Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation. The aim of the consumer-oriented segments is to help agents combat the “doom and gloom” messages of the national print and television media with real information on real estate.

1. This Month in Real Estate Released May 8, 2009 RESEARCH

2. Canadian Housing Market Firming, Government Support Remains Strong While buyers absorb inventory and demand remains intact especially among first-time buyers, industry experts envision a continual shift to a more balanced market in the coming months. Home prices, which firmed in late winter, remained lower compared to last year but are showing clear signs of a potential rebound. With inventory levels still somewhat high, builders are proactively adjusting by slowing new residential construction starts, which now stand at their lowest level of the decade. Spotlighting an interesting trend in the condo market, research suggests many of Canada’s older baby boomers and younger eco-boomers hold a preference for condos. The low maintenance and smaller footprint are compelling points for the older generation, while the more affordable prices serve as an entry point for an aspiring younger generation of homeowners. In a welcome surprise, April’s employment numbers showed an unexpected addition of nearly 36,000 new jobs compared to the anticipated loss of 50,000. While this news is encouraging, the potential for future weakening in the labour market still poses a risk to overall housing demand. Canada’s government remains firmly focused on supporting the housing market. The Bank of Canada cut the overnight rate to a record low and has made a commitment to keep rates at this level until mid next year. A commitment of this nature is unprecedented among central banks.

4. Home Sales In Thousands According to the most recent data, existing home sales increased for the second month in a row. Home sales increased 7%, which built on the 10% gain the month before. The number of sold transactions now stands 18% above levels reported in January, when activity fell to the lowest level in a decade. The monthly increases in activity were the most significant in British Columbia and Ontario. Sales were also up in the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Buyers are starting to take notice of lower prices, interest rates, and rising affordability conditions. Data released on April 15, 2009 Source: Conference Board, CREA, Royal Bank of Canada Up 7% from previous month

5. Average Home Price In Thousands The pace of home price declines is tapering which is providing some glimmer of stabilization in the housing market. Home prices increased 2% from the previous month but is down 8% from the same time last year, which is the smallest year-over-year decline in six months. The average home price currently stands at $288,641. The national average price continues to be skewed downward by lower activity in Canada’s more expensive housing markets, i.e., British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario which accounts for 67% of national activity. 7 out of 12 provinces and territories actually saw price increases. Average home price as of March every year (Data released on April 15, 2009) Source: Conference Board and CREA Up 2% from last month

6. Home Prices by Province and Territories 7 out of 12 experienced an increase in home price Average home price as of March every year (Data released on April 15, 2009) Source: Conference Board and CREA NT $306K YT $219K BC $426K AB $328K SK $229K MB $205K ON $292K QC $210K NL $198K NS $189K NB $152K PE $148K Prices Increased Prices Decreased Home Price Direction (Year-Over-Year Change)

7. Inventory Sales-to-Listings Ratio Market conditions moved toward balanced conditions due to increase in demand and fewer new listings. In the first quarter of 2009, there were 6% less homes entering the market compared to the previous quarter, which represents three consecutive quarters of declines in new listings. Sales-to-listings ratio is an indicator of price pressure in the home market. (Data released on April 15, 2009) Source: Conference Board, CMHC, CREA Buyer’s Market Balanced Market Seller’s Market

8. Mortgage Rates Average for: 25-Year Amortization, 5-Year Term Bank of Canada lowered its overnight lending rate to the lowest rate on record. As a result, mortgage rates decreased to 5.25% last month. Mortgage rates were 1.7 percentage points lower than the same time last year. Mortgage rates as of April every year Source: Bank of Canada

9. Recent Government Action

11. Tips for Homebuyers and Owners

18. Interpreting This Data to Your Benefit Although it is important to stay informed about what is going on in the national economy and housing market, many different factors impact the real estate market in your area. Talk to your Keller Williams agent for assistance interpreting the conditions in your local market. Keller Williams agents are equipped with all the knowledge and information to help you navigate through the process of buying or selling a home in this challenging market.