Rod Forsythe’s insights on the Calgary market for September 2011.

September Data for the Calgary Real estate market 2011

The Calgary Real Estate market is looking a lot like a market that is waiting to get going somewhere; this market has been rock solid over the past year and it looks like average sales #s will continue at this pace for a while. The strong news in the Calgary Market is that properties over $1 million dollars are still outpacing the rest of the market in fact sales are up about 20% in this category over 2010.

A wise man once said “if you wait to see what everyone else does you will be behind when they do something”.

The experts are saying, the average home price has remained the same for the last year or so, the world economy isn’t doing very well and the prices of Calgary Real Estate haven’t softened, Calgary Oil companies are already worried about finding enough staff for 2012 & 2013 and if you are set up in a strong financial position or just thinking of getting into this market the mortgage rates are at historic lows.

My Team and I would love to help you with your Real Estate and are proud to continue to help people buy and sell great homes in and around Calgary including Bearspaw, Springbank, Cochrane and Airdrie.

Quote for the month
“Wake up when you open your eyes. Go to bed a half hour earlier. Listen with care to those speaking to you. Treat your body to a great diet; remember our bodies are the most magical creation on the planet. Learn something new and share it, read a great book and post a review. Call a friend and say hello. Schedule what you love to do and do it. When you shake someone’s hand make sure you look into there eyes and say hello to their soul as well, Laugh out loud and smile at a stranger.
Roddy Forsythe

If you are considering BUYING or SELLING real estate today, please call us directly at 403.777.1040 and we will provide you with an in depth statistical package and an accurate market evaluation.
We are excited to help with your friends and families in their real estate needs!
Visit our website for photos + details on all of our listings www.RodForsythe.com
Rod Forsythe
Keller Williams Real Estate
403.777.1040 E-mail rod@rodforsythe.com
We win in Life by Helping others!

Rod Forsythe’s insights on the Calgary market for August 2011. 

What will fuelCalgary’s Real estate Market in the next 5 years is net migration into our city and into our province. With a 1.2% increase in net migration already in the past year, people are moving back to Alberta. 

The major Oil Companies are already worried there will not be enough people to fill the jobs required for work in 2012, 2013 and 2014.  

An interesting fact is the World Economy should play a role in sustained growth for Alberta. The USA needs oil and we have it, the Chinese need oil and we have it. Where else in North America would you rather be; Calgaryis safe, clean, highly educated and above all a great place to call home.

Many forecasters and pundants seem to forget that all we really need is a great place to work, a great place to live and an amazing place to raise our families. If you think about our parents and grandparents they didn’t buy their homes to make a profit they bought them so they could raise their families. People once again are buying what they can afford and as all Canadians probably agree we are more thankful today for the Bank of Canada and their lending policies than ever before. 

Calgary Real Estate is affordable and a great place to live… This might be that time to build slowly and acquire more affordable real estate. Give me a call and I would love to talk Real Estate with you.

Thanks and have a great day,

Rod 

Rod’s quote of the month 

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for  the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate  troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

“Buddha”

“Calgary HOUSING MARKET ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY” says the Calgary Real estate Board

 Market improvements driven by clients looking for value     Calgary, August 2, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continue to trend towards recovery.  After the first seven months of the year, single family and condominium sales totaled 11,798, a 5 per cent increase over the previous year.  While the improvements signal market recovery, overall sales levels remain 17 per cent below the 10-year average for this period. “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,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.   Single family sales for July 2011 were 1,153, with a total of 8,380 sales for the first seven months of 2011, an 8 per cent increase over the same period last year.  Meanwhile, year-to-date listings continue to remain lower than last year, resulting in inventories trending lower than last year as well.  Overall months of supply remain around four months within a balanced range.  “A good selection of housing inventory, combined with positive economic fundamentals, is encouraging buyers into the market,” says Stante.  “Buyers are still quite value conscious, and in the current market are able to take advantage of the range of selection in a stable price environment.”  Condominium sales continued to bounce back this month.  July 2011 condominium sales total 453, a 14 per cent rise over last year, while year-to-date sales remain 3 per cent lower than the same period in 2010.   “Excess supply and lower demand have negatively impacted the condominium market over the past year,” says Stante. “Nevertheless, the recent pickup in sales, combined with fewer new listings, has gradually reduced inventory levels of condominiums, lowering the month’s supply of inventory from over six months last year to just above four months in July 2011.”   The average price of single family homes in July 2011 was $455,849 and the median price $409,000, similar to levels recorded in July of last year.  Condominium prices also remained at levels similar to the previous year.   “Interest rates will likely remain low for the remainder of the year.  This factor, combined with relatively stable housing prices and wage growth, will help support affordability levels and promote a healthy housing market inCalgary,” Stante concludes.  

