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FEBRUARY 2024 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

In February, low inventory and high demand continued to push prices up in Calgary. Despite a rise in new listings, sales increased by almost 23%, keeping the sales-to-new-listings ratio at 79%, maintaining inventories at historic lows. The tight supply and increased sales led to the months of supply falling to just over one month, resembling levels seen last spring. Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®, noted that strong demand and low supply are driving price gains, particularly for homes under $500,000, which saw inventories drop by 31%. Higher-priced homes are seeing rising supply, leading to more balanced conditions in that segment. The East district saw the highest year-over-year price growth at 25%, while the City Centre reported the slowest growth at under five percent.

*Data sourced from CREB (Calgary Real Estate Board)

February 2024 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

February 2024 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report


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Tips for creating Productivity and Comfort in your Home Office

In the era of remote work, having a functional and comfortable home office is paramount for success. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or just starting out, optimizing your workspace can significantly impact your productivity and well-being.

1. Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is key to reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity. Aim for a combination of natural light and artificial lighting sources to brighten up your workspace. Position your desk near a window to benefit from natural light during the day, and invest in adjustable desk lamps for task lighting in the evenings.

Organized home office

2. Office Chair: Invest in a high-quality ergonomic office chair that provides adequate support for your back, neck, and arms. Look for adjustable features such as seat height, lumbar support, and armrests to ensure proper posture and comfort during long hours of work.

Organized home office

3. Identify a Workspace: Designate a specific area in your home as your dedicated workspace. Choose a quiet and clutter-free corner where...

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The Silent Danger of Radon Gas in Your Home

In the realm of home safety, certain dangers lurk beneath our notice. One such hidden hazard is radon gas – a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into homes and pose serious health risks. 

As uranium breaks down, it releases radon gas, which can then enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, and floors. Once indoors, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, exposing inhabitants to increased health risks.

Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The danger lies in the fact that radon is undetectable by human senses, making it crucial for homeowners to actively test for its presence.

Homeowners can easily test for radon using radon test kits, available at most home improvement stores, Amazon or through professional radon testing services (google or see below for links). Short-term tests typically last between...

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DECEMBER 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

*Data sourced from CREB (Calgary Real Estate Board)

Strong migration and low supply drive Calgary housing prices in 2023 - Sales in 2023 did ease relative to last year's peak, but with 27,416 sales, levels were still far higher than long-term trends and activity reported before the pandemic. While sales stayed relatively strong, there was a notable shift in activity toward more affordable apartment condominiums style homes. “Higher lending rates dampened housing demand this year, but thanks to strong migration levels, housing demand remained relatively strong, especially for affordable options in our market,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “At the same time, supply levels were low compared to the demand throughout the year, resulting in stronger than expected price growth.” Inventory levels were persistently below long-term trends for the city throughout most of the year, averaging a 44 per cent decline over the 10-year average. We also saw the...

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NOVEMBER 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Board: "Gains in new listings occurred across most price ranges, but the most significant gains occurred from homes priced over $600,000. Despite the year-over-year jump in new listings, inventory levels remained low thanks to relatively strong sales. With 1,787 sales in November, the sales to new listings ratio remained high at 80 per cent, and the months of supply remained below two months. “Like other large cities, new listings have been increasing,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, in Calgary, the gains have not been enough to change the low inventory situation thanks to strong demand. Our market continues to favour the seller, driving further price growth.” "

November 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

November 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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OCTOBER 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

With a low inventory, the seller's market continues. 

Calgary Real Estate Board: “October sales activity slowed over the last month in alignment with typical seasonal patterns. However, sales levels were 17 per cent higher than last year and amongst the highest levels reported for October."

October 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

October 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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Building an Infill in Calgary

Building an infill property in Calgary involves several steps, including planning, permits, construction, and compliance with local regulations. Here's a general overview of how to build an infill property in Calgary:

  1. Feasibility and Research:

    • Identify a suitable infill lot in an established neighborhood.
    • Research the zoning regulations, land use bylaws, and any development policies that apply to the area. You can contact the City of Calgary's Planning and Development department for information on the specific property and its zoning.
  2. Engage Professionals:

    • Hire an architect or designer to create plans for your infill property that adhere to the local zoning regulations and reflect your vision.
  3. Financing and Budget:

    • Secure financing for the project. This may involve obtaining construction loans or securing investment partners.
    • Develop a detailed budget that includes construction costs, permits, design fees, and other expenses.
  4. Pre-Application Meeting:

    • Schedule a pre-application meeting with...
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Condo Living

Condo living in Calgary, as in many other urban areas, offers several benefits that appeal to a variety of individuals and lifestyles. Here are some of the advantages of living in a condo in Calgary:

  1. Location and Accessibility: Condos are often situated in prime locations within the city, providing easy access to amenities, public transportation, restaurants, and entertainment. This can be especially convenient for those who work or socialize in the downtown area.

