<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Calgary Real Estate Blog - Calgary Home Boys Home/Condo News</title>
        <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Find out more about the best homes for sale in Calgary, along with news on mortgage rates, home buying trends and other news relevant to you in buying or selling your Calgary home or Condo.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/mls-housing-price-index-hpi-coming-to-calgary.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/mls-housing-price-index-hpi-coming-to-calgary.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>New MLS® Housing Price Index (HPI) Coming to Calgary</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The MLS® Housing Price Index (HPI) is coming to Calgary in February, as part of a nationwide rollout involving boards in Canada’s largest cities.


CREB® has been working with CREA and other boards and associations across Canada to develop the MLS® HPI. The MLS® HPI allow housing price trends to be tracked over time within local communities and national markets for different property types including:




one-storey single-family homes


two-storey single-family homes


townhouse/row units


apartment units




As you know, the average price in a market can vary widely from month to month, depending on volume shifts in various price segments. Reporting the average price can sometimes falsely exaggerate trends, causing a lot of confusion. This new monthly price measure will enable us to better determine real price changes.


The price % increase is often misinterpreted, and could be caused by a number of factors including a rise in luxury home sales. As average prices can be skewed by the composition of sales, it does not reflect price trends based on the type and features that a home provides.


The index will help as price trends will reflect changes caused by individual’s willingness to pay for home attributes.  


What does this mean?


By using MLS® HPI, we will have more comprehensive and purer data than ever before – data we can use for property comparisons, understanding future price trends and estimating current market values. Most importantly, it brings more value to our clients.


So how does it work?


The MLS® HPI uses a new standard that takes into consideration such items as lot size, age of building, number of rooms and many more factors. It’s a way of comparing apples to apples, much as the Consumer Price Index uses a standard basket of goods to determine cost of living. The MLS® HPI is calculated using a sophisticated statistical model that estimates home prices based on their quantitative and qualitative features, including:




Number of rooms above the basement level


Number of bathrooms and half-bathrooms


Square footage for main living and basement areas


Whether it has a fireplace and/or finished basement


Lot size


The age of the property


Parking


How the home is heated


Foundation, flooring, siding and roofing types


Whether the property has a waterfront or panoramic view


Whether the property has been sold previously


Proximity to shopping, schools, hospitals, police stations, churches, sports centres, golf courses, parks, and transportation (including train stations, airports etc.)




Upon valuating these features or attributes the index and the benchmark price are formulated.   MLS® HPI Benchmark A ‘benchmark home’ is one that shows a set of attributes typical to the area/sub-market where it is located. Since ‘typical’ homes are different from one area to the next, their descriptions differ between areas


The MLS® HPI is expected to become available early in February 2012.


Information courtesy of CREB®
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:52:58 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/the-ultimate-hockey-experience-contest.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/the-ultimate-hockey-experience-contest.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>The Ultimate Hockey Experience Contest!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Ultimate Hockey Experience Contest


We here at CIR Realty have created an EXCITING contest for all of you out there reading this.To Enter all you have to do is simply visit our contest website: www.cirrealty.ca/contest and enter your contact information. Starting on December 20, 2011 (the day after MY birthday), we will be giving away 10 sets of Calgary Flames Tickets. The seats are valued at whopping $324 a set and are along the best in the Saddledome!! The games are in the months of December 2011-April 2012. We will be announcing the winners on our CIR Facebook Fanpage. However the BIG GRAND PRIZE is an ALL expense paid trip for TWO to watch the New York Rangers play against the Pittsburgh Penguins live in Madison Square Gardens on March 15, 2011 (*flight departs from Calgary*). WOW, now that is what I call a giveaway!!!!


Don't forget when it asks  "Where did you hear about this contest?" pick "CIR REALTOR" and then write in MY name (John Mayberry). Now go sign up and WIN something!!!





 


There will be random draws for both:


* 10 pairs of Flames tickets valued at $324 per pair. Excellent seats!


