increase of 44 per cent compared to December of 2014. December’s total inventory in the Fraser Valley was 4,280 active listings; 33 per cent fewer than were available in December 2014.

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in December was $672,400, an increase of 17.3 per cent compared to December of last year when it was $573,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 9.6 per cent going from $293,500 in December of last year to $321,800 last month. The benchmark price of apartments was $204,900, an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to $191,100 in December 2014.

Maisey adds, “The market remains buoyant, and with very low inventory currently there is tremendous opportunity for sellers. For buyers finding it challenging in their search, REALTORS® are recommending they consider a variety of housing options and communities they may not have considered. There’s a lot of choice out there, you just need to know where to look.”

These stats have been provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For a full stats package click here:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201512.pdf

News Release: April 2, 2015

MARCH PROPERTY SALES CLIMB IN THE FRASER VALLEY

(Surrey, BC) – In March, sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached the highest they’ve been in nine years. The Board processed 1,857 sales, a 47 per cent increase compared to the 1,259 sales in March of last year. Sales during March of 2006 were 2,072.

Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, attributes the strength in the market to a number of factors. “Our population is growing, interest rates continue to remain supportive of housing demand and consumers are confident. It all adds up to a desire to invest in real estate now.”

In March, the Board processed 11 per cent more new listings compared to March 2014, however higher sales eroded the number of active listings. March finished with 8,193 active listings of all property types, 7 per cent fewer than available during the same month last year.

Maisey adds, “It’s important to emphasize that supply and demand vary depending on property type and location. Currently, demand for single family detached homes is outpacing supply in most Fraser Valley communities resulting in lower inventory levels, upward pressure on prices and homes selling faster than they did last year.

“For buyers looking for a detached home or in certain areas a townhome, your REALTOR® will advise that selection is limited, you will have less time to make decisions and their ability to negotiate a lower price for you is diminished. This is not the case if you’re looking to invest in an apartment or an acreage property where the market continues to favour buyers.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in March was $588,500, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to March 2014 when it was $563,400.

In March, the benchmark price of townhouses was $299,700, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to $297,100 in March 2014. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.4 per cent, going from $195,400 in March 2014 to $190,800 in March 2015.

In March, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley was 38 days, down from 44 days in 2014. Townhomes took 48 days on average to sell, while apartments took 61 days, both comparable with March of last year.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201503.pdf

News Release: March 3, 2015

EARLY SPRING FEVER HITS FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE MARKET

(Surrey, BC) – In February, sales of all property types in the Fraser Valley increased by 21 per cent in one year with demand for two property types in particular - single family detached homes and townhomes - outpacing supply.

Last month, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,337 sales on the Multiple Listing Service® compared to 1,102 sales in February of last year. New listings in February totaled 2,610 which added up to 7,864 active listings, up from January’s 7,307 but a decrease of 4 per cent compared to February 2014’s 8,210 active listings.

“It was our busiest February since 2007,” says newly elected Board President Jorda Maisey. “In my community of Langley, the average number of days to sell a detached home is now less than one month and it’s a challenge finding the right product for some of our buyers, however every area is different. To understand the market for your home in your neighbourhood, talk to your REALTOR®.”

A measurement the real estate industry relies on to gauge the health of the housing market is the ratio between sales and active listings. For the Lower Mainland, the balanced range is between 12 and 20 per cent; which means when it’s less than 12 it favours buyers and greater than 20 it favours sellers. The ratio in February for single family detached homes was 26 per cent; townhomes 22 per cent and apartments 12 per cent.

Maisey adds, “Our best seller in the Fraser Valley remains the single family detached home, followed by townhomes in part because almost half our buyers are families with children, but also because these products are so much more affordable in the Fraser Valley. With a typical townhome costing less than $300,000 and interest rates so low, many first-time buyers are finding they can get more for their money here.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in February was $581,400, an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to February 2014 when it was $558,100.

In February, the benchmark price of townhouses was $297,200, a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to $298,900 in February 2014. The benchmark price of apartments also decreased year-over-year by 1.8 per cent, going from $193,200 in February 2014 to $189,700 in February 2015.

