August Newsletter | Ben Knopp

August… Is it just me, or is this summer just flying by at lightening speed? Have no fear, we have the month of August left and that’s plenty of time for soaking in the sun, enjoying the heat and experiencing some awesome activities Calgary has to offer. Lots of them focused on the great outdoors.

Let’s face it, we are still in store for some decent weather and in YYC we have to expect the unexpected. Especially weather wise.

The forecast is sunshine for the next several weeks, so grab the kids and enjoy!

Here’s to the remainder of summer, and the best August yet.

Cheers,

Sales improving and inventory declines for fourth month in a row City of Calgary, August 1 2019 – For the fourth consecutive month, inventories in the market declined compared to last year. This is due to the combination of improving sales and a decline in new listings. The market continues to favour the buyer, but a continuation in supply reduction compared to sales is needed to support more balanced conditions. “We are starting to see reductions in supply across the resale, rental and new-home markets,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. “This adjustment in supply to the lower levels of demand will support more balanced conditions. It is starting to support more stability in prices. If this continues, the housing market should be better positioned for recovery as we move into 2020.” Year-to-date sales activity remains just below last year’s levels and well below longer-term averages. However, the reduction in inventory has caused the months of supply in July to ease to 4.5 months, a significant improvement from the 5.5 months recorded last year. With less oversupply in the market, prices are showing some signs of stability on a monthly basis. This is causing the rate of price decline to ease on a year-over-year basis. Overall, year-to-date benchmark prices remain over four per cent below last year’s levels.

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

Climb the Grassi Lake Hike in Canmore
Home to some of the clearest water Alberta has to offer, Grassi Lakes Trail is sure to leave you mesmerized. This is a must-see trail especially because it doesn’t require a lot of skill to accomplish! For more information, check out the website here.

Visit the Saskatoon Berry Farm!
In July and August, you can pick your own fresh berries at Saskatoon Farm’s 50 acres of u-pick fields. Guests can pick Saskatoon berries starting July 26, while sour cherries will be ready in August. Each bucket of berries you pick costs $15, plus there’s a $2 grazing fee. Saskatoon Farm, saskatoonfarm.com

Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike in Lake Louise
The hike to Lake Agnes in the Lake Louise area and the historic teahouse on its shores is a relatively easy hike through an old-growth forest. A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Agnes just below the Lake Agnes teahouse, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and fresh piece of pie. For an added challenge, continue 1.6 km (1 mi.) around the far end of Lake Agnes and up switchbacks to the top of the Big Beehive for views of the Bow Valley and the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Louise. For more information, click here.

The Infamous Moraine Lake Hike
The hike around the Moraine Lake shoreline is the easiest way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of the Ten Peaks, a dramatic row of summits all over 10,000 feet. Hike up the Rockpile for an alternative view of these indigo waters and the nearby Tower of Babel.
For more information, click here.

Offered for $1,197,900 | MLS C4248069
Unparalleled Luxury in Aspen Estates! South backing with breathtaking MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Over 3,100sf of stunning craftsmanship. Perfectly placed private lot location situated where the sight lines front & back of the home are unobstructed. You’ll love the 10ft ceilings & 8ft doors throughout. Main floor boasts a gorgeous custom kitchen feat: huge granite waterfall island, full length cabinetry, 2nd prep sink, 5 burner gas cooktop, walk through pantry & S/S appliance pack. Equipped with 2 DINING AREAS, a gorgeous living room, & office/den off the entrance. Walk out to the huge private patio & enjoy the views! Upstairs you’ll find 3 beds incl: flex room with window/closet (EASILY CONVERTED 4th BED). Stunning master features a spa like ensuite, huge walk in closet, & its own private patio! Walk down to the WALKOUT lower level where you’ll find a huge family room, wet bar, & Rec Room. Tons of space for a games table & seating for entertaining. Also incl: another bed, bath, & a flex room perfect for fitness/yoga Also Features: Heated flooring in Master ensuite, A/C, Hunter Douglas window coverings, tons of built-in’s everywhere, Wired for speaker system, heated flooring in basement roughed in, vacuum system roughed in, sprinkler system, fully landscaped, fully finished garage with storage/pro slat & much much more!

For more information, click here!

Calgary Heritage Roasting Company
This month, we’re featuring Calgary Heritage Roasting Company in Ramsay!
Located in the historic C.C. Snowdon building in Ramsay, CHRC offers fresh coffee and tasty snacks in a cozy, rustic space. Launched by former wildland firefighters and friends Mike Wenzlawe and Jamie Parker, Calgary Heritage Roasting Company (CHRC) first joined the city’s coffee scene in 2015. Years later, the pair have officially opened their own cafe and roastery.

The cozy, rustic space balances the history of the building with the spirit of the growing local coffee company. That spirit includes letting guests get in on the roasting action — CHRC’s coffee bean roaster is on full display behind glass walls on the cafe floor and you can even buy green coffee beans to roast at home. The cafe offers a simple yet tasty selection of snacks to munch on too. Along with Butter Block & Co pastries, there are smoothies, popcorn, overnight oats, chia pudding and three kinds of toast topped with baked beans, avocado or smashed bananas and almonds. For more information, click here.