Thanks to my clients who helped me get on the Top Producer list for February!

Just sold to my Buyer clients - congratulations!

ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL HOME IN FANTASTIC CONDITION FEATURING SPACIOUS ENTRY LEADING TO FORMAL LIVING/DINING AREAS. WARM AND INVITING KITCHEN WITH UPGRADED STAINLESS APPLIANCES, NEW TRAVERTINE TILE FLOORING AND OPENING INTO THE GREAT ROOM OFFERING OAK BUILT-IN SHELVES SURROUNDING THE FIREPLACE.  UPSTAIRS OFFERS 3 GOOD SIZED BEDROOMS WITH THE MASTER FEATURING A WALK-IN CLOSET AND 5-PCE ENSUITE. THE LOWER LEVEL HAS BEEN FULLY DEVELOPED WITH A BEDROOM, BATH AND HUGE REC ROOM AREA.  OVERSIZED DOUBLE GARAGE IS ATTACHED.  THIS HOME IS ON A HUGE PIE-LOT SUPERBLY LANDSCAPED, FENCED AND BACKING ONTO GREENSPACE.

According to figures released this week by CREB®, 2011 sales finished higher than 2010 for both single family homes and condos in the Calgary area.

Single family home sales for the year totalled 13,186, up 9% on 2010, while condo sales ended the year at 5,382, up 4%. Average sale prices remained fairly stable when compared to 2010, with single family home prices up 1%, at $466,402, and condo prices slipping 1% to $287,172.

Okotoks

In Okotoks, single family sales saw a really positive revival, reaching 438 for the year, up a massive 26% on 2010, while condo sales rose by 4% on the year to total 86. Average sales prices for 2011 came in lower than 2010, with the single family average down 2.5% at $412,429 and condos down 1.4% at $232,003.

Here's looking forward to an even better 2012!

I had a great year in 2011, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of my clients, friends, family and fellow professionals who made it such a great year.

I am always open to helping new clients (and existing ones!) investigate their options in the real estate market. If you have any questions at all (or know of someone that does), please don't hesitate to get in touch.

According to figures released this week by CREB®, year to date sales are up for both single family homes and condos in the Calgary area. Single family home sales for the year to date are at 11,503, up 9.9% on the same period last year, while condo sales are at 4,681, up 2.9%. Average sale prices are more stable, with single family home prices up 0.8% year to date to $466,844, and condo prices slipping slightly 0.7% to $288,736.

In Okotoks, single family sales so far in 2011 are at 381, up 10% on the same period last year, although condos are not enjoying the same revival just yet - sales in this category are down 12% for the year to date. Average sales prices are continuing lower than a year ago, with the year to date single family average down 2.1% at $413,875 and condos down 4.1% at $225,773.

If you asked a CIR Realtor what makes CIR Realty different, the answer would be a great corporate culture and access to the most advanced technology in the industry.

The CIR team strives to deliver a great consumer experience by consistently staying one step ahead of industry trends in order to provide efficient and valuable service.

That effort has been recognized by Calgary Herald Readers' Choice voters, making CIR Realty a winner in the Real Estate category.

Read more: Calgary Herald

Buying a home is a huge financial decision. With the average cost of a single family home in Calgary sitting at $468,000 (CIR REALTY Market Statistics, as of 2:40pm October 7th), finding ways to save money on the purchase of a new home is extremely important for the average consumer.

In speaking with Russ Austin, the Office Manager of CIR REALTY’s Northwest Office, I learned that despite the many ways that one may go about trying to save money, there is a widely known, yet often poorly communicated strategy that can save people $25,000 or more on their home purchase.

Let’s say you are looking at purchasing a $300,000 mortgage. You do what most people do and pick a monthly payment plan that works for you and choose a 25 year amortization. On a $300,000 mortgage, your monthly payment works out to $1,578.06 per month. Over the course of 25 years, that means you will end up paying a total of $473,418 on your house.