* 1 GRAND PRIZE for an all expense paid trip for two to fly to New York City and see the Pittsburg Penguins play against the New York Rangers live at Madison Square Garden!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:49:51 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-housing-market-improves-over-2010.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-housing-market-improves-over-2010.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Calgary Housing Market Improves over 2010</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary Homes Sales up 10% from 2010


The Calgary Real Estate board has just announced housing stats for year-to-date, and home sales are up. Although sales aren't up to normal historic levels, they have nonetheless improved. 


Single family home sales totaled 988 for the month of October 2011, an 11 per cent increase over October 2010, but continue to remain well below historical levels.  Year-to-date sales totaled 11,503, a 10 per cent increase over last year. Calgary Condo sales for the first 10 months of 2011 was 4,681 units, a 3% increase over the same period last year.  Inventory levels remained at 1,935 units, resulting in months of supply pushing above five months.  


“Consumers are feeling more confident about the local real estate market,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “Consumers are taking advantage of price stability and a healthy variety of selection.  While these gains are moderate, we are set to outpace 2010 sales.” 


Particular Calgary neighbourhoods saw very strong price increases, particularly the southend communities near Crowchild Trail SW. Shaganappi, Elboya, Lower Mount Royal, and communities along the Bow River west of downtown. 


See our featured Calgary Homes for Sale and then search the MLS listings.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:50:10 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/home-for-sale-in-lake-midnapore.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/home-for-sale-in-lake-midnapore.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Home For Sale in Lake Midnapore</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Beautiful Lake Midnapore - You Can Live Here Now


Lake Midnapore has long been considered a desirable southwest community but now that it has matured, the neighbourhoods surrounding the lake are more relaxed and comfortable. That's why Lake Midnapore Homes are so sought after. This neighbourhood is near Macleod Tr and Shawnessy Blvd offering quick access to highway 22x for your getaway westward and to highway 2 northbound to work or downtown.


What is a luxury home worth if it's not in a wonderful location? You can buy million dollar homes in Calgary and outside the city, but a home beside a perfect sized lake is very rare anywhere in Canada, let alone Calgary.  Homes surrounding Lake Midnapore have the character of lakeside cottages. While you can buy a cottage or rent one to get away from it all, Midnapore has some great properties where you can relax and enjoy the view of the water and watch birds and canoists go by. There is a great property available right now and it won't last long on the market. See 32 Midpark Pl Calgary now.





32 Midpark Pl Se, Calgary is a wonderful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on a huge lot situated on a quiet cul de sac.


At almost 2700 square feet, plus a finished basement, you and your family will have lots of room to live and play. It features a VERY large open family room, a formal dining room, laundry area, living room w/ brick fireplace, an office(4th bedroom) &amp; a tasteful kitchen with granite countertops, a miele dishwasher &amp; gas stove. The impressive spiral staircase leads you to a large sized master bedroom with its own gorgeous stone fireplace &amp; sitting area. The master bedroom has it's own private balcony, walk in closet, granite sink &amp; seperate shower room. Your kids will love the 2 more bedrooms upstairs &amp; another full 5 pce bathroom with granite countertop.








 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:54:36 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/moving-to-calgary-a-lot-of-canadians-are-doing-just-that.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/moving-to-calgary-a-lot-of-canadians-are-doing-just-that.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Moving to Calgary - A lot of Canadians are Doing Just That</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
New Migrants Helping to Keep Real Estate Sector Healthy


New stats show Calgary is an attractive place to live, especially during a recession. With the more positive job prospects in the Alberta economy, people across Canada are packing up and heading West. Alberta created 86,000 new jobs in the past year, and now has one of the lowest provincial jobless rates in Canada, at 5.6 per cent.


Calgary Development Council expects Calgary's population will grow another 18,000 by 2012. One interesting stat that comes out of their report shows the people of ages 50 to 60 will comprise almost half of that growth. The other big portion will be kids aged 0 to 9. Other age groups will actually decrease in number.


