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It’s evident that the Calgary real estate market is experiencing significant activity and competitiveness as we enter 2024. With multiple offers and homes selling well above the list price, it’s indeed a challenging environment for buyers. Your advice for buyers to be proactive in getting their financing approved and to consider forgoing certain conditions is sound. In such a competitive market, being prepared and decisive can make all the difference in securing a desired property.

Additionally, your cautionary note about waiting for prices to go down is important. In a market where demand outstrips supply, there’s a risk of being priced out if one waits too long. It’s crucial for buyers to work closely with their realtors to understand market dynamics and make informed decisions.

For sellers, this market presents a favorable opportunity to fetch top dollar for their properties. With such high demand, sellers may find themselves in a strong negotiating position. However, it’s still important to work with a skilled real estate agent who can navigate the complexities of the current market and ensure a successful sale.

Overall, adaptability and swift action are key for both buyers and sellers in Calgary’s dynamic real estate landscape in 2024.

Here are a few tips to keep out of harm’s way in these temperatures

When temperatures in Calgary drop to -30°C or lower, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe and protect yourself from the extreme cold. Here are some essential tips:

1. Dress in Layers:
   • Wear multiple layers to trap warm air close to your body. Start with thermal or moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating layers, and finish with windproof and waterproof outer layers.
   • Don’t forget to wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf to cover exposed skin. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 to 30 minutes at these temperatures.
2. Stay Dry:
   • Wet clothing and skin can increase heat loss. Use waterproof and windproof outer layers to protect against snow and moisture.
   • Change wet clothing promptly to prevent hypothermia.
3. Limit Time Outdoors:
   • Minimize exposure to the cold. If possible, limit the time spent outdoors during extremely cold temperatures.
   • Be aware of wind chill, as it can make the temperature feel even colder.
4. Protect Extremities:
   • Frostbite often affects the extremities first. Keep fingers, toes, nose, and ears covered and warm.
   • Invest in high-quality insulated and waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
5. Stay Informed:
   • Pay attention to weather forecasts and wind chill warnings. Be aware of any extreme weather advisories or alerts.
6. Stay Hydrated and Well-Nourished:
   • Cold weather can increase the body’s energy needs. Consume warm, high-calorie foods and drinks to maintain energy levels.
   • Stay hydrated by drinking warm beverages, as dehydration can increase the risk of hypothermia.
7. Prepare Your Vehicle:
   • If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires, antifreeze, and a full tank of gas.
   • Pack an emergency kit with blankets, extra clothing, food, water, and a flashlight.
8. Home Preparations:
   • Ensure your home is well-insulated. Seal any drafts and keep windows and doors tightly closed.
   • Use heating appliances safely and ensure they are in good working condition.
   • Have emergency supplies, including blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food items, in case of power outages.
9. Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite:
   • Learn the symptoms of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech) and frostbite (numbness, tingling, or pain in extremities).
   • Seek medical attention if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms.

Remember that extreme cold can be life-threatening, so it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions during severe winter weather.

Getting your Calgary, Alberta home ready for the market in 2024 involves several key steps to maximize its appeal to potential buyers. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize:
   • Remove personal items and excessive decorations to allow buyers to envision themselves in the space.
   • Clean out closets and storage areas to showcase available storage space.
2. Deep Cleaning:
   • Clean carpets, floors, windows, and all surfaces.
   • Ensure that the entire home, including bathrooms and the kitchen, is spotless.
3. Make Necessary Repairs:
   • Address any visible issues such as leaky faucets, peeling paint, or damaged tiles.
   • Consider hiring a professional inspector to identify and fix potential problems that are not visible to the naked eye.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal:
   • First impressions matter, so tidy up the exterior of your home.
   • Maintain the lawn, trim bushes, and add colorful flowers for a welcoming look & clean snow from all walkways in winter months
   • Repair or replace any damaged fences, gates, or outdoor structures.
5. Update and Upgrade:
   • Consider minor upgrades like a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones.
   • Upgrade fixtures, hardware, and lighting to give the home a modern touch.
   • Consider getting an appliance repairperson to inspect your. kitchen appliances
6. Stage Your Home:
   • Arrange furniture to highlight the home’s best features.
   • Use neutral colors and tasteful decor to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
   • Consider hiring a professional stager if needed( when listing with Ken this will be supplied at no charge )
7. Professional Photographer / Videographer
   • Hire a professional photographer to capture high-quality images of your home.
   • Highlight key selling points and showcase each room in the best possible light.
8. Set the Right Price:
   • Ken will research the local real estate market to determine a competitive and realistic asking price, setting the right price is key to Selling your home quickly & for Top Dollar.
9. Create a Marketing Plan:
   • Work with Ken we will develop a comprehensive marketing strategy.
   • Utilize online platforms, social media, and traditional marketing methods to reach potential buyers.
10. Complete Necessary Paperwork:
    • Ensure all necessary documents, including the property title and any permits, and Real Property Report ( RPR) are in order.
    • Be prepared to provide information on property taxes, utility costs, and any recent upgrades.

By taking these steps, you’ll increase the chances of selling your Calgary home quickly and at a favorable price in the 2024 real estate market. Working with Ken MacAulay & The Calgary Elite Real Estate Team your local real estate professional can provide additional insights and assistance throughout the selling process.

Be Safe! All the best in 2024!

Happy Holidays from the Calgary Elite Real Estate Team: Ken, Phil, Chad, Sylvie, Stuart, and Cathy!

What an incredible year it has been for us in the Calgary Real Estate market! 

