Government report could change rules forcing disclosure of grow-op properties in Alberta

Alberta homebuyers could soon have more protection in place to ensure they don't buy former grow-ops without their knowledge.

Last week, the government released a report titled Grow-Op Free Alberta Recommendations concerning proposed legislation to combat the ill effects of marijuana grow operations on Albertans, their homes and
neighbourhoods.

Government report could change rules forcing disclosure of grow-op properties in Alberta

Alberta homebuyers could soon have more protection in place to ensure they don't buy former grow-ops without their knowledge.

Last week, the government released a report titled Grow-Op Free Alberta Recommendations concerning proposed legislation to combat the ill effects of marijuana grow operations on Albertans, their homes and
neighbourhoods.

MLS System offers option to post and search rental listings

A new feature to the MLS® System allowing REALTORS® the option to post rental listings is earning positive
reviews.

Justin Warthe, a REALTOR® with CIR Realty has posted two rental listings on the MLS® System and has experienced success with the new service.

"I've found the success to be quite good, it has been a good way to get in front of people and offer an extension of services," he said. "I like the idea, because someone who is renting their house now will be selling their house later, so it is a good way to build relationships."

New listings up; Calgarians making the choice to buy in tight rental market

Not even a snowy spring kept sales and listings this April from increasing over last years' numbers.

CREB®'s monthly stats reported new residential listings for April at 3,754 units, an eight per cent increase compared to the same time last year.

"[Buying] made the most sense," said Sarah Hammond, a previous homeowner who purchased a home in the
southeast with her boyfriend, a firsttime buyer. "I already owned a condo so was not interested in trying to fight
the rental market to pay. Basically mortgage payments are the same or less than rental fees right now."

New listings improve for all product types in the city

Following a slow start to the year, improved weather and price gains supported new listings growth.

New residential listings in April totaled 3,754 units, an eight per cent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile sales activity totaled 2,545 units for the month, a seven per cent increase over April 2013.

CREB's first female board director discusses her life and her craft

Grace Turley was never one for barriers.

As a small child she would escape her family yard in order to explore the surrounding town of Ochre River, Manitoba. That sense of curiosity would lead her to the world of real estate years later when she settled with a family of her own in Calgary.

Upon seeing an ad seeking an "experienced real estate man", Turley applied anyways — and got the job.

Looking to 2014, Calgary's housing market is expected to continue growing, with sales and prices going up.

CREB®'s chief economist, Ann-Marie Lurie said that sales growth in the city is expected to be 3.6 per cent and prices are expected to increase 4.3 per cent.