Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com
www.JamieBerube.com
Family Real Estate - Buying, Selling and Keeping the Family Happy
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
True or False? Is the Listing Inventory Low?
Low Listing Inventory Continues
(March 7, 2014 – Hamilton, Ontario) The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 949 property sales were processed through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service®
(MLS®) system in February. This represents a 0.7 per cent decrease in sales compared to February of last year.
There were 1405 properties listed in February, a decrease of 5.9 per cent from the same month last year.
End-of-month listing inventory was 12.3 per cent lower than last year at the same time.
The average sale price of $398,973 was 5.8 per cent higher than last February.
“The long winter seems to be having an effect on the real estate market,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “Our listing inventory continues to be lower than average, and overall, for all property types, we are seeing fewer listings and sales compared to last year.”
Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were less than one per cent higher than the same month last year, with the average sale price up 6.4 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 5.4 per cent lower than the same month last year.
Seasonally adjusted data for residential properties for the month of February, 2014:
Seasonally Adjusted Percentage change compared to
Residential Only Feb/14 Jan/14 Dec/13 Nov/13 Oct/13 Feb/13
New Listings 1411 -2.7% 1.7% -11.5% -11.4% -5.4%
Sales 1039 -3.9% -8.6% -14.3% -8.8% 0.4%
Average Sale Price $393,047 -1.4% -1.0% 6.7% 1.4% 6.4%
Actual overall residential sales were 1.4 per cent higher than the previous year at the same time.
Residential freehold sales were 1.5 per cent higher than last year while the condominium market saw an increase of 1.2 per cent in sales. The average price of freehold properties showed an increase of 4.8 per
cent over the same month last year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased 17.6 per cent when compared to the same period last year.
“Residential sales are up a bit from last year,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “but when you look at the bigger picture, sales are actually almost seven per cent below what is average for the month of February, based on results from the last ten years. Likewise, listings are about 15 per cent lower than average.”
The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. 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 days on market decreased from 46 to 43 days in the freehold market and from 80 to 41 days in the condominium market.
Every community in RAHB’s market area has its own localized residential market. Please refer to the
accompanying chart for residential market activity in select areas in RAHB’s jurisdiction.
*Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly changes and
fundamental trends in the data.
Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,600 real estate brokers and sales representatives from Hamilton, Burlington and outlying areas. Members of the association may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies them as real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics. The association operates the local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) and provides ongoing professional education courses for its
members.
In addition, RAHB is an active participant in the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) and holds an annual auction in support of local charities. Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the services
provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca. More information about RAHB is available at www.rahb.ca.
Source:
Ross Godsoe
CEO,
Ph: 905.529.810
Valerie Webster
RAHB Communications Coordinator
Ph: 905.529.8101 Ext. 29
Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com
www.JamieBerube.com
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Simple Kitchen Makeovers
You don't have to start over to give your kitchen a face-lift.
Here's a rundown of options for simple upgrades.
GETTING STARTED
Kitchen renovations are among the most expensive home-improvement projects, but it's possible to give a tired kitchen new life without breaking the bank. At the most basic, walls can be painted and cabinet hardware changed to freshen the look. At the high end, you can upgrade cabinets and appliances within the same footprint, which saves the expense and hassle of moving plumbing and electrical lines. Even investing in one great feature — a granite countertop, a pro-grade range, or a vintage appliance — can have a big impact. "A good cosmetic upgrade will more than pay for itself at resale time," says Manhattan kitchen designer Clare Donohue. So if changing tastes or wear and tear has left you with a kitchen in need of a lift, follow this guide to simple and affordable upgrades.
CABINETS
Sturdy wood cabinets are often worth saving. To change the look:
Change hardware: Replacing knobs, pulls, and hinges costs as little as a few dollars per door. Make sure the new hardware matches the existing hole locations.
Paint: A coat of paint can brighten up old cabinets and cheer up the whole room. (Metal cabinets can be sent out to an autobody shop for a durable refinishing.) Cost of a professional paint job: about $35 to $85 per linear foot.
Reface: Refacing can make cabinets look brand new. First, doors and drawer fronts are removed and all exterior surfaces are covered with a veneer of prefinished wood in whatever species and finish you prefer. Then new doors and drawer fronts are made to match. Make sure to hire a reputable company, and only after you've seen examples of its work. Cost: approximately $125 to $325 per linear foot, depending on the type of veneer and the method of installation.
Change doors: It's possible to replace just the panels on cabinet doors. Decorative filler panel options include glass (clear, etched, tinted, patterned, stained) and metal (stainless steel or punched or patterned tin). Simply use a router to cut away the existing panel and rout a lip on the back of the door to hold the new panel. Replacement panels typically cost from $100 to $250 per door. Other options include removing the doors altogether (free!) for an open-shelf look or replacing them with new doors ($100 to $400 per door).