  2. Low Maintenance: Condo owners typically pay monthly fees that cover maintenance and repair costs for the common areas and exterior of the building. This means you won't have to worry about mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, or dealing with major repairs, which is ideal for individuals with busy schedules or those looking to downsize.

  3. Amenities: Many condo developments offer a range of amenities, such as fitness centers, swimming pools, communal spaces, and even concierge services. These amenities can enhance your quality of life...

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REAL ESTATE INVESTING

Generating a real estate portfolio quickly involves a combination of strategic planning, efficient execution, and a focus on scaling your investments. Here are some steps to consider for fast-tracking the creation of a real estate portfolio:

Define Your Investment Strategy: Determine your investment objectives, such as property types (residential, commercial, multifamily, etc.), location preferences, and target returns. Having a clear strategy will help you focus your efforts and identify suitable opportunities. Research the difference between long- and short-term rentals – higher rates in short term, require more time.

Build a Network: Connect with real estate agents, accountants and lenders, who can provide valuable insights, potential deals, and financing options. Building a network with trades, almost every aspect of real estate will require trades at some point. 

Access Financing: Secure financing options that align with your investment goals. Explore traditional mortgages,...

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JUNE 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Another record-high month for Calgary, with low inventory.

Calgary Real Estate Board: “The demand for housing remains robust, bolstered by a healthy labour market and increased migration levels, which helps offset the impact of higher lending rates,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Although we have seen some recent improvements in new listings, particularly for apartment condominiums, it is not enough to cause any substantial change from the low inventory situation in our city. While new home starts are on the rise, it will take time to observe their impact on supply.” With a supply of just over one month, the current market conditions continue to favour sellers, placing upward pressure on home prices. 

June 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

June 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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MAY 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

May sales reach record high.

Calgary Real Estate Board: Thanks to a significant gain in apartment condominium sales, May sales rose to 3,120, a new record high for the month. While the monthly gains have not outweighed earlier declines, this does reflect a shift from the declines reported at the start of the year. At the same time, we continue to see fewer new listings on the market than last year, causing inventory levels to fall. With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 85 per cent and months of supply of one month, conditions continue to favour the seller placing further upward pressure on home prices. “Calgary’s housing market continues to exceed expectations with the recent gain in sales activity this month,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “The higher interest rate environment and recent rental rate gains have driven more consumers to seek apartment condominium units. In addition, the recent rise in new apartment listings has provided enough...

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Garage Door Upgrade

A new garage door can be a complete refresh. Updating your garage door can improve the look and functionality of your home. 

If your garage door is in great working condition, a new paint could give it the boost it needs. 

Return on investment when replacing an old, warped, paint pealing door is typically close to 100% and will stand the test of time. A renovation worth doing even if you are not planning on moving in the next five years.

Check out the difference online before taking the plunge.

Amarr Door Design is a fantastic and super easy process.

Before:

  

After:

Garage Door


Using Door Designer to pick:  


Garage Door

Garage Door

Garage Door

Garage Door

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Tips for Eco Friendly Yards in Calgary

Calgary, like many other cities, is becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Here are some tips for creating an eco-friendly yard in Calgary:

  1. Choose native plants: Native plants are well-suited to Calgary's climate and require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. They also provide a habitat for local wildlife.  Eco friendly yard
  2. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. You can create your own compost or purchase it from a local garden store. The City of Calgary gives away compost from the green bin program for free – although you need to book a time slot for pick up. Details on when / how to book:  https://www.calgary.ca/waste/residential/green-cart-compost-giveaway.htmlEco friendly yard
  3. Install a rain barrel: A rain barrel collects rainwater from your roof, which you can then use to water your plants. This helps conserve water and reduces your reliance on the municipal water...
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Maintaining your Deck, Extend the lifespan of you Deck

A deck is a valuable addition to any home, but it also requires regular maintenance to ensure maximum durability. Here are some tips to help you maintain your deck:

