From March statistics from the Calgary Real Estate Board : “The rise in activity is related to the continued improvement of our economy and consumer confidence, as some concerns regarding the global economy have eased,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist.

The new MLS Home Price Index is announced as a superior method of evauating price trends. If you are curious about the methods, check out this site which gives a good overview.

The statistics for January show a slower month for real estate sales than last year but we were very busy - Rick was the top individual realtor in the Royal LePage Foothills SW office in January. And now February is proving to be even busier! If you have any questions about the statistics or are thinking of making a move, call Rick directly on his cell at 403-616-2881.

Calgary Real Estate Board Statistics are out for December - check them out and if you have any questions about the stats or real estate in general give me a call anytime at 403-616-2881.

"The strength in our economy, combined with affordability levels that outperform most major centres, will continue to attract migrants to the city and spur further growth in our Calgary housing market." says president of the Calgary Real Estate Board. Have a look at the Real Estate News for Dec 9 to 15, 2011 and call Rick Clowes if you have questions about anything you see there (403-616-2881).

This Housing Market Outlook report for Calgary is published semi-annually and offers forecasts and analyses of trends in the new, resale and rental housing markets.

The Calgary Real Estate Board Statistics are out for November and the Calgary market appears to be stable and even gaining strength: "Calgary residential sales in November increased eight per cent over last year, at 17,538 after the first 11 months of the year. "While sales activity tends to taper off in the winter months, so far this year Calgary area sales remain significantly stronger than levels recorded last year."  

Thinking about a reverse mortgages? Read todays article in the Globe and Mail first.

The Canadian Real Estate Association today updated the Canadian Real Estate Forecast for 2011 and 2012. In 2012 they predict Alberta will see a rise in the average price of homes by 2.2% and a 6.9% increase in the number of sales. See the full report.

Attend one of the City of Calgary Budget Process forums this week.

Check out the October Real Estate Statistics for Calgary.

Top ten cities in the Economist's 'Liveability Ranking": 1. Melbourne 2. Vienna  3. Vancouver  4. Toronto  5. Calgary  6. Sydney  7. Helsinki  8. Perth  9. Adelaide  10. Auckland

“Undoubtedly, there are a lot of unknowns in the world’s current financial
situation, but Calgary and Alberta may be relatively safe havens amidst
this uncertainty. Granted, gains in the housing market have been very
gradual—but we are seeing signs of improvements. Our province’s growth
is expected to outperform the national average, and this will help buoy
consumer confidence in Calgary and Alberta.”

See full 10-page report.

Calgary Real Estate Board Statisitics for August.

Cathy Lewis, a mortgage advisor we work with often reports:
"One of our lenders that we have preferred status with just announced moments ago – 3.09% fixed rate for a 5 year term. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone putting an offer on a home to get a historically low rate AND this is good for a 90 day rate hold on a pre-approval.
This is .50% below any other lenders lowest rate – so of course a great opportunity for well qualified applicants!"

Cathy Lewis
Mortgage Advisor
Jencor Mortgage
www.jencormortgage.com

The July statistics are out.for Calgary and area.

“A good selection of housing inventory, combined with positive economic fundamentals, is encouraging buyers into the market. Buyers are still quite value conscious, and in the current market are able to take advantage of the range of selection in a stable price environment.” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.

Canadians seeking Arizona luxury Bought a home per week priced at $1 million US for the past two years   by Marty Hope, Calgary Herald July 2, 2011 Not all Canadians are looking for an inexpensive winter escape in Arizona -far from it. For the past two years, almost a home per week has been sold in the Sonoran Valley for at least $1 million US to a Canadian buyer, says a non-profit trade council. Read more:...

 “After the first half of the year, it appears the recovery in the housing market is starting to find its footing."

See the entire package of statistics.

CALGARY — The Calgary region can expect short-term year-over-year house price growth in the five to seven per cent range, according to a report released Tuesday by the Conference Board of Canada. Read more at the Calgary Herald ...

Is Calgary's boom returning? So many indicators pointing to improved real estate market in Calgary:

.CALGARY - From BMWs to Bentleys to a good bottle of wine, Calgary consumers are opening their wallets in what's being described as more than just a recovering economy - with some even willing to say the word "boom" again.

Read the entire article in the Calgary Herald.

Listen to CBC Radio 'Alberta @ Noon' on Monday June 6 for discussion and phone-in on 'Real Estate Investing in Alberta'.

Interesting trends in the May statistics - inner city and single family homes are up

Today's Calgary Herald discusses Gen Yers (born 1979-1996) atitude to real estate. 1/3 of them will pay more for housing that allows them to walk to shops, work and entertainment. Over half say they would trade lot size for proximity to shopping or work. 2/3 of those who have children are willing to trade lot size and ideal homes for walkable, diverse communities. Good news for inner city areas and good news for improving the livability of communites. See:
Gen Y buyers set to influence city's future

 

Book Excerpt:

Buying your home: What can you afford?

Rachel Mendleson
Special to Globe and Mail Update
Published Wednesday, May. 18, 2011 6:15AM EDT

Click here for the full article.
 

Check out the stats at the Calgary Real Estate Board.

Drop by one of our Open Houses this weekend:

2210 Broadview Road NW - Gorgeous contemporary home on 4 floors in West Hillhurst! Saturday and Sunday 2-4:30.

40 Capri Avenue NW - Beautifully renovated walkout with views, huge sunroom and great backyard. Saturday 2-4:30.

38 Connaught Drive NW - Spacious family home on 4 private levels - with separate area that would be great for extended family or studio. Sunday 2-4:30.

Calgary Real Estate Statistics for February are out and things are looking good - sales are up and interest rates have stabilized: February Statistics.

We have worked with Cathy Lewis at Jencor to get great mortgage rates for innumerable clients. The following is from her blog: "Mortgage rates are starting to move upward. Now is the time to speak with a Jencor Mortgage Advisor to discuss your options. Take advantage of today’s rates whether you are early renewing, refinancing, converting from a variable to a fixed, purchasing a new home or investment. The Financial Post’s article below gives their opinion on where mortgage rates ar ... Full Article...

“More affordable housing will continue to attract homebuyers to the inner-city, particularly as employment in the city of Calgary continues to improve,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “Single family homes in the city are currently driving this gradual recovery, and we are seeing an uptick in the sale of homes below the $350,000 price point. This may suggest more first time homebuyers are entering the market, providing the fuel needed for a sustained housing recove ... Full Article...