Add moldings: Wood moldings and trim add character to plain cabinet fronts. If your old cabinets don't go to the ceiling, adding a crown molding or soffit around the top will make a room look more elegant. Cost: about $15 per linear foot, unfinished.
Upgrade interiors: Slide-out shelves, tilt-trays, lazy Susans, drawer dividers, and full-extension drawer glides can be retrofitted to your old boxes. Cost: $1,000 to $3,000 for a full kitchen.
Change hardware: Replacing knobs, pulls, and hinges costs as little as a few dollars per door. Make sure the new hardware matches the existing hole locations.
Paint: A coat of paint can brighten up old cabinets and cheer up the whole room. (Metal cabinets can be sent out to an autobody shop for a durable refinishing.) Cost of a professional paint job: about $35 to $85 per linear foot.
Reface: Refacing can make cabinets look brand new. First, doors and drawer fronts are removed and all exterior surfaces are covered with a veneer of prefinished wood in whatever species and finish you prefer. Then new doors and drawer fronts are made to match. Make sure to hire a reputable company, and only after you've seen examples of its work. Cost: approximately $125 to $325 per linear foot, depending on the type of veneer and the method of installation.
Change doors: It's possible to replace just the panels on cabinet doors. Decorative filler panel options include glass (clear, etched, tinted, patterned, stained) and metal (stainless steel or punched or patterned tin). Simply use a router to cut away the existing panel and rout a lip on the back of the door to hold the new panel. Replacement panels typically cost from $100 to $250 per door. Other options include removing the doors altogether (free!) for an open-shelf look or replacing them with new doors ($100 to $400 per door).
Add moldings: Wood moldings and trim add character to plain cabinet fronts. If your old cabinets don't go to the ceiling, adding a crown molding or soffit around the top will make a room look more elegant. Cost: about $15 per linear foot, unfinished.
Upgrade interiors: Slide-out shelves, tilt-trays, lazy Susans, drawer dividers, and full-extension drawer glides can be retrofitted to your old boxes. Cost: $1,000 to $3,000 for a full kitchen.
APPLIANCES
For good appliances in need of rejuvenation, choices include:
Reface: Some refrigerators and dishwashers are designed with frames to hold face panels — typically a stainless steel sheet or a wood panel. Replacement panels cost from $100 to $800, depending on the size of the appliance and the material. Even if the appliance doesn't have a frame, panel kits (including frames, panels, and handles) can be custom-ordered for just about any make and model of appliance, in a variety of materials (www.frigodesign.com). Cost: $175 to $1,000 per appliance. Replacements for worn-out stove knobs, burner plates, and glass cooktops can also be ordered from the manufacturer.
Paint: If you have a high-end appliance or an antique that's lost its luster, metal surfaces can be painted by an appliance refinisher or an autobody shop for about $100 (for an oven door or dishwasher panel) to $300 (for a whole fridge). Porcelain stoves can be reporcelainized by an appliance or bathtub refinisher for about $100 for a single oven door and roughly $1,200 for an entire range.
For good appliances in need of rejuvenation, choices include:
Reface: Some refrigerators and dishwashers are designed with frames to hold face panels — typically a stainless steel sheet or a wood panel. Replacement panels cost from $100 to $800, depending on the size of the appliance and the material. Even if the appliance doesn't have a frame, panel kits (including frames, panels, and handles) can be custom-ordered for just about any make and model of appliance, in a variety of materials (www.frigodesign.com). Cost: $175 to $1,000 per appliance. Replacements for worn-out stove knobs, burner plates, and glass cooktops can also be ordered from the manufacturer.
Paint: If you have a high-end appliance or an antique that's lost its luster, metal surfaces can be painted by an appliance refinisher or an autobody shop for about $100 (for an oven door or dishwasher panel) to $300 (for a whole fridge). Porcelain stoves can be reporcelainized by an appliance or bathtub refinisher for about $100 for a single oven door and roughly $1,200 for an entire range.
FLOORS
To give an an old floor new life, you can:
Resurface: Refinish an existing wood floor and stain it a different color or add stenciled borders ($550 to $700 for refinishing a 200-square-foot kitchen; a simple border might cost an additional $200 to $1,000). Stone flooring can be professionally polished to bring back its original luster.
Cover: If the floor is sound and flat, you may be able to cover linoleum or wood with a coat of flooring primer and paint, or a layer of stick-down vinyl tiles or sheet flooring. Cost: about $200 for paint, $500 for vinyl.
To give an an old floor new life, you can:
Resurface: Refinish an existing wood floor and stain it a different color or add stenciled borders ($550 to $700 for refinishing a 200-square-foot kitchen; a simple border might cost an additional $200 to $1,000). Stone flooring can be professionally polished to bring back its original luster.
