Homebuying activity strong out of the gate, as a more competitive market takes shape for spring 2012, says RE/MAX

Major Canadian real estate markets continued to show exceptional resiliency throughout the first quarter of the year, with strong demand and diminished supply setting the stage for a heated spring 2012, according to a report released by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Market Trends Report, highlighting sales, price, trends and developments in 15 markets across the country, found that 12 of 15 Canadian centres (80 per cent) were reporting year-to-date (January-February) sales activity ahead of last year’s levels, with more than half reporting double-digit increases. Low interest rates, coupled with strong consumer confidence levels and a mild winter, played a significant role in the upswing, ushering in an early start to the spring market.  Average price climbed in 14 of 15 markets (93 per cent) examined, yet appreciation was more tempered, with only three markets posting gains in excess of 10 per cent.  Tighter inventory levels at entry-level price points have sparked bidding wars—particularly in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area—with similar conditions starting to emerge in Saskatoon, Regina, London-St. Thomas, Hamilton-Burlington, Ottawa, St. John’s, and Halifax-Dartmouth.

Given the current economic climate, the strength of the country’s housing market clearly reflects the value Canadians place on homeownership.   One driving factor has been the overall performance of the market over the past decade. Existing homeowners have realized substantial equity gains, especially in recent years, and many are taking advantage of the combination of historically low interest rates and equity to upgrade. Perhaps more importantly, housing has outperformed just about every other asset class – and a principle residence is capital gains exempt – a fact that’s not gone unnoticed.

In terms of sales appreciation, the best performing markets heading into the traditionally busy spring season were Halifax-Dartmouth (35 per cent), Saskatoon (21 per cent), Saint John (20 per cent), Regina (16 per cent), St. John’s (12.5 per cent), Greater Toronto Area (12 per cent), London-St. Thomas (11 per cent), and Edmonton (11 per cent).  Only Vancouver, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Winnipeg have experienced softening in housing activity so far this year.  Sales are down 16 per cent in the Greater Vancouver, 4.5 per cent in Kitchener-Waterloo, and almost on par in Winnipeg.

Housing values are escalating at a steady pace in most major markets.   Yet, gains are, as predicted, much more moderate than in years past.  We expect this will remain the trend moving forward—in line with the Canadian economy, as GDP growth also moves ahead at a more subdued pace.  Conditions will vary locally, with some markets exceeding expectations, largely due to the fact that the significant influx of inventory expected never materialized or, in the case of Saskatchewan and Newfoundland, the local economy has shown extraordinary strength.  On the whole, this is a very stable and healthy housing market in line with traditional norms, with few exceptions.

Year-to-date average price in most major centres is also on the upswing.  Winnipeg, Greater Toronto and St. John’s each posted a percentage increase of 10 per cent in the first two months of 2012.  Values in Kitchener-Waterloo followed at nine per cent, while Regina and Saskatoon escalated six per cent.

Purchasing intentions have largely been driven by confidence in a buyer’s own employment and financial picture, followed by major lifecycle events.  While global uncertainties caused some to pause in recent years, purchasers will only sit on the fence so long before the need to make a move becomes a stronger impetus.  That reality is starting to fuel momentum, along with the domino effect of an enthusiastic entry-level segment.  First-time buyers are driving demand in both the smaller and major markets, in turn sparking strong sales activity among move-up purchasers at the higher price points.  As a result, the upper-end of the market has also held up well.  There’s no question that the spring 2012 market will see all segments working in tandem.

Highlights:
• Halifax-Dartmouth’s residential real estate market is firing on all cylinders thanks to the $25 billion shipbuilding contract awarded in the last quarter of 2011.  Renewed confidence has bolstered homebuying activity, with sales up 35 per cent over one year ago.
• Markets in Saskatchewan are also red-hot, with Saskatoon (21 per cent) and Regina (16 per cent) supported by strong economic fundamentals and increasing population levels in the province.
• Tight market conditions have seriously hampered sales activity in Winnipeg, but purchasers remain undaunted.  In February, 44 per cent of single-family homes sales sold above list price, while 31 per cent of condominium sales sold for more than ask.
• In Greater Toronto, multiple offers are commonplace in blue-chip neighbourhoods, with an estimated 50 per cent of detached homes priced in the $600,000 to $900,000 price range selling for more than list price.
• The First-Time Buyer’s Tax Credit and remediation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) issue in British Columbia is expected to breathe new life into housing markets this spring.

