Sincerely,

Michael Polzler
Executive Vice President and Regional Director
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada Inc.

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

December existing home sales rise 72 per cent from a year earlier

Fri Jan 15, 11:48 AM

By Sunny Freeman, The Canadian Press

TORONTO - The Canadian Real Estate Association says last year ended with the best December and best fourth quarter on record in terms of home resales, while prices also rose sharply from their year-earlier levels.

The association said 27,744 units were sold across Canada in December, up 72 per cent from the same month in 2008, which hit the lowest level in a decade in the wake of a global credit crunch.

December also marked the end of the strongest quarterly sales volume ever measured by CREA, with 137,957 homes sold over three months on a seasonally adjusted basis-up 2.6 per cent from the previous record set in the first quarter of 2007.

The 59 per cent year-over-year fourth quarter gain drove last year's annual sales volume above above 2008 levels, but the number of transactions last year was 10.7 per cent below the peak reached in 2007.

The national average price for homes listed on the Multiple Listing Service in December was $337,410, which was 19 per cent higher than in December 2008, but slightly lower than the 2009 average of $348,840.

The association said the large year-over-year increase in the national average price in December reflects how much prices were skewed down in late 2008 by unusually low activity in the country's priciest markets.

"The extraordinary decline in activity one year ago and subsequent rebound, particularly for higher-priced real estate, is stretching current year-over-year comparisons," said association chief economist Gregory Klump.

December sales records were reported in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador.

"The continuation of unusually low interest rates may keep national sales activity near current levels over the coming months, as will a blip in housing demand in Ontario and British Columbia from homebuyers motivated to beat the introduction of the HST," said CREA President Dale Ripplinger.

The harmonized sales tax will replace provincial sale taxes in Ontario and B.C.

Klump added that by the second half of 2010, price gains are likely to shrink significantly because a year will have elapsed since the decline and rebound.

"CREA's latest statistics will no doubt spark further bubble talk amongst the usual suspects," Klump said. "Cooler heads recognize that many of the recent gains reflect temporary factors that could fade by summer."

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

Toronto Star Article

Lifetime Urban Development Group and BLVD Developments are the developers behind Liberty Market Building, the village's most desirable retail and office complex located at the centre of the village, and the chic Live/Work condo, Liberty Market Lofts, set to be constructed just to the south.

Launched earlier this year, Liberty Market Lofts will offer phenomenal live/work opportunities in this popular locale, with ceiling heights in most suites rising to an incredible 17 feet. For a limited time only, each loft purchase will come fully loaded with $10,000 worth of Apple equipment, so residents can take full advantage of Apple's latest gear for home and office.

Liberty Market Lofts will rise to 13 storeys on the penthouse level, with fabulous city and/or lake views from all floors. Award-winning Rudy Wallman of Wallman Architects designed the building, which also includes a private landscaped courtyard. 

Being situated next door to Liberty Market Building will provide residents with a great mix of over 50 different retail stores and restaurants right at their doorsteps. Restaurants currently include Atelier Thuet, led by renowned Chef Mark Thuet; The Brazen Head, Toronto's largest pub with three outdoor patio spaces; Merci Mon Ami; ORO Cucina; and a new high-end restaurant set to launch early next year.

In addition, residents will be able to shop for furniture at stores such as Casalife Furniture and Haveli Home, get their hair styled at Salon Tocci, take Latin and ballroom dance lessons at Danceology, or enjoy a massage, acupuncture treatment or therapeutic wrap at Balance Integrated Healthcare, all tenants of Liberty Market Building.

The spectacular amenity space in the building is by Kelly Cray of internationally acclaimed Chapman Design Group. This space includes a business centre with multiple meeting rooms that can be combined to create a large boardroom with video conference capabilities, plus wireless Internet access throughout the ground floor. Among the building amenities are executive concierge service, and in the reception area, an art gallery will feature rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Owners will also have exclusive use of the residents lounge with full kitchen, a tool room, pet spa/grooming facility, fitness centre with an indoor basketball half-court and yoga room, plus a laundry area that can handle oversized loads.

Comfort and panache dominate the suites, and each has a large balcony and terrace. Standards include hardwood flooring throughout; 40-ounce broadloom or sisal in the bedrooms; Chapman Design Group custom kitchen cabinetry; quartz or granite countertop; European brand-name appliance package; Chapman Design Group custom bathroom vanity; soaker tub and separate glass shower.