That could mean that older people are migrating because they sell their home in Toronto or other cities for a good amount, or that the 50+ crowd is more mobile. Another scenario is that younger workers in Calgary are headed north to Edmonton and Fort MacMurray to take advantage of growing Tar Sands and Oil Pipeline and service jobs.


Alberta Population Grows


The Edmonton journal reports that Alberta's population grew by 21,233 in the second quarter and 37,160 in the first half of 2011. According to Finance Alberta, Calgary accounted for 36% of total net interprovincial migration to Alberta, Edmonton 25% and Wood Buffalo 11%. With growth expected to continue and if oil and gas prices stay steady, 2012 could be an outstanding year.


Take a look at available properties in Calgary and area, from condos to townhouses to Million dollar homes, there is an excellent selection of homes for sale. Find out more about the Calgary housing market too!


Is it time to consider selling  your Calgary Home? Don't be hasty in choosing an agent. Things to think about is your agent's work ethic, marketing capability, and negotiation skills. A good Calgary Real estate agent will help you determine the correct price and ensure you get plenty of offers. It's not uncommon these days to get better than asking prices.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:55:43 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-housing-market-improves-in-september.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-housing-market-improves-in-september.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Calgary Housing Market Improves in September</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
September's Sales Show Nice Increase - A Healthy Market for Sellers


CREB has just released stats showing the Calgary housing market is improving. Sales volume and prices rose. 


Calgary single family home in September had an average sales price of $466,167 which was about 1.3% above last September's average prices, while the median price was $400,000. Total unit sales of 1,036 in September, 2011 was 8% above levels in September 2011.  Year-to-date sales totaled 10,518 units a 10 per cent increase over last year which a very positive statistic.


Million dollar homes in the range of 1,000,000 - 1,249,999 grew from 9 last September to 19 last month. Over all there has been only 6 more million dollar properties sold in the first 3 quarters this year compared to last. The biggest increase appears to be in the 600k to 999k price range where there have been 152 sales ytd 2011 compared to 94 for the first three quarters of 2010. That could mean that range is more attractive to home buyers or home prices have fallen to those levels. 


Homes in the price range of 200 to 299k sold at 158 sales compared to 126 units last September. The lower end increase may be caused by first time homebuyers or the result in the influx of new migrants to the Calgary area. Migration inflows have increased to highest levels since 2006.


Condo Sales in Calgary Improve


Calgary condominium sales totaled 4,314, which was a 2 % increase over September of 2010. CREB notes that this was modest increase in the right direction.


Search for Calgary Homes for Sale or Calgary Condos for Sale now.


Ask for John's help with selling your Calgary Real Estate property this fall and winter. We'll help you get the best results possible.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:15:05 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/million-dollar-homes-calgary.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/million-dollar-homes-calgary.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Million Dollar Homes Calgary</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Million Dollar Homes Calgary


The sales of luxury homes in Calgary continues to rise according to the latest reports. According to the Calgary Herald, sales surged 24% from last year, suggesting wealthy buyers have a lot of confidence in the Calgary real estate market. Up to August there were 291 single-family MLS sales over $1 million this year compared with 234 for the same period in 2010 and 18 luxury condos sold year-to-date in the upper-end price bracket, compared with 11 in 2010. The softening of the real estate market is believed to be the cause since depreciation has brought prices down to where more buyers can purchase. If you're in that income bracket, this might be a great time to check our MLS listings and buy a million dollar home (and find an exceptionally low mortgage rate).


Take a look now at some amazing million dollar homes in the Calgary area:


This incredible 5 Bedroom on 11370 Valley Ridge Pa Nw is selling for 4.8 million dollars. It's on a 3 acre lot in Valley Ridge beside the Valley Ridge Golf Club. It features exquisite Timberframe construction elevated 50 feet above the Bow River in a forested park like setting surrounded by an environmental reserve. The home offers 5000 square feet of developed space, an elevator, 27 foot rock fireplace, brazilian cherry hardwoods, and a gourmet open kitchen. Contact John if you'd like more information on Calgary luxury homes.


