House-Hunting - Best Deals around Christmas - 5 Reasons Why

House-Hunting - Best Deals around Christmas - 5 Reasons Why

Wrap up a House for Christmas

Mark Di Vincenzo is the author of the bestselling book, Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon. He is an expert on timing. One topic he has researched well is 'when to buy a house'. He points out that homes sell at Christmas time for many good reasons. "Someone's house can really be an emotional attachment, so the seller is thinking, "They must really love this house if they’re willing to make an offer on Christmas Day of all days."

Be Nice not Naughty

The holidays themselves can be a good opportunity for buyers. Di Vincenzo explains how sellers experience deep emotions , "[And] another factor that comes into play is …people are in good and generous moods on Christmas Day so they may very well be willing to accept less money than they normally would on any other day."

Sellers Motivated

Many Real Estate Agents know that winter, in general is advantageous for buyers. According to Di Vincenzo, "If someone’s listing a house in the winter, it's a fairly safe bet that they're eager sellers and that they're more open to negotiation. Otherwise they would wait for the spring." He writes that spring is the sweet spot for sellers but January is best for buyers.

Winter Time - Less Buyers

The fact of the matter, as Di Vencenzo puts it is, "So if you're a buyer, it really pays to be willing to trudge through bad weather…because you're going to have eager sellers and you're going to have less competition."

Willing to Drop the Price

Di Vincenzo points out that Sellers can also be more motivated to accept an offer in January as the credit card bills from the holidays start to roll in. Also, Sellers can find themselves very sick and tired of showings during the holidays and that can be a big motivator when negotiating.

Maybe it's time to let your realtor get you a very good deal.

Have a very Merry Christmas.

Christopher Ashby
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
100, 5810 2 STREET S.W.
CALGARY, AB T2H 0H2
Mobile: 403-680-4479
Office: 403-253-5305
Fax: 403-775-5156
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

Website: http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com

Eight Key Players in Alberta's Oil Industry

When Nothing is Certain Anything is Possible

Since the USA election results for Donald Trump, decisions to be made are major and the resolve of these key players is vital to the Canadian Economy and the Environment.

OPEC

In an effort to prop up prices since 2014 OPEC has confirmed it has secured a cut in its oil production from 33.8 million barrels a day to 32.5 million. The OPEC deal triggered frenzied trading with U.S. light crude oil up $1.30 a barrel at $50.74. Today, West Texas Intermediate, WTI was also up over 8 percent and trading at approximately $48.97 a barrel.

USA Ambassador - Gary Doer

In addition to many events held behind closed doors lately, regarding the new U.S. administration and will mean for Alberta and Canada, Gary Doer, the former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. said to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce that no one should discount the strength of underlying, long-established relationships between the countries already in place, which arguably supersede a change in leadership in Washington.

Natural Resources Minister - Jim Carr

The minister has recently said that the goal for Canada is to expand its export markets meaning that it is imperative that Canada's oil production capture the world price. The only way to do that is to gain access to markets off the country's west and east coasts. "(Keystone XL) doesn’t get oil to export markets in Asia."

Prime Minister - Justin Trudeau

The Prime Minister gave approval to the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline to Burnaby, as well as the replacement and expansion of Enbridge's Line 3 into the United States. He also announced that Ottawa was rejecting Enbridge's proposed Northern Gateway line to Kitimat.

Although the decision is still "bitterly disputed" as expected by a number of people across the country he believes the project is in Canada's best interests. "If I thought this project was unsafe for the B.C. coast, I would reject it." he said.

Alberta Premier - Rachel Notley

Last week Rachel Notley, during her visit to British Columbia said she will undertake to sell the merits of the new oil pipeline and Alberta's environmental credibility. Keeping the environment on the main burner, Notley said, "There is a need to move forward on environmental progress, while at the same time being respectful of the needs of all Canadians to maintain prosperity and economic security."

B.C. Premier - Christy Clark

The provinces Liberal government has laid out five conditions for its approval of any new heavy oil pipeline. These include regulatory approval, world-leading oil spill response capabilities both on land and at sea, indigenous participation and B.C. receiving its "fair share" of the jobs and real economic benefits from the project. She cited Trudeau's recently announced ocean protection plan as a key example.