For almost 30 years, Lifetime Urban Development Group has been building and developing fine residential and commercial properties across the GTA.

BLVD Developments is a full-service real estate development firm recognized for its design passion and creation of desirable, distinctive downtown condominiums.

Liberty Market Lofts suites range from studios to one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-study/work, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-study/work designs in sizes from 390 to 1,190 square feet, priced from $179,990 to $562,990.

First occupancies are slated for Spring 2011.

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

Housing performance expected to accelerate in 2010, as economic stability returns to Canadian markets, says RE/MAX

Fifteen markets to set new records for average price in 2009

In the midst of one of the most tumultuous economic periods in recent history, residential real estate has proven to be a safe harbour, with sales and average price expected to post gains in most major Canadian cities in 2009, according to a report released by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook for 2010 examined residential real estate trends in 23 markets. The report found that sales are forecast to recover in almost all major centres by year-end 2009, led by an anticipated 45 per cent increase in Greater Vancouver. Two markets --Ottawa and Quebec City -- are expected to hit historic highs in the number of homes sold. Average price should post new records in 65 per cent of markets surveyed this year. As economic performance ramps up across the country, so too will residential real estate. Eighty-three per cent of markets (19/23 ) are expecting sales to increase over 2009 levels while housing values are forecast to escalate in 91 per cent (21/23) of Canadian centres in 2010. The remaining markets will match 2009 levels.

Approximately 465,000 homes are expected to change hands nationally in 2009, a seven per cent increase over one year ago. Canadian housing values are forecast to close the year at $318,000, up five per cent from $303,594 in 2008. By year-end 2010, the number of homes sold is predicted to climb another two per cent to 475,000 units. The average price of a home is also expected to experience an uptick, rising two per cent to $325,000 – the highest level in Canadian history.

2009 was, without question, the year of the house. Real estate not only defied industry and analysts’ predictions in 2009—it’s performance went well beyond the realm of expectation by boosting consumer confidence levels and ultimately kick starting the national economic engine. While low interest rates were a principle factor driving home buying activity, no one can discount the value that Canadians place in owning a home.

The upswing in residential housing values speaks volumes. By year-end 2009, average price is expected to increase in 15 of the 23 markets surveyed, led by St. John’s, NF (15 per cent); Quebec City, QC (eight per cent); Regina, SK (seven per cent); Saint John, NB (six per cent); and Winnipeg, MB, Ottawa, ON, and Greater Toronto, ON (five per cent). Other noteworthy developments include shattered price benchmarks in Greater Vancouver at $600,000; Toronto at $400,000; Ottawa at $300,000; and Quebec City and St. John’s at $200,000. St. John’s will once again lead the country in terms of percentage increase in average price in 2010 with a projected upswing of 11 per cent. Quebec City and Regina are expected to experience escalation of six per cent, while Calgary, Kelowna, and Victoria are forecast to climb five per cent next year. Victoria, Kelowna, Edmonton and Calgary – all down marginally in 2009 – are all positioned for growth in 2010.

Some of the greatest percentage gains were reported in Western Canadian markets in 2009– demonstrating the higher the peak, the lower the valley. That said, the recession barely registered on year-over-year activity in most major centres. The economic fundamentals in place going forward ideally position the ten provinces, and the sector overall, for further growth.

The major frontrunners in terms of unit sales appreciation in 2010, are all located in Western Canada , including Kelowna with an anticipated upswing of 10 per cent in housing sales; Calgary with an expected increase of eight per cent: and Victoria, which rounds out the top three with a seven per cent hike forecast for unit sales.

Canadians continue to demonstrate their commitment to homeownership – regardless of the economic climate. No where in Canada is that more evident than in Quebec. The province, with one of highest percentage of renters in the country, is well-poised for an escalation in homeownership levels as renters enter the market en masse to take advantage of ideal market conditions. Prices remain well under the national average, making ownership more attainable and leaving more room for appreciation that’s been long overdue.

A number of factors will help prop up activity going forward, including improved economic conditions, continued low interest rates, rising consumer confidence and solid capital spending which will buoy employment. Inventory will once again assume the wildcard role, with any decline placing upward pressure on prices. Multiple offers will remain the exception in most markets, more commonplace on quality entry-level product which remains in tight supply.

