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FREE jan 25 to jan 31 2013 issue 03-03
real estate news from industry experts
CREB® forecast a silver lining in cloudy national real estate outlook
cody stuart
managing editor
W
ith some national media forecasting doom and gloom for much of Canada’s real estate market, CREB®’s 2013 Tradeshow and Forecast provided further proof of Calgary’s exceptional status. In a Maclean’s article entitled Crash and Burn, substantial downturns in several major real estate markets across the country were shown as evidence that debt-heavy Canadians had “spooked” themselves into a housing crash. Over the last year, sales in Vancouver and Toronto dropped by 14.4 and 16 per cent, respectively. But in Calgary – the lone market in the country where single-family housing sales improved – sales of single-family homes have risen by eight per cent over the same span. “We have a nice, balanced market, and it’s expected to see some growth this year,” said newly named CREB® present Becky Walters at the forecast. “Although some big markets
Newly named CREB® president Becky Walters took the stage as part of the 2013 Tradeshow and Forecast.
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in Canada are stumbling, Calgary is hot on the heels of a year of recovery, with the forecast saying the market is going to stay in positive territory.” Calling for moderate sales and house price growth, CREB® officially issued their 2013 forecast at an event that saw much of Calgary’s real estate community gathered under one roof. Following a year that saw MLS® sales in the city rise by 15 per cent and a new record set for average sale price, CREB® is predicting sales to increase by 2.2 per cent in 2013 and average sale prices to increase by 2.9 per cent. Single-family listings are expected to ease to 1.8 per cent this year, with prices in the category estimated to increase by three per cent. In the condominium market, sales are expected to increase by three per cent, with a moderate price appreciation of 2.4 per cent for condo apartments and 2.8 per cent for condo townhouses. While conceding the rest of the country is “likely” to see some contraction in the construction industry as a result of reduced sales, ATB Financial economist Will van’t Veld reinforced the bullish outlook for Alberta’s real estate market.
cody stuart, Managing Editor
$496,636
$488,311
$492,777 $468,360
$475,272
$478,528
$489,271
$483,519
$472,465
DEC10 JAN11 FEB11 MAR11 APR11 MAY11 JUN11 JUL11 AUG11 SEP11 OCT11 NOV11 DEC11 JAN12 FEB12 MAR12 APR12 MAY12 JUN12 JUL12 AUG12 SEP12 OCT12 NOV12 DEC12
$438,683
$453,629
$469,726
$470,655 $455,399
$453,969
$466,167
$479,580
$489,482
$455,849
$462,947
$461,786
$441,341
$454,163
$479,575
$502,065
SINGLE FAMILY
Electronic signatures coming to Canada
MLS® AVERAGE PRICE* DEC ‘10 – DEC ‘12
CREB® STAFF
S
tarting this year, members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) will be able to take advantage of electronic signatures on real estate documents thanks to an agreement with Instanet Solutions. Known as Authentisign™, an online signing service fully compliant with statutes across North America, the Instantet electronic solution is part of the company’s complete paperless platform with online forms, document management, transaction management and Internet faxing modules.
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
This home has family written all over it.
$529,900 - MLS®C3549475
Your family will have lots of great spaces to hang out in. The kitchen has lots of room for the whole family to work in. The nook has a great area overlooking the deck and backyard. You will love to barbecue on the two tier deck. The yard is fenced and fully irrigated with established landscaping. The living room has a gas fireplace and has plenty of room for everyone. The bonus room on the second floor is a great place for the family tv and there is room for computer desks or musical instruments. The flex room is great for the family dining room or a front den. Three bedrooms up. The master suite has a soaker tub and separate shower and walk-in closet. Fully developed basement. Central air.
$379,000 - MLS®C3543896
This bungalow in the Cove at Chestermere has it all covered by the homeowners association for $110 per month. Main floor master and second master in the bonus room. Fully developed basement, two car garage, hardwood floors, gas fireplace.
technology A3
$253,000 - MLS®C3538185
contents news briefs A3 test your knowledge A6 Peace Bridge
heritage
A10
Sunalta School
Commercial
A14
Urban design guidelines
mortgage rates pop the question
A14 A15
Lisa Clement
map open houses
B1 B19
Chestermere Lake is Calgary’s closest neighbour. With 16,000 people we have good schools, shopping and a wide variety of homes available. We are 20 minutes to the airport, 5 minutes away from Calgary and Stoney Trail. Chestermere has a 750 acre lake that you can waterski, sail, fish and swim in. We would love to introduce you to Chestermere!
Carefree living with lake views Two bed-room condo with 5 appliances, 2 parking spots 1 indoor. Re/Max Real Estate Advocates each office independently owned and operated
View 1000’s of homes, get community + school information and virtual tours at www.ChestermereRealEstate.com
Marjorie & Doug McKay 403.207.1776