February 17, 2012 

Park Royal real estate market in Mississauga was hibernated in January and beginning of February. This was reflected in very low inventory. In recent days though, quite a few new listings popped up indicating the early start of spring real estate market activity.

Since the local Park Royal neighbourhood inventory is low, sellers are able to ask for more money and we see the price increase, comparing to the same period of time in 2011. For now sellers still control the market. It may change with increased number of new listings. We'll find out soon if it happens. I will let you know about it next month. In the meantime now is the good time to beat the crowd and avoid competition.  

If you would like to make a move and want to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey for a complementary market evaluation.

Please see the below table for recent Park Royal real estate activity.

For more information about any Park Royal listing please email or call Andrey Sterniczuk using "Contact Us" section on the main page.

Park Royal Real Estate Market Update

January 16 - February 15

Hello! Here is the February 2012 issue of my real estate newsletter. Mississauga and GTA home prices were higher in January then a year ago with more sales taking place.

                                  This Month                              

 Strong Sales/Price Growth Continue in 2012

TORONTO, February 3, 2012 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,567 sales through the TorontoMLS® system in January 2012. This number was 8.8 per cent higher than the 4,199 sales reported in January 2011. Sales growth was strongest for low-rise home types in the regions surrounding the City of Toronto.

“A favourable affordability picture bolstered by very low posted fixed mortgage rates has kept home buyers confident in their ability to achieve the Canadian goal of home ownership,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.

“The buyer pool remains diverse in the GTA with strong interest in home types across the pricing spectrum,” continued Silver.

The average selling price for January 2012 transactions was $463,534 – up by almost nine per cent compared to January 2011.

“Low inventory levels have kept competition between buyers strong, resulting in robust annual rates of price growth over the last year. Strong price growth is expected to attract more listings. A better supplied market should result in a slower rate of price growth, especially in the second half of 2012,” said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Source: Market Watch, TREB

December 2011 – January 2012 Comparison

 January 2011 - January 2012 Comparison

Current Interest Rates

Rates quoted by Invis Canada are subject to change without notice.

For up to date rate comparison click here

Introducing the MLS® Home Price Index

The Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and four other major real estate boards across Canada have developed a new system to measure home prices and home price growth: the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI). The MLS® HPI is calculated using a sophisticated statistical model that takes into account a home’s quantitative (e.g., the number of rooms it has) and qualitative (e.g., whether it has a finished basement) features.

The MLS® HPI traditionally is less volatile than average and median measures, which can swing dramatically in response to changes in the number of very expensive or inexpensive home sales from one time period to the next.

In the coming months, TREB will publish an increasing amount of data and analysis based on the MLS® HPI in its monthly Market Watch publication in a new section called “Focus on the MLS® Home Price Index”. Traditional average and median calculations will continue to be published in the Market Watch.

WHAT IS THE MLS^® HPI?

Developed using data from the Multiple Listing Service^®, the MLS^® Home Price Index (or MLS^® HPI for short) allows you to see trends in home prices for a specific type of house in a given neighbourhood.

Combined with the knowledge, experience and skills of your REALTOR^®, the MLS^® HPI allows you to better understand these trends — and how they can affect the market value of your home.

More importantly, though, it helps you approach one of life’s most important decisions — buying or selling a home — with greater confidence.

What can it do for me?

The MLS^® HPI is not designed to predict the value of an individual property. However, since it is based on MLS^® listing content — a comprehensive and accurate source of real estate data in Canada — the MLS^® HPI provides a more precise picture of home price trends in a given region, municipality or neighbourhood.

It can help you by:

• Putting accurate information in the hands of your REALTOR^®, who can use it to help you get the right price, whether you’re buying or selling
• Helping you see price trends, so you can plan ahead
• Allowing you to compare home prices “apples-to-apples” across the entire country if you’re moving from one region to another

How does the MLS^® HPI work?

The MLS^® HPI can help you gauge changes in housing prices over time, including changes in:

• Overall home prices for the market as a whole
• Prices for specific housing categories in a given area, or for the overall market

This information will help you easily determine the market value of a home.

Easy to calculate

The MLS^® HPI tracks changes in home prices by comparing price levels at a point in time with price levels in a base (reference) period. The base period value is always 100.

For example, if the base period for single-family homes is 2005, and the MLS^® HPI value for single-family homes in December 2011 is 149.1, you know that the value of single-family homes is up 49.1%, compared with 2005 (149.1 − 100 = 49.1%).

