Cheers,
Monika

Even on a day like today, with -30 windchills, I am showing properties to prospective buyers. You have to think they are serious buyers. I mean, who else is out in this weather?

As a seller, please take the time to treat us well and welcome us into your home. Leave the front lights on so I can find the lockbox on your front door. If your lockbox is buried and frozen in snow or require me to find it in the snowdrift at the side of your house, I have to tell you that you are not my favourite house today.  Please leave out a mat at the front door. We are trying to keep your entrance clean, but we need some help. There are 4 pairs of boots in our group. The mess depends on whether or not the driveway and sidewalk have been cleared.

This is also the time of year that many Calgarians take the opportunity to fly to somewhere warm for a week or 2 or 10. If you have your home on the market, then you have to stay accessible. If you don't want an offer to ruin your holiday than take your home off the market. If you do keep your home on the market than make sure someone is taking care of your home and welcoming us inside.  

If I show your home tonight to my buyers and you leave the lights on for me, I appreciate it. Hopefully I bring you an offer.

Cheers,

Monika

Calgary residential sales in 2011 increased eight per cent over last year, with 18,568 sales for 2011 compared to 17,267 in 2010. Recovering from tepid sales activity in the first half of 2011, early improvements in employment and migration resulted in a pickup in housing demand in the second half of the year. By the end of June 2011, year-to-date sales activity had only increased by two per cent compared to the second half of the year, where residential sales improved by 15 per cent.

 

Meanwhile, the condominium market recorded declining sales for nearly half of the year, but favorable pricing and improved economic conditions pushed sales up by double digit rates for the second half of the year.  2011 condo sales totaled 5,382, a 4 per cent increase over the previous year.  The rise in sales was complemented by an annual 12 per cent decline in listings. This helped to tighten the condominium market, causing inventories to decline to 1,287 and months of supply to remain just above four months.

 

“The demand recovery in the condominium market lagged the single family market, as price adjustments in both the single family and condominium markets resulted in more selection for consumers,” Stante says. “For the first time in several years, consumers had additional selection of single family homes at a lower price range, which directly competed with the condominium market.”

 

Single family average price in 2011 reached $466,402, a one per cent increase over last year.  While there have been some strong monthly increases, primarily due to sales in the upper end skewing the prices, overall prices have remained fairly stable.  Meanwhile, the year-end median price of 405,000 remains at levels similar to 2010.

 

Condominium prices have remained persistently low in 2011, while some of the monthly figures have been boosted by high end penthouse sales. By the end of 2011, the average price of $287,172 remained one per cent lower than the previous year.

There have been a number of changes to the rules and standard practices over the last couple of years. I'd be happy to answer your questions so that you are best prepared to make your move.