Help for Homeowners
I was glad to see that the Government of Canada is offering some new tax measures that will benefit current and first-time homeowners. I work with many young people making their first purchase and this break will make some dreams possible....
 Support for 1st time homebuyers - a Home Buyers' Tax Credit that allows you to save up to $750 on the closing costs of a first home AND an increase to $25,000 in the amount you can withdraw from your RRSP under the Home Buyers' Plan to purchase or build a first home.
And if you're not thinking of move, but want to make some changes....
 Support for home renovations - for a limited time, the new Home Renovation Tax Credit means homeowners could receive up to $1,350 in tax relief on renovation expenses. For specific details, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Thanks Mr.Harper!
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 Cross-country skiers who are fed up with looking out the window at the lack snow on the ground (maybe not this week) should visit the blog Ski Here! This site gives the latest reports from fellow Nordic skiers on where to find the best conditions near Calgary.
 Ever been frustrated when you're waiting at the airport to pick someone up? The Calgary Airport Authority has opened their Cell Phone Park & Wait Lot. Drivers can wait for a phone call from their arriving guests close to the terminal in a 65-space lot. You can use the lot for up to 60 minutes at no charge. Look for the purple and white signs on the north side of Airport Road. Great idea.
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Real Estate Update
Yes, it is improving. As January progressed, there were more Open House signs and For Sale signs with SOLD stickers on them. Both single family and
condo sales were up from December. We are also seeing a slow decrease in inventory and as that is reduced we should see a return to a more stable market.
Prices were down minimally from December (see sidebar). 2006 and 2007 were unprecedented, and it's difficult to make comparisons. Looking back, 2004 and 2005 were good years, and the 2008 market was only off by about 20%.
Let's see what the next couple of months bring, leading up to what is historically the busiest season for home sales.
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Until next month...in the meantime, if you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, I hope you will feel confident passing my name along to them. My business is growing because of great people like you, and I appreciate that you trust your referrals to me, knowing that they get first-class, personal service and results!
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