  1. Clean your deck regularly: Sweep your deck regularly to remove dirt, debris, and leaves. Use a garden hose or pressure washer (low setting) to clean your deck annually. You can also use a deck cleaner to remove any stains or discolorations.Deck Maintenance
  2. Inspect your deck: Inspect your deck regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, splinters, or rot. Replace any damaged or rotten boards to ensure the safety of your deck.Deck Maintenance
  3. Seal or stain your deck: Apply a sealer or stain to protect your deck from moisture and UV rays. Choose a product that is specifically designed for your type of decking material.Deck Maintenance
  4. Check the hardware: Check the hardware on your deck, such as screws and bolts, to ensure they are tight and secure. Replace any rusty or corroded hardware to prevent accidents.Deck Maintenance
  5. Trim surrounding foliage: Trim any trees or bushes surrounding...
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Curb Appeal: 10 tips to add value to your home right now.

Great curb appeal will add value to your home, whether you are selling or not.  If the houses on the street appear well kept, property values will be better than in an unkempt neighbourhood.  When houses on your street sell for more money, the value of your home will increase. Keeping your house tidy on the outside will help theirs sell for more money. Ready to sell or not these are great tips to keep up the curb appeal, from budget friendly to splurges they will increase the value of your home, now and years to come.

Here are some tips to help you create curb appeal for your home:

    1. Start with the landscaping: A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. Consider hiring a landscaper to help design and maintain your yard. 

      Ensure that it is weed free (no dandelions popping up) and not dried out & brown. Water, weed, and cut the grass. It is also important to trim the grass for a polished & finished...

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APRIL 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Prices reach record high.

Calgary Real Estate Board: This month, persistent sellers’ market conditions placed further upward pressure on home prices. After four months of persistent gains, the total unadjusted benchmark price reached $550,800, nearly two per cent higher than last month and a new monthly record high for the city. “While sales activity is performing as expected, the steeper pullback in new listings has ensured that supply levels remain low,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “The limited supply choice is causing more buyers to place offers above the list price, contributing to the stronger than expected gains in home prices.” In April, sales reached 2,690 units compared to the 3,133 new listings. With a salesto-new-listings ratio of 86 per cent, inventories declined by 34 per cent compared to last year and are over 45 per cent below long-term averages for April. While sales have eased by 21 per cent compared to last year, the...

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JANUARY 2023 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT

CREB Report: The level of new listings in January fell to the lowest levels seen since the late 90s. While new listings fell in nearly every price range, the pace of decline was higher for lower-priced properties. At the same time, sales activity did slow compared to the high levels reported last year but remained consistent with long-term trends. However, there has been a shift in the composition of sales as detached homes only comprised 47 per cent of all sales. “Higher lending rates are causing many buyers to seek out lower-priced products in our market,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, the higher rates are likely also preventing some move-up activity in the market impacting supply growth for lowerpriced homes. This is causing differing conditions in the housing market based on price range.” With 2,451 units available in inventory, levels remain 43 per cent lower than long-term trends for the month. While overall inventory levels are slightly...

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DECEMBER 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Reports "December sales eased, however, slowing sales over the second half of 2022 were not enough to offset earlier gains as sales reached a record high of 29,672 units in 2022.Over the past several months, the pullback in sales was also met with a significant pullback in new listings, causing further declines in inventory levels. As of December, there were 2,214 units available in Inventory, making it the lowest level of inventory reported for December in over a decade. “Housing market conditions have changed significantly throughout the year, as sales activity slowed following steep rate gains throughout the later part of the year,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, Calgary continues to report activity that is better than levels seen before the pandemic and higher than long-term trends for the city. At the same time, we have faced persistently low inventory levels, which have prevented a more significant adjustment in home...

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NOVEMBER 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Board Report: Residential sales in the city slowed to 1,648 units, a year-over-year decline of 22 per cent, but 12 per cent above the 10-year average. The pullback in sales over the past six months was not enough to erase gains from earlier in the year as year-to-date sales remain nearly 10 per cent above last year’s record high. The year-to-date sales growth has been driven by a surge in both apartment condominium and row sales. “Easing sales have been driven mostly by declines in the detached sector of the market. Higher lending rates are impacting purchasers buying power and limited supply choice in the lower price ranges of the detached market is likely causing many purchasers to place buying decisions on hold.” A decline in sales was met with a pullback in new listings and inventories fell to the lowest level reported in November since 2005. The pullback in both sales and new listings kept the months of supply relatively tight at below two months....

