Manitoba

Are you a User or an Investor? There are two main types of commercial customers:

1. The Users who are seeking a property that will house their business. Their main concerns are location, visibility and the prestige that will accompany a particular property or location. Buying decisions will be affected by the buildings' age, or newness of the property, the neighborhood, safety for staff, security, lighting, office size, window placements, and primarily whether the property enhances business opportunities. Their buying decisions are largely focused on the question "'What's in it for my business" and whether this property will offer the opportunity for growth without excessive increases in overhead costs.

2. The Investors who are motivated by three slightly different factors of influence; What is the rate of return they can expect to receive on their capital investment? How secure is the rate of return, is it guaranteed, or reliable? What are the risks or chance of losing the investment? And most importantly what is the potential for capital growth? Investors often have a desired rate of return established prior to beginning their property search. While attractive settings and decors may be desirable, they are not at the top of the list for Investors.

A User may be 'Buying an Income Dream', whereas an Investor is 'Buying an Income Stream'

Threat of global recession to hinder home sales in major Canadian housing markets in 2008 and 2009, says RE/MAX

Global economic uncertainty weighed heavily on residential real estate activity in most major Canadian centres during the latter half of 2008. Although the forecast for 2009 promises more of the same, most markets are expected to weather the storm, says RE/MAX.

Housing market performance will clearly be contingent on economic performance at a local, provincial, and national level in 2009. Issues affecting the overall economy are impacting housing markets across the country and the situation is not expected to be remedied until consumer confidence is restored. If inventory levels remain stable, pent-up demand kicks into gear, and lower interest rates stimulate home-buying activity, we could see a bounce back as early as spring.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook for 2009 examined residential real estate trends in 22 markets across the country and found that average price held up remarkably well in 2008, despite 13 centres reporting double-digit declines in home sales. Solid gains earlier in the year likely served to prop-up housing values at year-end. The prognosis for housing activity in the first six to nine months of 2009 is somewhat static, given continued volatility in financial markets and the threat of recession, but as stability returns, housing markets are expected to recover.

Nationally, 440,000 homes are expected to change hands in 2008, down 15 per cent from record 2007 levels. Canadian housing values are expected to hover at $300,000, a nominal three per cent decline from last year's historic peak. By year-end 2009, unit sales should match 2008 levels, while average price is forecast to fall another two per cent to $293,000.

Major markets are evenly split in terms of housing performance in 2009, with 11 centres forecast to match or exceed 2008 home sales and 11 expected to slide from 2008 levels. The highest percentage increase in unit sales is anticipated in Saskatoon, where the number of homes sold is forecast to climb three per cent in 2009. Housing values are expected to hold the line in 2009, with St. John's, Montreal, Kingston, London, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Regina posting modest gains in average price in 2009.

Canada's real estate environment is considerably more complex than it has been in recent years. The landscape is definitely changing -- with most markets shifting into either balanced or buyer's territory. The shut out is over. Sellers no longer rule the roost. Opportunities exist for purchasers like never before, including lower interest rates, greater inventory levels, the luxury of time to make decisions, and the upper-hand at the negotiating table. Motivated vendors will need to take note of the new mindset and set their prices accordingly.

Canadian sellers are slowly adjusting to new realities. For most markets, 2008 started in balanced territory and moved into buyer's market conditions during the latter half of 2008. The year ahead will prove challenging, especially for vendors.

While the economy will dictate real estate performance next year, it's important to remember that demand still exists in the marketplace. In the midst of stock market turmoil, sold signs continue to appear on lawns across the country. With affordable lending rates and increased selection, first-time and move-up buyers with good credit may choose to play their investment strategy safe and purchase a home. The comfort of a tangible investment like real estate goes a long way in tough times.

RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998) Inc. Housing Market Outlook 2009 Report, issued

December 3, 2008.

Commercial Real Estate is divided into 3 distinct groups:

1. Industry - Warehouse, Manufacturing or Integrated Warehouse/Manufacturing space, purchased or leased along with areas designated as Office space. Some yard storage or parking may also be required. The sale or purchase of raw or serviced land to developers and owners/users is included within the Industrial Real Estate grouping.
2. Business (Commercial) - Merchandise or Retail space, which may also be integrated with office and storage areas. Existing businesses for sale, with or without real estate property is also included in this grouping.
3. Investment - Those desiring income and/or capital appreciation along with possible tax benefits that may result from money used to purchase real property.

The Commercial Real Estate Certificate Program is similar to other Manitoba Real Estate Association courses, in that it requires extensive reading and memorizing from the Canadian Real Estate Encyclopedia, as well as the Provincial Real Estate Reference Manual, Manitoba Edition. A 500 page Workbook and Assignment Booklet complete the study package.

Weighing in at just over 20 lbs. the study materials are destined to make you stronger, if not wiser. Getting started with the introduction, I flow through the first few pages, acknowledging the stringent passing grades and examination requirements. Successful completion of Assignment One grants a person Candidate Membership status into the Commercial Division of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board. That, along with sponsorship signatures from 3 Full Members who are in good standing within the Commercial Division. Attendance at a minimum of 4 Commercial functions per year is a privilege for Candidate Members, as well as a mandatory requirement to maintain the Candidacy status.

It is my goal to be a Candidate Member of the Commercial Division by January 1, 2009. (This is my first New Years Resolution, and the calendar still claims to be in November.)

October 27, 2008. 10:30 PM.

My Blackberry task tool reminds me this is the Monday I slated to begin the MREA Certificate Program: Principles of Commercial Real Estate. Technically there is still 1.5 hours left in the day. The Workbook weighs heavily on my desk. My Blackberry further reminds me, this is the Monday I am to begin my Principles of Commercial Real Estate blog.

Join me, as I scan the TOC, open the first chapter, and begin the steps towards achieving certification as a Commercial Realtor. Hear one, Do one, Teach one. Lifelong learning strategies modified to the virtual reality of today's marketplace. Lined tablets replaced by indexed blog entries. Searchable, reviseable, printable, PDF-able.

Introduction to the Tri-City gateway, Anycity, Northgate and Southgate. The Wongs, McKays and other interchangeable key players. Characterized in numerous roles, as members of syndicates or joint ventures; owners of small businesses, landlords, tenants, developers, investors.

The stage is set. The Learning Journey includes learning objectives, and associated levels of competency. All materials align with that destination. Reality checks and Exercises. Mathematical Calculations are imperative. Solution strategies will be included to consolidate the learning process.

Turn the page to Unit One. Ready?