Pammi Brar
RE/MAX Real Estate (Mountain View)
401,9650 HARVEST HILLS BLVD.NE, Calgary, Alberta
P: 403-247-5178 F: 403-247-5301
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Monday, June 29, 2009 - New buyers paying for Plan It - Calgary Sun

The Plan It Calgary debate focused attention on the development industry in Calgary, the costs of growth and where the money comes from to pay for growth. It also revealed a general misunderstanding of development costs, which affect the costs of housing and doing business. The price of a new home can be divided into two components: The cost of building the home, and the cost of developing the lot. Obviously it starts with the land and developers looking 10 to 15 years into the future when t ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:03:30 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Plenty of good deals remain in Calgary - Calgary Herald

You blinked, didn’t you? After months of patiently waiting for the market to hit bottom — and watching interest rates, house sales and prices slide — you blinked. And in that nanosecond, you might have missed it. Don’t be upset. You’re not the only one. I recall one real estate frontliner saying to me: “If you are waiting for the market to bottom and it does, then you’ve already missed it.” The real estate and housing recovery, at least in Cal ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:53:58 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Mortgage brokers want best deal for buyers - Calgary Herald

Who are mortgage brokers and who do they work for? The question is one I hear a lot these days. Here in Canada, about 25 per cent of mortgages originate through mortgage brokers (versus about 75 per cent of mortgage dealers in the United States and Europe). Most people just walk into their local bank and fill out the paperwork and believe they received the best deal. Well, the best deal for you, or for the bank? When you walk into the bank, you will be shown only the products the bank has to ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:53:00 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Average selling price hits new national high - Calgary Herald

The average selling price for resale homes in Canada has never been this high. The national average reached $319,757 during May, four-tenths of a per cent higher than the previous record set last May, says the Canadian Real Estate Association. Calgary Herald ArchiveThe average resale selling price in Alberta rose to $329,296 in May, says a national group. Among the provinces and territories, Alberta had the second highest price at $329,296. Leading the way was B.C. at $465,139. The third hi ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:51:32 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Keep allergens at bay - Calgary Herald

Calgarians who suffer from seasonal, dust, mould or pet allergies now have a proven way to keep the microscopic pollutants from setting up house in their pillows and mattresses. Available this month in Canada, CleanRest pillows, pillow encasements and mattress encasements have fabric pores no larger than one micron (one millionth of a metre). This tiny size blocks allergens such as pet dander, pollen and mould spores and keeps them from settling in bedding (which can cause effects from restless ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:50:04 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Three options for leaky basements - Calgary Herald

It seems as if every other e-mail I get is about a leaky basement. Whether it’s a concern about dampness, water due to seepage, or an actual crack in the foundation, the solution is the same: get the excess water away from your home’s foundation. There is always water underground, either from the water table, underground streams or just surface water percolating its way down to the aquifer. We need to make sure this water doesn’t get in. For years, homes have been built with ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:49:05 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Staging tip - Calgary Herald

Neutralize your colour palette — not just with paint, but accessories, too. Master bedrooms are very important. You might try to get an upholstered fabric panel to use as a headboard. Declutter: If you haven’t used it in a year, you can’t make money with it or it’s not a family heirloom — throw it out or give it away. Once you’ve removed your dated, worn items from your home, borrow that beautiful rug or armchair from family and friends. Make sure your hom ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:46:27 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Sell your home with a great first impression - Calgary Herald

During the housing boom, home staging was all about vaulting your property into the stratosphere above the asking price. Canwest News ServiceWhen staging your home, neutralize your colour palette and de-personalize by removing family photos. Today, it’s about getting your house sold. Period. Matthew Finlason, of the HGTV series The Stagers, has witnessed the housing arc of the past two years and says home staging is perhaps even more relevant in today’s turbulent market. “ ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:45:14 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Plenty of good deals remain in Calgary - Calgary Herald

