2011 was a challenging year. The local real estate market has had lots of inventory and not much for sales. Let's look at where we are in the real estate cycle. We are certainly not at the top! I think that we are hovering around the bottom, in my opinion. With the Calgary market looking to make some gains, I think that this is going to effect out local market here in Vulcan. Warning - this is my opinion. I will let you know this time next year whether I am accurate or not. A strong Calgary market boosts prices there. As those prices get higher and higher, some people look for markets where prices are lower. Here is where Vulcan comes in. I have an offer going on a house, yes a HOUSE, which was listed at $70,000. Where are you going to find a house listed under $100,000? Under $200,000? I do not recall seeing any in the larger centers at that price. Vulcan and surrounding areas offer lower priced places where people can by more affordable places to call home. Yes there are some places that need a lot of TLC, but there are also decent homes that are affordably priced. The local rental market has been filling up since about September and this is a positive sign for the market as well. Within the past 10 days or so, I have had more showings than I had in a couple of months, plus I have had an offer! Not bad for a "slow" time of year.
Basically what I am saying is that the market is cyclical and I think that we have reached bottom and are starting to move upwards. Like I mentioned earlier, the larger markets are gaining some traction, plus economists are saying that Alberta is going to be seeing a labour shortage within the next year. I think that these are signs of the economy picking up, at least in Alberta, and we will see much more action in the market in 2012. Once again, this is my opinion. And I will let you know how good it is next year at this time!
Welcome to Vulcan
Vulcan's Starship Enterprise
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Less than a week until Christmas!
It's almost time for Christmas! We had our Santa Claus parade just 11 days ago. The streets have been busy with shoppers. Nice to see all of the local shopping that is taking place. Did you know that Vulcan has some of the lowest gasoline prices as of late? Good to see!
Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!
Lyle
Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year!
Lyle
Monday, November 28, 2011
Windy enough for ya?
We had some crazy winds go through the County yesterday. Through Southern Alberta. Large grass fires by Lethbridge. Semi-tractor trailers were blown over by Nanton. We saw a grain bin blown over east of Vulcan. The bin was empty and just on skids, but was still quite the sight to see. In Vulcan this morning as I went for my walk, I saw broken tree branches everywhere. Shingles blown here and there were a common sight. What a crazy wind! It has been windy here before. I mean this is Southern Alberta and we get our chinook winds. But this was way worse than what we have seen in a very long time. Perhaps we have never had it this bad before. By Claresholm, there were hurricane force winds! 144 km!
Well, time for the community to clean up now and get things back to "normal".
Well, time for the community to clean up now and get things back to "normal".
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November update
The residential real estate market in Vulcan is stagnant. According to the www.realtor.ca website, there are currently 57 residential properties listed for sale in the Town of Vulcan. The inventory of properties for sale is still too high. There is not much selling over the $200,000 mark, according to last months records with Alberta Land Titles.
I have an issue to bring up with this. First of all, the number 57 is not accurate. For some reason, there are properties being shown as FOR SALE within the Town of Vulcan, but are not physically in Vulcan. At least two of them as actually in Champion. That is what the address says "Champion, Alberta". Those properties have been shown as being in Vulcan but with a Champion address for months! Like since this past summer at least! Is no one checking this out? The seller? Their real estate agent? I am by no means perfect. Should someone not be checking up on their own work?
I have an issue to bring up with this. First of all, the number 57 is not accurate. For some reason, there are properties being shown as FOR SALE within the Town of Vulcan, but are not physically in Vulcan. At least two of them as actually in Champion. That is what the address says "Champion, Alberta". Those properties have been shown as being in Vulcan but with a Champion address for months! Like since this past summer at least! Is no one checking this out? The seller? Their real estate agent? I am by no means perfect. Should someone not be checking up on their own work?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Open house at 404 Meadowlark Way in Vulcan
I am hosting an open house today at "The Cottages" at Whispering Creek in Vulcan today. This is a nice two bedroom, 76o square foot home located in the condo community next the the Vulcan Golf Course. This property was built in 2010, has an open floor plan and vaulted ceilings in the kitchen, dining and living room areas. Two bedrooms on the main floor, as well as main floor laundry. Single attached garage. Undeveloped basement. All this for under $200,000!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Residential sales are slow. Want to sell? Stand out from the crowd!
Looking at the land title changes over the past several months, there is one thing that stands out in my mind. Properties selling over $200,000 are few and far between. Two, sometimes three properties within the Town of Vulcan have sold over the $200,000 mark over the past few months. There is still a large inventory of houses on the market, and not many people looking at those houses. Perhaps after harvest, which is almost done, there will be more people looking.