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in February was 41 days, ten days faster than last year. Townhouses on average took 55 days to sell; one day faster than last February, while Fraser Valley apartments sold on average in 70 days, on par with February 2014.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201502.pdf

News Release

For Immediate Release: February 3, 2015

New Year kicks off with average activity for Fraser Valley real estate market

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley’s real estate market improved in January compared to 2014 with sales and new listings reflecting levels close to seasonal norms. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 853 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, an increase of 10 per cent compared to January 2014 and 21 per cent fewer then were processed in December. Sales in January ranked in the middle of the pack for the last ten years coming in 2 per cent under the 10-year average.

Ray Werger, President of the Board said, “We’re typically a little slower post-holdiay season and this year echoed that trend until about mid-month, when we noticed inquiries from interested buyers start to pick up at a number of our offices – including an increase in calls from first-timers.

“Can we attribute it to the interest rate drop? We can’t know what specifically motivated them to act, but we do know that stability generates confidence in the economy and confidence stimulates the housing market.”

The Board received 2,714 new listings in January, an increase of 1 per cent compared to January of last year and more than doubling the listings received in December 2014. From a historical perspective, January 2015’s new listings – similar to sales – finished 5 per cent above the 10-year average.

Werger explained, “It’s normal for us to see inventory start to climb at the beginning of the year in preparation for a busier spring market. What’s different this year is with sales as strong as they are for detached homes; particularly in the mid-price point, the shortage that we started to see late last year in certain areas isn't diminishing.”

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in January 2015 ranged anywhere from 30 to 80 days depending on the community. “That’s a big difference. Ask your REALTOR® to show you the impact of supply and demand on prices and average days to sale in your neighbourhood,” added Werger.

The MLS® HPI benchmark* price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in January was $571,700, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to January 2014 when it was $552,500. In January, the benchmark price of townhouses was $293,800, a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to $297,600 in January 2014. The benchmark price of apartments also decreased year-over by 1.5%, going from $192,300 in January 2014 to $189,500 in January 2015.

*Note:

The national MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) underwent its annual review in January, 2015. This led to two changes:

1. Neighbourhoods where home sales over the past three years totaled 12 or less have been removed from the model. Neighbourhoods where sales have increased to 20 or more over the past three years have been added. Composite and aggregate historical MLS® HPI data now reflect these changes.

2. Benchmark property descriptions have been updated to reflect currenty buying trends. 

Background:

HBI Benchmark prices represent the value of a 'typical' property within a market. When the HPI was developed in 2011, a composite description was created for every neighborhood and property type based on MLS® sales data for that specific neighbourhood. What people typically purchase can change over time due to changes in affordability and buyer preferences. Therefore, it’s necessary for these descriptions to be periodically updated. The updated MLS® HPI methodology is available at:

http://homepriceindex.ca/hpi_resources_en.html.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For a full package visit: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201501.pdf

News Release: January 5, 2015

STEADY HOME SALES IN DECEMBER CAP SOLID YEAR FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

(Surrey, BC) – Fraser’s Valley’s real estate market returned to normal activity levels in 2014 with sales of single family detached homes leading the way.

Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “It was a busy year for both buyers and sellers. In 2014, both sales and new listings were stronger in Fraser Valley compared to 2013 – most notably for detached homes and townhomes – with the result that we’ve returned to normal market activity for our region on par with our 10-year average.”

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 15,840 sales in 2014, compared to 13,663 the previous year, an increase of 16 per cent. It also received 4 per cent more new listings during the same time period – 30,642 in 2014 compared to 29,338 in 2013. Over the year, the number of active listings for buyers to choose from dropped by 23 per cent going from 7,541 properties in December 2013 to 6,380 in December 2014.

According to Werger, sales during the month of December followed the same trend as every month in 2014 with sales surpassing the same month compared to 2013. “It was the third busiest December we’ve experienced in the last decade with sales almost keeping pace with the number of new listings.

“As a result, we’ve seen our inventory deplete, which is normal for this time of year however, our selection hasn’t been this low for almost eight years. We hope to see the usual influx of new listings during the first quarter of 2015 because we’re currently seeing a shortage of affordably priced single family detached homes in certain areas.”

In December, sales increased by 21 per cent, going from 890 in 2013 to 1,075 last month. New listings increased by 13 per cent in December compared to 2013 going from 1,013 to 1,147.

