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Buying and Selling in this Market - A Personal Story

Writer's picture: Gary McGowanGary McGowan


Navigating the Canadian Real Estate Market: Trends, Tips, and Personal Insights

The real estate market in Canada is experiencing some significant shifts. With home sales plummeting and inventory levels skyrocketing, it’s an intriguing time for both buyers and sellers. In this blog post, we delve into these trends and share personal insights from my recent experience of selling a long-time family home and relocating across the country.


The Current State of the Canadian Real Estate Market

The summer months have brought a whirlwind of changes to the real estate market in Canada. Recent data indicates a substantial slowdown in sales, paired with an increase in available properties. For those looking to buy, this might seem like an ideal scenario, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these trends is crucial for making informed decisions.


Personal Journey: Selling a Long-Time Family Home

Selling a family home is never an easy decision, especially one that has been in the family for 40 years. My wife and I, along with our three children, decided to sell our cherished home to pursue a lifestyle change that better suits our love for the outdoors. This decision led us to Kelowna, BC, a place known for its beautiful landscapes, mountains, and lakes.


The process of selling the home was both emotional and strategic. We aimed for a quick sale, pricing the home at what we believed was fair market value. Despite a balanced market with about three and a half months of inventory, we were fortunate to sell the house swiftly after a slight price adjustment. This experience underscored the importance of being flexible and responsive to market conditions.


Why Kelowna?

Our move to Kelowna was driven by lifestyle preferences. Kelowna offers an incredible environment for activities like skiing, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures. It’s a city that aligns perfectly with our family’s interests and lifestyle goals. With a decision made during the last holiday season, we prepared our home for sale and planned our move across the country.


The Role of a Knowledgeable Realtor

One of the key takeaways from our experience was the value of working with a knowledgeable local realtor. Despite being experienced in the real estate industry, having an expert who understands the local market nuances was invaluable. From neighbourhood insights to school catchment areas, their expertise ensured we made informed decisions.


Leveraging Home Equity

Our move also involved strategic financial decisions. By selling our home in a high-value market and buying in a more affordable one, we were able to eliminate our mortgage. This move provided us with financial flexibility, allowing us to consider options like home equity lines of credit for future investments or emergencies. For many homeowners, leveraging home equity can be a smart way to access capital when needed.


Housing Affordability and Market Predictions

Housing affordability remains a critical issue, with recent reports from RBC highlighting the challenges. In cities like Vancouver and Toronto, the share of income needed to cover home ownership costs exceeds 100% and 78%, respectively. These figures emphasize the difficulty many face in entering the market. However, markets like Calgary and Ottawa offer more affordable options, contributing to their growing popularity.


Looking ahead, the market's trajectory will likely be influenced by factors such as interest rates, wage growth, and housing prices. While price drops and interest rate reductions could improve affordability, significant changes are required to bring affordability back to historically safe levels.


Wrap Up

The Canadian real estate market is at a pivotal point, with opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers alike. Our personal journey of selling a long-time family home and relocating to Kelowna highlights the importance of adaptability, informed decision-making, and leveraging local expertise. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, understanding these market dynamics is key to navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape.


For more insights and advice on real estate trends, don't forget to follow my blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Let's continue to explore and understand the world of real estate together.


Connect with Dion Beg:


Follow me on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thedionbeg/



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©2023 by Gary A. McGowan

Gary A. McGowan
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Centres, Brokerage
16945 Leslie St. Suite 27-29
Newmarket, ON L3Y 9A2
 
905-895-5972

 

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