BUILD A PROPER FIRE PIT
INSPECTION TIME
RAIN GARDENS
The rules and regulations regarding one of summers backyard traditions
Examining your home can save you cash
Putting excess run-off to good use
HOW TO A6
RENOVATION A12
Essington
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(403) 239-8250
GARDEN A17
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FREE jul 1 to jul 7 2011 issue 01-24 www.creb.com
RISING ENERGY PRICES SHINING LIGHT ON GREEN LIVING Report suggests costs are pushing more Canadians towards reducing power consumption and adopting eco-friendly technologies
CODY STUART, CREB® Staff
that reducing or slowing energy consumption in households could generate significant long-term cost savings. “There is an ongoing urgency to reduce household energy consumption because of the discernible upward trend in the price of energy,” said Adrienne Warren, senior economist for Scotiabank Economics. “While natural gas price trends remain encouraging for consumers, the risk lies toward higher electricity costs
CODY STUART
managing editor
W
ith energy prices on the rise, more Canadians are predicted to increase their household energy efficiency, said a recent report from Scotiabank Economics. The study, entitled Energizing Household Energy Efficiency, found
SINGLE FAMILY
and continued elevated oil prices.” According to the report, more Canadians are choosing higher-density urban living, which is more energy efficient than traditional detached homes. This finding is backed by the most recent statistics from CREB®, which show that MLS® sales in Calgary’s inner city are outpacing the citywide average, increasing by roughly four per cent in the last year. This trend amongst Calgarians has
MLS® AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET* MAY ‘09 – MAY ‘11
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50 45
47 44
43
42
40
41
42
52
50
56
52
45
43
36
39
41 41
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*All statistics based on monthly data compiled by CREB® via MLS® activity.
Manni Fink-Fraser
403-540-8183
Top 1% in TOWN & COUNTRY with Royal LePage Foothills
Miles of City Skyline | Rocky Mountain Views | Master Craftsmanship • 11,600 sq. ft. estate on 4.7 acres • 7 minutes to Calgary & Okotoks • 8 master-sized Bedrooms • 10 Bathrooms, 4 fireplaces • Maple panelled doors & elevator • Over 6000 sq. ft. of Brazilian hardwood • Gourmet “EXTREME” Kitchen with 5-star appls, imported granite and a butler’s galley • Exquisite 9 ft. bronze door • 2 Offices & a Library • Heated: porcelain tile & luxury carpeting • Master retreat with 440 sq. ft. ensuite/closet • Well equipped LONG Bar in walkout • Media, Exercise, Games & Family room • Quad Garage with Basement access For the truly DISCRIMINATING MLS®C3471458
ENVIRONMENT A3
CONTENTS
INTERNET A MAJOR RESEARCH TOOL FOR HOUSE HUNTERS
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With energy prices on the rise, a recent report from Scotiabank suggests that more Canadians will turn towards inner-city living and more eco-friendly home construction.
CREB® STAFF
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been reflected in the sales at recent condominium developments in Calgary’s inner city. Greeted with buyers eager to embrace downtown living and, amongst other things, the ability to cut back on commute times, condo developments in close proximity to Calgary’s downtown core are experiencing higher than expected sales activity.
anadians are using the Internet to prepare themselves for homeownership, according to a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation [CMHC] survey. The recently released 2011 Mortgage Consumer Survey found that online resources are proving to be beneficial for buyers. Among the most popular terms searched were: interest rates [86%], mortgage options [76%] and mortgage calculators [69%].
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HERITAGE
A17
Vacancy rates dropping Fairy tale home
MAP B1 OPEN HOUSES B19 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE B20
NATIONAL A3
Housing market
#501, 318 26 Avenue SW Located on the Elbow River Promenade, prestigious and secure Riverstone lifestyle comes with 24 hour concierge, pool, tennis, gym, spa, guest parking, car wash and more. This suite is approximately 1200 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath and is an ideal candidate for re-decoration or renovation. C3476835 $344,000 ®
Have it ALL! Come home to family, business, fun, lifestyle... Your castle awaits! $2,999,999
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