Interesting article in the Calgary Herald recently posits that the now-moving-ahead southwest portion of the ring road could dramatically increase property values in nearby neighbourhoods. Especially encouraging, from a homeowner’s standpoint, is the fact that much of the land being discussed is already developed, meaning it’s owners themselves – not developers – who’ll see the profit.

It all comes down to accessibility. Commuting in Calgary’s not bad at all compared to other major markets, and thoroughfares like the ring road just make getting to work from the burbs that much easier. Anytime you can combine efficient access to services and workplaces with the quiet suburban lifestyle available near our city’s limits, you’re going to see values increase.

Of course, it’ll be years before the ring road is finished. I’ll be interested to see how many people build and buy in areas that will eventually be near the completed freeway in a short term pain, long term gain strategy.

4108 Marbank Dr NE

Need lots of space? This home offers a total of 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths in almost 1400 Sq.Ft of developed space; and a large double-car garage. Updated kitchen, fresh flooring, and recently painted through-out. Within walking distance of the C-Train and the new Walmart Supercenter. Quick possession is available.

To view more photos, full listing details and the floorplan visit my webpage.

1518 18 Av Nw

What a great price for a solid home in a great area! Just minutes from all that Capitol Hill has to offer, including shopping, groceries, golf, SAIT, multiple restaurants, Confederation Park, and much more. Just close enough to the C-Train without being too close, and a very short commute to downtown via transit, bike, or car. Super-clean 2 story detached home in perfectly livable condition, with a double garage to boot. Yes, the price is correct. Awesome front living-room with bay windows to let the sun shine in. Large rear family room with a brick fireplace and a French door that leads to a large new deck and an easy-to-maintain yard that also boasts a brick patio. This family-friendly floor-plan is great for entertaining. Upstairs, there is a big master with 4-piece ensuite with dual sinks. Also up: laundry, two more bedrooms and a 5-piece main bath with dual sinks and a tub & commode lock-off; great for room-mates or kids. The unspoiled basement awaits your storage items or development ideas.

To view more photos, full listing details and the floorplan visit my webpage.

One of the major advantages of buying a new, as opposed to previously owned, home has long been the warranty coverage.  To some buyers’ chagrin, however – especially those buying homes in the mid-2000s, when labour shortages occasionally led to substandard subcontractor work – the warranty coverage maxed out at a mere 12 months. Issues that didn’t show themselves within that one year window became the homeowner’s responsibility. The vast majority of homes in Calgary are, and have been, built to high standards that lead to extremely happy homeowners. For the unlucky few, however, the short warranty has been problematic.

New home buyers can rejoice, then, as the new year will bring with it the Alberta New Home Buyer Protection Act, a piece of legislation aimed at raising the standard of construction in our fine province, making builders increasingly accountable for the products that they sell. Details are available here, but the highlights include a minimum of ten years’ coverage on major structural components, and five years of building envelope protection (with the mandatory option for homeowners to be able to purchase additional coverage).

Now, labour and materials still fall under one year’s worth of coverage, but in certain cases that coverage extends to two years, so there’s progress even on this front.

Is this Act the ideal level of protection for all new home buyers? No, of course not. It would be nice to see labour and materials be covered for longer periods of time. It’s certainly a step in the right direction, though.

When you think of Calgary, you don’t often think of sandy beaches, paddleboating, or fishing, especially within the city limits. But residents of the city’s upscale Lake Bonavista community get to enjoy these activities at their leisure (at least, when the weather cooperates).

This nearly fifty year-old neighbourhood was one of our country’s first to be built around a man-made lake (others followed suit, including in Calgary). Beginning as a trailer park, it has grown to house more than 10,000 residents with a median income over $100,000. Served by four local elementary schools and three junior highs, Lake Bonavista is a great place for young families.

With stores and restaurants (including the renowned Newport Grill), easy access to major thoroughfares, and a well appointed community centre, offering two skating rinks, a gym, and multipurpose rooms, Lake Bonavista is rich with amenities, but it’s most prominent feature is the lake itself and its associated benefits.

To see homes available in Lake Bonavista, do a Quick Search.

To get a complete market report on Lake Bonavista, or any other neighbourhood you are interested in, use our quick and easy market report request.