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian home-resale prices are likely rise in 2010 at an even faster pace than this year but a dangerous bubble probably won't develop, TD Economics said in study published on Tuesday.

The average price of an existing home in Canada is expected to surge 9-10 percent next year to about C$346,000 as sales climb to 475,000. In 2009, the average price rose an estimated 4-5 percent on an annual basis.

But the sales momentum, which TD expects will last six to 10 more months, should not translate into a "bubble" as the cost of ownership, when lower interest rates are taken into consideration, has fallen in recent months.

The residential housing market froze late last year in the wake of the global financial crisis, but its swift recovery has prompted some concern about the chances of a sudden collapse. Sales of existing homes rose to a record monthly high in October.

TD described the Canadian market's downturn and subsequent recovery "as V-shaped as can be." It partly attributed the rebound to pent-up demand after last year's slump.

Over the next few years, sales growth should moderate as more supply comes into the market and interest rates rise, TD said in its resale housing outlook report.

In 2011, eroding affordability is likely to weaken sales by more than 10 percent to 421,200 units while prices rise 1.6 percent to C$351,600. In the following two years, prices and sales are expected to rise modestly.

(Reporting by Ka Yan Ng)

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

Consumers need to prepare for higher mortgage rates next year

THE CANADIAN PRESS Thursday, November 19, 2009

TORONTO - The Canadian housing market has seen a stronger and faster rebound from the recession than any other segment of the economy, due in large part to enticingly low mortgage rates.

But rates this low - 5.59 per cent for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage and 2.25 per cent for a five-year variable-rate mortgage at one bank - can't last forever, and experts are advising borrowers to prepare for higher rates within the next 12 months.

"We have to realize those are emergency interest rates," said CIBC economist Benjamin Tal.

"Interest rates will rise - it's just a question of time, it's not a question of if. And if that's the case, we have to make sure that when we borrow this money we can afford the same mortgage 200 or 300 basis points higher. That's the key responsibility now of borrowers and lenders, to make sure that what we do, we do it in a prudent way."

Depending on whether they are fixed or floating-rate, mortgages are tied to either the bond market or the Bank of Canada's key lending rate, which are closely related. The central bank's rate has been sitting at a record low of 0.25 per cent since the spring and it has said it will keep it steady until at least next June to help stimulate the ailing economy.

On Wednesday, three of Canada's biggest banks - Royal Bank (TSX:RY), Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) and TD Bank (TSX:TD) - announced that they will cut posted rates for fixed-rate mortgages by up to 0.25 percentage points. On Thursday, CIBC (TSX:CM), Laurentian Bank (TSX:LB) and Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) followed suit by cutting their five-year mortgages by 0.25 per cent to 5.59 per cent, in the case of CIBC and Scotiabank, and 5.6 per cent at Laurentian. But mortgage lenders agree that rates are nearing the bottom and will begin to rise again in 2010.

"The only sort of assurance that you hear in the marketplace is the Bank of Canada's going to try to maintain that rate until June. But past that, there are already warnings that if there need to be adjustments, the adjustments could be a little more abrupt than we've been used to in the past," said Martin Beaudry, vice-president of retail lending at ING Direct.

CIBC's Tal said that with rates this low, "it's almost a crime not to take a mortgage out," but warned that consumers need to be prepared for higher interest rates later on and what this could mean for their personal finances.

For example, a $200,000 mortgage with a term of 25 years and an interest rate of 2.25 per cent has monthly payments of $876.26. For the same mortgage with an interest rate of five per cent, the monthly payments become $1,169.18.

And this doesn't only apply to variable-rate mortgages, but to fixed-rate mortgages that are coming up for renewal, Tal said.

"It's not just variable rates, because five years from now the rates will be much higher, so you don't want to find yourself in a situation five years from now where you can't afford the house," he said.

"It's important to be extremely prudent and not to be totally blinded by those rates."

Both John Turner, director of mortgages at BMO, and ING's Beaudry said they've seen an increase in the number of people opting for fixed-rate mortgages to ensure some certainty when interest rates begin to rise again.

"In the first six months (of 2009), we saw well over 60 per cent of our applications being for variable-rate mortgages, and in particular in our case five-year variable-rate mortgages," Beaudry said.

