Feb 8 - Mar 8, 2013 Volume 16 Issue 02
Last chance to own!
copperfield park
love it. live it. afford it. Two Bedroom Condos* from the
*Titled parking stall included
inside this issue
001-CCG_Cvr_Feb8.indd 2
THE EVOLUTION OF CONDO AMENITIES
THE RESURGENCE OF DOWNTOWN CALGARY
$140’s +GST
HOW TO CREATE A stylish HOME OFFICE
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2/1/13 12-12-21 10:41:22 10:02AM AM
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CHBA - Calgary Region
Celebrating 2011 25 Years
Aw a rd W i n n i ng Co nd o s i n Vars i ty
LIVE WORK SHOP PLAY Awesome Location 5 minutes to U of C, 10 minutes to Downtown Top Notch Concrete & Steel Construction Private Penthouse Health Club Walk-Up Dalhousie Station LRT Access
From the 290s to 600s 780 Varsity Estates Dr NW Calgary, AB T3A 1W9 Telephone: 403.286.8143 | www.grovesofvarsity.com
06
www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 07
table of contents
February 8 to March 8, 2013 volume 16 issue 2
11
copperfield park II
by Brad Remington Homes
columns, news & features 010 editor’s note Columnists
018 calgaryism Downtown Calgary has seen a resurgence in new developments during the last decade by cody battershill
020 contemplating condominiums Ways to avoid parking issues in condominium lots by linda palfi
032 make your move How to make moving easier on your children by dan hopkins
040 quick tips Organizing myths that can prevent you from living a more organized life by hellen buttigieg
060 scrumpdillyicious Goan-Style Prawn Curry is rich and aromatic – with a little bit of heat by leslie styles
in the news
022 housing market A recent survey finds a shift in the Canadian homebuyer mix and mindset features
024 condo culture The evolution of trends in condominium amenities 036 style file Tips for creating a stylish and functional home office by yanic simard
Homebuyers’ Help
011 cover story Brad Remington Homes is poised to launch Copperfield Park II BY HEATHER RYAN
016 condo profile Cranston Place has an outstanding location, fresh designs and high standards BY heather ryan
026 condo profile Enjoy a peaceful, park-like setting at The Gardens in Saddlestone BY heather ryan
034 condo profile Sonoma at SageHill offers affordable townhomes in a great location BY heather ryan
046 condo profile Bucci poised to launch fabulous new condo project in Kensington BY heather ryan
052 your first home Helpful tips for first-time condominium buyers 058 condo profile Avi Urban offers condos to meet a variety of lifestyles BY heather ryan
062 condo hunter’s checklist Carry this list with you when shopping for your condo 063 Homebuyers’ Help Condo Buyers’ Resource Section 066 INDEX Project Location Maps
015 Southeast Map 025 Northeast Map 029 Satellite Communities 031 Northwest Map 045 Inner City 057 Southwest Map
16 Vice-President, Wall2Wall Media
Jacqueline Hill Editor-In-Chief
Susan Legge Editor
Janine Druery Lydia McNutt (on leave) Art Director
Daiana Garay Design Editor
Yanic Simard Media Consultant
26
Natalie Houghton 587.226.1313 Like us on facebook: search: CalgaryNewCondoGuide Contributing Editors
Wayne Karl Elisa Krovblit Silvana Longo Sara Duck (on leave) Production Manager
Bala Gnanapandithan Production Co-ordinator
Greg Van Sluytman Graphic Designer
Viosa Barileva National Account Manager, Mediative
34
Paul Slizys PUBLISHED BY
2891 Sunridge Way N.E. Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7
46
COPYRIGHT 2012 Copyright covers the contents of this publication and prevents reproduction in whole or in part; offenders will be prosecuted. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising, to make changes or edit advertising as necessary. Care will be taken to ensure copy accuracy but no warranty is implied or given by the publisher. The publication, the publisher and the printers shall not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any information or lack of information furnished by the advertisers. Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada. ADVERTISING RATES
T 587.226.1313 email natalie.houghton@wall2wallmedia.com CIRCULATION Copyright covers the contents of this
58
publication and prevents reproduction in whole or in part; offenders will be prosecuted. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising, to make changes or edit advertising as necessary. Care will be taken to ensure copy accuracy but no warranty is implied or given by the publisher. The publication, the publisher and the printers shall not be responsible for any typographical errors, mistakes, misprints, spot colouring or any information or lack of information furnished by the advertisers.
EDITORIAL Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com
The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication. The homeTRADER & Design are trademarks of Apax Partners LLP, used under license. Please recycle this magazine! Wall2Wall Media participates in the Partner’s In Growth Reforestation Program through St. Joseph Communications. To date, Partners in Growth has planted over two million trees in parks, recreation and conservation areas, and other public spaces across Canada. Established in 1990, this program was started with Scouts Canada to help replenish the environment.
EDITOR’S NOTE
How much home
CAN YOU AFFORD?
SUSAN LEGGE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Wall2Wall Media Susan.Legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/SusanLegge Like us on facebook search: Condo Guide
There is increasing speculation as to whether households are taking on more debt than they can chew. If interest rates begin to rise from their historical lows, can you still manage those monthly payments? For example, the difference between a five-year term at a rate of 4.09 per cent and a variable rate of 2.15 per cent is almost $500 a month on a $400,000 mortgage with only five per cent down. When working with your lender, have them show you what you can afford at a higher rate, keeping in mind that you will have
less to finance at renewal time. Increase your payment frequency or make lump-sum payments throughout the year to further lower the amount you owe. The good news is mortgage rates look like they are going to stay put in the first part of 2013, but you can bank on rates rising eventually, even if it isn’t by much. Ensure you can afford the home you’re buying, regardless of mortgage rate speculation. A good lender will show you how. Ask your friends and family for a referral and get the facts.
