CALGARY, Alberta — Alberta’s premier warned on Thursday that the Western Canadian province faced a $6 billion shortfall in revenue due to deeply discounted prices for its crude oil but offered no specifics on how to prevent falling deeper into the red.

Alberta’s financial forecasts have been thrown into disarray by fast-growing output from its vast oil sands and limited pipeline capacity to move it to markets in the United States and elsewhere. That has pulled the price of a barrel down to less than half that of international benchmark Brent oil.
The situation has prompted Premier Alison Redford and her government to warn of a tough budget on March 7, and raised questions about her ability to meet a promise of erasing its budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.

Quite simply, we have to put Alberta’s finances on a more stable footing. A province as prosperous as Alberta should not be as susceptible as we are to swings in the price of oil and gas

In an eight-minute televised address, Redford explained the reasons for the sharply reduced take from Alberta’s biggest industry and pledged not to raise taxes to make up the difference, but did not say where she will cut spending.

In fact, she made note of strong desire in the province of 3.8 million people for new roads, schools and healthcare facilities.

“Despite falling oil revenues, I give you my commitment that as we deliver our long-term economic plan for Alberta, we will be thoughtful in our approach and we will deliver on these priorities,” she said.

Alberta is Canada’s largest oil-producing province and the largest foreign energy supplier to the United States, and had become used to boom times until the oil market weakened last year.
Redford has been an enthusiastic promoter of TransCanada Corp’s contentious Keystone XL pipeline, which would carry Alberta’s crude to refineries in Texas.

The project took a series of steps forward this week as the governor of Nebraska approved a new route for the long-delayed project through the state and 53 U.S. senators urged U.S. President Barack Obama to approve it. However, Obama’s decision is not expected for several months.
Alberta is considering a host of other potential routes to new markets that could lead to higher returns, but Redford cautioned that long-term solutions will not be quick.

In the meantime, Alberta, which derives 30% of its overall revenue from the oil industry, will be $6 billion short of its revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year, she said.

Recently, the bitumen crude from the oil sands has sold for more than $40 a barrel below U.S. light crude, leading the Bank of Canada this week to also point out the national economy was feeling the effects as well.

“It will take focus and determination over the next several years to open new markets. And that is job one for my government,” Redford said.

The Progressive Conservative government, in power since 1971 and re-elected last year, is being pilloried by its opponents for forecasts they say that have been far too rosy, for relying too heavily on the fortunes of a highly cyclical industry and for tapping debt markets.

“It doesn’t do any good to talk about how we might have pipelines four or five or six years from now,” said Danielle Smith, leader of the opposition Wildrose Party. “What is the plan over the next three or four or five years to get us accustomed to this new reality of lower energy prices and lower revenues?”

Redford was vague as she cautioned about upcoming spending cuts in programs and services “that are not sustainable over the long term.”

“Quite simply, we have to put Alberta’s finances on a more stable footing. A province as prosperous as Alberta should not be as susceptible as we are to swings in the price of oil and gas.”

Great location on a Humongous Lot 65' x 100'! Attached Garage. Newer windows, Newer Furnace, Newer Water tank, Newer Humidifier. Original hardwood in main floor and upper hallway, also hardwood under carpets of bedrooms. Two fireplaces, one with natural gas, one woodburning. Gas and electric hook-ups for dryer. Updated kitchen cabinets. Huge deck and beautiful backyard. Desirable neighbourhood close to shopping(Starbuks), schools, bus and LRT. This home is located within walking distance of Chinook Park Elementary School, Henry Wise Wood High School. Location!Location! Location!

Oasis in the city.Come and view this Estate family home overlooking the natural beauty of Fish Creek Park. Upon entering this home you'll be greeted by a grand open curved staircase, a generous living room, a large den & family room and an amazing kitchen including granite counter tops, rich cabinetry and custom built-ins. Ceramic tile and recently installed rich acacia walnut hardwood enhance the openness of the main floor. The large windows brighten the home and the park like setting is yours to enjoy. The expansive upper level includes three generously sized bedrooms plus a marvellous master suite with views over looking the park. The Master Bedroom also includes a sprawling spa like en suite complete with his & hers sinks and a generous walk-in closet. The impressive walk out level includes a sizable area to entertain quests, 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath. Central air conditioning and in-floor heating installed for your enjoyment.