Posted by the CalgaryReal Estate Board Aug 2^nd 2011

Posted by Rod ForsytheAugust 4^th 2011

Rod Forsythe has been helping people buy and sell Real Estate since 1986. 

Phone 403.777.1040

E-mail rod@rodforsythe.com

Website www.RodForsythe.com

June 2011 Calgary Real Estate Market Update

“Historically, Calgary’s average family income has been higher than the national average and a younger more mobile demographic has been attracted to good paying professional jobs in Calgary. As the economy continues to build momentum, we expect this same trend will support a balanced and healthy housing market in the second half of 2011 and into 2012.”
With 581 sales for the month of June 2011, the condominium market improved by 31 per cent over June of 2010, however year-to-date figures show a 5 per cent decrease over the same period last year.
“Condo sales bounced back this month, and we now have less than four months of supply on the market. Stronger condo sales, combined with a decline in inventory, will lend more balance to this market in the months to come,” says Stante.
After the first half of the year, average prices of condominiums are still slightly lower than levels recorded last year, as more buyers bought condominiums under $200,000 in 2011 compared to 2010 for the same period.
“Buyers in this market expect value and many are taking advantage of some affordable buys in both the single family and condo markets. It highlights using a skilled REALTOR® to properly price your home for your unique market area,” says Stante.
The single family market recorded 1,398 sales in the month of June 2011. This is an increase of 32 per cent when compared to June 2010 when 1,059 single family homes sold in the city of Calgary. With a total of 7,231 sales after the first half of the year, year-to-date single family sales are 6 per cent higher than last year.
“While new listings are still lower than levels recorded last year, the rate of decline has eased. With the market shifting to more balanced conditions in recent months, sellers are feeling more confident to list their home. Overall our absorption rate has remained relatively stable, staving off any significant rise in prices,” says Stante.
Year-to-date average price of a single family home in Calgary is $472,330, while the median price is $410,000, virtually unchanged over levels recorded in the previous year. The distribution of sales by price range has not shown any significant shift compared to last year, pointing to continued stability in the market.
“After the first half of the year, it appears the recovery in the housing market is starting to find its footing. This gradual leveling has been fueled by growth in employment, and in particular growth in full time jobs. Improved job prospects, combined with an increase in the number of people moving to Calgary, will give lift to our housing market for the remainder of this year and into the next,” says Stante.
Based on information posted by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB).
Our real estate market is regaining momentum back to an average market. Median and average prices are still at 2010 levels, inventory is decreasing and there still is an ample supply of homes, condos and acreage properties. Interest rates rose last week and housing is still ultra affordable. If you are thinking of buying or selling please give me a call.

Quote of the month
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

Have a great July,

Rod Forsythe
Keller Williams real estate
403.777.1040
E-mail rod@rodforsythe.com

Housing sales for March 2011 are very similar to the same period from 1999-2001. The unit sales numbers are similar to a typical market. Average home sales are continuing to show a slight improvement. Condo sales and Luxury Properties including acreages are t on target for this time last year…

Inventory is leveling and listings should begin to show up once the snow melts. BRRRRR!. . Well priced properties are selling again, buyers are looking again, the phones are ringing and it seems like we are getting back to some stability. Interest rates remain low and affordability is high. Our political system should keep interest rates low for a while as we move towards another election.

The mortgage amortization decrease to 30 years on March 18th 2011 has begun; let’s see what the Spring will bring…

If you’re thinking about buying and selling this is a great time to move up or move down. No matter what we are back to reality for a little while and with rates so low the experts agree that this is a good time to buy and sell real estate again.

