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, but prices remain over five per cent lower than 2014 highs. “Improving prices will likely support further gains in new listings, as sellers try to capitalize on the recent shift toward rising prices,” said Lurie. “Eventually, this will help support more balanced conditions, but it could take time before we see this shift in the market.”

March 2021 Calgary Real Estate Full Report

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 two months of supply. The market has faced relatively low inventory levels compared to sales for the past several months and prices continue to trend up. In February, the residential benchmark price rose over the previous month and currently sits four per cent above last years’ levels. Detached product has the lowest months of supply and is also exhibiting the most significant gains in prices. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the apartment condominium segment still has a relatively high level of inventory compared to sales, which is impacting price recovery for this property type.

February 2021 Calgary Real Estate Full Report

A new garage door can be a complete refresh. 

Check out the difference online before taking the plunge.

Amarr Door Design is a fantastic and super easy process.

Before:

Using Door Designer to pick  

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 a year-over-year gain just below two per cent. Average and median prices recorded higher year-over-year gains, likely due to larger gains in sales in the higher end of the market. Those segments do not have the same inventory constraints as lower-priced product.

January 2021 Calgary Real Estate Market Full Report

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:

• Weaselhead Natural Environment Park
• Edworthy Park
• Fish Creek Provincial Park
• North Glenmore Park

The province of Alberta has unlimited numbers of Xcountry ski trails. The following natural areas typically offer good terrain, varied ski trails and optimal snow conditions:

• West Bragg Creek
• Ribbon Creek
• Bearberry Nordic Centre (near Sundre)
• Sandy McNabb (west of Turner Valley)
• Canmore Nordic Centre (Day and season passes can be purchased at the Daylodge)
• Peter Lougheed Park
• Mt. Shark Trails
• Smith Dorrien
• Chateau Lake Louise
• Emerald Lake/Field Trails

Skier Bob Facebook page offers up to date information on ski conditions in Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Yoho, and West Bragg Creek. Check out his website for ski conditions http://www.skierbob.ca/   He also offers information such as which trails allow dogs on and off leash.

Facebook Group Cross Country Skiing YYC is a fantastic source of shared information. A group to ask questions and get tips, share trip reports and trail conditions, and anything else related to cross country skiing in Calgary and the Rockies.

Note: Some ski areas now charge user fees. Please check before you head out.

Best beginner Xcountry skiing around Calgary - great list by Rockies Family Adventures 

Walkers and those snowshoeing must stay completely off groomed trails, as any sunken footprints are a hazard to skiers, and also make the snow melt faster in low snow conditions.

There are many stores that rent cross country equipment - Google "renting cross country skiis Calgary" to find one nearest you.

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).  Address:7305 Crowchild Tr. S.W. 

Drive into the park, all the way to the West end. Several parking lot locations around the loop.  Skating hours:  11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

Olympic Plaza

Skating rink. Address:228 8 Ave. S.E.

Skating hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily

Prairie Winds Park

Skating rink.  Address:223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.

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

Thomson Family Park

Skating rink.  Address: 1236 16 Ave. S.W.

Skating hours:  5 a.m - 11 p.m. daily

Leisure skating rinks:

The City has over 50 adopted pleasure skating rinks which volunteers help flood and maintain throughout Calgary. Check out this list of locations. 

A fantastic map overview of outdoor skating in Calgary created by reddit user trollolhah:

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 year have contributed to some of the recent price improvements in the market. However, the recent gain in the benchmark price was not enough to offset earlier pullbacks as the annual residential benchmark price in Calgary declined by one per cent over last year. The pandemic has resulted in a significant shift in economic conditions, yet the housing market is entering 2021 in far more balanced conditions than we have seen in over five years. This will help provide some cushion for the market moving into 2021, but conditions will continue to vary depending on price range, location, and product type. More information about the 2021 housing market forecast for Calgary will be available at the CREB® Forecast on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

December 2020 Calgary Real Estate Market Full Report.