Calgary Mayor - Naheed Nenshi

Calgary's Mayor said last week speaking in Vancouver to the Canadian Club that, the national imperative of expanding the Kinder Morgan pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast should not be hijacked by parochial opposition from Metro Vancouver residents.

Nenshi worries decisions about the future of Canada’s energy sector will be influenced by regional political concerns. He stated, "I don’t think anybody has the veto or anybody has the trump. I would argue that in this case, science should have the trump."

Protesters – Too Many to Count

As Trudeau announced the pipeline decisions he also declared the government's intention to phase out coal-powered electricity in Canada by 2030, all while expanding clean power sources.

B.C. groups say the war over Kinder Morgan pipeline is On! Despite the government’s approval of the line, opponents say they will continue to fight. Already hundreds of protesters turned up for the rally.

Greenpeace Canada in a statement and a rallying cry called out, "Whether through the courts, in the streets, or on the land, this pipeline will never make it in the ground."

Chief Terry Teegee with the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council says, "It still puts the Fraser River at risk…so I think that’s the next battle for the many First Nations that live along the Fraser River."

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says she is personally prepared to go to jail to stop Kinder Morgan. "And I think I’m not the only one," she said. "I think I’ll be sharing a cell with…First Nations leaders."

Seniors Retire on Cruise Ships - Really?

Should Seniors Retire on Cruise Ships?

Seniors Now Planning for Retirement on Cruise Ships - True or False?

The rumour started when a couple while on a cruise ship reportedly met a lady who, instead of booking in to an Assisted-Living Condo or Seniors Nursing Home, took cruises back to back. The story is true according to Snopes.com. Mrs. Muller was happy with her life aboard a ship but will you be? (Muller passed away in 2013) Here are seven pros and cons to consider before you bid Bon Voyage.

Not Much Difference in Cost

+ Dr. Lee Lindquist, an instructor at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, has compared the cost of 'Cruise-Ship' vs. 'Old-Age Home' living based over a 20-year life expectancy. She determined that there wasn't much of a difference, about $230,000 either way.

- The prices you see on cruise ship websites are only a portion of what you actually pay. Gratuities can be as high as $10 per day or more. Prices of cruise lines are quoted as per-person for double occupancy. Being single can incur a surcharge.

Fabulous Food

+ Dress for dinner? Why not? Have as many as 10 meals a day (fantastic food, not institutional food) in a variety of dining rooms. Why not order room service? Imagine breakfast in bed every day.

- On most cruise ships, you pay extra for alcoholic beverages and sodas. Eating rich food all the time may make you fat.

 Clean Sheets Every Day

+ Housekeeping is free and there are clean towels daily, even soap, shampoo and toothpaste. You may get full-time maid service and/or free washers and dryers. If the TV breaks or light bulb needs changing call for help and there's no charge.

- Most cruise ships charge for laundry service. Closets and bathrooms are compact. Bedrooms are very small and this limits, considerably, any personal possessions you may need in order to feel at home.

You will meet new people every week or two!

+ If you are a social butterfly this may appeal to you.

- However these new friends will only be on the ship for a short time, making it difficult to form long-lasting relationships. The ship's staff will get to know you but they are paid to be nice to you.

Broadway Shows, Comedians and Piano bars

+ Cruise ships offer a range of amenities. They have swimming pools, workout rooms, spas, beauty salons, nightly entertainment and cultural activities including dancing and bridge. They offer guided tours when they dock at an exotic port of call. A few cruise lines offer world cruises that take three to six months meaning that you can travel the world.

- Guided tours at ports are usually an added cost. They may lose their appeal after a time. This goes for the entertainment. You will probably get tired of that too.

A Doctor Aboard

+ Cruise ships have physicians on board, always, "[so] that they could actually be considered a floating assisted-living facility," says Lindquist.

