newsletter only

THE BEARS ARE BACK

 

The bears are awake and travelling throughout the Bow Valley! The first bear of the year was spotted March 18th in Banff National Park. Officials believe it was Bear 122, a grizzly thought to be approximately 20 years of age, known as “the boss”. Since then, more grizzly and black bears have been seen throughout the Bow Valley.

Officials are advising everyone to start practicing bear safety right away. It is also important to respect the space and needs of all wildlife, especially after winter when there is little natural food available.

We can be good neighbours to the bears and all the wildlife that call the Bow Valley home. Check out these tips to stay aware and to respect all wildlife while living and playing in the Bow Valley. Visit WildSmart for a multitude of wildlife resources including how to manage a bear, elk, cougar, wolf, or coyote encounter.

Report bear, cougar, wolf, or aggressive wildlife:
Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks – Banff Dispatch 403-762-1470.
Canmore and Kananaskis – Kananaskis Emergency Services 403-591-7755.

SPRING HIKING IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

 

With the warmer weather and longer days, it is a great time to pull out the hiking boots and enjoy the fresh mountain air! From family-friendly jaunts and short excursions to moderate adventures and treks to share with your furry friend, there is a hike for everyone in Banff National Park! For a list of spring hikes, a packing list, and trail conditions, visit A Guide to Spring Hiking in Banff National Park. Happy hiking!

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

 

Regularly maintaining the inside and outside of your home not only keeps it looking good and functioning well but it also helps to avoid costly renovations and repairs. Small chores like replacing rotting deck boards, inspecting exterior walls, or repairing window screens can make all the difference. All it takes is a little organization, elbow grease, and a checklist of what to do each season. Check out this handy Spring Home Maintenance Checklist. Complete these spring tasks to ensure your home is in tip-top shape so you can kick back and relax this summer with backyard brews and bbq.

CANMORE & BANFF EVENTS & RESOURCES

 

The Banff Farmer’s Market and Canmore Mountain Market return this month to bring you amazing, locally made food and products! Sunshine Village & Ski Resort has a few more events in May to wrap up the ski season. Other local ski hills are transitioning to summer activities and events so watch for their summer offerings. Bow Valley golf courses are open or will be opening shortly. Canmore and Banff live music, events, performances, exhibitions, screenings, and more are returning. Click on the Canmore and Banff organizations or events below for details.

Town of Canmore COVID-19 Information & Resources

Canmore Webcams

Canmore Mountain Market 
Thursdays, May 26 – October

artsPlace
Movies, live comedy, exhibitions, classes, workshops, and more.

Canmore Museum

Canmore Brewing Company Tasting Room & Tours

Canmore Golf & Curling Club

Silvertip Golf Resort

Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club

Bow Valley Primary Care Network
Exercise, parenting, nutrition, sleep, pain management, mental health classes, and more.

Town of Banff COVID-19 Information & Resources

Banff and Lake Louise Webcams

Banff and Lake Louise Virtual 360 Tours

Banff Farmer’s Market 
Wednesdays, May 25 – September

Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Mt. Norquay Ski Resort

Banff Springs Golf Course

Banff Centre
Events, exhibitions, screenings, classes, and more.

Whyte Museum

REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE

 

The Canmore real estate market continues to experience low inventory, high demand, and price increases. The first quarter of this year shares similarities with the booming last quarter of 2021 with the exception of even lower inventory levels and quicker price increases to properties coming to market.

Although March and the beginning of April saw more listings arrive on the market, inventory is still incredibly low. With sellers hesitant to list their property and be out of the market with nowhere to go and the strong and consistent demand for mountain living and investment, inventory looks to remain low for quite some time.

Good properties are selling in multiple offers, at or above list price, and at times before the listing reaches the open market. The average days on market for listings has decreased to just 17 days as compared to 56 days at this time last year. The tight market conditions have placed further upward pressure on prices. Sale prices set new records every other week for neighbourhoods and types of properties.

Year over year, the average sale price over the last three months has increased to the following:
Note that the average sale price has been rounded.

Apartment Condominium: Increase of 13% to $663,000.