Shop around for
THE BEST DEAL
JANINE DRUERY
EDITOR
Wall2Wall Media Janine.Druery@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/JanineDruery
When I purchased my first home, I was a little overwhelmed by the financial side of things. I thought I had all of my ducks in a row. I got my down payment ready, made sure my credit report was sparkly and shiny, and did endless calculations to figure out what I could afford. But then it came time to get financing. I was quite surprised to learn about all that is involved. How would I get the best interest rate? Was it better to choose a bank or a mortgage broker? Should I go with a fixed- or variable-rate mortgage? While it took some time to make sense of it all, what I did learn is that it really pays to shop around. Don’t assume that because you’ve dealt with your local bank for years that they are going to give
10 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
you the best deal. Similarly, don’t assume your cousin’s friend who is a mortgage broker will offer the best arrangement. While you very well might get your best deal from either of them, you won’t know until you compare. We look for good deals on appliances, cars and the like. It only makes sense to do the same for what is (for most of us) the biggest purchase of our lives. So, get quotes from several financial institutions and mortgage brokers and compare interest rates and fees. And this goes for renewing your mortgage as well. Feeling like you’ve done your homework and received the greatest deal possible is deeply satisfying. And, of course, it can save you buckets of cash.
cover story
Brad Remington Homes poised to launch
Copperfield Park II // By Heather Ryan
Hot on the heels of its hugely successful
Copperfield Park community, Brad Remington Homes is set to launch Copperfield Park II with the same desire to create homes that give people the opportunity to “Love It, Live It and Afford It.” “Copperfield Park II is a continuation of the success of Copperfield Park, but with some new and exciting designs that will continue to broaden the range of our clientele and better serve their needs,” comments Bryan Logel, sales and marketing manager for Brad
Remington Homes, which will craft Copperfield Park II in southeast Calgary on a site just around the corner from Copperfield Park. “It’s a new chapter of something that has been incredibly successful. We’ve spent time reviewing what our existing buyers and potential customers have been telling us about our current homes, and incorporating the suggestions into Copperfield Park II to make it an even bigger success than Copperfield Park,” he says. Logel notes they have always talked with existing www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 11
buyers about ways to improve, but “talking to people who didn’t purchase and asking them why and how we can help them was a new experience.” Based on the input, Copperfield Park II will offer new plans – more affordable one-bedroom designs, a premium two-bedroom and a revision to one of its most popular plans, the D plan, making it larger. “We’re creating what we believe to be the most affordable corner suite in Calgary – a plan with two full bedrooms and a shared bathroom – that is quite an innovative concept and will give people who don’t have a huge budget that ‘wow’ factor,” Logel says. “We will continue to offer those plans that have been widely successful in Copperfield Park, as well as our superb level of specifications and high quality construction.” Plans are expected to range from 525 - 973sq ft. and prices are anticipated to start in the $120’s up
to the low $200’s, making it incredibly affordable for first-time buyers. Full-sized kitchens with expansive counter space, slab or mission-style cabinets that come in three different colour choices, and four appliances – fridge, stove, dishwasher and over-the-range microwave – are all standard in each Copperfield Park II home. Homes also include in-suite laundry (washer and dryer included), private balconies for outdoor entertaining, a titled parking stall and a private storage unit. Buyers will be able to customize their home by selecting cabinet colour and style, along with their carpet, countertop and flooring colours. They can further personalize their home and choose optional upgrades including fireplace, granite countertops, air conditioning and/or hardwood flooring, to name a few. Sales in Copperfield Park II will launch Saturday, March 2nd from
Buyers will be able to customize their home by selecting cabinet colour and style, along with their carpet, countertop and flooring colours. the current sales centre at Copperfield Park located at 279 Copperpond Common S.E. Interested buyers can register in advance at copperfieldpark.com. Logel says the launch of the final phase in Copperfield Park in December received a phenomenal response from condo buyers. “It’s been incredibly successful and people are embracing the ‘Love It, Live It and Afford It,’” he says. “We offer homes that are livable, that people love and can afford.” Copperfield Park II will be ideally situated off McIvor Boulevard near the BRT bus stops, grocery stores, restaurants, shops, services and the new South Calgary hospital. With the completion of the 130 Avenue S.E. extension, residents have improved access to Sheppard shopping, and they’ll also benefit from the completion of Stoney Trail later this year. The location also provides easy connections to Hwy. 22X, Deerfoot Trail, MacLeod Trail and 52 Street S.E. For more information on Copperfield Park II, visit the Copperfield Park sales centre and showsuites at 279 Copperpond Common S.E., open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m., visit copperfieldpark.com, or call 403.723.0094. www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 13
thatsmint.ca Jayman delivers on it’s 30 year promise of quality to bring you something special with our two brand new showsuites. Loaded with style and easily the best value and quality for your dollar , Mint isn’t your average townhome. With a host of standard and upgradable features and located in the beautiful community of New Brighton it’s definitely worth the drive to check us out!
3 bedroom up to 1662 sq ft Double car garage
2 bedroom up to 1234 sq ft Single car garage with full width driveway
INCLUDED fEatUrEs
1451
$
1228
$
2.5 bath
from $312,900 + GST qualifying income $63,487
Flex Room
from $264,900 + GST qualifying income $54,208
9’ ceilings Stainless steel appliances Washer and dryer Landscaped with trees and pathways
thatsmint.ca/grandopening
130th Ave
Deerfoot Trail
N 52nd St
McKenzie Towne Blvd McKenzie Towne Dr
McIvor Blvd Copperfield
f uis o Marq Trail Lorne
130 New Brighton Way SW Showhome Hours Mon - Thur: 2pm - 8pm Wknds: Noon - 5pm *MoNTHly payMeNTS aNd qualifyiNg iNcoMe baSed oN 5% doWN payMeNT, 3 year aT 2.75%, quick cloSe 25 year aMorTizaTioN aNd doeS NoT iNclude coNdo feeS aNd properTy Tax. iNSuraNce preMiuMS apply. raTeS are SubjecT To cHaNge WiTHouT NoTice. SoMe coNdiTioNS apply. clieNTS May Have To qualify aT a HigHer raTe. o.a.c., e. & o.e.
