The real estate market can be significantly impacted by interest rates. When they’re low, it’s more affordable to borrow money to purchase a home which increases the demand and raises prices. When interest rates are high, it’s more difficult and less affordable to purchase a home which decreases demand and lowers prices.

Any change in interest rates can impact existing mortgage and the value of homes. They are crucial in understanding the overall health of the real estate market. If you have any questions about buying or selling, connect anytime! It would be a privilege to serve as your Realtor.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

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Source: How Do Interest Rates Affect Our Real Estate Market | Greater Calgary Real Estate | Jan 27^th, 2023

"Across Canada, monthly average housing prices have tumbled almost 20% from their peak levels last year as several negative forces have touched down, including a series of interest rate hikes and a slowing economy. During the same period, housing prices in the Prairies dipped by an average of 6%. In Alberta, prices will decline 5.6% - averaging about $418,000."

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

Read More | Outperforming The Market-Home Prices Faring Better in Prairies | Calgary Herald

The target for the overnight rate increased to 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.5%. Quantitative tightening will continue. Inflation remains high and broadly based globally, but is trending down in several countries, reflecting lower energy prices and improvements to supply chains.

In the US and Europe, slowing economies are proving to be more resilient than at the time of the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). China’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions revised the growth forecast and poses an upside risk to commodity prices. Russia’s war on Ukraine is still a source of uncertainty and financial conditions remain restrictive. The Canadian dollar has been relatively stable against the US dollar.

It’s estimated that the global economy grew about 3.5% in 2022, but will slow to about 2% in 2023 and then grow to 2.5% in 2024. Economic growth in Canada is stronger and the economy remains in excess demand. The labour market is tight as the unemployment rate is near historic lows. Businesses, however, are reporting ongoing difficulty finding workers.

There’s evidence that the restrictive monetary policy is slowing activity, especially household spending. Services and business investments are expected too slow in addition to weaker foreign demand helping to allow supply to catch up with demand.

It’s estimated that Canada’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2022 but is expected to stall through to the middle of 2023, and then picking up again later in the year. GDP is expected to grow 1% in 2023 and 2% in 2024. Inflation has declined from 8.1% in June to 6.3% in December, reflecting lower gasoline prices and durable goods.

Canadians are still feeling the hardship of high inflation in their essential household expenses, with persistent price increases for food and shelter. Short-term inflation is expected to remain elevated but inflation is projected to come down significantly this year.

Governing Council decided to increase the policy interest rate by a further 25 basis points. Governing Council is prepared to increase the policy rate further if needed to return inflation to the 2% target, and remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

Reach out with your questions in regards to how this impacts your home buying or selling decision.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

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This month I am sharing a list of some of the more common terms you may hear regarding real estate transactions. If you have any questions on these or any other real estate-related concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I’ll be happy to help you out!

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

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December sales eased, but slowing sales over the 2nd half of 2022 were not enough to offset earlier gains as sales reached a record high of 29,672 units in 2022.The pullback in sales was also met with pullback in new listings, causing further declines in inventory levels. As of December, there were 2,214 units available, making it the lowest level of inventory reported for December in over a decade.

Benchmark prices eased to $518,800, down nearly 5% from the peak price in May but almost 8% higher than last December. While prices have trended down annually, they remain over 12% higher than last year’s levels. Overall, the housing market in 2022 generally outperformed expectations both in terms of sales and price growth.

If you or someone you know have questions about how this may impact your home selling or buying decision, send me a message!⁠

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

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The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4.25%, with the Bank Rate at 4.5% and the deposit rate at 4.25%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.⁠
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Inflation around the world remains high and broadly based. Global economic growth is slowing, although it is proving more resilient than was expected at the time of the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). ⁠
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In Canada, GDP growth in the 3rd quarter was stronger than expected, and the economy continued to operate in excess demand. Canada’s labor market remains tight, with unemployment near historic lows. ⁠
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While commodity exports have been strong, there is growing evidence that tighter monetary policy is restraining domestic demand: consumption moderated in the third quarter, and housing market activity continues to decline. ⁠
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Overall, the data since the October MPR support the Bank’s outlook that growth will essentially stall through the end of this year and the first half of next year.⁠
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CPI inflation remained at 6.9% in October, with many of the goods and services Canadians regularly buy showing large price increases. Measures of core inflation remain around 5%. ⁠
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Looking ahead, Governing Council will be considering whether the policy interest rate needs to rise further to bring supply and demand back into balance and return inflation to target. ⁠
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Quantitative tightening is complementing increases in the policy rate. We are resolute in our commitment to achieving the 2% inflation target and restoring price stability for Canadians.⁠

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

Read Full Report 
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Search for your home today

Canmore vacation home values rise 23 per cent to $1.59 million. Meanwhile, the median price of condos in the community rose by just 5.9 per cent to $663,400. It’s a good place to hang your hat with less tourists than Banff.

Read More by Josh Aldrich | Calgary Herald

Your tone of voice and the words that you use can sometimes be the difference in whether a conversation is positive or not. Here are some great books to check out that offer tips on ways you can ensure that your conversations have the best outcomes. What will you start with first?⁠

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

During this time of year, our thoughts are filled with gratitude for those who have supported us in our personal lives and careers. Here are some ideas on how to host an event that extends that gratitude to helping others in need.⁠
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Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