Home prices in December continued along the same trends as seen for most of 2014, with prices of single family detached homes continuing to rise; townhouse prices remaining steady, and apartment prices decreasing slightly. The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in December was $573,100 an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to December 2013, when it was $549,500.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses in December was $293,500 on par with $293,300 in December 2013. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 0.8 per cent, going from $192,600 in December 2013 to $191,100 in December 2014.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board - for a full stats package click here: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201412.pdf

REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive 
 December 11, 2014

20 years of recognition and support result in high quality donations to the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive

Vancouver, BC – For the 20th year, REALTORS® across the Lower Mainland gathered warm clothing and blankets to help over 17,000 working poor and homeless people in our region and what stood out most during this year’s Blanket Drive – November 17 to 24 – was the quality and specificity of donations.

Sue Mukerji, Surrey REALTOR® and Blanket Drive volunteer for over ten years, observes, “The message that it’s not about quantity is really getting through now. Our goal has always been to collect the highest quality items to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens in each of our communities.

“Some of our charities request only blankets; others indicate they need mainly socks or underwear. Surrey’s Hyland House specifically asked for new pillows. Because we have REALTORS®, clients and members of the public who have been supporting us for many years, we have a network to help fulfill the unique requests as best we can.”

One group that regularly receives donations from the Blanket Drive is the Hope Central Ministry at New Heights Church in Mission. They provide food and other services to both low income families and to individuals living outdoors. Carrie Prentice is the ministry coordinator and the church’s only staff person. “For many of our clients, their only source of warmth is a blanket and winter clothing provided by the Blanket Drive.

“We were very touched when two REALTORS® returned after dropping off donations to bring us literally bags of socks. Something as simple as a clean, new pair of socks can really make a big difference to someone’s quality of life.”

Another beneficiary of the REALTOR® initiative is the Harvest Project in North Vancouver. They connect with over 300 families and individuals challenged by family breakdown, illness, job loss and poverty.

Development officer Kevin J. Lee, said, “Thank you REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive! The donated items allow us to provide coats and clothing to women and men returning to the work force or school and help those simply in need of proper clothing for the winter season."

Established in 1994, the Blanket Drive is the largest, most recognized warm clothing and blanket collection in the Lower Mainland and has assisted more than 250,000 people. Donations from REALTORS®, their clients, the general public, corporations, retailers, community groups and schools are dropped off at over 100 real estate offices from Whistler to Hope.

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive is a partnership between the REALTORS® of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board and their communities.

News Release: December 2, 2014

2014 TREND TOWARDS INCREASED SALES AND STEADY PRICING CONTINUES INTO NOVEMBER

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,136 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in November, an increase of 15 per cent compared to the 986 sales during the same month last year and 22 per cent lower than the 1,448 sales processed in October.

New listings in the Fraser Valley decreased by 2 per cent in November, going from 1,774 last year to 1,748 last month taking the number of active listings to 8,302, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to the 8,641 active listings in November of 2013.

“This is the time of year when families are settling in for winter and the holidays, so we expect to see a decrease in activity,” explains the Board’s president, REALTOR® Ray Werger. “After a busy fall with volumes reaching 5-year highs, we’re winding down the year with sales on par with the ten-year average, but about 8 per cent fewer new listings therefore home buyers will notice a shortage of inventory in certain price ranges.”

Pricing continues along the same trends as seen for most of 2014, with single family detached prices continuing to rise; townhouse prices remaining steady, and apartment prices decreasing. The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in November was $575,400 an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to November 2013, when it was $550,300.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 2.2 per cent from $292,400 in November 2013 to $298,900 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 3.5 per cent, going from $196,200 in November of last year to $189,400 in November 2014.

“Prices are a function of supply and demand - which your REALTOR® will explain varies considerably from area to area and within the different property types - as well as local amenities, transportation options and future community development, underscoring the importance of expert guidance when you’re looking to list or buy,” says Werger.

“Overall, 2014 is shaping up to be a good year for Fraser Valley real estate,” continues Werger. “We hit a bit of a trough during the summer of last year, but since then sales have recovered and we’re tracking towards a 15 per cent increase in year-to-date sales for 2014 compared to 2013 with prices remaining relatively stable.”

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For a full package click here:

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201411.pdf

News Release: November 4, 2014

INCREASED DEMAND FOR FRASER VALLEY TOWNHOUSES AND SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,448 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in October, an increase of 16 per cent compared to the 1,249 sales during the same month last year and 2 per cent more than in September.