February Condo Guide.indd 1
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FA L RID CON GE
64 Ave
MCKNIGHT BLVD.
EDMONTON TRAIL
14 STREET
CENTRE STREET
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
16 AVENUE 12 AVENUE
68 STREET
CRI J PARK OW OHN CH L ILD AURI EB TRA LVD IL .
32 Ave
16 AVENUE
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITIES RIVE RIAL D
MEMO
RIAL D RIVE
36 STREET
MEMO
17 Ave
09 MONARCH BY COVE PROPERTIES
52 STREET
ELBOW DRI VE
BLACKFOOT TRAIL
17 Ave
316 McKenzie Towne Gate SE
10 MCKENZIE TOWNE ELGIN BY BROOKFIELD HOMES
MacLEOD TRAIL
585 McKenzie Town Drive SE
GLENMORE TRAIL
ANDERSON ROAD
DEERF
07
16
AIL
TR
Mac
14 BOULEVARD TOWNES BY BIRCHWOOD
11 05 02 18
116 Quarry Park Way SE
COPPERFIELD
15 EDISON BY AVI URBAN
F LO UIS O
D TR
MARQ
AIL
VITT
McKE
06 08 RAIL 09 10 RNE T
LEO
S JAME
SHAWNESSY BLVD.
206 Cranford Drive SE
NEW BRIGHTON
M
EK P ARK
290 Chaparral Valley Drive SE
13 MOSAIC CRANSTON BY BROOKFIELD HOMES
OOT T RAIL
TTO BO
CRE
12 INNOVATIONS BY JAYMAN CHAPARRAL VALLEY
114 AVE SE
W BO
FISH
1797 Copperfield Blvd SE
84 STREET
14
52 STREET
19
SOUTHLAND DRIVE
BARLOW TRAIL
GLENMORE RESERVOIR
11 CHALETS IN COPPERFIELD BY SABAL HOMES
CHAPARRAL CRANSTON
01 12 15 02
13
MAHOGANY
20 21
22
285 Walden Drive SE aviurban.com
16 YORK 29 BY TRICO HOMES
AUBURN BAY
03 04
120 New Brighton Landing SE
17 MOSAIC MIRAGE BY BROOKFIELD HOMES
13
347 MacKenzie Towne Gate
18 AURA OF COPPERFIELD BY ALDEBARAN HOMES 279 Copperfield Common
01 RIVERSIDE TOWNHOMES IN CHAPARRAL VALLEY BY CARDEL LIFESTYLES
05 MINT BY JAYMAN MODUS
02 COPPERFIELD PARK BY BRAD REMINGTON HOMES
06 ZEN BY AVALON MASTER BUILDER
03 AUBURN BAY BY BROOKFIELD HOMES
07 PRESTWICK PLACE BY CARDEL LIFESTYLES
121 Chaparral Valley Drive SE
279 Copperpond Common S.E.
174 Auburn Bay Blvd SE
04 MOSAIC LAKESIDE AUBURN BAY BY BROOKFIELD HOMES 27 Auburn Bay Link SE
19 CHAMPAGNE BY REMINGTON DEVELOPMENTCORPORATION
130 New Brighton Way SE thatsmint.ca/live
Quarry Park Blvd SE remingtoncorp.com
3510 McKenzie Town Gate SE
20 CRANSTON PLACE CONDOS BY CARDEL LIFESTYLES 302 Cranston Road SE
115 Prestwick Villas SE
21 CRANSTON PLACE TOWNHOMES BY CARDEL LIFESTYLES
08 MOSAIC MOTIF IN NEW BRIGHTON BY BROOKFIELD HOMES
302 Cranston Road SE
22 MAHOGANY STREET TOWNS BY HOMES BY AVI
317 New Brighton Villas SE
13 Marine Dr SE
COPPERFIELD PARK LOVE IT. LIVE IT. AFFORD IT.
TWO BEDROOM CONDOS* DELUXE TWO BEDROOM CONDOS* From the $180’s +GST From the $140’s +GST Titled parking stall included.
*
www.copperfieldpark.com 403.723.0094 www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 15
condo profile
Cardel Lifestyles’ Cranston Place
offers outstanding location // By Heather Ryan
w
ith an outstanding location, fresh new designs, high standards and great pricing it’s easy to see why so many condo buyers are embracing Cardel Lifestyles’ Cranston Place. “The response from buyers has been tremendous,” says area manager Judy-Lynn Lavelle. “They love the location because it’s so walkable. Cranston Place is right next door to the Cranston Market, so our residents can walk to Sobeys for groceries, stop at the neighbourhood pub, do their banking ... they can come home from work, park the car and walk to everything.” She adds that Cranston Place is also just a short walk to the picturesque river valley where residents can enjoy flying fishing, relaxing along the Bow River, or a hike or bike ride through fabulous Fish Creek Park. “Brookfield has done an incredible job of developing the community of Cranston,” she says, noting there are also several schools, parks and pathways nearby, as well as Cranston’s community centre – the 22,000-sq.-ft.