If you are a person that gets paid every two weeks, you are in a very good position to cut that total cost down by $25,547. How? If you take your monthly payment and divide it by two, you get $789.00. If you pay this amount every two weeks you end up making 26 payments over the course of a year rather than 24 payments. By making these extra two payments a year, you end up paying off your 25 year, $473,418 mortgage in 21 years and 11 ½ months for a cost of only $448,871.00 – a total savings of $25,547. And remember, the higher the interest rate and the larger the mortgage equates to even more money saved using this payment plan.

If you do not get paid every two weeks but twice a month or monthly, in order to achieve the same results, you will have to find a way to make those two extra monthly payments. This can be a money managing issue for some as it means that twice a year, you will have two payments come out in the same pay period. Another way around this would be to add a little bit more onto your monthly payment each month. For example, take the original payment of $1,578.06. In order to achieve a $25,000 savings at the end of your mortgage, you would have to bump up your monthly cost by $135 to $1,713. In addition to the savings, by doing this, your mortgage would be paid off in 22 years. Another option is that most mortgages come with pre payment privileges and people will often have the opportunity to make a lump sum payment at the beginning of each year. Even just making one extra payment of $1,578.06 will knock off some of the compounding interest.

When you are discussing your financial options, your REALTOR should guide you to sit down with your mortgage broker or banker and discuss the different opportunities you have available to you. Although many people purchase at the top end of their budget, having a bit of financial flexibility can often save you thousands of dollars and will grant you a few years where you can turn your mortgage payments into a holiday fund!

Thanks to:

Kirsten Bartlett – CIR REALTY
Marketing Manager

Calgary Herald

Just sold this property: This Opportunity to own a home on one of the most prestigious streets in Beautiful Okotoks... Located across from Okotoks Community Rec Center(2 indoor rinks, one outdoor rink,swimming pool, curling rink, Water Park and more), Short walk to Schools.. This home features large Living room and Bright Open Kitchen over looking Dining area with cozy Wood burning fireplace...3 bedrooms up + 1 bedroom, den, rec room with wet bar, full bath in this fully developed lower level...Extensive Renovations in 1995-96..New furnace and hot water tank 1993..recently Stucco Exterior..Underground Sprinklers for easy yard maintenance ... Huge west facing back yard,OVERSIZED DOUBLE DETACHED GARAGE, HEATED/220 VOLT with additional attached Car Port and Alley access...Great location for the ACTIVE FAMILY!...

CREB has just released their housing market update for the rest of 2011:

Following steep declines in 2010 sales, the Calgary residential resale market is on the path to recovery. Single family sales will lead the growth with an anticipated 8 per cent increase in sales. Prices are expected to record a moderate increase, mostly due to an increase in higher-end sales and consumer appetite for somewhat discounted higher-end homes. The improved selection of homes in all price ranges will continue to contribute to the balanced conditions in Calgary’s housing market.

On the condominium side, gains in the market have been slower, due to ramped up supply in the new condominium market and improved selection of single family homes in a wider price distribution. Condominium sales in the second half of 2011 will not be enough to compensate for the declines in the first half of the year, and sales will still be marginally lower than levels recorded in 2010. Average condominium prices will remain steady, matching 2010 levels.

Calling on ALL of my Friends - The deadline for the Calgary Herald Readers Choice awards is July 31st - please click the link below and vote for CIR REALTY for best real estate brokerage. Thank you for your support! www.calgaryherald.com/readerschoice

Just sold this property: "Fantastic acreage property, conveniently close to Okotoks. Exquisite custom home features top quality and workmanship. Rich hardwood, granite, high ceilings, in-floor heating, 2-way fireplace, and more. Deluxe gourmet kitchen, great room, dining room, sun room, and 3 bedrooms on main level. Enormous master bedroom features deluxe ensuite with steam shower. Upper bonus room is ideal for office, or guest area. Triple attached garage, plus detached shop. Landscaped, paved driveway."

Just sold this property: "***BRAND NEW CONDO, NEVER LIVED IN !!! Now is your opportunity to own this NEW two bedroom condo. Master bedroom has a large walkin closet and four piece ensuite. With two full bathrooms, makes it ideal for roommate or guest. All major appliances are included. It has a good size in-suite storage room and of course the much needed heated underground parking. Priced for a quick sale. Call today for your private viewing."