Buy and Sell Mississauga or GTA home with Andrey in 2012 and go on a FREE* Cruise for Two

5-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Miami or Los Angeles

Have Fun!

*Airfare and port charges are not included. Some conditions apply

Many Mississauga and GTA home owners are interested in rental market as they often own two or more homes. If you are one of them please read the following report released by Toronto Real Estate Board.

GTA REALTORS® Report Rental Market Figures
Toronto, January 20, 2012 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported the leasing of 4,664 condominium apartments during the September to December 2011 period – up two per cent from the 4,563 units leased during the same time-frame in 2010. While the number of transactions was up, the number of apartments listed for rent through TorontoMLS during the last four months of 2011 dropped by seven per cent compared to the same period in 2010.
“The rental market for condominium apartments is very tight in the Greater Toronto Area. Growth in rental transactions outstripped growth in listings throughout 2011, even with strong condominium apartment completions,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “In line with tightening market conditions, the CMHC condominium apartment vacancy rate for the GTA dropped in 2011. The end result was robust increases in average rents.”
Average condominium apartment rents for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments rented during the September through December 2011 period increased by four and five per cent respectively in comparison to the same period in 2010. The average annual rate of increase for one-bedroom and two-bedroom rents was above the rate of inflation in the second half of 2011.
“The number of renters looking for apartments with modern finishes and amenities has steadily increased. The main source for these types of units has been investor-held condominium apartments. As renters have flocked to this segment of the rental market, upward pressure on rents has increased,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Rental Market Summary Tables: September - December 2011  

  Apartments

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

 Townhouses

 Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

 Mississauga, Toronto & GTA resale housing market has an excellent start this year. Number of sales and average price in the first 14 days of January went up again comparing to the same period of last year.

Another good news came from Bank of Canada today, which maintained its overnight interest rate at 1% for another 2 months.

Please read the following report.

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, January 17, 2012 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 1,506 sales through the TorontoMLS® system during the first two weeks of January 2012. This result represented a six per cent increase compared to the first 14 days of January 2011. New listings were also up on a year-over-year basis, but by a lesser 3.7 per cent.

“The market didn’t miss a beat after the holiday season, with robust sales growth continuing and sellers’ market conditions remaining in place. Strong competition between buyers continued to push the average selling price higher in the Greater Toronto Area relative to a year ago,” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver.

The average selling price during the first two weeks of 2012 was $444,473 – up by more than 8.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2011.

“Prices were up for most major home categories in the GTA in comparison to last year. The strongest price growth was for single-detached homes in the City of Toronto. The average price of singles in the 416 area code was up by 22 per cent year-over-year, pointing to a greater weighting of higher end detached homes changing hands compared to the same time last year,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Summary of TorontoMLS® Sales and Average Price (January 1 – 14)

 TorontoMLS® Sales & Average Price By Home Type (January 1-14)

Source: Market Watch, Toronto Real Estate Board

January 16, 2012 

Happy New Year Park Royal!!! 

Park Royal real estate market in Mississauga was "enjoying" Christmas and holidays' break for the past month. This was reflected in low inventory and slower than usual sales - quite normal for this time of year.

We will see very soon more inventory of homes for sale, as the new listings are popping up already. Sellers deciding to list their homes now, enjoy more control, mainly due to lack of competition.

Some banks have recently lowered their 5-year mortgages below 3% - historically lowest ever recorded. Such a move has put more pressure on some buyers who want to take advantage of this limited time offer. If anyone is thinking about selling home in the near future now is the good time to do it. 

If you would like to make a move and want to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey for a complementary market evaluation. 

Please see the below table for recent Park Royal real estate activity. 

For more information about any Park Royal listing please email or call Andrey Sterniczuk using "Contact Us" section on the main page.

Park Royal Real Estate Market Update

December 16 - January 15

 Hello! Here is the January 2012 issue of my real estate newsletter. Mississauga and GTA home prices were higher in December then a year ago with more sales taking place.

 Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

                                      This Month                               

• Market Watch & Current Interest Rates
• 5 Ways to Liven Up Your Laundry Room
• Free* Cruise Offer

 Market Watch – Second-Best Year on Record for Sales in Mississauga & GTA

 Toronto, January 5, 2012 — Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,718 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in December 2011. The December result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347 – up four per cent in comparison to 2010.

  “Low borrowing costs kept Buyers confident in their ability to comfortably cover their mortgage payments along with other major housing costs,” said TREB President Richard Silver. “If Buyers had not been constrained by a shortage of listings over the past 12 months, we would have been flirting with a new sales record in the Greater Toronto Area,” added Silver.