16 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Century Hall that includes banquet facilities, a gymnasium and skate change rooms, as well as its seven-acre park featuring an outdoor hockey rink, splash park, tennis and basketball courts and playground. Lavelle says even more important for buyers is that the recently opened South Health Campus and the soon-to-be-developed Seton Urban District (which will include office and retail space, a 16-acre regional park, public library, schools and more) are both just a 10- to 15-minute walk away. Cranston Place consists of 144 condo apartments in three four-storey buildings and 44 townhomes. The amazing location has buyers buzzing with so much excitement that Building 1 is almost sold out, Building 2 is two-thirds sold, and five of eight townhome groupings have been sold. “The response has been very strong I think because of the location and our fresh new designs – they are really beautiful,” Lavelle says, noting there are 10 suites
remaining in Building 1 – all available for immediate possessions with upgraded specs. She has launched sales in the sixth townhome group that consists of six units, and is taking registrations for Building C condos, where sales are expected to be launched March 2nd. Condo floorplans include a one-bedroom design at 624 sq. ft. that can also be reconfigured into a two-bedroom starting at $175,900 plus GST; sizes range up to 1,039 sq. ft. for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom design with flex space. Three-bedroom townhomes range from 1,248 to 1,255 sq. ft., include two titled parking stalls, and start at $265,900 plus GST. Five showhomes feature one townhome and four condo models, including the two-bedroom, one-bathroom 10th anniversary design and two new corner suite designs. Condo buyers enjoy well-appointed suites that include six appliances (a large fridge, stove, dishwasher, hood fan, energy-efficient front-loading washer and dryer), breakfast bars in the kitchens, and good-sized balconies, along with underground parking for most plans and titled surface stalls for the others. There are four designer colour palettes to choose from and buyers can still personalize their suites in Building 2. Cardel Lifestyles is focused on providing exceptional quality and buyers will be thrilled to learn the multi-family builder had a zero to less than a half deficiency per suite in 2011, and turned over a complete building in 2012 with only one deficiency. With a wide range of condo and townhome models available, Cranston Place is attracting first-time buyers, couples, singles and young families, as well as people already living in Cranston who love the area and are enticed by the maintenance-free lifestyle. Buyers can learn more about Cranston Place by visiting the show models open Monday to Thursday 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m. at 302 Cranston Rd. S.E., or call 403.457.2670 or visit cardellifestyles.com. www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 17
CALGARYISM
// BY CODY BATTERSHILL
THE RESURGENCE OF DOWNTOWN CALGARY
Cody Battershill is the founder of Calgaryism and a top-producing Realtor at Re/Max House of Real Estate. He also sits on the condominium task force at the Calgary Real Estate Board. He can be reached at 403.370.4180 or calgaryism.ca.
D
owntown Calgary is one of the most active and exciting places in our city. We have experienced a resurgence in new developments during the last decade, making the area a vibrant and thriving place of employment, arts, restaurants and relationships (both business and personal).
New office buildings such as the Bow Tower and Eighth Avenue Place have provided our city centre with millions of square feet of much needed office space, while an abundance of new condos, entertainment venues and restaurants – and the people who fill them – have become key elements of the growing culture and excitement of downtown Calgary. Downtown’s growing influence has quickly spilled over to the Calgary beltline area, bringing forth countless new developments that go hand in hand with the city core and offer attractive options for urban professionals to live and play close to where they work. The beltline has become a strong counterpart with a unique identity in the communities of Victoria Park and Connaught. The fact that a resurgence of downtown Calgary is well underway is truly vindicated by how well-recognized our city has become by national and international media channels and research institutions. Our city has emerged as the fifth best city to live in the world for 2010, 2011 and 2012 by The Economist, which looks at 30 factors, including infrastructure, health care, education, environment, culture and stability. Calgary also ranked number 17 for personal safety and number 33 for quality of life in 2012 (out of 221 global cities) by the same magazine. If you were to look up how well our city has done over the past five years on international surveys, you would discover more than two dozen rankings of various categories in the top 10. Growth seen in downtown Calgary and the inner city beltline core is a big contributing factor to the success of our city in all aspects. Without the new developments, booming industries and, most importantly, the eclectic mix of people we have here in Calgary, our city would not be the economic strength of Canada and the internationally acclaimed city it is today. If you are as enthused about Calgary’s success as I am, please join me on my Facebook page, Calgaryism, and share your thoughts about Calgary.
18 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
19
CONTEMPLATING CONDOMINIUMS
// LINDA PALFI
TALK, TAG OR TOW?
Linda Palfi is a condominiumspecialist Realtor with Discover Real Estate. She has overseen many condo projects as the chair of her condo board and is a member of the professional standards committee at the Calgary Real Estate Board. Further articles and her Calgary Condo Directory can be found online at CondosInCalgary.com or call Linda for more information at 403.998.7732
Y
ou’ve never seen the car that’s parked in your stall when you come home from work, so your first reaction is to have it towed away. Someone in your parking place? The nerve! “Arrogant S.O.B.”, you think to yourself. Yet, in most cases, it’s not an S.O.B. at all, but your next-door neighbour’s visiting mother who was confused
about where she was supposed to park, or some similarly innocent misunderstanding. Tagging and towing should be only last-resort actions, because there are better solutions. Talking about parking comes first. Talking involves condominium in-house newsletters stressing the importance of parking only where permitted. Talking includes notes on windshields or warning tickets issued by the condo corporation. Talking includes knocking on doors to learn who parked there in error, and having the vehicle moved by its owner, who is often enough embarrassed and apologetic for his or her mistake. It also includes large and clear numbering of stalls and posted warnings that vehicles can be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
In cases where the indoor or outdoor parking is assigned common property, the condo corporation has authority to have vehicles “tagged” or towed away. For those who truly abuse parking, tickets can be issued, and cars can even be towed away from condominium parking lots. If your stall is your own titled private property in a parkade (unit), the Calgary Parking Authority will ticket or tow if you show identification and proof of ownership. This is made easier if your building’s parking stalls are numbered with their legal unit numbers. Buildings in which stalls have a secondary numbering system should consider painting over these and using the legal unit numbers for clarity of ownership. The certificate of title is proof of your ownership. In cases where the indoor or outdoor parking is assigned common property, the condo corporation has authority to have vehicles “tagged” or towed away. This could be done by your property manager or condo Board Chair, but that person should have a clear statement of authority, such as a Board resolution printed on letterhead paper. I see few parking conflicts in buildings and townhouse developments with clearly-marked stalls, clear warnings that incorrectly parked vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed, and newsletter reminders to owners that visitors should be clearly guided about where to park. Talk to your Board and your neighbours to avoid the ticketing and towing that’s very rarely necessary.