Okotoks turned CIR blue today for the annual Parade, thanks to approximately 1000 CIR Realty balloons!

Click here to see a short video clip of the sight.

Calgary’s own CIR REALTY has just been reported the number one leader in residential home sales in all of Calgary as well as the number one independent brokerage for sales for all of Canada in the new REAL Trends Report released this week.

With 4,317 transactions closed in 2010, locally owned and independent CIR REALTY beat out all other city brokerages. Other competing Calgary brokerages that made the list of REAL Trends top 200 that followed close behind include Re/Max Central, Royal LePage Foothills, Re/Max House and Re/Max House Mountainview.

Ray Stader, Co-Owner and Manager of IT and Finance at CIR REALTY attribute the brokerage’s commitment to technological innovation, 24 hour REALTOR® support and an unsurpassed professional development program to this accomplishment.

“CIR REALTY has positioned itself as a high-tech, high-touch company that prides itself on developing highly educated REALTORS® and giving them the support they need to do their business from wherever it is they are located. Client’s appreciate the efficiency in which our REALTORS® are able to move through the different stages in the estate transaction process, giving them ease of mind and a great experience.”

Stader was fortunate to attend the REAL Trends Conference in Denver last month and is thrilled that as an industry leader, REAL Trends continues to provide the most trusted and accurate residential brokerage research in the business.

“The information that REAL Trends is able to provide regarding the residential real estate industry across North America is crucial to the continual growth and improvement of CIR REALTY and other brokerages,” Stader says.

CIR REALTY has over 700 REALTORS®, staff and management spread over four Calgary offices and 11 satellite offices outside of the City. The brokerage has been family owned and operated since 1983.

Just sold this property:

FABULOUS HOME SET ON 5 ACRES WITH AWESOME MOUNTAIN VIEWS & LARGE WORKSHOP. This home has lovely upgrades throughout. The high end kitchen with tonnes of cabinet space, pot drawers, undercounter lights, central island & exquisite tilework, doors lead onto the large deck with fabulous country views. The living room has gorgeous mountain views & is a great place to relax! The large master has walk through closet & ensuite with lovely soaker tub. The other 2 bedrooms on this level are a good size & have hardwood floors. There is also a spacious dining area, den & bathroom on this level. In the walkout basement there is a huge family/games room,a 4th bedroom,4 piece bathroom & large laundry room with sink. There is also an attached triple heated garage. The 1200 sq ft SHOP IS AMAZING WITH INFLOOR HEATING, OFFICE AND BATHROOM. It has airlines, fixed benches & cabinets & is a handyman's dream! Conveniently located between Okotoks & Black Diamond - must view to appreciate this great home!

CALGARY - Sellers of residential property in Calgary need to adjust their expectations when they list their homes for sale and potential buyers, waiting for a U.S.-style housing crash, won't see it happen, says a leading North American real estate expert.

U.S.-based Steve Harney, who was in Calgary Thursday to speak with CIR realtors, said there is a big disparity in the local market between the average list price and the average sale price.

"What those two things mean is what the average buyer is willing to pay for a house in this market is a different number than what the average seller right now is willing to sell it for," said Harney. "And your sales won't go until the seller starts to realize, because the buyer usually can buy at whatever they can afford to buy, in order to sell their house ... they might have to get somewhat more realistic on their price. Anything in the world is only worth what someone's willing to pay for it."

According to the latest Calgary MLS stats, the average sale price to listing price ratio was 97 per cent in February for single-family homes and 96 per cent for condominiums.

Harney, who spoke at more than 100 real estate events in 2010, said one of the things owners of residential property and the local real estate industry should be concerned about is a belief some people have that what happened south of the border could happen here.

"And it can't," said Harney bluntly. "What happened in the United States, you don't have the same challenge here. What happened in the United States is the amount of people who fell behind paying their mortgage went from a historic number of about a half a per cent to six tenths of a per cent all the way up to over five per cent. The number of people going into a foreclosure situation increased by 10 times.