Cover: If the floor is sound and flat, you may be able to cover linoleum or wood with a coat of flooring primer and paint, or a layer of stick-down vinyl tiles or sheet flooring. Cost: about $200 for paint, $500 for vinyl.
COUNTERTOPS
Nothing changes the look of a kitchen quicker than sprucing up countertops. Here's how:
Resurface: Stripping an old laminate countertop off the plywood deck is fairly simple; installing new laminate costs about $30 to $40 per linear foot. Ceramic tiles can also be installed over existing plywood. And if your solid surface or stone countertop is showing its age, the surface can be professionally polished to remove the marks.
Add moldings: To dress up a laminate countertop, add molding around the front edge for about $5 per linear foot.
Replace just a section: If you don't want to rip out the whole countertop, consider recessing a different material, such as a chopping block, into part of an existing counter.
Add a backsplash: If you're not replacing countertops, you can change the backsplash. Good choices: laminates, ceramic or glass tile, beadboard, even metal ceiling squares.
Nothing changes the look of a kitchen quicker than sprucing up countertops. Here's how:
Resurface: Stripping an old laminate countertop off the plywood deck is fairly simple; installing new laminate costs about $30 to $40 per linear foot. Ceramic tiles can also be installed over existing plywood. And if your solid surface or stone countertop is showing its age, the surface can be professionally polished to remove the marks.
Add moldings: To dress up a laminate countertop, add molding around the front edge for about $5 per linear foot.
Replace just a section: If you don't want to rip out the whole countertop, consider recessing a different material, such as a chopping block, into part of an existing counter.
Add a backsplash: If you're not replacing countertops, you can change the backsplash. Good choices: laminates, ceramic or glass tile, beadboard, even metal ceiling squares.
Source: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,591162,00.html
Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com
www.JamieBerube.com
Friday, February 7, 2014
10 Reasons to Purchase an Existing Home
10 Reasons to Buy an Existing Home
Get more house for less money
Existing houses typically cost less per square foot than new builds do. And lot sizes may be bigger too, an important consideration for people who love to spend time in the yard.
Move in immediately
Instead of waiting for building to complete on your new house, you can usually move into a new house immediately after closing day. No rain delays or builder setbacks to worry about.
Love your neighbourhood
Many people choose to buy an existing home because they fall in love with a certain neighbourhood. When you purchase a home in an established neighbourhood as opposed to a community that's being developed, you know exactly what you're getting - whether it's loud or quiet, family-friendly or full of college students. You may even have a chance to meet the neighbours before placing your offer.
Enjoy the view
Sometimes one of the very best things about buying the house you fall in love with is that someone has already loved it first!! They have planted tress and flowers that are now fully grown. There's a lot to be said for mature landscaping. You can hang a tree swing right away and you won't have to wait a few seasons for a good fruit harvest.
Delight in architectural details
Homes built in previous decades can have beautiful design details that can't be found or are hard to replicate in newer homes. Plaster molding, pocket doors and tin ceilings are just a few of the architectural gems that come to mind.
Spend less on upgrades
When you have a home built, you pay a set price for every upgrade you choose. But when you purchase an existing home, you also purchase all the upgrades done by the previous owners at a depreciated value because it's been slightly used. A fancy floor that's been walked on a few times usually costs less because it's been slightly used. A fancy floor that's been walked on a few times usually costs less than a fancy floor that's brand spanking new.
Breeze through your home inspection
Homes that have been lived in are usually much easier for home inspectors to thoroughly inspect. Existing problems can be brought to light immediately, helping you to make the right decision and potentially negotiate savings on your contract. New homes are harder to inspect - some problems like slow leaks, may not come to light until long after you've moved in.
Rest easy when it comes to home values
Homes in established neighbourhoods will have a proven track record of home values. Area ups and downs can be tracked through the years, allowing you to feel more secure in your investment.
Shorten your commute
Many new developments are built where there's space, and that often means in an up-and-coming (or just plan far away) part of town. If you work in the heart of the city or want your children to go to certain well-known school, chances are the neighbourhood in that area is built up already so a resale home is your best, and possibly only, option.
Soak up some history
It's always fun to do research on your home. Existing homes come with built-in character. Who lived there before you? And before them? Some buyers even find treasures left behind by previous owners.
Geneva Ives is the marketing writer for Point2.
Sourced:http://rismedia.com/2014-02-06/for-your-clients-10-reasons-to-buy-an-existing-home/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eNews
Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com
www.JamieBerube.com
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
December 2013 - Sales Strong
MEDIA
RELEASE
December sales strong
(January 7, 2014 – Hamilton, Ontario) The REALTORS® Association of
Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 743 property sales were processed through
the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system in December. This represents a 21.6 per cent
increase in sales over December of last year.