20 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
SOUTHEAST
YEARS YEARS
21
HOUSING MARKET
Market conditions trigger shift in HOMEBUYER
MINDSET
CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS HAVE TRIGGERED A SHIFT IN THE CANADIAN
homebuyer mix and mindset, according to a recent Re/Max survey. The Canadian Homebuying Trends Survey 2013-2014 queried purchasers intending to buy in the next two years. Among the key findings: › Almost one in five purchasers is single › More than two-thirds are second or multi-time purchasers › Four out of 10 purchasers between 18-34 have a down payment of 20 per cent or more. “Emerging from the survey are some very real indications that Canadian homebuyers — and their attitudes — have changed,” says Gurinder Sandhu, Executive VP and Regional Director, Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Purchasing patterns have evolved, with a more conservative, fiscallyresponsible purchaser moving to the forefront.” WHO’S DRIVING THE MARKET?
The survey found that second-time and multi-time buyers represent 70 per cent of those serious about making a move — a trend that is expected to continue over the next two years. First-time buyers will continue to play a role in the market at 30 per cent. “There’s no question that first-time buyers are experiencing a period of readjustment,” says Sandhu. “While affordability took a hit in 2012, homeowners with considerable equity remain confident and well-positioned. They will be the driving force fuelling the bulk of home sales in the months ahead.” THE FINANCIAL PICTURE
HOUSING CHOICES
The survey found that spending patterns were mostly conservative. Thirty-eight per cent of purchasers said they would spend under $250,000 on their home; 42 per cent would spend between $250,000 and $500,000; 10 per cent would spend between $500,000 and $1 million; and one per cent intended to spend over $1 million. The singles group was most prudent, with 47 per cent of purchasers intending to spend under $250,000.
The majority of purchasers continue to seek out single-detached homes (53 per cent), while condos ranked second at 17 per cent, followed by both semidetached/duplex and townhouse/ rowhouse, each at 11 per cent. “Regardless of income, gender, age, or location, most Canadian respondents shared considerable confidence in Canada’s housing market,” says Sandhu. “This stands as perhaps the greatest indicator that homebuying intentions will remain healthy and stable.”
LARGER DOWN PAYMENTS
According to Re/Max, one of the most surprising findings of the survey was the fiscal responsibility of Canada’s young homebuyers. Forty per cent of purchasers between 18-34 intended to put down 20 per cent or more on their home. Of those putting down 30 per cent or more, 45 per cent were aged 55 and over. Just seven per cent of purchasers had a down payment of five per cent, while 14 per cent indicated that they were putting down 10 per cent.
22 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
SOUTHEAST
23
CONDO CULTURE
The evolution of trends in
CONDOMINIUM AMENITIES SINCE THE PROLIFERATION OF CONDO PROJECTS, amenities
have greatly evolved, adapting to the changing needs of society. Amenities that were once a luxury are now considered basics. Hardwood and laminate floors, stainless steel appliances, the fitness centre, the spa, the pool, and the concierge desk are now standard features in today’s condominium complexes. Other features such as business centres, which were all the rage a few years back, have been replaced with a conference room or board room; and large pools are being replaced by smaller ones with currents to swim against, or spa-like areas with hot tubs and saunas. New condominium amenities include the yoga studio and massage room, the theatre room with the big screen and comfortable chairs, fancy party rooms, and guest suites allowing owners to make use of common amenities while saving on the square footage in their unit. More luxurious features include private wine cellars, humidors, infinity pools and screening rooms. Up and coming trends to look for are Wi-Fi connectivity, media rooms, grocery stores, art collections, rooftop sculpture gardens, and outdoor amenity decks with tennis courts, pools and pet walks.
24 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
When shopping for a condo, the most important features prospective buyers seem to be interested in are gym facilities, 24-hour security and concierge, and visitor parking. With parking in urban areas hard to find, and costly when available, prospective condo owners like seeing more spots for guests and visitors. While amenities are attractive and appeal to many buyers at first glance, smart buyers are aware that the more amenities a building has, the higher the condo fees will be. This is especially the case with pools and security, as those features add to the expenses. So, as new condos continue to emerge with newer and state-ofthe-art amenities, keep in mind the features that always help with resale or add value to a property are a modern and updated lobby and security, especially among single females who are an important segment into today’s real estate market. Rooftop patios with a view for use during the warmer months are also coveted. More information is available online at royallepage.ca. NC
METIS TRAIL
northeast communities
FO OT TR AIL
VD. LS BL
Coming Winter 2013
COUNTRY HILLS BLVD.
03 i ndigo sky at saddleridge by carlisle group
SADDLETREE DR.
