Natasha Eden ABR® : Latest Blog Posts

New property listed in Pineridge, Calgary

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:04:10 GMT

I have listed a new property at 16 PINECLIFF CLOSE NE in CALGARY.

This 3 bedroom home is perfect for the first time buyer or someone looking for a great investment property. Corner lot is offering great outside space. The main floor features good size family room. Kitchen is spacious with large window and sliding door leading to the patio and backyard. The upper floor has a great size of the master bedroom with full 4 pc bathroom. Basement has 2 more bedrooms with 2pc bath and working sauna. 7 years old roof, most of the windows are replaced, 3 years old furnace and 2 years old hot water tank. Backyard is accessible from the alley.

New property listed in Chestermere, Chestermere

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:08:55 GMT

I have listed a new property at 318 LONG BEACH LANDING in CHESTERMERE.

See details here

1,700 sq ft bungalow with TRIPLE attached garage! Arrive to the front country style porch & enjoy the open plan. Vaulted ceilings throughout the main floor. Den area is decorated with majestic colomns. Arches trim the entrance to the kitchen & den area. Spacious kitchen with raised counter tops comfortagle to sit at. Natural light streams into the home through many large windows. Enjoy breakfast in your dining room overlooking a view of the lake. 3-sided fireplace separages dining room from the roomy living room, decorated by iron spindles on a curved staircase. Master bedroom boasts large windows and master bath is enriched by skylight, double sink, shower, soaker tub and great size walk-in closet (7"x14"). Laundry room is conveniently located on the main floor with extra sink, closet and sitting area.Undeveloped basement has great development potential for home theater, rec room or suite. Sit and relax on a large rear upper deck. Private & quiet street!Seller offering $2,500 for refinishing hardw floor.

Steady Improvement In Calgary Housing Market For 2011

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:30:00 GMT

Calgary, January 3, 2012

– According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), 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.

“While sales activity in 2011 remained below the long run average by 17 per cent, monthly figures point towards the trend of this gap narrowing,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.

2011 single family sales totaled 13,186, a nine per cent increase over last year. While sales increased, listings remained low, with an annual total of 24,245, six per cent lower than 2010 levels. The decline in listings relative to sales pushed down inventory levels to 2,761, resulting in four months of supply.

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.

“Throughout 2011, elevated levels of inventories have limited price growth as consumers benefitted from sufficient supply of housing to choose from; however, as these inventories drop to levels more

consistent with a balanced market, we can expect some moderate price growth moving forward,” Stante concludes.

Calgary Housing Market Outlook 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:40:00 GMT

I have uploaded the Housing Market OutlookCalgary 2012 Provided by CMHC to the REPORTS section of my website. It is in PDF format and available for download.

This Outlook report for Calgary is published semi-annually and offers forecasts and analyses of trends in the new, resale and rental housing markets. For the new home market, housing starts and price changes are examined in detail, while the resale section presents sales activity, average prices, and listings. Analysis of the rental market focuses on vacancy rates, average rents and related forecasts. An overview and forecast of key economic indicators is also detailed, along with other factors affecting the local economy and housing market.

Free Real Estate Technology You Should Be Aware Of!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:35:00 GMT

Free Real Estate Apps to Amp Up Your Home Search!

Modern technology has given us wonderful tools that can make our lives easier in so many ways and Real Estate is no different.

Most people know they can search the MLS® on the website of their favourite REALTOR®, however you have more power at your fingertips and on your iPhone, iPad or Android Smartphone than you probably realized! Here is some info on a very cool, free application that once installed, combines real time GPS capability with the Calgary and surrounding district MLS® system, allowing you to search thousands of listings while on the move, quickly, easily and instantly!

What’s so unique about this? If you are a serious home buyer, it brings an entirely new dimension to looking for your new home. Once activated, the system uses GPS technology to create a map showing you all current listings within a 1 kilometre radius of your current location.

See a home you like while you are out for the evening and would like to know the listing details? Open your mobile MLS® app and click on the pin indicating the home on the map. The price, listing details including photographs and all related information is there for you instantly. If you would like to know more about the listing or schedule an appointment to view, simply click on the Inquire button or call the phone number provided. It’s as simple as that.

To obtain the app, simply visit HouseHuntingAdventures.com, click on the Mobile Web App and follow the installation guide.

