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 and provide opportunities for social interaction with your neighbors.

4. Security: Condos often have security measures in place, such as controlled access, on-site security personnel, and surveillance cameras. This can provide a sense of safety and peace of mind, particularly for those who travel frequently or live alone.

5. Affordability: In comparison to single-family homes, condos in Calgary can be more affordable. This makes them a viable housing option for first-time buyers or those on a budget who want to own property in the city.

6. Community Living: Condo living fosters a sense of community. You're more likely to interact with your neighbors and have opportunities to socialize through organized events and shared common areas, which can be appealing for people seeking a sense of belonging.

7. Investment Potential: Condos can be a good investment opportunity, with the potential for rental income if you decide to move or invest in a second property. Calgary's real estate market has shown growth over the years, making it an attractive prospect for real estate investors.

8. Downsizing: Condos are a popular choice for empty nesters or retirees looking to downsize from larger family homes. They offer a more manageable living space while still providing access to urban amenities.

9. Environmental Benefits: Many modern condos in Calgary are built with energy-efficient features and eco-friendly designs, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, living in a denser urban area can decrease the need for long commutes and promote more sustainable transportation options.

10. Customization and Personalization: While condos may have limitations in terms of structural changes, you can often personalize the interior of your unit to reflect your style and preferences.

It's important to note that while condo living offers numerous benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and housing priorities before deciding whether condo living in Calgary is the best choice for you. Additionally, it's essential to research specific condo developments to understand their rules, fees, and amenities before making a decision.

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, private lenders, partnerships, or creative financing methods. Establish relationships with lenders and have your financials in order to expedite the financing process.

Leverage Technology: Utilize online platforms, such as real estate marketplaces and listing websites, to identify potential properties quickly. Utilize data analysis tools and online resources to streamline property research and due diligence.

Target Distressed Properties: Look for distressed properties, foreclosures, or properties with motivated sellers. These opportunities may offer favorable terms, lower purchase prices, and potential for value-add renovations. Having a good connection with a realtor can provide a heads up on opportunities.

Implement Efficient Due Diligence: Streamline your due diligence process by creating checklists, utilizing third-party professionals for inspections, and leveraging technology for property analysis. Quick and thorough due diligence allows you to move swiftly on viable deals.

Take Calculated Risks: Evaluate the risk-reward profile of potential investments and be willing to take calculated risks. Fast-tracking your portfolio may require being more open to value-add properties or emerging markets that offer higher growth potential.

Optimize Property Management: Efficiently manage your properties to maximize cash flow and minimize vacancies. Consider outsourcing property management to professionals who can handle day-to-day operations, allowing you to focus on acquiring additional properties.

Reinvest Profits: Continuously reinvest profits into acquiring new properties or scaling existing investments. Use cash flow, refinancing, or selling properties to fund new acquisitions and expedite portfolio growth.

Remember, building a real estate portfolio quickly also entails careful risk management, thorough research, and ongoing education. It is essential to maintain financial discipline, adapt to market conditions, and seek professional advice when needed.

Check out our website to get an idea of the large range of properties in and around Calgary that could use a full renovation, a tear down, an update, a clean-up, some TLC.

Creating wealth in real estate involves a combination of strategic planning, continual research and education, continual networking, and patience.

• Short term renovation projects, flipping
• Short term vacation rentals, buy and hold style
• Renovate distressed properties and then vacation rental
• Buy, rent, hold long term
• Buy, renovate, rent, long term
• Tear down and build new “in-fills”
• Commercial real estate
• Large multifamily rentals
• Condominium conversions

• Real estate investing
• Personal growth

• Carpentry, plumbing, electrical
• Accounting, Stats, Marketing, and Economics
• Corporate Finance Courses – the knowledge in these courses would benefit all types of business areas, especially commercial real estate
• Home Inspections
• Property Management

Books to get started, you should be able to find these at the library:

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki

“The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down" by Brandon Turner

“The Real Book of Real Estate” by Robert Kiyosaki

“The ABCs of Buying Rental Property” by Ken McElroy

“The Real Estate Game” by William J. Poorvu

“Investing in Real Estate” by Gary W. Eldred

Podcasts that could be of interest, you really need to try them out to find ones that you enjoy listening to:

"BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast" - Hosted by Brandon Turner and David Greene, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to real estate investing, featuring interviews with successful investors, industry experts, and professionals.

"The Real Estate Guys Radio Show" - Hosted by Robert Helms and Russell Gray, this podcast focuses on real estate investing strategies, market analysis, and interviews with industry leaders. They cover both residential and commercial real estate.

"Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris" - Clayton Morris provides insights on building passive income and achieving financial freedom through real estate. The podcast features interviews with successful investors and experts in the field.

"The Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast" - Hosted by Brian Hamrick, this podcast is specifically geared towards rental property investing. It covers topics such as property management, financing, tenant screening, and maximizing cash flow.

"The Real Estate Lab" - Hosted by Vee Khuu, this podcast explores various real estate investment strategies, including flipping houses, wholesaling, and multifamily investing. It features interviews with successful investors sharing their experiences and insights.

"Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever" - Hosted by Joe Fairless, this podcast offers practical advice and tips from experienced real estate investors. The episodes cover various investment strategies and provide actionable insights for investors of all levels.

"Real Estate Investing Mastery" - Hosted by Joe McCall, this podcast focuses on creative real estate investing strategies such as lease options, wholesaling, and virtual investing. It provides practical advice for investors looking for alternative approaches.

"Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing" - Hosted by Rod Khleif, this podcast focuses on multifamily real estate investing and wealth building. It covers topics such as raising capital, analyzing deals, and asset management.

"Real Estate Investing for Cash Flow" - Hosted by Kevin Bupp, this podcast explores commercial real estate investing, including mobile home parks, self-storage, and apartment complexes. It provides insights into finding cash flow-focused investment opportunities.

YouTube channels that could be of interest, you really need to try them out to find ones that you enjoy listening to:

“Canadian Real Estate Channel” by Matt McKeever

“Real Estate Investing in Canada” by Sarah Larbi

Other resources:

The Real Estate Investment Network REIN is Canadian based and offers a lot of resources, and available on many platforms.

Check out our website to get an idea of the large range of properties in and around Calgary that could use a full renovation, a tear down, an update, a clean-up, some TLC.

"Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may earn a commission if you click on an Amazon affiliate link and make a purchase. Please note that we only recommend products and services that we believe in."  

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

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 options to support the sales gain. Calgary continues to benefit from the relatively healthy job market and recent population growth keeping housing demand strong across all property types.” Persistently tight market conditions drove further price growth this month. In May, the unadjusted benchmark price reached $557,000, over one per cent higher than last month and nearly three per cent higher than last year’s monthly peak price of $543,000.

May 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

May 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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:

Using Door Designer to pick:  

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.

     

   

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.html

   

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 supply. Rain barrels have come a long way in looks, but do require a little more attention in the spring and fall to ensure they do not freeze and crack over winter. 

   

4. Use natural pest control: Chemical pesticides can harm the environment and are not necessary for a healthy garden. Consider using natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantises. Yes, you can buy a bag of lady bugs – releasing the lady bugs is great entertainment, especially with young children. 

   

5. Use a push mower: Gas-powered lawn mowers are a major source of air pollution. Consider switching to a push mower or an electric mower to reduce your environmental impact. Several Canadian cities have started to ban gas powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers.

   

6. Reduce water use: Calgary is a dry city (most of the time), so it is important to be mindful of water use. Consider installing low-flow irrigation systems, and rain sensing systems. Drought-resistant grasses are a great option for areas that experience hot and dry conditions, as they can survive and thrive with minimal water.

   

7. Hire a landscaping company to design an eco friendly yard. A professional landscaper can provide you with a plan or they can take the entire process from start to finish. Landscaping companies will design for full sun, partial sun, edible yards, low wet spots, sports, you name it. 

   

8. Plant Drought-Resistant Vegetables

   These veggies tend to have deep roots or a natural tolerance for dry soil once established:

   Root Vegetables

   • Carrots – Especially smaller or early varieties.

   • Beets – Can handle dry spells once growing well.

   • Parsnips – Deep roots help them survive in drier soil.

   Leafy Greens (more tolerant than expected when mulched)

   • Swiss Chard – More resilient than other leafy greens.

   • Kale – Especially Lacinato (Dino) kale, can handle moderate drought.

   Fruiting Veggies

   • Tomatoes – Especially heirloom or determinate varieties, when deeply rooted.

   • Peppers – Particularly hot varieties like jalapeños and cayennes.

   • Zucchini & Squash – Once established, they're quite drought-tolerant.

By implementing these eco-friendly practices, you can create a beautiful and sustainable yard that benefits both your household and the environment.

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:

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 look. Low maintenance drought resistance gardens are a great way alternative to watering the grass all summer. Artificial turn has come a long way, although there is a significant upfront cost.

2. Clean and repair your driveway and/or walkways: Cracks and stains in your driveway and walkways can be an eyesore. Consider repairing or replacing them. At a minimum, make sure there are no weeds growing in the cracks.