This year’s sales activity in the Calgary market has been mostly aligned with expectations, with declines occurring earlier in the year offsetting the gains in the second half. What was not expected was that the supply challenges would persist throughout the later part of the year, ensuring that conditions continued to favor the seller and driving stronger-than-expected price growth. Much of this is due to the upside risk identified last year regarding higher-than-expected interprovincial migration into the province, with a larger share coming from Ontario and British Columbia. Despite higher rates, our relative affordability ensured that demand remained strong in our market’s higher price ranges, preventing downward price adjustments in the upper end of the market. Over the past few months, we have seen improvements in new listings, a trend expected to continue into next year; however, when it comes to the supply adjustments, that will take longer.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to you for being a part of our journey in 2023. Your referrals and loyalty mean the world to us, and we’re truly grateful for the support of our incredible past clients, friends, and colleagues.

One of the highlights of our year was the REMAX Golf Tournament fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital, where we not only had an incredible time but also raised just under $50,000! Giving back to the community holds immense importance for us, and this year, we’ve chosen to support families directly with food hampers, gift and cash certificates, and foregoing traditional Christmas cards. Additionally, we’ve made contributions to several vital organizations including the Calgary Food Bank, The Veteran’s Food Bank, Children’s Miracle Network, Calgary Children’s Foundation, Children’s Cottage Society, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, and the Mustard Seed.

As we look ahead to the new year, we eagerly anticipate staying connected with you. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the joy, success, and happiness in the world for 2024!

Warmest regards, The Calgary Elite Real Estate Team

I came across an article by Scott Strausser in the Calgary Herald dated Sept-27/23 titled “Alberta Sets Canadian Record for Annual Interprovincial Growth “. The article states that from July /22 til July-1/23 the population of Alberta grew 4% by more than 184,000 which brought Alberta’s population to 4.7m..

The author interviewed Trevor Tombe from the U of C and asked him the question “Why are so many Canadians moving to Alberta?

Mr. Tombe’s reply was very simple people are moving from Ontario & B.C. for the lower cost of living if look at the average cost of a home in the Greater Vancouver area is $1,208,400 as of August /23 stats, and the price of a home in the GTA is $1,082,460

Compareably speaking the homes in Calgary in August where the Total residential price was $570,700.

So you move to Calgary and pay 1/2 the price for a home. What I would call a no-brainer, is to sell your Ontario or Vancouver B.C. home and move to a more affordable province .

So now the good folks in Alberta are wondering “Why are there no Homes to Buy? along with, How come the prices are rising?

The problem is a plan and simple “Inventory ” They can’t build single-family homes fast enough, the Red Tape of the many layers of government stands in the way, not only in Alberta but across the country. The latest stat I heard was that we are 3.5m homes short in the country.

Along with the massive immigration we see …it is NOT going to catch up for a few years yet.

Also, the government still believes that everyone would like to live in a downtown condo …The Answer …NO!

The majority of Canadians still want some space to enjoy this amazing country, with backyards, neighborhood parks, schools, and amenities in their neighborhood.

It is time we started to tell the many layers of government to stop studying the situation to death and start building.

It’s not often that words can truly capture the essence of an experience, but I’ll do my best to convey the incredible journey with Aurora and Danny, the remarkable sellers of the immaculate Currie Barracks home. From start to finish, their dedication and attention to detail were nothing short of inspiring.

Selling a home is a complex endeavor, and Aurora and Danny embraced it with a level of meticulous care that left us all in awe. Before even hitting the MLS, they meticulously attended to every aspect, leaving no stone unturned. They followed every suggestion from our expert home stager, Laure Le from Creative Enhancements, resulting in a picture-perfect canvas.

With astonishing swiftness, they had everything prepared for professional photography by the talented Yuki Kawasaki from Calgary Photos. Yuki’s enchanting twilight shots and captivating video set the stage for a successful first Open House weekend. Back-to-back viewings on Saturday and Sunday welcomed over 60 groups—a testament to the effectiveness of their marketing strategies.

Despite the flurry of potential buyers, the right offer eluded us initially. Undeterred, Aurora and Danny continued to impress with their unwavering commitment. Weeks of showings and another Open House eventually brought forth a family from Ontario who fell head over heels for the home.

This residence was no ordinary one; it bore the mark of Aurora’s discerning taste and incredible upgrades. One highlight was the 2-story carriage suite above the triple garage, reflecting the same exquisite upgrades as the main dwelling. The attention to detail was truly exceptional.

As awe-inspiring as the home itself was, what truly stood out was the condition in which Aurora and Danny left it for its new owners. Every upgrade is meticulously documented, trade names recorded, and services chronicled. Even the TV mount’s model number and details were provided, showcasing their thoughtfulness in preserving the home’s integrity.

The new owners, upon possession, were not just content but ecstatic. Aurora and Danny’s devotion to leaving their Calgary home in pristine condition made an indelible mark. Whenever I’m asked by sellers about the condition they should leave their homes in, I now have a simple answer: “Imagine yourself as the buyer—how would you want to receive your new home?”

Aurora and Danny, your journey as sellers has set a new standard—a shining example of how dedication, care, and impeccable presentation can make all the difference. Here’s to you, the embodiment of exceptional sellers.

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This is how we are seeing the Calgary Real Estate Market, shaping up for the remainder of the year. There are not enough Listings and plenty of qualified Buyers.
According to the Calgary Real Estate Board in their March 2023 update, “if we do not see a shift in supply, we could see further upward pressure on prices over the near term”.
With the push by the Alberta Provincial government to advertise in all parts of Canada recruiting people to move to Alberta, I am concerned about where they are going to live. Let alone the shortage in the housing market there is a shortage in the rental market.
The busy Spring market is upon us, as July-1st is historically the busiest moving day of the year, maybe we will get enough “Baby Boomers” who decide to move & there will be more homes to sell.