Real Estate Blog - Ken Richter

January 2024 Calgary Real Estate Market Update

Here are the highlights from The Calgary Real Estate Board's market report for January 2024, which you can read in full by clicking here:

• "January sales rose to 1,650 units, a significant gain over last year's levels" (Calgary Real Estate Board).
• "[There were] new listings totaling 2,137 units in January. New listings rose for homes priced above $300,000, but the largest gains occurred for homes priced above $700,000" (Calgary Real Estate Board).
• "With 2,150 units in inventory, levels are near the January record lows set in 2006 and are nearly 49 per cent below the long-term average for the month" (Calgary Real Estate Board).
• "The months of supply in January was 1.3 months" (Calgary Real Estate Board).
• "The unadjusted benchmark price…

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February 2024 Calgary Events Things to Do YYC

It's the month of love! Check out some of these fun events happening around the city:

February 1-10 Winter Sleigh Rides at Boundary Ranch
February 1-24 Curling at St. Patrick's Island
February 1 - March 1 Hygge Hut
February 9-10 2024 Snow Rodeo FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup
February 10 Lunar New Year
February 14 Valentine's Day
February 15-18 2024 ISU World Speed Skating Championships (Single Distance)
February 15-17 Block Heater
February 16-25 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts
February 16-March 16 Storybook Theatre Presents: A Wrinkle in Time
February 17 Films at the Fort: When Harry Met Sally
February 19 Family Day
February 19 Family Day at the Military Museums
February 27-March 2 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

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Ken Richter 2023 Award - Thank you!

Thank you to all my valued clients! Looking ahead to 2024, we express our sincere gratitude for the trust you have placed in us. Your loyalty and continued support are an integral part of my continued success as a 2023 Year-End "Top 6" Individual Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX Real Estate (Central), the #1 Selling RE/MAX Office Worldwide for 25 Years! As always, your referrals of family and friends are truly appreciated! KEN RICHTER Awarded "Top 6" 2023 Top Producing Individual Agent RE/MAX Real Estate (Central) #1 RE/MAX Office Worldwide for 25 years! Your Calgary, Bowness & Montgomery REALTOR® Ken Richter

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Tips and Pitfalls of Investing in Vacation Rentals

Everyone loves a vacation home! And investing in one can be an enticing and lucrative venture. Passive income and landing pad for vacations? What a great combination. However, like any real estate investment, success requires careful planning and consideration of potential pitfalls. Here is the inside scoop: 

TIPS TO TRY:

•  Research the Location: Choose a location with high demand for vacation rentals. Consider proximity to popular attractions, accessibility, and the overall appeal of the destination to ensure a steady influx of potential guests. While you may love vacationing in the area, would other people? If your goal is to use this as a rental property for others, it needs to be somewhere that is desirable without your own personal…

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The Calgary Real Estate Board 2024 Market Forecast

Every year the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) announces their forecast for the Calgary real estate market. This is such informative, valuable information for you to have as a buyer, seller, investor, or window-shopper. Real Estate is a major financial investment, so you want to ensure you go into any kind of transaction with eyes wide open. Here are some of the highlights from their report, which you can read in full by clicking here:

• "Rising lending rates have had a notable impact on the housing sector, prompting potential buyers to search for more affordable housing options"
• "Supply remains an issue this year, but gains in new home starts and new listings are expected to support some modest gains"
• "Supply growth is anticipated to be…

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NEW LISTING: 8019 33 Avenue NW

Here's an exceptional find for you – "A Country Estate" in the heart of the inner city! This four-bedroom, fully developed bungalow has undergone a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation, inside and out, situated on an expansive, nearly half-acre lot backing onto a very private and heavily treed hillside reserve.

Discover the rarity of an essentially brand-new home on a magnificent 70x300ft south-facing rear lot, nestled in a serene enclave of Bowness. With over 2,800 sqft of luxurious living space, this home boasts four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The chef's dream kitchen, a custom design by the esteemed cabinet maker Custom Edge Finishing, features quartz counters, a solid quartz backsplash, a large center island, and a new double…

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BACK ON THE MARKET: 5232 21 Avenue NW

This property is back on the market due to financing. Attention all Builders and Developers Here's your chance to own a prime 50x120 R-C2 building lot in the magnificent inner-city community of Montgomery! Numerous new semi-detached builds are currently underway or completing along this avenue, showcasing the desirability of the area. The location is exceptional, providing stunning south river valley escarpment views and mere steps to Bowmont Park, the off-lease area, and the Bow River.

The existing house has no assessed value, the services are disconnected, and it is being sold as-is. Several newer million-dollar homes grace this side of Montgomery, contributing to the appeal of this amazing and tranquil inner-city location. Montalban…

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JUST LISTED: 3303 24 Street NW

Welcome to a truly unique offering—making its debut on the market! A golden chance to acquire a home crafted and cherished by its original owner in the sought-after locale of Charleswood!

This robust and individually tailored 1,498 sqft bungalow stands as a testament to enduring quality. Boasting four bedrooms in total, the home unfolds with distinctive features that have gracefully weathered the years. Highlights include a custom oak kitchen, hardwood beneath the carpet, and meticulously preserved original finishes such as baseboards and door trims. The upper level accommodates three spacious bedrooms, a separate den/sitting area graced by a gas log lighter wood-burning fireplace, and an expansive formal dining space.

The unique advantage…

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Winter Curb Appeal: How to Make Your Home Stand Out in the Snow

Winter transforms neighborhoods into picturesque landscapes, but it also poses unique challenges for maintaining curb appeal. While snowy scenes can be enchanting, ensuring your home stands out amid the white blanket requires thoughtful strategies. Here are tips to enhance your winter curb appeal:

• Embrace Seasonal Decor: Dress up your entryway with winter-themed decor. Consider a festive wreath on the front door, potted evergreen plants, or a charming seasonal welcome mat. These touches not only add warmth but also create a welcoming ambiance.
• Illuminate Pathways: With shorter days, proper outdoor lighting becomes crucial. Illuminate pathways with strategically placed solar-powered or electric lights. This not only enhances safety but also…

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Avoiding Common Mistakes When Flipping Houses

House flipping is the art of buying a property, renovating it, and selling it for a profit. It is an enticing venture for many real estate enthusiasts, but it is not a fool-proof investment strategy. To maximize your returns and minimize risks, it's crucial to steer clear of common mistakes that can plague novice and seasoned flippers alike. Here are some tips for aspiring house flippers:

• Make sure you keep location in mind, not just the property itself. Steer clear of a cheaper property in a bad area, because "you can invest all the money in the world into making a home spectacular, but if the house is in an undesirable location, you’ll have a tough time finding a buyer. Remember, you never want to have the most expensive home on the block"…

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