2007 Briar Cres, NW Calgary is a masterpiece. This 4,000 square foot, 6 bedroom home at one of Calgary's most prestigious locations is selling for 4.65 million dollars. The sprawling pie shaped lot offers sweeping SPECTACULAR panoramic views! You'll see a multitude of stained glass windows, custom beveled leaded glass &amp; an array of carefully selected light fixtures &amp; hardware! Modern finishing include heated driveway, walkways, an advance lighting system, video monitoring, and fully wired sound in/out. His/Hers Ensuite baths, a breathtaking library with soaring ceilings lavishly decorated with Honduras wood, and a wine cellar.


324 Pump Hill Cr SW, Calgary is a rare gem in prestigious Pump Hill. This 6200 square foot, 5 bedroom luxury home is selling for 5.35 million dollars. Besides spectacular views it is Exquisitely finished, with exceptional quality &amp; features, a grand 2 storey foyer, upper mezzanine, miles of marble &amp; travertine flooring, a beautifully appointed custom design kitchen, solid wood through-out, butlers pantry, granite island/breakfast bar, family room, formal living &amp; dining room, walls of glass &amp; a roaring fireplace central of 2 rock waterfalls! All you'd expect of a million dollar home.


Calgary's most expensive home for sale is 44 Aspen Ridge Ht SW, Calgary and is selling for 12 million dollars. This 5 Bedroom, 9 bath luxury home in Aspen Woods has 9300 square feet to enjoy. The estate offers magnificent stonework, custom designed and luxuriously appointed living quarters including 5 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms, 5-Car Garage, and a separate Carriage House with a fully suited residence. Designed for grand-scale entertaining and impeccably finished with exotic materials sourced from around the world. Interior amenities include: Grand Parlor, Gourmet Kitchen, Butler's Pantry, Games Room, Wine-Tasting Room, Yoga Studio, and Full Spa Facilities.


708 Hillcrest Ave, SW Calgary is a wonderful brick and sandstone house offering 5700 sq ft of living speace. It is selling for 4.195 million dollars. This 5 bedroom, 6 bath, has a 5 car garage and Refrigerators-Two, Freezer, Oven-Built-In, Dishwasher-Built-In, Washer, Dryer, Window Coverings-All, Alarm/Security System, Garburator, Oven-Microwave.


Check the MLS Calgary listings for more million dollar luxury homes. Then have us help you find the best home for you.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:56:55 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/variable-rates-on-the-rise.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/variable-rates-on-the-rise.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Variable Rates on the Rise!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Nicole Vidallo on August 24 wrote:


Just a quick note.


The mortgage market is buzzing with the news of various lenders increasing their variable rates.  So far RBC and TD have both moved up their variable rates from P-.65% to P-.45%.  We are getting word that ING Direct and a few other lenders will follow later this week or next.


This will not affect clients that already have a mortgage or mortgage approval.  But those of you house hunting should be aware.


Compliments of:


Nicole VidalloEstate Mortgage GroupMortgage Associatecell 403 561 0329office 403 264 2252fax 403 264 2291email: nicole.vidallo@gmail.com


 


 


 


 


Take a look at the latest Million Dollar Homes in Calgary. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:46:35 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/home-listings-in-calgary-be-first-to-find-them.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/home-listings-in-calgary-be-first-to-find-them.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Home Listings in Calgary - Be First to Find Them</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary Neighbourhoods with Most New Listings 


The way to find your dream home in the best neighbourhoods in Calgary is to keep an eye on which have the most new listings and how long they are on the market. The northwest area of the city is where many Calgarians want to live. However, the prices are a little higher. The views and quality of life in NW Calgary is very attractive. If you're investigating Calgary now, you should know that NW Calgary is highly residential with lots of park space and it's the closest to the Rocky Mountains. This is where the University of Calgary is located, Market Mall, and the LRT runs up through the area. NW Calgary has a lot going for it for families with lots of schools and recreational facilities. 


