While Canadian home sales have been inching up month-over-month, they have remained firmly below 2017-levels all year. And, according to a new note from BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic, that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

“[The Canadian Real Estate Association] will release the full set of October housing market data [this week], and the overall picture will continue to look stable/subded,” writes Kavcic. “National sales are estimated to be down 6 percent year-over-year, slightly improved from September’s 8.9 percent year-over-year decline.”

Kavcic predicts that the average price for a home will rise 1 percent year-over-year, partly due to the ongoing sales decline in the Vancouver market.

“Recall that in the prior month, the median average price gain across the 26 markets tracked was just under 3 percent year-over-year, confirming the relative home price stability across most of the country,” he adds.

Another continuing trend? A East-West divide in performance, with markets in Ontario and Quebec posting strong activity gains, while Alberta and BC continue to struggle.

“On the strong side, Ottawa and Montreal continue to churn out near-7 percent year-over-year price gains amid tight conditions,” writes Kavcic. “On the weak side, Vancouver sales were down a still deep 35 percent year-over-year, with prices for both detached homes and condos correcting.”

Meanwhile, the Toronto market has largely balanced out, with sales up 6 percent year-over-year.The average sale price for a home rose 3.5 percent year-over-year last month, hitting $807,340, and the MLS Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up 2.6 percent year-over-year.

Source: https://www.livabl.com/2018/11/canadian-housing-market-remain-stable-subdued-bmo.html

November is finally upon us and with each passing week, the days are getting both shorter and colder. There has never been a better time to skip the outdoors and stay within the cozy confines of your home. With these helpful ideas, you can make the most of your November from the comfort of your own home!

Take Back Your Space

It can start slowly, but clutter can steadily take over your home if you aren’t careful! First, a few knick-knacks lying about from a trip last summer. Then, a couple of mementos that you never had the heart to throw away. Perhaps an emptied pizza box that didn’t quite make its way into the recycling bin. Whatever the case might be, November is a great chance to go through your home and clear out any unnecessary clutter—take back your living space!

Find A New Hobby

Even with the days getting shorter, you can still find plenty of time to start a new indoor hobby! Whether it’s painting, yoga, or playing an instrument—November is a great month to try something new. Without the allure of sunny days, it’s far easier to get invested in a new hobby. If you find one you really enjoy, it might come in handy when you need a break from the holiday stress of December!

Break Out The Holiday Decorations

If department stores can fill the aisles with holiday decorations over a month in advance, why can’t you? Get a jump-start on the holiday excitement by bringing out your holiday decorations towards the end of November. While others may struggle to find the time for decorating between shopping and arranging family dinners, you can relax and bask in the holiday cheer of your tastefully decorated interior.