Vested...

This will be my final post.

We've bought a house. The deal is done, conditions are removed. We're about to become home-debtors, no longer renters. My father put it nicely, we'll be renting from the bank, not from a landlord. So true...

We're happy. We're excited to move into the new place. I'm already making a list of things I'd like to do around the house. I'm looking forward to cutting the grass, planting a garden (next year of course), painting, having our own bedroom, a garage to work on the car, a place to put down roots and really become a part of the larger community.

I think we got a half decent deal on the house, as far as deals go. Can you really call any deal these days a good deal? I've already noticed within myself my lack of interest in the real estate market. It's become boring to me. I now don't want to see prices crash, as we are now vested. My attitude has changed in that way. Before buying and becoming vested in the market, I wanted to see the market tank. I even wanted the economy as a whole to tank. I thought that we'd make it through the tough times and come out better on the other end. But today, I no longer wish these things. I don't really care if housing prices rise, because it won't affect us - we're in this for the long term, not to make a profit. I now find myself cheering the economy on, believing that this will stabilize the housing market, and that there will be lots of work for everyone!

Thanks to everyone for participating and reading this blog. I've enjoyed having it and providing a forum for discussion. I think I've learnt through it (although, some of you may disagree!), and had a place to vent my opinions. Unfortunately, my zealousness has severely decreased since my wife and I welcomed our little prairiegirl into the world. I love the quote that Just Jack gave after her birth "Astronomers are unable to find the centre of the Universe. You just found yours." Exactly! I hope that another forum for discussion can be found. I think it's great how HHV is broadening his blog to include financial topics.

I feel like today is a bit of an end of an era for me. This blog has been a part of my life for quite a while and become a small community in itself. However, it has now run it's course. It would be interesting to meet a lot of you, but I think that some feel like I've betrayed the readers of this blog, and I don't care to deal with that negativity. I don't believe I've betrayed anyone. My purpose of the blog was not to be a doomsayer or trash the real estate market, but rather to have a better understanding of it. We've bought because it was the right time for us, and that is the only reason.

Thanks again. Have a great summer, enjoy our beautiful city and country, and God bless!

Early June Sales Numbers

Of course, June sales numbers won't be out until tomorrow at the earliest. So here are my SFH sales estimates. Average price should be close to $600000, probably between $590k and $600k. June 2009 average will be higher than June 2008. Median looks to be around $535000. Total SFH sold in June will be slightly lower than May. I'd estimate that total VREB sales for June will also be a little lower than May, but higher than June 2008. It's a wide range, but sales should be between 750 and 850 for June. Inventory has also dropped - last night I recorded 4126 properties for sale, as per this realtor's website. This morning they show 3911 properties for sale. Inventory is significantly lower this June than June 2008.

We've put an offer on a house. They countered, we countered, they countered, and we couldn't agree on a price. We were disappointed, but in hindsight, I firmly believe it was a blessing in disguise. The search continues....