"(Alberta's) delinquency rate - the number of people that are falling behind in their mortgage - is the same now that it was in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008. There's been no appreciable bump at all. So buyers (in the local market) that are waiting for prices to crash like they did in the States, they're waiting for something that's not going to happen."

Meanwhile, a report by a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said house prices have sagged in Alberta after doubling in the five years to 2007 and the province is poised to see prices climb this year, according to a report by a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets.

In his Canadian Housing Outlook 2011, Sal Guatieri said the price growth in the province could result in response to "solid economic growth, high oil prices and in-migration."

At the national level, Guatieri said average resale prices and personal incomes both rose 5.7 per cent per year in the past three decades.

But prices more than doubled (113 per cent) in the decade to late 2007 and grew twice as fast as incomes from 2002 to 2007 - 10.2 per cent versus 5.0 per cent.

"Even after sliding 13 per cent through the recession, prices quickly rebounded and are now 10 per cent above their 2007 peak," he said of the national average.

"The ratio of average resale prices to personal incomes is currently 14 per cent above its long-run mean, suggesting the national market is moderately overvalued. That's up modestly from the summer but still well below the 21 per cent all-time high in 1989 or the 26 per cent U.S. peak in 2005."

Guatieri said home sales are expected to cool and prices stabilize this year in response to higher interest rates, tighter mortgage rules and lower affordability.

"While we do not expect a significant correction nationwide, the risk of such would increase - especially in some regions - if prices were to continue to outrun incomes or if interest rate were to increase rapidly," he said.

Read more: Calgary Herald

All 39 forecasters surveyed by Reuters predicted the Bank of Canada would keep its key interest rate on hold at 1.0% on Tuesday. But 24 of poll participants, more than 60%, expect interest rates to rise by the end of the first half. The median forecast points to a quarter-point increase on May 31 to 1.25%.

Read more: Calgary Herald

CALGARY - Alberta officially became the most affordable province in the country for home ownership in the fourth quarter of 2010 and affordability in Calgary is now the best it's been in almost six years, says a new report released Thursday by RBC.

The Housing Trends and Affordability report said a gradual but steady recovery in housing demand in the past half-year has just begun to bolster market conditions in the Calgary area by drawing the prolonged slump since 2007 closer to an end.

In Calgary on a seasonally-adjusted basis, home resales increased appreciably since the June 2010 lows, and this "helped to reduce the market slack significantly by the end of last year that kept buyers in the driver's seat.

"Nonetheless, the return to more balanced market conditions in Calgary did not succeed in reversing the tide in the fourth quarter of 2010, because home prices continued to weaken for the most part," said the report by senior economist Robert Hogue. "This, however, contributed to further material improvement in affordability-the RBC Measures for Calgary, again, fell the most among Canada's largest urban markets, by declining by 0.9 to 3.1 percentage points (on a quarterly basis).

"Affordability in the area is now the best in almost six years. We believe that attractive affordability will support further increases in demand as the local economy picks up steam in the year ahead."

The report said the Alberta market is the only provincial market showing year-over-year home price declines, reflecting soft market conditions.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the RBC measures in Alberta fell once again by 1.0 to 2.4 percentage points in the province, extending their long strings of declines since late 2007, said the report.

"In addition to the lower mortgage rates, the further depreciation of home prices contributed to lowering the cost of home ownership in the fourth quarter. Property values were negatively affected by a substantial downswing in demand in the spring and early summer, which put buyers in the driver's seat," said RBC. "The significant improvement in affordability is near the end of its line, however. Demand has shown more vigour in recent months-alongside a provincial economy that is gaining more traction-and the Albert market has become better balanced."

