Over the past week, the listing count in Calgary has decreased.  This is a good thing, especially when it is mixed with the number of sales increasing.  The median prices for both condos and single family homes have stayed roughly the same as last week with condos at $248,000 (up $1,000) and single family at $377,500.  As well the average days on market have decreased and both condos and single family are sitting at 62 days on market.  With the prices staying where they are at, some would say that the market is starting to stabilize.  I do hope that this is the case, but we will need to have more than a couple weeks of data to see this.  If prices remain the same into the end of February time frame, the tides may have calmed.  We will have to wait and see.

Same as last week, many of the places that buyers are seeing are not quality listings, that do not show well.  This is one area that we try to stand out from the crowd in, and when buyers look at our listings we get many comments that the home viewed was in impeccable condition.

If you are considering buying in Calgary, right now is a great time to buy, as there are some highly motivated sellers out there.  But on the flip side, if you are needing to sell, you need to market your home a certain way, and price it properly, or it could cost you more in the long run.

Thanks for checking out our blog, and we hope that you find it informative and helpful in your real estate adventures.

While buying a home is a stimulating feat in life, it is for sure not something you want to rush into. It is going to be one of the most expensive purchases you will make in your life. This is the reason why you will have to take the time to study all the alternatives available on the market.

Below are 5 important elements to know purchasing a home.

1. Clean your credit record

Paying an amount big enough to finance a home is something a lot of of us cannot afford right on the spot. Because of this, asking for a loan is essential for most people. You will need to make sure your credit record is as clean as possible so that you will be accepted. It is advised that you get copies of your credit report several months before you start shopping for a house so you know what to expect.  Try to get your credit rating above the 600-650 range according to FICO scores.  Anything above these values, you should be able to get approved for a new mortgage.

2. Stay within your price range

Because of the current economical situation, there are so many homes on the marketplace to choose from that it can be difficult to find the ideal one for you. However, it is crucial you stay within your financial limits and do not try to reach too far.  It is not fun for anyone to be ‘house poor’.

3. A home in a school district

If you have children, you will for sure want to purchase a home within a specific school zone. However, it can be a good idea to purchase a home in a school zone even if you do not have kids. The reason for this is because strong school districts are a top priority for a lot of people who are looking for a home to purchase. Buying a home in a school district will allow you to make a substantial profit when you will sell it.

4. Real estate agent

Buying a home is a hard task and you won’t probably have the time it takes to run here and there, visiting and comparing prices. It is therefore advisable to have a professional service that will provide you with a large selection of homes that are within your financial limits and have the qualities you are looking for.

5. Hire a Home Inspector / Condo Doc Inspector

It is best when you purchase a home or condo to have a home / condo doc Inspection. This does cost apx $400 upfront, but is worth it.  They are able to find problems in your home or documents that you may not be able to do so without them, and potentially save you more money

There are different things you will have to consider prior to buying a home. Since this is the potentially the biggest step in your life, this is for sure not something you want to make a rash decision on. Remember the five tips listed in this article the next time you go looking for home.

The process for selecting a real estate agent depends on a number of different factors. First off, you need to choose an agent that you feel comfortable working with. This is not to say that you have to be best friends with the person, but you need to feel that communicating with them is second nature. If you are afraid to ask your real estate agent questions, you may end up losing out in more ways than one.

Once you know the names of a few real estate agents in your area, move onto calling them on the phone. From this point on you should be forming your opinion of the person. Do they like what you are saying? Are they kind and courteous when speaking with you? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? As you call more and more agents, you will begin to formulate a list of questions that you can rely on.

The final selection process is not difficult if you do your homework in the first place. Once you speak with several real estate agents, when it comes time to choose one you will know what you are doing. The bottom line is that the only time you will find yourself in trouble is if you try to select an agent on a whim. When you take the time to learn about each agent and what they offer, you will know who is right for the job.

Overall, there is no reason to stress out over selecting a real estate agent. You will want to keep your stress level to a minimum when buying or selling a house. This will help to ensure that you get the best deal, and that you have fun doing so. Having a great real estate agent on your side is never a bad thing!