Welcome to Calgary, Canada. The city of Calgary is full of great people and places. There is something for everyone in this city. If you want to know what's going on in your city or what events are happening while you are here then check them out in this blog.

With endless things to do and see, you’re sure to have a great time here in this city by the Bow River. There are so many things to do in Calgary – it seems like a great place for the whole family. If you plan on heading out with your family or friends, you can go enjoy all the great restaurants, bars and breweries we have in downtown Calgary.

From casual dining on Stephen Avenue to world-class dining at The Fairmont Palliser. There are plenty of affordable options for something quick and easy like snacks or burgers at Smitty's Grilled Cheese, or some amazing steaks at Hy’s Steakhouse. If you head over to Victoria Park, there are tons of pubs and restaurants including Twisted Fork Diner for some great breakfast menu items or sushi lovers may want to try KAWA Japanese Restaurant.

Calgary is a dynamic city with an exciting history and endless opportunities. Whether you are looking for professional career advancement, or just want to live in one of the best cities in Canada, Calgary has something for YOU!

I have been helping people find their perfect house to live in in Calgary for years. I can help you find the home that suits your needs, budget and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a new home or want a market update on the value of your existing home, contact me today!

Here is a video of what area I think you shouldn’t buy in, in Calgary!

August saw fewer new listings, which reduced supply levels.

Calgary, City of on September 1, 2022 - Sales volume in August was significantly above monthly averages and on par with the high levels seen the previous year.

The year-over-year decline in detached sales was virtually offset by gains for multi-family product types, indicating that even while sales have remained generally solid, consumers are still moving towards more inexpensive options.

According to CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie, "Higher lending rates have dampened activity in the detached market, but we still see purchasers shift to more affordable options, keeping sales activity relatively strong." This distinguishes Calgary from several of the nation's major cities, where sales have experienced significant declines.

The number of new listings is also continuing to decline, which prevents any increase in supply or a significant change in the months of supply.

Despite year-over-year increases in new listings, the gap between them and sales this month was smaller than it had been over the previous three months. Due to this, the overall inventory trended downward and the months of supply were kept from changing much. In August, the months of supply stayed at slightly over two months, which is still below levels typical for this time of year but is better than earlier in the year.

Benchmark prices declined for the third consecutive month, falling to $531,800. It's crucial to remember that prior gains have not been lost despite the decline, and prices are still over 11% higher than they were a year ago.
Comparing detached sales to earlier in the year and August of last year, a downward trend has been observed. Although the sharp increases reported earlier in the year have not been offset by the current falls, market circumstances are shifting in this area. At the same time, listings for homes with lesser prices have been gradually increasing. For homes under $500,000, this is producing chronically tight circumstances. Meanwhile, more balanced conditions are being supported by supply increases in the higher price range of the market.

Prices have trended lower in comparison to the high levels reached in May as a result of the demand slowing down. With a benchmark price of $633,000, levels are nevertheless higher than they were a year ago.

Semi-Detached

This month, there was a noticeable decline in new listings compared to a minor improvement in semi-detached home sales. Because of this, the sales-to-new-listings ratio rose above 80% for the first time since April while total inventory fell in comparison to levels recorded in previous months and the previous year. Similar to the detached sector, market circumstances fluctuate depending on price ranges, with relatively tight market conditions prevailing in the lower price levels.

Despite this month's adjustment, prices continued to trend lower than they did in May. However, with a benchmark price of $569,300, prices are over 10% more than they were a year ago, similar to other property kinds.

Row

The row-home market is still strong, with year-to-date levels close to 50% higher than last year, despite sales going downward in comparison to levels reached earlier in the year. Inventory levels fell this month as a result of a noticeable decrease in new listings at the same time. The months of supply stayed below two months due to this preventing any meaningful changes.

Home prices have stayed largely steady over the previous three months, despite the fact that market conditions are still somewhat tight. Overall, compared to levels reported in the previous year, the benchmark price for row houses in August was nearly 14% higher.

Condominium

August saw an improvement in sales activity, which helped to contribute to year-to-date records sales of 4,576 units, an increase of 65% over the previous year. Because there was more supply in this market niche, some of this growth was made possible. The supply imbalance has, however, begun to close as a result of the recent increase in sales as compared to new listings.

Although conditions have changed over the past month, prices are still over 10% higher than they were last year despite being relatively constant compared to July. Despite recent price increases, apartment condominium sales are still below their 2014 record levels.

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Calgary, Alberta, May 2, 2022 – Following a month of all-time high sales in March, activity dropped in April.

Nonetheless, with 3,401 sales, it was a 6% increase over the previous year and a new high for the month of April.

CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie said, "Despite some of the monthly pullback, it is important to note that sales remain exceptionally strong and are likely being limited due to supply choice in the market." "While additional rate hikes are expected to dampen demand later this year, more pullbacks in new listings this month are ensuring that the market continues to favor the seller, resulting in further price gains."

New listings decreased in comparison to the previous month and the previous year. There was no change in total inventory levels since the sales-to-new listings ratio remained at 74%.

We are nowhere near record low inventory levels with 4,850 units in stock, but they are much lower than what was reported in April of 2014. The composition of the inventory levels has altered in the market. When comparing current inventories to those available in 2014, we can observe that detached houses make up a lower portion of the market, particularly for properties under $500,000.

Since November of last year, the months of supply in the Calgary market has remained below two months, putting substantial upward pressure on prices. In April, the benchmark price was $526,700, roughly 2% higher than the previous month and 17% higher than the previous year.

Detached

Year-over-year sales have declined for the first time since spring of 2020. While sales have decreased, it's worth noting that at 1,815 sales, they're still way ahead of long-term norms. Homes priced under $600,000 saw a decrease in sales. This drop in sales for lower-priced properties was most likely caused by a decrease in supply as a result of fewer new listings in those price categories. In the detached sector, inventories haven't been this low in April in over 15 years.

While slower sales compared to inventory levels helped lift the months of supply back beyond one month, circumstances remain very tight with only 1.3 months of supply. Prices are continuing to rise, albeit at a slower rate than in the previous three months. In April, the detached benchmark price reached $628,900, up 19% from the previous year.

Semi-Detached

Sales were likely slowed in April due to a drop in new listings compared to the previous month. Sales, on the other hand, are still quite strong, with year-to-date figures about 30% higher than last year and nearly double the long-term average. Because the slower rate of sales was accompanied by a drop in new listings, the inventory position remained unchanged, and this sector continues to favor the seller.

Price increases in the semi-detached sector were fueled by tight market conditions. The benchmark price in April was $487,900, about 2% higher than the previous month and over 16% more than the previous April.

Row

While new listings were down from the prior month, there were 781 new listings this month. This is a 24 percent increase year over year and the highest amount ever measured in April. The increase in new listings contributed to higher sales activity, which increased over last year's levels and reached a new April high. Although the increase in new listings caused inventories to rise in comparison to earlier in the year, it was not enough to lift the market out of its sellers' market.

With little over one month's supply, prices are continuing to rise due to consistently tight market circumstances. Row prices increased by more than 2% month over month and are about 17% higher than last year, with to improvements in every area.

Condominium Apartment

Apartment condominium sales, like other property categories, have slowed from last month's record highs. However, with 642 sales this month, activity increased by almost 46% over last year, setting a new high for April. This was made possible in part by the 893 new listings that entered the market. While it was not enough to significantly alter market supply levels, the months of supply increased to nearly two months.

Prices continued to rise in April due to tighter market conditions. The apartment benchmark price increased in all areas, and it is now 8% higher than it was at the same time last year. The robust price rises over the last three months have helped to decrease the spread from the record high price in 2014.

FACTS ABOUT THE AIRDRIE MARKET

Sales significantly outpaced the number of new listings that came on the market in April, leading inventory levels to drop even lower and assuring that the market continues to favor sellers with less than one month's supply. This is the sixth month in a row that the months of supply has been less than one month.

In April, the benchmark price hit $480,600, a 29 percent increase year over year. Prices have risen across the board, but the detached sector has seen the most improvement, with average April price slightly above $550,000. This is about 33% greater than levels seen in April of last year.

Cochrane

A modest drop in sales in comparison to new listings aided in lowering the sales-to-new-listings ratio below 80%. This is the first time since March of last year that this has happened. While this helped to boost inventory levels to levels not seen since November of last year, circumstances remain very tight and in favor of the seller.

While the rate of increase has slowed significantly in comparison to recent months, the April benchmark price in Cochrane was $530,900, up over 2% from last month and up 21% from last year's levels. The detached and semi-detached housing market in Cochrane has been the main driver of price increases.

Okotoks

The increase in new listings that occurred last month did not continue this month, as sales in April outnumbered new listings. Inventory levels and supply months fell further lower as a result of this. This is the seventh month in a row that the months of supply has been less than one month, putting downward pressure on prices.

In April, the benchmark price increased by 13% year over year to $538,300. Both detached and semi-detached homes have seen the most price rise, as has been the case in many other locations.

Source: CREB

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Due to an increase in new listings, the first quarter of 2022 saw record high sales activity.

