Do you live in Cranston? Or maybe you just love garage sales? Come and take part in the Cranston Parade of Garage Sales, June 2nd from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will have more than 60 homes taking part this year (maybe more), and we’ll have signage everywhere to direct you. Last year’s event was a huge success, and we’re looking to improve on that.If you live in Cranston and want to take part, here’s how: (more…)

If price always follows activity in a real estate market, (which it does) sellers are about to experience something in the Calgary real estate market that we haven’t seen since before the stock market meltdown of 2008; a seller’s market. Realtors have been seeing an increase in activity and not surprisingly, sales through the first quarter of 2012. We have not seen a corresponding increase in new listings to cover this increase from buyers, so inventory has shrunk month after month. How much?    (more…)

The commercial and retail development talked about for the Deep South is one step closer. This recent article outlines more specific plans for the area immediately surrounding the new South Hospital, which will open in stages beginning in the spring of 2012. Seton will be a massive mixed use area of retail, office space, recreation, and multi-family residential. Have a look at the article I have linked to this blog post above. It has a really cool 3D video of Seton as developers invision it over the next 6-10 years. (more…)

It seems as though we experience some kind of allegedly life-altering financial shake-up on a monthly basis these days. The latest roller coaster was brought on by the debt crisis in the U.S., followed by nervous world markets experiencing sell offs, buy-ins, and so on and so forth. While this does play havoc with your stock portfolios, it really has limited impact on local real estate, speaking from a Calgary perspective. In a recent Calgary Herald article, Marty Hope points out that  condo sales are up over last year. Inventory in both single family and condos are lower, creating stability for sellers, while still allowing buyers a good selection of homes and condos to choose from. Real estate is a ‘get rich slow’ proposition, so buying at a time when interest rates are still very low, and selection is good just makes economic sense. Add in the recent and it would seem, chronic, volatility of equity markets, and putting your money where you live, (or where someone else needs to live), is an attractive investing option.

It would appear that interest rates may stay low longer than originally predicted, with governments not wanting to cripple any industry that might be affected by a rise in interest rates. The recovery has been bumpier than most would have expected, but people always need a place to live. Combine that with the tax-free component of a primary residence, and buying a home or condo becomes a safer bet than you might have been hearing for the past two or three years. Look to an active fall market in the Calgary area, with both buyers and sellers able to accomplish what they want, as long as everyone plays nice, and doesn’t get too greedy.

My fan page on Facebook now has a tab to find hundreds of the newest listings. Just click on the link above, or go to www.facebook.com/ScottBakerRealtor. On the left hand side, click on ‘Calgary Home Listings’, and, Voila! It’s a super easy way to see all of our office listings. Just email or call me if you see anything you like. The best ideas are always the simplest.

I just listed this wonderful home in Woodbine, in Calgary’s Southwest. Built  originally for a plumbing contractor, this home has six baths, including four full baths, two with steam showers in them. The home also has three fireplaces, and sits on a huge pie lot with dramatic mountain views to the west. Have a look at the tour of this super executive home.

The Cranston Community Association and my team are holding our parade of garage sales on June 11th in Cranston. All you have to do is register with me and I will provide the signage and some maps to hand out at the office. For more information please email me at info@CalgaryHomeListings.ca. If you are thinking of selling in the next six months, this is a great way to get ready for it. It’s also a great way to get the exposure you need to sell off all those things cluttering your home. Even if you’re not selling any time soon, de-cluttering is essential to enjoying your home space. Let’s hope for good weather, but we’ll be going, rain or shine!

The long awaited development of Calgary’s East Village along the Bow River, and just east of downtown, got more good news with the recent announcements of two developments equalling 1,450,000 square feet of mixed-use, residential and retail space. As the article points out, this area will eventually house 11,500 Calgarians. This is a major shot in the arm for Calgary as a major city. It provides a ‘work, live, play’ environment for those who wish to be closer to the action downtown, and professionals who see the benefits of core living, while still being close to recreational facilities like the Talisman Centre and Downtown Y. Also, as the article points out, it links downtown to Inglewood, and the expanded Stampede Park. Look for new condos to be ready by the end of this year. Exciting news for people looking to see further dynamic growth in Calgary.

The Calgary Real Estate market is recovering slow but sure. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board President, the time to sell a home has dropped, and we are in a more balanced market than traditionally for this time of year, when inventory of homes is higher. In an article in the Calgary Herald, the Board reports that the average price for single family homes in 2011 is $460,000, which is just marginally ahead of 2010. The Board predicts 14,500 sale this year in single family homes, and about 7,000 in condos. Much of the growth over last year will happen as the year unfolds, as net migration and better economic growth drive sales, rather than lower mortgage rates.

In another article, the President of REIN, the real estate investment network, is predicting that Alberta is headed for a real estate frenzy in about 18 months. Don Campbell says that the GDP forecast for Alberta of 4.3% growth far exceeds the 3% regarded to be healthy. Calgary real estate will be affected more, and first, according to Campbell. So what does this mean to buyers? Get a game plan together in the next six months, and plan to buy or move up before prices climb. This year, single family home sales in McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, Chaparral and Cranston have all  increased, with inventories slightly lower, meaning sales of new listings are stronger this year over 2010. While the sale prices are mostly in line with last year, the volume is cause for optimism, as many sellers were frustrated by the 2010 market.