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Do you know if your new neighbors own a rake?

Good fences make good neighbors

This is an email exchange between me and a future client.

Dan: I see the house next door sold. Any details?
Keith: Sold for $307,900 (it had had a price drop to $319,9000 a little while ago)
Dan: Thanks. Can you tell me who bought it?
Keith: No. But you’ll find out soon.
Dan: Do they own and use a rake?
Keith: You’re funny!

What happens is, when we have a new house for sale, I like to canvas the neighborhood to inform the neighbors that it is for sale (in case they miss the sign on the front lawn, invite them to an open house, ask if they know anyone, a sister, a friend, an elderly parent that might be thinking about moving into the neighborhood. What I’m doing is helping them, or at least giving them a chance to choose their new neighbor.

It sounds funny, but often, more often than you’d think, it does lead to interest and sometimes a sale.

It’s not about me. But I have to say that I like building happy neighborhoods. It’s not about me. But I enjoy the people I meet. Like a quick email exchange above, we shared some information and had a smile.

Filed under: Uncategorized by Keith Marshall
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Population growth slowed in 2009, but rebound expected

WATERLOO REGION — As the economy faltered, this region added only 3,100 residents last year, the smallest increase in population since 1996.

Planners had forecast the region would add 6,100 residents. On average, the community has been adding almost 8,000 residents a year over the past 15 years.

However, even as population growth slowed, local cities and townships continued to add homes and buildings at a comparatively strong pace. This suggests population growth will rebound this year as people fill the new homes.

“We are still a very attractive place to live and work, and an attractive place for national and international investment,” said Rob Horne, planning commissioner for Waterloo regional government. “We’ve got a strong future.”

A regional planning report predicts growth will return to recent levels in 2010.

The report states: “The region’s continuing growth reflects the diversity of the local economy, low interest rates, and the community’s desirability from a quality of life point of view.”

Civic planners estimate Waterloo Region reached a population of 534,900 in 2009. This includes university and college students often left out of census counts.

The last time in the past 15 years that the population grew so slowly was in 1996, when the region added 3,000 residents.

Horne is confident the region is still on pace to reach 729,000 residents by 2031. This population estimate is driving growth plans that include a proposed rapid transit system.

Building activity in the region slowed last year but did not fall as heavily as population growth.

The value of new construction dipped in 2009 but was still the third-highest value recorded in the last 10 years, a summary report reveals. Permits were issued for 2,770 residential units, just 11 per cent below the long-term average for the past 30 years.

Local housing starts dipped by 13 per cent, compared to a provincial decline of 33 per cent and collapses of 31 to 48 per cent in other southern Ontario housing markets.

Pointing to these comparatively strong numbers, planners estimate the region will grow to 542,100 residents this year, an increase of 7,200.

Estimated 2009 populations

Waterloo Region: 534,900

Kitchener: 224,100

Cambridge: 127,900

Waterloo: 121,700

Woolwich: 22,240

Wilmot: 19,100

Wellesley: 10,430

North Dumfries: 9,450

http://news.therecord.com/News/Local/article/682266

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House sales surge in February

March 03, 2010

RECORD STAFF

WATERLOO REGION – Homebuyers taking advantage of low mortgage rates are heating up the winter real estate market.

Local real estate boards recorded 795 sales last month, up 52 per cent from 523 in February last year, when the region was mired in a recession. Last month’s total is 12 per cent higher than the 712 sales recorded in February 2008.

The 553 homes sold last month by agents with the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board is the board’s highest February tally in more than two decades. They sold 369 homes in February 2009.

The Real Estate Board of Cambridge recorded 242 sales last month, up from 154 a year earlier.

“The strength in the resale market now compared to last year’s weak showing is stretching current year-over-year comparisons,” Bob Peace, president of the Cambridge board, said in a news release.

It appears that homebuyers are trying to get a jump on the Harmonized Sales Tax, which goes into effect July 1 and will boost the cost of buying a home. But the biggest factor sparking the surge in sales is historically low interest rates, said Ted Scharf, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo board.