Your Own Personal and Private Online Real Estate Office

Your mobile app can also be combined with your online VOW Virtual Office Website, another freely available service. People are often hesitant to “sign up” because they are unaware of what it is, and are concerned about personal privacy, however sign up simply allows the system to create file space for a system personalized to you, allowing you to take advantage of more than just the simple MLS ® search engine.

Setting up your personalized system is quick and easy, and provides you with the ability to do custom searches for homes or properties. When you sign up for a free account the system creates your personal real estate virtual office where you can organize your home research, organize folders for your searches and much more. You can save your searches and compile lists of potential homes for you to compare quickly and easily. It's your own personal MLS® service, customized specifically to you and your needs.

If you would like to set up your own personal space, visit HouseHuntingAdventures.com/vow.html and click the sign up button to set up your private online Real Estate office. The service is free, easy to set up and use.

Strong 2012 Forecast for Calgary's Housing Market

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMT

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald December 7, 2011

Fuelled by low interest rates and job security, demand for residential real estate in Calgary is on the upswing, says the Re/Max Housing Market Outlook 2012 report published Tuesday. And the real estate firm says Calgary will be a Canadian leader next year in the annual growth rate for MLS sales.

By year-end 2011, 22,500 homes are expected to change hands, an eight per cent increase over the 20,801 sales reported in 2010, it said. And the average price in Calgary is forecast to appreciate as well, rising a "modest" one per cent to $405,000 in 2011, up from $401,186 one year ago.

The report forecasts the average MLS sale price will jump by three per cent in 2012 to $417,000, while sales will rise by five per cent to 23,600 units.

Lowell Martens, of Re/ Max Real Estate (Mountain View) in Calgary, said any hesitation on the part of some buyers in the city is more than likely a direct reflection of the uncertainty in the European economic situation. He said commercial realestate construction taking place in Calgary "tells us the long-term feeling out there is very positive for Calgary."

"We have a very stable market over the next little while. We don't anticipate any big upswings, but at the same time we don't anticipate any big downswings either. It's going to be very stable," he said.

Buyers in the city are cautiously optimistic after more than two years of recession, making their moves while interest rates are at historic lows and housing values are affordable, said the report.

"Single-family homes remain most popular with purchasers, representing close to 60 per cent of total residential sales. Demand is greatest for entry-level product, priced between $350,000 and $450,000," it said. "Con-dominium apartments and town houses have also experienced solid momentum in recent months, with the lion's share of activity occurring from $200,000 to $300,000. Luxury home sales - priced over $1 million - have been particularly brisk, up approximately 25 per cent over 2010 levels."

While global concerns still loom, the market appears to be gaining some traction moving into the new year, said the report. Re/Max said Canadian residential realestate defied conventiona l logic and outperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year of housing activity virtually across the board. The trend is expected to carry forward into 2012 as Canadians "continue to demonstrate their faith in home ownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy."

"What 2011 proves is that real estate continues to have momentum," said Elton Ash, regional executive vice-president, Re/Max of Western Canada, in a statement

"The economic underpinnings support ongoing demand, particularly as job creation efforts continue and unemployment rates edge down further."

Chestermere Homes For Sale QR Code

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:01:00 GMT

The following QR Code allows you to browse all current homes listed for sale in Chestermere from your iPhone or Android!

Chestermere Housing Market Blog Created

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:30:00 GMT

Chestermere is a challenging market for selling in today’s market, however if priced right you can still sell your home in a reasonable time frame. The key is to get an accurate on site market evaluation and take into consideration all the current variables for the current real estate market, specifically in your home area. For this reason it is always beneficial to have a realty specialist at your side who you feel comfortable with, and who you know you can trust and depend on. This blog will be updated with monthly statistics to give you an idea of what market areas within Chestermere are active and the number of homes being listed and sold.

Calgary Housing Sales Trending Up

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:30:00 GMT

Stable Pricing Providing Opportunities for Buyers

Calgary, December 1, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), Calgary residential sales in November increased eight per cent over last year, at 17,538 after the first 11 months of the year.

While sales activity tends to taper off in the winter months, so far this year Calgary area sales remain significantly stronger than levels recorded last year. Single family home sales totaled 962 for the month, an increase of eight per cent from November 2010. Meanwhile, year-to-date sales totaled 12,464, a 10 per cent increase over last year. Over the long term, however, sales remained a tepid 17 per cent below the 10 year average.

