MLS home sale activity forcast revised upward

Fueled by record activity levels in the first half of the year, national MLS® home sales activity is expected to reach record levels again in 2007, according to a new residential forecast prepared by The Canadian Real Estate Association.

National home sales are forecast to rise by 8.1 per cent to 523,100 units in 2007, and will set new annual records in most provinces. Activity is forecast to edge slightly lower in 2008, but will reach the second highest annual level on record in almost all provinces.

Prices are forecast to set new records in every province this year and in 2008, but price increases will be smaller next year.

Resale housing markets will continue to become more balanced in British Columbia and Alberta. Even so, markets will remain tightest in the Western provinces where annual price increases will be greatest. In other provinces, the resale housing market is forecast to be tighter in 2007 than it was last year, but it will become more balanced as housing prices increase and higher interest rates further impact affordability.

The MLS® residential average price is forecast to set new records over the next two years in all provinces. Price increases are forecast to become smaller as the resale housing market becomes more balanced in 2008.

Resale housing activity is projected to ease gradually in all provinces. New listings are forecast to rise further in all provinces except Alberta, where they are projected to retreat after spiking in the second quarter.

"Resale housing activity was a juggernaut in the second quarter of 2007," said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. "Record breaking sales activity in the first and second quarters forced The Canadian Real Estate Association to revise its forecast upward."

"Home buying sentiment remains upbeat in all regions and mortgage financing is still within reach for many potential home buyers," Klump said. "The resale housing market will become more balanced as rising prices and higher mortgage interest rates gradually impact affordability. Strong employment numbers will keep sales activity strong, even as prices and interest rates continue to rise."

"Consumers continue to have strong confidence in Canada's resale housing market, and activity is on track to set a new annual record in 2007," said Ann Bosley, President of The Canadian Real Estate Association. Bosley notes the Canadian market has shrugged off the subprime problems that have been affecting the housing market in the United States, and a number of investment funds.

According to CREA's forecast, the resale housing market will become more balanced next year, but negotiations will continue favoring the seller in most provinces.

"For local market expertise and sound advice, consumers should consult their REALTOR®," added Bosley.

Not all licensed or registered Brokers or salespeople are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a trademark identifying real estate licensees in Canada who are members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and a provincial association.

A REALTOR® has successfully completed an intensive course of study and has skills, knowledge and experience in real estate transactions. They must adhere to provincial law and abide by a REALTOR® Code of Ethics, ensuring a high level of service, honesty and integrity.

Buying or selling a home is a big business transaction. That's why it's so important to select an experienced team of experts and professionals including a REALTOR® you can trust. If you're buying, you'll find the services of a REALTOR® invaluable in helping locate the property that's right for you. If you're selling, talk to a REALTOR® for sound advice on when to sell your home in the least amount of time for the best possible price.

(special article to the Vancouver Sun)

For more information on finding and working with a REALTOR...talk to June Conway, RE/MAX June Conway Realty june@juneconway.com or toll free direct 1.888.657.7123