Ray Werger, the Board’s president, says, “Sales overall continue to outperform last year and as we’ve seen for a number of months now are the best they’ve been in five years.

“Demand remains steady in our region for single family detached homes and townhomes. Last month, the market share of sales of single family homes increased by almost five per cent compared to last year; while the share of condo sales decreased by the same amount and we’re seeing that preference reflected in prices.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in October was $573,500 an increase of 4 per cent compared to October 2013, when it was $551,400.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 1 per cent from $295,500 in October 2013 to $298,500 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 3.5 per cent, going from $199,500 in October of last year to $192,600 in October 2014.

In the last five years, the MLS® HPI benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley has increased by 16.6 per cent. For twnhouses, the price is flat having increased by 0.5 per cent and for apartments; the price has decreased by 6 per cent.

Werger adds, “With the influx of new developments and a steady supply of resale units, we’ve never had a better selection of condos than we do right now at prices the lowest they’ve been in years. For those that say housing isn’t affordable in Metro Vancouver, you need to check out the opportunities currently for condo buyers in the Valley.”   

In October, new listings in the Fraser Valley increased by 3 per cent, going from 2,336 last year to 2,395 last month taking the number of active listings to 8,807, a decrease of 3 per cent compared to the 9,047 active listings in October of 2013. “Inventory is edging down, which is typical for this time of year,” says Werger. “The result is we’re seeing good quality homes that are priced right moving quickly.”

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For a complete stats package click here: 

http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201410.pdf

News Release: September 3, 2014

AUGUST MARKET TYPICAL FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

(Surrey, BC) – Even with a characteristic seasonal dip in sales, the Fraser Valley real estate market experienced its best August since 2011 with volumes improving over last year and finishing 10 per cent below the 10-year average for the month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,302 sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, an increase of 3 per cent compared to the 1,258 sales during the same month last year and a decrease of 19 per cent compared to the 1,615 sales in July.

Ray Werger, president of the Board, says, “As usual, we saw a typical summer slowdown in August compared to July, however like every month so far in 2014, August sales were higher than last year. It’s the continuation of the story we’ve seen all year; a return to a normal, balanced market.”

The Board added 2,382 new properties to the MLS® in August, an increase of 1 per cent compared to August of last year and a decrease of 13 per cent compared to July. August finished with 9,403 active listings, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to what was available during the same month last year.

Werger adds, “Generally in August, we saw sales of single family detached homes continue to outpace sales of townhouses and condos in the Fraser Valley. Depending on what property type you’re thinking of listing or buying, talk to your REALTOR® who will explain that the markets for detached and attached homes are quite different. We have only five months’ supply of detached homes currently and nine months’ supply of condos.

“With interest rates as competitive as they are combined with the increase of affordable, new townhome developments in Cloverdale and Langley in particular, we’re seeing first-time buyers bypass the condo phase to jump immediately to a larger, more expensive townhouse or a smaller single family home.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a single family detached house in the Fraser Valley in August was $569,800, an increase of 3.4 per cent compared to $551,000 in August 2013.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in August was $298,500 on par with the August 2013 price of $298,200. The benchmark price of apartments in Fraser Valley in August was $196,700, a decrease of 3.5 per cent compared to $203,900 in August 2013.

Full package: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201408.pdf

News Release: August 5, 2014

MARKET STRENGTH CARRIES INTO SUMMER FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

(Surrey, BC) – Continued demand for single family homes and townhomes resulted in the busiest July in five years for the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 1,615 sales in July, an increase of 11 per cent compared to the 1,456 sales in July last year and 1.4 per cent above the 10-year average for the month.

Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “July’s steady activity is a continuation of what we’ve been seeing all year. Our market has fully recovered from last year’s slump and has returned to what we typically see in the Fraser Valley, which is a steady, consistent market.”

In July, the Board received 2,724 new listings, a decrease of 2 per cent compared to July 2013 taking the number of active listings in Fraser Valley to 9,636, a decrease of 8 per cent compared to the volume available in July 2013.

Werger says, “Although our sales were slightly above average for the month, the volume of new listings added to the MLS® was 7 per cent lower than what’s typical for July, so for certain property types and price ranges we’re actually seeing a shortage of listings creating a seller’s market for particular homes.