“Consumers are taking advantage of current interest rates now before they are predicted to rise this summer,” Scharf said in a news release.

The Bank of Canada plans to keep the key bank rate at 0.25 per cent through June. However, in the wake of a report Monday that the Canadian economy is growing more rapidly than forecasted, economists say borrowing rates may increase sooner and rise more aggressively than had been expected.

With the strong sales, there was another double-digit increase in prices last month. The average sale price in Kitchener and Waterloo rose 12.2 per cent to $276,891; in Cambridge, it rose 14.3 per cent to $280,996.

Strong demand for homes in higher prices ranges contributed to the increases. For example, in Kitchener and Waterloo there were 75 sales in the $300,000 to $350,000 price range, an increase of 150 per cent from a year earlier.

Average prices fell a year ago, so last month’s increases aren’t as large as they seem when placed in a historical context. The average price in Kitchener and Waterloo is up 6.5 per cent from February two years ago; in Cambridge, it is up 10 per cent compared to two years ago.

http://news.therecord.com/Business/article/679152

Filed under: Buying Real Estate, real estate trends, Selling Real Estate by Keith Marshall
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The Best Things to Buy in March

You’ve been diligently checking back on our guide to the best times to buy anything, all year round at the start of every month, right? No? Well, let’s go ahead and refresh your memory on what’s discounted and off-season in March.

Our own Jason Fitzpatrick took the time to expand on his original year-long illustration of well-timed buying, whipping up a little reminder for the month of March. Here’s the full version, which you can click for a larger view, or right-click to save for later:

Here’s a little explication on what we recommend taking a look at this month. Keep in mind that these tips aren’t “Run out and buy this,” so much as, “If you were considering this purchase, now would be a good time to look.”

Throughout winter (Jan., Feb., March)

Gas grills & air conditioners: They’re a bit cheaper now because it’s obviously an off-season time to buy them. The selection might be a bit limited, but, really, there won’t be major, life-changing events in the fields of freon-based cooling or flame-based cooking between now and late May.

Homes: It’s actually a mixed bag for those looking to buy a home right now. If you and the seller can sign a “binding sales contract” before April 30, the $8,000 federal housing tax credit can land in your lap. And those looking to sell their homes in winter can be both those with serious intent to move (read: “motivated sellers”) and, under the right circumstances, negotiated with for a lower, off-peak price. Then again, the selection and appearance of homes this time of year isn’t usually ideal, so you’ll have to be willing to dig around and look past the superficial to find a true bargain.

Best buys in March

Winter coats & sporting goods: As the Frugal Fun site explains, and other deal-seekers verify, the season to sell people warm coats, gloves, scarves, and other gear is right near the end, and to make room for the spring stock, stores are selling it all off at a discount. The same goes for snowboards, ski gear, and other winter activity accessories.

Luggage: It’s an odd season, halfway between the periods when most cold-weather residents do most of their warm-weather traveling. Luggage makers are getting ready to roll out new wares, and stores are looking to drop the stock they’ve got.

Frozen food: Yeah, it’s one of those goofy “months” that seem like they don’t need a month. But during National Frozen Food Month, your own nearby grocers might be offering discounts and coupons on stuff that can hold for a long time. How long? The USDA explains it in a handy chart:

Boats: According to MSN Money/Bankrate.com, March is the tail end of the winter boat show season, so there’s a good chance you’ll catch a dealer looking to both make a splash with a reasonable price, and see both last year’s and this year’s models.

We’re aiming to do this kind of update every month this year, and if we discover new items and deals along the way, we’ll eventually update our big ol’ year-round buying guide. If you’ve found March to be a great time to buy something, by all means, spread the wealth in the comments.

http://lifehacker.com/5482911/the-best-things-to-buy-in-march

Filed under: advice, Uncategorized by Keith Marshall
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