Blog

There is no doubt that this year is much different than the last.  As we head into the spring market, many home owners are wondering how the recent changes in Calgary’s economy will affect their real estate decisions.  Here are a few things worth noting:

Homes may take a little longer to sell.  According to CREB, homes are taking an average of 38 days to sell.  This is longer compared to the 33 days last year during the same period.  Consequently, the number of sales transactions has dropped significantly.  This means that buyers would rather wait on the sidelines for a better deal to come along if they are skeptical of the value.

Values have dipped slightly, but there hasn’t been a dramatic drop.  Does a challenging economy impact our real estate values?  To a certain degree, yes, but it would seem that the headlines have a more significant effect on consumer behaviour.  In fact, a recent article in the Calgary Herald explained that our city has actually been through a similar slump five different times in the last thirty years.  Home values were only slightly affected in each case and always managed to bounce back eventually.

Buyers are out there; they are simply exercising caution.  Have consumers lost interest in Calgary’s real estate?  Are buyers unwilling to trade up to their next home?  The truth is, buyers are still active in the market.  Some are just holding off on making a purchase in case prices drop, while others are simply hoping for a little more clarity on what the future holds. 

Buyers have far more to choose from this year.  If you were house hunting last year, one thing was for certain – there was very little to choose from.  Today’s market is quite the opposite.  Inventory is plentiful, and there is less competition.  If you are selling your home, but aren’t desperate, price it well and don’t feel pressured to sign the first offer that comes your way.  Remember, this isn’t the first time Calgary has weathered a tough economy. Despite everything, this city remains a highly desirable place to live and own a home in.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Ready to buy a home? Choosing the perfect place to live in requires a little bit of work up front, but laying the groundwork for a smart buying decision will help you make a purchase with confidence. Here are four tips to get your property search started in the right direction:

Meet with a mortgage professional. Discussing your financing options is the best way to start. Banks and mortgage lenders have very specific guidelines in place. Knowing exactly where you stand will help you avoid disappointment down the road and help you establish realistic expectations before you even start to look at homes. If you aren’t approved right away, don’t worry. Your mortgage professional will give you all the information you need to improve your application and let you know exactly how long it will take before you are in good standing.

Determine your budget. Knowing how much you are allowed to spend is the first step, and deciding how much you are comfortable spending each month on housing costs is the most important . Based on today’s mortgage rates, determine a price range that works for you. Keep in mind the additional costs for property tax, condo fees, maintenance, and all other expenses.

Assess your needs. Are you looking for a place to occupy for the next 3-5 years, or are you shopping for a home that you can grow into? Do you love to entertain or need some extra space for a home office? Each buyer has his own unique list of must-haves. Decide on the things that really matter to you, yet leave some room for compromise. Sometimes, it takes a little while for the right home to come on the market, but once it does, it’s always worth the wait.

Choose the right neighbourhood. The location of your new home is one of the most important considerations. Your neighbourhood and the surrounding community should complement your lifestyle. Try to choose an area within a convenient proximity to work, even if you need to spend a little more. You can change almost anything in a home, but the neighbourhood is something that you must accept as is.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.