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OCTOBER 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Board reports: Sales remain stonger than pre-covid levels. October sales eased compared to last year’s levels, mostly due to slower activity in the detached sector. However, with 1,857 sales this month, levels are still stronger than long-term trends and activity reported prior to the pandemic. Year-to-date sales have reached 26,823 and with only two months to go, 2022 will likely post a record year in terms of sales. “Calgary hasn’t seen the same degree of pullback in housing sales like other parts of Canada, thanks to persistently strong demand for our higher density product,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “While our city is not immune to the impact that inflation and higher rates are having, strong employment growth, positive migration flows and a stronger commodity market are helping offset some of that impact.” New listings also trended down this month causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to rise to 85 per...

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SEPTEMBER 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Board of Real Estate "City of Calgary, October 3, 2022 - Strong sales for condominium apartment and row properties was not enough to offset declines reported for other property types. This caused city sales to ease by nearly 12 per cent compared to last year. However, with 1,901 sales in September, activity is still far stronger than levels achieved prior to the pandemic and is well above long-term trends for September. Despite recent pullbacks in sales and thanks to strong levels earlier in the year, year-to-date sales remain 15 per cent higher than last year’s levels. “While demand is easing especially for higher priced detached and semi-detached product, purchasers are still active in the affordable segments of the market, cushioning much of the impact on sales,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “At the same time, we are seeing new listings ease, preventing the market from becoming oversupplied and supporting more balanced conditions.”...

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AUGUST 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Supply levels ease with fewer new listings in August 

Calgary Real Estate Board: City of Calgary, August sales activity was comparable to the strong levels recorded last year and well above long-term trends for the month. While sales have remained relatively strong, there continues to be a shift towards more affordable options as the year-over-year pullback in detached sales was nearly matched by gains for multi-family product types. “While higher lending rates have slowed activity in the detached market, we are still seeing homebuyers shift to more affordable options which is keeping sales activity relatively strong,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “This makes Calgary different than some of the larger cities in the country which have recorded significant pullbacks in sales.” At the same time, new listings continue to trend down, preventing any supply gains or a substantial shift in the months of supply. Despite year-over-year gains in new listings,...

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JULY 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

CREB: City of Calgary, August 2, 2022 - Significant slowdowns in the detached and semi-detached market were nearly offset by sales growth in the apartment and row sectors. This left July sales three per cent lower than levels recorded last year. While this is the second month where sales activity has slowed, total residential sales this month are still amongst the strongest levels recorded in our market. “Rising lending rates are causing shifts within the market and, as a result, new listings for higher-priced product are on the rise relative to sales activity,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Meanwhile, there continues to be a lack of supply for lower-priced detached and semi-detached product. This is driving consumers who are looking for affordable homes to purchase apartment- and row-style properties.” Residential new listings in the city declined compared to what was seen in 2021, but when considering the dynamics between price ranges, we are...

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JUNE 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Market starts to shift as sales slow -

JUNE 2022 CREB City of Calgary real estate board:

Sales activity in June eased relative to the past several months and with 2,842 sales, levels declined by two per cent over last year’s record high. While sales activity has remained relatively strong for June levels, the decline was driven by a pullback in detached and semi-detached home sales. “As expected, higher interest rates are starting to have an impact on home sales. This is helping shift the market toward more balanced conditions and taking some of the pressure off prices,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “While we are starting to see some transition, it is important to note that in Calgary year-todate sales are still at record levels and prices are still far above expectations for the year.” This pullback in sales was not met with the same level of pullback in new listings. This caused inventories to trend up over previous months. These shifts...

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MAY 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Market continues to favour the seller despite slowing sales 

May 2022 CREB City of Calgary real estate board:

For the second month in a row, sales activity trended down after alltime record high sales in March. While activity in the market slowed down in May, with 3,071 sales, levels are still slightly higher than last year’s record high and are far stronger than typical levels of activity recorded in May. “It’s not a surprise to see sales ease from the exceptionally strong levels seen earlier in the year. Many buyers were eager to get into the market ahead of the rate gains that we are now seeing,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “While higher lending rates are weighing on sales activity, the market is still struggling with supply levels and rising prices which could also be contributing to slower sales, especially in the detached market. Nonetheless, if this shift continues, we could begin to see more balanced conditions in the market...