昨天/周一 一位买家和我预约本周末看4套房子，我一看其中一套房子的地段、价位根本留不到周末，所以今天中午带妻子看房了。仔细研讨过我发送的信息后，妻子决定只看这套就行了。


看了很久，从房子出来在车上签完OFFER时，看到另外一位华人经纪开车过来，没注意到车上客户的情况。下午卖家代理来电话说接到那位华人经纪的OFFER，卖家代理准备晚上9：30见卖家。在这种情况下，买家只有尽全力了，我们商量好战术了，就等着晚上递OFFER了。


再说说另一个房子的情况，今天凌晨/周二忙完全部功课后，我把一套房子上传到MLS系统中，本来周二上传新房源不算太好，可以等等的。但是上周客户要收拾家，已经耽搁了一周了，所以就赶早上传了。好家伙，一大早就有买家代理和我约看房，前前后后到晚上6：50应该有10个上下看房的了。早些在分析什么价位段挂牌好些时，深思熟虑后我建议卖家不要挂太高了，会把买家吓跑了，其实我们最后定的价格是卖家入住了两年后还加上全部的杂费的价格，卖家不赔的。2010年末35.7万购买的，目前挂牌399，000，那可是原始1959年的装修啊。总之，6点收到第一份OFFER，8点收到第二个OFFER，我晚上9点见卖家。


第一套房子的卖家代理7点前后来电话了，说那位华人经纪退出了，就我们一份OFFER了。这样，我们提前研究好的战士就不用了，我们也不用再出新OFFER了。我就赶快通知买家好消息，我们几乎胜利在握了。


第二套房子呢，我九点和卖家见面了。收到第二份OFFER后，我通知第一份offer的经纪人，对方反败为胜，从38万提升到399，999；而另一个OFFER是39.5万，我本来还以为他可以拿下呢。就这样我们准备签下399，999，结果买家代理传给我的文件是倒着的，我的先进签字软件不好用，我还得赶快回公司打印。

一切都挺顺利呢，意外出现了。第一套房子的卖家在9：30给我来电话，通知我他的合作伙伴出了一份OFFER（他岂不是都知道我们的出价），这样就有变成2份OFFER了。而且，卖方代理退出来，交由公司的另外一位同事处理OFFER的事，约好10点见卖家。

这突如其来的变化，才给我们半小时的时间，让我们怎么办呀？就是蓄意的。我只得放下自己的OFFER，从公司赶到买家家中，签好备份的绝招OFFER，FAX给卖家代理同事。

然后赶回我的卖家家中，完成第二套房子的签字程序，那时已经10：30了。我还得回到公司，将卖家签完的有改动的合同发回给买家代理，11：59也就是半夜前，让对方签回来才行。就因为我的卖家家中没有扫描仪可用。

那时已经好11点了，结果第一套房子的同事来电话，他们不接受我们的“绝招”，我们还得再次口头出价。这可怎么办呀？另外一份OFFER、和我谈判的都是一个公司的，这不是想玩死我嘛？？？我提出，半小时内我的客户、我同时抵达对方公司，亲自亲口出价，因为我们不信任对方。结果，对方说那样太晚了，好11：30了，也许可以今晚哪个OFFER也不接，明天再谈。这套房子今天是第二天，拖一天对我的买家就越不利。战场上，什么事情都可能发生。这可是得当机立断的呀（头痛！），我和买家商量后，买家只肯出到325，000，挂牌价格是324，900。我根本不乐观，我的客户可以拿下。但是，买家只能出到这个价位，也不想被人家耍，我也没办法，总不能拿枪逼着我的客户加价吧。口头报价后，然后就是寂静地等待。。。（我当时心里都闪过一丝两套房子都没有结果的不良好感觉，商场---瞬息万变啊！）

等待时，第二套房子，我的房子的买家代理将最后的合同签好，FAX回来了，已经11：30了。赶快通知卖家好消息。

同时，第一套房子回复消息了，因为我的买家贷款能力高，最后3位卖家接受了我的OFFER。并且将最后签字时间从原来的11：59PM（两套房子截至时间都是今晚半夜）延迟到1am。我的天呀，又开车去买家了，这时路上已经有薄雪了，开始起雾了。到达买家已经半夜了，再回复了买家一打问题后，买家签完字。

