Welcome friends, family & clients alike to the November edition of this month newsletter.

 This edition is especially important as we will begin to cover a number of topics that will hopefully leave you better prepared to face the Real Estate market.

 Whether you aspire to purchase a property which suits your needs, or when trying to sell one of your very own, our intent is to support you along the way.

On the buying side, the focus will be on the upcoming (and dreaded) hike in interests rates, and what these proposed changes could mean to your bottom line.

 Winter is also fast approaching and we will try our best to ease you into the cold with a few tips. Whether preparing your home for the season, or when looking at properties under heaps of snow, there are always things to keep in mind and be aware of!

For sellers, it would appear as though higher levels of inventory will continue to be the trend in the forseeable future. The expected increase in interest rates will ultimately leave fewer people with the buying power they have under our current favorable rates.

 This would suggest that while we are in a buyers’ market, the consequent rise in interest rates will force certain buyers to reassess how much can be borrowed and which opportunities to pursue.

 The good news is for those who are already locked into reasonable rates, and great news still for those who get pre-approved in the limited time available before these mortgage changes are likely put into effect.

Real Estate News

A highly noteworthy and modern piece of legislation known as The Condominium Property Amendment Act (CPAA) will officially go into affect as of January 18th, 2018. It was initially passed in December 2014, but has undergone a period of consultation (open as well to the public until November 10t of this month).

It is described as having the intended purpose of supporting “responsible self-governance of vibrant condominium communities and to protect owners of condominiums.”

The following excerpts can be found at:https://www.alberta.ca/condominium-consultation.aspx, as they relate to the three summarized phases of their plans.

Phase 1 focused on new protections for buyers of newly-built and conversion condominiums. Albertans were consulted in 2015 on:

• better purchase disclosures at the point-of-sale, including occupancy date for their unit

• realistic operating budget and estimated condo fees

• trust money safeguards

• cancellation rights for certain long term contracts entered into by the developer

Phase II addresses how condo boards govern themselves, including:

• insurance requirements

• voting procedures

• reserve fund plans

Phase III will establish a condominium dispute tribunal that is intended to be an affordable and efficient forum to resolve condo disputes between condo boards, owners, occupants, and other interested parties. Once available, it will provide a lower-cost alternative to the courts for condo owners.

More detailed information can also be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=48750B0ABE17D-9966-6836-51C687E3FCFF9BF0. This is a must read for those who own, or seek to own a condominium unit(s). It is an empowering piece of legislation which will only aid and protect the best interests of condo owners and their associated partners/stakeholders.