Cynthia's Thoughts....

Spring is finally here, the weather is warmer and buyers are out in full force looking for good properties! With the low inventory, a good listing is snatched up almost instantly! So BUYERS, make sure you have everything in place to make an offer!  And SELLERS, if you have been sitting on the fence waiting for a good time to list, don’t wait any longer, it's time to strike while the iron’s hot.  Please make sure you read the CREB® press release about how the Calgary housing market is shaping up. We live in such a great city!!!
 
I am busy like everyone else, juggling work and family and private time, but I believe it’s important for us to give back to the community when we are able.  Amongst the many charitable organizations in Calgary that are looking for volunteers, I have chosen to donate my time and money to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Please read the article below all about this great charity and how you can help!  If you have any questions or ideas on how to help this good cause, please let me know.  I would be happy to fill you in!
 
Remember, "children are our future", we have to do all we can to prepare them for Greatness.  Please try to do what you can to help kids not just in our city but all around the world.  

Take care and I'll talk to you next month if not sooner!
 
Cynthia

Single-family prices reach new high

Sellers’ market conditions push up prices across all categories
 
The benchmark price of single-family homes reached a new high of $452,900 in April, as market conditions that favour the seller finally drove prices above the unadjusted peak of 2007.

“It’s really encouraging to see that the Calgary market remains strong,” said Becky Walters, president of CREB®’s board of directors. “It’s reassuring to both buyers and sellers to see that this area is outperforming many parts of the country.”  » Click Here

To Refinance or Not to Refinance your Mortgage

With historic low interest rates, it's hard to resist the idea of refinancing your mortgage to get a lower interest rate. Whether you're interested in a lower rate, consolidating debt, or tapping into your home equity, it is best to review all your options and consider the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding. » Click Here

Alberta town selling downtown lots for $1

The town of Mundare is selling downtown lots for a loonie to attract new businesses.
 
“This is absolutely legit,” said Mundare mayor Mike Saric. “We'll be happy to give anyone the lot for free -- well, actually a dollar — if they're willing to come to our community and set up their business.” And that’s not all.
 
Anyone who takes advantage of the deal will also be given sizable tax incentives, including no property tax during construction and reduced rates for the first three years their business is in operation. But there is a catch. » Click Here

RBC Poll: Top 3 Mistakes Made by Home Buyers

A recent poll completed by RBC says that 60% of homeowners feel they made at least one mistake when they bought a new home. The top three mistakes often made by home buyers were:
1.Buying a house needing significant renovations
2.Did not have a big enough down payment
3.Did not get a home inspection  » Click Here

Honda Smart Home US To Use Solar Power To Charge Fit EV

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced yesterday its plan to create the Honda Smart Home US, a showcase for environmental innovation and renewable energy enabling technologies that demonstrates Honda’s vision for sustainable, zero-carbon living and personal mobility.

This vision includes the use of solar power to charge a Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle.
 
A groundbreaking held April 25 at the construction site on the campus of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), marked the start of the building process, which will be documented and shared through the Honda Smart Home US website. » Click Here

YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

My business partner, Barry, and I recently joined the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to help raise money for under-privileged children and their families in Canada. Anything you can do to help this cause will make a difference!

Below is more information from the website about this opportunity.
 
In 2013, our goal is to raise $1.5 million to help enrich the lives of 20,000 children and youth in Calgary. All money raised goes directly to children and youth so they can belong, grow, thrive, and lead. » Click Here

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