This just in from Leanne Conroy of RBC; 

Canadian housing market remains resilient

Canadian homebuyers remain unshaken by the recent volatility during the last few months in global financial markets, according to data released this week by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and Canada’s Housing Market Update from RBC Economics Research. Home resales rose modestly by 2.7% in September overall in Canada, after staying relatively flat in August (relative to July), with the majority of provincial markets posting gains.

Housing markets continue to be generally balanced across the country – CREA indicated that the sales-to-new listing ratio was in the ‘balanced zone’ in two-thirds of local markets, and the remainder was evenly split between markets where conditions were favourable to sellers and buyers.

The resilience of Canada’s housing market in August and September, at a time when renewed turmoil in global financial markets raised concerns that this might spook homebuyers, is reassuring on many levels. In general terms, it speaks volumes to the continued strength of the market’s underpinnings –  balance between demand and supply, positive employment trends, and low interest rates. But perhaps more importantly, it says much about the confidence Canadians continue to have about making a major purchase and the financial commitment that comes with it.

While further global anxiety could unsettle homebuyers, we believe that the confidence Canadians have expressed to this point indicates that they are placing a greater focus on domestic economic conditions and market fundamentals than the volatility taking place outside of Canada’s borders.

Leanne Conroy

Mobile Mortgage Specialist
RBC Royal Bank
647-283-2035

leanne.conroy@rbc.com

It's Halloween time! My absolute favourite time of the year. Normally I shun all forms of squash, but I can't resist making coconut curry pumpkin soup, pumpkin pies, pumpkin shortbread cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes.....I just love the colour and the smell of pumpkins. And of course, I usually carve out about 6 or so for party decorations....it's a pretty eco thing to use for a decoration...

Are you going out trick or treating this year? We are and it's a Monday this year.....a little anti climatic after all the weekend parties but I can't resist going out if only for the yearly Halloween play on Langley at the corner of Howland. There are three shows, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 pm. Don't miss it!

One of my favourite places in Leslieville has closed it's doors...:-( ....Leonidas on Coady at Queen is gone and now, I must treck all the way up to the Danforth for a chocolate fix, at their Leonidas sister shop. I tell myself it might be best though, as the walk with work off any calories from a 3rd piece I might indulge in!  When pressed for time, I go around the corner from my brokerage to It's The Icing On The Cake... the most incredible cupcakes! Check out their Halloween treats!

Stay tuned for my fall listings and 'houses bought'....Happy Halloween everyone!

You've got to check this out...it's too funny and a very real example of why hiring a professional in real estate is the smart move for you! Click on the title of the article.

ForSalebyOwner.com founder gives up on own listing, hires real estate broker

The Fall Market; What a fabulous fall we've had so far. So many wonderful listings out now and still a very strong market. Predictions are not recommended, especially in writing, but I'd have to say, the next few months look very promising for a lot of sellers. Riverdale and Leslieville are indeed one of the hottest pockets in the entire GTA right now and will be for a number of years, I should think. There's so much building/developing just south of us, it can't help but be strong in the future.
Income properties are the flavour du jour for my clients these days and not surprisingly, these clients are women, 2 of them single. It's a fantastic way to agment your income and the ladies are on top of the game by investing in these. I have many contractor/ renovator friends in my pocket to help them along too, so the process is a lot less scary with a few guys wearing tool belts around. Proud to feel like I'm helping them build their portfolios this way!