The Real Estate Pulse from Pamela Balkwill

PAMELA BALKWILL REALTOR® 403-829-5171 pamela@pamelabalkwill.com pamelabalkwill.com

SHERYL LAUINGER REALTOR® 403-512-7770 sheryl@sheryllauinger.com sheryllauinger.com

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PAMELA BALKWILL • 403-829-5171 | SHERYL LAUINGER • 403-512-7770

EXPERTS ANTICIPATE A BUSY SPRING MARKET Over the last few years, the Canadian real estate market as a whole has been flat meaning residential sales activity remained relatively stable since the middle of 2023. This data is supported by the Canadian Real Estate Association. Each market is unique, but experts are predicting that the start of 2025 will see a rise in sales thanks to a number of factors such as lower interest rates, declining inflation and a federal election on the horizon. Not everyone is able to jump into the real estate market, but if you feel this might be the right time for you, you'll want to ensure you have the following team ready to go whether you're selling or buying. • A mortgage broker or lender will help you determine what you can afford, which will help you determine where to start looking. • A REALTOR® can show you the types of properties you can find in the budget you've set and can determine a competitive listing price for your current home. • A lawyer or notary (depending on where you live) to help with the transfer of funds, title, etc. They don't step in until later in the game, but with a busy market, having someone in mind will help move the process along in a timely manner. • Other team members you may want to have on hand include a home inspector, general contractors, moving companies and home cleaners.

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PAMELA BALKWILL • 403-829-5171 | SHERYL LAUINGER • 403-512-7770

WOOD DRENCHING A hot trend in home decor for 2025 is wood drenching and it means covering your rooms in wood. From ceilings to interior walls and floors and furniture, the more wood, the cozier and warmer the room feels. Think of a log cabin in the woods and the cozy, intimate feeling it creates as opposed to the dark, claustrophobic feel of wood panelled basements of the 1970s. Bringing natural, warm tones into rooms filled with light and open spaces will help you achieve this hot new look. Vary the types and hues of the wood, or be consistent; either way helps achieve the aesthetic you’re going for. If you don't have the budget for a new wood floor or ceiling, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper with a wood grain. Wooden furniture and accents (bowls, vases, light fixtures, etc.) all add to the look as well and can be easily incorporated on a budget. When choosing wooden furniture pieces, look for ones that are also made from metal or other materials and not solely wood. You have to find a balance between too much wood and just the right amount.

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PAMELA BALKWILL • 403-829-5171 | SHERYL LAUINGER • 403-512-7770

HOUSEPLANTS TO GROW

There are many reasons you should have houseplants. From reducing stress and boosting your moods to purifying the air and adding to the overall aesthetic, plants are a very common home decor item. Succulents are great plants for small spaces and for those who may forget to water them regularly. They thrive in warm, dry climates so can live pretty well indoors as long as they have access to sunlight. Monstera is another plant that is pretty easy to grow. They're known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as they grow. They like humid environments and need low to medium light to survive. Pothos are another leafy green plant that can live in low light situations. Their leaves are also heart-shaped, but much smaller and lighter green or yellow. If you have a bit more of a green thumb, try growing a Rubber Plant which has large, thick oval leaves. They need more specific care (evenly moist soil, regular fertilizer and moderate humidity) but can be lovely for those up for the challenge. It’s always a good time to head to your local garden center to look for plants to add to your home.

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PAMELA BALKWILL • 403-829-5171 | SHERYL LAUINGER • 403-512-7770

“HIIT” YOUR FITNESS TARGETS THIS YEAR HIIT (high intensity interval training) is a form of cardio exercise that sees you alternating between high-intensity activity followed by a short period of rest. A target time frame to aim for would be 30 to 45 seconds of activity followed by a 10 to 15 second rest and you repeat the cycle a few times with the same exercise. Of course, depending on your overall health and strength, you may need to adjust these time frames accordingly. You want your heart rate to increase enough during the activity period that you'll receive a benefit and then rest long enough that your heart rate stabilizes and you're able to do another set. Some exercises you can incorporate into a HIIT routine include classics like push-ups, squats, burpees, jogging on the spot, crunches or really anything that will elevate your heart rate for those 30 to 45 seconds. You don’t need special equipment as many exercises can be done with just body weight, but if you have access to free weights and other exercise gear, you’ll find you’re able to vary the workout more so you stay engaged over time. There are a variety of programs and ideas available online and the total session can take under 30 minutes if you need to squeeze in a quick workout. Alternate HIIT routines with other activities throughout the week (such as swimming, walking or yoga) as your body will need time to recover from the workout.

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PAMELA BALKWILL • 403-829-5171 | SHERYL LAUINGER • 403-512-7770

SUPPLY LEVELS IMPROVE IN JANUARY

BENCHMARK PRICE Single Family Dwelling $750,800

BENCHMARK PRICE Rowhouse $444,900

ACTIVE LISTINGS 3,639

SOLD LISTINGS 1,451

City of Calgary, February 3, 2025 - Following three consecutive years of limited supply choice, inventory levels in January rose to 3,639 units. While the 70 per cent year-over-year gain is significant, inventory levels remain lower than the over 4,000 units we would typically see in January. Inventories rose across all property types, with some of the largest gains driven by apartment-style condominiums. "Supply levels are expected to improve this year, contributing to more balanced conditions and slower price growth," said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB". "However, the adjustment in supply is not equal amongst all property types. Compared with sales, we continue to see persistently tight conditions for detached, semi-detached and row properties while apartment condominiums show signs of excess supply for higher priced units." Rising supply resulted from a boost in new listings compared to sales. New listings rose to 2,896 units in January, compared to 1,451 sales. Sales in January were down by 12 per cent compared to last year. However, even with a pullback in sales, levels remained nearly 30 per cent higher than levels typically recorded in January. Source: Calgary Real Estate Board | Market values stated are of the benchmark of Calgary and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

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