Home Affordability Improves

Courtesy of your Kelowna Mortgage Broker… 

 

Kelowna, BC – The Central Zone of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) reported the number of units listed on the Multiple Listing Service® in the Central Zone was down this month by 9% at 881 listings compared to 968 in January 2008. Total sales dollars of all property types sold on the MLS® in January decreased by 71% compared to January 2008 while the number of units sold decreased by 65% (114 units sold compared to 322 last December).  

 

“January is generally a slower month in real estate, but what we are seeing so far this year is the additional impact of slower economic conditions across the country and around the world,” says Brenda Moshansky, OMREB Director and REALTOR® in the Central Zone. “We are not immune to these conditions, and while we can’t escape the international and national downdraft, our downside will be mitigated somewhat by our demographics, Okanagan lifestyle and economic diversity.

 

Meanwhile, the upside is that affordability is improving and is better than at any time in the last two years,” she adds.  “Buyers, particularly first time buyers, can take advantage of an excellent selection, record low interest rates and more flexible sellers on everything from price to closing dates.”

 

Moshansky summarizes, “Listing inventories may come down in the coming months, so now is an excellent time to seriously consider the opportunities out there.”

 

The Central Zone of OMREB covers an area from Peachland to Lake Country and east along Highway 33 to Westbridge (including the Christian Valley).

 

The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) is comprised of 1,165 member REALTORS®  and 91 real estate offices in the Southern Interior of BC.  For the most comprehensive source of all real estate listings, home buying and selling information, visit our national websites at www.realtor.ca and www.icx.ca. Our local public website is available at www.omreb.com.  All OMREB listings are published in the MLS® Real Estate Review magazine available at all real estate offices and various locations in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, the Shuswap and Revelstoke areas.  For comprehensive Board-wide statistical information please visit www.omreb.com

Courtesy of your Kelowna Mortgage Broker

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