backyard rink
rosey outlook
Hockey’s back – behind your house
Calgary market holding strong in 2013
how to A13
industry A15
bowness/montgomery feature a8 – A9
FREE jan 18 to jan 24 2013 issue 03-02
real estate news from industry experts
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Tight rental market making homeownership a more attractive option cody stuart
managing editor
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enters who are caught between escalating rates and declining inventory are turning to home ownership as a better alternative. Amy Gregson found the rental market too tight, and decided when she graduated from university in 2009 to buy a home along with her boyfriend Brian Ball. “We would rather put our money towards something we own than towards something someone else owns,” said Gregson, who lived at home after graduating to save money to put towards a home. The couple recently purchased a newly built home in New Brighton. They also like the fact that they have a lasting investment and could pick and choose the features of their new home. “It was when I originally moved out, I didn’t have any problem renting at all and then when I was looking for
Amy Gregson made the decision to buy a house and have a lasting investment rather than rent.
SINGLE FAMILY
2712 DEC10 3073 JAN11 3504 FEB11 4024 MAR11 4395 APR11 4616 MAY11 4744 JUN11 4630 JUL11 4573 AUG11 4753 SEP11 4486 OCT11 3761 NOV11 2761 DEC11 2980 JAN12 3093 FEB12 3367 MAR12 3501 APR12 3842 MAY12 3817 JUN12 3646 JUL12 3535 AUG12 3486 SEP12 3114 OCT12 2586 NOV12 DEC12 1859 *All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
Prominence Patterson luxury walkout hillside bungalow. $1,199,000
403.294.1500
Generous open foyer, vaulted ceilings & 2 double skylights. LR w/flr to ceiling windows. Executive stylish DR. Incredible kitchen w/ breakfast dining area over looking solarium. Fantastic city views. Main flr bdrm w/hdwd. Mstr suite w/walk-in, door to balcony, ensuite w/jet tub, dbl sinks, & separate shower. 3 car front drive gar. Beautiful tiered yard w/great views. C3547609
Point McKay 2000 sq. ft. Inner city living townhouse. $625,900 A mature setting among the trees backing southwest towards the river & path ways. Large LR/DR and open kitchen. Large eat at island in kitchen. Natural gas fireplace. Large deck. Open den on the upper level with 2 bdrms & 4 piece guest bath. Large master with sitting area. Great spa like master bath. Lower level w/partial dev w/laundry room, work shop + rec area. Single garage. C3543173
rental A3
kelsey hipkin, Reporter/Photographer
kelsey hipkin, Reporter/Photographer
MLS® MONTH END INVENTORY* DEC ‘10 – DEC ‘12
a new place, I had lots of problems,” said Ball. “[Trying to] find a place that was close to a train station for example, close to where I was going to work/go to school.” The move taken by Gregson and Ball is growing increasingly more common, as total MLS® sales in 2012 exceeded those in 2011 by 15 per cent. CREB® economist Ann-Marie Lurie said with a lack of available rental units, combined with an increasing number of people moving to the city, the option to buy can become increasingly attractive. “If the rental market is tight and the potential purchaser can afford to purchase a property they would weigh out their buying options versus their rental options, and this can encourage them to purchase instead of rent,” she said. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the apartment vacancy rate in the Calgary averaged 1.3 per cent in October 2012, down from 1.9 per cent in October 2011, with average rents for a two-bedroom apartment in the city increasing by 5.9 per cent over the same period.
Nick Profeta is 2012’s REALTOR® of the Year CREB® STAFF
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REB®’s highest honor was recently presented to Nick Profeta of Re/Max Real Estate (Central). Commonly known as the REALTOR® of the Year award, the T.W.H. (Bill) Saunders Memorial Award is given to those who exemplify high standards of professionalism, show remarkable leadership and dedication and recognizes outstanding contributions to the real estate industry and the community.
industry A3
contents A3
news briefs
test your knowledge A6 Calgary’s rental market
event listing
A6
weekly feed
A6
mortgage rates
A10
commercial
A14
map
B1
open houses
B19
BRAND NEW HOMES - NEVER LIVED IN!!! $489,900 In Kincora Impressive 2010 sq. ft. 2 storey bonus room plan! The Monarch Hill by Excel Homes. Double attached garage, covered front landing & spacious front foyer. Main floor offers an island kitchen, SS APPL, GRANITE COUNTERS. HARDWOOD + TILE throughout. Upstairs boasts convenient laundry room, family sized bonus room & 3 spacious bedrooms; the master has a very large walk in closet & 5 pc ensuite. Certified built green and is solar ready. Immediate possession is available & GST is included in the price. Seller will cover legal fees if their solicitor is used.
$449,900 In Sage Hill Presenting the Weston 2, by Excel Homes. 1900 sq. ft. & W/O BASEMENT. Front foyer features a large walk in closet. Gourmet kitchen w/GRANITE counters & SS APPL. The kitchen is open to the nook & offers patio doors to your 11 x 12’ rear deck! Your great room offers gas fireplace. Upstairs you’ll find a versatile bonus room w/vaulted ceilings & home theatre rough in. 2nd storey laundry & 3 generous bedrooms complete this level w/the master suite boasting a 5 pc ensuite (soaker tub, over sized shower & double sinks) & a walk in closet. Hdwd and tile floors throughout It’s a winner!
Call
Janice Graham 403.278.2900
RE/MAX FIRST