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1) Reduce energy usage: switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, unplug electronics when not in use, and use a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling.


2) Shop for better rates: compare utility rates and switch providers if a better deal is available.

3) Seal air leaks: check for air leaks around doors and windows, and seal them to reduce energy loss.

4) Conserve water: install low-flow showerheads and fix leaks.

5) Take advantage of off-peak hours: shift energy-intensive activities, such as laundry and dishwashing, to off-peak hours when rates are lower.

6) Invest in energy-saving appliances: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save money on utility bills in the long run.

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Calgary Affordability Advantage! Why would you move to Calgary?

Calgary affordability advantage is the reason Canadians are moving here. Want to start a family in an apartment in Toronto? Or come to Calgary for townhouse or detached home, with higher income & lower taxes!
The Calgary affordability advantage for the average family is outstanding. So when you look at the national news media and
hear that residential markets have dropped substantially, they are talking about Toronto, Vancouver, and other cities. The media does not often focus on the Calgary advantage. This is one of many reasons why Canadians are moving to Calgary. Plus we have jobs, high income, low gas prices & heating costs, and no PST!!!

This chart shows the trend for the three cities for benchmark sold prices, Year over year (1st Mar 2022 to 1st Mar/23).
It shows all residential, which is all housing types: including apartments, townhouses, semi-detached & detached.

Summary for All Residential Sold Benchmark Prices for 1st March 2023 (over past 12 months)

Calgary: $530,900 up 1.53%
Toronto: $1,095,617 down 18%
Vancouver: $1,123,400 down 9.3%

Moving to Calgary? Contact me at cell 403 608 5682, Geoff Antrum.
Realtor at CIR Realty

https://searchcalgaryhomes.ca/


Data provided by "Canadian mortgage trends", CREB and other real estate boards.

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Calgary Average Sold Price - March 2023

Detached: While supply continues to be low relative to demand for lower-priced homes, we are seeing conditions shift into balanced territory for homes priced above $700,000. Both sales and new listings reported significant year-overyear declines over last year’s record high. While the seasonal monthly gain did see inventories move up over the last two months, levels are still amongst the lowest seen in February, and the months of supply fell below two months. The average sold price so far in 2023 is higher than 2022, see chart above.

Semi-detached: Like the detached sector despite the seasonal monthly gain, both sales and new listings fell from last year’s record high. While inventories are starting to rise over the levels seen in the past few months, they remain amongst the lowest levels reported for February. The relatively low inventory levels caused the months of supply to fall below two months in Feb/23, while it is still higher than last year’s ultra-low levels, conditions.

Townhouse/Row: Conditions remained exceptionally tight in Feb/23 with only one month of supply and a sales-to-new listings ratio of 87 percent. While row sales have eased over record levels, they have remained relatively strong for February as demand shifts toward the affordable product in the market. The persistently tight conditions caused further upward pressure on prices.

Apartment: Sales for apartment condominiums did not see the same pace of decline as other property types in Feb/23 partly due to the level of new listings coming onto the market. Persistently strong sales compared to listings have caused February inventory levels to remain relatively low compared to levels seen over the past eight years and the months of supply once again dropped below two months. The tight market condition contributed to the upward pressure on Benchmark prices, but average sold price was similar to 2022.

Have any question contact Geoff, Realtor at CIR Realty, 403 608 5682. 
Looking to buy property: https://searchcalgaryhomes.ca/



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When to Hire a Contractor?

When to Hire a Contractor?

Renovating a home can be a daunting task, but with the help of a home contractor, the process can be much smoother and more efficient. However, it’s important to know when it’s theright time to hire a contractor for renovations.

If the renovation project is complex and involves major changes to the structure or layout of the home. A contractor has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to handle
such projects, and can ensure that the work is done safely.

If the renovation project requires permits and inspections. Contractors have experience working with local building codes and regulations and can help you navigate the permit process. If you don’t have the necessary skills, tools, and equipment to complete the project on your own. A contractor hasaccess to the tools and equipment needed to complete the job and can ensure that the work is done efficiently. If you’re short on time and need the project completed quickly. A contractor can dedicate their full attention to the project, which can help ensure that it’s completed on time and on budget.

In conclusion, hiring a home contractor for renovations is a smart decision when the project is complex, requires permits and inspections, requires specialized skills and tools, or needs to be completed quickly. By hiring a contractor, you can ensure that the renovation is done safely, efficiently, and to your satisfaction.

Questions to Ask a Contractor

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Are they experienced in the type of work you need done?
  • Are they licensed and insured to work in your area? Can they show proof?
  • Will this project require a permit? If so, ensure the contractor is able to get all necessary permits before starting work.
  • Can they share a list of references?
  • When are they available to start on the job?
  • How do they plan to ensure proper safety precautions during the project?
Have any question contact Geoff, Realtor at CIR Realty, 403 608 5682. 
Looking to buy property check this link: https://searchcalgaryhomes.ca/
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Flipping Calgary Residential Property - New Tax Rules 2023
Did you know you can now be taxed on your Calgary principal residence, when you come to sell it? There is a new federal law (Bill C-32) that came into effect on January 1st, 2023. This one focuses on trying to limit house flipping or speculation, by taxing the gains on any home that sells within 12 months of the
purchase.
The new tax law will disallow the use of the principal residence exemption to shelter the capital gain realized on the sale of your home, if you’ve owned it for less than 12 months. Certain exceptions are allowed, such as death, disability, separation and work relocation. Instead, the gain will be taxable as business income. Home sellers in the past, have always been able to sell their primary/principal residence at any time without being taxed, this is a significant change starting in 2023.
This will affect small renovation businesses in Calgary that buy run down property an renovate it. They may have to keep it for 12 months! Cash flow restrictions can be harsh on small contractors. Is this a fair tax for Calgary?

