The fragile buying public has yet again been given another article to chew on, thanks to Mario Toneguzzi’s article in yesterday’s Herald. He quotes the ‘Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, whoever they are, who say that Calgary and five other markets are an ‘accident waiting to happen’. Hogwash. Basic economics teaches you what happens to prices due to supply and demand. Of course, if you say something often enough, people will believe it to be the truth. Other economic indicators say otherwise. Read the rest of this entry »

In the past couple of years, since the gravy train stopped and housing came back down to earth in Calgary, I have heard too many comments from people who moved here and  now didn’t like it. I’m sure most of you have read at one time or another an article or story of some poor homesick Maritimer or Saskatchewanite bemoan how they missed home and how much cheaper it is to live there. An article than ran in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix refutes the belief that Calgary is a heartless, money crazy city with no other value than good jobs and soaring real estate prices. Read on. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m thrilled to let everyone know that I have joined RE/MAX Realty Professionals. Being a loyal guy, the decision took me some time, and some research. I found that my new home boasts the most transactions per Realtor of any office in Calgary. That translates into a vibrant and energetic office, full of resources. If you subscribe to the 80/20 theory (80% of business is done by 20% of the people), well, we’re part of that 20%, and then some. So what’s in it for clients? Read the rest of this entry »

The latest sales figures from the Calgary Real Estate board are out for July 1-21, and they support my  opinion that sales are in a real funk. Single family sales for Calgary Homes are 55% of 2009 numbers, while Calgary Condominium sales are at  only 62% of last year’s numbers. The good news? Read on, there’s always a silver lining. Read the rest of this entry »

According to an article posted today, financial experts don’t believe that a further interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada will have much of an effect on home buyers. The impact to home buyers article seems to allay some fears that the buying public is very fragile at the moment. My opinion? Read on… Read the rest of this entry »

According to a Calgary Sun article in their Homes Extra section, Calgary has been named the top residential real estate investment city in Canada, in a report from the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN). In an article written by Myke Thomas, the city ranks on top due to the positive answers to 13 different questions that astute investors should ask before buying in an area. Read the rest of this entry »

The spring market in Calgary has traditionally been one that gained strength until around the end of May or early June. That is not the case in 2010, where sales have slipped in May, and buyers seem to be sitting on their hands. Read the rest of this entry »

The  changes to rules regarding mortgage approvals will almost certainly mean more buyers locking in to long term fixed rate mortgages. Read the rest of this entry »

In a recent Ipsos Reid poll, 64% of those surveyed felt that this was a good opportunity to buy a home. Given the financial storm we have come through, this is very good news for  many people who make a living in the housing industry. That doesn’t necessarily mean the those people are running out to buy, but at least it is a positive indication that Canadians still believe in the merits of home ownership. Read the rest of this entry »

If you haven’t noticed yet, Good Earth has opened a new location in the Cranston Market. It’s nice to be able to grab a coffee and a muffin or cookie in a locally owned place, and have it walking distance. The market has definitely added a quality of life element to Cranston, but I’m sure it is drawing the Auburn Bay residents as well to the new Berwick House, Sobey’s, and other retailers, including the aforementioned Good Earth. If you see me wandering through there, be sure to say ‘hi’.