Snow, Snow Go Away and Take Me Back to Paris

I’m sitting at my kitchen table looking out at a disgusting amount of snow. I’m a little grateful that I have this respiratory virus that’s going around. It means I’m staying put. I’ll enjoy the scenery without partaking in the misery. It’s April 2nd today, and after living nearly 20 years in this province, the weather no longer surprises me. I’m a cynic now. When people act surprised by this weather, I give them the side eye. They should know better.

Like the weather, the real estate market in Alberta is a bit of a freak too. It doesn’t necessarily follow federal trends. Often, the Alberta market is its own micro-economy. People are asking me what’s happening in the market and to be honest, there is a lot of noise. Politically, there is confusion about what is going to happen. People want to know how hard we’ll be impacted by tariffs and the bank of Canada’s further reduction of the lending rate might be the only balm that’s keeping our market moving. There is a lot of fear and fear is contagious. We’re a predictable species. If someone is running away from something, our instinct is to run too. But when it comes to real estate and investing, sometimes opportunities are found in going against the tide.

Beyond the philosophizing, what you need to know is that sales are down by nearly 20% and inventory is up by nearly 75%. Is this scary? No, it’s not. The real estate market in Alberta over the last 3 years has been unsustainable. There was bound to be a tipping point. With sales being slower, more buyers have the opportunity to enter and to move up in this market. Apartment condos are probably the weakest sector in this market right now. They have always been the trickiest to sell too. When you buy an apartment style unit, you’re investing in the building and buildings can have more baggage than Brittney Spears. As a buyer, it’s important to have the time to review these disclosures and to make an informed decision. The market conditions now favour the buyer for this. Homes are still selling with relative ease if priced right and presented well. There will be no price records set as a rule, but of course, there are always exceptions. It’s possible that the margins may become more attractive again for house flipping, especially with lending rates coming down. If you’re curious about investing, let’s talk!

In other news, I have just returned from a week in Paris. It all started a few months ago when Sturgill Simpson announced his tour dates. I have been wanting to see him perform for years, but he damaged his vocal chords and this was his first tour in quite some time. When I looked at the US tour venues, they were big arenas that didn’t excite me. But when I saw the venue he was playing in Paris (Le Trianon), it looked perfect. I bought a ticket and the rest is history. As a woman travelling on my own, I can’t say enough about Paris. I never once felt concerned about my safety. Paris is bustling, but not teeming with people. They love being outside with their books and coffee. The gardens are beautifully manicured and are perfect for taking a break and listening to the birdsong. I experienced the fine dining and ate the croissants. I people-watched the chic Parisians with their “je ne sais quoi” vibe, I took in the architecture and museums, I found the perfect gift and the perfect red coat. I spoke bad French, was delighted by the fact that the women’s clothing were made for women my height and my shape, and of course, I got to hear Sturgill Simpson knock my goddamn socks off. When he sang a cover of LA Woman, I’m pretty sure he was singing it to me. We locked eyes, it was intense, I’m probably confabulating. What I know for sure is that I am a cliché (look at me with my French words), because I fell in love with Paris. It sprinkled its magic on me, and I plan to return again for longer.

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Snow, Snow Go Away and Take Me Back to Paris