For some people, a condominium lifestyle is the only way to live—no lawn maintenance, a pool and tennis court, and extra security features you might not have in a single-family home. Other people simply can’t breathe in a condo because the neighbours are too close for comfort. Consider the pros and cons and your specific needs and desires before deciding to buy a condo.
Because of all of the advantages of home ownership in comparison to renting, many of you will soon be reaching a point where you want to buy a home. However, you may not be sure whether you should actually buy a house or if you should look in to buying a condo instead. This is especially true for younger home buyers who might want the benefits of living in a more communal situation in a condo environment.
Should you join the condo club or go for a more traditional home ownership? Consider your lifestyle and weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding which to buy.
A Calgary Condo is probably the right choice for you if:
- You don’t have a lot of money to spend but still want to invest in home ownership.
- You are interested in being part of a small community living in the same complex.
- You are comfortable living in close proximity to your neighbours.
- You are a single individual or a couple that is looking for a small home rather than a large property.
- You don’t mind having certain aspects of your home ownership regulated by a committee (a home owner’s association made up of some of the tenants who live in the other condos).
- You live in an urban area where condos are common (such as Toronto or Vancouver).
- You run a busy lifestyle and prefer to enjoy amenities like a pool or a shaded grounds area but aren’t able to maintain such amenities yourself either because of the time that it takes or the cost.
A house is more likely to be a better choice for you if:
- You have (or plan to have) a large family.
- You are a very private person who does not like living close to your neighbours, or having your home choices regulated by an association.
- You are investing in home ownership primarily for the purpose of resale of the home in the future (since property values are usually higher than condo values).
- You are seeking to purchase a large home and/or you need outdoor areas for things like large pets.
- You enjoy maintaining your own yard or garden.
- You live in a rural area or in a location where there are not many condos on the market.
Although there are always exceptions, condo purchases are usually best for single individuals who have neither the money to invest in a house nor the time to maintain the upkeep of a house. These tend to be young people who don’t mind apartment-style living in close quarters with their neighbours, who are comfortable having some regulation by the home owner’s association and who enjoy sharing common areas with others. Often, condo buyers are first time home buyers. If, in contrast, you are an older adult who has (or may soon have) a family and would like the freedom and privacy of a home with its own property, then a house is probably the right choice for you.
Regardless of whether you buy a house or a condo, it's important to do your homework and consider the future of the neighbourhood you're buying into. The old saying of "location, location, location" remains true for both. Each is a significant investment, and you need to find a safe and vibrant neighbourhood capable of nurturing your investment into the future.
Please feel free to Contact Neil Rowlandson of CIR Realtyfor more information on Buying a Calgary Condo or Home
Calgary's residential real estate market reveals how dramatically things have changed since the economic meltdown was beginning to cut through the local economy a year ago.
The Calgary Real Estate Board said Tuesday that single-family home sales last month were up 63.4 per cent and condo sales increased by 77.5 per cent compared with November 2008.
The MLS average sale price in the single-family market jumped by 6.7 per cent, while condos rose by three per cent.
Consumer confidence has improved in the local residential real estate market from what it was a year ago, said Bonnie Wegerich, president of the Calgary Real Estate Board.
"Clearly, low borrowing costs are helping fuel this recovery," Wegerich said. "Many buyers want to get in while mortgage rates remain at record lows."
Wegerich said a healthy demand for homes combined with a steadily decreasing inventory is holding prices firm.
"A year ago, we were getting a fair number of (new) listings on the market . . . which is typical when people are a little bit concerned," she said.
"Our sales are staying strong through November. . . . The prices are continuing to edge up. I think that's more indicative of the move-up buyers that we've got in the market . . . The move-up buyers are back in the market and that's why our average prices have gone up a little bit."
She said those move-up buyers are selling their homes and moving into bigger houses.
November was the seventh consecutive month that sales in both the Calgary single-family home and condominium markets have increased from year-ago levels. The upward trend began in May.
The average MLS sale price for single-family homes rose for the fourth consecutive month compared with the same month in 2008, while it climbed for the third consecutive month in the condo market.