In comparison to the previous quarter, when sales outnumbered new listings, this gave buyers more options. Although the number of new listings increased, it was insufficient to add significant supply to the market. Inventory levels fell by 30% in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to long-term trends, resulting in the lowest quarterly inventory level since 2014. "In the first quarter, record sales combined with low inventory levels resulted in months of supply averaging just over one month," said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"We haven't seen conditions this tight since 2006, which was also the last time we saw price increases of more than 15%." In the first quarter of 2022, the persistent sellers' market conditions weighed on prices. The total residential benchmark price averaged $496,767, owing to strong gains in the detached sector of the market.

This represents a nearly 8% quarterly increase and a nearly 15% year-over-year increase. While strong sales were expected in the first quarter, demand continued to outperform forecasts. "Expectations of rising rates and further price increases are likely to push consumers into the market as soon as possible," Lurie said. "However, a lack of choice in recent quarters has created a demand spike that can only be met as supply levels improve." While the economy will continue to support housing demand, the rate of sales is expected to slow later this year.

This will eventually aid the market's transition to more balanced conditions, reducing price pressure.

For more information on listings, the market, or selling your home, reach out to us today! 

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Here is your Calgary Real Estate Market Update for the month of March.

As a result of the increase in new listings, adjusted inventories have risen above last month's levels. The market, however, continues to favour the seller with only one month's supply. February saw 3305 sales, in total.

"Sales have been limited due to a shortage of supply options in the market." While sellers responded with a record number of new listings this month, demand has been so strong that the housing market remains undersupplied, triggering further price increases," said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® Chief Economist.

The city's overall residential benchmark price increased by nearly 6% from January to February, and was over 16% higher than February of last year. The detached portion of the market, which has not seen conditions this tight in over 15 years, has fueled much of the expansion.

This is the fourth month in a row that the market has faced conditions that are significantly tighter than those saw in the city last spring. While the increase in new listings will provide buyers additional options and eventually promote more balanced market conditions, it will take time to work through the demand.

Detached, Single Family Homes (Calgary)

The detached sector's months of supply has stayed below one month for the third month in a row. Prices have been under severe increasing pressure due to a lack of supply and persistently high demand. The benchmark price in February was $596,400, about $50,000 higher than prices at the end of 2021 and nearly $90,000 higher than prices in February 2021. Every district of the city has seen price increases, with year-over-year increases exceeding 20% in the North, South, and South East regions.

Sales growth has been strongest in the $600,000 to $1,000,000 price bracket after the first two months of the year, as this is where the most new listings have been added. Overall, conditions are still extremely tight across the board, with less than a month's supply for all houses priced under $1,000,000 in the first two months of the year.

Semi-Detached (Calgary)

The record number of new listings in February were matched by record-breaking February sales, adding to the pressure in this market segment. The months of supply fell to one, something that hasn't happened since February 2006.

Prices were pushed even higher by the continuing and unusually tight conditions. The semi-detached unadjusted benchmark price reached $461,400 in February, approximately 5% higher than previous month and 16% higher than February 2021 levels, thanks to advances in every district.

Row Houses (Calgary)

Many clients were drawn to row style residences due to a lack of supply in other property types. However, after several months of high sales compared to new listings, inventory levels have trended lower than we've seen in the past at this time of year. For the first time since early 2007, the months of supply dipped below one month in February, with 537 sales and 535 units in inventory.

The prolonged sellers' market conditions resulted in significant monthly price increases in most of the city's districts. The most significant month-to-month growth happened at the city's north east, north, and west ends. Despite recent gains, prices in all districts, with the exception of the West, remain below prior highs.

Condominium/Condos (Calgary)

After lagging behind other property categories, sales in the apartment condominium sector soared this month, setting new highs for the month. New listings improved as well, but did not have a substantial impact on inventory levels. The months of supply in the apartment condo sector fell below two months for the first time since 2007.

This month, pricing pressure has been supported by recent tightness. However, price increases are far lower than for other property kinds, and prices are still over 14% below prior highs. While this area of the market has not faced the same supply constraints as other property types, if supply constraints persist, we may see more significant price recovery.

Airdrie

In February, there were a record number of new listings, resulting in a record number of transactions. With 385 new listings and 289 transactions, the sales-to-new-listings ratio fell to 75%, the lowest it's been since spring of last year. While recent advances have resulted in a monthly increase in inventory levels, supply remains extremely low, with months of supply remaining below one month for the fourth month in a row.

The market has seen significant price growth due to persistently tight market circumstances, particularly in the detached and semi-detached sectors. The unadjusted detached price in February was $490,800, up roughly 6% from the previous month and 22% higher than last year's values.