Last month, July 2011, Country Hills, Arbour Lake, Citadel, Bowness, Beddington, Coventry Hills, Edgemont, Evanston, Royal Oak, Tuscany, and Panorama Hills saw the greatest increase in new listings. Have a look at their July Stats below and don't forget to have us send you reports on newly listed homes. You really do want to be first to see them and get a bid in. If they are overpriced and on the market a long time, you may be able to get that dream home ahead of other buyers who are persistent about getting the price down. 






Neighbourhood


Home Inventory 


Sales


Added in July 


Average Sale Price 


Median Price 


Average Days on Market 




Arbour Lake 


37


14


20


510,000


436,000


38




Beddington


51


11


21


302,000


310,000


47




Bowness


57


12


19


379,000


355,000


73




Coventry Hills 


102


21


51


354,000


350,000


38




Edgemont


67


19


30


517,000


507,000


44




Evanston


41


8


26


401,000


400,000


58




Panorama Hills 


98


23


35


438,000


447,000


68




Royal Oak 


52


17 


27


493,000


476,000


52




Tuscany


83


22


41


479,000


420,000


45




Citadel


38


9


21


392,000


386,000


32






As you can see, some neighbourhoods have homes listed for quite some time. That doesn't necessarily mean they're overpriced or the house condition is poor or that the neighbourhood isn't nice. We can tell you why specific homes don't sell and how you should bid on them.


Take a look at some newest listed homes in Northwest Calgary and make sure you sign up for our listing service. 


Take a look at the latest Million Dollar Homes in Calgary. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:23:09 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-real-estate-sales-for-july-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryhomeboys.com/blog/calgary-real-estate-sales-for-july-2011.html</link>
            <author>johnmayberry@calgaryhomeboys.com (John Mayberry)</author>
            <title>Calgary Real Estate Sales for July 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary Real Estate Sales Trending Upward


New stats for July reveal a positive trend for home and condo sales in Calgary. CREB stated that single family and condominium sales totaled 11,798, a 5% increase over the first 7 months of 2010. But while the sales trend is up and interest rates are expected to stay low for the foreseeable future, the picture for August may not be as bright. The European and US economic markets have sputtered and many Calgarians are wondering how this upheaval, volatility and possible retraction will affect their plans to buy their first home or upgrade to another home. 





Sanon Sante, the president of CREB said in the most recent report that “The recent rise in average days on market, especially in the single family sector, shows that while properly priced homes are selling quickly, over-priced listings remain on the market for a longer period of time. Improving market conditions may have signaled some sellers to be overly optimistic regarding pricing, resulting in a disconnect between seller and buyer expectations.” Perhaps with falling price of oil and global economic woes, sellers will now be prepared to list their properties at acceptable prices to most buyers.


Calgary Condo sales came on strong in July with 453 units sold which is a 14% improvement over last July. Average sales price was $286,445. Single family house sales rose to 1,153 units in July. There has been 8,380 sales for the first seven months of 2011 which is up 8%. The average price of single family homes sold in July 2011 was $455,849. 


Listings of home outside of Calgary rose from 735 in June to 838 properties in July. Sales of home outside Calgary rose 27% and the average sales price dropped 5%. For buyers this is a good trend. 


This chart below shows total inventory (blue line) vs sold homes (red line).





This chart below shows total new listings (green line) vs sold homes (red line).





This chart shows how home prices are set mostly in the $300,000 to $400,000 range. That's almost half of all homes sold. 






Single Family Homes 


Units


Growth




$200,000 to $299,000 


157


13%




$300,000 to $349,000 


175


15%




$450,000 to $399,000 


206


18%




$400,000 to $449,000 


171


15%




$450,000 to $449,000 


117


10%






Condo prices tend to be tightly grouped into the 200 to 300 thousand dollar range and growth in that price category was strong. 






Condos 


Units


Growth




$100,000 to $199,000 


86


19%




$200,000 to $299,000 


198


44%




$300,000 to $349,000 


62


14%




$350,000 to $399,000 


48


10%




$400,000 to $449,000 


18


4%






 


Take a look at our most recent Calgary homes for sale and for Million Dollar Homes in Calgary. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:42:27 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
