The average resale housing price in the Calgary census metropolitan area will increase year-over-year in 2010, following two consecutive years of declines, predicts a new forecast released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
“In the first quarter, the average resale price was $394,463, an increase of seven per cent from the same period in 2009,” said the CMHC in is Spring Calgary Housing Market Outlook.
“Despite the impressive year-over-year gain, growth in the average price is expected to moderate as the sales-to-active listings ratio continues to trend downward.” The average price is forecast to increase 4.4 per cent this year reaching $403,000. Balanced conditions are expected to continue into 2011, when the average price is forecast to rise 3.7 per cent to $418,000, said the CMHC.
The trend in resale activity has moderated in 2010 from the heightened pace experienced toward the end of last year, it said. And with the recent rise in mortgage rates coupled with higher home values, this will push monthly carrying costs upward, “tempering” demand for home ownership.
In 2010, CMHC forecasts MLS residential sales to reach 25,000 units, up by 0.5 per cent from the previous year.
“As employment, income, and net migration gain more traction and cushion some of the effects of higher monthly carrying costs, sales in 2011 are expected to rise another four per cent to 26,000 units,” said the CMHC.
Total housing starts for 2010 in the Calgary region are on track to increase from 6,318 units in 2009 to 8,800 units in 2010, up by 39.3 per cent.
As the economy continues to improve, total housing starts in 2011 are forecast to increase further to 10,300 units or another 17 per cent.
“(Single-detached) builders have been facing stronger demand conditions and lower inventory levels, which have contributed to higher starts,” said Richard Cho, senior market analyst in Calgary for the CMHC.
New construction of single-detached homes is expected to rise 36 per cent above 2009 levels, reaching 6,500 starts in 2010. In 2011, single-detached builders will further benefit from stronger economic conditions and start another 7,200 units, representing an 11 per cent increase year-over-year.
Multi-family builders scaled back production to 1,543 units in 2009, as inventories escalated throughout the year.
“Although inventories remain elevated for apartment units, multi-family builders in 2010 will start more units than last year, as more semi-detached and row units are produced,” said Cho. “However, total multi-family activity will still remain below historical norms.”
New multi-family construction is expected to reach 2,300 units in 2010, an increase of 49 per cent from the previous year. As the economy improves and apartment inventories decline, the CMHC said multi-family production is forecast to increase 35 per cent in 2011 to 3,100 units.
With the prospect of improving labour markets and higher levels of net migration, demand for rental accommodations is expected to pick up. In addition, rising home values and higher interest rates will push monthly carrying costs upward, increasing the gap between average monthly rent and mortgage payment (principle and interest). This will reduce the incentive to move into home ownership, said the CMHC.
The vacancy rate is forecast to decline to 4.9 per cent in October 2010 and 3.9 per cent in 2011.
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment unit is forecast to slip from $1,099 per month in October 2009 to $1,090 per month in October 2010. The average rent is not anticipated to increase until 2011 when vacancy rates further decline and fewer incentives are offered. In 2011, the average two-bedroom rent is forecast to reach $1,120 per month.
MTONEGUZZI@THEHERALD.CANWEST.COM
I know from my own experience in the real estate business that my clients value:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Experience
- Ethics
- Previous Success
- Open Communication
Here is an independent article I found from Lendingmax.com. Do you agree?
Corinne Watson
403.921.SOLD
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
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So you’ve decided to sell your home and want to use the services of a real estate company. How do you choose a realtor?
Here are some tips that should help you make the process a little easier.
Talk to friends, acquaintances and business associates about who they would recommend. This will generally give you one of the best indications to a good realtor. Watch that their suggestions are not just relatives in the business. It still pays to check out all of their recommendations.
Check your local papers for Realtors who are heavily into advertising. You want a Realtor who is going to promote your property. Heavy advertising is also a good sign of a successful realtor.
