Holiday Greetings – A Recipe – Some Jokes

These are unprecedented times that call for following new health recommendations for celebrating Christmas 2020. We will be enjoying the holiday season with members of our household only. Our children are excited despite not seeing friends and other family members. They have our attention and time which is what kids really like.

We are very happy. Life is good. I hope you take this time to have fun with your loved ones. Stay warm and stay safe and have a happy and healthy New Year in 2021.

Our best wishes to you, from Chris, Nancy, Meah and Nick

Please enjoy the recipe and jokes.

Savory Roasted Chickpeas - A Nutritional Snack! - 3 Easy Steps

Did you stock up on cans of chickpeas during the corona virus pandemic? With this easy recipe you can use them to make a nutritional snack for the whole family.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

1 pinch each of sea salt and ground black pepper

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and well drained

Directions:

Step 1 - Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).

Step 2 - Whisk oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder and black pepper in a small bowl; add the chickpeas and toss to coat. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3 - Roast stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and slightly crispy, about 40- 45 minutes.

Snack on these instead of chips. Try it sprinkled on a salad for extra protein.

 

Christmas and New Year One-liners

What do you call an obnoxious reindeer? RUDEolph.

Where does Santa keep all his money? At the local snow bank.

What goes "oh oh oh"? Santa walking backwards

What's the problem with jogging on New Year's Eve? The ice falls out of your drinks!

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.

In 2021, I will become a vegan for a day and then realize that it was a missed steak.

source: http://www.jokes4us.com/holidayjokes/newyearsjokes.html

Vaccines are Here – Can Higher Interest Rates be far behind?

 Vaccines are Here – Can Higher Interest Rates be far behind?

How Long Can Interest Rates Stay Low Once Vaccines Arrive?

The announcements, two so far this month, about a vaccine for Covid-19 have taken markets by storm. When news broke that drug makers, Pfizer and Moderna had COVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs that appeared 90-94.5 % effective, the Dow Jones industrial average soared and the Toronto market also took off. Canadian oil and gas shares shot up with the prospect of people once again taking road trips and climbing aboard planes. The price of oil rose 10 %.

2019 Arrival of Corona-virus - Bank of Canada Cut Interest Rates

To help the economy struggle through the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem, cut rates by 50 bps to 1.25 % on March 4th 2020, bringing borrowing costs to the lowest since June 2018. It is the first time since March 2009 that the central bank slashed rates by 50bps.

Good News is Bad News for Borrowers

If you are thinking of buying a home, good news is often bad news for you, the 'Borrower'. According to Macklem, central bankers may not be thinking about hiking rates soon but a sudden surge of optimism that the pandemic  is over, which has until now felt endless, could mean that borrowers must at least think about the idea that rates will not stay near zero forever.

Fixed Rate or Variable Rate - Time to Talk with Your Mortgage Broker

You may be considering what a victory over COVID-19 will mean for the mortgage rates you now pay. Traditionally the variable rate mortgage averaged lower than the fixed rate but over the next 5 years the opposite could be true. You may consider this a time to lock in your mortgage.

Next Monetary Policy Report, MPR

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is December 9, 2020 with a full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, expected January 20, 2021.

Call me if you have any questions 403-680-4479

Go Big! - Home Owners Seek to Upgrade

 Go Big! - Home Owners Seek to Upgrade 

Big Backyard - Big-time Fun

The Trend for Tiny Homes is a Thing of the Past

The recent market trend for that tiny, more efficient home has ended. Covid-19 has changed the way people live and where they work. Goodbye commute, many Calgarians work from home. This is a movement that will stay for the 'for-seeable' future and may be a development that is here forever. People think about the square footage they now occupy day in and day out. They want to increase the space of their home and by a lot!

Single Family Home Sales are Up

The time when buying downtown meant a place to invest is no longer a sure bet, at least not for the time being. The real estate movement these days is buying into suburbs, up by 45%. The average price is in the $600,000 range. Consequently, apartment sales this past season have fallen by one per cent compared with the same time last year.

Main Floor Office Space a High Priority.

"Buyers during the COVID pandemic are favouring larger homes," says Barb Richardson, senior vice-president at Sotheby's International Realty of Canada. It reflects a growing preference among buyers for space. Having plenty of room especially for an office on the main floor is important. "Office space in homes is paramount," she says.

Big Backyards are in Demand

Most families dream of a back yard where the kids can play and be safe. Due to the Corona Virus pandemic, it is more important than ever. Recent numbers from the Calgary Real Estate Board show that there is an increase in buyers wanting a big yard, landscaping and even a vegetable garden.

Think of Selling to Upgrade - Don't Expect a Crowd at Open Houses

Calgary realtors say they are surprised by the level of activity in the city's housing market but open houses aren't what they used to be. The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) has reported that much has changed when it comes to open houses because of Covid-19.

New technology with 3-D scans of the homes, inside and out allows buyers and sellers to have open houses 24/7 online. Realtors have stated that website traffic has definitely spiked since the pandemic hit.