A key factor in the market is how dramatically the number of listings has fallen compared with a year ago, said Sam Corea, with Re/Max House of Real Estate in Calgary.
"It's a big difference, year over year," he said, adding he believes many people have just taken their homes off the market.
"They missed the boat in the sense they were on the market all year, took them off in early October and it's evident because we didn't see a lot of sales for October, November, but we saw the inventory drop quite a bit.
The month-end inventory for all residential MLS properties for sale in the Calgary region was 7,409 in November. It was 11,339 in November 2008.
Corea said the market is still active with more sales this year than a year ago.
"We started off the year with 949 sales (in January) less than a 1,000. I've been doing this 17 years, I've never seen house and condos in all of Calgary sell less than 1,000 (for a month) ever," said Corea. "It's a totally different vibe."
In November, there were 1,095 single-family home sales for an average sale price of $464,444. November 2008 saw 670 sales for an average price of $435,471.
The condo market last month had 504 sales for an average of $294,264, compared with 284 sales and an average of $285,820 in November 2008.
With sales activity steady and active listings continuing to fall, it's supporting modest price increases, said Richard Cho, senior market analyst in Calgary for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
"Whenever you have strong demand coupled with falling supply, prices will naturally rise," said Cho, adding the time it takes to sell a home is also down compared with earlier in the year.
"The resale market in Calgary has moved into balanced conditions and with that comes modest growth in prices. We need to be cautious about comparing the year-over-year growth in prices. The year-over-year growth in prices may appear a bit pronounced because we are comparing a time when the housing market is recovering... to a market when it was slowing down in the latter half of 2008."
Also on Tuesday, a report by economist Pascal Gauthier of the TD Bank Financial Group said that on the national level, after climbing by an estimated four per cent on an annual basis this year, the average existing home price is expected to gain another nine to 10 per cent in 2010 with sales increasing by 2.7 per cent.
"But the current momentum is not expected to last beyond the next six to 10 months," he said in the report. "Were it to continue into 2011, there would be more credence to the view that a bubble has formed. But the brakes are currently being applied in the background, which should prevent a bubble from forming between now and then."
( Courtesy/ Source the Calgary Herald- Dec 09 )
If you’re going to be active in the Calgary real estate market, you should probably know some information about it. We’d like to help you, so here’s some information about this great city.
Calgary is located in the southern portion of the Canadian province of Alberta. With a population of almost 1.2 million, people, it’s the largest city in Alberta. It’s a somewhat hilly place, since it’s located at the transition zone between the Canadian Rockies foothills and the Canadian prairies. It sits directly amidst an area of foothills and high plains, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the east plains of the Canadian Rockies. Its elevation is a little over 1,000 meters (almost 3,500 feet) above sea level. With a land area (over 700 km2, or a little over 280 square miles) that exceeds the larger-populated Toronto, Calgary has plenty of real estate opportunities.
Calgary is an emerging global city. It has rich neighborhoods and a diverse ethnicity. It’s the fifth largest city in Canada, but ranks third if you take into account its outlying neighborhoods. As a matter of fact, since Calgary is just 300 kilometers (200 miles) south of Edmonton, the narrowly-populated area between the two cities is known as the “Calgary-Edmonton Corridor.” Between Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary is the largest metropolitan area.
Two major rivers run through Calgary. The Bow River, which is the largest one, flows from the west to the south. The Elbow River flows northwards from the south and converges with the Bow River in the city’s downtown area. The downtown area is the most populated, with surrounding neighborhoods of decreasing density. It’s more populated in the downtown area, and decreases the farther from the center of the city as you go. Unlike most cities with a large metropolitan area, most of Calgary’s suburbs are incorporated into it. (Exceptions are the following nearby cities: Airdrie to the north, Cochrane to the northwest, Strathmore to the east, and the Springbank and Bearspaw acreages to the west.) Okotoks, which lies a short distance to the south, is also considered a suburb of Calgary, although it’s not technically a part of the city’s metropolitan area.