Look for a realtor who specializes in your area and within your submarket, i.e., if you own a condominium unit, look for a Realtor that is well versed in condominium sales. In smaller communities, this may not always work so choose someone who specializes primarily in residential property. There is no sense in choosing a realtor specializing in commercial property if you want to sell your house.
I’m sure that I’m going to get email on this one but, if you can, choose a full time realtor and not someone who sells real estate as a part time job. The bottom line for you is to sell your home and since your paying about $7,000.00 on a $100,000.00 house sale, you bet you want their full attention to the job. In some rural areas and smaller communities, you won’t find a full time Realtor and in this situation, there’s not much you can do.
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- Steam cleaned the carpets or
- Vacuumed carpets with a sprinkling of baking soda
- Washed draperies and linens
- Cleaned all surfaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, windows, floors
Vinegar used in your cleaning solution helps to remove odours. You can also put a few drops of a nice essential oil into water used for mopping floors.
Once, the background cleaning is done, you can focus on creating pleasant smells in your home. Scent preferences can vary greatly from person to person, so if you decide to perfume your house, exercise moderation. Don’t overdo it. Aim for smells that create a sense of warmth, comfort and well-being to those who visit. A list of scents that are recommended include:
- Fresh bread; bring in or make a loaf in close proximity to a showing
- Cinnamon; warm a couple of tablespoons in a pan and allow the smell to spread
- Vanilla, burn a nicely scented vanilla candle
- Coffee bean; roast half a cup of beans in the oven
- Apple pie; cook a pie in your oven before a showing
If you decide not to use any of these, use caution with artificial smells, like room sprays as these often contain chemicals which can be offensive to some.
If you think you need more help, you can try using a Lampe Berger.
These were originally developed for use in hospitals and claim to purify air. The lamps can also be used to infuse a myriad of scents into your home. Although they use a flame for the initial 2 minutes, afterwards, they use the simple forces of heat and diffusion to move scent around. Thus, they are great if you are concerned about the fire hazard of candles.
If after all this, you can’t trust your own nose, invite a female friend or neighbour over for an honest smell test. Yes, a female, studies show that women have a better sense of smell than men.
If you are thinking of selling your home in Chestermere , give me a call,
Corinne Watson
Chestermere Realtor
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
403.921.SOLD
Try these tips:
- Use Twitter and Facebook to connect with potential buyers, keeping in mind that you want to “connect” as you would in person and not come across as too “salesy”
- Posting your listing on your profile and your agent’s profile exponentially increases the potential viewers, and the potential for your home to go viral.
- Use strong keywords in your home description. Things like “pool” and “deck” and “finished basement” will really catch buyers’ eyes.
- Make sure to use lots of location words, as people will be searching by location, such as Chestermere home for sale
- Pricing your online listing is a tactical decision, too. You’re better at the low end of a given range than at the high end of a lower range. So, don’t price at $199,000 if the range is $150,000 to $200,000. Price at $201,000, and get at the low end of the $200,000 to $250,000 range.
- Create a simple video that you can post on YouTube to profile your home
- If you are a blogger, upload your home to your site, and twitter about it
- Have your agent use a social network site such as www.activerain.com. These profiles are searchable and google can pull up your home for the right searcher
Give me a call, and we can come up with some great ideas together to sell your home in Chestermere.
Corinne Watson
Chestermere Realtor
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
403.921.SOLD
Sources : http://www.stormdawg.com/2009/11/02/realtors-are-using-social-media-to-help-sell/ and
http://www.futureofrealestatemarketing.com/marketing-real-estate-on-facebook-and-other-social-networks
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In a previous post, I discussed 10 tips for getting your home ready for sale . In this post, I’d like to talk in a little more detail about something called home staging. Viewing a home for the first time, is much like meeting a new person for the first time, first impressions matter. Staging aims to neutralize the personalization you may have done to make it your own while you lived in the home. The action of neutralization sets the “stage” to make it more appealing to a viewer. The potential buyer can more easily visualize living in the home. Some agents claim that staging can help sell a home faster, and can sometimes for more money. Staging can be thought of as an extra tool to help you out when the real estate market is unsteady. This action could also put your home ahead of other homes that you may be competing with.