52 STREET
PI
DE
TR A
ER
04 Galleries Renfrew by ASSURED HOMES
03 09 80 Ave
1116 Renfrew Drive NE
05 Coventry Station by HUNTER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
10
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
64 Ave
CENTRE STREET
CRI J OW OHN CH L ILD AUR IE TR BLV AIL D.
12 AVENUE
32 Ave
16 AVENUE 02 RIAL D RIVE
Skyview Ranch Rd & Skyview Ranch Dr
E L DRIV
RIA
08 h ighland park By stonecroft
36 STREET
MEMO
09 t he gardens of saddlestone By genesis builders group 329 Saddlelake Dr. NE
52 STREET
IVE
4303 - 1st Street NE
17 Ave
BLACKFOOT TRAIL
17 Ave
10 i ndigo sky at tara lake By carlisle group Sales Suite 68 Street & 80 Avenue NE
MacLEOD TRAIL
ELBOW DR
6 Saddlelake Place NE
07 a rrive @ SKYVIEW RANCH By PARTNERS DEVELOPMENT Group
04
MEMO
11 KINTALLA By STREETSIDE DEVELOPEMENTS
ANDERSON ROAD
DEERF
52 STREET
BARLOW TRAIL
GLENMORE TRAIL
SOUTHLAND DRIVE
150 Redstone Grove NE www.kintalla.com
114 AVE SE
OOT T RA
IL
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NEW BRIGHTON
IL
Mac D LEO
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NE TR
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COPPERFIELD
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06 Saffron By Genesis Builder’s Group
68 STREET
EDMONTON TRAIL
14 STREET
16 AVENUE
FISH
13007 Coventry Hills Way NE www.coventrystation.ca
MCKNIGHT BLVD.
08
GLENMORE RESERVOIR
06
64 Ave
FA L RID CON GE
NOSE HILL PARK
84 STREET
IL
68 Street NE & 80 Avenue NE
NA SH AG AN
11 07
05
HIL NTRY COU
02 4 3 park by vericon real estate ventures
STONEY TRAIL
13007 Coventry Hills Way NE CHAPARRAL
ABURN BAY
Two Bedroom, Two Bathroom CRANSTONTownhomes over 1100 sq. ft. Located in the established community of Coventry Hills
www.CoventryStation.ca
587-896-6107 www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 25
CONDO PROFILE
GENESIS’ THE GARDENS in Saddlestone
presents park-like setting // BY HEATHER RYAN
a
distinctive group of gorgeous townhomes that present a park-like setting and terrific features are enticing buyers to Saddlestone in northeast Calgary. Genesis Builders Group is crafting this small, limited offering of just 15 townhomes in The Gardens in Saddlestone, located off Saddlelake Mews and Saddlelake Grove in the heart of the community. “The Gardens in Saddlestone really provide a playground type environment,” says area sales manager Aslam Chaudri. “All the homes front onto the garden/park area and a children’s playground so you have this really peaceful park-like setting right out your front door. “The townhomes all come with rear attached double-car garages that are accessed off the street and visitors can take the pathways to the front entry,” he says. “It’s a unique design,” he says, that keeps traffic to the outside and green space and pathways to the interior of the development.
All of the 1,439-sq.-ft. townhomes are two-storey designs that offer “an open, airy modern feel,” Chaudry says. The homes present a large welcoming front porch and foyer creating a nice space to greet guests. The entry features a tiled floor, but hardwood spans the rest of the main floor. Off the entry, a spacious living room is made bright with large front windows. Adjacent to the living room, the dining room provides plenty of room for casual and formal meals, and the kitchen serves up a great space with a large flat surface island with breakfast bar seating as its focal point. Other terrific features in the kitchen include granite countertops, choice of flat panel, oak or maple cabinets, full-height tile backsplash, pantry and an appliance package that includes a fridge, stove, dishwasher and hood fan. A convenient half-bath and a laundry room are located just off the entry to the garage. Going upstairs, carpeting replaces the hardwood and you’ll find two generous sized rooms for the kids and a main full bathroom. Owners will be delighted with their huge master bedroom that overlooks the garden and is large enough to easily accommodate king-sized furniture and offers an inviting ensuite plus a good-sized walk-in closet. All the townhomes have energy-efficient windows, appliances, hot water tanks and furnaces, and rainwater is collected for use in the gardens. The Gardens in Saddlestone offer a great location within walking distance of four schools, shops, services parks and the LRT, with buses running frequently nearby. Saddlestone itself is designed as an extremely walkable community with sidewalks on both sides of the streets. The intricate pathway system in Saddlestone allows residents to access the four major community parks and other great amenities with ease, including two ponds with seating
26 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
GENESIS BUILDERS GROUP IS CRAFTING THIS SMALL, LIMITED OFFERING OF JUST 15 TOWNHOMES IN THE GARDENS IN SADDLESTONE, LOCATED OFF SADDLELAKE MEWS AND SADDLELAKE ALLEY IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY.
areas, a playground, and future soccer fields and ball diamonds. Residents can walk to amenities including a Safeway, the Genesis Centre of Community Wellness (which includes a YMCA, library, indoor pool and gymnasiums) and it’s close to Stoney Trail, Falconridge Boulevard and 80 Avenue N.E for ease of getting downtown and to other parts of the city.