- Doctors may not be 'senior' qualified and may not provide the level of care required. The Medical Center may be well-equipped but designed to deal with minor illnesses or injuries. Your travel insurance may not cover cruise ship medical care. You will likely need to purchase extra travel insurance. Updating refills of medications and availability for pick-up at the next port may be tricky or impossible.

Cruise the Internet

+ Most Cruise Ships have free computer centers. Keep up to date with family and friends.

- Although Internet service, a lifeline for most seniors, keeps them in touch with their land-based families and friends, Videos Chats like Skype can be very expensive. Cell phone roaming charges may mount up quickly.

Call Chris @ 403-680-4479

Oil Prices with Trump a Win!

Oil Prices Low but Trump Could be the Boost Alberta Needs

Most markets are back to normal after the shock of a Donald Trump win in the US election this week. Although losses and have bounced back, oil still faces pressure due to OPEC's cut in production (see OPEC in the News Again 10/06/16) But Trump is here!

Two Priorities for Trump – Do They Help Canada?

Yes! Alberta oil sands will benefit from trump being president. His goals are to prioritise tax cuts and cut deregulation. It was repeatedly mentioned during Trump's election campaign. He made no apologies for being fossil-fuel friendly and his top adviser on energy, Harold Hamm, expects him to roll back the Obama administration's heavy regulations on the oil and gas industry.

Clean Power Plan Scrapped – Oil Economy Bound to Rebound

Hamm recently told the Financial Times that he believes Mr. Trump will follow the two guiding principles of tax cuts and deregulation as ways to stimulate economic growth. He has also made assurances to reduce dependence on Middle East oil and he has said that he is in favour of the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta to refineries in the U.S. gulf. That will help the Alberta economy immensely.

Oil Market is Still a Place to Invest

Tom Pickering, founder and chief investment officer of trading the firm Auspice Capital has said that a Donald Trump presidency could mean the return of a risk premium for oil prices.

A risk premium is the return in excess of the risk-free rate of return an investment is expected to yield; an asset's risk premium is a form of compensation for investors who tolerate the extra risk.

Is it all Talk - What Should Canada Do?

What are Trump's real plans? What we know for now, just days after the election is that things are looking up for the oil sands business. According to the Financial Post, TransCanada Corp is still fully committed to Keystone XL. It plans to engage with President Elect Donald Trump and his new administration in the near future.

Christopher Ashby
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
100, 5810 2 STREET S.W.
CALGARY, AB T2H 0H2
Mobile: 403-680-4479
Office: 403-253-5305
Fax: 403-775-5156
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com
Website: http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com

 

Can't Sell Your Home - Rent it out for a Year?

Damage to 

Home

Can't Sell Your Home - Rent it out for a Year?

It's a Buyer's Market.

October saw the largest decline in housing prices so far this year, according to the latest data from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). The average sale price for the month came in at $457,513 — down 6.1 per cent from October 2014.

Three Things to Consider as the Seller

Market economists predict that the economy in Alberta will once again bounce back but it might be as long a year. Prospective sellers are now considering three things. Lower the price. Rent out the property year by year until the economy picks up. Take it off the market and wait for awhile.

Rental vs. Dropping the Price

With total number of home sales significantly lower in October, down 33.3 % compared to 2014 some sellers want to pull out until the market improves. Can you afford to carry it or should you rent?

The Pros and Cons of Pull Out or Tough it Out?

No one likes to bite the bullet and sell at a lower price. If you can afford to carry two properties it might be a wise choice. Reality makes it a necessary option. Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage has commented, [that] "as the year plays out we’ll see continued softness in Calgary prices. The real question is how soft?"

Meet Your New Tenants – Maybe?

You may decide that a year of rental income is the better proposition but rental property managers know that the best situation for a rental is long-term. If you intend to rent on a year-by-year lease basis there are pros and cons to consider.

