The London St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) reported that August home sales were down 16.1% for our area compared to last August. In fact August makes it the 3rd consecutive month of lower sales volumes than a year ago. Despite the lower sales, prices have, on average, remained strong.

Home buyers have a larger selection to choose from without feeling rushed to make a decision, while sellers may have to wait longer to get a sale, at least prices are not falling. This is the making of a balanced market.

For a graphical analysis of average home prices year to date and sales volumes visit Market Watch

Beautiful large four level back split featuring an updated kitchen opening to the bright and cheery dining area and living room. Upstairs there are three very comfortable, larger sized bedrooms.

The lower level features a family room with a fireplace and a walk-out to a private back yard, and two additional rooms for either bedroom or office use. Plenty of storage, laundry area and a hobby/games room are found on the fourth level.

Recent updates include windows, furnace and laminate flooring

Close to all amenities including a community center with a pool, 3 schools, shopping and the 401.

31 Patience

Kitchen

Dining

Living Room

Family Room

Yard

Pond

They come in all shapes and sizes, from muscle cars to vans, pick up trucks and family sedans.

Below is a gallery of photos, Click on the thumbnail to enlarge

[Show as slideshow]

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Last time we looked at the cost of homes in London, Ontario in 1949. From the ads posted, a 3 bedroom house complete with dining room and living room with hardwood throughout and located in what is now known as Old South could be purchased for less than $10,000.

What  were salaries like in 1949?

Teachers $1800 to $2,000 per year

Herdsman earn more than a teacher

$35.00 a week

Help wanted ads were classified by gender. For the women and “girls”:

$1.00 per hr for the ambitious

$25.00 a week for a nurse

And just for fun!

Married men make better stable help

Alert girl wanted

Smart girls needed

Next time we will do the math comparing salaries to home prices 

Browsing a London Free Press newspaper issued on June 11,1949 I came across the real estate section of the classified ads. There were no colour photos back then and very few pictures of smiling realtors, just efficiently written ads, cramming as much info as possible in a small space.

Hydro and oil furnaces were features in some homes. Others were still heated with coal!

So, were homes more affordable in 1949 than today? Most families were single income back then.

Next week I will scan the jobs section and compare salary to house prices. Stay tuned.