If you decide to go with staging, remember to have your home’s pictures taken after the staging, as a large number of potential buyers will be viewing your home online. If the home looks more appealing in the online photos, you have a better shot of enticing them to view the home in person.
There a number of professional home stagers out there, who can do a great job for you. There is also a Canadian home staging professional association where you can look for a referral.
If you decide to take this task on for yourself, there are some great resources online. Check out this video series for tips on how to stage your Chestermere home for sale.
Alternatively, you can learn from other professionals, such as this Canadian site, where there is a newsletter you can subscribe to to learn about the subject.
As always, please give me a call to discuss whatever strategy you have in mind,
Corinne Watson
Chestermere Realtor
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
403.921.SOLD
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You can also select the terrain option and see the hills and valleys of the local area. This is another aspect of you’re the community which can affect your decision. Other great options include a view of traffic, webcams in the area, and transit locations. The tool also includes photos that were taken from the local area. These are all factors which could play into your final decision to purchase a home in Chestemere or elsewhere. If you are selling your home in Chestermere, it might be valuable for you to search your own home and see what prospective buyers might see.
Of course, there is no replacement for seeing in person a real home and neighbourhood, so once you have done your research, call me and you can experience a prospective location in person.
Corinne Watson
Chestermere Realtor
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
403.921.SOLD
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Given that we are currently in a buyer’s market (link to previous post), this is a great time to purchase a your first home in Chestermere. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”, so perhaps you just need a little extra help with the knowledge part.? Here a number of sources for learning more about real estate in Chestermere.
Online
If you like the computer and watching videos, check out this video series for examples of videos which give advice on how to purchase. How to buy a home.
Another great online tool is Homebuying step by step interactive guide by CMHC (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
You can always check out my Home Buyers Guide for more home buyers’s information.
Hands on
If you like hands on learning, check out these real estate learning courses being hosted by Chinook learning services in Calgary.
Reading
If you are one who likes to read, check out some really great books at the library or bookstore.
- Realty check : real estate secrets for first-time Canadian home buyers
Rinomato, Sandra.
- Buying and selling a home for Canadians for dummies
Ioannou, Tony.
- Welcome home : insider secrets for buying or selling your property : a Canadian guide
Daniels, Sarah
Learn as much as you can, so that knowledge is not holding you back in making your dream of owning a home in Chestermere come true.
Contact me directly with any of your questions,
Corinne Watson
Chestermere Realtor
cwatson@cirrealty.ca
403.921.SOLD
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Features:Ceiling 9 ft., Vaulted Ceiling, WTBar, Sprinkler System-Underground, Skylight, Swirlpool Bath (Jacuzzi), Deck, Hot Tub, Exterior Walls- 2×6′, No Animal Home, No Smoking Home
Includes: Dishwasher-Built-In, Oven-Built-In, Oven-Microwave, Stove-Electric, Vacuum System Attachments, Window Coverings-All, Hood Fan, Garburator, Hot Water Instant, Blinds- Roll Up; Pull Down, Venetian Blinds, Humidifier-Power (Furnace), Garage Opener-2 Control
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Goods Included: Dishwasher-Built-In, Oven-Built-In, Oven-Microwave, Stove-Electric, Vacuum System Attachments, Window Coverings-All, Hood Fan, Garburator, Hot Water Instant, Blinds- Roll Up; Pull Down, Venetian Blinds, Humidifier-Power (Furnace), Garage Opener-2 Control
Click here For More information on this beautiful home in Chestermere
Looking for more Homes in Chestermere
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Corinne Watson
Chestermere Lake Realtor
www.corinnewatson.com
**all information is posted as accurate as possible, though not garuntee’d. Listing may sell without notice
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Custom built by Talisman Homes!This beautiful home is perfect for the growing family! From the grand foyer entrance open to above to the elegently presented custom designed ceiling in the dining room, this home speaks of quality! Gleaming Oak hardwood flooring throughout the main floor! Updated kitchen with newer granite counter tops ,neutral colored tile and high quality white cabinets with a contemporary edge. The main floor 2 pce has a raised bowl sink and white wainscotting. The 3 way fireplace is enjoyed from the nook as well as the living room. Upstairs the bonus room has a vaulted ceiling ,built in desk unit,a built in entertainment unit and a floor to ceiling stone fireplace! The master bedroom is a treat with a large ensuite recently updated with a jetted tub, glass surround shower and a raised sink on a granite counter top. The basement has a wine room, pool table area,3rd fireplace and 2 more bedrooms! 20×22 garage. Air conditioning for added summer comfort! Private beach access Residents only!
