In This Edition
Market Temperature: Start of 2013 brings upward pressure
Home Advisor: Tools for the Home Buyer
Home Maintenance: Making your Home more Energy Efficient
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Market Snapshot: Are you getting a FREE monthly Market SnapShot of your neighbourhood? They contain valuable information about real estate in your area. I provide them for your neighbourhood at my website, www.calgarypropertyprice.ca Empower yourself with knowledge and tell your friends about this free service.
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Market Temperature
Sales in Calgary ended the year on a high note. Sales volume was up 15% in 2012 compared to 2011, and benchmark prices were up by up by 5%We are seeing a solid recovery to the Calgary real estate market and even though prices have not yet reached the highs recorded in 2007, the market is moving in that direction. There is a measured sustainable recovery that is being fueled by growth in the energy sector and spilling over into housing and other aspects of the Calgary economy.
Healthy employment and migration into Calgary has increased demand for homes and this trend that is expected to continue through 2013. The single family market sales growth outpaced increases in the total condominium market within city limits. Single family sales rose by 15 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011.
New listings have not keep pace with demand, declining by 7% over the same period. This has significantly reduced the inventory of single family homes in the market causing an upward trend in pricing. Buyers are looking for value and if a home is priced they are buying. Over the first half of 2013 we can expect the spread between asking and selling price to narrow. If you are think of putting your home on the market, now is a good time as inventory is down and there is definitely buyers out there looking for the right home.

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Home Advisor
If you are on the lookout for your next home there are a number of tools available to you online. Perhaps one of the best “One Stop” resources is the CMHC website. http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/ here you will find a cornucopia of resources to help you through the buying process. From their 5 step buying process to useful tools like their many calculators, the sites helps to inform buyers about every aspect of the financial side of making the purchase. There are a number of worksheets that cover every aspect of buying, including a list of questions you should be asking your Realtor. If you are just starting down the buying path or even if you are already committed, you will finds this site invaluable.
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Home Maintenance
Ok, it’s a new year and you have decided that you are going to change the way you use energy. Not only will you be saving money on your utilities, you will be making a significant contribution to the health of the environment. So, the next question is’ “ What can I do to make my home more energy efficient”? Tapping into the sun’s warmth and light, making a few simple design changes, choosing and using appliances wisely, and changing a few old habits can make an impact. Here are 10 things you can do in your home right now to make a difference.
1.Stop Drafts – Plug the gaps in your windows, doors and other external openings where air is leaking
2.Lower the Heat – a reduction of just one degree can cut bills by 10 per cent. A programmable thermostat can also help you to more precisely control temperatures at different times of the day
3.Hang Clothes to Dry- A close line may not be practical in this fast pace world, but reducing your dryer use by hanging some clothing items will make an impact
4.Improve Insulation – If you are in an older home, this can make a significant difference the cost of heating and cooling your home.
5.Cover the Windows – heavy draperies can decrease heat loss by as much as 30% during cold winter days. Before you leave the house for work, close the drapes and blinds
6.Take Advantage of the Sun – On sunny winter days let the light into the room and use the natural warmth to help heat your home
7.Plug appliances into a Power bar – When your TV, stereo, video games and computer are sitting idle they can account for as much as 10% of your energy consumption. Turn off the power bar.
8.Update light bulbs – LEDs use far less energy and last much longer than conventional bulbs and even CFLs are a better alternative to the old incandescent bulb.
9.Insulate Hot Water Tank and Pipes – 25% of your energy bill can go toward heating water and 50% of total water heating costs can be due to heat loss.
10.Choose the Right Size Appliances – When it comes time to replace your appliances consider that larger appliances use more energy. A 284 litre fridge will use 20% more energy that a 210 litre fridge even if they have the same energy rating.

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I hope you enjoyed this edition of The Property Ladder News. As always, your comments and feedback are welcome. If you have any questions about real estate or there is a topic you would like me to cover here in The Property Ladder News, let me know.
Jim Perks
The Property Ladder Guy
403 660 6239