Warren Shouldice

Cell: 403-461-8103 |

The beginning of a New Year is the ideal time to set our sights on achieving the things that really matter to us. My first priority in 2016 is to look after my clients! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you all the best in 2016!

Looking back, 2015 was a volatile year for Calgary's Real Estate market. Inventory levels rose across all sectors, particularly in condos which has exhibited a downward pressure on pricing, especially in the third quarter. That being said, the market as a whole showed a great deal of resiliency last year as many had predicted prices to fall more than they did. Looking forward, I expect things to remain slow to start the new year, if and when we see things pick up will be directly tied to the energy sector. If oil prices begin to rebound, the real estate market likely won't be far behind!

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss an upcoming purchase or sale please don't hesitate to contact me.

 

Quick Stats

  Dec. 15 Dec. 14 Y/Y % change
Detached      
Total sales 533 604 -11.75%
Average DOM 47 days 41 days 16.72%
Benchmark price* $508,700 $518,600 -1.91%
       
Attached      
Total sales 194 247 -21.46%
Average DOM 49 days 45 days 10.13%
Benchmark price* $351,400 $356,200 -1.35%
       
Condo      
Total sales 151 222 -31.98%
Average DOM 56 days 46 days 23.29%
Benchmark price* $285,500 $300,400 -4.96%

 *Benchmark price: The monthly price of the typical home based on it's attributes, providing the best measure of price trends.

 
 
The Emotional Side of Selling
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Let’s face it. Selling your home is as much an emotional decision as it is a practical one.

Sure, in some ways, a property is a “product”. You want to sell that product quickly and for the best price, so you can buy your next dream home.

A home, however, is also a place filled with memories and emotional attachments. You’ll think of the rec room where the kids’ birthday parties were held; the dining room where you had countless family dinners; and the backyard deck where many afternoons were spent enjoying the sunshine.

That’s why managing the emotional side of selling your home is so important. Here are some tips:

  • Have your kids draw pictures of the fun they’ll have in their new home.
  • Remind your kids that they’ll be able to stay in touch with their old friends, while making new ones.
  • Visit neighbourhoods where you’d like to find your next home. Walk around. Get a sense of what it’s going to be like to live there.
  • Consider taking a keepsake with you from your old home to help ease the transition.

Want more ideas for making your next move go smoothly? Call today.

 

What To Do When Closing Dates Don’t Match
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If you want to sell your current property and purchase your next dream home, you might be concerned that the closing dates need to be on the same day.

You might be worried about losing a property if the closing dates overlap, or being put out on the street if the dates are far apart!

For the most part, these concerns are unfounded. Thousands of properties change hands every day and usually everything works out just fine. In fact, it’s amazing how often closing dates actually do match!

But what happens if the closing date of the home you want to buy is days or weeks earlier than the closing date of your own property?

Most lenders anticipate this situation and offer something called “Bridge Financing.” This is a special loan that allows you to purchase the property with the earlier closing date. When your current property closes, the bridge financing ends and your new mortgage – if you need one – begins on the new home.

Alternatively, if the home you want has a later closing date, your REALTOR® can help you explore options, such as finding a short-term rental.

 

notable, quotable... quotes!

 

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”

Ambrose Redmoon

 

“Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.”

Doug Ivester

 

“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.”

Flora Whittemore

 

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.