• Steve MacDonald, REALTOR® RE/MAX Newstyle Realty
• Direct (902) 754.7653  Fax (902) 755.8899

Andrea

In the background, you can see the thick, black smoke and the firefighters working away to control the flames.

This shows the extensive damage to the land between the boardwalks. Trees sustained fire damage as well.

Firefighters group together to evaluate how to extinguish a very large and damaging fire.

Andrea

Come down to Wrangler’s to help support A Time for Tish!

Tish Perrin is a Pictou County Resident who is currently battling breast cancer.

We have lots of prizes available in our Treasure Hunt, including t-hsirts, gift certificates, books and more! A winner every time!

A live auction with lots of items, including: Professional Photo Prints, A full set of Michelin Tires, 12 live lobsters, a family portrait package, Visalus Gift Basket, and FLOOR SEATS for two to see GEORGE JONES! Also, new to the auction items: An autographed, framed Sidney Crosby “Team Canada” photograph!

Live music from several great artists including:

Fraser Holmes
Robin Foote
Jason Bruchette
Carbon Copy, with special guest Wendy Caldwell
Mike & the MacPhersons
And others!

With DJ Mike Lees

50/50 draws all night!

Save the date for this wonderful cause! More details coming soon! *Please note that times are subject to change.

Even if you can’t stop by, please share this page with your friends.

We would like to thank our sponsors:

The Brick
Crabby J’s
Empire Theatres
Wrangler’s
Scotiabank
Pictou County Co-op
Jim Bell
Bernie Ross
Tracy Meade
Air Canada
Mark’s Work Warehouse
Pantry Kitchen
Heaher Lanes
Andy’s Tires
Fundy Textiles
The Advocate
Stone’s RVs
Citi Financial
Anchor Motors
Caribou Sea Glass & Beach Treasures
Overstock Outlet
Scotsburn Dairy

And other generous members of our community.

For more information about this cause, please visit and like our page at:
www.facebook.com/timefortish

-From the “A Time for Tish Benefit” Facebook page.

I have personally had the pleasure of meeting Tish. We have only met a handful of times but the warmth of her caring personality snares you immediately pulling you in and you know this is a very special person. Tish is a beautiful person inside and out and I ask you Pictou County, to support her in her time of need by attending this benefit.

“A Time for Tish Benefit” will be taking place TODAY from 4pm to 1am at Wranglers Lounge, located just behind Glasgow Square.

Kris

Visit HB Art Studio on Facebook for more details, or call (902) 755-3443.

- Note from the Administrator: Submit your own Community Submission to New Glasgow Talks by using the form located at the bottom of any article. No sign-up required.

Ride Back into Town for their Wild West Casino Night Fundraiser

Tickets are now available for the annual Wild West Casino Night but don’t delay, you won’t want to miss out on this evening of fun.Date: Saturday March 31st, 2012

Location: Summer Street Industries, New Glasgow

Time: 7 pm to 11:00 pm

Cost: Tickets are $ 15 each – Must be 19 years of age and older to attend.

Available for purchase at Summer Street Industries 755-1745.

Why: To fundraise for the programs of two important Pictou County charities and offer supporters a great night out.

Who: Special Olympics is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition to a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability. Northern Region Respite Services (NRRS) provides respite options for families in Pictou County. This program enriches the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through social programs.

Visit http://sopictou.goalline.ca/ for more information.

You have all heard the common phrase “Why don’t cops arrest the real criminals”.  Well here is the story of my brother Sgt. Paul Matthew Cameron.

On February 15 around 3am while on duty Paul went to the home of a 40 years old male of Trenton where evidence suggested 13 year old missing teen was located. After being invited into the home to look for the minor he discovered the 13 year among other minors, alcohol and drugs.

Separating 40 year old male and the minors Paul asked them to sit on the couch. One of the males reached for something on the coffee table and Paul kicked the table to alert the individual to remain still and not to touch anything.  The 40 year old male got off the couch and approached Paul and he pushed the individual back onto the couch. Soon after Paul left his partner at the scene to call the New Glasgow Police Department.

On Tuesday the charges where filed and Paul Matthew Cameron was charged with Assault and Property Damage.  No charges where laid against the 40 year old man who supplies drugs and alcohol to teenage girls.