打道回府，DEERFOOT上听着音乐、顶着浓雾、吃着桃子（下午3：30点才吃的午饭，晚饭省略了），12：50到家，12：59发送回去签好字的合同。两套房子Conditional Sold告一段落。

凌晨2：17完成帖子，已经周三了。

ONE SPECIAL HOME!! WALK UP Basement. ACROSS FROM A PARK. Total of 5 bedroom, (3)four piece bathrooms & a 1/2 on main, 2 kitchens, 2 laundry rooms!!NEUTRAL DECOR & IN GREAT CONDITION. WOW!! There is a full width veranda to enjoy the afternoon sun & A great view of the park. The living room is open to the kitchen & dining area plus the large window overlooks the veranda allowing lots of natural light. Kitchen with central island & breakfast bar,(granite tops) corner pantry & window to view children while working in your kitchen. Upper level: Owners bedroom offers huge walk-in closet plus a 4 pc. bathroom. 2 more bedrooms plus laundry room. 2nd bedroom offers closet organizers. Lower Level: Separate entrance, 9' celings, large windows, 2 bedrooms, 4 piece bath & great room concept kitchen/living room.Note a double parking pad at back. Your home is located near a bus stop and new retail shopping. Quick possession is possible.

Calgary, Jan. 16, 2013 – The resale housing market in Calgary and area will see moderate sales and house price growth in 2013, CREB® said today at its annual forecast.

Sales growth in the city is expected to ease to 2.2 per cent this year, with house prices rising by 2.9 per cent.

“Slower growth trends in employment combined with lower migration estimates will impact sales growth across all resale sectors, and, as listings continue to decline, this will further dampen sales growth, particularly in the single-family market,” Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist, said at the 2013 CREB® Forecast Conference & Tradeshow. “However, as the overall market remains well supplied, prices will continue to grow but not at the levels seen in 2012.”

In 2012, Calgary’s single-family market recorded sales growth of nearly 15 per cent. With a decline in the level of new single-family listings, that is expected to ease to 1.8 per cent this year. Prices are estimated to rise by three per cent.

Becky Walters, president of CREB®’s 2013 board of directors, said the city and surrounding areas are seeing good resale activity.

“We have a nice, balanced market, and it’s expected to see some growth this year,” Walters said. “Although some big markets in Canada are stumbling, Calgary is hot on the heels of a year of recovery, with the forecast saying the market is going to stay in positive territory.”

In the condominium market, sales are expected to increase by three per cent, with a moderate price appreciation of 2.4 per cent for condo apartments and 2.8 per cent for condo townhouses.

Although the prediction is for a “balanced” resale housing market, Lurie said there are numerous risks in the market.

“The largest risk in our market is related to concerns in the oil sector,” she said. “They are facing pipeline constraints and lack of access to more diverse markets, impacting the price they receive for their oil. If the discounts on our oil persist, this clearly could impact the job sector and, ultimately, the housing market.”

加拿大的传统住房市场正显示出放缓的迹象，但高端市场的活跃程度仍然火热。

这是Sotheby’s International Realty Canada一份报告的结论。该公司专门为寻求豪宅的买家提供服务，涵盖多伦多、蒙特利尔、卡尔加里和温哥华等城市。

报告指出，在多伦多、蒙特利尔和卡尔加里，价值超过100万加元的房屋销售在2012年都实现了同比增长。仅在卡尔加里，豪宅销售量在2012年比2011年增长了20%。尽管多伦多和蒙特利尔的销售增长不如卡尔加里强劲，但仍保持正增长。