Calgary is a growing city, ideal for the real estate market. One of the reasons for that is that the city keeps annexing its neighboring towns to keep up with the population growth. That, of course, is good news for the Calgary real estate market.
Beautifully maintained and tastefully upgraged total 4 bedroom family home including complete kitchen reno with granite countertops and stainless applainces.New windows, beautiful hardwood. Fully developed lower level with extra bedroom and bathroom, brand new shag carpet. The mature backyard boasts an slate patio, private deck, with hot tub. Oversize double garage. Amazing quiet street and location. Close to all ammenities including transportation, shopping, all 3 levels of schools.
Virtural Tour - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2968609
www.calgarycastles.com
Incredible Location, Incredible Value, Incredible Opportunity! This bright and clean, west facing 2 bedroom bungalow townhouse has one of the best locations in Diamond Estates. Spacious, open living and dining room with cozy corner fireplace and new sliding doors to a fenced, west facing, private patio setting surrounded by a spruce tree and hedge. Owner occupied and diligently maintained and tastefully upgraded over years including laminate flooring, paint, newer white appliances and fixtures. Centrally located and only minutes to downtown. Walking distance to C-Train, 2 malls, playground, and daycare. Ideal for the first time buyer or investor. Please feel free to click on the virtual tour below.
Virtual Tour Link - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=1940922
14 3800 Fonda Way SE Calgary
Wonderful opportunity to get into the calgary condo real estate market
| Upscale luxury 2 storey, 2 bedroom, townhouse located in the desirable inner-city neighborhood of Crescent Heights, walking distance to downtown, and close to all amenities. Heated underground parking private storage and elevator. In-floor heating on both main and upper level levels, upgraded kitchen, h/w laminate flooring, separate dining and living room area, gas fireplace with marble surround. There are 2 spacious bedrooms upstairs each with their own en-suite. The master bedroom has vaulted ceiling and walk in closet, the en-suite features his and her sinks, jetted tub and glass block accents. You won't find better location and value. www.sellingcalgarycastles.com |
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206 212 3 St NE
Virtual Tour - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2260677http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2260677
Incredible opportunity to get into the Calgary Real Estate Market
Amazing affordable 4.89 acres of country living. Just minutes north of Airdrie & 1/2 mile east off QEII on highway 72 on range road 292. Only 35 minutes to downtown Calgary. 1494 sq ft Bungalow built in 2005 has modern elegance and charm with oak hardwood floors, and an open plan, country kitchen and partial finished basement. The sunroom/spa room has a hot tub for those cozy quiet country evenings. Single attached garage and 28x32 heated detached double garage. All the utilities are paid for, great well at 8gmp. Please feel free to call for directions and more details
Listing Details Link - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2254248&Preview=False&LastTabIndex=0&BackEmailID=-1&BackEmailTypeID=NONE&ShowCompact=true
Virtual Tour Link - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2254248
Perfect opportunity to live in the country, minutes to Calgary
Executive and sophisticated Beach Park II by Centrex has been dramatically upgraded above the builder standard. 9 foot ceilings, great room open concept with upgraded tile flooring, 3 sided fireplace, and sunny south facing eating nook. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel island, granite countertops, upgraded stainless steel appliance package with gas range and glass tile backsplash. Upper floor features 3 oversized bedrooms and open computer/den area. Master bedroom built in wall feature, walk in closet, and en suite has the large cozy soaker tub, stand up glass and tile shower makes for a cozy sanctuary. The south facing 225+ south facing backyard is fully landscaped (rear 1/2 low maintenance) and fenced with patio and gas line. The executive community of Kincora has a keed dedication to family like with over 120 acres of green space and many walking trails. Come take a look at this value, shop and compare, you will be glad you did.