“Despite any global economic cautions, consumers are actively seeking well priced listings in the market, a reflection of their positive long term outlook for the city,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “Following two years of employment losses, the current growth in jobs is translating into improvements in the housing sector and a more optimistic consumer.”

November listings have edged down over last year’s levels, decreasing by two per cent. Lower listings combined with the increase in sales helped reduce the months of inventory to less than four months.

The year-to-date average and median price of single family homes were a respective $467,140 and $406,500. Overall, prices remain relatively flat compared to last year.

“This stable pricing provides an opportunity for buyers in our market. The addition of historically low interest rates, combined with a good selection of inventory, makes it a trifecta,” Stante says. “With positive wage growth in the wind, this is a signal, and a reminder, that this market opportunity will not remain forever.”

Condominium sales for the first 11 months of the year totaled 5,074, a five per cent rise over the same period last year. Inventory levels declined to 1,676 units, helping push down the months of supply.

“The rise in condominium sales can be attributed to the confidence in the market, and is typical of this phase of a normal market recovery,” says Stante.

Condominium year-to-date average and median prices in 2011 were $287,545 and $261,500, respectively, a decline over the first 11 months of 2010, mostly due to increased sales in units priced under $200,000.

“Calgary continues to record impressive employment growth and long term fundamentals remain strong,” Stante concludes. “The strength in our economy, combined with affordability levels that outperform most major centers, will continue to attract migrants to the city and spur further growth in our Calgary housing market.”

Alberta Housing Market Outlook Into 2012

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:49:00 GMT

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Market Outlook

Date Released: Fourth Quarter 2011

Alberta Overview

Alberta’s housing starts are forecast to increase by 15.3 per cent to 29,200 units in 2012, following a 6.5 per cent decrease in 2011 to 25,325 units.

These robust gains are a result of a number of factors. Firstly, the economy is projected to show relatively strong growth over the forecast period. In 2011, real gross domestic product is expected to rise by 3.1 per cent, followed by 3.5 per cent in 2012. Note, however, a pullback in oil prices during the summer, along with various wildfires, briefly slowed economic conditions, but these effects have dissipated.

Secondly, employment growth is projected at 3.4 per cent in 2011, lowering the unemployment rate from 6.5 per cent to 5.6 per cent. By 2012, the unemployment rate is expected to be lowered to 5.1 per cent. As a result, this will put upward pressure on Alberta’s housing sector.

Finally, the demographic outlook for Alberta is positive. With an improving economy generating jobs, it is expected more migrants will choose Alberta as their home. Last year was a 15-year low for migration to Alberta.

Moving forward, expect significant growth in migration this year with further gains in 2012. These gains are also expected to put upward pressure on the demand for housing within the province.

In Detail

Single Starts: Single-detached starts are projected to decline about ten per cent in 2011, as builders mitigate the risk of rising inventories. Over the balance of the forecast period, demand for single-detached homes will improve with a growing economy and job creation. In 2012, single-detached starts are expected to rise by over 15 per cent to 18,400 units. The number of single-detached units under construction in August was at approximately half the level reported five years ago. However, with the inventory of complete and unabsorbed units up from the previous year, builders have been cautious about expanding production.

Multiple Starts: More affordable condominium projects are now competing with the resale market and enticing some renters to move into new condominium units. After a slow start to this year, the pace of multi-family starts has picked-up and is expected to edge past last year’s level of production. In 2012, demand is expected to improve with rising incomes and new household formation, raising the level of multi-family production by 14.6 per cent to 10,800 units.

Resales: The number of MLS® sales in Alberta is projected to increase by over six per cent in 2011 to 52,800 units. In 2012, MLS® sales are projected to rise to 53,900 units.

Prices: Most of Alberta’s major urban centres remain in buyers’ market conditions as indicated by a sales-to-new listings ratio that has fluctuated around 50 per cent this year. The average resale price in 2011 is expected to rise fractionally above last year’s average, with much of the price movement attributed to compositional effects. As Alberta’s economy generates employment and attracts more migrants, demand will rise and improve market balance. The average resale price in Alberta is projected to rise by more than two per cent in 2012 to $362,700.