“进入2013年，预计价值超过100万加元的住房市场将继续升温，来自本地和国际买家的需求将不断增加，”苏富比在报告中表示。

然而，温哥华市场则有所回落，价值超过100万加元的房屋销售量同比下降了34%，从2011年的高点回落。

即使在温哥华，2012年上半年仍有22%的高端房屋以高于要价成交。但到了下半年，这一比例下降到了5%。

卡尔加里表现强劲

与前一年相比，2012年卡尔加里的豪宅挂牌数量增长了近三分之二，而实际成交量则增长了20%。

在加拿大最大的城市多伦多，高端市场依然活跃。苏富比表示，该市的豪宅挂牌量增长了25%，销售量增长了“相当健康”的13%。

“罗瑟代尔（Rosedale）和布莱德尔小径（Bridle Path）等高端社区的房地产依旧非常抢手，”该公司指出。

在蒙特利尔，尽管豪宅市场的需求不如其他城市强劲，但总体仍保持增长态势。

苏富比表示，2012年下半年，蒙特利尔价值超过100万加元的房屋挂牌量比2011年同期增长了19%。而过去两年中，超过要价成交的高端房产比例一直维持在3%到5%之间。

苏富比还表示，他们对加拿大高端房地产市场充满信心，并计划今年将业务拓展至两个新城市：埃德蒙顿和魁北克市。

Figures from Statistics Canada show a net number of 56,000 people moved to Alberta in the first three quarters of 2012, which suggests that a new record could be set once the remaining numbers come in. The net migration figure is the difference between the number of people who moved to Alberta and those who left.

According to ATB Financial, this figure is even greater than what was seen in 2005 and 2006, the years of the last Alberta boom.

"Alberta is the hottest job market in the country and one of the best places in fact in the industrialized world," said Todd Hirsch, senior economist with ATB Financial.

While the booming job market is good news for Alberta, Hirsch warns the population increase will also increase demands on the province's education and health care systems.

Americans coming to Alberta

Many newcomers are coming to Alberta from outside of the country — over the past six years, the number of immigrants has doubled.

Ronald Smith, a civil designer, has worked at Edmonton-based Stantec for a year after moving from Florida.

Smith was working in a convenience store to pay the bills while he looked for a job in his field, even responding to postings in Australia and the United Kingdom.

"The land development industry dried up so I had to expand my boundaries to look in other places," he said.

Stantec vice-president Keith Shillington says the continuing economic problems in the United States is forcing people to look farther afield for a job.

"As the recession has prolonged down there, we're finding more Americans willing to make the move up to Alberta," he said..

As for Smith, he is enjoying living in Edmonton so far and is happy with the opportunities offered by his new employer.

CIBC的最新调查是在不同方面的基础上得出的，排名依次为：
1， Toronto, ON - 20.6
2，Calgary, AB - 19.5
3，Regina, SK - 18.4
4，Winnipeg, MB - 18.4
5，Staskatoon, SK - 18.2
6，Edmonton, AB - 17.8
7，Ottawa, ON - 16.8
8，Vancouver, BC - 14.0
9，Halifax, NS - 13.8
10，Saguenay, QC - 12.2

多伦多拥有加拿大最具活力的经济，但随着房地产市场放缓和政府刺激项目的结束，它也面临着来年一些最大的风险，加拿大帝国商业银行（CIBC）的一份最新报告指出。

该银行的“城市活动指数”显示，卡尔加里的经济活力排名全国第二，其次是里贾纳。

虽然报告对这两个草原省城市的经济表示积极评价，但多伦多将面临“一项重大挑战，那就是维持当前经济动能的能力”，CIBC副首席经济学家本杰明·塔尔（Benjamin Tal）写道。

“房地产市场的放缓、联邦和省级政府许多基础设施刺激项目的结束、制造业增长轨迹预计将放慢以及零售贸易活动的疲软，将共同拖累该市在2013年的整体经济动能，”他补充说。

大多伦多地区约占加拿大经济活动的五分之一，而多伦多市本身就占全国GDP的11%。多伦多的经济放缓不可避免地会对全国其他地区产生负面影响。

CIBC的指数根据九项标准对加拿大主要大都市区进行排名，包括人口和就业增长、个人和企业破产率以及多项住房指标。

尽管多伦多在这些单项指标中没有一项排名第一，但整体得分足够高，因此排名总榜首，该报告指出。

不过，多伦多的房地产行业已出现明显放缓，而该行业占其经济总量的约14%。CIBC数据显示，2012年第三季度，多伦多的住房总销售量同比下降超过10%。

相比之下，住房开工量仍在增长，这让一些观察人士担忧该市的公寓市场可能存在过度建设的风险。

卡尔加里房地产回归正常

------2012年我们看到了经历四年的房地产微弱市场的尾声

Calgary,一月二日, 2013–卡尔加里的民宅市场在2012年终岁尾以超过2011年15%的交易量收尾，市场基准价上涨5%，卡尔加里的房地产市场终于走出阴霾。房地产市场在2007年达到了近几年的巅峰，之后的几年调整是引领房地产市场向正确的方向发展的必需（市场是不可能总涨不降的）。

