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News

Royal LePage launches new mobile site
Site to feature homeowner and agent insight on listings, neighbourhoods

TORONTO,ON, November 2, 2011 - Royal LePage Real Estate Services today launched an innovative new mobile website, developed for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry mobile devices. With a user-friendly, app-like feel, the site will provide information on Royal LePage listings across Canada, as well as a wide range of neighbourhood information. Most notably, the site will include comments from those who know the listings and neighbourhoods best - the homes' current owners and real estate agents.

"Buying a home is often the largest financial decision Canadians will make in their lifetime," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "To help prospective buyers make informed decisions, our new mobile site allows users to gain extra insights from the seller about their home and comments from the agent about the neighbourhood."
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Heat Waves and Snow Storms Both Have Cooling Effect on Home Sales, According to Royal LePage Survey

Over 40 per cent of real estate agents in national survey say unusual weather patterns over the past five years have affected Canadian housing markets

TORONTO, August 22, 2011 - An unusually snowy winter, a prolonged rainy spring, or a blistering hot summer - such as the recent heat wave in central Canada - can have a significant near-term impact on home sales, according to a national survey of real estate agents conducted by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

Just over 41 per cent of the 1,434 agents surveyed say they have noticed that the unusual weather patterns experienced over the past five years have affected housing market activity. If a region is experiencing a heat wave or an unusually long winter, sellers may be more reluctant to list their homes and buyers may be less willing to get out into the market to look for a property.
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High Second Quarter House Prices Conceal Early Signs of A Moderating Market
Slower price appreciation expected in the second half of 2011; National average house price forecast to end the year 7.7 per cent higher than 2010

TORONTO, July 7, 2011 - Canada�s residential real estate market saw sizable year-over-year price increases in the second quarter of 2011, but high house prices are concealing early signs of a moderating market, according to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released today. The market has seen its near-term peak in house price appreciation, and a slower second half of the year is expected. Still, by the end of 2011, the national average house price is expected to be 7.7 per cent higher than it was at the end of 2010.
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Canadians Confident in the Investment Potential of Recreational Properties: Survey

Bullish attitude toward recreational properties reflects recent strength of housing market, according to Royal LePage

TORONTO, May 20, 2011 - An overwhelming majority of Canadians who have either purchased or who intend to buy recreational property in the next 24 months believe that buying a vacation home is a good long-term investment, according to a nationwide survey of Canadian attitudes towards recreational property ownership commissioned by Royal LePage Real Estate Services and run on the Angus Reid Forum.

Overall, the survey found that 89 per cent of current owners and prospective buyers agree that recreational properties are a good long-term investment. Broken down by region, this included 92 per cent of respondents from Alberta, 91 per cent of Ontarians, 87 per cent of BC residents and 81 per cent of people surveyed in Quebec.

When respondents were asked to compare recreational properties to the stock market in terms of providing a larger financial return on investment, 50 per cent said recreational properties provided a larger return. Only 29 per cent replied investing in the stock market, while 21 per cent were undecided.

"Canadians' confidence in recreational property values is mirroring what we have been seeing in Canada's urban centres," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive, Royal LePage Real Estate Services. "This spring, the horror stories from some fundamentally flawed international housing markets that had dampened demand for cottage-type living during the recession era, are being shrugged off. Canada's traditionally buoyant recreational property market appears to have found its groove once more."
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Royal LePage: Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Home This Spring

TORONTO, May 11, 2011 - Spring is upon us and the housing market is set to enter its busiest time of the year. With winter a mere memory and lots of sunshine on the way, many potential homebuyers will be out and about looking for the perfect home to suit their needs and budget. If you're preparing to put your home on the market this spring, there are a number of things you can do to erase signs of winter wear and improve your home's appeal.

"Whether you're in a buyer's market or seller's market, simple, cost-effective improvements like applying a fresh coat of paint to your home's interior or exterior can transform your home and help attract greater interest from potential buyers," said, Dianne Usher, Vice President and Division Manager, Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Johnston & Daniel Division. "Larger-scale improvements like renovations can also enhance a home's appeal while some houses might require repairs after a long and harsh Canadian winter."

To make sure your home is not only sale-ready but fetches the highest possible price, Royal LePage compiled a list of the top ten tips for selling your home this spring:

Create curb appeal - First impressions count! Get rid of any debris that winter left behind, edge your gardens and add creative arrangements to your front porch.
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way - Refresh the interior and exterior of your home by painting your walls, front door, garage, shed and fence.
Clean, clean, clean! - Nothing will turn a potential buyer away quicker than a dirty home. Be sure to scrub your floors and wash your windows.
Inspect your exterior - Have a professional check your property for any damage to your roof, shutters or siding caused by winter wear.
Are renovations required? - An updated kitchen or bathroom might boost your home's appeal as well as the value of your home.
Engage the senses - Create a welcoming scent for potential buyers by lighting a few scented candles or placing fresh flowers throughout your home.
Turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis - Update your patio furniture to create a relaxing outdoor environment.
Reseal your driveway - This will remove any wear and tear and keep your driveway looking new.
Depersonalize your home - Potential buyers want to picture themselves in your home. Remove family photos and diplomas.
Rid your home of unwanted clutter - Donate gently used items to a local chairty.

Rate of Home Price Appreciation Stabilizes after Post-Recession Recovery Home values continue to rise, according to Royal LePage

TORONTO, April 12, 2011 - The Royal LePage House Price Survey released today showed the average price of a home in Canada increased between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the previous year, as markets continued their post-recession recovery. While the rate of year-over-year price appreciation slowed slightly in the first quarter, home values continued the upward climb, which first began late in the second quarter of 2009.

Low interest rates and a recovering economy continued to fuel activity in Canada's housing markets over the past year, which has led to country-wide increases in average home prices. In the first quarter of 2011, the national average price of a detached bungalow rose 4.3 per cent year-over-year to $341,355, while standard two-storey homes rose 3.5 per cent to $379,388 and standard condominiums rose 4 per cent to $237,919.
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Royal LePage Shelter Foundation: $1.8 Million Raised in 2010 to Stop the Cycle of Family Violence

TORONTO, March 22, 2011 - The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is thrilled to announce its fundraising total for 2010 - a record-breaking $1.8 million to support abused women and their children across Canada.

Now in its 13th year, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation supports close to 200 shelters across the country, helping more than 30,000 women and children every year. It's also committed to funding violence prevention and education programs. Since its inception, the Shelter Foundation has raised $12 million with the help and support of generous Royal LePage agents, brokers, managers and administrative staff, along with members of the communities in which they live and work.
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Scotiabank Forum Discusses the Year Ahead for the Canadian Real Estate Market

TORONTO, March 1 /CNW/ - In a presentation earlier today moderated by Scotiabank's Managing Director of Real Estate Secured Lending, David Stafford, Scotiabank's Chief Economist Warren Jestin and Senior Economist and real estate specialist Adrienne Warren were joined by Phil Soper President & CEO of Brookfield Real Estate Services to share their views on what 2011 has in store for the Canadian economy and the Canadian real estate market.

During the forum, held in Toronto, keynote speaker Mr. Soper discussed the potential impact of such variables as immigration and the availability of mortgage insurance on house values. Mr. Soper also explored some of the questions about the future of housing currently being debated across the country and across North America, including his thoughts on the age-old rent versus buy debate.
Read the complete article on Canadian Mortgage Magazine