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APRIL 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

April 2022 CREB City of Calgary real estate board:

Sellers' market conditions continue in April.

Following an all-time record high month of sales in March, activity slowed down in April. However, with 3,401 sales this month, it was still a gain of six per cent over last year and a record high for the month of April. “Despite some of the monthly pullback, it is important to note that sales remain exceptionally strong and are likely being limited due to supply choice in the market,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “While further rate increases will likely start to dampen demand later this year, more pullbacks in new listings this month are ensuring the market continues to favour the seller, resulting in further price gains. New listings trended down relative to last month and levels recorded last year. With the sales-to-new listings ratio remaining above 74 per cent, there was not much of a shift in overall inventory levels. With 4,850 units in inventory,...
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FEBRUARY 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

February 2022 CREB City of Calgary real estate board:

City of Calgary, March 1, 2022 - Thanks to a surge in new listings, sales activity reached a record high for the month of February with 3,305 sales. The rise in new listings caused adjusted inventories to rise above last months levels. However, with only one month of supply, the market continues to favour the seller. “Sales have been somewhat restricted by the lack of supply choice in the market. While sellers did respond with a record level of new listings this month, the demand has been so strong that the housing market continues to remain undersupplied causing further price gains” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. The total residential benchmark price for the city rose by nearly six per cent over January levels and was over 16 per cent higher than levels recorded last February. Much of the growth has been driven by the detached segment of the market which has not seen conditions this tight in over 15 years....

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JANUARY 2022 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

January 2022 CREB City of Calgary real estate starts are in.


We saw a month filled with low inventory on detached and semi-detached homes causing many sales to go into competing offers, pushing the average price of detached homes from $559,202 last January to $624,161 this January.


City of Calgary, February 1, 2022 - Thanks to persistently strong sales, inventory levels were the lowest levels seen since 2006. This caused the months of supply to remain exceptionally low for this time of year at 1.3 months. The tight market conditions contributed to further upward pressure on prices. The unadjusted benchmark price in January reached $472,300, a monthly gain of nearly two per cent and a year-over-year gain of 12 per cent. “Expected gains in lending rates are contributing to persistently strong demand in the housing market, as purchasers are eager to get ahead of any increases,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “We did see more listings this month, but it did...

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DECEMBER 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

December 2021 CREB City of Calgary real estate starts are in.

A number of factors are keeping inventory low particularlyin the single family homes... concerns over rising interest rates, material and labour shortages creating supply issues on new home builds, demand for larger homes.

We are seeing some of the lowest inventory levels ever in detached homes.

CREB: City of Calgary  - Thanks to exceptionally high sales in December, 2021 was a record year for home sales. Calgary sales reached 27,686 units this year, nearly 72 per cent higher than last year and over 44 per cent higher than the 10-year average. “Concerns over inflation and rising lending rates likely created more urgency with buyers over the past few months. However, as is the case in many other cities, the supply has not kept pace with the demand causing strong price growth,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. As of December, the unadjusted benchmark price rose by nearly one per cent over last month...

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NOVEMBER 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Board "Persistent sellers’ market conditions drive up prices"

"Driven by growth in demand for all property types, there were 2,110 sales in November, just shy of the record for the month set in 2005. “Lending rates are expected to increase next year, which has created a sense of urgency among purchasers who want to get into the housing market before rates rise,” said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “At the same time, supply levels have struggled to keep pace, causing tight conditions and additional price gains.” New listings in November totalled 1,989 units, which was fewer than the number of sales this month. With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of over 100 per cent, inventory levels dropped to 3,922 units and the months of supply dipped below two months. It is not unusual to see new listings and inventories trend down at this time of year, but slower sales are also typical. Instead, sales have remained at roughly the same levels...

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OCTOBER 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Calgary Real Estate Board "Market continues to favour the seller in October  - There were 2,186 sales in October, a record high for the month and over 35 per cent higher than longer-term averages. Year-to-date sales are on pace to hit new record highs and are currently 61 per cent higher than average activity recorded over the past five years and 42 per cent higher than 10-year averages. “Moving into the fourth quarter, the pace of housing demand continues to exceed expectations in the city,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Much of the persistent strength is likely related to improving confidence in future economic prospects, as well as a sense of urgency among consumers to take advantage of the low-lending-rate environment.” New listings have improved relative to last year, but stronger sales caused further easing in inventory levels, which remain 16 per cent lower than last year and longer-term averages for the month. Supply levels have...