Any questions? Give Chris a call 403-6804479

Losses - Disaster - Lower - Declining - Falling but Wait!

Losses - Disaster - Lower - Declining - Falling but Wait!

These words all sound like doom and gloom. This is an unprecedented time in Calgary's history, Covid-19, job losses, oil prices, fear, yes but what if you still want to sell your home or buy one? The housing market has, over the last few weeks, adjusted to the pandemic.

The Facts - Should You Buy Now?

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, April sales hit 573 units, a decline of 63 % over last year. CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, said, "The combined impact of COVID-19 and the situation in the energy sector is causing housing demand to fall." But she also stated, "Demand is also falling faster than supply. This is keeping the market in buyers' territory and weighing on prices."

Buyers have Power

A greater share of home/condo sales has occurred in the lower price ranges. A homebuyer household earning $99,000, which is the median Metro Calgary household before-tax income, could get a mortgage that would be enough to buy for example a small condo. Maybe a $475,000 house is now achievable. Many sellers are uncertain about the state of the economy and more nervous about selling their home, which gives buyers increased power they normally don't have.

When will it End? Who Knows?

When the news of the world turns negative, you may be tempted to stop. During a shattered market economy it seems like the world is ending when you are in the middle of it. Time and again, when terrible events occurred, the same thing always happened, they ended. Throughout history when people seem to think the situation is hopeless, we always pulled through. This time should not be different.

Two examples of market extreme, is the internet bubble of the late 1990s and the stock market crash of 2008. In those moments, we saw the same headlines of doom and gloom. The trends kept going in the downward direction—until, that is, they didn't.

After the storm you may be happy you invested in something stable like a home. 

Several Incentives Help Cushion the Blow

There are many risk factors with Covid-19. Risks are events that may or may not happen. People need to live someplace. Why pay rent? A home is something many first-time buyers can now be hopeful for. The Federal Government, the Bank of Canada and the country’s biggest commercial banks are pulling out all the stops to try and head off a serious recession.

The central bank has cut interest rates spurring mortgage rates lower.  Banking regulators have loosened bank capital requirements to free up C$300 billion of lending capacity. Robert Hogue, senior economist at RBC Royal Bank says, "In all likelihood, this will be a temporary hit with a rebound taking place later this year once the COVID-19 situation settles down."

The Facts - Should You Sell Now?

Given the current recession combined with the pandemic, sellers may want to push ahead and sell. Home prices may not regain the current low levels because a Coronavirus-induced recession may inflict long-term economic damage.

If you're selling a home during the pandemic, you can expect technology to play a big role.  

For details on restrictions and challenges see my blog on What I Am Doing - Virtual Touring. https://yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-i-am-doing-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

Carry on and Keep Calm and…

If you have questions give me a call, Chris at 403-680-4479

Understanding the Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Navigating the Canada Emergency Response Benefit & Employment Insurance Benefits

I wanted to share this graphic with you to help simplify whether you qualify for the recent Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, CERB. Please note that this is a guide only. Things change rapidly and to get the most up to date information check the federal government’s website regularly. If you haven’t done so, set up “my account” on the CRA website.  Call Chris 403-680-4479

Federal Government Announcements Regarding the Impact of Covid-19

Federal Government Announcements Regarding the Impact of Covid-19:

These recent initiatives are summarized for you since they may have a direct impact on you or a family member.

1. Temporary boost in the Child Tax Benefit
2. $900 biweekly for those who don’t have paid sick leave
3. $5 Billion in support for low income and those facing unemployment
4. Waiving the one week waiting period for EI sickness benefits for six months and waiving the requirement for a doctor note
5. Extending the tax filing date to June 1 and allowing taxpayers to defer payments until after August 31 - This is huge! This applies to balances due, as well as installments under Part 1 of the income tax act. No interest or penalties will accumulate during this period. HOWEVER – if you are getting a refund file now – it's your money.
6. Providing eligible small businesses, a 10 per cent wage subsidy for the next 90 days, up to a maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer
7. Allowing all businesses to defer until after August 31, payment of income taxes, interest-free
8. Making additional funds and credit available to businesses of all sizes, including farmers
9. Purchasing up to $50 billion insured mortgage pools to stabilize funding to banks and lenders
10. Six-month interest free moratorium on student loan payments
11. Reducing required minimum withdrawals on RRIF’s by 25% for 2020 – particularly beneficial during the recent market volatility.
12.  The government it is asking banks to work with their customers on debt management plans and repayment flexibility. Banks have confirmed that they will support up to 6-month deferral in mortgage payments, but this will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  
    
    While these measures were introduced yesterday, I would recommend that you go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html for further information. More announcements are expected in the near future.
    
    This today, also read more news about how to apply for Employment Insurance and Emergency Benefits:
    
    https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/how-to-apply-for-ei-and-covid-19-emergency-benefits/ar-BB11pxIj?ocid=msedgdhp

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the text above belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company. We have taken all steps necessary to ascertain that this information is correct and  it is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Readers are informed that any action taken upon the information is strictly at your own risk.

