Rising Consumer Confidence may equate to more homes sold on Salt Spring Island

Consumer Confidence Rises in March reads the headlines in the Vancouver Sun March 23/09 edition.

The article suggests that confidence improved throughout the country with the exception of Ontario where levels were unchanged. Confidence levels rose the most in Atlantic Canada up 7 points to 80.7. B.C. continues to be most optomistic up 1.4 points to 82.6. Praries rose 5.1 points to 76.1 and Quebec rose 4.5 points to 68.8. Ontario remained unchanged at 66.3 per cent.

The telephone survey results are from early March to 2,000 plus participants. It is suggested that the margin of error is plus or minus 2.19 per cent, 19 out of 20.

Salt Spring Island Farm With A View

A FARM WITH A VIEW…. the following photos were taken from our farm, Sweetwater Farm, in the Cranberry Valley Salt Spring Island over the past few months.

Believe it or not things are warming up all over. We are seeing a THAW! The weather and the real estate market have been pretty much hand in hand these past few months. In December 2008 and January 2009 the Salt Spring real estate market was experiencing the chilling weather conditions. Real estate sales in February have increased substantially over January. 403 homes and properties sold in February as was reported through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s MLS®. Although down from the 619 sales in February last year, this is in increase from the 247 sales in January, which translates to a significant 63% increase.

This dramatic increase in sales is a very positive sign. Last month’s sales, as quoted by Chris Markham president of the Victoria Real Estate Market, reflect a return to the typical February numbers that were evident in the late 1990’s, which was considered to be a stable market. MLS sales for February 2009 in the region of the Victoria Real Estate Board® (which includes Salt Spring Island), reported the sales of 223 single family homes, 109 condominiums, 47 townhomes and 7 manufactured homes.

Things are looking up, and warming up! If you are considering selling your home or property this year, now is the time. I offer Free Market Evaluations. I can help you with the marketing of your home, as well as offer advice and tips on preparing your home or property for sale.

It won’t be long and it will be time to plant! Our dog Bailey as seen here …. is an enthusiastic gardener……are you?