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 the second half of the year have contributed to some of the recent price improvements in the market. However, the recent gain in the benchmark price was not enough to offset earlier pullbacks as the annual residential benchmark price in Calgary declined by one per cent over last year. The pandemic has resulted in a significant shift in economic conditions, yet the housing market is entering 2021 in far more balanced conditions than we have seen in over five years. This will help provide some cushion for the market moving into 2021, but conditions will continue to vary depending on price range, location, and product type."

December 2020 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

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.

 Re-Evaluate your heating options

During the winter months, it is common that households increase their heat levels. Instead of increasing the level on your thermostat, purchase a radiant heater to keep in the rooms where you spend the most amount of time.

 Weather-proof your home

Take a walk around your home to identify the areas where cold or hot air can leak through. If you have direct access to your garage from the inside of your home, install weather stopper to seal the gap between the door and the floor. Take out the screens on your windows and install storm windows during the cold months. If you have a fireplace, use a damper to seal it!

 Ensure that your HVAC system is clean and functioning well

Make sure that the air filter in your HVAC system is clean so that air can pass through uninterrupted. Schedule a maintence check-up before the winter season! Clean all of the vents in your home from dust and other debris periodically to reduce the need to change your filters more frequently.

Did you know Calgary has an eco-community? Located in the community of Rocky Ridge NW Calgary: Echohaven

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 coffee pot.  If you have several bowls of fruit, put the fruit in the fridge, one tasteful bowl of fruit may stay for decorative purposes.  All 17 cords for phones and electronic devices, tuck them away.

Step 5.  If you are storing or displaying anything on top of your cupboards, it is time to pack it up.

Step 6.  Clear the window sills.  Make sure that you don’t have anything blocking the view or blocking the natural light from coming in.

Step 7.  A plant or two can make a kitchen feel warm and inviting.  Make sure the plants are not over grown or too big.  Clip off all dead leaves. 

Step 8.  If you have an eat-in kitchen nook, keep the table small.  It will show the purpose of the room and not feel too crowded.

Step 9.  As time permits, de-clutter and clean the pantry, fridge, cupboards, and drawers.  Grab a couple of boxes and label them: 1) keep but pack, 2) donate.  Donating as much as possible will de-clutter your kitchen now and going forward. 

Now that you’ve de-cluttered the kitchen, it’s time to make it sparkle.  Clean.  Clean.  Clean. 

Looking to sell your Calgary home, for a personal consultation contact us.

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 Golf (south of Calgary). This course is worth the drive just south of the city.  Located right beside the Crystal ridge golf course, it is a beautiful spot with full grown trees and great water features. crystalridgegolf.com

Shakers Fun Centre Mini Golf – East of Calgary at 9900 Venture Ave SE. A short drive to the East of Calgary. This is a fun course with jumps over the water and holes with 2 different routes for the ball to take.  It is located beside the go-cart track, so expect some noise from the track – but you can take in a couple laps while you are out there and make it a day of fun. shakerscalgary.com

Calgary Family Golf Centre North – 9550 Bearspaw Dam Road NW golf4fun.ca

Golf Canada (formerly RCGA) on the corner of Glenmore and Deerfoot Trail.  Brand new, 9 holes complete and ready for play.  Second 9 scheduled for construction in 2017.

Cochrane Mini Golf – 240 Riverview Drive, Cochrane, AB  This course opened in the summer of 2015 cochranegolfclub.com

Target Greens – Located on the North East corner of Stoney Trail & Trans Canada Hwy 1851 84St NE – Sadly the last day was May 30th, 2016 – this course/driving range is no longer in operation.

Indoor Mini-Golf:

Fun N More – Indoor black lit mini golf – 146 13226 Macleod Trail SE funnmore.com

Monster Golf – Indoor mini-golf – 2020A 32 Ave NE monsterminigolf.com

Wild Mines Calgary located in Northland Village Mall – Indoor mini-golf wildmines.ca