What I am Doing – During the Covid-19 Pandemic

What I am Doing – During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Chris at Work 2020

Buying a Home? – I'm Chris - Your New Virtual Realtor

If you have Corona Virus worries but still want to buy a home, I can save you the travel by offering you a virtual tour using video calling like facebook messenger or skype. I have years of experience showing houses, drawing up offers and basically handling transactions from start to finish doing it all remotely. From the comfort of your favourite safe spot, I will tour the home with you, pointing out the distinctive features and answering any questions you have. I am here to help you take advantage of the lack of buyer activity and negotiate hard on a new property.

New Social Distancing Rules

Once you have narrowed it down to a short list, I can also meet with you at the homes you are interested in, using the latest and safest 'Social Distancing Requirements.' For example, showing you a home will be restricted to a private in-person tour with two people at a time. We use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before entering a home. During the tour I will maintain a distance of six feet from you and won’t shake hands or enter small bathrooms or crawl spaces.

Selling a Home? Virtual Tours More Important than Ever

For many years I have used my exceptionally reliable photographers who are experts at creating a virtual tour of homes for sale. While on site they follow Alberta Health recommended procedures. With video and audio clips I will help people experience the particular features your home has to offer, ensuring the best chance of a sale.

NEWS - Government Announces $82 Billion Dollars in Aid - Alberta will Benefit

On Wednesday, the government announced money to offset the downturn in the Canadian economy and the job-loss crisis. This is good news for Alberta. There is special attention to airlines and the energy sector that will boost a welcome relief to our province.

Banks Have Loosened the Purse Strings

Interest rates are at their lowest in years. Investors are taking encouragement from the recent rate cuts implemented to combat the economic crisis. Selling or buying a home is now easier than ever. The governments have stepped in, to not only slow the market volatility but also assisting people with their daily and monthly bills. The financial situation changes daily. If the bank refused you a mortgage before, you may even be encouraged to try again.

Poised for a Boom – Big Time – The New Roaring Twenties

History has a story to tell. The housing market in Canada did not experience a noticeable adverse impact from SARS as evidence suggest from a report in the Financial Post back in 2003. If any, the effect of Corona Virus is likely to be moderate in the short run. Many economists believe that if the challenge persists for a more extended period, the Canadian housing market may become more attractive to investors. They may likely move their capital from markets with more threatening health risks to the relatively safe environs in Canada. This could be the new age of The Roaring Twenties!

Why not give me a call? 403-680-4479

2020 Vision - Clear Path for Alberta's Future

2020 Vision - Clear Path for Alberta's Future

Victory for Trans Mountain

The recent Supreme Court decision removes the remaining obstacle for the Trans Mountain pipeline project to go ahead. The court upheld Ottawa's authority under the Constitution to decide on oil crossing over provinces such as between Edmonton to Burnaby, B. C.

Oil Prices - Up – Prospects - Up

Natural Resources Minister, Seamus O'Regan welcomed the ruling, saying that it is a core responsibility of the federal government to help get resources to market and support good, middle-class jobs. Other major oil pipeline developments, Keystone XL and Enbridge's Line 3 are also gaining traction just in time for oil prices, due to years of curtailment about to gain ground.

Jobs - Sunny Outlook Blowing Our Way

There is good news on the horizon for the Solar/Wind Industry job market and could explain the recent lower unemployment rate. Many mega projects, like the $200-million Danish-Canadian, TC Energy Corp. and the $500-million project in Vulcan County, Strathmore Solar Farm and others have received approval, started construction or applying for expansion.

Berkshire Hathaway, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's US company, is breaking ground on solar and wind farms. Buffett announced that he is pursuing partnerships with solar, wind and other technology companies in Alberta.

Confidence in the Economy - Impressive

"Alberta is proud to be home to so many great innovators and entrepreneurs," said Jason Kenney. "This exciting new energy project will add to Alberta’s impressive renewable energy network, and is a vote of confidence in our economy." Also on the horizon is the 'Beyond Meat' market. Spin-off jobs are possible with the building of a huge pea-protein processing plant in western Canada. The pea-protein craze has led to Manitoba constructing its second 20,000-ton facility and this still won't meet the demand that is expected to grow for these products.

Stable Market - Sales Slow but Steady

According to predictions for 2020 by Calgary's Real Estate Board, and several real estate firms, sales are forecast to remain slow and steady. This means a return to a stable and balanced market. The job market is growing. The 'Millennials' and first-time home buyers have now had time to save for a larger down payment in order to pass the mortgage stress test. At the same time 'Baby Boomers' and 'Empty Nesters' seem to be opting towards renovations and refinancing versus selling to down-size. This may mean supply will remain low as the demand increases which could push prices up. For more on this visit CREB.com and click on media releases.

For more information give Chris a call #403-680-4479