Residential home sales activity recorded through the MLS® for the Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) totaled 602 units in April 2024, compared to 560 units in April 2023. In April, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 1396 residential properties compared to 991 in April 2023. The average days it took to sell a home in April 2024 was 40 days, a 29% increase from April 2023.

The Niagara Market continues the upward surge as the HPI Benchmark jumps to 644,700 from 633,400 last month. The Days on market continues going down as we dropped to 40 Days from 43 in March. The listings have also continued to climb with 1396 in April up from 1167 in March. If interest rates start to decrease it could create pressure on the Niagara Market. As always Buyers and Sellers really need to navigate the real estate market with a local REALTOR® to gain the knowledge and insight of this market, that continues to see variations within its 12 municipalities.

NOTE: The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is June 5, 2024. The Bank will publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the MPR on July 24, 2024

St. Catharines Farmers Market

Check out the St. Catharines Farmers Market every Saturday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Featuring over 40 vendors each week offering the best that Niagara makes, bakes and grows.

Address: 91 King St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3H6

Earth Week April

The Community Eco-Expo will feature local environmental organizations. The community eco-expo provides residents the opportunity to learn about local environmental organizations and the importance of Earth Week initiatives.

• Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
• Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
• Where: Meridian Community Centre - 100 Meridian Way
• Rotary Club of Fonthill will be hosting a Pelham Tree Planting Initiative for Earth Day!

Meadow Flowers Paint Night

Friday, April 19th 7-9 pm. Bring a friend! Paint with acrylics on a pre-sketched canvas. All materials are included to create your own masterpiece! No experience is needed. Follow along with Bev with easy step-by-step instructions live in the classroom at the Meridian Community Centre.

If you experience any difficulty registering online you may also make payment with a credit card by pre-arranged phone call at 289-990-8130 or E-transfer at bevsneath@yahoo.ca

The Keg Wines of Niagara

INFO:

• Thursday April 19th - 6pm Dinner with wine pairing, The Madhatters will be performing at 8pm
• Price - $100 per person for dinner with wine pairing.
• Where: The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls.

Reservations can be made at fallsviewrestaurants.com or at 905-374-5170. Guests can just make a reservation and order off the menu if they wish. 

Volunteer Spotlight

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight is Community Support Services Niagara.

Happy in my Home, Community Support Services of Niagara is a volunteer based, client-driven community support service to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently in their own homes.

I have been a volunteer with the friendly visiting program since 2023 and have been matched with the most wonderful person. I’m lucky to be able to support this incredible volunteer based program here in Niagara.

Restaurant of the Month

Welcome to Next Kitchen and Bar located at 200 HWY 20 EAST #6.

Fonthill’s new hot spot for All You Can Eat Tapas every Thursday, Taco Tuesday’s, Brunch & Chill Sunday’s & Kids Eat Free on Monday’s.

They offer live music, a great atmosphere and incredibly delicious food and drinks. Be sure to add it to your list of places to try, you won’t be disappointed.

MY GO TO MENU ITEM: The Dirty Bird Chicken Sandwich.

Let's talk about what we saw in the real estate market over the last month.

In March, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 1167 residential properties compared to 1046 in March 2023. The average days it took to sell a home in March 2024 was 43 days, a 4.9% increase from March 2023. March was a strong month, with increases complimenting the upward trend we are seeing in the market over the last few months. With the HPI benchmark price at $633,400, an increase of over 2% over last month, which is a positive sign for the market in Niagara; buyers are starting to be more aggressive as the time on the market has been reduced to 43 days from 54 days in January.

BUYERS: There's been a significant rise in activity and multiple offers, particularly in the lower price brackets. It's highly advisable to get pre-approved and consult with a local real estate agent who can provide valuable guidance throughout the buying process.

SELLERS: Price, Preparation and Marketing are the three most crucial steps for a smooth and seamless sale. With spring in full swing, stable interest rates, plus the potential for rate decreases in the near future, there are ample opportunities in the market for both buyers and sellers alike.

While the market is trending in the right direction, it is important buyers and sellers contact a local Niagara REALTOR® to help them navigate this market.

Canada to allow 30-year amortization for first-time buyers' mortgages on new homes:

This week's standout mortgage development in Canada is the reintroduction of 30-year amortizations, set to launch on August 1st for first-time buyers purchasing newly constructed homes with default insurance.

Since 2012, insured mortgages have been confined to 25-year amortizations. This alteration comes amidst a period of historically low housing affordability.

Here's a succinct overview of this policy revival:

For first-time buyers making the minimum five percent down payment, extending from a 25- to a 30-year amortization could potentially qualify them for approximately five to 5.5 percent more home, holding all other factors constant. Alternatively, it might reduce the necessary income to qualify for a mortgage by over five percent. These estimations are based on a 4.99 percent mortgage rate and no additional debts.

According to Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, this adjustment is anticipated to entice more buyers into the market, counteract high interest rates, and bolster prices, consequently spurring more construction. Increased construction aids in addressing the primary issue in housing: a scarcity of homes due to substantial immigration.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this change? 

Check out the current listings available!