Prices remain similar to last year, but ease in October

October's housing market conditions closely echoed previous months' trends, with easing sales, rising inventories and downward price pressure. Like last month, the monthly activity was not enough to derail gains that occurred earlier in the year.

Affordability, community and amenities have drawn many to Calgary's northern neighbour

While most people take great care to choose the place they want to call home, one could say Airdrie chose Wendie and John Pilkington. More precisely, their son and his growing family chose Airdrie for them, when he relocated from England to a new job in the city of nearly 65,000.

Since 2014, the elder Pilkingtons have resided in Cooper's Crossing, which has been voted Airdrie's best community for five years in a row.

"Airdrie is where the kids are and that's where we are," said Wendie Pilkington, admitting that even when they first moved, they weren't sure they would remain. After nearly 30 years of living in England's comparatively grey climes, Airdrie's year-round sunshine was particularly attractive.

Habitat for Humanity celebrates completion of six new affordable homes in Bowness

Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated the completion of six new homes in Bowness that will provide affordable home ownership opportunities to six Calgary families.

"At Habitat, we know how difficult it is for families to break into the housing market," said Gerrad Oishi, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. "That's why we're committed to working with our community to provide affordable home ownership opportunities for families. We're so thankful for every sponsor, donor, community partner and volunteer who has stepped up to make affordable home ownership opportunities possible for six families in Bowness."

Candidates spar at CREB® mayoral forum

Calgary's top three mayoral candidates discussed a variety of issues on Sept. 21 at CREB®'s Courageous Conversations, an exclusive forum focusing on housing-related issues critical to REALTORS® and the city.

Candidates Andre Chabot and Bill Smith joined incumbent Naheed Nenshi in CREB®'s W. Frank Johns Auditorium as the candidates took verbal jabs at each other over several issues.

The forum was hosted and moderated by CREB® CEO Alan Tennant.

Calgary's top three mayoral candidates discussed a variety of issues on Sept. 21 at CREB^®'s Courageous Conversations, an exclusive forum focusing on housing-related issues critical to REALTORS^® and the city.

Local REALTORS® build homes with Habitat for Humanity

On Sept. 21, the CREB® Charitable Foundation sent out a team of 24 local REALTORS® to take part in a Habitat for Humanity build day in the northwest community of Bowness. Despite the cold weather conditions, these superhero volunteers warmed the hearts of the community.

Planning is crucial to a smooth and successful move

You've found the home of your dreams, made an offer and, eventually, sealed the deal – now it's time for the big move.

While moving day can be a stressful time, some advance planning can make the process run as smoothly as possible, while limiting the likelihood of unpleasant surprises.

First of all, you should know how to deal with a situation where the previous owner has saddled you with a dirty house or left-behind furniture on possession day.

Open houses are still an important tool in the REALTOR®'s arsenal

Open houses remain a valid and valuable way to sell properties, even in this day and age of virtual reality.
While the technological tools available today to give maximum exposure to a listing have made it easier for potential homebuyers to window shop from anywhere, the physical presence of an open house still can't be replaced.

CREB® president David P. Brown says opinions about open houses are often divided. Some REALTORS® love them, while others can't stand them.

"But how we do it has changed a fair bit I believe," said Brown. "Social media has got to be the biggest thing. Before, if we were going to have an open house we might hand deliver a few flyers or something around the neighbourhood – put up some signs and that was it.

"Now, we post it all over."

Market sees modest inventory gains, but overall prices inch up 

Sales exhibited stable growth through the first half of the year in the Calgary housing market, but the number of transactions slowed slightly in July compared to last year.

Citywide sales totaled 1,637 units, six per cent below July 2016 levels. Year-to-date sales activity totaled 11,957 units, nine per cent above last year.

"Sales growth exceeded expectations so far this year. Clients were re-entering the market after delaying decisions until there were some signs of economic improvement," said CREB® president David P. Brown.

Stable prices in detached sector signal balanced conditions despite increased inventory

The Calgary housing market saw a modest improvement in sales, along with an increase in new listings, in June.

However, demand gains have not kept pace with the amount of new listings coming onto the market. This caused inventory levels to increase to 6,659 units, which is 11 per cent higher than last year's levels.

Despite the shift in inventory this month, second-quarter activity continues to demonstrate improved supply-demand balance and price stability. City-wide benchmark prices totaled $441,500 in June. This is a 0.5-per-cent increase over last month and nearly one per cent higher than last year.