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editorial 403-781-1324 advertising 403-263-4940 crebnow@creb.ca
10.75” wide x 3.48
real estate news from industry experts
Helps you m
Peace of mind
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
Job
SECOND
Referral prog
HOMES Recreation properties still a hot commodity
$456,300
$459,100
$459,500
$459,900
$458,400
MLS® BENCHMARK PRICE* FEB ‘13 – FEB ‘15
$454,800
$449,800
$443,400
$437,600
$431,400
$426,300
$422,800
$421,500
$419,000
$415,100
$414,700
$411,700
$409,300
$407,000
$403,500
AMANDA MCNAIR
TENANCY DISPUTE SERVICES EXPANDS INTO SOUTHERN ALBERTA
NEWS BRIEFS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 MARKET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 February MLS® statistics
FIVE THINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 POP THE QUESTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7
s of March 1, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) has expanded into southern Alberta, allowing landlords and tenants to settle residential tenancy disputes. “As part of this government’s ongoing commitment to modernization and efficiency, this expansion ensures that all Albertans have access to efficient, fair and affordable dispute resolution as an alternative to the courts,” said Service Alberta Minister Stephen Khan.
*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity. Includes detached, attached and apartment.
CONTENTS Tax season
CREB® STAFF
A
FEB13 MAR13 APR13 MAY13 JUN13 JUL13 AUG13 SEP13 OCT13 NOV13 DEC13 JAN14 FEB14 MAR14 APR14 MAY14 JUN14 JUL14 AUG14 SEP14 OCT14 NOV14 DEC14 JAN15 FEB15
$398,000
CITY OF CALGARY $393,500
IT WORKED OUT REALLY WELL BECAUSE WE CAN POP UP THERE FOR AN EVENING, OR A WEEKEND, AND IT’S NOT A MONSTER DRIVE WHERE YOU’D NEED THREE DAYS TO MAKE IT WORTHWHILE.”
SECOND HOMES A3
$457,300
A
sk any Calgarian what they love most about the city they call home, and invariably you’ll hear about the mountains, lakes and other attractions sitting well outside of city limits. For those with the means, living life to the fullest often involves purchasing a second home situated closer to such locales and allowing owners the ability to ski, swim, golf or simply bask in the sunshine moments from their front door. Whether it’s a short drive away or requires a little more travel time, the popular spots for Calgarians to call second home are well known. Ranging from nearby hot spots such as Sylvan Lake, Canmore and the B.C. interior to more distant destinations such as Arizona and even Mexico, recreation properties can provide the perfect getaway.
listing in the area is $979,000, while the lowest priced property can be purchased for only $84,900. Along with Sylvan Lake, a report from Royal Lepage identified Gleniffer, Pigeon and Pine lakes as affordable options for those looking for a nearby getaway of their own. “Because the developments around Gleniffer and Pine Lakes are mostly comprised of condominiums, the house prices are much more affordable than lakefront properties in other areas of the country,” said Allan Nimmo, broker with Royal LePage Weber. Having owned recreation properties in two of the more popular spots outside of the province, Calgary’s Barb Livingstone has a unique perspective on the benefits of owning a second home — both north and south of the border.
$456,700
“Initially, my parents wanted to buy in the Shuswap but looked at Sylvan on a whim because they thought it would be more accessible,” said Amanda McNair, whose parents Jack and Leianne purchased their lakefront cabin eight years ago. Since then, McNair said the property has provided the family with a nearby retreat, where grandparents and friends can come to swim, waterski, wakeboard or simply relax without worrying about being on the road for hours. “It worked out really well because we can pop up there for an evening, or a weekend, and it’s not a monster drive where you’d need three days to make it worthwhile.” According to RE/MAX Sylvan Lake, there are 181 properties currently for sale in the community. Active, residential real estate prices in the community had an average listing price of $381,803. Currently, the most expensive
managing editor
$456,100
CODY STUART
INDUSTRY A3
Guy Huntingford
MORTGAGE RATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A10 Plan to End Homelessness
MUNICIPAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 Secondary suites
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1 OPEN HOUSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B19 @crebnow
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31 ACRE PARADISE! 180 DEGREE PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE BOW RIVER, DOWNTOWN CALGARY AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS! Serviced acreages of this size rarely come on the market! From the moment you drive through the gates you are welcomed to this exclusive, private estate property, you’ll know you’ve found ‘the one’. Paved driveway leads you to a lovely 4-bedroom home set in beautifully landscaped & groomed grounds including an outdoor pool and a guest cabin. Just ABOVE the cabin & is your ‘dream home’. Live in the existing home while you build & then subdivided. The land slopes gently north, down towards the BOW RIVER. This serene property is the ideal ESCAPE for professionals wanting to relax and unwind at the end of the day. The location is MINUTES to the CITY & THE SOUTH CALGARY HOSPITAL...The manicured parcel is prefect for the person wanting privacy or the developer looking to INVEST! MLS®C3633159
$1,999,500
SIGNATURE PROPERTIES
Roberta Gullacher
403.540.9490