147 QUEEN ANNE RD SE

Same owners since new! They bought it in 1978 and have been there ever since; you don’t find ones like this anymore; pride of ownership abounds. Continuously well-maintained throughout the years, this is a solid home with good bones. It’s super clean and ready for a new family. Great 4 level-split floor plan with lots of room (2264 Sq.Ft developed) and lots of storage that includes a large crawl-space. The sunken family room has large windows and features a wood-burning fireplace with a gas log lighter. Double front-drive oversized garage plus RV storage off the back alley. The back yard faces west and has a covered patio, a metal fence with a huge double swing-out RV gate, a gravel RV pad, and a productive apple tree. Other upgrades include: New roof 6 month ago, new windows 2 years ago, updated ensuite 4 months ago. Located a short walk from an off-leash area and Fish Creek trails to the Bow River. Just across the street is a community green space.

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

You can’t really blame people – including many in the media – for getting all Chicken Little about Calgary’s real estate market. Layoffs and downsizing at corporations have led to a significant, but not catastrophic, slowdown in homes changing hands, and some prices have been reduced accordingly. The benchmark price actually went up a little over a percent in 2015, but total sales were down about a quarter. We’re solidly in a buyers’ market, and that’s something Calgarians haven’t seen in a long time.

But things aren’t necessarily so dire, really; our fundamentals are strong, prices aren’t artificially inflated, and desirable communities remain desirable. While there are fewer buyers competing for properties, well kept homes in good neighbourhoods are as motivating as ever.

That said, it’s more important than it’s been in years for you to put your home’s best foot forward, and for you to work with an experienced Realtor to help navigate the rapidly changing waters of today’s real estate market.

A Realtor such as myself participates in frequent professional development, ensuring my skills are ideally tuned to the current market. Realtors know the city inside and out, have been around the block enough times to bring historical context to what’s on offer today, and use well-honed negotiation skills to get the best price for your home. Realtors have access to the most accurate and timely data about market conditions and trusted predictions, giving their clients an edge when it comes time to set or adjust a price. Realtors know what will attract buyers and get them to write an offer rather than move on to the next property on the list. And Realtors can save hours decoding the piles of paperwork that goes along with a real estate transaction. Those who go it alone, without the help of a Realtor, are taking a big risk and are probably leaving money on the table.

As part of the services that my Dad and I offer, we’ve just added a comprehensive ‘Local Info’ section to our website that breaks down vital information about Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Cochrane for those who may be coming from out of the area. We detail civic governments, neighbourhoods, cultural events, schools, shopping, sports teams and more. Even if you’re not in the market to buy or sell right now, I’d encourage you to check it out – you may learn a few things!

As we enter into the second half of 2015, things are looking up for Calgary’s real estate market. June sales figures show a year-over-year decline of well under 20 percent, not bad at all when going from a record year to an economic slowdown. Sweet-spot homes, priced under $500,000, continue to be a hot commodity, and certain Calgary neighbourhoods are as sought after as they ever were. Ours is an increasingly balanced market.

I expect things to continue to improve throughout the next several months. The fall is traditionally busier than the summer, and the new government’s rolling back of the real estate fee increases announced in April will keep about a thousand dollars in the average homebuyer’s jeans after a close. Consumer confidence is slowly coming back, and that can only help the real estate sector.

From a buyer’s perspective, the market conditions are great. Lots of supply, in many cases sellers are motivated, and interest rates remain highly favourable. While it’s not a definitive buyers market, due to the strong performance of mid-priced properties, it’s undoubtedly a good time to be looking for a home to fit your lifestyle and budget. I can help get you started.

If you’re listing right now, proper pricing is key. Any Realtor will tell you, now is not the time to shoot high with the hopes of getting a windfall. There are simply too many properties on the market for a potential buyer to give the time of day to an overpriced home. So do a few cosmetic touch-ups to maximize curb appeal, consider getting as much out of your home and into storage to make it feel as open and airy as possible (a professional stager can help with this, which is included in my listing package), and consult with a reliable Realtor on pricing and strategy.

104 Strathlea Pl SW

What a place to call home! Custom-built and offered for sale for the first time ever. Amazing location on a quiet no-through road backing onto the ravine; it’s like living on an acreage in the city! The back yard is serene, imagine sitting on the patio to enjoy the sunrise and listen to the birds chirping in the forest. This home is great for entertaining, with it’s large Tuscan-style kitchen with two ovens and plenty of space to move around, big dining area with a view of the forest, and the front sitting area by the fireplace. The basement boast a large wet-bar that’s bigger than some kitchens, and walks-out to the back yard and it’s built-in BBQ. Enjoy the hot tub while gazing at the stars, or cook s’mores at the private fire pit. Upstairs has 4 bedrooms to keep all the kids close and still gives everyone their space. The master has stunning views. Downstairs is fully developed including a media room, a second office (a great flex room), a 5th bedroom, and a full bath with a sauna and steam shower.

To view more photos, full listing details, floor plan and the virtual tour visit my web page.

As you may or may not be aware, lenders offering a mortgage to those purchasing a home with less than a 20 percent down payment usually require that mortgage be backed by mortgage loan insurance; the most familiar provider of mortgage loan insurance is the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a government of Canada operation. This is a good thing, as it protects banks against defaults, while lowering the barrier to entry into the housing market. Homebuyers can purchase (typically their first) homes with as little as five percent down, so long as they’re willing to pay the CMHC premium as part of their mortgage.