For more information about The Gardens in Saddlestone, visit the sales centre located in a Genesis single-family showhome at 329 Saddlelake Dr. N.E., open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon-5 p.m., and Fridays by appointment, call 403.455.2100 or check out genesisbuildersgroup.com. www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 27
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CALGARY’S SATELLITE COMMUNITIES 22
AIRDRIE
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02
302 Sunset Pointe Cochrane, Alberta
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04 SUNSET POINTE BY CALBRIDGE HOMES 05 STONE CREEK LANDING BY CARLISLE GROUP
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02 HEARTLAND TOWNHOMES BY EXCEL HOMES 1178 Clydesdale Way, Cochrane, Alberta
03 CONCEPT BY JAYMAN MODUS 201 Sunset Drive, Cochrane, Alberta
15 CHESTERMERE TOWNHOMES LETHBRIDGE BY SLOKKER CANADA WEST
#300 Marina Drive, Chestemere
16 PENNCROSS BY STREETSIDE DEVELOPMENTS
127 & 129, 1 Crystal Green Lane, Okotoks, Alberta
www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 29
30 Prices subject to change without notice. EO&E
AIL E
12 11
1120 Kensington Road NW
12 ST. JOHN’S 10TH STREET IN KENSINGTON BY STREETSIDE
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
10th Street & 3rd Avenue NW
13 SAGESTONE BY GREENVIEW DEVELOPMENTS AveUNIVERSITY CITY 32 14 BY KNIGHTBRIDGE BRENTWOOD LRT
universitycity.ca 16 AVENUE
15 THE GROVES OF VARSITY BY STATESMAN HOMES
5353 Crowchild Trail NW E R IVCOVENTRY STATION D16
ME M O R I AL
36 STREET
SARCEE TRAIL
11 PIXEL BY BATTISTELLA
livesagestone.com
16 AVENUE
17 Ave
37 STREET
GLE 01 PANORAMA WEST NM ORE BY CARDEL LIFESTYLES T
ELBOW DRI VE
BLACKFOOT TRAIL
04 SWAN LANDING BY SWAN GROUP
RAIL
500 Rocky Vista Gardens N.W.
05 ENCORE AT KINCORA BY CARLISLE GROUP
03 RED HAUS BY STREETSIDE
18 SONOMA AT SAGE HILL BY VERTICAL PROPERTIES 881 Sage Valley Boulevard www.sonomasagehill.com
BARLOW TRAIL
GLENMORE RESERVOIR
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16 Sage Meadows Circle NW
37th Street and Kincora Glen Road N.W.
118 - 30 Royal Oak Plaza N.W.
BY HUNTER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
17 BROWNSTONES BY GENESIS BUILDERS GROUP
MacLEOD TRAIL
69 STREET
85 STREET
OLD BANFF COACH ROAD
175 Panatella Hill NW
IL
64 Ave
34 Evansview Rd NW
EDMONTON TRAIL
AIL TR AP I SH
AG AN N
HIL LD R. SE NO
Y TR
ENU
JO HN CR LA OW UR 14 IE CH BLV ILD D. T R 08 AIL
10 PROSPECT RISE BY AVI URBAN
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HA RV BLVEST H D N ILLS E
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09 EVANSTON SQUARE BY STREETSIDE 25 Evanspark Way NW
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05 TRY N COU BED DIN GTO NT RAI 14 LN ST W RE ET
STONEY TRAIL NW
03
16 A V
11
LE 09 YR D.
3951-46 Avenue NW
STONEY TRAIL NW
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VA L
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NS
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08 VARSITY LANDING BY CARLISLE GROUP
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07 SAGE HILL VILLAGE BY SLOKKER CANADA WEST INC.
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www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 31
MAKE YOUR MOVE
Moving can be fun and
// BY DAN HOPKINS
KID-FRIENDLY Moving is a family process so share the excitement and responsibilities with every member of the family. Give everyone an age-appropriate responsibility. Kids will enjoy decorating their moving boxes. And when you are in your new home, it will be easier for them to find their stuff. Throughout the move, stay as upbeat and calm as possible. Give your children a chance to express their feelings and try to be honest about your own feelings. Most children will feel some anger, sadness or may worry about the move. Reassure them they aren’t alone and that it’s okay to have these feelings.
Dan Hopkins is Chief Operating Officer, Two Men and a Truck Canada. twomenandatruck.ca
M
oving can be stressful for children; the change can be overwhelming. However, there are ways to make it easier on them. It’s important to inform your kids about the family’s plans to move as soon as you can. The more time they have to prepare, the easier it will be for them, say child psychologists who suggest that children should participate in the decision-making. If kids feel included and take ownership of their new-home decision, the transition will go much easier.
Make sure children say goodbye to the important people in their lives. Help them prepare a list of phone numbers, emails and addresses. Involve your kids in the packing process and start packing items you will not need ahead of time. Sentimental items your children treasure such as special blankets or beloved stuffed animals should be kept in a separate bag or box; that way they can keep them close have them nearby on moving day. Plan a date to tour your new neighbourhood with your family. If it’s not a long distance, why not ride your bikes and scope out your children’s favourite activities and even fast food locations, new neighbourhood tennis courts, soccer clubs and baseball associations. Check with the local school PTA to determine if there is a welcome wagon program, arrange a tour of their new school and meet the teachers ahead of moving day. Make sure children say goodbye to the important people in their lives’ help them prepare a list of phone numbers, emails and addresses. Prepare cards that have their name and new address on them to hand out to friends. If you are moving within the same city, try to schedule a few play dates with their friends before your move day. Give your kids an inexpensive digital camera to take as many pictures as possible of their friends prior to moving day. This way, they’ll have a reason to stay in touch as they share the photos. Keep them involved with the sports teams they were associated with until the end of the season, so they can maintain their friendships while they make friends in their new neighbourhood. Child psychology experts agree that if kids know they can stay in touch with friends and loved ones, it will make the move less traumatic.
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12-12-20 11:24 AM
condo profile
Sonoma
at Sage Hill offers affordable townhomes
c
ondo buyers will be delighted to discover a new townhome community in Sage Hill that presents affordability and a great location with easy access to a vast range of existing amenities in northwest Calgary. Crafted by Vertical Properties, Sonoma at Sage Hill is a 173-unit townhome development in the heart of the Sage Hill/Nolan Hill area offering an interesting combination of traditional street townhome configurations and a new innovative “front-to-back” townhome design.
