What a difference three months makes.

Restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 have altered almost all standard practices, including real estate transactions. So, if you're buying or selling a home, things look a little bit different.

Applications are now open for three new grant programs from the CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation designed to support local housing and shelter initiatives.

As governments and individuals around the world work to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it has become clear the epidemic will have far-reaching impacts for Calgary's residents, businesses and economy.

Since 1984, the CREB^®Now newspaper has been a part of the city's news community.

Through our editorial work, we've covered all things real estate, residential and commercial, to ensure our readers make the most of their home buying and selling experiences.

If you're reading this in our print newspaper, congratulations – you are holding one of the last physical copies of CREB^®Now.

CREB^®Now has been a part of Calgary's news community since 1983, back when it was called Calgary Real Estate News or, simply, CREN. Since then, our humble newspaper has gone through a few different iterations and several redesigns.

To celebrate our final print issue, let's take a walk down memory lane:

One of the key factors impacting the Calgary resale housing market in the last year or so has been affordability.

With economic uncertainty top of mind due to the collapse in oil prices and the COVID-19 crisis, prospective homebuyers are increasingly looking for more affordable options when making a purchase.

That will likely lead to more demand in the condominium apartment market in the future.

Under these current circumstances, we understand that it is not business as usual.

CREB^® continues to take precautions in making sure its REALTORS^® and the public they serve remain healthy and safe. The well-being of the public and our members remains our top priority.

Alan Tennant - CREB® CEO

There is nothing to indicate a major shift in the current
trajectory. I see cautious optimism among the development sector – they are not overbuilding in any sector – and that is a healthy sign. It comes down to consumer confidence. We have two elections behind us, which could have been destabilizing but weren't.