secondary suites calgary condo dwellers recycle
eau claire
Organizations support housing measures
Calgary’s island neighbourhood
Local company creates convenient solution to divert more waste from landfills
news briefs A3
green living A12
Sherry JenkinS
403-804-3694
neighbourhood B20
sherry@wemortgage.ca 133 First Street NW, Airdrie, Alberta T4B 0R3
WeMortgage.ca
FREE feb 18 to feb 24 2011 issue 01-05 www.creb.com
improving economy fuels housing demand Alberta among top provinces leading economic growth in 2011
cody stuart, CREB® Staff
“Demand has gradually strengthened in the past several months, thanks to a provincial economy that finally gained traction and stronger net migration,” he said in the report. “With growth in the Alberta economy expected to accelerate this year and the job market to improve more substantially, we believe that demand for housing will rise meaningfully in the province.” Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are expected to lead the way in terms of
CREB® Staff
T
he next year will see a meaningful improvement in the resale housing market across Alberta, according to a recent RBC economic report. Despite a pick-up in housing activity since last summer, there is still a long way to go in terms of operating at full strength, according to Robert Hogue, RBC senior economist.
economic growth, with other provinces declining modestly or remaining flat. The report projects housing resales to increase by a rate of 9.5% to 54,400 units in 2011 and by a further 4.2% in 2012 to 56,700 units. “The softening in market conditions during the spring and summer cut short any kind of upward momentum that home price might have gathered following the meaningful tightening of supply relative to demand late in 2009,” said
MLS AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET* SINGLE FAMILY HOMES – CALGARY METRO
56
55 52 52
50
52 48
47 47
46 46
43
41 36 36 36
37
42
43
38 38
JAN09 FEB09 MAR09 APR09 MAY09 JUN09 JUL09 AUG09 SEP09 OCT09 NOV09 DEC09 JAN10 FEB10 MAR10 APR10 MAY10 JUN10 JUL10 AUG10 SEP10 OCT10 NOV10 DEC10 JAN11
38
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
jennifer forbes
BRIAR HILL 1218 20 St NW
financial vulnerability addressed CREB® Staff
45 45
vanessa hare
$1,999,900
ELEGANT and LUXURIOUS 2-storey contemporary home in desirable Briar Hill. This STUNNING home features over 4000 sq. ft. of open-concept living space with on-site finished maple hardwood floors, Denca designed gourmet kitchen and more. Second level features a 28 ft long skylight, built-in homework station, laundry rm & 3 lrg bedrooms incl. an opulent master. Lower level features a spacious family rm, media room, 2nd laundry rm, 4th bdrm, wine rm and 3 pc bath. Beautiful landscaping on this 54' lot completes this home. All located steps to schools, parks and LRT!
joelsemmens.com 403-283-4700
According to a recent report from RBC, home prices are projected to rise at a rate of 0.5%, as compared to the 8.3% increase in 2010.
economy A3
news briefs
®
62
Hogue in the report. Despite a rebound in the salesto-new-listings ratio over the past few months, Alberta home prices are unlikely to be altered significantly in 2011. Balanced market conditions will result in only a marginal price gain of 0.2% over the next year. However, a stronger increase of 4.2% is projected for 2012.
I
n response to worries about excessive debt levels, TD Economics has unveiled an index aimed at assessing the financial vulnerability of households in regions across Canada. According to the index, BC, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan are the most vulnerable should an economic shock, such as a correction in housing prices, a disruption in incomes or an unexpected increase in interest rates, occur.
home finance A3
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Expert Market Insight, Concierge Service, Powerful Negotiations Real Estate Central
This is a rare opportunity to own a historically significant building in one of Calgary’s hottest rejuvenated retail areas. Victoria Park is the one of the most desirable neighbourhoods for residential and mixed-use developments in Calgary. This property is ideal for conversion to retail/office use for an owner-user or to maintain as a rental property. Highlights include 29 rental units (24 bachelor, 5 1-bdrm); Four storey walk-up; 10,000 sq. ft. above grade plus 2,500 sub-level; brick/wood frame construction; Original character intact with sandstone & brick exterior; Located in prime retail shopping district. Property can be designated a municipal historic resource which qualifies for valuable density transfer and grants from the city to restore and maintain the original character of the property. MLS®C1018423
$2,250,000 re al estate ( centr al )
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