Former CREB® president Patti Beaudry recalls city's fast pace in 1997

Former CREB® president Patti Beaudry recalls 1997 as a bright spot in Calgary's real estate history, in which resale housing activity and prices hit then peak levels and the city's population experienced a newfound surge.

The economy was vibrant, with new jobs bringing newcomers to the city by planes, trains and automobiles, recalled the 35-year real estate veteran, who guided the organization's board of directors through its boom year. By year's end, the city's population gained 3.3 per cent to 934,300 compared to 2.4 per cent growth the year prior. Three years later, it hit the once-mythical one-million mark.

Calgary's housing market at the time illustrated the impact of this new wave of new residents. Sales in the resale residential sector jumped more than 20 per cent to 18,423, while prices surged by more than six per cent to $146,788, according to CREB®.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram helping real estate businesses build their brands

When Sarah Johnston began using social media, she didn't do it to promote her real estate business.

"My entire life is dedicated to this 'job,' and I needed an outlet," she said.

Instead, Johnston took a relaxed approach, using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share about her life and interests — including her real estate adventures — and just be herself.

But she quickly discovered the power of the medium as she began amassing followers and having conversations online. Johnston connected easily with her target market (young professionals) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as other real estate professionals on LinkedIn.

Real estate career ranks tops in survey; affirmed by local professional

Ever since she was a young girl, Ronaele Pound has known that, one day, she wanted to adopt a child.

"When my husband and I got married, I told him this was on my bucket list, to adopt," said Pound.

"Financially, though, it wasn't in the works for us when we were in our 20s."

Now in her late 30s, Pound is one step closer, having spent the last year with husband Darin tirelessly filling out paperwork, paying bills and meeting with social workers in the hope of adopting a child from Haiti.

She credits her career choice to providing the flexibility and financial stability she needs to, at long last, pursue her dream. Pound is a real estate professional with The Real Estate Company Ltd. in Calgary, as well as mom to Carson, 14, Grace, 12, and Graham, 9.

Real estate profession sees little fluctuations during market volatility

Fluctuations in Calgary's housing market over the last several years have not yet significantly impacted the number of real estate professionals practicing in the industry, say officials.

"It's interesting because in down economies we actually see some additions. Professionals in other industries who have lost their jobs often choose to come into our industry instead," said CREB® president Cliff Stevenson. "It keeps everything pretty well balanced. We don't see tremendous fluctuations year over year."

Last year, CREB® reported 5,253 members who record 18,830 sales. That's in comparison with 5,188 members and 25,543 MLS® sales in 2014.

This year, CREB® is reporting 5,277 members so far, and forecasting 18,416 sales by year's end.

Calgary's real estate market, by the numbers

Calgary's resale residential housing market in February was virtually unchanged from previous months, highlighted by sales declines, inventory gains and, ultimately, price softness.

CREB®Now breaks down some of the key statistics to come out of CREB®'s monthly housing summary.

$445,000
The benchmark price for a home in Calgary last month was $445,000, a 0.6 per cent decline over January and 3.5 per cent lower than levels recorded last year.

CREB®Now sits down with incoming president Cliff Stevenson 

Softness in the provincial economy is expected to challenge Calgary's resale residential housing market in 2016. How will the market react?

CREB®Now recently had a chance to sit down with CREB®'s incoming president Cliff Stevenson to ask him five questions about the local housing industry in the year ahead.

CREB®Now: ?How will buyers and sellers react in what's expected to be a down economy?

Stevenson: Sellers are going to be more choosy with their timing in this calendar year. Someone who is working with a real estate professional is going to spend a lot more time on strategy with respect to pricing and timing. And buyers, especially first-time buyers and investors, will do their best to time the bottom, but I think that will be really difficult. So, I think this year it will be the guessing game by first-time buyers and investors of when will be the best time to get into the market. But I would suspect there are going to be some challenges with that.

Experts believe higher-priced home market is not out for the count

Despite ongoing oil patch uncertainty that plagued the province's economy for much of 2014, Calgary's luxury housing market is still alive and well, say industry insiders.

While experts acknowledge the sector is going through a rough patch, they say the industry is undaunted, instead pushing ahead in hopes that Alberta's infamous cyclical economy is due for another upswing.

Life-changing event sparks local real estate professional into action

Mathew Said Morley's good deeds come from the heart. Literally.

Six years ago at the age of 26, the Calgary real estate professional had open heart surgery. Born with some heart issues, it wasn't his first surgery – and it may not be his last.

But this particular operation changed his outlook on life — in a beautiful way.

"It really made me think about how fragile life is, and how many people could use just a bit of extra help," he said. "It motivated me to get involved in the community in different ways."

Overseas condo ownership ramps up in Calgary

Foreign ownership is picking up in Calgary's housing market, according to a new report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp (CMHC).

Late last week, the federal housing agency noted foreign ownership in Calgary's condo apartment sector has increased from just 0.2 per cent of the total market in 2014 to 1.1 per cent in 2015.

While it's a far cry from the level of ownership seen in markets such as Vancouver and Toronto, the rise in Calgary still represents a five-fold increase.