Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: KWRI - used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Calgary, May 1, 2012 – For the month of April 2012, year-over-year sales activity improved across all sectors in the city. Calgary residential sales total 2,200 for the month, a 26 per cent increase over levels recorded last year.

 

“The growth in full-time employment, combined with improving migration levels, is translating into improved demand for housing,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist. “While sales growth does seem exceptionally strong, it is important to keep in perspective that the sales activity in Calgary is returning to levels more consistent with the long-term average.”

 

The single-family market continues to tighten, with months of supply dropping below three months. Sales growth continues to outpace new-listings activity, placing downward pressure on inventories. As the market tightens, single-family homes are selling quicker,...

Source: RedFin - used under standard YouTube license terms.

According to an American national, volume-based, real estate brokerage firm, RedFin, when an open house is held within the first week, a home is 13 percentage points more likely to sell than not having an open house at all, and 26 percentage points more likely to sell than if an open house is held sometime after the first week.

 

Do open houses work in all cities? No. In Calgary, the jury is out. But you'll see them - each and every week! It's how many new buyers get to see home styles - but they risk being sold to, versus helped in the buying process. It's also how many agents find client prospects without spending a dime on advertising. As many real estate agent trainers say, "Use open houses as lead generators." Others say, "Get busy and you'll get good!" We always say to buyers, find your agent first - well before you start looking at homes! A good agent will show you styles in a much more efficient manner....

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: RECA - used under standard YouTube license terms.

"Remember, it is best for all involved if concerns are dealt with up front in a real estate transaction."

About RECA: The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency responsible for governing the real estate brokerage, mortgage brokerage and real estate appraisal industries under the Real Estate Act of Alberta.

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Last month, the federal government published a Mortgage Prepayment Code to ensure borrowers are better informed by lenders (federally regulated institutions) when it comes to situations where mortgage prepayment penalties may be charged – namely, for the purpose of clarifying interest rate differential (IRD).

 

This is a positive step, because IRD calculations and penalties have traditionally been very confusing to borrowers.

 

IRD is a charge many borrowers face when paying off a mortgage prior to its maturity date, or by paying the mortgage principal down beyond the amount of annual allowable prepayment privilege limits. And IRD penalties can prove quite costly depending on the remaining mortgage term.

 

IRD is based on:

Source: RECA - used under standard YouTube license terms.

When you buy or sell property or need to secure a mortgage, using a licensed real estate industry professional gives you certain protections you would otherwise lack. RECA licences all industry professionals in Alberta. Check if the person you are dealing with is licensed at www.reca.ca

About RECA: The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is an independent, non-government agency responsible for governing the real estate brokerage, mortgage brokerage and real estate appraisal industries under the Real Estate Act of Alberta.

Source: KWRI - used under standard YouTube license terms.

Calgary, April 2, 2012 – City of Calgary residential sales continued to rise in March 2012, reaching 2,167 units, an increase of 12.6 per cent over last March.

 

“The rise in activity is related to the continued improvement of our economy and consumer confidence, as some concerns regarding the global economy have eased,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist.

 

After the first quarter of 2012, sales are up by 7.3 per cent over the same time last year. While the increase is significant, when compared to historic activity, residential sales continue to remain below the long-term trend. Monthly new listings remain slightly lower than last year, whereas year-to-date figures show 7.2 per cent fewer listings have come onto the market in the first quarter of this year.

 

“While the number of listings for the first quarter of 2012 remains low compared...

Source: KWRI - used under standard YouTube license terms.

Calgary, March 1, 2012 – Sales activity improved across all residential sectors this month compared to a year ago, according to CREB® data released today. Calgary and area sales growth pushed February total residential activity up by 11.6 per cent compared February 2011, mainly due to increased activity in the surrounding towns.

 

“City sales were boosted by a lot of activity in the last week of the month,” says Bob Jablonski, CREB® president. “This points towards the improvements that we expect to see in our spring market activity.”

 

Single family sales and condominium townhouse sales were the bright lights in the city of Calgary, while condo apartments continue to lag in volume of sales. There were 1,284 single-family homes sold in February 2012, a 10.9-per-cent increase over last-year figures, and a 5.6-per-cent y...

Most real estate agents that take home listings will suggest a number of ways to market your home for sale. One of many effective ways of getting people talking about your home is through an open house. Infrequently an open house attendee is the party to actually buy the home, but there are still some other really good reasons to hold open houses. Oftentimes, the buyer ends up being someone who heard about the open house on the Internet, through the marketing done for the open house, or most often through someone who actually did attend the open house. Word of mouth advertising has always been highly effective in the marketing of homes. One of those "nosey neighbours" may actually know of someone they could recommend that might be interested in your home - if only they were asked.

 

There are four basic steps to follow for a successful open house. The first three are planning, promotion, and presentation. Once you've done all that, the fourth step is...

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: KWRI - used under standard YouTube license terms.

Source: Used under standard YouTube license terms.