As I have said before, if you have a house for sale in town, make sure that it is priced competitively and that you have it stand out from the others. Curb appeal is a big thing that people are looking at. When potential buyers drive through town, they want to see properties that are well taken care of, that show pride of ownership. Put yourself in their shoes...would you want to look at a house that has a well groomed lawn, trees are trimmed, fence painted, with no clutter in the yard...or would you prefer a house where the grass has not been cut in months, the fence in falling down and/or needs to be painted, and there are all sorts of bikes and junk in the yard? The answer seems simple to me...
Clean up the yard. Get rid of the junk. Paint your fence, the trim around the windows, through a coat on the deck. Simple little things like these could make the difference between me getting a call on your house, or the one down the street.
One more thing...be ready for showings on short notice, especially on the weekends. I know it can be a pain in the butt, but the inconvenience of a quick showing may end up saving you from the stress of having your house on the market for an extended period of time. Be proactive. Be prepared.
As I have said before, if you have a house for sale in town, make sure that it is priced competitively and that you have it stand out from the others. Curb appeal is a big thing that people are looking at. When potential buyers drive through town, they want to see properties that are well taken care of, that show pride of ownership. Put yourself in their shoes...would you want to look at a house that has a well groomed lawn, trees are trimmed, fence painted, with no clutter in the yard...or would you prefer a house where the grass has not been cut in months, the fence in falling down and/or needs to be painted, and there are all sorts of bikes and junk in the yard? The answer seems simple to me...
Clean up the yard. Get rid of the junk. Paint your fence, the trim around the windows, through a coat on the deck. Simple little things like these could make the difference between me getting a call on your house, or the one down the street.
One more thing...be ready for showings on short notice, especially on the weekends. I know it can be a pain in the butt, but the inconvenience of a quick showing may end up saving you from the stress of having your house on the market for an extended period of time. Be proactive. Be prepared.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Do you like Chocolate?
The Kronos Chocolate Factory, featuring Chocolatier Michael Roloff is in the Vulcan Bakery August 25, 26, and 27th from 9 AM to 5 PM. Come and see what the "Poet of Chocolate" can do!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
What is the market like in Vulcan?
Here are a few tidbits about the Vulcan real estate market:
There are perhaps 1 or two houses per month that sell in Vulcan that are over the $200,000 mark. For those people who are trying to sell above $200,000, they are in for a challenge. The Town of Vulcan needs more industry coming in, more businesses, which will mean more jobs. Right now, it seems like those buying in Vulcan are seniors coming in off the farm, looking for a place to retire, or farmers looking for a place for their hired help. Sure, there are a few buyers in other industries (retail, industrial, service industry), but they seem to be few and far between. Not many of them are in the $200,000 plus range for properties. Of course, some of these properties should definitely be in that price range, if not more, but there just is not the demand for it right now. Even below that price level, this is little action. I say this not to speak of doom and gloom. The market will turn around, and I know that Vulcan is looking to attract more industry. I would even guess that many of us will be kicking ourselves in a few years, wishing that we had bought and extra property or two "when prices were so cheap". However, that is in a couple years down the road. That is not today. Just something to keep in mind...
There are perhaps 1 or two houses per month that sell in Vulcan that are over the $200,000 mark. For those people who are trying to sell above $200,000, they are in for a challenge. The Town of Vulcan needs more industry coming in, more businesses, which will mean more jobs. Right now, it seems like those buying in Vulcan are seniors coming in off the farm, looking for a place to retire, or farmers looking for a place for their hired help. Sure, there are a few buyers in other industries (retail, industrial, service industry), but they seem to be few and far between. Not many of them are in the $200,000 plus range for properties. Of course, some of these properties should definitely be in that price range, if not more, but there just is not the demand for it right now. Even below that price level, this is little action. I say this not to speak of doom and gloom. The market will turn around, and I know that Vulcan is looking to attract more industry. I would even guess that many of us will be kicking ourselves in a few years, wishing that we had bought and extra property or two "when prices were so cheap". However, that is in a couple years down the road. That is not today. Just something to keep in mind...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Vulcan District 4-H Show and Sale
The Vulcan District 4-H Show and Sale takes place on Monday, May 30th, 2011 at the Vulcan Rodeo Grounds. Female show starts at 11:00 am with the Steer show following directly after. The sale begins at 6:30 pm.
Vulcan Pool Opens for the Season
The Vulcan Pool opens for the season on May 20, 2011 at 1:00 pm. It starts off with a free public swim. For more information on pass prices, etc., please contract Krysten at the pool at 403-485-2990.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Town of Vulcan Spring Clean-up
You need to dispose of large and bulky refuse not ordinarily collected as household waste? Do you want to clean your yard? Now is the time to do it!