市场持续恢复的主动力来源于能源业的增长，伴随着其它行业的改善，包括房地产市场本身。当然了，就业率的提升、移民人口的增加也支撑了房地产市场的改善，并且这一趋势会以缓慢的速度继续支撑2013年房地产行业的发展。

在卡尔加里城市界内，独立屋市场销售增长的步伐远远超过共管公寓市场，与2011年相比，2012年涨幅为15%。新挂牌量并没有齐头并进，而是比2011年降低7%。这也是房屋价格上涨的原因之一，因为市场上流通的可选库存房源明显降低。

买家呢，密切关注市场价值，一见到上市价格符合他们中长期需求的房屋，他们会立即出手买下。价格增长速度短期会放缓，但是绝大部分社区房屋价格仍然会保持在2007年峰值以下。

12月份市场基准价保持在$434,800，比去年同期涨8.7%。总体来说，独立屋市场2012年涨幅为7%，比2007年巅峰值低2%！！！

公寓销售也改善不少，因为不断降低的独立屋库存伴随时刻上调的价格，使得部分买家寻求可替代的房源。2012年的共管公寓、排屋市场成交量分别上涨12%、16%。同时，两个市场的新挂牌量都降低了，使得市场保持均衡水平。不过，两个市场价格增长的步伐却赶不上“风骚”的独立屋市场。

公寓市场12月份基准价为$248,700，比去年同期上涨5.4%。2012年度市场基准均价比去年同期小幅攀升2%，比房地场市场总体均价涨幅5%低了不少。

2012年市场均价的涨幅会误导大家，因为全年有几套百万以上的公寓售出 。 因为不少房屋成交价为于高端，所以均价、中间价比市场基准价稍高一些。

卡尔加里2013年的房地产市场成交量、成交价格均会放缓步伐，但是仍然和全国总体房地产市场往下调整的态势大相径庭。我们的市场并没有和其它城市一个步伐恢复，其实2012年才是卡尔加里二手房市场自2007年巅峰过后的第一次回归到正常市场水平。

预计2013年天然气行业会持续低迷，而石油行业又相当敏感，在这种大气候下，期待房地产市场大涨，好像不太现实。

Springbank Hill Real Estate Report     Oct.~ Dec. 27

人们还真喜欢西山的这些设区，第四季度光地皮就卖了四处，最便宜的小地块售价27.1万，门朝北的WALKOUT远山景观地皮售价刚过50万。

公寓售出5套，一室公寓带地下停车位售价为$232,500。4套两室两卫带地下停车位的成交均价为$276,375。

 独立屋售价最低的是一套2000年建成的1603平方尺、地下室没装修的前置双车位房屋，售价47.5万，是个好deal。24 套售出房屋均价为$782,975，这给了大家一个大概的印象Springbank Hill 房屋均价在哪个价位段。之后不同房屋售价的区别原因就多了去了，像平面设计布局合理与否、室内装修风格、地下室装修与否、面积大小等等。其中4套房屋售价高于100万，两套是平房。

更多卡尔加里房地产资讯，请查看链接。

Canadian real estate markets demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2012—with home sales up or on par in 65 per cent of major centres—despite considerable headwinds in terms of tighter financing and economic uncertainty abroad. The trend is expected to continue, with home-buying activity propped-up by low interest rates and an improved economic picture in 2013, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2013 examined trends and developments in 26 major markets across the country. The report found that the number of homes sold is expected to match or exceed 2011 levels in 65 per cent of markets (17/26) in 2012, led by strong activity in Western Canada, including Calgary (up 13.5 per cent) and Regina (eight per cent). Eighty-one per cent (21/26) of markets are set to experience average price increases by year-end 2012, with Regina the country’s frontrunner at eight per cent, followed by Hamilton-Burlington, Greater Toronto, and Fredericton at seven per cent and Saskatoon at 6.5 per cent. The forecast for 2013 shows the upward trend moderating, but values still ahead of 2012 levels in 85 per cent (22/26) of centres. Stability is forecast to characterize Canadian real estate in the new year, with sales above or on par with 2012 levels in 81 per cent (21/26) of markets.