Features
Air Conditioning-Central, Swirlpool Bath (Jacuzzi), Vaulted Ceiling, Wall Unit-Built-In
Includes
Air Conditioning-Central, Swirlpool Bath (Jacuzzi), Vaulted Ceiling, Wall Unit-Built-In
Here is a sample of this gorgeous home, Visit the Virtual Tour Here
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More Information On Chestermere
Chestermere is located 18 kilometers (11 mi) east of the City of Calgary’s downtown core via Highway 1A. Chestermere’s primary attraction is the 2.65 square kilometers (1.0 sq mi) lake and an 18 hole golf course .
Chestermere Lake offers all residents and visitors summer and winter activity. It provides day use parks for launching boats, and family areas for the enjoyment of the outdoors.
- Biking – Chestermere is connected to the Calgary bike pathway system at the south end of West Chestermere Drive (by the canal).
- Boat Launch – The Town of Chestermere provides a boat launch facility available to the general public for the launching of power craft at John Peake Memorial Park.
Coming to Chestermere to look at Real Estate, visit Chestermere Landing Steakhouse for dinner
“Enjoy Lunch, Dinner or Brunch in our Dinning room and Seasonal Patio. Enjoy drinks in our Lounge area or spend a special evening in our more secluded alcove Dinning area. We are equipped for both private and semi private functions that can accommodate a’la carte, set or buffet menus.
Our Western inspired menu has something to offer for everyone including Vegetarians. While steaks are our business, we also feature a number of Seafood dishes and Pasta dishes using many locally grown organic ingredients for the health conscious.
Our finishing touch to the Chestermere Landing Steakhouse and Wine Bar experience includes our Wine and Spirit menu that has been carefully chosen to compliment our regular menu and enhance your overall visit.”
For More Information on this listing or any Real Estate in Chestermere, contact Corinne Watson directly ]]>
| MLS®: C3386341 Beds: 4 Size: 3796 Price: $1,399,000 Baths: 4 Status: Active Address: ACCESS Addresses Days on Market: ACCESS Days on Market |
| This spectacular up scale lakefront 2 storey offers a total of over 5000 sq.ft. of luxury living in Chestermere, From the vaulted entry with awesome curved spindle staircase, hardwood f… Access full comments? Click here |
| Features |
| Deck, Detectors Smoke, Patio, Porch |
| Includes |
| Alarm/Security System, Dishwasher-Built-In, Garburator, Hood Fan, Garage Opener-2 Control, Oven-Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove-Electric, Vacuum System Attachments, Window Coverings-All |
| Rooms | |||
| Total Bedrooms: | 4 | Full Bathrooms: | 4 |
| Rooms Above: | 9 | Half Bathrooms: | 0 |
| Bedrooms Above: | 3 | ||
| Property | |||
| Type: | Residential Detached Single Family | Style: | 2 Storey |
| Size: | 3796 | Basement: | Walkout |
| Age: | 12 | Basement Dev.: | Fully Finished |
| Flooring: | Carpet,Ceramic Tile,Hardwood | Fireplace: | Mantle,Tile Surround |