Address: 518 Kincora Drive NW Type: Residential Style: 2 Story Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 "2 Full 1 Half" Garage: Double Basement: Yes, Full Size: 1,809 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 11.5m x 71m Year Built: 2007 Taxes: $2,458.00
Listing Details Link - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2173610&Preview=False&LastTabIndex=0&BackEmailID=-1&BackEmailTypeID=NONE&ShowCompact=true
Virtual Tour Link - http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?ListingID=2173610
Perfect Opportunity to get into the Calgary Real Estate Market
3819 Centre A St N.E. Calgary AB MLS c3367855
PERFECT investment property with "Mortgage Helper Suite" Seller willing to rent from buyer for $800! Minutes to downtown, close to transit and great access to Deerfoot This Highland Park R-2 zoned hillside bungalow with a front walk-out is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and has a 2 bedroom suite up and 1 bedroom suite down. Nestled into the hillside with a very private setting in the front, and extensive block landscaping in the rear, unique levels and cozy fire pit area. Single detached garage, parking pad, and street parking will easily accommodate both suites. Electrical (100amp) and plumbing upgrades along with a newer furnace makes this a solid opportunity. Very easy to show.
Type: Residential Style: Bungalow "Hillside Bungalo" Bedrooms: 4 "Large Master" Bathrooms: 2 "2 Full Baths" Garage: Single Basement: Yes, Walkout "Front Walkout Basement" Size: 801 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 557 sq. m. 15.2m x 36.6m Has Suite: Yes Year Built: 1908 Taxes: $1,521.00
Virtual Tour Link http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/VirtualTour.ashx?listingid=2067366
Listing Details Link http://www.calgarycastles.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2067366&Preview=False&LastTabIndex=0&BackEmailID=-1&BackEmailTypeID=NONE&ShowCompact=true
Excellent opportunty to get into the Calgary Real Estate Market
Many Calgarians are sitting on the fence waiting and waiting. Waiting for what? Now is the time to break from the herd and take advantage of the current buyers market, historically low interest rates, great selection of homes and Government stimulation packages. If you continue to follow the herd you may miss out on what may be the best time to buy that we have seen in years!
Calgary, November 3, 2008 – MLS®
sales activity slowed in Calgary during the
month of October, but continued to present
excellent buying opportunities, according
to fi gures released by the Calgary RealEstate Board (CREB®).Single family Calgary metro sales for
the month of October came in at 820,
showing a decrease of 26.3 per cent
from the 1,113 sales in October 2007 and
showing a decrease of 28.8 per cent from
last month’s sales of 1,152. Condominium
sales for the month of October were 399,
a decrease of 20.4 per cent from the 501
condominium sales recorded in October
2007 and showing a decrease of 14.2
per cent from September 2008 when 465
condominiums changed hands.
“Sales have slowed during October;
partly due to normal seasonal third
quarter adjustments. Other factors may
be that consumers are feeling a sense
of uncertainty at the moment with the
volatility of the stock market and the
global economy. People are being careful,
but being too careful may mean missed
opportunities,” said CREB® President,Ed Jensen. In a recent Calgary Herald
article, Jensen said, “We may be in for
some continued slower times for this
quarter, but I believe this is the kind of
market where real estate bargain hunters
can fi nd those great deals, but if you’renot out there looking you can’t fi nd thebest deal. And it’s hard to negotiate the
best deal when the market has turned the
corner and everybody’s buying.”
The average price of a single family
Calgary metro home in October 2008
was $449,100, showing a decrease of
0.7 per cent from October 2007, when
the average price was $452,254, but
showing an increase of 1.1 per cent from
September’s average price of $444,048.
The average price of a Calgary metro
condominium was $289,148, showing a
12.8 per cent decrease from October 2007
when the average price was $331,617, but
again showing a slight increase of 0.6 per
cent over last month, when the average
price was 287,426. Average price
information can be useful in establishing
trends over time, but does not indicate
actual prices in centres comprised of
widely divergent neighbourhoods or
account for price differentials between
geographical areas.
Single family Calgary metro new
listings added for the month of October
totaled 2,322, a decrease of 10.2 per
cent from October 2007, when new
listing added totaled 2,586 and a
decrease of 11.7 per cent from last
month, when new listings coming to
the market were 2,631. Calgary metro
condominium new listings added in
October 2008 were 1,071, showing a
decrease of 11 per cent from the 1,203
new condominium listings added in
October 2007 and a decrease of 9.7 per
cent from last month’s condominium
listings of 1,186.
