The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is currently reviewing how Mortgages are approved for Canadians. Over the last few months we have seen some changes to the way self-employed individuals are assessed as well as a change in how investor mortgages are considered. In the upcoming weeks the following issues are on the table for Edmonton real estate:

1)      Currently mortgages are simply renewed at maturity with most lenders. There is discussion of having Canadians requalify or at the very least, be assessed for risk at time of renewal. This could affect renewal rates and terms.

2)      The viability of future income is being considered as a factor in debt ratios. This could affect your older clients nearing retirement. Currently mortgage are approved based on current income. The consideration of future income is now on the table.

3)      A discussion of reducing LTV to 65% for non-conforming mortgages is in play. There is also a discussion for further increasing the rates for these types of clients. This will affect your self employed clients even further should this be implemented.

4)      Clients can currently take a cash back or borrow the down payment to purchase their home in limited circumstances. This may end quickly as a trade-off to retain the ability to have a 5% down payment. There is discussion to increasing this to 10%. This will significantly affect all first time buyers.

5)      Heloc’s (or lines of credit) are under review. The OSFI would like to see the maximum LTV reduced from 80% to 65%. In addition to this proposed change, the OSFI would like to see Helocs amortized like a mortgage which means the interest only payment option is now under scrutiny.

Edmonton Real Estate Trends for 2012:

What’s in store for Edmonton and the Canadian real estate market in 2012? Let's take a look:

Pricewaterhouse Coopers and the Urban Land Institute released a survey, early January 2012, detailing a report with over 950 industry experts from Canada, the United States and Latin America  analyzing important trends developing this year.

Here's what they had to say regarding the top five trends for Canada:

1. Steady but “not stellar” investment prospects:

“Typically restrained Canadian consumers had been on uncharacteristic spending and home-buying binge encouraged by low interest rates, but their self-assurance has ebbed, and job growth has decelerated in response to all the noise about European and U.S. debt woes.”

“Interviewees signal a better-to-be-cautious investment approach.”

2. Continued strength in commercial markets:

“Canada’s resilient property sectors appear ready to weather any potential problems without severe distress.”

“Occupancies of 90% and higher persist in a near steady state equilibrium across most commercial markets from coast to coast.”

3. Toronto and Vancouver are still the top markets to watch for investment and development:

“Toronto and Vancouver retain their top survey rankings, boosted by international gateway status and diversified economies.”

“Calgary and Edmonton rebound with recent energy market gains, while Ottawa benefits from its large and sustaining government jobs base.”

4. The multifamily residential sector remains a safe bet:

“Continuing immigrant flows [will] sustain demand in the major cities. Even if job growth declines and home-buying cools, apartments should be a ‘safe haven.’”

“Aging demographics also favour more apartment demand: empty nesters and seniors move out of suburban homes into smaller, easier-to-maintain units with urban conveniences.”

5. But… renters will continue to favour condos over apartments:

“Apartment developers can readily obtain construction financing, but thin margins dampen interest: renters look for higher-finish condo-quality buildings, conditioned by all the condo units for rent.”

“Until the market turns, developers do better building condos instead. Investors can never get their hands on enough apartments.’”

-The Financial Post

Break Down:

So what does this mean?  In short, business as usual. Despite the ongoing economic pinch felt around the world, The Alberta Advantage continues to see us through in good stead.   In fact, when comparing the rends for Real Estate in Edmonton from last year, we're seeing a increase in sales:

Highlights of MLS® System activity (December 2011)

More good news from The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton: On January 4^th of this year, the Association reported that, on average, the sale of properties on the  Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) increased by 1.7%, an increase of 2.0% in detached family homes.  REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President (2011) Chris Mooney was quoted saying: “With economic uncertainty impacting Europe and depressed housing markets in parts of the United States, it is a relief to report on the stability and health of the local real estate market,”... “With prices and sales varying within a small range there is a solid base going forward into the 2012 market.

With stability and continued growth in the Edmonton real estate market, it's shaping up to be a great year! 

