As the summer months are just around the corner, that means it’s also garage sale season! Cost of living continues to be a hot topic of discussion in Calgary, so in this issue I’ll talk about garage sales so you can make your dollar stretch further. Father’s Day is also coming up, so I’m also sharing some ideas for outdoor chairs for Dad—he’s in for a treat!
Don't miss out on the latest market statistics, discover upcoming summer events, and get the latest real estate news. I’m also shining a spotlight on another special neighborhood this month.
As always, I’m here to help with any real estate needs or questions you might have. Enjoy reading!
Calgary home sales remain robust despite supply shortages in lower price ranges
In a market that continues to show resilience, May saw a total of 3,092 resale home sales. While this figure is nearly one per cent below last year's record high, it is 34 per cent higher than long-term trends for the month. The pullback in sales was primarily driven by declines in lower-priced detached and semi-detached homes, where there was limited supply choice compared to last year. "Although new listings have increased, much of this growth is in higher price ranges for each property type," said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®...READ MORE
The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is advising consumers to evaluate the risks of condition-free offers to purchase property In Calgary's highly competitive real estate market, where the limited supply of homes often results in multiple offers, it's tempting to make a condition-free offer to stand out. However, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) urges caution with this strategy. Typically, offers to purchase include specific conditions that must be met within a set timeframe for the sale to proceed. Without these safeguards, you risk significant financial and legal complications if unforeseen issues arise. Always weigh the potential risks before opting for a condition-free offer to ensure a smooth and secure home buying experience.
Heritage Park Children’s Festival (Jun 15 – 16) Discover a day of endless fun for kids! With exclusive activities like face painting, live music, puppet shows, and more, don’t miss this enchanting event where children can explore and play! Wings and Wheels at The Hangar Flight Museum (Jun 15 – 16) Every Father's Day weekend, local car clubs join to showcase special vehicles alongside aircrafts. Enjoy family fun with flying crafts, a vehicle show, and optional helicopter tours by LR Helicopters (extra fee). Sponsored by De Havilland Canada in 2024! Calgary Zoo: Father’s Day Brunch (Jun 16) Make Father’s Day unforgettable with a zoo brunch! Enjoy delicious food, explore wildlife, and let kids craft personalized gifts. It’s a day Dad won’t forget! Calgary International Bachata y Cultural Festival (Jun 21 – 23) Don't miss the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival at the Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre! Experience a weekend of dance, rhythm, and global cultural celebration with top instructors. The Kensington Night Market (Jun 27) Explore the market, enjoy local vendors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment of Kensington. Sound Atlas Music Festival (Jun 27 – 29) Latitude 49 and Land’s End Ensemble are excited to co-host the 2nd annual music festival at Contemporary Calgary. Showcasing works by living composers and exceptional performances by local and global sound artists, the festival offers a rich variety of musical genres to enjoy. CountryFest: Cowboys Music Festival (Jul 4) Don't miss the kickoff of CMF 2024 at Cowboys Music Festival! Join Kip Moore, Brett Kissel, and Cooper Alan for a night of country legends and hits!
WHERE ELSE CAN I FIND HIDDEN TREASURES?
Estate Sales Estate sales are organized to sell the possessions of a household, typically due to downsizing, moving, or the passing of a homeowner. These sales offer a wide variety of items, often including furniture, antiques, and collectibles. Professional estate sale companies usually manage these events, ensuring an organized and efficient process.
Churches and Community Centers Churches and community centers frequently host garage sales and flea markets as fundraisers. These events bring together community members, offering donated items at bargain prices. They often include additional activities such as bake sales or raffles to enhance the fundraising efforts.
Listings on Facebook, Craigslist, Kijiji Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji are popular for listing garage sales in cities. These platforms allow sellers to reach a broad audience, providing details about the sale, including location, date, time, and highlighted items. They also offer tools for buyers to search for specific types of sales and items, making it easier to plan their shopping routes.
Influence of Home Values and Demographics on Garage Sales When it comes to garage sales, price isn’t everything—it’s important to know where to look. You’re more likely to find higher quality items like designer clothes, upscale furniture and electronics in more affluent neighbourhoods. Residents in these areas may tend to upgrade more often, and select higher quality items when purchasing.
Tips for Successful Bargain Hunting Do your research and look through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji to find garage sales in your area. Look for multi-family sales or neighborhood-wide events for a larger selection. Plan your route to hit the most promising sales first. Prioritize sales that start earlier in the day, and show up early before the good stuff gets snapped up.
How to Negotiate for a Better Deal The truth is, the seller is just trying to get rid of their old stuff. There’s definitely room for negotiation. Before you negotiate however, you should show interest in the product and ask questions. Once you’re sure you want it, try offering a lower price that’s reasonable, or by offering to purchase more items for a bulk price. Above all, make sure you do it in a respectful manner and be ready to walk away if the price isn’t right.
Conclusion Garage sales offer a fantastic opportunity to find hidden treasures. Whether exploring estate sales, community events, or online listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Kijiji, there's always a chance to score great deals. Affluent neighborhoods often yield higher quality items, and effective negotiation can help you get the best prices. By planning ahead, doing your research, and approaching each sale with a friendly attitude, you can maximize your garage sale experience. Happy hunting!
Nolan Hill is a charming residential neighbourhood that exudes a quaint, Old-World atmosphere with its stone accents and castle ruins-inspired architecture. Situated in the northwest quadrant of the city, it offers a mix of housing options, predominantly featuring single-family homes, townhouses, and spacious duplexes.
The community is known for its picturesque landscapes, numerous green spaces, and modern playgrounds, making it ideal for families. Convenient amenities include local shopping centers and easy access to major roadways, enhancing its appeal as a comfortable suburban retreat.