The median price of a single family
Calgary metro home in October 2008
was $390,000, showing a decrease of
5.5 per cent from October 2007, when
the median price was $412,500 and
down 1.3 per cent from last month
when the median price was $395,000.
All Calgary Metro MLS® statisticsinclude properties listed and sold
only within Calgary’s City limits. The
median price is the price that is midway
between the least expensive and most
expensive home sold in an area during
a given period of time. During that
time, half the buyers bought homes
that cost more than the median price
and half bought homes for less than the
median price.
The Calgary Real Estate Board is a
professional body of 5,474 licensed
brokers and registered associates,
representing 250 Member offi ces. TheBoard does not generate statistics or
analysis of any individual member or
company’s market share. All MLS®
active listings for Calgary and area
may be found on the Board’s website
at www.creb.com.
Souce = Calgary Real Estate Board
The number of properties listed via the MLS® systems of
Canada’s major markets was down from its peak in the third
quarter of 2008, according to statistics released by The Canadian
Real Estate Association (CREA). This caused the balance of
sales-to-new-listings in the market for resale homes to tighten on
a quarter-over-quarter basis for the fi rst time since the beginningof 2007.
New MLS® residential listings in Canada’s major markets
numbered 146,637 units on a seasonally adjusted basis in the
third quarter of 2008. This is 3.3 per cent below the highest level
on record, set the previous quarter. New listings eased most in
Edmonton and Calgary in the third quarter, followed by declines
in Vancouver and Montreal.
The balance between sales and new listings has stabilized in many
major resale housing markets in recent months. The trend stands
out most in Edmonton and Calgary, where a sharp drop in new
listings and rising sales activity has fi rmed up the resale housingmarket considerably since the beginning of the year.
“Informed buyers and informed sellers look at the facts. And the
facts right now indicate the real estate resale market is stabilizing
in many markets,” says Calvin Lindberg, the President of The
Canadian Real Estate Association.
“There have also been a number of initiatives that will have an
impact going forward, including the government’s decision to
invest $25 billion in insured mortgage pools, the recent drop in
the Bank of Canada rate, and the new rules reducing the maximum
amortization to 35 years instead of 40,” the CREA President adds.
Those new mortgage rules go into effect October 15th. “The third
quarter MLS® statistics and these developments are more factors
showing the Canadian market is not following U.S. housing
trends.”
The median price of a single family
Calgary metro home in September
2008 was $395,000, showing a decrease
of 6.1 % from September
2007, when the median price was
$420,500 and down 0.8 % from last
month when the median price was
$398,000. The average price of a
single family Calgary metro home in
September 2008 was $444,048,
showing a decrease of 5.7 % from
September 2007, when the average
price was $470,888. The average
price of a Calgary metro condominium
was $287,426, showing a 10.6
% decrease from September 2007
when the average price was
$321,614.
Single family Calgary metro new
listings added for the month of
September totaled 2,631, a decrease
of 15.3 % from September
2007, when new listing added totaled
3,106 and an increase of
15.9 % from last month, when new
listings coming to the market were
2,270. Calgary metro condominium
new listings added in September
2008, were 1,186, showing a
decrease of 9.8 % from the 1,315
new condominium listings added
in September 2007 and a decrease
of 12.5 % from last month’s
condominium listings of 1,054.
Single family Calgary metro sales for
the month of September came in at
1,152, showing an increase of 8.3 %
from the 1,064 sales in September
2007, and showing a decrease of
1.5 % from last month’s sales of
1,170. Condominium sales for the
month of September were 465, a
decrease of 3.7 % from the 483 condominium
sales recorded in September
2007 and showing a decrease of
6.1 % from August 2008 when 495
condominiums changed hands.
““Clearly, it’s still a buyer’s market
and the opportunity for first time
home buyers, to get into the market,
is better than it’s ever been,” Ed
Jensen CREB President concluded.