Best Practises for Renting out your House

Don't expect your home to be in the same condition after a year of rental i.e. tenants may not take care of your home as you would. Research your tenants and ask for a substantial deposit to cover damages. The rent may not be enough to cover your loss. If you have little or no experience with tenants, perhaps hire a property manager with years of knowledge in the business. Call Chris for more information. Mobile: 403-680-4479

Christopher Ashby
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
100, 5810 2 STREET S.W.
CALGARY, AB T2H 0H2
Office: 403-253-5305
Fax: 403-775-5156
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com

http://www.liveinokotoks.com

OPEC in the News Again

OPEC in the News Again – A Deal to Make a Deal

Algeria hosted a meeting last week of the OPEC producers. To the surprise of many they managed to reach a deal, that some are calling – A Deal-to-Make-a-Deal. The cartel agreed to cut production in the future by some 700,000 barrels per day to a production band of between 32.5 million bpd and 33 million bpd.

Oilpatch Desperately Needs a Boost Up

With a collective breath of relief the energy sector sighed as it needs a price improvement. Calgary's unemployment rate is near nine per cent. CEO Brian Schmidt, of Tamarack Valley Energy, a junior oil player, anticipates this time of year to be a time of reckoning for many in the industry. Companies who have been lucky or smart enough to have pre-sold or hedged their production will see those hedges run their term. 

But - More Cuts Could Come

According to local Ennahar TV News, Algerian Energy Minister, Nouredine Bouterfa, says, "OPEC members may find that the oil market needs more cuts. We will evaluate the market in Vienna by the end of November and if 700,000 barrels are not enough, we will go up."

OPEC’s Track Record Leaves Many Guessing

As reported by Reuters, now, OPEC is unified and speaks in one voice and this makes everything much easier. "If we need to cut by 1 percent, we will cut by 1 percent." Bouterfa told Ennahar TV. However, OPEC has a reputation for not sticking firmly to its decisions. Therefore, the market is still guessing whether a specific deal will be hammered out in November.

Service Sector Decimated

Mark Salkeld, the president of the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, explains that before the crash two years ago, the association had 235 members representing 60,000 employees and it now has 165 companies with 30,000 workers. Since the sector drills and services wells, it is always the hardest hit in a downturn.

Salkeld said his industry's best hope is in new pipelines. He stated, "Our hope is to get pipelines built, because for the services sector, that's jobs well beyond the pipelines being built, it's the job needed to keep those full with oil and gas."

Christopher Ashby
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
100, 5810 2 STREET S.W.
CALGARY, AB T2H 0H2
Mobile: 403-680-4479
Office: 403-253-5305
Fax: 403-775-5156
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

Luxury Real Estate

Are Foreigners Buying Calgary?

Yes – the Luxury Real Estate

Mark Evernden a Premium real estate agent at Engel & Volkers and Associates which represents some of the province’s most expensive residential properties says, [that] "around seventy per cent of inquiries through our website and by phone are currently out of country buyers."

While much of the interest is multi-international he says, "The biggest chunk…is from Chinese buyers." His portfolio includes several homes located on Calgary’s prestigious Pump Hill, sometimes referred to as Millionaire’s Row.

Alberta - A Good Place to Raise a Family

The largest Chinese international property website, Juwai.com, also reports inquiries specifically on Alberta properties are up 70 per cent on last year, placing the province fourth after Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.

Juwai.com's chief executive Charles Pittar (Hong Kong) says, "Chinese interest in Alberta is growing at a rapid pace." He continues, "Not every buyer from China wants a home in Vancouver or Toronto…In fact, many like the more laid-back environment in Alberta and consider it a good place to raise a family and sink roots."

Welcome with Open Arms? Not so Fast

Some say that Alberta is welcoming off-shore buyers with open arms but if it means a surge in real estate prices they complain that it makes it difficult for buyers like newly-weds to purchase their first-time home. Unlike the tidal wave of soaring real estate prices in Vancouver and Toronto, the ripple may be short-lived.

New Rules Announced this Morning

As part of a new measure to tackle speculation in Canada's housing market by foreign investors, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has just announced that foreign buyers who are not residents at the time of purchase will no longer be able to claim a principal residence exemption on their homes.

This new measure will now make the exemptions available only to home buyers who are residents at the time of purchase.

For more information and/or to book an appointment regarding your home give,

Chris a call 403-680-4479

E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com Website: http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com