“When demand starts to exceed supply it puts upward pressure on prices and in areas such as White Rock/South Surrey, North Delta and Langley we’ve seen an increase in benchmark prices of single family detached homes ranging from 3 to 6.6 per cent over the last year. It’s a different story for condos. In most of our market, there’s excellent selection and prices lower than they were one year ago offering tremendous opportunities for buyers.”

In July, the benchmark price, as determined by the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), of a ‘typical’ single family detached home was $568,300, an increase of 3 per cent compared to July 2013 when it was $551,000.

The HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased by 0.2 per cent; going from $297,800 in July 2013 to $298,500 in July 2014. The benchmark price of apartments was $194,700 last month, a decrease of 3.6 per cent compared to $202,000 in July of last year.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board for a complete stats package visit: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package%20201407.pdf

Strongest June in four years for Fraser Valley real estate market

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 1,668 sales in June, an increase of 26 per cent compared to the 1,327 sales in June of last year and 2 per cent higher than sales in May. In terms of historical comparison, last month’s sales finished 7 per cent below the 10-year average for June with the previous best June occurring in 2010.

Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “Recent news reports indicate that consumer optimism about real estate is at its highest level in a number of years and we’re experiencing that at the ground level.

“Over the last three months, we’ve seen a surge in demand specifically for single family homes and townhomes in most of our communities. Our number one buyer is families with children and they’re taking advantage of ultra-low interest rates combined with more affordable, stable prices in the Fraser Valley.”

In June, the benchmark price, as determined by the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), of a ‘typical’ residential home – detached, townhouse and apartment combined – was 1.3 per cent higher than June of last year. For the single family detached home, the HPI benchmark price in June was $568,600, an increase of 3 per cent compared to June 2013 when it was $552,200. This is a record high benchmark price for detached homes since the MLS® HPI began in January 2005.

The HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses decreased by 0.3 per cent; going from $298,700 in June 2013 to $297,800 in June 2014. The benchmark price of apartments was $197,000 last month, a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to $202,500 in June of last year.

Werger adds, “We’re essentially seeing two markets right now, so it’s important to get advice dependent on what you’re listing or buying. Competitively priced, mid-range single family homes are being snapped up quickly, on average in a little over a month, whereas condos and higher-end, executive homes in our region are taking as long as three months on average to sell. Talk to your REALTOR® to find out where you fit.”

The Board’s MLS® received 13 per cent more new listings in June, 2,974 compared to the 2,625 new listings received during June of last year. The month finished with 9,853 active listings, a decrease of 6 per cent compared to the 10,515 active listings available during June of last year.

Find the June Statistics Package here.

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 1,668 sales in June, an increase of 26 per cent compared to the 1,327 sales in June of last year and 2 per cent higher than sales in May. In terms of historical comparison, last month’s sales finished 7 per cent below the 10-year average for June with the previous best June occurring in 2010.

Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “Recent news reports indicate that consumer optimism about real estate is at its highest level in a number of years and we’re experiencing that at the ground level.

“Over the last three months, we’ve seen a surge in demand specifically for single family homes and townhomes in most of our communities. Our number one buyer is families with children and they’re taking advantage of ultra-low interest rates combined with more affordable, stable prices in the Fraser Valley.”

In June, the benchmark price, as determined by the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI), of a ‘typical’ residential home – detached, townhouse and apartment combined – was 1.3 per cent higher than June of last year. For the single family detached home, the HPI benchmark price in June was $568,600, an increase of 3 per cent compared to June 2013 when it was $552,200. This is a record high benchmark price for detached homes since the MLS® HPI began in January 2005.

The HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses decreased by 0.3 per cent; going from $298,700 in June 2013 to $297,800 in June 2014. The benchmark price of apartments was $197,000 last month, a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to $202,500 in June of last year.

Werger adds, “We’re essentially seeing two markets right now, so it’s important to get advice dependent on what you’re listing or buying. Competitively priced, mid-range single family homes are being snapped up quickly, on average in a little over a month, whereas condos and higher-end, executive homes in our region are taking as long as three months on average to sell. Talk to your REALTOR® to find out where you fit.”

The Board’s MLS® received 13 per cent more new listings in June, 2,974 compared to the 2,625 new listings received during June of last year. The month finished with 9,853 active listings, a decrease of 6 per cent compared to the 10,515 active listings available during June of last year.

Find the June Statistics Package here.