Calgary's Forecast for Population Growth   Calgary Economic Development Site

There are many fundamentals that one should look at when deciding to buy a home, sell a home, and or invest in a home. On top of looking at the local market and not a national market,
I feel the Real Estate Investment Network has written these fundamentals down accordingly:
Mortgage Interest Rates
Net Wealth Effect
Job Growth and Demand
Real Estate Doppler Effect
                       - Real estate is governed by the law of cause and effect. Positive situations cause positive outcomes, and vice versa. For example, a vibrant economic growth leads to a vibrant real estate market and strong appreciation of homes, while loss of jobs and a languishing economy produce exactly the opposite effect.
Local, Regional, and Provincial Political Climate
Critical Transportation Expansion
Cost of Labour and Materials
Areas of Gentrification and Renewal
                        - Gentrification is a highly controversial process in which urban developers convert lower income neighborhoods and inner-city ghettos into more upscale communities with condominiums, loft apartments and wealthier tenants for renovated homes. Since the current residents often cannot afford to pay the higher rents or assume a mortgage, gentrification efforts usually force them into even lower class areas with even higher crime rates. Meanwhile, local businesses which formerly catered to the needs of working-class residents may either have to relocate, close or sell out to new investors. Gentrification does achieve its stated goal of renovation and renewal, but it can also create an entirely new set of social and economic problems for those who have been displaced.
Zoning Opportunities
Wholesale Buying
Quality Marketing
Renovations and Sweat Equity
Risks of Speculation

All of us have our reasons for buying and selling real estate, but if you are able to, use these fundamentals and make an educated decision.