Read more: Calgary Herald

OPEN HOUSE

285 ACADIA DRIVE SE, CALGARY  --  NoW oNlY $419,900

SATURDAY FEB 26 - 1.30pm - 4.00pm

Looking for something a bit different? OVER 2400sq ft spread over 4 levels on a LARGER LOT. Main level is OPEN PLAN: living room with HARDWOOD floor, feature brick finish 2-sided gas fireplace; kitchen/dining with island, SKYLIGHT, hardwood floor, newer S/STEEL APPLIANCES; up a couple of steps to the south facing family room / office. Down to REC ROOM; huge bathroom with steam room; separate hobby room / den (currently has a bed); laundry. Up to the enormous, DUAL ASPECT MASTER suite with HARDWOOD floor & a JETTED TUB right there in the room; VAST 2nd bedroom (was 2 rooms) and family bathroom. Out to the private landscaped, irrigated yard with attractive paving, deck, gas-firepit, HUGE INSULATED & HEATED TRIPLE GARAGE to back lane & greenhouse w/heat, power & water. House features are numerous, but include CENTRAL A/C, central vac, water softener, vaulted ceilings. So much of the hard work has been done for you. Come and see it and decide how you can make it yours.

More info and pictures here.

CALGARY - Resale housing market activity has picked up in Alberta since last summer but "it still has some way to go before we can confidently declare it out of its lethargy," says a report released Thursday by RBC Economics.

It predicts resales in the province to grow by a nation-leading 9.5 per cent this year. Also, the average sale price of a detached bungalow is forecast to grow by a nation-leading 4.2 per cent in 2012.

Read more: Calgary Herald

When someone asks what makes CIR Realty different, the answer is simple: its culture.

From the inside out, the members of the CIR Realty team, including agents, staff and management, truly value a great experience and strive to give just that, not only to clients but also to each other.

In the past year, CIR's dedication to creating this great experience has led to remarkable growth and exciting change. And it has helped CIR Realty become a Calgary Herald Readers' Choice award winner.

Read more: Calgary Herald

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY JULY 25th,   2.30 - 5pm

518 HIGH PARK COURT NW, HIGH RIVER - $599,000

Upgraded home with WALKOUT in the stunning Highwood Lake area.
AWESOME VIEWS from all 3 levels over the lake & landscaped yard, with DIRECT LAKE ACCESS.

Inside is beautiful too.
As you enter you are wowed by the feature central stairs leading up to a galleried landing. 9' knockdown ceilings throughout main & lower, gorgeous HARDWOOD, loads of GRANITE, HUGE KITCHEN with cherry cabinets, spacious living rm with fireplace &
access to the balcony.

Don't choose between a formal dining room, dining nook or breakfast bar, this home has all 3! Flex with bay windows and laundry with wall cabinets. Enjoy the view in the 5pc SPA-like en-suite with a jetted tub, shower, WC & WI closet that make up the master suite.

Beds 2, 3 and 4 are also on the 2nd level, with a 4pc bath and a BONUS room with the 2nd HUGE balcony.

The basement (w/infloor heat) is a perfect m-i-l suite or teen getaway: bedroom with walk-in closet, 4pc bath, huge FAMILY RM, full kitchen, dining area and patio.

Click here for more pictures and information.
Click here for directions to the open house.

All information displayed is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. No warranties or representations are made of any kind. This property is listed by CIR Realty and provided here courtesy of Neil Stopher.
 

Come and join me at either of 2 open houses this weekend in Cimarron.

SATURDAY, 2 - 4.30 at 397 Cimarron Boulevard, a 1925sq ft 2 storey for $379,900 - a turn-key property with 3 bedrooms, attached garage and a huge bonus room, fully landscaped with deck and fence. Immediate possession available.

SUNDAY, 2 - 4.30 at 14 Cimarron Meadows Crescent, a 1091 sq ft bi-level for $319,900 - a 3 bedroom home with lots of natural light and vaulted ceilings. Great community close to schools and amenities.

It's really a great time to buy, with mortgage rates still near historical lows and some properties like these listed at very realistic prices. I look forward to seeing you there!