With the civic election just weeks away, city planning is a hot topic of conversation in the media thanks to a rather scandalous video taped surreptitiously at a home builders’ meeting earlier this year, with city aldermen called out for being friendly or unfriendly to developers’ interests, and the not always amenable relationship between our mayor and the Home Builders’ Association.

That’s led to some pretty serious propaganda surrounding Calgary’s housing market, including a website launched mid-September by Common Sense Calgary that warned of city planners making Calgary unaffordable for our children, citing the high price of property in Vancouver as an example of what we can look forward to.

Don’t be fooled; we’re not Vancouver. There is already a great deal of land within Calgary city limits set for new neighbourhoods to be constructed, neighbourhoods that will offer starter homes at relatively affordable prices. According to the Royal Bank Affordability Index, which measures how much of an average family’s income would be taken up by housing costs, Calgary is one of the most affordable major cities in which to own a home in Canada. Our affordability index is 33.6 percent. The national average is 48.4, and Vancouver’s is a whopping 85.8. And these are 2013 numbers, as we’re in the midst of a seller’s market.

Why are homes so expensive in Vancouver? Well, the obvious answer is it’s a coastal city, so land is at a premium. Add to that, the commute for people who work in Vancouver but live in the neighbouring communities – Burnaby, Langley, and so on – is hellish, so a small house in the city is still extremely appealing. Compare that to Calgary, a city built on the prairie with so much land we have the country’s largest green space (Nose Hill Park) in our city limits. Suburban life here doesn’t mean commutes of three hours each way; someone can live in Tuscany and still get to work downtown in under 45 minutes during rush hour. Plenty of residents of Airdrie, Cochrane, and even Didsbury happily commute daily, with travel times a fraction of those for commuters to Vancouver.

So, no matter what you think of Calgary’s city planning, or whether you approve or disapprove of the way the mayor’s office relates to home builders, don’t be swayed by the fear tactics employed by a special interest group looking to influence the upcoming election. Do your own research, and judge on facts, not hyperbole.

One of the many great things about Calgary is its extensive pathway system, and it is well used. Offering riverside views and protection from the wind, thanks to densely planted trees, the paths present a place to walk, run, bike, and toboggan in almost every community. Sadly the Great Flood damaged nearly one hundred kilometres of pathway, to the extent that these sections had to be closed. Thanks to well coordinated efforts by city staff, a whopping 57 kilometres have been reopened. The remaining portion, however, will take some time to fix up. There are a number of factors slowing things down, including eroded riverbanks, fish habitats, and ownership considerations, but as the province continues to inject money and staff continues to work exceptionally hard, things will be back to how they were as quickly as possible.

When you’re taking your next fall stroll after supper, have a look around at our great pathway system and consider how fortunate we are to have had city planners take greenspace so seriously.

8510 Wentworth Dr SW

Upgraded townhouse in prestigious Wentworth. Over 1900 sq.ft. of developed space. Kitchen with walk-in pantry and a breakfast island, and stainless steel appliances. Bright open living room has large south-facing windows and a gas fireplace. Hardwood floors with tile entryway complete the main floor. Upstairs all three bedrooms are quite large. The master and the 2nd bedroom both boast deep walk-in closets. Family/play room in the builder-finished basement. Within the walk-zone for West Springs Elementary School (2 min walk). Walking distance to numerous great food joints like Fergus & Bix, Vin Room, Mercato West, Ohh La La Patisserie, My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe as well as many shops, services, groceries, drug store, bank, etc. This one is a fantastic deal. Act fast!

To view more photos, full listing details, floorplan and virtual tour visit my webpage.

# 1305 281 Cougar Ridge Dr Sw

328 Cougartown Ci Sw

Former show-home! next door is also for sale (C3586465), own the whole duplex! 9′ ceilings, hardwood floors and tile on main. Kitchen has espresso shaker cabinets and granite counter-tops. Functional floor plan with a main floor den and an open island kitchen. Corner fireplace in living room. 3 large bedrooms upstairs. Master has an ensuite and a huge walk-in closet. Very large back yard. Right near a playground and green space. Close to schools, restaurants and shopping.

For more photos, full listing details, floorplan and virtual tour visit my webpage.