Live it!

Steady Growth Forecast for Calgary Market

CALGARY — Steady growth is forecast for Calgary’s housing market in the next two years, according to a new report released Monday by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

The agency said MLS sales in the Calgary census metropolitan area will grow to 23,000 transactions in 2012 and to 23,700 in 2013 from 22,466 in 2011.

The CMHC said the average sale price will rise from $402,851 in 2011 to $409,000 in 2012 and $420,000 in 2013.

The optimistic forecast also translates into the new housing market.

The CMHC is predicting housing starts in the Calgary region to jump from 9,292 in 2011 to 10,300 in 2012 and 10,700 in 2013.

“Economic activity in Calgary will continue to support housing demand throughout the forecast period,” said Richard Cho, senior market analyst in Calgary for the CMHC. “Sustained investments in the energy sector will not only create jobs in the energy industry but also promote activity in other industries leading to more employment opportunities for job seekers. Employment levels in Calgary steadily rose in 2011 and the same is expected for 2012. As labour market conditions gradually tighten, we can expect to see higher migration flows to Calgary which is also an important driver for housing demand. In addition, favourable mortgage rates will also contribute to more sales in the new home and resale market.

“More single-detached and multi-family homes are forecast to break ground this year. In the past, elevated active listings in the competing resale market contributed to fewer single-detached starts. However, as the resale market becomes more balanced this year coupled with improving demand, we can expect to see more single-detached homes start construction. Multi-family construction will also pick up this year and next, mainly from higher apartment starts. Apartment inventories have come down from their elevated levels providing some builders an opportunity to start more projects and help satisfy demand.”

In Alberta, the CMHC forecasts housing starts to jump from 25,704 in 2011 to 29,100 in 2012 and 30,000 in 2013.

Source: Calgary Herald

CLEARING YOUR LIFE FOR A NEW YEAR

Cheers to 2012! Now is the perfect time to reflect on the year past and look towards the future, as it is a powerful time for renewal of energy; clearing out the old and welcoming in the new. It's important to clear space in order to make room for the new things that you would like to bring into your life. Below are a few simple tips for clearing both your home and life which I find helpful any time of year:

Tips To Clear Your Home:
Refresh and reorganize your closets, kitchen pantry and refrigerator.
Donate clothing and "stuff" that is no longer serving you or your life goals and let someone else enjoy.
Ditch excess paper and magazines.
Clean your computer by deleting/consolidating files and clearing your email inbox.

Tips To Clear Your Life:
Review the past year and think about what you learned, what mistakes you made and what you've accomplished. What are your intentions for 2012?
Wrap up old projects and end commitments to people who are weighing you down.
Toss out old diet and fitness plans that aren't working to make room for new experiments.
Clean out anything that's taking up your mental energy.
Organize your finances. Review your banking accounts, investments, etc. Check out www.learnvest.com to help manage your financial goals.

Most importantly, take time for gratitude. Appreciate all of the good in your life and acknowledge your accomplishments. The fun part – reward yourself with whatever makes you happy and rejuvenates your soul!