it’s in the mail
Community guidebook
cut your heat bill
City of Calgary sends out 2014 property assessments
Document will set common standards in new neighbourhoods
Energy (and money) saving tips
municipal A6
community A7
how to A9
FREE jan 10 to jan 16 2014 issue 04-01 www.crebnow.com facebook.com/crebnow twitter.com/crebnow
real estate news from industry experts
supporting growth 2013 ends on yet another positive note Cody Stuart
managing editor
F
or the city’s real estate market, 2013 is going to be a tough act to follow. In a year that saw nearly tape-totape sales growth over its predecessor, 2013 ended on yet another high note as December sales increased eight per cent year-over-year sales over the previous year. Year-over-year sales growth rose every month in 2013 save February and March, with MLS® sales for the year up by 11 per cent over 2012. “Sales growth exceeded expectations in 2013, pushing above longterm trends,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist. “Two consecutive years of elevated levels of net migration, combined with an improving job outlook and confidence surrounding long-term economic prospects, supported the demand growth.” Calgary residential sales totaled 1,172 units in December, bringing the total number of homes sold in 2013 to 23,489. Along with the number of homes being sold, prices for the year were up by 8.6 per cent over 2012, as market conditions favoured the seller
for much of 2013. Price gains were evident in both the single-family and condominium sectors in the city. The single family benchmark price was $472,200 in December, a 0.3 per cent increase over the previous month and an 8.6 per cent increase over the previous year. On an annual basis, unadjusted single family prices grew by more than seven per cent in 2013, exceeding previous highs. “Prices have recovered in the singlefamily market, but sellers need to keep in mind there are differences between communities and types of homes,” said 2013 CREB® President Becky Walters. “Higher-end homes (priced above $500,000) have recorded slower price growth than those in the lower-price segment. And there are many communities where prices have not surpassed previous highs.” Condominium apartment and townhouse prices totaled $278,600 and $307,100 respectively in December. On average, annual benchmark price growth in the townhouse market totaled just more than six per cent, compared to the apartment sector increase of nearly nine per cent.
statistics A3
Net Interprovincial Migration to/from Alberta 20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0 Q3 ‘93
Q3 ‘97
Q3 ‘01
Q3 ‘05
Q3 ‘09
Q3 ‘13
-5,000 Source: Statistics Canada, The Daily, Dec 18, 2013 and CANSIM table 05:0017
Incoming CREB® President Bill Kirk says a rise in listings combined with a rising number of new homes for sale should make things a little easier for buyers in 2014.
cody stuart, Managing Editor
SINGLE FAMILY
2761 DEC11 2980 JAN12 3093 FEB12 3367 MAR12 3501 APR12 3842 MAY12 3817 JUN12 3646 JUL12 3535 AUG12 3486 SEP12 3114 OCT12 2586 NOV12 1859 DEC12 2075 JAN13 2048 FEB13 2727 MAR13 2977 APR13 3311 MAY13 3199 JUN13 2917 JUL13 2791 AUG13 2789 SEP13 2705 OCT13 2171 NOV13 DEC13 1515
MLS® MONTH END INVENTORY* DEC ‘11 – DEC ‘13
contents New year means higher news briefs user fees weekly feed CREB® STAFF
C
algarians will now be shelling out a little more to use some city services. With the arrival of the New Year, user fees for services like public transit and recreation facilities have increased. Along with increased recreation and transit costs, which bring the price of an adult single ticket to $3 from $2.75 and a monthly pass from $94 to $96, Calgary residents will also pay slightly more for curbside recycling and waste management.
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
RIDEAU PARK
municipal A3
RIVERSTONE IN MISSION
603 3339 RIDEAU PL SW
1605 318 26 AVE SW
$389,500
$995,000
Treat yourself to the best location and lifestyle with this inner-city oasis! Atop a tranquil hill surrounded by the river valley, this beautifully renovated suite enjoys dazzling panoramic views of the city skyline. The open kitchen is light and bright, with stainless steel appliances and premium granite counters. MLS®C3592975
Full-on panoramic views of the Elbow River and mountains will captivate in the generous open-plan principal rooms, while grand windows in the master suite invite the lights of downtown in. The suite has been renovated top-to-bottom with walls moved, floors re-done, and baths and kitchen reimagined in granite, stainless steel, slate and cherry. MLS®C3588157
BRIAN MAHONEY & ROB PARK
A3 A6
event listing
A6
mortgage rates
A8
commercial
A9
mls® statistics
A10
December 2013
map
B1
open houses
B11
RIVERSTONE IN MISSION
COMING SOON! Beautifully renovated suite in dignified Riverstone. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Open plan with over 1800 sq. ft. of sublimely finished living space. Breathtaking city skyline views, hardwood, tile, high-end appliances, full home automation and 2 titled indoor parking stalls all in one of Calgary’s most luxurious and amenity-loaded buildings. Please call.
Realtors® for your life