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As anticipated, home sales in Calgary Market Information were much slower this spring compared to last year. Inventory remains very high, and buyers continue to exercise caution. Despite the surplus, property values have remained strong. The Calgary Real Estate Board reported that the average price in April was only down 1.04% over the prior year. This is good news for homeowners that are continuing to build equity as they pay down their mortgage.

It’s safe to say that the rock bottom interest rates have played a key role in keeping buyers active in the market. To put things in perspective, the Bank of Montreal is currently offering a 5-year fixed mortgage rate at just 2.74%. This means a $300,000 mortgage, amortized over 25 years, would only cost $1,380 per month. For many families with some savings in the bank, buying a home is still more affordable than renting.

If you are thinking of making a move this year, a smart pricing strategy has never been more important. Buyers in this market have plenty to choose from, so they are more likely to steer clear of an overpriced property. That’s not to say you need to sell yourself short. The latest CREA numbers are proof that Calgary’s home values are strong and sellers can expect a fair offer if their home is priced well.

It’s equally important to align yourself with a Realtor who can put together a selling strategy that works for your property and neighbourhood. The numbers demonstrate what is happening in the city as a whole, but the market trends vary from one area to another. The size and style of your home can also make a difference. According to the Calgary Herald, detached bungalows have increased in value by nearly 4%.

As always, proper staging, enhanced curb appeal and cleanliness go a long way in setting your home apart from the competition. Preparing your home for the market isn’t always easy, but a little extra effort can go a long way and pay off big when it comes to appealing to the right buyer.

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.

Although the average buyer may be feeling a little extra cautious in today’s market, investors are still seeing the unique possibilities that this type of economy presents. Investment opportunities are everywhere. So, despite the difficulty in anticipating when things will change, Calgary has always proven itself to be amazingly resilient.

Developers are used to market fluctuations and are optimistically pushing forward. While the average consumer may be holding back, large development firms see the big picture. They look past the headlines and short-term projections. So, since condo projects and subdivisions take years to complete, new developers continue to buy up land in and around Calgary. Positive net migration has maintained a steady trend this year, and buyers are seeing the value in the Calgary real estate market.

There will always be home owners who NEED to sell. For investors looking to scoop up a few rental properties, this market is immensely favorable. Inventory is much higher than it was last year, and sellers having a sense of urgency are more than happy to negotiate. Though this type of market can be very costly for the impatient, it’s precisely what the savvy investor is looking for.

An uncertain buyer’s market fuels rental demand. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. A shaky job market and the low cost of oil has undoubtedly kept buyers at bay since the beginning of 2015. As a result, rental vacancy remains quite low in Calgary and market rent is holding strong. Those who invested in condos or multi-unit rental properties are benefiting from the current climate and can expect a steady demand to carry on in the future.

The low cost of borrowing makes investing a no-brainer. Although today’s new home buyers are extremely rate-sensitive, seasoned investors still recognize our current mortgage rates as incredibly beneficial. Never before has it been so affordable to borrow money. Even though it’s unclear how long the low rates will last, locking into a 5- or 10-year term gives borrowers the stability they need to keep their overhead in check.

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.