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SEPTEMBER 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

Sales remain strong in September

City of Calgary, October 1, 2021 - Residential sales totalled 2,162 in September, nearing the record high for the month recorded in 2005. Further gains in new listings likely supported some of the sales growth that occurred this month. “While sales activity in the fall tends to be slower than in the spring months, the continued strong sales are likely being driven by consumers who were unable to transact earlier in the year when supply levels had not yet adjusted to demand,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “The market continues to favour the seller, but conditions are not as tight as they were earlier this year.” Inventory levels in September eased to 5,607 units, keeping the months of supply below three months. However, there is significant variation depending on property type and the tightest conditions continue to be in the detached market, with under two months of supply. At the same time, the apartment condominium...

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AUGUST 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

CREB - Citywide sales in August reached 2,151 units, 37 per cent higher than last year and 25 per cent higher than long-term trends. Sales have slowed from the record-setting pace seen earlier this year, but on a year-to-date basis, the eight-month total of 19,516 sales is higher than annual sales figures recorded over the past six years. “Sales have far exceeded expectations throughout most of the pandemic, driven mostly by demand for detached homes. At the same time, supply could not keep pace and conditions shifted to favour the seller, something that has not happened in over six years,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “With more buyers than sellers, prices rose, providing opportunity for many of the move-up buyers in the market. Over the past several months we have seen some adjustments in supply relative to sales, helping move us toward more balanced conditions.” The months of supply in August was nearly three months. This is an improvement...

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JULY 2021 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

CREB - Price growth slows as supply to demand balance improves.

City of Calgary, August 3, 2021 - July sales totaled 2,319 units, which is well above long-term averages and the best July on record. The pace of sales growth has eased over the past few months, but so too has the pace of new listings growth. This has helped prevent any further monthly gains in inventory levels, and while overall supply remains slightly higher than last July, it’s mostly due to gains in apartment and row product. With 6,678 units in inventory in July, the months of supply rose to just under three months. These gains are leading to far more balance between sellers and buyers. However, there is a significant variation between product type, as the months of supply ranged from two months in the detached sector to nearly six months in the apartment condominium sector. “Over the past several months, we have seen housing market conditions trend toward more balanced conditions,” said CREB®...

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JUNE 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

Supply trends up, but market still favours the seller

City of Calgary, July 2, 2021 - Calgary’s housing market is showing few signs of letting up, as sales reached 2,915 units in June – a record high for the month. “It is taking time for supply to catch up with the demand in the market,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Through the early spring market, many buyers did not have a lot of choice, but the recent improvements in supply are providing more options for those purchasers and supporting the strong sales we continue to see in June. At the same time, gains in inventory are taking some pressure off the market as it starts to trend towards more balanced conditions.” New listings in June totalled 4,135, the second-highest level ever recorded for the month. This caused inventories to trend up to 6,918 units. While this is higher than longer-term averages, it was balanced by strong sales and the months of supply remained relatively tight...

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MAY 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

Inventory rises, but seller's market conditions remain.

City of Calgary, May 2021 - With 2,989 sales, housing market activity hit a new May record. Despite strong levels of sales, they did trend down relative to last month. Additionally, there were 4,562 new listings, causing seasonally adjusted inventory levels to increase over last month. “The recent gains in prices have encouraged more homeowners to list their homes and take advantage of the current market situation,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, the inventory gains are still not enough to offset the demand growth and the market continues to favour the seller. Prices are rising, but they are still recovering in our market from previous highs in 2014. Only detached and semi-detached home prices in certain districts and communities have recovered to the level of previous monthly highs.” The months of supply did trend up slightly this month to just over two months, but it was not enough...

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APRIL 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

Demand for homes remain high with record sales in April


City of Calgary, May 3, 2021 - There were 3,126 sales in April, a new record high for the month, as Calgary's housing market continues to bounce back from the pandemic lows recorded in 2020. “Despite entering the third wave of COVID-19, there is more optimism of economic recovery when the economy re-opens,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, the recent surge in home sales could be a result of potential buyers wanting to enter the market before any further changes occur in prices, interest rates and lending policy. This could erode some of their purchasing power.” Recent price gains and tight market conditions have also encouraged many sellers to list their home this month. However, demand was strong enough to absorb the additional supply, ensuring the market continues to favour the seller. With 4,670 new listings coming onto the market in April, inventory levels trended up relative to last...