Have any question contact Geoff, Realtor at CIR Realty, 403 608 5682. 
Looking to buy property check this link: https://searchcalgaryhomes.ca/
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Calgary townhouses are a hot commodity in 2023! Prices are rising. The average sold price in the first 6 weeks in Calgary has risen to $391,387, as of 11 Feb/23. What is the rest of the year going to do? Calgary has very low inventory right now, so buyers are scrambling to see townhouses that are on the market. First time buyers moving into the Calgary housing market are switching from detached homes to townhouses, due to mortgage rate increases. This trend looks set in for the rest of the year.


Have any question contact Geoff, Realtor at CIR Realty, 403 608 5682. 
Looking to buy property check this link: https://searchcalgaryhomes.ca/


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Calgary Housing Update - 1st June 2022
Please find attached the Calgary Housing Summary, that just came out on 1st June.
The market is still very busy and favours sellers.
Detached homes prices have risen by 16.6% across the city (over the past 12 months), even though sales have moderated.
 
One thing to bear in mind is: Calgary is not Vancouver or Toronto, so if you have been looking at
Canadian news about real estate, you will often hear that house prices are coming down, which may be the case in the two large cities. However Calgary has its own economic indicators, such as very high oil prices, excellent economic growth, 
and net migration into Alberta, is very strong. Plus Calgary is very affordable compared to the two big cities.    
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Calgary Housing Update May 2022 - Bank rate versus Oil Price!!
Many buyers and sellers are asking: "where is the real estate market going in Calgary?"

On the one hand we have the Bank of Canada raising bank & mortgage rates, which slows the economy, but on the other hand we have oil around $110 (WTI), unemployment coming down, net migration into Alberta is rising & diversification is in full swing. Right now we have a sellers market for detached, semi-detached and townhouses.

Recent price gains and tight market conditions have also encouraged many sellers to list their home this month. However, demand was strong enough to absorb the additional supply,
ensuring the market continues to favour the seller. With 4,670 new listings coming onto the market in April, inventory levels trended up relative to last month and last year. With the elevated sales, the months of supply remains below two months. 

House priced above $600,000 represented 25 per cent of the sales that occurred this month. This is a significant increase from last year when they only represented 12 per cent of sales. The shift in distribution is causing both the average prices to record double-digit year-over-year price gains.

More bank rate increases could start to slow the Calgary market, but right now its a sellers market in may communities. It is not evenly spread, the newer communities are attracting more buyers and price gains. Do you need more information on your community & how it is performing? Please contact me. 
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Calgary Hot Market Continues, Sold House Prices Rise!

Calgary & area residents want to know the value of their property right now! And see how much it has gone up! This chart shows the average sold price of homes in Calgary for the past 3 years. Need detailed sold data on your home & community? Contact Geoff, REALTOR at CIR Realty, at : 403 608 5682 call or text.
Its a sellers market right now for row, semi, and detached homes. Apartment sales is still balanced but moving towards a sellers market. Investor alert!! Apartments could be the next big price jump. Next month I will focus on Luxury property prices. 


Calgary is in a unique position right now to see a major shift in real estate prices. We are already beginning to see it in detached homes and apartments will follow. Need an online house evaluation? Message me now!

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Calgary Hot Housing Market Continues - Feb 2022

We have a Hot Calgary Market! What is happening to Calgary real estate market? Cash offers! Competing offers! Offers way over list price! Prices rising fast! Frustrated buyers! No condition offers! The detached market has gone a little crazy.

Detached Market: This is where the market has shifted dramatically. Prices are rising month over month. We have had a 14% increase in prices over the past 12 months and this is accelerating. We just had a 2% increase in the last month from previous month.
Why is this happening? Many reasons:

1) Net migration into Calgary is up. 
Migration is one of the main drivers in house price increases.

2) Mortgage rates are low.
3) We are moving towards full employment.
4) Calgary house prices are very affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver. Many young people are moving here.
5) Oil is over $90 and rising. And diversification is happening.
6) Very few homes on the market for buyers to choose. Low inventory!

Sellers are seeing multiple offers coming in as soon as they list their home. Some are cash offers way above list price. We are seeing unconditional Offers $50,000 and over the list price. The Attached and Row markets are following the detached market.

The apartment market is not as hectic and is a balanced market right now. But sales have dramatically increased. We are seeing sales closing in on the sales of 2007. The apartment market is turning and given the right conditions may follow the surge we had in 2007.

What is your Calgary house worth right now? 



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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.