Former CREB® president Becky Walters remembers how communities rallied in following natural disaster in 2013

Becky Walters remembers 2013 like most Calgarians do – one equally fraught with harrowing tales of devastation and inspiring stories of community spirit following a historic flood that left many communities underwater.

In June 2013, Alberta experienced heavy rainfall that sparked 32 states of local emergency in communities throughout southern Alberta and resulted in billions of dollars in insurable damages.

"It was something that affected the whole city, of course," said Walters, who, six months earlier, had become president of CREB®.

For the city's real estate market, 2013 is going to be a tough act to follow.

In a year that saw nearly tape-totape sales growth over its predecessor, 2013 ended on yet another high note as December sales increased eight per cent year-over-year sales over the previous year. Year-over-year sales growth rose every month in 2013 save February and March, with MLS® sales for the year up by 11 per cent over 2012.

December's 8 per cent year-over-year increase in sales volume in the city of Calgary capped a year that saw an 11 per cent growth in sales volume for the entire 12 months.

City residential sales totaled 1,172 units in December, bringing total sold units for 2013 to 23,489. Prices for the year were up by 8.6 per cent over 2012.

For a year that began with cautious optimism, 2013 is going to end as year of confidence.

Following a year that saw sales in Calgary increase by nearly 15 per cent, the forecast for 2013 called for a slight increase in sales, with MLS®c transactions expected to top 21,650. With just a few days left in the year, this year's sales in Calgary exceeded expectations.

Fifth consecutive month of double-digit trend

Calgary, Dec. 2, 2013 –

City residential sales totaled 1,730 units in November, a 19 per cent increase in sales volume over the previous year.

As part of a greater review of the province's Condominium Property Act, the Redford government is making it mandatory for developers to be more transparent about condo fees.

With some condo buyers expressing concern about higher fees than were initially disclosed, the move will provide buyers with a standardized disclosure package, including an operating budget, at the time of purchase.

The list of amenities in a typical house purchase doesn't normally contain much out of the ordinary. But every now and then, homes come with something a little more strange.

Having been in the real estate business for more than 25 years, CREB® president Becky Walters has witnessed countless transactions between buyers and sellers. One instance stands out as distinctly different. Walters said the occupants of this particular home were convinced they had a ghost as a roommate.

Calgary, Oct. 1, 2013 – City of Calgary residential sales totaled 1,923 units in September, 19 per cent higher than last year and 14 per cent higher than long-term averages for the month.

While sales activity over the past three months has been above long-term trends, it was less so in September than in July and August.