Newfoundland

With the worst of the recession over, residential real estate markets in major Canadian centres are poised for growth in the final quarter of 2009, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Bricks and Mortar Report found the bounce back that began in early Spring has made this recession one of the shortest on record for real estate. Low interest rates, pent-up demand, and improved affordability levels have all played a role in the recovery now well underway. Percentage increases in sales from January to August 2009 were led by Vancouver, (up a substantial 14 per cent to 23,158), Victoria (up 7.4 per cent to 5,266), Edmonton (up 6.2 per cent to 13,691), Regina (up five per cent to 2,597), Ottawa (up 2.4 per cent to 10,830) and Toronto (up 1.8 per cent to 58,421).

Housing values are already ahead of record-breaking 2008 levels in seven of the 11 markets surveyed, including Newfoundland Real Estate Market (18.1 per cent year to $203,584), Regina (6.4 per cent to $244,088), Halifax-Dartmouth (3.5 per cent to $239,633), Winnipeg (3.5 per cent to $207,006), Ottawa (3.3 per cent to $301,684), and Toronto (up 0.3 per cent to $385,978). Nationally, average price hovers at $312,585, up 0.5 per cent over one year ago.

“Markets are heating up across the country,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Purchasers are clearly taking advantage of affordable prices and rock bottom interest rates. Those who missed the boat in years past have found that sitting on the sidelines can be a costly move. Prices are on the upswing and inventory levels are tightening, so the push toward home ownership is expected to continue throughout the Fall and possibly into early 2010.”

The recovery of Canada’s resale housing markets speaks to the tremendous value Canadians place on the importance of owning a home. The number of Canadians overall who own a home has increased since 1981 from 62.1 per cent to 68.4 per cent, with some markets posting even higher homeownership rates -- Calgary (74.1), St. John’s (71.5), Regina (70.1), and Edmonton (69.2). Significant gains have also been made over the same period in markets such as Ottawa -- where homeownership levels rose from 51.4 per cent to 66.7 per cent -- and Toronto, where levels rose fro m 57.3 to 67.6 per cent.

Fraser & Stephen Winters
St. John's Real Estate
709-682-9245 or 709-682-9045
info@fatherandsonteam.ca

For golf enthusiasts who are looking for a golfing experience that offers a real challenge mingled with beautiful vistas, a tranquil environment and an attractive layout, the River Course at the Humber Valley Resort, Western Newfoundland, stands out as one of the best places in the province to play a round of 18 holes.

The course is spread out over the beautiful terrain of Western Newfoundland winding its way along the serene Humber Valley. It captures the beauty of the Humber River, the quiet shores of Deer Lake and the towering elevations of the adjacent mountains.

It has been voted Canada’s Best New Course 2007 by SCORE Golf Magazine. It is an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course measuring 7,199 yards. It offers the experienced golfer the workout of any pro-course that demands long drives and careful accuracy yet the budding amateur will enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the place without feeling heavy playing pressure from others.

My wife and I played a round at the River Course at the Humber Valley Resort this past August. We were both very impressed with the grandeur of the place! The fairways are overseen by beautiful estate homes, most of them belonging to residents who visit for short periods during the summer or guests who rent them on a daily or weekly basis. We enjoyed the spectacular view of the Humber River from the river side fairways (especially the 14th hole) and we were impressed with the shelter of trees around several others fairways.

The operator Mr. Gary Oak has been managing the golf course and Eagles Perch this year and is doing a great job keeping it open to the public, playable for its patrons and attractive for everyone. Even though the Humber Valley Resort has been suffering from financial troubles, Gary has been dedicated to maintaining the course in excellent condition so that the surrounding communities and golfers throughout the province can continue to enjoy its unique beauty. It really is a destination worth finding!

I love to walk when I play golf so initially we intended to skip the cart rental. However, the elevations were so extreme that we were well advised to take the cart. Having played it now, I would heartily concur! The cart was essential equipment for this one. Happily the green fees at $75.00 each are significantly reduced from previous years and a modern and well maintained cart is included in the fee.

If you love to golf, I would highly recommend you pay a visit to the River Course at the Humber Valley Resort sometime soon. It will definitely impress you and your golfing will be wonderful no matter what your final score. I still endeavor to break 90 when I play but in this case, I was more than happy with my 96. I hope to better it some next summer.

R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor serving St. John’s and surrounding areas, Newfoundland and Labrador for over 20 years and can be reached at 709-895-2500. Visit http://www.rgregosmond.com/ for further information.

Most of us know the value of a good education today. Without a degree it is often difficult to get meaningful employment at anything other than serving hamburgers, cleaning hotel rooms or mowing lawns. Competition for well paying jobs has increased and though for a while many workers could move just about anywhere and find meaningful work, the recent recession has changed that picture quite a bit. Now even some of the well educated have found job hunting a necessary life skill.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a mother introducing her little ones to the merits of Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland. It seems even the local water fowl are now taking note of the benefits to a good education. While passing along by the university, I noticed this mother with her young brood walked around the Chemistry Building at MUN and waddling in front of the steps in a rather methodical and determined way. I stood quite close to them an snapped several photos of the unique parade.

She and the little ones never flinched. They marched around the building as if they were investigating the merits of a degree in Chemistry instead of heading off to the local pond for a swim. Obviously, some mothers have ambitions for their children that may be a little extreme but perhaps this is a good reminder for us to make sure we encourage our kids to take a serious look at getting a degree before heading out on their own. Even Real Estate is one career that will be easier to manage if you have a degree in business. These little ducks put on a show that was at least worth a chuckle for me so I thought you might enjoy it too.

Anne Squires, Franchisee, and the Management Team at EXIT Realty on the Rock are going for the gold recently achieving #1 in listings and have attracted 80 real estate professionals.

"Anne is underway with plans for a new office location coming this fall," said Joyce Paron, President of the Canadian Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. "She is creating a first class office with an in-house training resource centre."

For more information on joining the winning team at EXIT Realty on the Rock in Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact:

Anne Squires, Broker/Owner
EXIT Realty on the Rock
annesquires@exitrealtynl.com
709-576-6667

For more information on real estate franchise opportunities across Canada, please contact:

Quebec - Chantal Desharnais
Canada excluding Quebec - Ed Martens

*on June 1, 2009 as a brokerage in MLS listings