Whatever your Calgary Real estate needs are, my team and I are ready to serve you….

“No matter how difficult your situation is, you can get through it if you don’t look too far into the future, and focus on the present moment. You can get through anything one day at a time”.

Unknown

Get your golf clubs ready,

Rod Forsythe

Keller Williams Real Estate

Email rod@rodforsythe.com tel. 403.777.1040

Helping people buy and sell since 1986

Rod Forsythe’s Calgary Real Estate Report for Feb 18 2011

Buyers are beginning to show back up in market says “The Calgary Real estate Board”. Total home, condo and country residential sales for 2010 were down about 15% in unit sales; and sales since January 1st 2011 are marginally up over 2010. Inventory is quickly coming onto the market again and it seems the well positioned properties are selling quicker than last year. Interest rates remain low and affordability is high.

The market is better than the latter part of 2010 and the prudent buyer will continue to set the tone for 2011 as the levels of inventory increase through the spring.

If you’re thinking about buying your timing might be perfect and if you are selling and buying this is a beautiful move across market, investing in Calgary Real estate; the experts agree that this might be the best time in years to reacquire real estate. The activity this year far exceeds the last 7 months of 2010 and buyers are starting to write contracts again.

Whatever your Calgary Real estate needs might be, my team and I would love to help.
“Sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right”
Karla Montalbano

With thanks

Rod Forsythe

Keller Williams Real Estate

Email rod@rodforsythe.com tel. 403.777.1040

Helping people buy and sell since 1986

Rod Forsythe’s Calgary Real Estate Report for December 2010

Buyers remain cautious and are beginning to show back up in market says “The Calgary Real estate Board” . Total home, condo and country residential sales for 2010 were down about 15% in unit sales in 2010; and the good news is sales Dec 2010 were marginally off about 8%. Inventory is quickly coming onto the market again in 2011 and if anyone is thinking of selling it might be wise to get up for sale sooner than the spring. Interest rates remain low and affordability is high.

The market is a little better than the past few months and the prudent buyer in this market will continue to set the tone for 2011. Inventory today sits at about 7100 properties; this is an average amount of inventory for the Calgary Market place. The average price for a home in Dec. 2010 in Calgary was $441,341 down from $451,349 a year ago; the average condo price is $282,768 down slightly from $284,667 in 2009.

If you’re thinking about buying your timing might never been better, if you are selling and buying this is a beautiful move across market, investing in Calgary Real estate; the experts agree that this might be the best time since 1982 to reacquire real estate. The activity is better than the last 7 months and buyers are starting to ring our phones again. Timing could be perfect to reposition your real estate interests in this market (interest rates are great and inventory is plentiful).

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

With thanks Rod Forsythe

Keller Williams Real Estate

Email rod@rodforsythe.com tel. 403.777.1040

“It is choices not chances that creates our destiny”

Hello and Happy Holidays everyone,

I’ve been asked a number of times if it’s a good idea to wait until spring before listing your home. Some of our great listing clients are also asking if they should stay “on the market” throughout the holidays.

Statistically this is a good time of year to get your home sold and having spent my share of Christmas Eve’s working on successful offers. Here’ a list of reasons that I can think of to explain why it’s a good time of year to sell your home. If home sales run at 60% of the norm, that means there are still a lot of homes selling. Why not yours?

-If people are looking at your home during the holidays, you know they’re serious. Even more so if it’s snowing!

-Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays. Less competition means more money for you!

-Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in mid January giving buyers more choices, there may be less demand for your particular home.

-Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during the work week!

-You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days of holidays.

-You can sell now for more money and get a longer possession date.

-By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a subject free buyer as inventory levels increase. This may allow you to sell high and buy low during 2011, when many more homes are on the market.

If you’d like to discuss this further, give me a call at 403.777.1040

Have a wonderful Holiday Season,

The Forsythe team

Rod Forsythe, Stefan Safrata & Andrew Astles

Calgary Real Estate Report for November 2010 by Rod Forsythe

Calgary buyers remain in control of this market says “The Calgary Real estate Board”. Total home, condo and country residential sales are low compared to last year. The activity above $1,000,000 is the only part of the market that remains constant with 2009. Inventory on the market today is enough to last for 6 months without another listing coming onto the market.

