Retail sales rise for third-straight month

THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA-Retail sales increased for the third straight month in March in a further evidence of a stabilizing Canadian economy or at least a slowing of the torrid pace of decline experienced early this year.

And economists say the data, one of the last major pieces of information left that make up the first quarter gross national product reading, suggests the first three months of 2009 might not be as bad as some feared. (more…)

1947:  “The prices of houses seems to have reached a plateau, and there is a reasonable expectancy that prices will decline.” Time Magazine, 1947

1948: “Houses cost too much for the mass market. Today’s average price is around $8000… out of reach for 2/3 of all buyers.” Science Digest, 1948

1969: “The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans. The typical new house costs about $28,000.” Business Week, 1969

1970: “You might well be suspicious of ‘common wisdom’ that tells you, ‘don’t wait, buy now.’” NEA Journal, 1970

1977: “The median price of a home is approaching $50,000. Housing experts predict price rises in the future won’t be that great.” Nations Business, 1977

Kinda makes me want to hop in a time machine and buy a few of those “out of reach” $8000 houses in 1948! Despite what the “experts” might say - it’s always the right time to buy the right piece of real estate!

I came across this post on the active rain real estate network and thought it would be interesting.  Article has been reposted for www.carlstars.com  for all your real estate needs. 

Carl   

Article Provided by Jamie Carrol Vancouver Washington

The S&B Real Estate Team assists people in buying and selling real estate throughout Southwest Washington. We are proud members of Keller Williams Realty – Premier Partners in downtown Vancouver. Our local expertise covers: Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie, Hockinson, Ridgefield, Woodland and La Center. If you or someone you know is considering living or investing in Clark County, please contact us. Jamie Carroll can be reached at 360-609-6775 or via the “Contact Us” page at www.MyRealtorIsJamie.com. Steve Borwieck can be reached at 360-241-7305 or via the “Contact Us” page at www.SteveBSellsHomes.net. We are here to help!

The numbers are in and it is definitly not all doom and gloom !! There were 1232 homes sold in April. This represents a 12.6% decrease from last April 2008. We have had two quarters of declines, however some pricing is returning to last years levels.  The average freehold price was $ 302,306 which is a 0.3% increase. Condominiums are down 5% with an average price is $ 213,675.00 . The warm weather and excellent interest rates are adding excitement to the real estate market. This also demonstrates that Real Estate in Canada is and always will be an excellent long term investment. Some statistics have been provided by the Hamilton – Real Estate Board.

If you are Listing your home it is still imperative ( as always )  to price your home properly. There is still lots of inventory that is not selling due to  poor pricing  decisions.