"Towards the latter part of the summer, until now, the trend has reversed to where we're seeing about 70 to 80 per cent of our applications going for five-year fixed-rate mortgages."

Turner agreed, saying 60 to 70 per cent of BMO's customers were opting for variable- rate mortgages in the past, but lately "there's been a slight shift to fixed."

The key is finding a monthly payment you feel comfortable with and then thinking ahead - if you have a variable-rate mortgage, or a fixed-rate mortgage that's coming up for renewal soon, will you be able to afford to continue to make your payments if interest rates go up?

Turner said now is the time to begin making more frequent payments, while interest rates are still low, if you can afford it. This will reduce your principal more quickly and will mean lower payments down the road when interest rates are higher.

"For example, if you have a $200,000 mortgage and you opt to pay biweekly (instead of monthly), you knock four years off your mortgage and save about $47,000 in interest just by doing that," he said.

As well, if you have a variable-rate mortgage, it's important to keep an eye on interest rates and lock in if you feel they're getting too high, said Jim Murphy, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, or CAAMP.

The association also recommends that homeowners renew their mortgages before the scheduled renewal dates given the current low level of interest rates.

However, Murphy predicted that when interest rates do start to go up it will be a gradual climb, and Canadians shouldn't worry about a sudden jump in the number of people who are forced to default on their mortgages.

"I think people are predicting that rates will start to increase in 2010 at some point in time, but it'll be more of a slow, measured increase as it goes up, and most Canadians who have variable products will have the ability to lock in," Murphy said.

CAAMP says the volumes of residential mortgage credit outstanding is forecast to grow by seven per cent between 2009 and 2011, and is predicted to pass $1 trillion in 2010. The average mortgage interest rate was 4.55 per cent as of October, down from 5.41 per cent a year ago.

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

GTA real estate sales boom in October

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

Luxury housing sales edge higher as purchasers take advantage 

of buying opportunities in Ontario-Atlantic Canada, says RE/MAX

Mississauga, ON (November 3, 2009) -- Luxury homes sales continue to accelerate as economic recovery takes hold in major markets in Ontario and Atlantic Canada, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. 

The RE/MAX Upper End Report found that momentum is building in St. John’s, Saint John, Halifax-Dartmouth, Ottawa, Kingston, Greater Toronto, Hamilton-Burlington, and London as purchasers realize that the best buying period in recent history is about to come to a close.  Sales are already on par or ahead of last year’s levels in 50 per cent of cities surveyed, while the remaining markets are set to reach 2008 figures by year-end. 

“Twelve months of healthy home buying activity have clearly been crammed into five short months,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.  “It’s hard to believe that the transition in the market began in May. We’ve seen steady upward momentum since that time, with solid year-over-year gains posted each and every month.”

Pent-up demand and greater affordability have been the catalyst.  Increased selection in all markets—except Greater Toronto—as well as record low interest rates have also helped fuel move-up activity from Ontario to Newfoundland.    

Leading in terms of sales appreciation is London, Ontario where the number of homes sold, priced in excess of $500,000, has climbed 11 per cent from January to September 2009, compared to one year ago.  Greater Toronto and Ottawa both reported a one per cent increase in the number of homes sold in the top end during the same period.  Within the GTA, Richmond Hill/Thornhill is particularly heated, with sales up 24 per cent over 2008 levels, followed by Mississauga— up 10 per cent.  St. John’s, Newfoundland is on par with year-ago figures.

Of the six markets reporting a year-over-year decrease in sales, four are off by just a handful of transactions (10 units or less), including Halifax-Dartmouth (off eight units), Kingston & Area (off three units), Toronto – West End (off 10 units), and Oakville (off five units).  Activity in the remaining two markets—Saint John and Hamilton-Burlington—is on the upswing, with the gap between 2008 and 2009 narrowing each month.

“A considerable shift is underway in the upper end,” explains Polzler.  “The price correction that we witnessed earlier in the year is over and prices have since firmed up.  Conditions are more balanced across the board or leaning toward seller’s territory once again.  The one exception is the Greater Toronto Area -- now largely a seller’s market -- with bidding wars making a comeback amid tight inventory levels.  The strength of the luxury segment is evident.  This is now a real estate market with all sectors working in tandem.”

