I hope 2025 is off to a great start! Speaking of the future, have you gotten your hands on a VR headset yet? The technology that was once purely science fiction is now transforming how we live, work, and even buy homes. This month's newsletter explores how virtual reality is changing real estate and home living.
In real estate news, there's positive momentum as the Bank of Canada cut rates again by 50 basis points, bringing welcome news for buyers and homeowners alike.
And looking ahead into 2025, we'll cover this year's Color of the Year and how this trending shade might inspire your next home project or renovation.
As always, I'm here to help with any real estate questions you have! Enjoy the newsletter!
2024 marks another strong year for sales and price growth
The year ended with 1,322 sales in December, a three per cent decline over last year, but nearly 20 per cent higher than long-term trends. Overall sales in 2024 were just shy of last year’s levels, as gains for higher-priced homes offset pullbacks in the lower price ranges caused by supply challenges. “Population gains over the past several years have supported sales activity that has outperformed long-term trends. In 2024, sales would likely have been higher if there was more supply choice, especially in the lower price ranges,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®...READ MORE
10th Annual Legacy Christmas Light Parade (until Jan 14) Legacy’s 10th annual Christmas light display brightens Calgary with over a million lights. Celebrate a decade of holiday cheer in this magical community tradition! Toddler Time (Jan 10 – 31) Every Friday, bring your little ones (ages 0-5) for storytime, crafts, coloring, and more at The Confluence Cultural Centre! Admission includes the program and access to explore the centre, with supervision required (up to 4 children per adult). Guided Exhibition Tour (Jan 11 & 25) Explore the rich histories of The Confluence in a one-hour guided tour featuring stories, photographs, and a walk through the cultural centre’s exhibits. Your visit includes a presentation in the Burnswest Theatre, a tour of the permanent exhibition, and time to explore on your own. Call and Response (Jan 16 – 26) Join their 40th Anniversary celebration with a lively show featuring New Orleans’ Falling Bullets Jazz Band, led by Marla Dixon. Experience toe-tapping, hip-shaking jazz as part of the High Performance Rodeo, hosted by One Yellow Rabbit! The Calgary Motorcycle and Powersport Show (Jan 31 – Feb 2) Don’t miss Canada’s premier event for riders of all ages and styles at the BMO Centre, featuring 2025’s most anticipated models, including cutting-edge electric vehicles. East Village Hygge Hut (until Mar 31) Enjoy cozy firepits at the Hygge Hut on RiverWalk, east of the Simmons Building, now through March 2025. Open Fridays 2–6 PM, weekends and holidays 11 AM–5 PM (closed Dec 23–Jan 9), with easy access by bike, transit, or car!
Canada doubles Secondary Suite Loan Program to $80K with 2% interest over 15 years, with new mortgage refinancing options up to 90% of post-renovation value starting Jan 15, 2025.
The Bank of Canada cuts rates another 50 basis points on December 11th to 3.25%. Consumer spending and housing continue strengthening as rates trend lower, boosting affordability.
Remember watching sci-fi movies where characters could transform their living spaces with the push of a button? Thanks to the latest VR technology, that future isn't just possible – it's already here and surprisingly affordable. Let's explore how VR is changing home experiences.
Imagine having an unlimited budget for home renovations, without spending a dime. With VR's mixed reality features, you can visualize different paint colours, furniture arrangements, or complete room makeovers before making any real changes. It's like having a risk-free renovation playground in your living space.
You can boost your home office productivity with virtual monitors floating in the air or work with a beautiful beach backdrop to boost your mood. Missing family across the country? Virtual meetups now feel real, allowing you to sit in the same room with loved ones or take a virtual walk in their neighbourhood.
Fitness enthusiasts will love how VR turns any room into a personal gym. Your living room could become a boxing ring, a yoga studio with a virtual instructor, or an exotic hiking trail. Better yet, you can work out with friends from anywhere in the world, making exercise both social and fun.
Home entertainment becomes epic with VR. A studio apartment can instantly house a theater-sized screen, or put you inside the movie itself. Gamers will appreciate how physical furniture becomes part of the gaming environment (your coffee table might become cover in a shooter game) while your walls hide virtual treasures. Watch your favourite sports games live as if you were sitting in the stands.
For homeowners and buyers, VR is game-changing. Tour properties from your couch, visualize pre-construction homes, or learn home maintenance skills with virtual step-by-step guidance. Want to add a pool? See exactly how it would look in your backyard first.
The technology that once seemed distant is now making our homes more versatile than ever. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply looking to enhance your daily living experience, VR is opening doors to possibilities we're only beginning to explore.
Nestled in southeast Calgary, Midnapore offers a mix of housing options, from cozy condos to spacious single-family homes. At its heart is Midnapore Lake, where residents enjoy swimming, skating, fishing, and family-friendly events. The community boasts easy access to Fish Creek Park’s trails, picnic areas, and wildlife. Local highlights include top-rated schools, a bustling shopping hub at Shawnessy Village, and the nearby YMCA. With convenient LRT access and quick routes to major roads, Midnapore is perfect for families, nature lovers, and those seeking a balance of lake living and urban amenities.
