The Calgary real estate market is currently experiencing a shift towards a more balanced market, with inventory levels increasing and sales slowing down compared to previous years. While some property types are seeing price gains, others are experiencing declines. Overall, the market is influenced by factors like economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and increased inventory. 

Key Trends:

• Increased Inventory:

  Inventory levels are rising, particularly for row and apartment-style homes, returning to levels seen before the recent surge in population growth. 

• Sales Slowdown:

  Sales activity has decreased compared to previous years, with some property types experiencing significant year-over-year declines. 

• Price Fluctuations:

  While some property types, like semi-detached homes, are seeing price increases, others, like apartments and row homes, are experiencing price declines. 

• Shifting Market Dynamics:

  The increase in inventory and slower sales are creating a more balanced market, giving buyers more negotiating power. 

• Economic Uncertainty:

  Factors like global economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, and changing immigration policies are impacting buyer confidence and market activity. 

Property Type Specifics:

• Detached Homes:

  Benchmark prices remain relatively stable, but sales activity varies by area, with some districts seeing gains. 

• Semi-Detached Homes:

  Prices are up, with some areas, like the City Centre, reaching record prices, but inventory is limited. 

• Townhouses and Apartments:

  These property types are seeing the biggest increases in inventory and are more susceptible to price declines due to increased supply. 

Tips for Buyers and Sellers:

• Buyers:

  Consider getting into the market sooner rather than later, as interest rates are expected to come down, potentially increasing competition. 

• Sellers:

  Be patient and realistic about pricing, as the market is shifting towards more balanced conditions. 

Give me a call and we can chat about how the real estate market is impacting your property and design a plan that works for you.  Gerard at 403-703-5548

The Calgary real estate market is currently experiencing a shift towards more balanced conditions, with slowing price growth and increased inventory. While detached and semi-detached home prices remain strong, row and apartment prices are slightly below their 2024 peaks. Overall, the market is seeing a rise in inventory and a decrease in the sales-to-new-listings ratio, indicating a more balanced environment between buyers and sellers. 

Key Trends:

• Price Growth Slowing:

  While benchmark prices continue to rise, the pace of growth has slowed, particularly for row and apartment-style homes. 

• Increased Inventory:

  The number of homes available for sale has increased, leading to more options for buyers. 

• Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio Declining:

  This indicates a shift towards a more balanced market, with less pressure on prices. 

• Shifting Buyer Preferences:

  Buyers are showing a greater preference for detached and semi-detached homes, while row and apartment prices are experiencing more downward pressure. 

• Regional Differences:

  The North East, North, and South East districts are seeing the largest year-over-year price declines. 

If you want to know how the real estate market is impacting you, give me a call and we can chat.

Gerard at 403-703-5548

Wishing you a joyful celebration filled with pride, gratitude, and maple-syrup-sweet moments.

Today we honor the beauty, resilience, and unity of this incredible country—and the people who make it home.

Whether you’re barbecuing in the backyard, catching fireworks 🎆, or just enjoying a well-earned day off, hope it's a good one!

Proud to be a Canadian! Cheers to Canada! 🥳🍁

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Professional Experience

With knowledge and training in marketing strategy, negotiation tactics, and the workings of the current real estate market, a REALTOR® will be able to guide you through the steps of the home-selling process and be able to explain exactly what to expect.  S/he will make you aware of your rights and responsibilities, work with you to strategize the best moves according to your own goals, discuss financing options, and point you in the direction of other specialized professionals who will aid you in different stages of the process.

Best Price

REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the current real estate market and will know what comparable properties in your area are selling for.  They have the resources and knowledge to establish the best asking price and to attract the highest selling price.  With access to their company’s professional marketing resources and connections, they will ensure potential buyers are immediately made aware of your home and market the property to sell as quickly as possible and for the most money.

“Showcasing” Experience

Your REALTOR® will know the importance of a property’s first impression.  S/he will have experienced first-hand, for example, the impact a property’s “drive-up appeal” has on the rest of a potential Buyer’s experience of your home.  Your REALTOR® will be able to offer you tips and information on how to get your home in the best-selling shape possible, in order to sell your property quickly and for top dollar.

Access to Qualified Buyers

REALTORS® save time and effort by dealing only with qualified buyers.  They have access to a pool of pre-screened and pre-qualified buyers who are serious about buying a home in your neighbourhood.  REALTORS® work hard to develop this base of qualified buyers which will become an invaluable resource for you.

Negotiation Skills

REALTORS® serve many functions, but perhaps the most important is their role as primary negotiator on your behalf.  Your REALTOR® realizes your goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible, and for the most money possible, and will work closely with you during the negotiation process to facilitate this goal.  REALTORS® bring to the process the knowledge and skills to draw up legally binding contracts, to assist in negotiating offers and counteroffers, and to offer counsel and perspective as you work toward your selling goals.

An examination of the prices at which similar properties in the same area recently sold.

A CMA is prepared for clients to help determine a price to list when selling a home or a price to offer when buying a home. Since no two properties are identical, agents adjust for the differences between the sold properties and the one that is about to be purchased or listed to determine a fair offer or sale price. Essentially, a comparative market analysis is a less sophisticated version of a formal, professional appraisal.

Listed properties, especially if no similar properties were recently sold are also included when conducting a CMA.  Please remember that listing prices only indicate what the seller hopes to get for the property and do not necessarily reflect what it is worth.