There were 659 properties listed in December, a
decrease of nine per cent over the same month last year. End-of-month listing inventory was 11.4
per cent lower than last year at the same time.
The average sale price of $369,212 was 7.1 per cent
higher than last December.
“New
listings were lower than last year,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “and were also
significantly lower than the 10-year average for the month of December. Conversely, sales for the month were
not only higher than last year, but were also higher than the 10-year
average. It’s no surprise that our
end of month inventory of listings is down double digits from last year at this
time.”
Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential
properties were 11 per cent higher than the same month last year, with the
average sale price up 9.5 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 8.9 per
cent lower than the same month last year.
Seasonally adjusted data for residential properties
for the month of December, 2013:
Seasonally
Adjusted Percentage
change compared to
Residential
Only Dec/13 Nov/13 Oct/13 Sep/13 Aug/13 Dec/12
New Listings
|
1356
|
-14.4%
|
-15.3%
|
-18.6%
|
-18.7%
|
-8.9%
|
Sales
|
1151
|
-4.6%
|
-0.1%
|
-6.7%
|
-2.5%
|
11.0%
|
Average Sale Price
|
$394,875
|
5.0%
|
1.1%
|
0.2%
|
2.9%
|
9.6%
|
Actual overall residential sales were 20.5 per cent
higher than the previous year at the same time. Residential freehold sales were 16.5 per cent higher than
last year and the condominium market saw an increase of 37.7 per cent in
sales. The average price of
freehold properties showed an increase of 11.3 per cent over the same month
last year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased 11.4 per
cent when compared to the same period last year.
The average sale price is based on the total dollar
volume of all properties sold.
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 days on market decreased from 55 to 52
days in the freehold market and from 52 to 47 days in the condominium market.
“The real estate market in the Hamilton, Burlington
and outlying areas continues to be a strong, stable market,” added Godsoe. “Residential
sales are about seven per cent above the 10-year average for the month of
November.”
The
numbers for the month of December, 2013 compared to December, 2012:
All Property
Types 2012
2013
% Change
Listings
|
659
|
600
|
-9.0%
|
Sales
|
611
|
743
|
21.6%
|
Average Sale Price
|
$344,819
|
$369,212
|
7.1%
|
End of Month Listing Inventory
|
3030
|
2684
|
-11.4%
|
Residential
Only
Listings
|
568
|
530
|
-6.7%
|
Sales
|
572
|
689
|
20.5%
|
Median Sale Price
|
$287,250
|
$312,999
|
9.0%
|
Average Sale Price
|
$335,533
|
$371,037
|
10.6%
|
Average Days on Market
|
55
|
51
|
|
End of Month Listing Inventory
|
2378
|
2053
|
-13.7%
|
Freehold
Only
Listings
|
460
|
434
|
-5.7%
|
Sales
|
466
|
543
|
16.5%
|
Median Sale Price
|
$307,250
|
$335,000
|
9.0%
|
Average Sale Price
|
$351,607
|
$391,463
|
11.3%
|
Average Days on Market
|
55
|
52
|
|
End of Month Listing Inventory
|
2003
|
1705
|
-14.9%
|
Condominium
Only
Listings
|
108
|
96
|
-11.1%
|
Sales
|
106
|
146
|
37.7%
|
Median Sale Price
|
$245,000
|
$264,500
|
8.0%
|
Average Sale Price
|
$264,870
|
$295,070
|
11.4%
|
Average Days on Market
|
52
|
47
|
|
End of Month Listing Inventory
|
375
|
348
|
-7.2%
|
Commercial
Only
Listings
|
91
|
70
|
-23.1%
|
Sales
|
39
|
54
|
38.5%
|
Every
community in RAHB’s market area has its own localized residential market. Please refer to the accompanying chart
for residential market activity in select areas in RAHB’s jurisdiction.
*Seasonal
adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly
changes and fundamental trends in the data.
Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of
Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,600 real estate brokers and
sales representatives from Hamilton, Burlington and outlying areas. Members of
the association may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies
them as real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of
ethics. The association operates the
local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) and provides
ongoing professional education courses for its members. In addition, RAHB is an
active participant in the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership
(HOAP) and holds an annual auction in support of local charities.
Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the
services provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca.
More
information about RAHB is available at www.rahb.ca.
-30-
For further information,
contact:
Ross Godsoe Valerie
Webster
CEO, RAHB Communications
Coordinator
Ph: 905.529.8101 Ph:
905.529.8101 Ext. 294
E: info@rahb.ca E: valeriew@rahb.ca
Jamie Berube
Sales Representative
(905) 741-9104
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
jamieberube@remaxescarpment.com
www.JamieBerube.com
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