The Calgary Real Estate Board took exception to a report released this past Monday noting that homes in Alberta were roughly 15 percent over-valued. Ann-Marie Lurie of that agency noted that after the price fall in 2007, the province has seen a steady but slow increase in prices. Lurie expects that slow price growth to continue, modestly this spring and possibly a bit slower beyond.

The residential home market in Calgary is expected to bloom nicely in 2013. Buyers seeking to upgrade their homes will be the ones leading the sales, according to a report released by RE/MAX this past Thursday. That report noted that during the last ten years, housing values have appreciated some 108 percent. In 2002 the average asking price was $198,350, while in 2012 that figure jumped to $412,215.

Diana Arvatescu, an agent from Re/Max, decided to liven things up and attract a little real estate business at the same time. Instead of your typical real estate billboard, she went with one adorned with her nice white smile and the phrase “Le me take you home. It’s gorgeous inside.” Mind you, there were no pieces of clothing in danger of suffering a wardrobe malfunction or provocative posing of any sort.

In the world of joint venture real estate, sometimes those with money pair up with those that have the experience. Sometimes one party putting down all the cash on a deal can cause ill feelings towards the party just contributing the brains. Yes, experience does count and can help get a better deal and make more money, but still, it is human nature to want everything to be on a level playing field.

In the United States things are looking up in the world of real estate. But there are still foreclosures on the market looking for your investment dollars. Some cities in Florida, at the time of this writing, are some of your best bets.