Short Term Tourist Home & Visitor Accommodation Rental: Increase of 49% to $665,000.

Townhomes: Increase of 33% to $954,000.

Detached & Semi-Detached: Median increase of 35% to $1,410,000. 

Check out my article, How to Buy a Home in a Seller’s Market, for tips on navigating the current market. If you are considering selling your mountain home or property or would like to enter the Canmore market, please reach out to our team. Barry and Jack have a wealth of knowledge and experience and will assist you in formulating a smart plan to make your maneuver in this challenging market.

SPRING HIKING IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

 

With the warmer weather and longer days, it is a great time to pull out the hiking boots and enjoy the fresh mountain air! From family-friendly jaunts and short excursions to moderate adventures and treks to share with your furry friend, there is a hike for everyone in Banff National Park! For a list of spring hikes, a packing list, and trail conditions, visit A Guide to Spring Hiking in Banff National Park. Happy hiking!

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN AND YARD FOR SPRING

 

It’s that time of year again when those of us who love the outdoors can’t wait to venture into our gardens and yards. As the weather improves, it’s the perfect time to knock a few tasks off of your to-do list and enjoy that fresh spring air. Don’t forget that your yard is one of the first things a potential buyer or your neighbours see, so it’s a great place to add some curb appeal. Here are 4 Tips for Preparing Your Garden and Yard for Spring.

CANMORE & BANFF EVENTS & RESOURCES

 

Check out our local ski hills as they are hosting many events to wrap up the ski season. Canmore and Banff live music, events, performances, exhibitions, screenings, and more are slowly returning and are taking place in various forms including online and in person with safety protocols. Click on the Canmore and Banff organizations or events below for details.

Town of Canmore COVID-19 Information & Resources

Canmore Webcams

artsPlace
Movies, live comedy, exhibitions, classes, workshops, and more.

Canmore Museum

Live Music at Communitea Cafe
April 21 & May 6

Northern Quarter @ Canmore Brewing Company
April 23

Bow Valley Primary Care Network
Exercise, parenting, nutrition, sleep, pain management, mental health classes, and more.

Town of Banff COVID-19 Information & Resources

Banff and Lake Louise Webcams

Banff and Lake Louise Virtual 360 Tours

Live Music at The Juniper
April 29 & May 7

Banff Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Mt. Norquay Ski Resort

Banff Centre
Events, exhibitions, screenings, classes, and more.

Whyte Museum

REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE

 

Low inventory, high demand, record sales and sales volume, as well as price increases, ruled 2021. The first three months of this year have started in a similar manner with the exception of even lower inventory levels and quicker price increases to properties coming to market.

Although February and the beginning of March saw more listings arrive on the market, sales kept pace, holding inventory at a record low. With sellers hesitant to list their property and be out of the market with nowhere to go and the strong and consistent demand for mountain living and investment, inventory looks to remain low for quite some time.

Good properties are selling in multiple offers, at or above list price, and at times before the listing reaches the open market. As an example, through February, detached and semi-detached homes sold on average 5% over the list price. The average days on market for listings has also decreased to just 20 days. The tight market conditions have placed further upward pressure on prices. Sale prices set new records every other week for neighbourhoods and types of properties.

Year over year, the average sale price over the last three months has increased to the following:
Note that the average sale price has been rounded.

Apartment Condominium: Increase of 13% to $663,000.

Short Term Tourist Home & Visitor Accommodation Rental: Increase of 49% to $665,000.

Townhomes: Increase of 33% to $954,000.

Detached & Semi-Detached: Median increase of 35% to $1,410,000. 

If you are considering selling your mountain home or property or would like to enter the Canmore market, please reach out to our team. Barry and Jack have a wealth of knowledge and experience and will assist you in formulating a smart plan to make your maneuver in this challenging market.

HOW TO BUY A HOME IN A SELLER’S MARKET

 

Canmore is currently in a seller’s market and is expected to remain in one through the year. This is great news if you already own a home and are considering selling it. On the other hand, those who have their sights set on buying a mountain property this year will have to prepare accordingly. Check out these tips for How to Buy a Home in a Seller’s Market.