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MARCH 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

Best March Sales in Over a Decade.

City of Calgary, April 1, 2021 - The initial impact of COVID-19 on the housing market began last March. One year later, it is not a surprise that March sales in 2021 were higher than in 2020. However, at 2,903 sales, this was the highest March total since 2007. “Low lending rates and improved savings have supported sales activity,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “However, sales have been somewhat restricted by the lack of listings. This month there was a jump in new listings, contributing to the strong monthly sales.” Inventory levels pushed above 5,400 units, but citywide months of supply fell below two months. This reflects the lowest months of supply for March since 2014 and these tight conditions have contributed to price gains. In March, the benchmark price trended up over last month to $441,900, over six per cent higher than last year’s levels. The price gains have moved the market closer to recovery,...

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FEBRUARY 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

City of Calgary, March 1, 2021 - With gains in every price range, residential sales activity in February totalled 1,836. This reflects the best February since 2014. “Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, housing activity continues to improve. Much of the strong sales activity is expected to be driven by exceptionally low mortgage rates,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Confidence is also likely improving as vaccine rollouts are underway. Additionally, some of the worst fears concerning the energy sector are easing with recent gains in energy prices.” New listings also improved in February, but the gap between new listings and sales narrowed. This is causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to rise to 65 per cent, keeping the months of supply well below three months. Conditions are far tighter in the detached sector of the market, especially for product priced below $600,000, where strong sellers’ market conditions are present with less than...

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JANUARY 2021 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

City of Calgary - January 2021 sales were the highest they have been for the month since 2014, as housing market momentum from the end of 2020 carried over into the start of 2021. Sales activity improved across all product types and across all price ranges. “Discount lending rates are exceptionally low, which is likely attracting all types of buyers back into the market,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “New listings in the market were also slightly higher than what was available over the past two months, which is providing more options to purchasers.” January’s new listings were 2,249 relative to the 1,208 sales in the market, causing inventories to edge up over December levels. These types of movements are typical for January, but 2021 is starting the year with 4,044 units in inventory. This is far lower than the past six years. Benchmark prices remained at levels relatively consistent with prices recorded at the end of 2020, but they reflect...

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Cross-Country Skiing in and around Calgary

There are many Xcountry Skiing trails in and around Calgary. South Glenmore Park and Bowness park are maintained by the City of Calgary parks department.


There is also cross country skiing at some City of Calgary golf courses (stay off the fairways/greens and on the designated trails - if people abuse the golf courses they will no longer stay open to winter activities):

Maple Ridge Golf Course - tracks set by skiers, sometimes by the City.


Shaganappi Golf Course - trails at Shaganappi are maintained by volunteers from the Shaganappi Nordic Operations Club. Grooming for skate skiing will be done a minimum once a week, more frequently depending on volunteer availability.



Confederation Golf Course - maintained by Foothills Nordic Ski Club volunteers

Calgary has many sites that are ungroomed and open to the public but do not recieve tracksetting. Parks and schoolyards offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Some ungroomed areas include:


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Outdoor Skating Calgary

The city of Calgary has several skating locations that are nicely maintained for leisure skating. 2020 brought two skating trails as a trial (at Bowness and North Glenmore Park).  In addition to these parks, most communities in Calgary maintain an outdoor skating rink. Many have both a rink with boards as well as a small leisure skate area.

Outdoor rinks may open or close on short notice, it is best to check current ice status before you head out.

Big Marlborough Park

Skating rink.  Address:6033 Madigan Dr. N.E.

Skating hours: 5 a.m - 11 p.m. daily

Bowness Park

Lagoon and new ice trail.  Address:8900 48 Ave. N.W.

Skating hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily

Rentals: available;  skates, ice bikes, helmets (rental availability may differ from skating hours)

Carburn Park

Skating rink.  Address:67 Riverview Dr. S.E.

Skating hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

North Glenmore Park 

New ice trail and skating rink (small square in the middle of the skating loop). &nb...

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DECEMBER 2020 CREB CITY AND REGION MARKET REPORTS

With December sales of 1,199, this is the highest December total since 2007. “Housing demand over the second-half of 2020 was far stronger than anticipated and nearly offset the initial impact caused by the shutdowns in spring. Even with the further restrictions imposed in December, it did not have the same negative impact on housing activity like we saw in the earlier part of the year,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. Attractive interest rates along with prices that remain lower than several years ago have likely supported some of the recovery in the second half of the year. However, it is important to note that annual sales activity declined by one per cent compared to last year and remain well below long-term averages. New listings in December increased by 11 per cent. However, the number of sales exceeded the number of new listings in December contributing to further declines in inventory. Reductions in supply and improving demand in the second half of the...