You blinked, didn't you? After months of patiently waiting for the market to hit bottom--and watching interest rates, house sales and prices slide--you blinked. And in that nanosecond, you might have missed it. Don't be upset. You're not the only one. I recall one real estate front-liner saying to me: "If you are waiting for the market to bottom and it does, then you've already missed it." The real estate and housing recovery, at least in Calgary, appears to be underway. Some mortgage rate ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:41:53 -0600



Monday, June 29, 2009 - Industry's history detailed - Calgary Herald

Even before he started to put pen to paper, Doug Kelly realized trying to write a chronological history of Alberta's land development industry would be boring. There's not all that much excitement tied to moving dirt, digging trenches or pouring sidewalks. So the former Carma Developers vice-president-turned-author decided to skip the technical stuff and the numbers and get up close and personal with the people who have helped grow the industry since the 1950s. Kelly's book, $100,000 an Acre ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:40:48 -0600



Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Just Sold - C3379059

Just sold this listing: "Opportunity for first time buyer or investment! Totally renovated with new carpet, lino, light fixtures, paint, kitchen counters & appliances. Main fl..."
   posted in Listings at Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600



Friday, June 26, 2009 - Developers oppose city's density targets - Calgary Herald

Growth debate back to council in the fall After three full days and more than 100 speakers lauding and critiquing Calgary's long-range growth blueprint, council proposed more than 70 amendments to the complex plan but won't debate them until the fall. Councillors have concerns over whether river crossings at edworthy Park and Sandy Beach should be included in Plan it Calgary, as well as a costly airport access tunnel. But the biggest questions they've asked city staff to consider over the sum ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:44:37 -0600



Friday, June 26, 2009 - $386M boost for low-cost housing - Calgary Herald

The federal Conservatives inked a$386-million deal with the province Thursday to build low-cost housing and renovate existing units across Alberta over the next two years. During a grand opening ceremony for Alice Bissett Place, an affordable housing complex in Inglewood, federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Alberta Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Yvonne Fritz signed the agreement. The money, which is the largest investment in social housing in 20 years, will go toward construc ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:43:18 -0600



Friday, June 26, 2009 - Calgary builders fight back at Plan It hearing - calgary Herald

Blueprint for growth called 'not workable' CALGARY - Home-builders and suburban developers began laying out demands for changes to the city’s long-term blueprint for a more compact city, urging much softer density targets and a consultation approach so contentious that even a leading Plan It skeptic on council appeared to disagree. The industry has coordinated a string of business leaders to speak at Day 3 of the public hearing into Plan It, to try dismantling city staff’s case for ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:42:15 -0600



Friday, June 26, 2009 - Builder warns against Plan It - Calgary Sun

Single-family house prices in Calgary will skyrocket if the city's controversial long-range plan is approved by council, warns a city home-builder. Jay Westman, owner of Jayman Masterbuilt, spoke before council yesterday in opposition of the city's development management and transportation plan. "If this plan gets approved the way it's submitted right now, I believe that home prices will move up to $50,000 to $100,000 in single-family homes just about overnight," Westman said. "If there's a ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:39:26 -0600



Friday, June 26, 2009 - New Listing - C3384628

Just added this listing: "Absolutely immaculate home. Freshley painted,leminate and carpet flooring. Open and bright floor plan. Kitchenwith newer counter top and breakfast bar, Formal dining room. Very good size living room to enjoy your big screen t.v. 80% Finished basement with huge family room and bed room, Roughed in for bath. 2 car cement pad parking corner lot. Best price listing shop and compare. For your private showings pl call lister. Vacant for quick possession."
   posted in Listings at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600



Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Deposits required for Calgary's tower developers in future - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Developers now have to pay up to several million dollars in security deposits before starting construction after city council approved a plan monday to deal with a string of abandoned sites. The economic downturn has stalled work on several condo tower projects, forcing the city to issue orders demanding the holes be filled or the sites be shored up. In some cases, the city has had to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to fill a hole because of safety concerns, such as sinkholes. ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:51:56 -0600



Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Alberta's new residential construction falls by $350M from one year ago - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - The investment value in new residential construction in Alberta has fallen by nearly $350 million from a year ago. According to figures released by Statistics Canada on Monday, investment in that sector in the province was $427.3 million in April compared with $773 million in April 2008. A drop in housing starts combined with a decline in prices has contributed to the overall fall in the investment level, said Richard Corriveau, manager of market analysis for the Prairies and Territ ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:51:00 -0600



Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Calgary real estate pros to hold industry extravaganza - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - With Calgary’s housing market picking up steam again, more than 80 real estate professionals, 20 bankers and several home renovation experts and mortgage insurers will gather Saturday for a one-day home buying and renovation extravaganza. A carnival atmosphere is planned for two RONA locations — 90 Crowfoot Way N.W. and 9630 Macleod Trail S — for the Under the Tent Home Buyers and Renovation Event, which is a free information day of seminars and one-on-one home buyi ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:50:08 -0600



Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Canadians still want rec homes despite economic gloom, report says - Calgary Herald

Albertans most likely to give in to recreational property purchase CALGARY - Despite the economic downturn, many Canadians are still dreaming of owning a recreational property, both as a long-term investment and to enjoy with family and friends, says a national real estate report released today. And Albertans are among the most willing in the country to make changes to their finances or lifestyle to own a cottage. The 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report said Canadian are willing to ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:49:14 -0600



Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Developer ordered to fill Calgary construction hole - Calgary Herald

City wins court battle over idle condo site CALGARY - Owners of a Calgary condo project could be found in contempt of court if a Beltline hole isn't built to grade after the City of Calgary won a court injunction Wednesday. Citing growing concerns about the safety of the Astoria on Tenth site, city lawyers earned a judge's order demanding the hole that's around five storeys deep be filled with a concrete structure. "We have some depressions that could turn into sinkholes," said Marco Civita ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:48:01 -0600



Thursday, June 18, 2009 - Homeowners in the dark on renovation tax credit - Calgary Herald

More than 80 per cent of Canadian homeowners admit they know little to nothing about the new Home Renovation Tax Credit that could result in tax savings up to $1,350. A poll by Angus Reid Strategies released Wednesday also showed 98 per cent of homeowners are unaware of the Feb. 1, 2010 deadline for claiming their renovations. The non-refundable tax credit was introduced in the 2009 federal budget. It is for work performed on or goods acquired for the renovation of owned, personal dwellings. ... Full Article...
posted in News at Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:55:30 -0600



Thursday, June 18, 2009 - Just Sold - C3380741

Just sold this listing: "Quiet cul-de-sac location! Clean & well kept fully developed 4 level split with 5 bedrooms & 3.5 baths. Large family room on 3rd level with wet bar, b..."
   posted in Listings at Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600



Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - First-time home buyers' expectations too high: Coldwell Banker - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - First-time home buyers are primarily concerned with affordability when choosing a new home, but their expectations may be too high relative to their current financial buying power, says a survey by real estate firm Coldwell Banker. The survey was conducted among the company's brokers and sales representatives in markets across North America. Nearly half of the survey respondents reported that affordability was the top concern for first-time home buyers, but 82 per cent of this gro ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:24:48 -0600



Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Housing market blossoms in spring - Calgary Herald

There's little mystery why Canada's housing market has seen a rebound in sales this spring. "Record-low mortgage rates have unleashed pent-up demand that accumulated last year when previously soaring prices closed the door on first-time buyers," said Sal Guatieri, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, in a research report released Friday. "After a harsh winter, spring has come surprisingly early to Canada's housing market. Sales have rebounded from a lengthy slumber and prices have firme ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:21:29 -0600



Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Don't handcuff your mortgage - Calgary Herald

Would you like to pay an extra $300 per month on your mortgage? Not likely. That hasn't stopped a number of Canadians, with the deal of a lifetime on a variable-rate mortgage, from switching over to a more expensive fixed-rate product and paying the extra freight. A fear of rising rates is driving the rash decision. But if you've finally managed to pin your banker to the ground, why on Earth would you let him off the mat? More than 28% of Canadians have a variable-rate product tied to prime, ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:20:21 -0600



Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Record-low mortage rates resulting in housing market rebound: report - Calgary Herald

CALGARY- There’s little mystery why Canada’s housing market has seen a rebound in sales this spring. “Record-low mortgage rates have unleashed pent-up demand that accumulated last year when previously soaring prices closed the door on first-time buyers,” said Sal Guatieri, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, in a research report released Friday. “After a harsh winter, spring has come surprisingly early to Canada’s housing market. Sales have rebounded ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:19:23 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - There's more to mortgages... - Calgary Sun

More to mortgages than just a good rate Today’s bargain basement mortgage rates have, in some cases, made the home buying dream a reality. For many first-time buyers, current interest rates will keep borrowing costs low for the next few years. And, according to an April report by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP), borrowers who have renewed or refinanced a mortgage in the past year now pay interest rates that are nearly one point lower than their pre ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:24:19 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - A good time to buy - Calgary Sun

Consumers say now a good time to buy The study found about 90% of recent home purchasers believe homeownership is a good long-term investment and 70% think now is a good time to purchase a home. Canadians also demonstrated a sound understanding about the mortgage process and how their lenders assess eligibility, with 86% of respondents aware the level of total housing and other monthly payments should generally not exceed 40% of gross household income, says Francois Blouin, director, insuranc ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:22:58 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Concrete evidence on home finishings - Calgary Sun

Granite and hardwood are beautiful products, but they lack that edge, that certain something, that makes them ultra-current and urban. And that’s why today’s uber-hip homeowners are gravitating towards another material for their flooring, fireplace mantles and countertops: Concrete. It’s durable, attractive and different, and it’s gaining in popularity. That’s why we asked the experts: Why is concrete a good choice for home interiors? “It’s totally ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:21:57 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Great deals won?t last forever - Calgary Herald

The following are answers by Naum Shteinbah of Streetside Development Corp. to questions by New Homes/New Condos editor Barb Livingstone: Question: What trends are you seeing in this economy — in your company and in your industry — that are different from a year ago? Answer: A year ago this time, we didn’t really believe that the U.S. economy could collapse so fast. We were also assured by multiple analysts and economists in both government and private sector that the Cana ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:18:58 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Does someone else own your home? - Calgary Herald

Fraudulent activity has escalated from the cheque writing scams to identity theft to actually stealing your home right out from underneath you. For many unsuspecting homeowners there is fraudulent activity going on behind their backs that could cause them a world of aggravation and financial distress. What most don’t realize is that title insurance could have prevented or assisted in correcting the fraudulent activity. There are two kinds of title insurance, one for the homeowner and on ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:16:04 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Understand your mortgage before signing - Calgary Herald

Talk about mortgage rates and the first topic that comes to mind is the current state of those rates. We’re in uncharted territory right now. Rates have never been this low and this generation of homebuyers is reaping the benefits. So, too, are those renegotiating mortgages. Calgary Herald Archive According to a report by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, borrowers who have renewed or refinanced a mortgage in the past year are now paying interest rates that a ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:14:35 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Single-detached housing starts highest in a year - Calgary Herald

Single-detached housing starts haven’t been this high in almost a year. Figures from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. show that builders in and around Calgary started work on 382 detached residences in May — the most in one month since 431 starts were posted last July. And the upbeat news doesn’t end there. Since bottoming at 171 starts in March, there have been back-to-back monthly increases in April and May. “New home sales are improving and are being supported by lo ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:12:50 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Housing market blossoms in spring - Calgary Herald

There's little mystery why Canada's housing market has seen a rebound in sales this spring. "Record-low mortgage rates have unleashed pent-up demand that accumulated last year when previously soaring prices closed the door on first-time buyers," said Sal Guatieri, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, in a research report released Friday. "After a harsh winter, spring has come surprisingly early to Canada's housing market. Sales have rebounded from a lengthy slumber and prices have firme ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:09:13 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Don't handcuff your mortgage - Calgary Herald

