Hello March and hello spring…

This year is flying by, was anyone else surprised to see “First Day of Spring” on their calendars this month? Spring is just around the corner, and with it brings a rush of new sellers entering the market and eager buyers waiting for the perfect deal. To help navigate the competition, you need the guidance of a trusted professional with a strategic marketing plan and savvy negotiating skills. Let me be that agent for you, and lets make your real estate goals come to fruition. You know where to find me!

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. BUYERS? INVESTORS? THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HOME IN 2019?

The market is presenting some very appealing opportunities for those buyers looking to move up or move into a price range that maybe wasn’t realistic in years past. When opportunity knocks it’s important to be informed and try to be ahead of the curve.

Housing market feels the chill as oversupply continues
City of Calgary, March 1, 2019 – The effects of Calgary’s economic climate continue to create weak sales activity and elevated inventory in the city’s housing market. As a result, prices are being affected. “It is not a surprise that slowing activity in the housing market has persisted into February,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “There has been no substantial change in the economic climate and concerns regarding potential layoffs in the energy sector are weighing on confidence.” As of February, citywide benchmark prices were $414,400. This is nearly five per cent below last February, slightly lower than last month’s figures and over 10 per cent below highs recorded in 2014. While the market remains oversupplied, slower sales and price declines do appear to be influencing sellers. New listings this month eased by eight per cent compared to last year for a total of 2,211 units. However, the 976 sales this month were not enough to substantially impact inventories levels, which remain elevated at 5,885 units.

What does this mean for you as a future buyer or seller in Calgary? Drop me a line, I’d love to help.
*Stats obtained from CREB.com

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a 5 or 10K race that ends with Irish stew…
When: March 17
Calgary’s Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race has been going strong for 32 years and is back for another year. Runners can choose between a 5K or 10K run that starts at Central Memorial High School and ends with a finisher medal and Irish stew. Central Memorial High School, 5111 21 St. S.W., raceroster.com

Sophisticated Living in Bonavista! Beautiful, bright and tasteful unit in the desirable Lake Fraser Green. This unit includes a/c, new laminate flooring, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The large windows allow in cheerful natural light throughout. The master bedroom features double closets and a perfect en-suite with his and her sinks, soaker tub and separate shower. The open floorpan offers functionality and the perfect space for entertaining. Enjoy the sun on the covered, SW facing balcony! Unit includes an additional separate storage space. Bonavista Estates offers endless amenities including a theatre room, fitness studio, social/party room, underground car wash, secure underground titled parking, and more. The community of Bonavista has long been recognized as one of Calgarys most established and desired neighbourhoods. Convenient access to great shopping, dining, public recreation, transportation and more!

For More Information, Click Here!

Gardenia Flower Boutique is a family owned shop offering elegant and unique floral design and home decor. There, you can expect personalized custom floral design, great customer service, and a friendly environment. Their goal is to create a community focused space where their customers feel like family. Their lovely arrangements are unique yet elegant and are sure to add that instant mood booster to your home during these chilly winter days.

Contact them directly at 403 475 7658, info@gardeniaflowerboutique.com or stop by their beautiful shop at 1930 34 Avenue SW.

– Rare top floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
– Open layout with spacious central living room and kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops

I had the pleasure of assisting some very special people on the purchase of their brand new homes this month. Congratulations to you all, you know who you are!

I love helping people in their home buying endeavours. Contact me today to get started. I can’t wait!

#BlueSold #SorrySold

THINGS TO DO IN CALGARY
MARCH EDITION

The Grape Escape
BMO Centre on Saturday March 23, 2019
Calgary’s favourite festival with over 100 booths and thousands of products to sample. It’s not just wine! Try local beer, spirits, cocktails and even nibbles from food trucks. Grape Escape sells out so get your tickets early online. Tickets here.

Sourdough Bread at The Cookbook Co.
Cookbook Company on March 12, 2019
The smell of fresh baked bread is incomparable. It takes practice, patience and diligence to bake bread and sourdough is the ultimate skill in bread baking. Learn from baker, Aviv Fried how to begin a ‘mother’ starter, how to maintain it over years to come and how to make great tasting, organic and crusty bread that is piece of art. Classes will be held at the Cookbook Company. Tickets here.

Cocktails & Couture 
The Glenbow Museum on March 16, 2019
Join us for an evening of haute couture and elevated cocktails. Sugar Water Pop Up Bar has created unique, Dior-inspired handcrafted cocktails just for the occasion, and host Kyo-Jean Chung will share the process behind his bespoke approach to cocktails. Then you can enjoy an intimate guided tour of Calgary’s first major international fashion exhibition, Christian Dior. Sugar Water Bar are known for their thoughtfully crafted cocktails served in uncommon spaces. Tickets here.

Theatre Calgary’s “The Scarlett Letter”
Arts Commons, Max Bell Theatre from February 26 to March 23
You may be familiar with the story of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter, where a Puritan village in the 1640s punishes a woman named Hester Prynne by making her wear a scarlet “A” to symbolize her adultery. But things are a little different in Theatre Calgary’s adaptation. Written by award-winning American playwright, film director and screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, this version sees Prynne challenge the societal expectations of women (synopsis by Avenue Magazine). Tickets here.

Celebrate the Art of Opera
Sunday Opera Brunch on March 24 and Taste of the Opera on March 29 
Calgary Opera’s next production, Rigoletto, doesn’t start until April, but you can enjoy a taste of what’s to come at two upcoming events. On March 24, the company is holding a Sunday Opera Brunch complete with singing and a buffet at the Calgary Petroleum Club. Then, on March 29, you can go behind the scenes at the Taste of the Opera event at Mamdani Opera Centre, which will feature discussions and snacks. Held at the Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Ave. S.W. and Mamdani Opera Centre, 1315 7 St. S.W (respectfully); calgaryopera.com.

Please update my contact info in your database:

 Email: bknopp@charlesrealestate.ca
Phone: 403-870-1393

Charles Real Estate

205, 4915 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary AB T2S 2L4

Hope your year is off to a great start, keep warm and we’ll see you next month!