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DECEMBER 2020 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

CREB "City of Calgary - With December sales of 1,199, this is the highest December total since 2007. “Housing demand over the second-half of 2020 was far stronger than anticipated and nearly offset the initial impact caused by the shutdowns in spring. Even with the further restrictions imposed in December, it did not have the same negative impact on housing activity like we saw in the earlier part of the year,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. Attractive interest rates along with prices that remain lower than several years ago have likely supported some of the recovery in the second half of the year. However, it is important to note that annual sales activity declined by one per cent compared to last year and remain well below long-term averages. New listings in December increased by 11 per cent. However, the number of sales exceeded the number of new listings in December contributing to further declines in inventory. Reductions in supply and improving demand in...

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Energy-Saving-Tips

The average household spends thousands a year on lighting, heating, cooling and other electrical requirements. When you reduce your energy consumption, you also lower the production of greenhouse gases.

   Purchase appliances that have an Energy Star label.

Energy Star products have been manufactured to work efficiently by using minimal amounts of electricity. Excessive carbon pollution, created by burning fossil fuels, causes drastic changes in climate. When you purchase Energy Star products, you can be assured that you have selected appliances that will reduce your carbon emission footprint.

 Insulate your home and Re-Seal leaks

Add loose fill insulation or blanket insulation to the floor of your attic. Since heat rises, it is important that warm air does not escape through your roof! Before you add insulation, make sure that the old material is disposed appropriately. Consult a home renovation specialist to determine the best type of insulation for your home.

 ...

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With lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. To get sparkling windows, a clutter-free garage and more, here are 14 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring.


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9 Steps to a De-Cluttered Kitchen ready for Sale.

Getting your Calgary home ready for sale. 

A cluttered home feels smaller and more crowded than it really is.  Clutter makes a home feel like there is a lack of storage space.  One of the most cluttered space I typically see is the kitchen.  It is after all deemed by most as the most important place in the home, the heart of the home. 


Start with the surface areas that you can see.


Step 1.  Give the kitchen a general cleaning.  You will be giving it a super sparkling clean once it’s de-cluttered.


Step 2.  Clear personal clutter out, calendars with appointments, day timers.  Kids’ toys, homework . . . all of it.


Step 3.  Clear everything off the fridge.  All those photos, sticky note reminders.  Everything.  Tuck it into a folder and pack it away.


Step 4.  Clear the counters.  All the small appliances must go.  Yes, that means the...

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Looking for things to do in and around Calgary?  There are several places to head out to enjoy a round of mini-golf in and around Calgary.


1. Canada Olympic Park – NW Calgary. A family favorite.  There are some very challenging holes as this course is built onto the side of the hill.  A beautiful spot tucked into the trees. winsport.ca


  

2. Stone Creek Adventure Golf – Country Hills Blvd (on the east side of Deerfoot at 999 Country Hills Blvd NE) – NE Calgary.  Another family favorite, it is also well treed.  A lot of water and vintage decor add to the atmosphere at this course.


Oasis – Pebble Beach located South of Calgary / Heritage Point/DeWinton.  This course is challenging in that it has holes longer than 75 feet and greens wider than 26 feet.  Waterfalls , fountains, and streams throughout the course add to the beauty and the challenge. golf4fun.ca


Crystal Ridge Golf – Okotoks – Maxman’s Mini...

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Curb Appeal: 14 tips to add value to your home right now.

Curb Appeal.  Great curb appeal will add value to your home, whether you are selling or not.  If the houses on the street appear well kept, property values will be better than in an unkempt neighbourhood.  When houses on your street sell for more money, the value of your home will increase. Keeping your house tidy on the outside will help theirs sell for more money. Ready to sell or not these are great tips to keep up the curb appeal, from budget friendly to splurges they will increase the value of your home, now and years to come.


1) Driveway.  Remove oil and other stains. Remove any grass or weeds that are growing through cracks. Fix driveway sags, especially if it affects the roof-line of the garage. The driveway is one of the first things a buyer sees and perceives as being a large expense that they don’t want to deal with. The entire driveway doesn’t necessarily have to be dug up, there are companies that will lift sagging or sinking concrete....

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