Price gains for Calgary sellers encourage new listings
Posted by Nancy Ball on Monday, May 5th, 2014 at 3:43pm.
Hello Everyone,
P.S. Don't forget to enter the California Trip for 4 contest at http://www.cirrealty.ca/contest/cir-contest.cir. You could win!
Price gains for Calgary sellers encourage new listings
New listings improve for all product types in the city
Following a slow start to the year, improved weather and price gains supported new listings growth. New residential listings in April totaled 3,754 units, an eight per cent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile sales activity totaled 2,545 units for the month, a seven per cent increase over April 2013.
"Throughout 2014, the condominium apartment market has recorded new listing gains, while until April, the single-family sector saw a reduction in new listings," says CREB® president Bill Kirk. "Many single-family homeowners have been waiting for further price gains and the start of the spring market to list their homes." Click Here »
Tips to Combat the Biggest Energy Wasters at Home
Electric rate for some Alberta homeowners expected to rise close to 60 per cent in May
CALGARY, Alberta, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - With regulated electricity rates forecasted to rise significantly in May, Alberta homeowners concerned about the possibility of rising energy bills need to be more conscientious about how they use energy. Unfortunately, each year, many homeowners waste hundreds of dollars on unnecessary energy costs because they're unaware of simple money-saving strategies.
Direct Energy Home Services wants to help Albertans identify the biggest energy wasters in their homes that increase their monthly energy bill. This includes making sure equipment is working properly, identifying household appliances and devices that consume electricity when they're in standby mode, and understanding which energy efficiency upgrades provide the largest return on investment.
Here are some ways to help gain control over your energy use and budget from Dave Walton, Direct Energy's Director of Home Ideas:
Click Here »
Renovating an Old House in Upstate New York
Lisa and Mark Hellman, in a yearlong, top-to-bottom-renovation, restored this 106-year-old home to its former glory, creating a pastoral family retreat in upstate New York. See before and after photos of their intensive restoration and decorating.
The House: Before
Click Here »
Backsplashes Can Make a Kitchen
With kitchen renovations, the backsplash is like tape that ties everything together, stretching from one end of the room to another. The multitude of materials, sizes, colours, and design can be overwhelming! Adding to the list of top backsplash tiles, here are some new and bold designs: Click Here »
Win a Family Trip for Four
WIN a grand prize Family Trip for FOUR to California -or- one of five other great family days out in Calgary. GRAND PRIZE Draw first week of June 2014. Don't forget to tell them who sent you!!!
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April Statistics
Calgary April 2014 Statistics
A: The RRSP Home Buyers Plan allows first time buyers to withdraw up to $20,000 maximum per person on a tax free basis from their RRSP. Taxpayers may contribute to their own or their spouses RRSP, wait 90 days, withdraw the funds and make a considerable tax savings, which they can use as a down payment.
Q: When does that need to be repaid?
A: Equal annual payments/installments need to be made over 15 years. First payment is due 60 days after the end of the second full calendar year following the year the deduction was made. ie. 1997 withdrawal ----> 1st payment Feb 29, 2000. No interest is payable. Funds may be repaid more quickly if desired. Revenue Canada sends payment amount verification to the client every year to inform them how much their payment must be. If 1/15 is not repaid in any year, the unpaid portion is added to income and taxed at their marginal tax-rate.
ASK NANCY!!!