New Brighton, Calgary, AB - Blog

OPEN HOUSE MAY.19 2 TO 4!!

martin.darknell@century21.ca — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

OPEN HOUSE MAY.19

958 REUNION GATEWAY NW AIRDRIE

OPEN HOUSE MAY.19 2 TO 4 PRICE REDUCED!!Walk into the bright and spacious open main floor with central air. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, complimented by granite countertops. The large island with seating and sink is perfect for your family entertaining. The sitting room flows off the kitchen with an inviting fireplace. The dining room is separate, yet feels open with the large windows opening it to the sitting room . Move up stairs, where it opens into an impressive bonus room with 9 foot ceilings. Three large bedrooms (including the master suite) a four piece bathroom and laundry room with extra storage completes the upper floor. The master suite is spacious with a walk in closet with an en-suite equipped with a soaker tub, shower and double vanity. The basement is fully developed with large windows perfect for a games room. The backyard is fully fenced with shed and a deck with a gas BBQ hook up and walking distance from Herons Crossing School.

How to Make Gardening and Landscaping Easier

deborah.scruggs@century21.ca — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Hardy Plants Make Gardening and Landscaping Easier

To make gardening easier, consider plants that offer good ground cover, adapt well under the range of local conditions, and work within your designated hardiness zone (determined by average minimum temperature).

As a general example, hostas are a broad-leafed species that will thrive in most North American regions, as long as they are not over-exposed to sun. Mature hostas can even be divided to expand your coverage. Ferns can also flourish under various conditions, with little attention required beyond adequate water and, in some cases, shade. Flowering species such as daylilies and black-eyed susans can add colour, with a range of bloom types that often require only basic care.

Whatever plants you choose for your home or cottage, locate them in places that match their sunshine, soil and water

requirements. Before planting your garden, check regional hardiness guidelines as well as local rules pertaining to water conservation, fertilization and pesticide use.

Changing Demographics

deborah.scruggs@century21.ca — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Changing Demographics Affect All Of Us

A changing society is certain to affect almost everything surrounding it, including real estate. For example, as more divorces occur, more older singles enter the market for a home. Many of these newly single buyers are downsizing, even though they need to accommodate children on a full-time or part-time basis. It’s one of many realities affecting the typical use (and size) of the so-called family home, as well as its market value.

Logically, a general trend of downsizing to affordable accommodation for smaller families will have an impact on demand for smaller homes. This, in turn, will create selling opportunities for owners of townhouses and condos (e.g. two-bedroom, one-bedroom, or even bachelor units with hideaway beds). However, owners of smaller homes wouldn’t necessarily be the only benefactors of this trend. Meeting the needs of divided families will, no doubt, fuel other changes. A significant shift of owners of larger homes to smaller urban units will precipitate an influx in large suburban homes entering the market, some that would be available for immediate occupancy. This could offer unique opportunities to growing and established families ready to move into a larger home at a very attractive price.

April 2013 CREB Stats: Single-family prices reach new high

willemina.stikkerbreemhaar@century21.ca — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Sellers’ market conditions push up prices across all categories

The monthly statistics package is available here.

Calgary, May 1, 2013 – The benchmark price of single-family homes reached a new high of $452,900 in April, as market conditions that favour the seller finally drove prices above the unadjusted peak of 2007.

“It’s really encouraging to see that the Calgary market remains strong,” said Becky Walters, president of CREB®’s board of directors. “It’s reassuring to both buyers and sellers to see that this area is outperforming many parts of the country.”

Single-family sales totalled 1,611 in April, nearly two per cent higher than the previous year, but year-to-date figures are similar to levels recorded in 2012. Sales growth in the first part of the year was stifled by a shortage of new listings and inventory. However, the year-over-year increase of 6.2 per cent helped support sales growth in April.

“Declining selection in the lower price range and market conditions that favour the seller in the overall single-family market has resulted in a boost in demand in the condominium market and surrounding towns,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “Inventory levels declined across all of these segments. However, surrounding towns remain in balanced territory, as they experienced the effect of previously elevated inventory levels.”

After the first four months of the year, condominium apartment sales totalled 1,258 units, an 11 per cent increase over the previous year. Sales growth outpaced the number of new listings, causing inventory levels to decline to 893 units. This pushed the market toward a sellers’ market.

Tighter market conditions supported a year-over-year benchmark price growth of 7.35 per cent. Unlike the single-family sector, however, condo apartment prices remain well below unadjusted highs recorded in 2007.

Walters said a move to a sellers’ market will encourage those who have been waiting for price recovery to put their homes on the market. This, in turn, will provide more choices for buyers.

“New listings have been declining for the last few years as prices had not recovered,” she said. “People who did not have to sell chose to hold off. Price improvement can encourage new listings, easing some of the tension on the supply levels.”

There were 3,497 new residential listings in the city, an eight per cent increase relative to 2012. Sales activity also increased to a total of 2,376. Residential year-to-date sales improved by nearly four per cent compared to the same time in 2012. Meanwhile, citywide benchmark prices totalled $406,000 a seven per cent rise over the previous year.

“Calgary’s housing market continues to defy national softening trends as gains in the employment sector, migrant growth, rising wages and low interest rates are translating into growing demand for housing,” Lurie said.

For the first time since 2007, conditions favour the seller. However, economic conditions today are vastly different, making it unlikely that Calgary will see a repeat of those conditions, Lurie said. Our economy faces some challenges this year, and consumers still have options in both the new home market and surrounding towns, all factors that will temper price growth.

Source: Calgary Real Estate Board

Also see:

Record benchmark price for Calgary single-family homes in April - Sellers' market for first time since 2007

Record number of Calgary luxury home sales in April