Remember, be prepared. When considering the sale or purchase of your home, take the opportunity to enlist my expert  advice,  with a glowing 98% sales ratio, we can work together to ensure your success.  Stop by the testimonials section  to read what others have to say.

To Your Success Edmonton!

- Alison Murray, Edmonton Real Estate

Stunning TURN KEY piece of Edmonton Real Estate in St. Albert.  2-Storey home with attached garage has everything a growing family needs.  Located in quite cul de sac backing onto a quite farmer`s field, this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home boasts over approximately 2,286 sq.ft. of developed living space.  Main floor features a spacious living room, dining room and kitchen in an open concept with Maple hardwood floors throughout, with big widows overlooking a large West facing pie lot.  Upstairs you have a fantastic bonus room with computer desk, a Master suite with walk in closet and ensuite, 2 more bedrooms and another full bathroom.  BRAND NEW professionally developed basement with large windows features family room, bedroom and full bathroom.  Custom upgrades such as Maple  cabinets and fireplace mantel  in a rich ‘Spice shade`, recessed lighting, and approx. $10k of custom drapery and blinds  is  what really sets this home apart.  Other notable upgrades include:  laundry on main floor, A.C., and built in vacuum.  Lastly, the private backyard is fully fenced and landscaped with a 12x14 deck and stone patio with NO neighbours behind you!  Walking distance to 5 schools; minutes to Anthony Henday. Truly a perfect family home and shows a 10++.  60 Norris Crescent.  $549,900. MORE PHOTOS COMING JANUARY 3OTH!!!

Welcome to this Rare Gem in Riverbend!  Half duplex with 4 bedrooms and double garage is located in an ideal Southwest Edmonton location across the street from spectacular single family residences.  Open floor plan with over 1594 Sq.ft. of developed living space and soaring vaulted ceilings.  Dining room opens to your large living room with fireplace.  Upper level features 2 spacious bdrms with 1 and a half renovated baths.  Lower level has large windows with 2 more roomy bdrms with another full baths. Delightful kitchen with upgraded cabinets, Teak hardwood floors, subway backsplash, and granite kitchen island. Garden patio door looking over your deck and large mature trees for privacy. Recently painted, fixtures upgraded, and custom Hunter Douglas blinds. Shingles, eaves troughs, HWT, furnace and carpet replaced in 2010.  Steps from River Valley trails; walk to 5 schools, and Riverbend Club. 10 min to U of A. 20 min. to Downtown! NO CONDO FEES! 4511 Whitemud Road. $379,999

Visit the today for a complementary home market evaluation; or for buyers,  fill out our search form and let Alison find the perfect condo to suit your needs.  http://www.edmontoncondosinfo.com Edmonton Condos

Thank you so much for helping us with our recent sale and purchase of our West Edmonton homes.  Again, we couldn't have been more pleased with the service you provided.  You were always professional, knowledgeable, and very hard working.  Our home sold so fast, and we received a fair price that we were happy with.  We have been living in the new house for a month now, and every single day we find ourselves saying," we are so happy ".   Our son Cooper plays in the back yard while I watch from the kitchen window.  Or, he is playing in the mountain of toys in the finished basement - he loves it here. Giuseppe is happy with the oversized garage and has done a few small projects around the house - couldn’t be home if he didn't, you know how he likes to work on things.  The bungalow is much better for my arthritis as well.  We truly feel at home here.  Thank you Alison for finding us such a wonderful West Edmonton home.  You were a pleasure to work with and we would definitely recommend you!

- Giuseppe & Jessical Piscopo

Hello Alison, 

Radka

“I had the very great pleasure of meeting Alison for the first time in 2006 and have had the subsequent pleasure of unhesitatingly recommending her to both close friends and even closer family members since. Her encyclopedic market knowledge, outstanding service, unfailing attention to detail and patient explanation through every step of the listing and sales process made the experience of selling my (very sorely missed since) Edmonton condo virtually worry and trouble-free in every way imaginable.

Alison is that rare combination of professional aptitude and "personal touch" attitude that makes her every client feel like "her only client".

christopher heatherington,