I have seen police beat down individuals for exercising there right of freedom of speech.  I have seen police aggressively handle intoxicated individuals after night clubs get out.  I have seen police abuse their power many times over.  I have never seen these Police charged for their crimes.

So why when a police officer finds a missing teen in the presence of a crack head dirty drug dealing scum that is exploiting 13 year old girls the police officer is charged.  I think any officer that takes the time to get off his ass and help the youth in Pictou County should be honored not disgraced by this injustice that is taking place.

To complete this story the 13 year old girl was my niece.  This is the story she described to me.  I am thankful my brother found her and took her out of the house.  If other parents want police officers that will stand up to these lowlife scum who exploit our youth then Parents and Citizens of Pictou County I ask you to show your support for Sgt. Paul Matthew Cameron and share this story on Facebook or twitter though word of mouth at your local town meetings and call the local police departments as ask these bogus charges to be dropped.

If the “good” police officers have to fear being charged when they try to clean up the dirty drugs that have plagued the streets it is much greater battle to an already serious epidemic.  This is a bad precedence to set for our communities.

I have included a link to the local news papers report and I think you will have the same feeling I do that something is missing from it.

Adam Cameron

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/73598-stellarton-police-officer-charged-assault

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-cameron/pictou-county-dirty-drug-epidemic/10150597422451852

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of New Glasgow Talks. If you find this post offensive or inappropriate, please use the contact form on the right and let us know. – The administrator

New Glasgow Talks was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at the inside of Funtopia during a dry run on the day before opening. I could go on and tell you about how large the playground is or talk about how the decor is a shock to the senses as your eyes go through color overload (that is a good thing), but instead I will present you with a video taken at Funtopia which speaks for itself by showcasing the laughter and excitement from their favourite clientèle:

Talking with Allison Wilson, co-owner of Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe Inc with her husband Trent, she went on to tell us about all of the features within their exciting new business:

I am Allison Wilson, my husband Trent  Wilson and we are the owners of the business. Funtopia Indoor Playground and Cafe is ( an indoor playground ) that will offer speciality coffees, gourmet mini cheesecakes, and lots more. We are offering kiddie karate, kids zumba , and yoga and more to come in the future. The cafe is located inside the building with the playground, and the public is welcome to stop in for a quick snack. We are selling Sing Your Name products such as music CD’s , alarm clocks, teddy bears that have songs with the kids name recorded on them. We are also selling items from  pegs posh and pretty., tutus hairbands  etc. The playground will hold 80 kids and is made in Canada. It has slides, tunnels and a bridge. We are going to be open on March 12th. People can call us at 695-4fun, or email funtopia@hotmail.ca or via our Facebook page. We take reservations for large groups, birthdays, schools etc. The cost is $7.00 for kids over the age of 2. For under two it is $2.00. We offer a ten pass for $50.00, and family rates of $15.00 for 3-5 kids.

So if you happen to have a day when you are struggling to come up with a fun activity to do with your child or children, why not do them and yourself a favour by taking them to Funtopia.

Kris

Join “Walk for Reese” on Facebook and Twitter. If you are willing to help Reese and people like her by donating stem cells, register at OneMatch.ca. You have the ability to save a life, will you? This is a very important cause, please show your support and share this with everyone you know.

Kris

Layla Macdonald is a 3 year old cherub born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Her little body has been fighting illness and infection for several months now due to complications of surrounding her conditions. As a result, her family has spent the past few months at the IWK supporting her, and nurturing her. Life does not get put on hold when your child gets sick, unfortunately services aren’t always available to assist financially. We are seeking your bottle donations to help this family during this critical time. Donations may be made at the Golden Penny (Stellarton) or via Bottle Drive occurring on Saturday March 10th in front of the Westville Fire Hall. For more info contact: Tanya @ 921-0832 or Charmaine @ 695-6057

For those asking about Monetary Donations: Layla has a bank account at the Westville RBC Branch (but you can do this at any RBC). Deposit for Layla Macdonald Transit # 07263 Bank Number #5010822. Many thanks folks!

Bottle Drive for Layla Macdonald on Facebook

The bottle drive for Layla will be taking place from 10am to 3pm on March 10th, 2012 in front of the Westville Fire Hall.

This is a very important cause for a very special girl. If you cannot make it out with your empty bottles or donate money, please at the least take a minute to pray for Layla and her family as they struggle with something nobody should ever have to.

Kris

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