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY MAY 16, 2 - 4.30pm

29 WELCH CRESCENT, OKOTOKS - $309,900

An opportunity to buy into one of the most sought after areas in Okotoks - this home is being sold by the original owners after 28 yrs! This 1982 bungalow has great bones (including newer roof and hot water tank). The main living area consists of a living room, large kitchen (with very solid cabinetry) and dining area, plenty of closet space.There are 3 good bedrooms (bed 3 being used as the laundry, but there is plumbing in the basement to move this if you wish) and a main 4 piece bathroom. A 2nd 4 piece bathroom has been developed in the basement as well as a large room with huge closets & tremendous potential to continue this good start. The rear of the property is laid to lawn, with a gate out onto the walking paths of Crystal Ridge. With a lick of paint to the outside of the house, there's no reason you couldn't live here with very little work. Or you could really bring out the beauty of this well loved home. You need to see inside to really appreciate this one.

Click here for more pictures.

All information displayed is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. No warranties or representations are made of any kind. This property is listed by CIR Realty and provided here courtesy of Neil Stopher.

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY MAY 2nd, 2 - 4.30pm

29 WELCH CRESCENT, OKOTOKS - $309,900

This is your opportunity to buy into one of the most sought after areas in Okotoks (if you need convincing of that, the home is being sold by the original owners after 28 years!). This 1982 bungalow has great bone structure, and she'd love you to come along and make her shine once again. The main living area consists of a living room, large kitchen (with very solid cabinetry) and dining area, plenty of closet space.There are 3 good bedrooms (bed 3 currently being used as the laundry, but there is plumbing in the basement to move this if you wish) and a main 4 piece bathroom. A second 4 piece bathroom has been developed in the basement, with tremendous potential to continue this good start. The rear of the property is laid to lawn, with a gate out onto the walking paths of Crystal Ridge. With a lick of paint to the outside of the house, there's no reason you couldn't live here with very little work. Or you could really bring out the hidden beauty of this well loved home.

Click here for more pictures.

All information displayed is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. No warranties or representations are made of any kind. This property is listed by CIR Realty and provided here courtesy of Neil Stopher.
 

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY APRIL 10th, 1 - 4pm

518 HIGH PARK COURT NW, HIGH RIVER - $619,500

 Over 3800sqft incl WALKOUT in stunning Highwood Lake, High River. AWESOME VIEWS from all 3 levels over the lake & landscaped yard, with DIRECT LAKE ACCESS. Inside is beautiful too. As you enter you are wowed by the feature central stairs leading up to a galleried landing. 9' knockdown ceilings throughout main & lower, gorgeous HARDWOOD, loads of GRANITE, HUGE KITCHEN with cherry cabinets, spacious living rm with fireplace & access to the lakeview balcony. Don't choose between a formal dining room, dining nook or breakfast bar, this home has all 3! Flex with bay windows and laundry with wall cabinets. Enjoy the view in the 5pc SPA-like en-suite with a jetted tub, shower, WC & WI closet that make up the master suite. Beds 2, 3 and 4 are also on the 2nd level, with a 4pc bath and a BONUS room with the 2nd HUGE balcony. The basement is the perfect m-i-l suite or teen getaway: bedroom with walk-in closet, 4pc bath, huge FAMILY RM, full kitchen, dining area and patio.

Click here for more pictures

Click here for directions to the house

All information displayed is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. No warranties or representations are made of any kind. This property is listed by CIR Realty and provided here courtesy of Neil Stopher.

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY March 7th 2010, 1 - 4pm

3 Cimarron Meadows Crescent, Okotoks - $359,900

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Over 1900 sq ft of developed family home in a mature area of Cimarron. Close to 3 schools and shopping yet in a quiet crescent. Bright, open plan kitchen / dining area / living room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and 4pc en-suite, with the 2nd bedroom also on the upper floor. 4pc bathroom and 3rd bedroom (could be used as a den) on main. The lower level is a perfect hideaway with a family room, large 4th bedroom, 2pc bath, study nook and laundry. Loads of light down here from the large windows, and you can access the garage from here. Masses of storage space in the extra closets and the crawl space under the front hallway. The wooden deck off the dining area leads down to a stone patio and a good-sized, landscaped yard with mature shrubs and a plum tree. Check out the pictures, then come and see for yourself!

All information displayed is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. No warranties or representations are made of any kind. This property is listed by CIR Realty and provided here courtesy of Neil Stopher.