Cochrane

In February, the number of new listings hit a monthly high. Sales, on the other hand, virtually matched the number of new listings, forcing inventories to drop even further and months of supply to collapse to the lowest levels ever recorded, at less than half of a month's supply. The months of supply have been below one month for the fourth month in a row, and the sellers' market conditions are putting significant upward pressure on prices, particularly for detached and semi-detached properties.

The unadjusted detached benchmark price in February was $548,400, about 7% higher than the previous month and over 21% more than the previous February. All property types have seen price increases, but apartment-style properties have continued to record prices below their 2007 highs.

Okotoks

Gains in new listings, like in other markets, aided sales in February to reach new highs. However, the increase in new listings was insufficient to make a significant difference in the low inventory scenario. With only 56 pieces in stock at the end of the month, February's inventory is the lowest it's been since 2006. Strong sales paired with low inventory prompted the months of supply to go even lower, to less than one month for the third month in a row.

Prices rose as a result of the market's continued tightness. The benchmark price for a detached home in February was $554,900, over 8% higher than last month and nearly 15% more than last February.

Browsing homes today? Check out a video tour of our latest listing in Cougar Ridge!

DATA SOURCE: CREB

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Here is our mid-February market update on pricing and inventory in these Calgary bedroom communities!

Airdrie

Despite chronically low inventory levels, sales activity in January reached near-record levels. The increase in sales was made possible by a higher number of new listings in January compared to previous months. With less than one month's supply, the market continues under strong sellers' market conditions, owing to chronically low inventory levels. Prices are continuing to rise due to persistently tight market circumstances. The total residential benchmark price increased by roughly 3% to $408,900 in January over the previous month.

Cochrane

In January, sales in Cochrane reached new highs. The increase was fueled by an increase in new listings compared to what was available in the last months of 2021. The monthly increases in new listings helped to keep inventory levels consistent, but with only 62 units available in inventory, inventory levels are nearly 70% lower than what we've seen in the past. Strong sales and low inventory levels pushed Cochrane's months of supply below one month, which was the lowest ever for January. Prices are continuing to rise due to the tight market conditions. The median price of a detached home increased to $512,900 in January. The monthly growth was not as high as what was witnessed in some other regional markets due to substantial monthly advances at the end of last year.

Okotoks

Despite chronically low inventory levels, sales activity in Okotoks remained rather high. In January, inventories stood at 38 units, the lowest level ever for the month and 76% lower than long-term averages. The months of supply remained extremely tight at under one month this month, with 43 sales and 38 units in inventory. Conditions in Okotoks haven't been this tight since 2006, putting increased pressure on prices. The detached benchmark price increased to $515,100 in January, a considerable gain over the previous month and almost 8% higher than the previous year.

Stay tuned for information on more satellite communities!

(Image and content sources: CrebNOW)

For more info on these communities, buying selling or more, reach out to us today!

A walkable neighborhood is one where you can get in and out of the neighborhood without a car. In Alpine Park, Calgary, this master planned community has access to Sidewalks, restaurants, and the neighborhood is designed to make minimal use of car except for long trips or commutes.

Find out more about Alpine Park! Developers have been long at work transforming this bare land into an urban multi use oasis.

Map the route to your workplace in public transit mode. Look on Google Maps to get a sense of how many everyday amenities are within walking distance. The more restaurants nearby, the more your neighbors will likely be out and about, too. This may give you a feel for the overall vibe of the community. Always spend some time walking around and exploring an area before making a move there!

Check out the neighborhood at different times of day to see what's open and active during the times you'd walk there.

Check out the area on evenings and weekends, and in the middle of a weekday. Remember that you can always prospect communities you are interested in even if there are no houses available to purchase on the market currently.

Pay close attention to how the streets and crosswalks are designed. Look for signals with buttons for walkers to push and wide, well-marked crosswalks. Was the space designed to be pedestrian friendly? Remember that even if amenities are nearby, if the community is not master planned with walkability in mind, things like a major road or large warehouse store parking lots may put a damper on your desire to walk to errands. Sirocco at Pine Creek is another example of a newer community where the developers have made sure that major walkways and amenities are user-friendly and inclusive to all e.g., those with mobility scooters or various disabilities.

While inner city neighborhoods are great for walkability, similar lifestyles can be found in thoughtfully master planned suburban communities.

When you're in the neighborhood, search Google Maps for "restaurants near me" or "coffee near me". Take some exploratory walks to the places you'd be likely to visit. If it feels right to you, it just might be the right place to call home.

Choosing your next community carefully is a move that will shape a portion of your life. Contact us for information on communities, home buying, selling, and more.

