GARDENING HELP
Digital Downlow
Two green thumbs are better than one
Automation and smart appliances are key to lower energy costs, say tech experts
DONNA BALZER A7
Becky Walters
2013 CREB® President
A6
A5
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real estate news from industry experts
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LONG LIVE THE AUTO The car-less lifestyle is trending, but Calgary’s housing market still driven by the automobile, say experts JOEL SCHLESINGER for creb®now
C
ars aren’t going anywhere soon, and neither is Calgary homebuyers’ desire for neighbourhoods – or condominiums for that matter – that support their automobile-driven lifestyles, say housing experts. While much is being made about efforts to create a more pedestrianfriendly city that focuses on “vertical growth,” Calgarians still very much enjoy the freedom that comes with driving an automobile. And they want their residence — whether it’s a condo, townhome or single-detached house — to support their yen for putting the pedal to the metal, said Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) regional economist Lai Sing Louie. “Most people still want parking,” he said. “They want the freedom to come and go with a car at their disposal, and they’re willing to pay a lot of money to afford that.” A recent study from industry observer Altus Group supports that most buyers still want a parking spot. Data from its FIRM Survey for Canada’s six largest markets combined – Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau and Montreal – reveal only one in 10 condominiums built in the past six years does not have a vehicle.
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FOR PEOPLE WHO DON’T HAVE CHILDREN, IT’S A LITTLE EASIER TO DO (LIVE CARFREE), BUT IT’S MUCH MORE DIFFICULT IF YOU HAVE TO RUN AROUND PICKING UP THE KIDS”
CARS A3
LAI SING LOUIE
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. regional economist Lai Sing Louie said many Calgary homeowners still want the freedom to come and go with a car at their disposal, and they’re willing to pay for it.
REGIONAL ECONOMIST, CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORP.
PHOTO BY WIL ANDRUSCHAK/FOR CREB®NOW
2664
2945
CITY OF CALGARY
MLS® TOTAL SALES* MAY ‘14 – MAY ‘16
NEW NONCONTENTS PROFIT TO NEWS BRIEFS FOCUS ON LOCAL FIVE THINGS AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS WEEKLY FEED
1923
1764
1588 763
MAY14 JUN14 JUL14 AUG14 SEP14 OCT14 NOV14 DEC14 JAN15 FEB15 MAR15 APR15 MAY15 JUN15 JUL15 AUG15 SEP15 OCT15 NOV15 DEC15 JAN16 FEB16 MAR16 APR16 MAY16
879
CREB® STAFF
C
1127
1263
1421
880
1082
1217
1448
1643
1995
2184
2190 1782
1779
1957
2145
2146
2263
2328
CalgaryNEXT
algary will soon welcome a new player in the battle against homelessness in the city after the Calgary Homeless Foundation announced Calgary Community Land Trust (CCLT) will become an independent non-profit organization starting this fall.
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity. Includes detached, attached and apartment.
SUTTON CANWEST REAL ESTATE
$198,000
COMMUNITY A3
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EVENT LISTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6 COMMUNITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Livingston launch
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 MORTGAGE RATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B15 @crebnow
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Donna Williams | 403-617-7749 | donnawilliamsrealestate.com Imaculate 2 bedroom 1050 sq ft townhouse, large sunny living room. Fenced yard backing on school bus outside complex. Condo fee $335 includes water/ sewer/exterior/yard maintenance. Immediate possession. MLS®C4061270
TEMPLE #39 6020 TEMPLE DR NE
$339,900
McKENZIE TOWNE 338 ELGIN PT SE
Attach 2 storey in Elgin, 1111 sq. ft. showhome condition. Fully developed bsmt with kitchen cabinets/3 pc bath. RV or parking for 3 vehicles. Large fenced yard, gorgeous deck. Duplex/no condo fees. MLS®C4069004
$350,000
Top floor, 18+ adult building, 2011 built. 2 bedroom/2 bathroom. AC. Insuite laundry/storage. Titled heated parking + extra storage, bike storage. Shopping/bus right next door to complex. Immediate possession. MLS®C4066023
McKENZIE TOWNE #1405 310 McKENZIE TOWNE GA SE