Mandatory agreements coming to real estate transactions in Alberta

The process of buying or selling a home in Alberta will soon change as a result of new rules instituting mandatory written service agreements between consumers and real estate professionals.

The agreements, which take effect July 1, have long been a standard in the industry. The move by Alberta
real estate's governing body to make them mandatory comes from the desire to increase clarity and protection
for consumers, said Kevin Clark, chair of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).

Airport expansions seen as catalyst for growth

Along with giving the city a transportation hub that rivals the very best in Canada, Calgary's airport expansion is expected to lure even more development to the area.

The $2-billion expansion – the largest project's in the airport's history – and its role in driving future development in the area were among the topics discussed as part of a recent lunchtime talk with Calgary Airport Authority's communications & marketing director Jody Moseley.

Trend in total housing starts in Calgary declines in May

In a release from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), housing starts in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area were trending at 15,776 units in May compared to 17,239 in April. The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of total housing starts.

Residential sales for last month, highest ever recorded in Calgary

Calgary's residential housing market continued its upward surge last month with a record-setting May that saw a 16 per cent increase in sales.

A combined 2,948 single- and multi-family homes switched hands last month, compared with 2,535 in May 2013. This year's total represents the most sales in May in Calgary's history.

Contrasting secondary suite acceptance in Alberta's two major centres

* Part three of a three part series on secondary suites in Calgary 

Once restricted to hockey rinks and football fields, the Battle of Alberta is now playing out on the streets of the province's two major cities.

While the final score is not in yet, Edmonton has jumped out as the early leader in its acceptance of legal secondary suites.

May sales activity highest ever recorded for Calgary

There were 2,948 sales in Calgary in May, a 16 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.

The numbers are the highest recorded in Calgary for that month, ever.

"Strong sales activity is a reflection of improving fundamental conditions such as a growing population, favourable lending rates and rising wages," said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB's chief economist. "Leading up to May, resale market sales were somewhat restricted by a lack of choice. However, recent price gains have encouraged growth in new listings, helping meet some of the housing demand."

Discover hidden gems a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Calgary

For those who call the area home, the MD of Foothills is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Comprised of rolling hills, golden wheat fields, leafy woodlands and mountain vistas, the 3,600-square-kilometre area south of the Calgary city limits surrounds the towns of Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley and Black Diamond as well as the village of Longview and Eden Valley Indian Reserve.

Mayor Nenshi addresses city's secondary suites battle

* Part two of a three part series on secondary suites in Calgary

It was one of the biggest issues heading into his first campaign.

It came up again during his second successful run at office.

Rental crunch, rising housing costs highlight value of secondary suites for first-time homebuyers

Like many buyers, Karen Coyle had a checklist when shopping for her first home.

Near the top of that list was the option to add a secondary suite.

"I wanted to make sure I bought a house I would be able to afford without the help of the income from the suite," said Coyle. "But I also wanted to buy a house that could easily be suited, so that I would have a buffer in case mortgage prices rose."