sustainability
wind power
Report: City making progress in reducing waste but energy consumption remains a concern
Project set to be largest Suburban living near of its kind in Canada the heart of the city
green living A12
parkdale
in the province A12
FREE REPORT
neighbourhood B20
“Staging Your Vacant Property” MICKEY FOULDS 403.651.3462
metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca See STAGING on page A8
FREE mar 18 to mar 24 2011 issue 01-09 www.creb.com
With property values stabilizing, now is the time to buy
door opening for buyers: rbc poll
cody stuart managing editor
A
new report from RBC Economics indicates that Albertans are still amongst the most likely candidates to buy a home in the next two years. Signaling a clear move towards those looking to purchase, Alberta leads the country in seeing the housing market shift towards buyers, with 57 per cent of those surveyed indicating that it’s a buyers market. That’s a jump of 13 points over last year, according to the 18th Annual RBC Homeownership Survey. Even though the report found interest in purchasing a home has declined in Alberta, with 33 per cent of residents likely to buy in the next two years, Alberta still ranked amongst the best provinces in the country in the category. On the negative side, 32 per cent of homeowners in the province say that property values have taken a hit, as one-third feel the value of their home has decreased in the last two years, the highest rate in the country and almost double any other province. “Albertans are not rushing out to buy homes, although existing homeowners are confident in their real estate investments and their ability to manage their mortgage debt, “ says Don Peard, VP Mortgage Specialists, RBC Royal Bank. “Home ownership is a commitment that extends beyond price; expenses outside the mortgage can add up quickly.” Some homebuyers in the province are looking to downsize, as 67 per cent are looking to buy a home smaller than their current one residence, with 33 per cent opting for a bigger home. In the category of new versus used, 77 per cent of homebuyers prefer a resale home to one that’s newly built (23 per cent).
buyer’s market A3
cody stuart, CREB® Staff
SINGLE FAMILY
791
734
891
958 867
915 762
FEB09 MAR09 APR09 MAY09 JUN09 JUL09 AUG09 SEP09 OCT09 NOV09 DEC09 JAN10 FEB10 MAR10 APR10 MAY10 JUN10 JUL10 AUG10 SEP10 OCT10 NOV10 DEC10 JAN11 FEB11
799
825
888
1169
1262 1061
1035
1352
1285
1257
1277
1095
1086
1290
1396
1585
1584
1837
MLS® NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD* FEB ‘09 – FEB ’11
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
Beautiful Bearspaw! Church Ranches lakefront home, complete with its own beach and sport court. This home has it all for your family inside and out – 5 bedrooms, media room, gym, games room, office, fabulous kitchen with adjoining sun room – all on 2 beautiful acres in Bearspaw. $2,395,000. MLS®C3455841
contents news briefs event listing pop the question
CREB® Staff
Bruce Graham
S
industry
igns of life in Alberta’s job market could set the stage for further improvement in the overall economy, according to the latest Provincial Outlook report released by RBC Economics. Despite notable gains in many other sectors – including consumer spending, housing construction, business investment, oil and gas drilling, crude oil production and exports – Alberta was one of only two provinces where employment fell in 2010.
economy A3
A3 A6 A8 A8
Your Civic Write
mortgage rates A10 business directory A10 commercial A11 Entrepreneurs optimistic
map open houses
B1 B19
Prime Location in Sought After Briar Hill!
The new Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is your neighbour in the brand new 2779 sq. ft. bungalow. Lovely finishing throughout with 4 bedrooms, main floor office, great bonus room with ensuite bath – all overlooking the gorgeous countryside. Come to the country! $1,495,000. MLS®C3460560
Sheila Fenwick&Lesley Fleming 403-253-1901
survey says Alberta economy set for solid growth in 2011
According to RBC’s 18th Annual Homeownership Survey, 57 per cent of those polled indicated they believe it’s a buyer’s market.
This is your chance to secure an excellent inner-city location for your dream home or simply relax into this bungalow’s original character & charm. The large south-facing lot (15.2' x 36.5') is situated on a desirable street with mature trees, quick access to downtown and half block from the LRT station. The main level offers an updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms (2 down) and a spacious living room with lots of natural sunlight. Lower level offers a separate entry and original oak hardwood floors. Don’t miss your chance to live in one of Calgary’s finest communities! MLS®C3461824
$669,500
For more information visit www.BearspawRealty.com or call:
Royal LePage Benchmark
www.sanostante.com
RE AL ESTATE ( CENTR AL )
403.289.3435