One great aspect of Calgary is its diverse array of wonderful communities that you could build your own infill. Today we have the top five great communities to build your next semi-detached or detached infill home.

Building a new home in an established neighborhood definitely has its perks. We have seen many creative uses of space, such as multigenerational families living on separate houses on the same lot, investing in a lot and using one half for a rental, and beyond.

The first area we need to take note of is Altadore or South Calgary.

These neighborhoods are established. Home builders have been densifying and reshaping this area for many years. The hustle and bustle of shopping, you will enjoy nearby Marda Loop, one of Calgary’s best shopping districts. The feeling of inner city with a little space between you and downtown means you won’t feel like you’re missing out on events, parties, bars, nightlife and a great metropolitan energy, but you can still have easy access to parks and greenspace.

Like Altadore, Killarney, another great example of a neighborhood that is transforming from a quaint single-family community to one full of modern condos, rowhouses and infills.

A little further from Downtown, Killarney enjoys the luxury of a nearby C-train station, easier river access and a little more distance from the busy urban core. Shopping on popular 17^th Ave is just minutes away and you can easily get out of the city with convenient access to Bow Trail.

Sunnyside/Hillhurst is one of Calgary’s most desired inner-city communities.

It is still possible to find lots here. You will find this is one of the more developed infill communities. Take a walk through one of its many busy streets to see examples of beautiful new developments; the possibilities are endless. This community is centered around its famous shopping and dining experience and is located directly beside the downtown core.

Mount Pleasant is our next choice, located just North of 16^th Ave Northwest.

Here you'll find that there's a little bit of elbow room. It's a little bit quieter of the location. There is no shortage of dining, bars, and easy access to Market Mall, the University of Calgary, hospitals and more makes this an attractive central location, with all the benefits of a quieter family suburb. Mount Pleasant sports access to some amazing bike trails.

Our top recommended location to build a location this year, however, is located just East of Mount Pleasant, and that is the community of Renfrew.

Over the past 1-2 years, we have seen developers and homebuilders alike express interest in this hidden gem of a community. With many of the original homes (And likewise, 50-foot lots) still standing, this area will likely rapidly transform into a dense and bustling community like Altadore or Killarney within the future. Now is your chance to get into this community while many families and investors are focused on the aforementioned communities.

Even though it’s a bit quieter and out of the way, Renfrew is just minutes from Downtown. Many will have walking access to Bridgeland, one of the best dining and entertainment districts. With the river nearby, the Calgary Zoo, TELUS World of Science and more, Renfrew offers a compelling value that growing families should not ignore.

Our final neighborhood we need to mention is Crescent Heights.

Perhaps with the premiere panoramic view of Downtown Calgary, the Bow River and the mountains, if you are looking for a location to build your dream home in the heart of one of Calgary’s prestigious communities, look no further.

With easy access to every inner city and shopping amenity on the North side of the river, some of the most interesting green and park space to be found, Crescent Heights is quiet, safe, and could be your amazing dream retreat with views to match.

Interested in finding out more? Give us a shout today!

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February Market Update: Strong Seller Conditions continues to impact Prices for Calgarians

In January, the benchmark price reached $472,300, an increase of over 2% month over month and 12% year over year. Inventory fell to 2,620 units, the lowest level since 2006. Months of supplies remained at an all-time low of 1.3 months for this time of year.

In January, the number of new listings increased to 1,295 units. Inventory levels, on the other hand, continued to fall with 1,148 sales. Detached inventory decreased to a new low of 895 units, while months of supply remained below one month for the second month in a running.

Changes in Calgary's Condo Market

Sales in January were at their highest level since 2007. There was more supply available in the condominium sector than in any other sector. This sector's unadjusted benchmark price of $251,200 is almost 2% more than last year. The months of supply have stayed stable at three months.

Airdrie

Sales activity in January reached near-record levels. With less than one month's supply, the market continues under strong sellers' market conditions. The benchmark price increased by roughly 3% to $408,900 in January over the previous month. Increase can be attributed to gains in both detached and semi-detached dwellings.

Cochrane

In January, sales in Cochrane reached new highs. The median price of a detached home increased to $512,900 in January. With only 62 units available in inventory, inventory levels are nearly 70% lower than what we've seen in the past. Prices are continuing to rise due to tight market conditions.

Okotoks

The detached benchmark price increased to $515,100 in January, almost 8% higher than the previous year. In January, inventory stood at 38 units, the lowest level ever for the month. The months of supply remained extremely tight at under one month this month.

As always, if you have any further questions, please contact us directly.

Thinking 2022 is your time to move? We have prepared this seminar to answer YOUR questions!