The new year, like the last, has brought no shortage of challenges.

The good news is that there are positive signs slowly taking hold.

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET- WHAT BUYERS & SELLERS NEED TO KNOW

From an Alberta real estate perspective, the market continues to be quite hot, with it continuing to be a seller's market.

With home prices having stabilized and the relatively low inventory on the market means that home buyers are snapping up available single-family homes in great numbers.

INFO LINK: Calgary Real Estate Board Statistics

Consumer needs are also evolving, with many buyers and potential buyers spending more time (working) at home.

To that end, space for a home office, entertainment, and space that can accommodate family and extended family in the long-term.

As these people continue to age and their employment situation evolves, the necessity to be close to their "job" is not as great an issue. Amenity-rich neighbourhoods with a growable/changeable living space are advantageous for these reasons.

Likewise, finding a Realtor that can assist you in identifying needs and locating homes that meet the buyer's criteria has never been more important.

For Sellers, the value of a real estate expert in your corner with strong negotiation skills is also extremely advantageous.

REALTORS- WHAT REAL ESTATE AGENTS NEED TO KNOW

As the industry also continues to evolve, it is vital that you have the marketing, support, and Broker access to ensure that the clients are always first and foremost in the transaction.

As Alberta's largest independent brokerage, we ensure that First Place Realty is continuously and consistently "Putting YOU First."

With brick-and-mortar locations in Calgary and Cochrane, we strive to create the best customer service experience possible.

We invite both new and veteran Realtors to examine what we offer by clicking this LINK

and feel confident you will see the tremendous value and ease of operation that our steadily growing team of professionals enjoy.

It's also time to put yourself first and be able to function at a higher level than ever before.

If you would like to discuss the First Place Realty experience, call or text me at 403.703.6577 for a confidential one-on-one chat.

Till next time, have a great Alberta day!

Roberta

I believe that there is always something to be thankful for.

But like the majority of you, 2020 will not be looked back on with a great deal of fondness.

From the wide-ranging effects of the pandemic to the seemingly unending negativity and focus on the things that make us different, I am hoping that this year will bring us together and the focus will be on positivity and the values and interests which we all share.

Through all this, the real estate market weathered the storm fairly well, CMHC had this to say:

"November brought the start of a seasonal shift downwards in Calgary's real estate market. Average sold prices for all property types was at $455,584, a 4% decrease compared to October 2020. Prices of most property types have stagnated since 2019 with condos down by 7% and detached homes up by a minor 3%. However, semi-detached have remained strong with an 11% increase from 2019 despite still being below recent highs reached in August."

While the volatility seems like it will remain for some time, it is more important than ever to have a great real estate agent in your corner.

I am proud to lead a team of 140+ Realtors (and steadily growing) based in Calgary and Cochrane, who share a dedication to providing a superior client experience, with every element based on "Putting YOU First."

If you are thinking about selling or buying a home OR perhaps joining a strong real estate team, we should talk about our progressive and dynamic group.

All the very best to you and your family.

Roberta