  The average selling price in December was $451,436 – up four per cent compared to December 2010. For all of 2011, the average selling price was $465,412, an increase of eight per cent in comparison to the average of $431,276 in 2010.

  “Months of inventory remained below the pre-recession norm in 2011. Very tight market conditions meant substantial competition between Buyers and strong upward pressure on selling prices,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

  “TREB’s baseline forecast for 2012 is for an average price of $485,000, representing a more moderate four per cent annual rate of price growth. This baseline view is subject to a heightened degree of risk given the uncertain global economic outlook,” continued Mercer.

 Source: Market Watch, TREB         

 November 2011 – December 2011 Comparison

 December 2010 – December 2011 Comparison

   Current Interest Rates

Rates quoted by Invis Canada are subject to change without notice.

 For up to date rate comparison click here

  5 Ways to Liven Up Your Laundry Room 

 Whether your laundry area is part of a modern mudroom, or stuck in the dark recesses of your basement, it’s probably the messiest, most neglected part of your home. But its winter, and there’s no better time to pay a little attention to your overlooked utility rooms. Here are five great ways to help take your laundry room from disorganized to delightful:

 1. Get organized

If the laundry area is multipurpose, such as a mudroom or storage area, define the space for each use and organize shelving, baskets, or boxes for each. Install a closet rod for air drying or hanging up clothes as soon as they are done in the dryer, and use a fold-away table for folding and sorting clothes that can be stored away when not in use.

 2. If it ain’t quaint, paint!

If your laundry room is dark and depressing, paint the walls a traditional light colour or add a fresh coat to the trim. If you have a window which lets in natural light, select a paint in sunshine yellow, or this year’s “in” colour: orange. Alternatively, choose blackboard paint for use on a section of a wall and when you run out of detergent or dryer sheets, just add it to your list on the blackboard.

 3. Texturize and accessorize 

Bamboo blinds and linen-lined rattan laundry hampers will help establish a softer, relaxed mood. Mirrors are a great way to make smaller space appear bigger while adding a touch of sophistication. And don’t forget, the laundry room is a great place for indoor plants, as they improve air quality and may absorb cleaning detergent scents.

4. Don’t be left in the dark

The laundry is likely the last place you'd spend a lot on a great-looking light fixture, but that doesn't mean you have to go without! An elegant overhead light fixture adds a functional and decorative touch. Use a small chandelier with good light coverage for beauty or add a practical ceiling fan to circulate air while providing a little decorative interest.

5. Add your personality  

Once you have your laundry room organized, don’t be afraid to decorate. Use colours that you love, put up family photos, kids artwork, your special collection of snow globes, anything that makes you smile.

Happy laundering!

Buy and Sell Mississauga or GTA home with Andrey in 2012 and go on a FREE* Cruise for Two

 5-day cruise from Port Canaveral, Miami or Los Angeles

Have Fun!

*Some conditions apply

December 19, 2011

Park Royal real estate market in Mississauga was slower for the past month. It is quite normal for this time of year. Rainy and colder weather does not encourage people to shop for a house. Only the ones who were really serious went out and looked for a place to live. The rest went to malls to do the Christmas shopping.

Merry Christmas, happy and safe holidays to all Park Royal residents!

Please see the below table for recent Park Royal real estate activity.

If you would like to sell and want to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey for a complementary market evaluation.

For more information about any Park Royal listing please email or call Andrey Sterniczuk using "Contact Us" section on the main page.

Park Royal Real Estate Market Update

November 16 - December 15

If you would like to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey

December 6, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,092 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in November – up 11 per cent in comparison to November 2010. At the same time, the number of new listings was ... full story

November 18, 2011

The real estate market in Park Royal neighbourhood in Mississauga was slightly less active for the past month. The number of active listings was marginally down comparing to the previous 30 days.

The most popular was still the semi-detached category although the  average price went down. There is a shortage of listings in the area.

Homeowners ask me if now is a good time to sell. If there is a shortage of listings, which means less competition and interest rates are historically low, the answer is rather simple.

Please see the below table for recent Park Royal real estate activity.

If you would like to sell and want to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey for a complementary market evaluation.

For more information about any Park Royal listing please email or call Andrey Sterniczuk using "Contact Us" section on the main page.

Park Royal Real Estate Market Update

October 16 - November 15

If you would like to know the market value of your home please call or email Andrey

 November 3, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,642 home sales through the TorontoMLS® in October 2011. This represented an increase of ... full story