Nationally, an estimated 454,000 homes will change hands in 2012, falling one per cent short of the 2011 level of 456,749. Canadian home sales are expected to almost mirror the 2012 performance next year, holding steady at 454,000 units. The average price of a Canadian home is expected to remain stable at $364,000 in 2012—on par with the figure reported in 2011. Values are expected to appreciate nominally in 2013, rising to $366,500, one per cent above year-end 2012 levels.

“Looking forward, there are a number of factors on the horizon that will serve to bolster residential activity in 2013,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “Canada’s economic performance is expected to show signs of improvement, particularly in the latter half of the year, which should bode well for housing markets across the country. Historically low interest rates will also continue to drive healthy home-buying activity, especially in the move-up segment. Last, but certainly not least, there’s no denying the universal appeal of bricks and mortar. Canadians believe in homeownership. The stability of real estate over the long-term continues to fuel its appeal.”

The report found that low interest rates were a major impetus in 2012, fuelling sales of homes across the board. Tight inventory levels also factored into the equation early in the year, causing a flurry of activity in many centres. By mid-year, however, the third round of CMHC mortgage tightening had a noticeable impact on housing markets, pushing homeownership beyond the grasp of many first-time buyers.

The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook Report also identified several regional disparities. Most notable was the pull back in sales activity in Greater Vancouver. A banner 2011 year and a slowdown in investor activity contributed to the trend in 2012. Yet, moderation was more widespread in the east, with half of Ontario and Atlantic Canada markets (8/16) reporting 2012 sales off the 2011 pace. Strength was evident throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, where exceptionally sound economic fundamentals drove demand. The Prairies also stood out in price appreciation, along with the Atlantic Provinces in 2012, and a repeat is on tap for next year. In 2013, Vancouver will rebound to post the strongest sales gain, while the Quebec markets post the sharpest decrease.

“Despite all the negativity surrounding residential real estate, the sky is not falling,” says Gurinder Sandhu, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Home sales have moderated, but remain within healthy levels. Greater optimism is expected to return next year, as the economy marks further improvement. Canadians appear to be reigning in their spending, heeding cautionary statements by the country’s financial leaders. We believe that will only serve to shore up the already healthy framework of the Canadian housing market in 2013.”

While first-time buyers will continue to have a significant presence in the overall marketplace, they are expected to take a back seat in 2013 in Canada’s largest markets—with move-up buyers the new engine driving home-buying activity. The greatest advance in home sales is expected in Vancouver (12 per cent), Calgary (10 per cent), Halifax (five per cent), Kingston (4.5 per cent) and Saint John (four per cent). The strongest upward momentum in average price in 2013 is forecast for St. John’s (six per cent), Regina (five per cent), Kingston (4.5 per cent), and Halifax (four per cent), followed by Fredericton and Winnipeg at three per cent. More balanced market conditions are expected in 2013 throughout the majority of markets, with supply meeting demand.

“The long-term outlook for Canadian real estate remains strong,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Quebec. “It has proven so in the past, and it will ring true in the years to come. Canada’s major centres are evolving at a tremendous pace and gaining traction on the world stage. As we look forward, our communities will certainly be more vibrant, more sustainable, while our housing mix focuses on density and diversification. The sheer number of developments planned or underway is staggering. We know the market ebbs and flows—that’s cyclical—but the future for real estate remains quite promising.”

Immigration and population growth will continue to support housing demand moving forward. The Canadian government’s commitment to immigration will hold steady, with the country set to welcome as many as 265,000 immigrants in 2013. The greater focus on economic immigrants is already leading to quicker household formation and homeownership than in years past. These two factors will also support the burgeoning condominium segment—along with Canada’s aging population—while the desire for tangible assets props up the upper-end.