The market seems a little better than July, August & September. Be careful waiting for prices to rise say the experts; because when spring arrives so will the all that pent up inventory and all those people refinancing from their 2006 purchases. Total inventory today sits at 5740. The average price for a home in November 2010 in Calgary is $455,469 down from $462,465 a year ago and the unit sales equaled 891 vs. 1095 in 2009; the average condo price is $297,327 up slightly from $289,155 in 2009 and total condo sales equaled 310 in 2010 vs. 504 in 2009.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling or investing in Calgary Real estate the experts seem to agree that this is a great time to reacquire real estate. It is clear there is some money starting to show up in our market again. Timing could be great to reposition yourself in this market (interest rates are great and inventory is plentiful).

“Do not wait; the time will never be ”just right.” Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”
Napoleon Hill

If I can be of help please call or e-mail me  

Thank you,
Rod Forsythe Keller Williams Real Estate
Email. rod@rodforsythe.com / tel. 403.777.1040

May 2010 Calgary Real Estate Report: Rod Forsythe.
Total home and condo sales are down and luxury home sales skyrocket in and around the Calgary market.

Calgary’s real estate market is uncertain. Total unit sales are low compared to the rest of this millennium and overall activity remains below average. With inventory creeping up only the well positioned properties are selling. The interest rate was raised .25% this past week.

We are back to a buyers market again with slow growth in the forecast as far as most experts are concerned. The average price is rising and Calgary is predicted to be one of the best places to invest in Real Estate over the next few years.

The major reason the average price is going up is the Luxury home market numbers are up about 90% over last year. The activity in this portion of the market has led all other areas both inside and outside the cities boundaries. This dramatic shift in upper end sales has brought up the average price of a home in Calgary.

If you’re thinking about moving, buying and or selling this might be the time to get back into to market or reposition with your real estate needs. If you or anyone you know would like a private consultation please give me a call or e-mail me.

Locally Known & Globally Connected

Rod Forsythe/ June 2010
E-mail- rod@rodforsythe.com tel. 403.777.1040

Keller Williams, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Calgary 2010 Spring Update

Calgary’s residential real estate market is still getting back to normal and many people are lot more at ease today than this time last year.

The Calgary economy is stronger since 2009

World experts agree the Canadian economy has the best banking system on the planet

The future for Calgary Alberta is bright.

Calgary saw a 17.5% price decrease in average price from July of 2007 to April 2009 and remember the average price of Calgary’s real estate doubled from $251,500 in 2003 to $504,000 in 2007. In 2010 Calgary has seen a rebound in the total number of sales compared to 2009 and an increase in average price. The 2010 YTD, (year to date) sales numbers are still not back to normal and it will be of great interest to see what interest rate hikes do to our market. This market is probably going to be a slow and steady climb. Another important note is that 83% of all sales in 2010 so far are under $600,000.

One bright spot has been the increased activity in acreage properties outside the city limits this is encouraging to see the $1,000,000 and above price point gaining some momentum.

The current supply of inventory is average for the Calgary Market and there should be lots of new listings entering the market between now and July. With interest rates on the rise it is prudent to think prices should remain fairly constant.

If you are thinking of buying and or selling you have an increased likelihood of average market conditions, meaning that buyers again are going to determine fair market value and that pricing is critical for your success. Most industry experts cannot agree where this market is going and the projections range from 0% to 4% increase on average for the year 2010.

I have been helping people buy and sell Real Estate since 1986 and still believe in the Calgary and area Real Estate Market. This might be the next great time to be moving across this market or buying a little more Calgary Real Estate. My Team and I are “Locally Known and Globally Connected”. We have a terrific group of Real estate specialists, Lawyers to Home Inspection services, Home Stagers to Painters. Whatever you need we can help. My team and I continue to remain on the leading edge of service and technology to serve our clients best needs.

I look forward to helping in your Real estate pursuits,

Have a great Spring,

Phone # 403.777.1040
E-mail rod@rodforsythe.com

Thank you Rod Forsythe