Home Inventory Levels Declining

A year over year decline in home sales and new listings in February contributed to a declining availability of homes in the Saskatoon market. At the end of last month there was a total of 1,588 active residential listings in Saskatoon. This represented a 4% decline from a year ago when there were 1,659 properties available. Although the number of sale transactions in February, 211, represented a 6% decline from the same month last year, strong sales in January helped the overall sales year to date to remain 1% ahead of last year. Year to date, a total of 413 residential sales have been recorded on the MLS® in the city of Saskatoon. In February, REALTORS® in Saskatoon listed a total of 1,159 residential properties, this is a 14% decline compared to last February’s number of 1,332.

In February of 2016, a total of 1,410 homes were listed for sale. The number of transactions that occurred in Saskatoon was 203 units which represents an 11% increase over January of 2017. The overall dollar volume for home sales in Saskatoon was just under $70 million which is a 6% decline from last February. The year to date total volume of transactions is unchanged from last year at $139 million. Year to date sales in the region surrounding Saskatoon, which includes the cities of Warman and Martensville, totaled 122 units representing a 14% increase. The overall dollar volume for this surrounding market was just under $39.5 million for the first two months of the year, an increase of 12% compared to last year. “For the past couple of years inventory levels have hovered around 2,000 available properties.” Comments Jason Yochim, CEO with the Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® (SRAR) “It is definitely a positive trend to see inventory levels shrinking, this is helpful for slowing price decline.” he adds. The average sale price for a home in Saskatoon slipped 1% in February.

The Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark value declined only very slightly in the last 30 days to $292,800. Although this is its lowest point since February of 2012 the decline in the composite price appears to be slowing. With the exception of a couple of months in the spring of last year, the HPI composite value has been in an overall decline since August of 2016 when the value was $317,600. 

Housing Sales Up Over January 2018

January home sales in Saskatoon are off to a positive start in 2018. The number of transactions that occurred in Saskatoon was 203 units which represents an 11% increase over January of 2017. The five year average for January is 194 units. Last month’s sales activity also resulted in an increase in the overall dollar volume of 10.5% to $90,673,143 representing the highest dollar volume for January since 2014. Sales in the region surrounding Saskatoon, which includes the cities of Warman and Martensville showed a 27.5% increase with 65 transactions and an 11.7% increase in dollar volume at $18,049,600.

“While it is still very early in the year, the past three months have shown trends of increasing sales for Saskatoon, which is certainly a positive sign after many months of lower sales.” according to Jason Yochim, CEO with the Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® (SRAR) “It is good to see inventory levels shrinking as well which will help with upward pressure on pricing in time.” he adds.

The average and median home price in Saskatoon in January also increased. The average sale price for a home in Saskatoon was $344,771, up 1% from last January, while the median price increased by 4.1% to 330,000. Significant increases in the number of homes selling in the higher price ranges contributed to these upward pricing changes. Overall the number of sales between $400,000 and $1M increased by 45% with 64 sales. The number of homes that sold in January between $500,000 and $750,000 made up just over a third of the 64 transactions. The number of home sales between $200,000 and $300,000 remained strong and consistent with last January at 56 transactions. Many of these would be multi-family sales which helps to absorb inventory in that sector of the market.

The Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark value declined by 4.1% in January to $293,300, its lowest point since February of 2012.

With the exception of a couple of months in the spring of last year, the HPI composite value has been in an overall decline since August of 2016 when the value was $317,600. “If inventory levels continue to decline due to absorption and fewer properties being listed, home prices should expect to see some increase later in the year.” predicts Yochim. The number of active listings in Saskatoon at the end of January was 1,529, the lowest level in the past three years for January and a 4% reduction from last year. This was aided by the increase in sales and a 14% decline in the number of new listings for January.

Positive Start to 2017 Home Sales

Home sales in January were cause for optimism for the year ahead with a 6% increase year over year. Home sales of 185 units last month represented the highest January total since 2014, the five-year average for January is 195. Another positive indicator is the number of homes available for sale. At the end of January, there was a combined total of 1,592 homes for sale in the Saskatoon market, representing the second lowest monthly total in almost two years. The lowest inventory level was December of 2016 with a total of 1,443 properties on the market. “An increase in sales in a typically quiet month is very encouraging” comments Jason Yochim, CEO of the Saskatoon Region Association of REALTORS® “especially in the wake of the tougher mortgage qualifications introduced last October.”

At current inventory levels, anticipating no increase in demand and no new properties listed for sale, it would take over eight months to liquidate the current inventory of properties. The five-year average for available inventory in the Saskatoon market is just under five months. The “sales to listing ratio” is an indicator of whether we are in a buyers or sellers’ market. It is determined by dividing the number of sales by the number of new listings for a period of time. When this ratio is at 50%, the market is considered balance. The last couple of years has favored buyers in the marketplace with an average sales to listing ratio of 40%. January typically has an uptake of listing activity and quieter sales activity which is reflected in a sales to listing ratio at 26%; the five-year average is 30%.