Expired listings are often included as well to show similar properties where the listing expired. This information can be useful when settling on a list price.  While a CMA is not an official appraisal, there are a great deal of similar practices and methods that an appraiser would use to arrive at a reasonable value for the property.

When conducting a CMA, it's important to consider factors such as the property's location, size, condition, and unique features. This helps in making necessary adjustments to compare it accurately with recently sold or listed properties. The goal is to ensure that the price is competitive yet realistic, reflecting both the current market trends and the property's intrinsic value.

Moreover, a well-done CMA can provide insights into market dynamics, such as whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, and help clients make informed decisions. It also assists in setting expectations for both sellers and buyers regarding potential negotiation ranges and the time it might take to sell or purchase a property.

In summary, a Comparative Market Analysis is a crucial tool in real estate transactions, offering a strategic overview that aids in achieving successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

Budgeting for a new home can be tricky. Not only are there mortgage installments and the down payment to consider, but there are also a host of other—sometimes unexpected— expenses to add to the equation. The last thing you want is to be caught financially unprepared, blindsided by taxes and other hidden costs on closing day.

These expenses vary: some of them are one-time costs, while others will take the form of monthly or yearly installments. Some may not even apply to your case.  But it’s best to educate yourself about all the possibilities, so you will be prepared for any situation, armed with the knowledge to budget accordingly for your move. Use the following list to determine which costs will apply to your situation prior to structuring your budget: 

1.      Purchase offer deposit.

2.      Inspection by certified building inspector.

3.      Appraisal fee: Your lending institution may request an appraisal of the property. The cost of this appraisal is your responsibility.

4.      Mortgage application at your lending institution.

5.      5% GST: this fee applies to newly built homes only, or existing homes that have recently undergone extensive renovations.

6.      Legal fees: A lawyer should be involved in every real estate transaction to review all paperwork. Experience and rates offered by lawyers range quite a bit, so shop around before you hire.

7.      Homeowner’s insurance: Your home will serve as security against your loan for your financial institution. You will be required to buy insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the mortgage loan.

8.      Land transfer (purchase) tax: This tax applies in any situation in which a property changes owners and can vary greatly.

9.      Moving expenses.

10.   Service charges: Any utilities you arrange for at your new home, such as cable or telephone, may come with an installation fee.

11.   Interest adjustments.

12.   Renovation of new home: In order to “make it their own,” many new homeowners like to paint or invest in other renovations prior to or upon moving in to their new home. If this is your plan, budget accordingly.

13.   Maintenance fees: If you are moving to a new condominium, you will likely be charged a monthly condo fee which covers the costs of common area maintenance.

The home buying process for first-time buyers might seem daunting at first but breaking it down into steps can make it much more manageable. Here's a roadmap to guide you through it:

1. Assess Your Financial Readiness

• Review your savings, income, and current expenses. 

• Check your credit score since it affects mortgage approval and interest rates.

• Save for the down payment (typically 5-20% of the home's price) and account for additional costs like closing fees.

2. Determine Your Budget

• Use mortgage calculators to figure out how much you can afford.

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage, which shows sellers you're a serious buyer.   If you need a referral to a mortgage broker, I can help you with that.

3. Research Programs and Incentives

• Explore first-time homebuyer incentives, such as Calgary's programs or federal initiatives like the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan. 

• I have listed several programs and incentives below to help you get started. 

4. Hire a Real Estate Agent – Call Me!

A trusted agent can help you navigate the market, find suitable homes, and negotiate with sellers.  As someone with experience in the Calgary area, a strong track record of successful home sales, and a reputation for excellent customer service. When you make the important decision to buy a home, I am committed to going the extra mile to ensure that all your needs are successfully met in a professional and honest manner.

5. Start the Home Search

I have access to a wealth of listings, including homes that may not be publicly listed, giving you more options to choose from.    Together we will look for properties that meet your needs (size, location, amenities, etc.) and schedule private viewings to look at your chosen homes.  I can create a personalized portal for you, providing access to new and updated listings the moment they become available.

6. Make an Offer

• Once we find your ‘dream home, we will work together to make a competitive offer based on market conditions. 

• Be prepared to negotiate with the seller on price, conditions, or closing terms.

7. Home Inspection and Financing

• I would recommend conducting a home inspection to ensure there are no major issues.

• Finalize your mortgage with your lender after receiving the inspection results.

8. Closing Process

• You will need to select a lawyer to represent you, who will prepare all the necessary legal documents and review and sign them about two weeks before the closing date.

• Pay the remaining balance of your down payment and closing costs.

• Receive the keys and officially become a homeowner!

If you're a first-time homebuyer in Calgary, there are several programs and incentives to help you get started:

Attainable Homes Calgary Program: This initiative offers down payment assistance of $2,000 for qualifying individuals. It allows buyers to share in their home's appreciation over the first five years.

RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: You can withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP account (or $70,000 if purchasing with a partner) to use as a down payment. The amount must be repaid within 15 years.

Federal First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit: This provides a $1,500 tax credit to ease financial burdens.

Shared Equity Mortgage Program: Eligible buyers can borrow 5% or 10% of the home's purchase price as an interest-free loan, reducing monthly mortgage payments.

Pre-construction Homes: Many first-time buyers are exploring pre-construction homes to lock in pricing and access fresh designs.