Last month, CMHC announced it was increasing premiums effective June 1, 2015. These new premiums only affect buyers with a down payment of less than ten percent, and are intended to maintain CMHC’s capital holdings.

Homebuyers putting ten percent or less down will now pay a CMHC premium of 3.85 percent, up from 3.35 percent. According to CMHC, this should result in affected buyers paying about $5 per month more in insurance.

Like all insurance companies, CMHC maintains a large amount of capital holdings, which rise and fall as investments do. The money the company makes on these investments helps to pay for claims; by using this model, insurance companies are able to keep premiums relatively low while still having cash on hand to pay claims. So there you go; the more you know.

Want to know more? Contact me!

260 Walden Me SE

Massive pie lot. Fresh contemporary decor. Open Jayman plan with a large breakfast bar and a separate eating area. Tones of windows let the natural light from the west facing back yard flood in, and what a yard. It’s HUGE! Seriously, its nearly a 1/4 acre! Large bonus room with tall ceilings. Big master bedroom with a large ensuite that includes a deep soaker tub and a separate shower. Upper floor laundry. Extra long double garage. Unspoiled basement awaits your storage items or future development plans. Furnace includes an HRV system (an eco-friendly fresh air supply). This is a great home at a great price.

To  view virtual tour, floor plan, more photos and full listing details visit my web page.

51 Coral Springs Cl NE

Original owner home, first time offered for sale! This one is a good one; clean, fresh, and well-maintained. There’s lots of space for the family. Living room / dining room plan with a large breakfast nook. Enclosed family room with a fireplace and a door to close out the TV noise. Upstairs you’ll find a large bonus room and three good-sized bedrooms. The master’s ensuite has a stand-up shower and a separate deep soaker tub. Main-floor laundry and a large double garage. the unspoiled basement is awaiting your storage items or finishing ideas. Plenty of parking available.

To view the virtual tour, more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

458 Elgin Gd SE

Awesome end-unit with extra windows. Upgrades galore and neat as a pin. Double-master plan with dual ensuites, plus a half-bath on the main. Vaulted main level with 13-foot ceilings and extra big windows to let the light shine in. Rich hardwood and porcelain tile through-out the main level. Entertain in the massive kitchen with a breakfast bar island and a separate dining area open to the main level through iron railings. Each bedroom boasts walk-in closets. Don’t forget the insulted double attached garage. Located in the heart of Elgin in McKenzie Towne; close to restaurants, transit and many other amenities. Situated just off the centre courtyard, and right beside visitor parking for the convenience of your guests.

To view more photos, floor plan, virtual tour and full listing details visit my web page.

56 Silverado Range Cl SW

What a great place to call home! Perfect starter home in Silverado with lots of space; over 1600 sq.ft developed. Huge main floor with hardwood floors and soaring vaulted ceilings for that airy feel. Open maple kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a large breakfast bar. The master bedroom is big too, with a generous walk-in closet and views to the back yard. The family room boasts lots of space and big bright windows plus a fireplace. Low-maintenance landscaping with a great composite deck and fence and room for a 2 car garage. Also included are 2 sheds for extra storage. walking paths and a great playground are half a block away. Conveniently located close to public transportation, shopping, coffee shops and dining. There is tremendous value here.

To view more photos, floor plan, virtual tour and full listing details visit my web page.

Here we are starting off a new year and, as is often the case in Alberta where unpredictable resource revenues can drive the economy like a 14 year-old with his learner’s permit, markets and fortunes are highly unpredictable. Unpredictability can lead to fear, and fear can lead to bad choices.

So, I encourage you, as much as is possible, to take a breath and not get too wrapped up in the apocalyptic talk of bargain basement oil prices and an exodus of producers from our province.

Yes, the global oil market is somewhat flooded right now, and that’s not good in the immediate term for companies operating in this province, especially smaller operations with thin margins and little cushion. Businesses will inevitably pull out or cut back, and that means lost jobs, and that’s always tragic.

However, some economists are looking at the worldwide picture and Alberta’s history, and are taking an optimistic view. Three were asked by Maclean’s magazine to give an outlook on 2015 all suggested oil prices would be back up to the $75-$80 per barrel range by year’s end.

This isn’t a blog about oil, though; it’s about real estate. Calgary’s market no doubt had the best year in the country, and while things are inevitably going to slow down a bit, there’s nothing to suggest we won’t lead the pack again in 2015. From April 2013 to April 2014, nearly 40,000 people moved to our fair city, and they gotta live somewhere. Our red hot economy might experience a bit of a cool down, but I expect Calgary will continue to offer bountiful employment in a variety of industries, keeping the real estate market healthy. Interest rates aren’t expected to spike any time soon, and inventories should remain stable; you’re probably not going to see your property value go up 15 percent next year, but it will probably go up at least a bit.

My dad and I can count 2014 as a banner year for us, as we were steadily busy throughout, with periods of extreme activity keeping things interesting. A heartfelt thank you to all of my clients, both buyers and sellers, along with my trusted vendors, and of course my family who put up with an unpredictable schedule and obnoxious hours. I truly love what I do, but it wouldn’t be possible without the support of these people.

All the best to you and your family in 2015 – it’s going to be an exciting ride!

Looking for a dedicated Realtor? Contact us!