February has come and gone with weather more reminiscent of the spring than the chill of winter that we are more accustomed to at this time of year. The local real estate market has also been reminiscent of a surging spring market instead of the normal February pause. Is this surge in activity due to the mild weather? Perhaps, whatever the cause it indicates that buyers are in the marketplace and are ready to buy! If you are thinking of selling your home it is hard to think of a better time to sell. So, read the KWAR Press Release below and please get in touch if you would like to discuss what these statistics mean for you or if you would like a free, no obligation evaluation of the current value of your home.

KITCHENER-WATERLOO HOME SALES TAKE A LEAP IN FEBRUARY 

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (March 2, 2016) –– Residential sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were up 28.2% compared to the same month last year with 452 homes being sold in the month of February, 18.6% above the 5-year average for the month.

Residential sales (KW & Area) in February included 280 single detached homes (up 40.7% from last February), 33 semi-detached (down 17.5%), 31 townhomes (up 6.9%) and 103 condominium units (up 25.6%).

“This was the most active February we’ve seen on record since 2008, when 464 residential homes were sold,” stated Charlotte Zawada, President of the KWAR. “With interest rates holding steady and Waterloo Region remaining an attractive place to live and invest, I think we will continue to see buoyancy in our local housing market.”

Single detached homes sold for an average price of $419,480 an increase of 7.7% compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $242,272, an increase of 8.3% while townhomes and semis sold for an average of $328,569 (up 10.0%) and $291,770 (up 12.0%) respectively. The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 10.3% to $361,889 compared to February 2015 with 42.0% of home sales in February occurring in the $250,000-$350,000 range.

“This time last year we were experiencing some really frigid temperatures that helped contribute to a 5-year low in home sales for the month. Things have been quite a bit warmer these past few weeks in comparison, and it goes to show how much of a role weather can play when it comes to buying or selling one’s home,” said Zawada.

The KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

Consumers uncertain about current market conditions should work with a REALTOR® to develop an effective selling strategy. If you are buying, a REALTOR® will negotiate on your behalf and guide you through every step. A REALTOR® understands the local market and must, by law, look after your best interests.

For more information please get in touch by email at alasdair@alasdair.caor call my direct line at 519-590-6118.

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