Highlights:

• Upper end sales started to move upward as positive indicators of economic recovery began to emerge.  The momentum is expected to continue as Canada edges closer to positive periods of GDP growth in Q4 2009 and in 2010.
• Locals are fuelling luxury sales in the majority of markets surveyed.  Activity among out-of-province and international purchasers has waned from one year ago, although their presence in still evident in some markets.
• Sixty-one properties in Canada are currently priced over $10 million, with 18 of those located in Ontario.  The priciest Ontario home is nestled in Toronto’s prestigious Bridle Path area, listed at $23 million.  
• Three hundred properties currently listed for sale are priced over $5 million in Canada.  
• In Atlantic Canada, there are 22 listings in excess of $2 million—13 in Nova Scotia, five in New Brunswick and two in Prince Edward Island.  The most expensive property in Atlantic Canada is a $7.75 million estate on a bluff fronting the Atlantic Ocean on PEI’s north coast. 

RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with over 17,000 sales associates situated throughout its more than 677 independently-owned and operated offices across the country.  The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 36^th year, is a global real estate system operating in more than 70 countries.  Over 6,700 independently-owned offices engage nearly 100,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management.  

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

Canadian housing markets buck recession

and trend upwards, says RE/MAX

With the worst of the recession over, residential real estate markets in major Canadian centres are poised for growth in the final quarter of 2009, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Bricks and Mortar Report found the bounce back that began in early Spring has made this recession one of the shortest on record.  Low interest rates, pent-up demand, and improved affordability levels have all played a role in the recovery now well-underway.  Percentage increases in unit sales from January to August 2009 were led by Vancouver, (up a substantial 14 per cent to 23,158), Victoria (up 7.4 per cent to 5,266), Edmonton (up 6.2 per cent to 13,691), Regina (up five per cent to 2,597), Ottawa (up 2.4 per cent to 10,830) and Toronto (up 1.8 per cent to 58,421).  Housing values are already ahead of record-breaking 2008 levels in seven of the 11 markets surveyed, including Newfoundland-Labrador (18.1 per cent year to $203,584), Regina (6.4 per cent to $244,088), Halifax-Dartmouth (3.5 per cent to $239,633), Winnipeg (3.5 per cent to $207,006), Ottawa (3.3 per cent to $301,684), and Toronto (up 0.3 per cent to $385,978).  Nationally, average price hovers at $312,585, up 0.5 per cent over one year ago.

Markets are heating up across the country as purchasers take advantage of affordable prices and rock bottom interest rates.  Those who missed the boat in years past have found that sitting on the sidelines can be a costly move.  Prices are on the upswing and inventory levels are tightening, so the push toward homeownership is expected to continue throughout the Fall and possibly into early 2010.

The recovery of Canada’s resale housing markets speaks to the tremendous value Canadians place on the importance of owning a home.  The number of Canadians overall who own a home has increased since 1981 from 62.1 per cent to 68.4 per cent, with some markets posting even higher homeownership rates -- Calgary (74.1), St. John’s (71.5), and Regina (70.1).  Significant gains have also been made over the same period in markets such as Ottawa, where levels rose from 51.4 per cent to 66.7 per cent, and Toronto, where levels rose from 57.3 to 67.6 per cent.

Public sentiment can perhaps best be illustrated by a recent Angus Reid Omnibus Survey* that asked the question “In which do you feel more comfortable investing your money?  The stock market or real estate.”  Out of 1,000 respondents from coast-to-coast, 77 per cent chose real estate. The results of the RE/MAX Bricks and Mortar Report are clearly representative of this national dynamic at work.

The strength of the residential housing sector cross-country has taken many economists and housing analysts by surprise once again.  In terms of its impact on the resale market, by historical standards, this recession was one of the mildest.  The resilience of bricks and mortar has been demonstrated time and again.  While there may still be some challenges down the road, the worst is definitely behind us in the housing industry.

Over the past thirty years, the Canadian residential real estate market has experienced three major downturns – 1981, 1989, and 2008.  While there have also been regional fluctuations throughout the years, return on investment over this period has been substantial, with Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Regina and Ottawa leading the country in terms of price appreciation.

The overall stability of real estate as an investment has also played a role. Markets like Halifax-Dartmouth, Regina, Ottawa, Winnipeg and London have provided steady returns (especially in recent years), with minimal fluctuation.

* The Angus Reid Omnibus Survey was conducted on September 15, 2009 and yields a margin of error of +3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

###

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.

