solar power
Christian Twomey
ENMAX Generate Choice Program green living A18
okotoks feature a14 – A15
See My Ad on pg. A3 403.256.3888 Landan Real Estate
FREE oct 19 to oct 25 2012 issue 02-41 www.crebnow.com facebook.com/crebnow twitter.com/crebnow
New legislation to help protect homeowners from hefty repair bills cody stuart
managing editor
H
ome buyers and sellers will enjoy new confidence that the home they buy is sound, if the Government of Alberta follows through on its promise to introduce legislation to augment home warranties this fall. The new rules, to be tabled at the fall sitting of the legislature, which begins Oct. 23, would make warranties mandatory for all new homes, and also toughen fines for negligent builders. The changes come in the wake of an increase in complaints around the province of condo owners facing hefty repair bills on leaky units. “This legislation will make sure it’s a standard warranty, everyone will know what they get and there will be a process in place so that they can ensure action when they need to access the warranty, and that security is what Albertans are looking for,” said Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths in an interview with Global Edmonton. “Having a standardized long-term warranty on the largest purchase most families make to give them some security is important and that’s what we’re doing.” The new rules would increase the maximum fine for a first-time building code offence from $50,000 to $100,000, with the fine for a second offence increasing from just $30,000 to $500,000. The statute of limitations on building code offences would also increase from six months to three years. Amongst those in strong support of the proposed legislation is CREB® President Bob Jablonski.
warranty A3
The Government of Alberta is expected to introduce new legislation to augment home warranties.
SINGLE FAMILY
1609
1582
1132 722
773
962
988
1036
1106
1153
1284
1386
1398
1313 1217
791
New Habitat for Humanity build in Evanston A
new Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta build has broken ground in the Calgary community of Evanston. “We are excited to begin construction on our new development in Evanston,” said Leslie Tamagi, president and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. “With this build we are helping change the lives and futures of four partner families. It’s about creating hope, not just a house.”
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
community A3
UNBEATABLE VALUE!! Beautifully maintained Coulee Ridge villa. Featuring a vaulted ceiling, 2 fireplaces, main floor laundry, south exposure deck & double garage. Fully developed lower level adds to the living space. Low condo fees in excellent complex! Smoke-free, pet free. Great home! MLS®C3542699 $447,500
For more details call the “Home Hunters”
Grant
&
Steve Hunter 403-252-6124
sutton group canwest vista • www . thehomehunters . com
contents news briefs
A3
municipal
A6
Multi-family recycling
CREB® STAFF
SEP10 OCT10 NOV10 DEC10 JAN11 FEB11 MAR11 APR11 MAY11 JUN11 JUL11 AUG11 SEP11 OCT11 NOV11 DEC11 JAN12 FEB12 MAR12 APR12 MAY12 JUN12 JUL12 AUG12 SEP12
734
891
888
867
958
1169
1355
1576
1710
MLS® NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD* SEP ‘10 – SEP ‘12
money
A10
mortgage rates
A10
commercial
A16
Rollin Stanley speaks
pop the question
A18
Randy McKay
map
B1
open houses
B19