Would you like to pay an extra $300 per month on your mortgage? Not likely. That hasn't stopped a number of Canadians, with the deal of a lifetime on a variable-rate mortgage, from switching over to a more expensive fixed-rate product and paying the extra freight. A fear of rising rates is driving the rash decision. But if you've finally managed to pin your banker to the ground, why on Earth would you let him off the mat? More than 28% of Canadians have a variable-rate product tied to prime, ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:07:52 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Record-low mortage rates resulting in housing market rebound: report - Calgary Herald

CALGARY- There’s little mystery why Canada’s housing market has seen a rebound in sales this spring. “Record-low mortgage rates have unleashed pent-up demand that accumulated last year when previously soaring prices closed the door on first-time buyers,” said Sal Guatieri, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, in a research report released Friday. “After a harsh winter, spring has come surprisingly early to Canada’s housing market. Sales have rebounded ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:06:50 -0600



Monday, June 15, 2009 - Rural Calgary communities demand 'voice' in city's growth - Calgary Herald

Districts, county threaten to kill metropolitan planCALGARY - The rural communities that occupy the vast majority of the 12,000 square kilometres in the Calgary area are demanding make-or-break changes to a proposed plan that would chart population growth and water servicing across the region. Politicians from cities, towns, villages and rural districts around Calgary will meet today in Cochrane to address or at least ease concerns before a pivotal final vote next Friday on the legally binding ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:05:28 -0600



Friday, June 12, 2009 - Two Calgary neighbourhoods see rising home prices despite recession: Century 21 - Calgary Herald

CALGARY- Housing markets in a handful of neighbourhoods in Canada’s major cities have dodged the recession and experienced robust price increases over the past year but none in Calgary made Century 21 Canada’s Hottest 21 Neighbourhoods survey released Thursday. However, two Calgary neighbourhoods were among 17 in which average prices increased over the past month (March 2009 to April 2009), but declined over the past year (April 2008 to April 2009). The area with the postal code T2 ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:58:55 -0600



Friday, June 12, 2009 - Calgary's business condo sales much slower in '09: Avison Young - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Price corrections in the business condominium market have been moderate so far this year, but the number of transactions taking place is significantly behind the pace set in the previous year, says commercial real estate firm Avison Young. In a report released today, the company said that while in the first 20 weeks of 2008 there were 29 office condo sales for $25.4 million, this year there have been only 10 sales for $5.9 million. This represents a 77 per cent decline in dollar vol ... Full Article...
posted in News at Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:56:36 -0600



Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Rent rates rising - Calgary Herald

Vacancies more than double Calgary's apartment vacancy rates might have more than doubled in the past year, but the cost of rent has edged up since then. Figures compiled by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) show vacancies last April hit 4.3% compared to 2% the same month in 2008 -- a trend the organization attributes to the recession. Even so, the average rental rate for a two-bedroom suite went from $1,096 a year ago to $1,106 this past April. And renters shouldn't expect ... Full Article...
posted in News at Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:20:59 -0600



Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Calgary's rental housing easier to find, still expensive - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Renters are having an easier time finding a place to live, but the average rents in Calgary are still among the highest in Canada. Calgary’s vacancy rate increased to 4.3 per cent in April from two per cent a year ago, according to the spring rental market survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Rents, however, continued to increase in Calgary — although less than in previous years. The average rent for a two-bedroom suite in new and existing structures was $ ... Full Article...
posted in News at Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:14:41 -0600



Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Southeast Calgary suburb scores with sustainability push - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - A Calgary residential developer says it has been receiving "a positive response" on its massive Walden southeast suburb. "It's a unique community in that it's meeting Calgary's 11 sustainability principles," said Sean Nolan, senior development manager at Genstar Development Co., on Tuesday at the grand opening for the project. "We're keeping a lot of the existing topography of the land. . . . We've got unique architecture from the builders, who are offering something different that ... Full Article...
posted in News at Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:13:39 -0600



Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Western Canada leads nation's new home price decline - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - New housing prices across the country fell by three per cent in April compared with a year ago, primarily because of continuing declines in western Canadian centres. In Calgary, Statistics Canada said new houses prices fell by 8.8 per cent from April 2008 to April 2009. Edmonton saw a year-over-year drop of 12.5 per cent while Saskatoon had an 11.9 per cent decline. In Vancouver, the drop was nine per cent. The federal agency's New Housing Price Index, released today, also showed th ... Full Article...
posted in News at Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:12:30 -0600



Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - Home buying remains good investment: CMHC survey - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - A national consumer survey released today says nearly 90 per cent of recent home purchasers believe that home ownership is a good long-term investment and almost 70 per cent think that now is a good time to purchase a home. The 2009 Mortgage Consumer Survey by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., also indiciate that recent purchasers are knowledgeable about the mortgage process and their lender's assessment of eligibility - 86 per cent say that the level of total housing and other mont ... Full Article...
posted in News at Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:24:47 -0600



Monday, June 8, 2009 - Calgary's housing starts continue slide - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Housing starts in the Calgary census metropolitan area continue to plunge compared with year ago levels. According to preliminary data released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., total housing starts in the Calgary region fell to 480 units in May, more than 1,000 units below the 1,488 units started in May 2008 — a nearly 68 per cent drop. Year-to-date, housing starts in the Calgary CMA are down by nearly 79 per cent until the end of May compared with the same period i ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:12:26 -0600



Monday, June 8, 2009 - Several choices for rec mortgages - Calgary Herald

Some advice for owners of recreation properties, as well as for people considering making a purchase: Financing From RBC Royal Bank Canada at www.rbc.com:There are three main financing alternatives for purchasing a vacation home: -A conventional mortgage allows you to finance up to 75 per cent of the purchase price of the home, thus requiring a down payment of at least 25 per cent. -An insured mortgage makes it possible to finance up to 95 per cent of the value of a second home. If you hap ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:11:45 -0600



Monday, June 8, 2009 - GenerationXbuyers to replace boomers - Calgary Herald

For a few different reasons, a national real estate agency says generation X is poised to replace baby boomers as the main demographic buying up recreational properties. In a recent report, Re/ Max says most of the 50 Canadian markets it surveyed this year "reported a marked trend toward 30-something buyers snapping up affordablypriced product, ranging from waterfront cottages to resort condominiums, compared to just 40 per cent in 2008." Part of the reason, Re/Max said, is the growing financ ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:10:14 -0600



Monday, June 8, 2009 - First-timers key to reviving market - Calgary Herald

The expected return of first-time homebuyers to the marketplace is seen as key to the rejuvenation of Canada's housing sectors, says a real estate industry executive. A growing number of newbies to home ownership-- considered the largest single buying segment--have been sitting on the sidelines since it became obvious Canada wasn't going to avoid the global recession, says Phil Soper, president and CEO of Brookfield Real Estate Services. At the height of the housing boom, which started to def ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:09:13 -0600



Monday, June 8, 2009 - Buyer who hesitates ends up losing out - Calgary Herald

Low interest rates joining federal incentives To jump or not to jump. I guess the question that plagues new home buyers is "should we jump in now, or should we wait to see if the market is still dropping?" Well, if you know someone in this situation, they may have already missed the bottom. Let's take a few key indicators of what's going on in the market : - Because of the low interest rates there has been a flurry of new home buyers who didn't have to sell their home because they were renti ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:08:20 -0600



Thursday, June 4, 2009 - Just Sold - C3376027

Just sold this listing: "Best Price! Nice and clean 3 bedroom bungalow with 2 bedroom self contained suite (illegal non-conforming) with separate entrance. Separate laundry ro..."
   posted in Listings at Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600



Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Calgary condo developer unveils stimulus package for prospective buyers - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - A downtown condo developer is taking action to “revitalize home ownership” by introducing its own stimulus package for its highrise residential tower. Homburg Invest Inc., said it doesn’t want to sit on unsold condos and Tuesday it announced its program for the 19-storey Castello development at 530 12th Ave. S.W. In the 106-unit building, there are 42 remaining to be sold. Aside from a 10 per cent down payment, the stimulus package includes that the balance would ... Full Article...
posted in News at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:09:33 -0600



Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Year-over-year sales in Calgary?s housing market increased in May - Calgary Herald

CALGARY - For the first time in many months, year-over-year sales in Calgary’s housing market have increased — an encouraging sign that the real estate industry is moving away from the winter and early spring doldrums. MLS sales in May for both single-family homes and condominiums were higher than May 2008. The last time single-family home sales were higher in a month compared with the previous year was in September 2008 while for condos it was April 2007. There were 1,584 single ... Full Article...
posted in News at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:08:31 -0600



Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Calgary building pace slackens - Calgary Herald

Residential building permit values continue to struggle. Figures from the City of Calgary's Development and Building Approvals department show that during April, the value of permits was $311 million, down 60 per cent from the same month a year ago. But city officials say that because of changes enacted to the province's building code, there has been a slight increase in the number of permits taken out.
posted in News at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:07:36 -0600



Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Acreage sales decline - Calgary Herald

Acreages are still in demand, but like other sectors of the real estate market, those sales have waned in the past year. For the first four months of this year, 128 properties have changed hands, down from 233 for the same period a year ago, says the Calgary Real Estate Board. Running parallel with the slowdown in demand is a drop in the average and median prices. To date, the average is sitting at $743,897 compared to last year's$856,561. The median is $635,000, more than $113,000 below 2008's ... Full Article...
posted in News at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:06:32 -0600



Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Boomers set to hit market - Calgary Herald

Here we go again. Baby boomers, having practically remade the western world in their own image, are gearing down for retirement, and this time it's the housing market that's being transfigured. Or at least getting a nip and tuck. Some 3.7 million Canadian boomers are between 55 and 64 years old, prime retirement age, according to Statistics Canada's 2006 census. In less than 10 years, that age group will skyrocket to one in five Canadians. True, it will take a while for all the boomers -- ... Full Article...
posted in News at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:05:25 -0600



Monday, June 1, 2009 - Calgary building pace slackens - Calgary HErald

Residential building permit values continue to struggle. Figures from the City of Calgary's Development and Building Approvals department show that during April, the value of permits was $311 million, down 60 per cent from the same month a year ago. But city officials say that because of changes enacted to the province's building code, there has been a slight increase in the number of permits taken out.
posted in News at Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:05:34 -0600



Monday, June 1, 2009 - Acreage sales decline - Calgary Herald

Acreages are still in demand, but like other sectors of the real estate market, those sales have waned in the past year. For the first four months of this year, 128 properties have changed hands, down from 233 for the same period a year ago, says the Calgary Real Estate Board. Running parallel with the slowdown in demand is a drop in the average and median prices. To date, the average is sitting at $743,897 compared to last year's$856,561. The median is $635,000, more than $113,000 below 2008's ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:04:33 -0600



Monday, June 1, 2009 - Boomers set to hit market - Calgary Herald

Here we go again. Baby boomers, having practically remade the western world in their own image, are gearing down for retirement, and this time it's the housing market that's being transfigured. Or at least getting a nip and tuck. Some 3.7 million Canadian boomers are between 55 and 64 years old, prime retirement age, according to Statistics Canada's 2006 census. In less than 10 years, that age group will skyrocket to one in five Canadians. True, it will take a while for all the boomers -- ... Full Article...
posted in News at Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:03:31 -0600



Monday, June 1, 2009 -

posted in General at Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:01:48 -0600



Monday, June 1, 2009 - Just Sold - C3378270

Just sold this listing: "Very well kept ( 2 story split) 4 level split. Great floor plan with 1700 sq.ft. above grade living ..."
   posted in Listings at Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0600



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