Managing Uncertainty: Newman George Leech's Real Estate Finance Strategy
York Region Real Estate Market Shows Continued Rally in Q3 2009
1. Living
NORTH OF THE CITY
A Quarterly Market Analysis of York Region’s Executive, Estate, and Acreage Properties
Local Expertise, Global Connections
Vol. 1 Issue 4
2. THE SOTHEBY'S STORY
A PRESTIGIOUS BRAND BUILT ON A
260-YEAR REPUTATION
Sotheby’s was founded in London in 1774 as an auction bookseller. It is currently
represented in over 35 countries and conducts auctions on five continents.
Sotheby’s went public and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1988.
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY:
A HERITAGE RICH IN HISTORY
Sotheby’s International Realty® was founded in 1976 and its early mission was
to augment the auction business by offering a complete package of estate
disposition services.
Today, Sotheby’s International Realty operates in more than 500 offices in key
residential and resort markets in 39 countries.
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is locally owned and operated by some
of North America’s most experienced professionals. We currently have ten
offices nationwide, with two located in Ontario. We provide our clients with
the highest standard of professional, intelligent real estate services.
A DISTINCTIVE PROPERTY DESERVES
A DISTINCTIVE MARKETING PLAN.
Sotheby’s International Realty brings property marketing to a new level. We offer a comprehensive, global approach
to advertising, utilizing the strength of our international network to reach as many qualified potential buyers as
possible. Our marketing programs include:
PRINT MARKETING NETWORK MARKETING
We have an in-house team that will create unique and The powerful global marketing and referral resources
high-impact marketing materials to complement our sales of Sotheby’s International Realty, combined with our
approach to attract qualified buyers to your home. Our sophisticated marketing programs, provide highly effective
clients benefit from exclusive corporate rates and prime marketing strategies for home sellers. In addition to
placement in local, national, and international publications the various print and digital media opportunities, your
including the Globe and Mail, Architectural Digest, Robb Report, property will be showcased in our network of Canadian
Preview Magazine, New York Times, Gourmet, International and international offices.
Herald Tribune,The Wall Street Journal and Country Life.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
DIGITAL MARKETING Does your home have a story to tell? By working closely
Your property will receive online exposure on with a distinguished public relations firm, you can gain
sothebysrealty.ca and sothebysrealty.com, as well as on a additional international exposure for your property in
number of other highly trafficked sites including those of some of the world’s most respected publications.
the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
3. LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Recent stories in the media have focused on how well the Greater Toronto
Area has performed this past quarter. The media has given a number of reasons
for this – ranging from low interest rates, to pent up demand, to increasing
consumer confidence. They’ve even described how first-time purchasers
entering the market are making up the bulk of transactions.
A closer look at the sales data for the last three months reveals that only
approximately 5% of transactions in York Region are for properties valued for
more than $750,000 - the top-tier of the real estate market represents a small
sliver of the total. Most real estate brokerages conduct a large volume of sales
in the lower price ranges, with only a small percentage in the top tier. Others,
such as Sotheby’s International Realty, specialize in selling unique, distinctive
homes that truly benefit from savvy marketing programs with global reach.
You’ll find differences in the type of print media used, photography, websites
and a host of other details that make the difference between basic and deluxe.
If your property falls in the luxury range, why not ensure that the sales and
marketing techniques used to sell your home reflect it's uniqueness.
If you are in the process of seeking a sales representative to market your home,
ensure that he or she has the experience to match its value. We invite you
to call us for a complimentary consultation, and to explore our approach to
marketing distinctive homes.
Best regards,
Allison Parent Lisa Clark
M.B.A., B.A.Sc. (Civil Eng.) B.A.A., e-PRO®
Sales Representative Sales Representative
e. aparent@sothebysrealty.ca e. lclark@sothebysrealty.ca
c. 416.910.4507 c. 416.258.6053
www.allisonparent.com www.lisaclark.ca
If you would like to receive a complimentary
copy of International Architecture and Design,
Sotheby’s International Realty RESIDE Magazine,
or Sotheby’s Preview, please call or email us
(contact information noted above).
On the Cover,
Autumn arrives in Waterloo.
Property ID#4000009958
A Review of Third Quarter 2009 Vol 1 Issue 4
4. LIVING NORTH OF THE CITY
In the third quarter of 2009, York Region experienced a York Region† - Detached Homes Available (Inventory)
continuing rally in the real estate market. The market is very
different from a year ago, when we began to see a Buyer's 3500!
market emerge, listing volumes increase, and when sales 3000!
volume started to tumble.
Number of Units
2500!
The top chart outlines the total number of units available for 2000!
sale each month. There were 4,929 units available for sale in
Q3-2009 - a 46% decrease from Q3-2008. The number of 1500!
units available in September 2009 is slightly higher than the 1000!
number available in August 2009, which is consistent with
seasonal market trends - the result of homes that did not sell 500!
during the prime summer season. 0!
Jan! Feb! Mar! Apr! May! Jun! Jul! Aug! Sep! Oct! Nov! Dec!