During the week of May 23rd, 2011, the Town is organizing a Spring Clean-Up.
On or before Tuesday, May 24th, place all refuse where you usually put your garbage bags and during the course of the week these materials will be picked up at no cost.
If you wish to have this type of garbage picked up directly from your yard, please call 403-485-2417 one day in advance to arrange for a pick up time. Please note that the owner or a representative has to be present when the material is picked up from the yard.
During the week of May 23rd, 2011, the Town is organizing a Spring Clean-Up.
On or before Tuesday, May 24th, place all refuse where you usually put your garbage bags and during the course of the week these materials will be picked up at no cost.
If you wish to have this type of garbage picked up directly from your yard, please call 403-485-2417 one day in advance to arrange for a pick up time. Please note that the owner or a representative has to be present when the material is picked up from the yard.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Town Council Meetings
The Town of Vulcan Council Meetings are scheduled for February 14th and 28th @ 7pm. There is also a Special Council Meeting to be held on February 16th @ 7pm. All meetings take place at the Town of Vulcan Office Building.
Working out in Vulcan!
One-year gym membership in Vulcan for only $165.00! This includes up-to-date cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and the squash/raquetball court. I was paying close to that amount for a quarterly membership back in Brooks. Plus, here I can go anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So much for excuses now...gotta just go out and do it!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A Safe and Warm Winter
The following is thanks to Pillar to Post:
Every winter homeowners turn to supplemental heat sources such as gas fireplaces, generators, space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters to reduce home utility costs and stay warm.
When using a supplemental heat source to save energy and money this winter, keep safety top of mind to prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide dangers - two of the most common winter safety hazards. Below is some safe heating advice.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from people, pets or anything that can burn, especially furniture and curtains.
Look for products that have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards.
To avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices.
Place at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home near sleeping areas. This will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly and odorless - gas are present.
Have your home’s central heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned by a trained professional who knows how to repair leaks and other problems.
Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace or wood stove; they burn unevenly and may contain poisons or cause a fire.
Get your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a professional chimney sweep.
Supplemental heat sources are a great way to stay warm without heating the entire house.
Every winter homeowners turn to supplemental heat sources such as gas fireplaces, generators, space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters to reduce home utility costs and stay warm.
When using a supplemental heat source to save energy and money this winter, keep safety top of mind to prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide dangers - two of the most common winter safety hazards. Below is some safe heating advice.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from people, pets or anything that can burn, especially furniture and curtains.
Look for products that have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards.
To avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices.
Place at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home near sleeping areas. This will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly and odorless - gas are present.
Have your home’s central heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned by a trained professional who knows how to repair leaks and other problems.
Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace or wood stove; they burn unevenly and may contain poisons or cause a fire.
Get your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a professional chimney sweep.
Supplemental heat sources are a great way to stay warm without heating the entire house.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Winter/Spring Course Calendar 2011
The Winter/Spring Course Calendar 2011 is out thanks to the Vulcan County Adult Learning Council. Register for course online at www.vulcanadultlearning.ca. Brush up on your computer skills, learn how to take better pictures with your digital camera, ideas on gardening, fitness and exercise. Check it out...it's the logical thing to do! It's local!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Vulcan County On Track To Reduce Taxes Again Next Year
This clip is from the Vulcan Advocate online January 1, 2011
Vulcan County on track to reduce taxes again next year
Local News
By Stephen Tipper/Editor
Posted 8 days ago
Administration is pleased with council's direction in preparing for yet another reduction in property taxes next year, says the County's administrator.
"While both council and administration can be confident that the ratepayers will not object to a reduction in taxes, I compliment council on the creative manner in which you addressed the service delivery issues," wrote Larry Baran in a report to council.
Instead of reducing services to bring about a tax reduction, council asked administration to find innovative ways to maintain or improve upon services while reducing taxes, Baran wrote.
"While we must still wait for the final assessment and requisition information to come in the beginning of next year, administration is confident that council will reach your goal of reducing property taxes again in 2011."
Vulcan County on track to reduce taxes again next year
Local News
By Stephen Tipper/Editor
Posted 8 days ago
Administration is pleased with council's direction in preparing for yet another reduction in property taxes next year, says the County's administrator.
"While both council and administration can be confident that the ratepayers will not object to a reduction in taxes, I compliment council on the creative manner in which you addressed the service delivery issues," wrote Larry Baran in a report to council.
Instead of reducing services to bring about a tax reduction, council asked administration to find innovative ways to maintain or improve upon services while reducing taxes, Baran wrote.
"While we must still wait for the final assessment and requisition information to come in the beginning of next year, administration is confident that council will reach your goal of reducing property taxes again in 2011."
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