One in five neighbourhoods have surpassed pre-recession average price levels.

In the midst of the recession, approximately twenty per cent of single-detached homes and condominiums in Greater Toronto Area neighbourhoods managed to post an increase in average price, according to RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Return on Investment Report found that 11 (17 per cent) of the 65 Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) districts reported an upswing in the value of a single-detached home in the first six months of 2009, despite one of the worst first quarters on record. The Beach (E02) saw the greatest percentage increase year-over-year at 3.79 per cent, with average price rising to $715,422, up from $689,278 in June, 2008. Pickering (E13) placed second, with the average price of a single-detached home climbing 3.72 per cent to $389,536, up from $375,577 from one year earlier. Willowdale, Newtonbrook (C14) ranked third, with a single-detached home rising in value from $754,470 to $779,537 -- a 3.32 per cent increase. Rounding out the top five neighbourhoods are newcomers Downsview, Weston (W04) – where prices have climbed 2.25 per cent to $384,485 from $376,007, and Rouge, Malvern (E11) where a 1.99 per cent uptick has brought year-to-date housing values to $345,468 (from $338,738).

Purchasers clearly moved to take advantage of greater affordability in the marketplace in the first half of the year. Prices were down in virtually every neighbourhood surveyed; supply of homes listed for sale was at an all-time high; and interest rates were at historic levels. If you’re a buyer, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Given their more affordable price point, condominium properties fared slightly better than single-detached homes, with 13 (22 per cent) of 59 TREB districts posting an increase in average price. Condos in Cliffcrest, Guildwood (E08) in the city’s east end saw the greatest appreciation in value, with average price climbing 6.45 per cent to $175,855, up from $165,197 one year ago. North Toronto, Cricket Club (C04) ranked second with a 6.1 per cent increase in average price, bringing condominium values to $301,065 (up from $283,746). Downsview, Weston (W04) clinched third spot, with a 4.37 per cent increase in average price to $173,083 in June 2009, up from $165,834 one year earlier. Mississauga’s thriving Port Credit community (W12) experienced a 2.63 per cent increase in condominium values year-over-year – with average price hovering at $304,954. Bendale, Woburn, and West Hill comprise E09, where the average price of a condo appreciated 2.46 per cent over figures reported one year ago to $201,830.

But that was then and this is now. Lower inventory levels combined with increased demand -- comparable to what we’ve seen in recent months -- is expected to place renewed pressure on housing values for the remainder of the year. As a result, average prices are forecast to be at par or slightly ahead of last year’s levels by year-end in almost all neighbourhoods.

Case in point is areas like Toronto’s east end, where bidding wars are breaking out on single-detached properties daily. The average sale-to-list price ratio in E01 and E02 approaches 100 per cent. Average prices are up in four of the 18 East District neighbourhoods. Overall average price in the east is down less than one per cent to $346,597 from the January to June 2008 figure.

The areas with the highest percentage decreases in the average price of a single-detached home have also seen the greatest increases in the number of properties sold. The overall average price of a single-detached home fell by 5.17 per cent in the Central District to $884,036, down from $932,198 one year ago, while the North District dropped 4.49 per cent in value to $526,693, down from $551,452 in June 2008. Sales are up in both areas, with 2,000 homes changing hands in the central area (up 4.28 per cent over one year ago) and 4,249 properties sold in the north (up three per cent from June 2008).

Only one district reported an overall increase in the average price. Condominiums in the North District – comprised mostly of York Region – posted a 0.26 per cent increase in values – and now hover at $275,822, compared with $275,113 one year ago.

The momentum going forward is expected to be healthy – buoyed by positive economic data and a return to stability in the financial sector. There may be some bumps along the road, but all in all, the worst is over for the residential real estate in the Greater Toronto Area.

RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with over 17,000 sales associates situated throughout its more than 677 independently-owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 36th year, is a global real estate system operating in more than 70 countries. Over 6,700 independently-owned offices engage nearly 100,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca .

Note: All statistics sourced from RE/MAX and TREB. Net Districts that recorded less than 100 sales year-to-date were discounted to prevent the reporting of statistical anomalies.

To discuss your real estate needs please contact Joseph Biafore, Broker at Re/Max Diamond Realty Inc., Brokerage at 1-866-901-2971 or click josephbiafore.com.