The second chart shows the number of detached homes sold
each month. We have seen an overall increase of 52% in unit 2009 2008 2007
sales in the third quarter of 2009 versus the same period in
2008. However, it should be noted that the rate of increase
has slowed throughout the quarter, which is quite normal
as we enter the final quarter of the year. Unit sales in July
increased a remarkable 66% over last year, while unit sales in York Region† - Detached Homes Sold
September 2009 were 40% higher than September 2008. 1400!
1200!
The final chart outlines the Sales-to-Inventory ratio for York
Number of Units
Region's real estate market. To calculate the ratio, we take 1000!
the total number of sales in a given time frame and divide
800!
that by the total inventory for the same period. The general
consensus in the real estate industry is that a balanced market 600!
occurs when this ratio lies between 15% and 25%. We have
400!
been experiencing a Seller's Market since April 2009, however
the Sales-to-Inventory ratio has been decreasing throughout 200!
the third quarter - from a rate of 62% in July 2009 to a rate
0!
of 48% in September 2009- again this is most likely due to the
Jan! Feb! Mar! Apr! May! Jun! Jul! Aug! Sep! Oct! Nov! Dec!
seasonal influences that affect real estate markets.
2009 2008 2007
York Region† - Overall Sales-to-Inventory Ratio
70%!
60%!
50%!
Seller's Market
40%!
30%!
20%! Balanced Market
10%!
Buyers Market
0%!
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†Note: Our commentary is based on detached residential properties listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS ®) in TREB map areas N01-N08 and N10-N14
A rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives
5. LUXURY MARKET REPORT
Year-to-date sales in the luxury bracket, at 704 properties, were up almost 11% compared to the first nine months of 2008. During
the months of July, August, and September 2009, 213 detached homes sold in southern York Region* for $750,000 or more, up 72%
in volume over the same period in 2008. Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and King posted top sales of greater than $3 million, while the
highest sales in Thornhill and Aurora reached over $2 million.
The following section provides an overview of properties listed at or sold for $750,000 or greater during the third quarter of
2009.
Aurora
Seventeen properties sold in Aurora, with a top sale of $2.7 million, which was sold by Sotheby's International Realty Canada. There
are 49 active listings, with the highest listing being offered at $4.7 million. Median days on market were up almost 30%, from 37 in
Q3-2008 to 48 in Q3-2009. Median list price was up 23%, from $932,000 in Q3-2008 to $1.149 million in 2009.
King
The inventory absorption in King was slow during Q3-2009, with only eight properties selling in the $750,000 and above category.
One hundred and fifteen properties are currently for sale, with the top listing being offered at $4.5 million. The highest sale in the
quarter was $3.6 million, the highest in our profiled communities.
Newmarket
Eleven luxury homes are for sale in Newmarket, with the highest listing being offered at $1.95 million, nearly 10% higher than the top
listing in Q3-2008. Days on market increased significantly from the same period last year, from 25 during Q3-2008 to 54 in Q3-2009.
One luxury home sold in the quarter.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill posted a $3+ million sale again this quarter. Inventory in the luxury bracket is moving quickly, with properties selling
on average in 24 days, at 97% of asking price. One hundred and fifty-four properties are currently for sale, with the highest listing
being offered at $4.25 million. Eighty-six properties sold in the quarter, more than double the 33 sold in Q3-2008, but a decrease
from the 92 sold in Q2-2009.
Thornhill
Ninety luxury homes are currently for sale in the community of Thornhill. During Q3-2009, 24 homes sold for greater than
$750,000 at a median price of $1.025 million. Days on market were nearly double compared to the same period in 2008, up from
25 during Q3-2008 to 52 in Q3-2009. The highest sale was $2.85 million, while the highest listing is $9.4 million.
Unionville/Markham
The inventory to sales ratio in Unionville/Markham is one of the tightest in the study area, with 38 homes selling during the quarter
with only 69 homes available for sale. Median days on market were 19, down significantly from 31 last year and 29 in Q2-2009. The
highest sale this quarter was $1.65 million, while the highest listing is $2.89 million.
Vaughan
During Q3-2009, 21 homes sold, up from 18 in Q3-2008. Days on market were down to 36, a reduction of 13% over the same
period last year. The highest sale reached $3.2 million, while the highest listing is for $4.78 million. Ninety-three luxury properties
are currently for sale in the area.
Whitchurch / Stouffville
The Whitchurch / Stouffville area achieved a high sale of $1.45 million in the quarter, with 18 luxury properties – more than double
the same time period in 2008 – trading hands during the same time period. Properties were on the market for 53 days. There are
currently 113 properties for sale over $750,000. The median sold price in this area this quarter was $972,000, with the top sale at
$1.45 million. The top listing is being offered for $4.25 million.
*Note: Our commentary is based on detached residential properties listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS ®) in TREB map areas N01-N08 and N10-N14, with a sold price of $750,000
or greater, that sold during the months of July, August, and September 2009. Data is accurate as of September 30, 2009. For Days on Market calculations, we used median.
A rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives
6. OUR FEATURED PROPERTIES
To learn more about our featured properties, please visit our international website,
www.sothebysrealty.com, and enter the Property ID # associated with each property, or contact the listing agent directly.
36 Kraft Drive, Waterloo, ON ID# 4000009958 85645 Forest Lane, Goderich, ON ID# 4000011989
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of country living, minutes from the Extraordinary views are yours to enjoy from this stunning residence,
city. This beautiful estate home spans 11,000 square feet, and sits on located on almost 45 acres of secluded land fronting onto Lake Huron.
112 acres of landscaped grounds, overlooking Waterloo’s Grand River. With two residences, this is the perfect family retreat! The tennis court,
Features include dramatic custom millwork and finishings throughout, fire pit, inground pool & poolhouse, indoor games room & sauna offer
a spectacular indoor pool with retractable glass roof, a tennis court, endless hours of entertainment.
cabana, walking trails, and four ponds. Live and entertain in grand style.
Lisa Clark* www.lisaclark.ca (c) 416.258.6053 Lisa Clark* www.lisaclark.ca (c) 416.258.6053
Allison Parent* www.allisonparent.com (c) 416.910.4507 Allison Parent* www.allisonparent.com (c) 416.910.4507
14716 Creditview Road, Caledon, ON ID# 4000011386 5507 Tenth Line, Erin, ON ID# 4000012390
Ideally located farm on 89+ acres in Cheltenham. Good opportunity for This 98.54 acre property offers an ideal residential development
future development options with over 865ft of frontage on Creditview opportunity! Now included in the Official Plan of Erin Township for
Road. Property contains one of a kind custom built 2-storey log home & development.
large barn with office.
Allison Parent* www.allisonparent.com (c) 416.910.4507 Allison Parent* www.allisonparent.com (c) 416.910.4507
7. OUR FEATURED PROPERTIES
To learn more about our featured properties, please visit our international website,
www.sothebysrealty.com, and enter the Property ID # associated with each property, or contact the listing agent directly.
Stone Century Inn, Westport, ON ID# 4000012281 L Tower Penthouse Suites,Toronto, ON
Host to local weddings, conferences and retreats, this Inn is located on Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the iconic L Tower will rise 57 stories at the
approximately 50 acres of gorgeous countryside. This unique property corner of Yonge and Front. The luxurious penthouse suites range in size
boasts six buildings along with a new pool (2008) and man-made pond from 1,106sf to 2,444sf. Original Munge Leung-designed kitchens, 10ft
- the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and other special ceilings and other decadent features define the space. Groundbreaking
celebrations. in October, 2009.
Allison Parent* www.allisonparent.com (c) 416.910.4507 Lisa Clark* www.lisaclark.ca (c) 416.258.6053
ABOUT US
Allison Parent Lisa Clark
M.B.A., B.A.Sc. (Civil Eng.) B.A.A., e-PRO®
*Sales Representative *Sales Representative
e. aparent@sothebysrealty.ca e. lclark@sothebysrealty.ca
c. 416.910.4507 c. 416.258.6053
www.allisonparent.com www.lisaclark.ca
Over the years, Allison has worked with the country's top-ranked luxury Lisa's interest in assessing market conditions and developing pricing
real estate companies offering high-quality service to clients in all price strategies is largely a result of her background prior to joining Sotheby's
ranges. Having formerly worked in the high-technology industry in a - she was a consultant with an international consulting firm, and also
business leadership role, she is accustomed to working in fast-paced, owned her own consulting business. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts
high-stress environments. During her 10+ years in this industry, Allison degree, and is a certified e-PRO®. She is a member of the Institute for
managed client accounts that generated over $100 MILLION in annual Luxury Home Marketing, the Markham Board of Trade, and the Vaughan
revenue. Allison holds an M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) Chamber of Commerce. Lisa grew up in Woodbridge, and is a long-time
degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University, as well resident and active community member in Thornhill, where she currently
as a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering from the lives with her husband and four children.
University of Waterloo. She currently resides in Newmarket with her
husband and two sons.
8. Please accept this invitation to call us and discover the
difference of Sotheby’s International Realty®.
We look forward to representing you.
For further information, please contact:
A llison Parent
M.B.A., B.A.Sc. (Civil Eng.)
L isa Clark
B.A.A., e-PRO™
Sales Representative Sales Representative
e. aparent@sothebysrealty.ca e. lclark@sothebysrealty.ca
c. 416.910.4507 c. 416.258.6053
www.allisonparent.com www.lisaclark.ca
Richmond Hill, Aurora, King, Caledon, Thornhill, Richmond Hill,Woodbridge,
Whitchurch-Stouffville, Newmarket and Kleinburg, Markham,Vaughan and
Uxbridge Unionville
Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage
497 Davenport Road
Toronto, ON M4V 1B7
416.960.9995
sothebysrealty.ca
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Brokerage. Independently owned and operated. If your property is currently listed
with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.