Homes priced below $400,000 saw a much-needed increase in activity compared to last January with 143 sales between $200,000 and $400,000, a 20% increase year over year. The average sale price for January of $341,800 represented a 4% decrease compared to last year. In 2016 a steady number of sales over $750,000 helped stabilize the average price in spite of a 5% decline in sales. This emphasizes that using an average to determine the true market picture is easily misleading. The median price for last month was $318,500 which was the lowest median price in almost five years. A more reliable indicator of the market is the MLS® Home Price Index® (HPI). It is considered to be the most accurate determinant of where a real estate market is trending. The HPI composite benchmark price has also been trending downward, although very slightly for several months. 

In January, on average it takes 54 days to sell a home in Saskatoon which is consistent with the five-year average of 51 days. This compares to 45 days which is the average of the past 5 years. “In any market, a home that is priced to current market conditions should sell in even less time, often within a week or two.” comments Yochim. “Buyers are well educated on the market and are not fooled by optimistic sellers. However, they are willing to pay market price for the right home in any market. For homes that are selling, the sale prices are being realized within 97% of the asking price.”

Just moved into a new house and don’t think the color of the walls match your furniture? Or are you just tired of looking at the same color in your living room that you’ve had for the past year? Time to bust out those paint rollers and dress in your oldest clothes to get this job done. But maybe money is a little tight right now, as the holidays are literally just around the corner. So here are 6 ways to get those walls painted without breaking the already broke bank:

1. Check Local Recycling Centers

Most recycling and hazardous waste centers accept old and unused paint cans from residents and businesses. Everyone knows that paint has a very long shelf life, so it’s common to find paint at these centers. Best of all, it’s free

2. Illuminate the Walls

Make sure to have plenty of sunlight or bring out your own lamps to shine on the walls so that you don’t miss any spots on the walls. It is always the worst to finish the job, clean up everything, only to learn a week later that you missed a few spots.

3. Use a Primer

Everyone should know to always use a primer before starting. Ladies know before painting their nails that they need to apply a base coat before painting on the actual color to save the nail. The same applies for walls. The primer will help the paint adhere to untreated surfaces, such as raw wood or unfinished drywall. Also helps if you’re dealing with either stained or rough surfaces that could need more than one coat.

4. Buy the Expensive Brand

Cheaper isn’t always better when it applies to paint. Cheap paint won’t shine as bright, look as smooth, and could always require more coats to achieve a finished look, which will add up that cost. Most high-quality paints, many which already include a primer in the mixture, can go on in one coat. These can cost more per can, but the job is complete with less paint and less time.

5. Don’t Rush for Color

It’s a known fact that there are some people will pick the first color they see to save time, while others will agonize over it for hours. Never rush on this. You will have to look at this color for a while, so it is always good to take your time, even collect some samples and see which would look best. Rushing into a color could result in having to repaint everything after it’s all finished because the mustard yellow you picked out, doesn’t exactly go with Grandma’s couch.

6. Read Up on Finishes

It is always a must to know about the 4 kinds of finishes you can use. These 4 are:

-        Flat: This finish is perfect for interior walls and ceilings.

-        Eggshell: This finish is great for living rooms, bedrooms, as well as dining rooms as its easy to wash and touch up.

-        Satin: This finish is insanely easy to clean, which makes it perfect for any high traffic areas in the house.

-        Semi-Gloss/Gloss: This finish should be mainly used for the trim, cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms as it gives great coverage and its highly washable.

Following these tips can definitely help you save time, money, and any headaches along the way so that you can get that beautiful living room you have always wanted. Or any room for that matter. 

Ever wonder what buyers think about first when they decide they want to buy a new house, or what you should want, first and foremost when purchasing your own home? One surprising factor is that the answer actually depends on what generation the buyer is born from. For more details, keep reading.

Millennials (Born 1982-2000s)

Price, price, price. Most Millennials are mainly just looking for a bargain on their home, whether its their first home or third. They usually next look to make sure that the house is close to a few certain areas, like the University of Saskatchewan, shopping districts as well as the bus stops. If this is their first home, however, it is quite likely that they will compromise on size and age of the house before the price, which could also help them in the long run by building up equity through renovations.

Generation X (Born 1965-1981)

Size. Most Generation X's have started a family, or have a growing family, so square feet is what stands out the most for them. Main focal points of the house that Generation X's will be looking at will be where the entire family can gather with ample room, such as the kitchen, living room, dining room, as well as the backyard. Next, they will see how close the home will be to any Elementary or High Schools their children can get to within walking distance. Generation X's tend to stay in their homes for quite a number of years, so they always compromise on price.

Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)

Family, and relaxation. Baby Boomers tend to move from their large family homes when the house is empty, to smaller condo's, that are near their families, with any price point. It could also be of some relief for the family to have their parents near, and have the care that could be needed in case of an emergency.

No matter what age the buyer is, they will always start their search online, check to see where the local amenities are, see if they like the neighborhood as well as making sure that the house is in good condition. Always remember that pictures are always a very important aspect on helping to sell the home as well.