blower door
alberta outlook inglewood
How airtight is your home?
Job creation key to province’s optimism
green living A8
“Staging Your Vacant Property”
Formerly known as Brewery Flats, community has become a haven for food and drink
economy a12
neighbourhood b20
MICKEY FOULDS 403.651.3462
metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca See STAGING on page A8
FREE apr 15 to apr 21 2011 issue 01-13 www.creb.com
Low interest rates, decreasing prices could create optimal market cody stuart managing editor
T
he latest Royal LePage House Price Survey suggests that prospective buyers in the city could be in for good news in the coming months. According to the survey, Calgary house prices saw a modest year-over-year depreciation across all three housing types surveyed as a result of an increase in inventory. This, coupled with low interest rates could present an attractive opportunity for potential buyers. According to the survey, condo prices in Calgary took the biggest hit, declining 3.3 per cent to $254,856 while standard two-storey homes declined 2.1 per cent to $423,122 with detached bungalows declining one per cent to $415,167. Nationally, the survey showed the average price of a home in Canada increased between 3.5 and 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the previous year, as markets continued their post-recession recovery. While the rate of year-over-year price appreciation slowed slightly in the first quarter, home values continued the upward climb, which first began late in the second quarter of 2009. Low interest rates and a recovering economy continued to fuel activity in Canada’s housing markets over the past year, which has led to countrywide increases in average home prices. In the first quarter of 2011, the national average price of a detached bungalow rose 4.3 per cent year-over-year to $341,355, while standard two-storey homes rose 3.5 per cent to $379,388 and standard condominiums rose 4 per cent to $237,919. “The rate at which Canadian homes are appreciating may well have peaked for the next year or so,” said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services.
market A3 The latest House Price Survey from Royal Lepage suggests that low interest rates and depreciation could create great conditions for those looking to get into the market.
SINGLE FAMILY
Bank of Canada contents maintains news briefs A3 A6 interest rate industry Calgary’s new-found affordability $462,947
$461,786
$441,341
$454,163
$455,460
$444,744
$445,617
$460,278
$464,655
$481,964
$483,240 $460,378
$471,269 $458,254 $441,217
$451,349
$464,444
$462,465
$459,085
$454,130 $436,782
$447,142
$436,427
$426,311
MAR09 APR09 MAY09 JUN09 JUL09 AUG09 SEP09 OCT09 NOV09 DEC09 JAN10 FEB10 MAR10 APR10 MAY10 JUN10 JUL10 AUG10 SEP10 OCT10 NOV10 DEC10 JAN11 FEB11 MAR11
$420,354
MLS® AVERAGE PRICE* MAR ‘09 – MAR ‘11
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
$499,900
loWER mT RoYal Move up to the prestigious “Berringer” over 1260 sq. ft., 2 bedroom condo Massive 40 ft. west patio. Designer’s own home. Loaded with extras including granite, stunning maple flooring, huge island, gas stove, stainless steel appliances, vessel sinks, spa ensuites, 9 ft. ceilings, A/C, open plan & much more. Indoor/outdoor living at its finest. MLS®C3466056 Open House: Sunday, April 17th, 2-4:30 pm | 1731-13 St SW
Donna Williams
Sutton CanweSt Real eState
403-617-7749
pop the question
CREB® Staff
Alderman Gael MacLeod
T
he Bank of Canada recently announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. In a release issued by the Bank, the state of the global economic recovery and solid growth in the United States were stated as reasons behind the decision to hold firm, although consolidation of household and ultimately government balance sheets will limit the pace of the expansion.
rates A3
A8
mortgage rates A10 business directory A10 market A12 Young Canadians ready to buy
commercial
A15
map open houses
B1 B19
Calgary building permits
Beautiful 2 Storey Split in Hawkwood Walk into this 3 bdrm home and you immediately see recently installed dark oak hdwd flooring throughout the main fl r, making the vaulted ceiling in the living & dining room even more impressive. Large, bright kitchen is a treat for cooking and entertaining w/ceramic tile floors & oak cabinets, while the family rm features a brick-faced wood fi replace w/gas lighter. 2 good sized bdrms upstairs along with the master suite w/walk-in closet and 4 pc ensuite. The bsmt boasts a large fi nished recreation rm and another 3 pc bath & all the storage space you will need. Hawkwood is one of Calgary`s only communities to offer free wireless internet to residents and visitors alike, anywhere in the neighborhood! 3 doors down from a children`s playground this is a great family home! MLS®C3464297 37 Hawkland Circle NW $418,000
RE AL ESTATE ( CENTR AL )
www.sanostante.com
403.289.3435