The Corley Team Real Estate Blog

1. SMART SHOPPING- Buy what you need, not what you want.  Consider renting and borrowing things that are seldom needed.  Buy used items from garage sales and second hand stores.

2. SIMPLE SAVERS –  Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs.  Use aerators on faucets and shower heads.  Weatherstrip windows and doors.

3. TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES – Walk, cycle, car pool and use public transit. When driving, reduce idling and maintain correct tire pressure.  Consider car sharing programs or renting.

4. FOOD CHOICES – Choose local and organic foods that are in season, and support local food producers such as our Albertan Hutterite Colonys. Eat less meat.

5. WASHING AND DRYING – Wash full loads of clothes in cold water and hang to air dry.  There are many wash products on the market that are specifically developed to perform in cold water and work great.

6. HEATING AND COOLING – For summer air conditioning, set your thermostate to 24°C or 25°C.  For winter heating, set your thermostate to 19°C or 20°C.  Install ceiling fans and programmable thermostats.

7. CLOSE TO HOME – Vacation, travel and work as close to home as possible.

8. BATHROOM BASICS – Take short showers instead of baths.  Close water taps while brushing your teeth.  Convert your sink faucets to sensor control or touch control!

9. CAREFUL CLEANING – Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products.  Make simple, natural cleaners with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and water.

10. DON”T DISCARD – Donate, reuse and recycle items before throwing them into the trash.  Harmful materials like chemicals, batteries, electronics, etc. should be taken to local hazadous waste depots or recyclers.

Calgary, April 1, 2011 –According to figures released today by CREB®, Calgary Metro sales remained at levels similar to the first quarter of 2010. Improved sales in the single family market have largely been offset by declining sales in the condominium market, indicating that the gradual recovery will continue to be driven by the single family market for the better portion of the year. Single family home sales in the first quarter of 2011 were 3,309, a 4 per cent increase over the first quarter of 2010. The combination of stable home prices, low interest rates and year-over-year improvements in employment are the primary factors fueling the growth.

March 2011 single family home sales totaled 1,355, a 3 per cent decrease over March 2010 figures. The decline in sales was accompanied by a 19 per cent year-over-year decline in new listings. As a result, inventory remained at three months, which indicates a balanced single family market.

The NW sector boasted the largest gains in single family home sales in the first quarter of 2011 with 1,198 sales, a 13 per cent increase over the first quarter of 2010. Sales in the SE posted quarterly gains of 5 per cent, while the SW remained relatively unchanged and NE sales declined by 9 per cent.

“Improved affordability levels in single family homes have offered some individuals the opportunity to purchase homes in areas of the city that were once unattainable,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.

The SW sector recorded the highest single family average home price in the first quarter of 2011 at $570,748, while average home prices in the NW and SE were $464,990 and $422,821 respectively. The NE sector continues to remain the most affordable, with average prices hovering around $282,713. “Average single family home prices remain relatively stable compared to the first quarter of last year, as people continue to purchase more homes at the lower end of the price spectrum,” says Stante. “The rise in sales has been primarily offset by a corresponding increase in listings, resulting in stable average prices.

Calgary Metro average price of single family homes in March 2011 was $462,947, a 2 per cent decline from March 2010, and virtually unchanged from the previous month. Meanwhile, the median price declined by 5 per cent compared to March 2010.

Quarterly condominium sales continue to fall over levels recorded in the previous year, down by 11 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2010, while quarterly average prices are down by 1 per cent. It is important to note the quarterly average price of condominiums is skewed upwards for 2011 due to the sale of a $4.1 million condominium. If we remove this sale, quarterly average price would have declined by over 2 per cent.

The average price of condominiums in March 2011 was $280,781, while the median price was $256,000, a respected 5 per cent drop and 7 per cent, respectively, from levels recorded in March 2010.

Information provided by CREB®

(ARA) – The coming of spring is revealing a list of post-winter home repairs that need to be made. Getting outside now to assess home damage and tackle initial projects will help you get a jump-start on the season.

This is also a good time of year to make sure your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning properly and at its most efficient rate. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers a few simple tips.

* Check the furnace filter. Cleaning or changing your furnace filter each month will help extend the life of your furnace and may help save on heating and cooling energy costs.

* Clean air ducts. Remove air ducts and return-air grille plates, and thoroughly clean with a rag, scrubbing brush or vacuum to prevent any irritants or dust from making their way into your home’s air.

* Inspect the outdoor air conditioning unit. Remove leaves, grass, dirt and other debris that may have built up around your outdoor air conditioning unit or heat pump to ensure nothing is obstructing the air flow.

The market is experiencing heightened activity early on this year and those considering making a move should plan to take advantage of the activity.  The Corley Team just sold this terrific bungalow in 4 days!