   Fix driveway sags, especially if it affects the roof-line of the garage, or sunken below the garage level. 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. Driveways can also be resurfaced.   

3. Front Door: First impressions are very important.

   Check to make sure that the hinges do not squeak, and the lock and latches work well.  Does it need replacing, painting, or a good clean?   Make sure it says “welcome home” and not “stay out”. A brightly coloured door can add an inviting appeal, help your house stand out, and add a modern flair.  Don’t forget the hardware – a quick spray paint or replacing old hardware will give the door a brand new look.  Repair any torn screens.

4. Front landing / Porch: Use artificial greenery to enhance the front yard. Artificial greenery can be a great way to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape.

   Ensure that your front landing is not overly cluttered.  Tasteful potted planters, benches, a chair with a nice pillow can be used to stage your front landing, creating a welcome feeling. Clean. Clean. Clean.

5. Lighting and hardware: Upgrading your outdoor lighting fixtures can not only enhance the safety and security of your home but also add a stylish touch to your exterior. 

   Updated, clean and matching light fixtures help boost curb appeal day and night. Light fixtures and hardware can be painted for a quick, easy and inexpensive update. Upgrading your door handles, house numbers, and mailbox can give your home a fresh look and enhance its curb appeal. 

6. Windows: Clean windows inside and out.  Ensure that window sills are clean.  Although curtains are an interior item – they are seen from the exterior – make sure they are tidy and appropriate.  No flags or sheets for window coverings. Check that all screens are in good repair. 

   Window boxes filled with colorful flowers or greenery can add a charming touch to your home's exterior. Window boxes and shutters can add a punch of color and make windows appear larger. 

   If you have windows on your garage that are showing the inside clutter, use privacy peal and stick film to cover those windows. There are many great options to match the style of your home, if you can’t decide on a style go with a reflective one. 

7. Exterior: Pressure washing your home's exterior can remove dirt and grime, making it look clean and refreshed. 

   Ensure that paint is not pealing off anywhere – patch or repaint.  Stay neutral and within the expectations of the neighbourhood when choosing paint colors.  Repaint brick if it is looking outdated. Replace any warped vinyl siding – it is quite inexpensive to have a couple of pieces replaced.

8. Replacing your garage door is an investment that can enhance your home's curb appeal and increase its value. With the right design, materials, and installation, you can create a beautiful and functional garage door that complements your home's exterior. 

   If the door doesn't need to be replaced, clean, paint. Oil if it’s squeaky and make sure all garage door openers are in working order. If you have glass doors – add frost film or paint the interior side so that the items inside the garage are not visible from the street.  Match the style of the house/street to the style of the door.   

9. Fence: Paint if necessary. Clean and tidy is the theme. Replace any rotten boards, make sure the fence is not falling over. A front picket fence can add charm, as long as it fits with the style of the house. 

10. Roof: If the shingles are peeling up then it’s time to look into replacing them; this is a bigger ticket item but it will turn away buyers pretty quick if that’s the first thing they see. Replace damaged downspouts, paint or replace mismatching downspouts and eves trough.
11. House numbers. An easy way to add an updated look. Check out these customizable numbers on Amazon:

                   

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 steep decline in supply has caused the months of supply to ease to just over one month. This reflects tighter market conditions than earlier in the year and compared to conditions reported last April.

April 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

April 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full 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 lower than last January, there is significant variation by price range. Homes priced under $500,000 reported yearover-year inventory declines of nearly 30 per cent while inventory levels improved for homes prices above that level. Although conditions are not as tight as last year, lower supply levels are preventing a significant shift toward balanced conditions and prices did trend up slightly over last month breaking the seven consecutive month slide. As of January, the benchmark price reached $520,900, 5 per cent higher than last January, but still well below the May 2022 high of $546,000.

January 2023 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

January 2023 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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 prices this year.” Benchmark prices eased to $518,800 in December, down nearly five percent from the peak price in May but almost eight percent higher than last December. While prices have trended down annually, they remain over 12 percent higher than last year’s levels. The housing market in 2022 generally outperformed expectations both in terms of sales and price growth." 

December 2022 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

December 2022 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report

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. The tightest conditions are occurring in the lower-price ranges as supply growth has mostly been driven by gains in the upper end of the market. Despite the lower supply levels, prices have trended down from the peak reached in May of this year. Even with the adjustments that have occurred, November benchmark prices continue to remain nearly nine per cent higher than levels reported last year.  

November 2022 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

November 2022 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report