// By Heather Ryan
“This is a fabulous townhome project that provides a level of affordability not seen in other suburban locations and offers a great location close to amenities,” says marketing co-ordinator Charlene Reinke. “Sonoma presents two models in each townhome offering, along with open-concept floorplans that integrate the kitchen, dining and living space.” “The front-to-back townhomes are unique in that they offer more windows than a traditional townhome orientation – providing an abundance of natural light into the home,” she says. All the townhomes are two-storey designs with single-car attached garage and a basement except for the Boulevard model, which has a driveunder garage with no basement, Reinke says. Buyers will appreciate having a variety of sizes and styles to choose from. Traditional street townhomes include the Connection, a 1,281-sq.-ft. home with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an office/flex room, and the Destination, which has 1,214 to 1,222-sq.-ft. layouts with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and an office/flex room. The front-to-back townhomes include the
34 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Arrival, which ranges from 1,216 to 1,262 sq. ft. with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and the Boulevard, which has 1,159 to 1,167-sq.-ft. floorplans with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The Connection, Destination and Arrival all have a dual master bedroom option. “Sonoma offers a highly affordable price point that caters to first-time buyers and the singles’ market as well as empty nesters and downsizers looking for a maintenance-free townhome lifestyle,” Reinke says, noting the Boulevard starts at an entry level price point in the $240s, and prices range to the $310s for the Connection. Buyers will adore the interior features that include a LVT flooring system (a high-durability, non-allergenic product that runs throughout the main living area), in-suite laundry with stacked washer and dryer,
upgraded trim package, designer lighting, and Italian designer contemporary plumbing fixtures. Kitchens dish out stainless steel appliances, a subway tile backsplash, contemporary flat-panel cabinets and a pantry. Buyers can also personalize their home by choosing from three colour options. The exterior is as beautiful as the interior with Craftsman architectural styling, James Hardie siding and trim package, stone detailing, and professional landscaped entryways. “Sonoma is fully landscaped including a central park and pathway system that will integrate into the broader neighbourhood pathway system,” Reinke says. “It’s also bordering a natural ravine green space and offers walk-out orientations backing onto the ravine.” Residents will enjoy being just minutes away from two major shopping areas at Creekside and Beacon Hill, which provide grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, services, and a wide range of retail outlets, and it’s a short drive to additional shopping at CrossIron Mills mall and in nearby Country Hills. “There is also future neighbourhood and full service, ‘big-box’ retail hubs planned for Sage Hill/Nolan Hill,” Reinke says. This stellar Sage Hill location also provides residents with Calgary transit bus service. It’s adjacent to the new Shaganappi Trail extension (opening early 2013) with direct access to Stoney Trail so they have easy access to Deerfoot Trail and Crowchild Trail, and it’s just 10 to 12 minutes to the airport. For more information on Sonoma at Sage Hill, visit the showhome and sales centre, at 881 Sage Valley Blvd. N.W., open Monday to Thursday, 2-8 p.m., and weekends and holidays, noon to 5 p.m., call 587.352.7614, or visit sonomasagehill.com. Sonoma Grand Opening March 2nd and 3rd from 1-5 p.m. Virgin 98.5 on location March 2nd, along with a food truck each day www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 35
style file
home sweet home office // by Yanic Simard The Work Surface
Having some sort of furniture piece to act as a ‘desk’ is the key component to a home office (and no, it can’t be the coffee table in front of the television). It has to be a single item with a surface, whether large or small, that has only one purpose: to serve as a workstation so that your mind knows to focus on work when you’re sitting at it. If you use the same surface you use for other activities (such as eating) your mind will tend to wander off and want to take part in those other things it’s known to do there. Your work surface doesn’t have to be the ‘typical desk’ – you can have fun with this piece and use something non-traditional depending on your creativity and the amount of space you have. For example, a console, bar cart or floating shelf could all work well for this application. Keeping Organized
Maintaining a clutter-free area while working is very important because clutter equals distraction. Utilitarian boxes, glass vases, pegboards and vertical shelving can all be good storage solutions for items like your pens and paper. Let There Be Light
Cut down on eyestrain and headaches by making sure there is ample lighting in your work area. Position your computer monitor so there’s no glare from a window or overhead light, and invest in a good task lamp for your desk. Entrepreneurs, freelancers
and more big corporation employees are skipping the commute and working from home. Even if you can’t do everything at home, chances are you take work home with you from time to time to catch up or get ahead. Being as productive as possible at home means having a dedicated workspace – no matter the size of your place.
Take a Seat
Choosing the right chair has a lot to do with how often you will be sitting in it. If you plan on spending eight hours a day at your desk, investing a little more in something well composed ergonomically would be a wise decision. If you’ll only be seated for an hour or two, something more along the lines of a side chair will fit the bill just fine.
Location, Location, Location
If you don’t have a separate room devoted as an office, then your first step will be deciding where it should be located. You may want to draw out your floorplan on paper and try it in different locations until it feels right. Consider nook/alcove areas, corners, and areas in front of windows. 36 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Yanic Simard is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. For more information visit tidg.ca.
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// BY HELLEN BUTTIGIEG
can ORGANIZING that keep MYTHS you stuck to get herself organized was a few containers; what she really needed was to learn a bit about organizing. Before you go out and spend money on containers or other organizing products, do some preliminary work and planning. The first thing I recommend is purging. Only when you know exactly what it is you need to store, how much of it, and where the most suitable location is to store it, should you go out and purchase containers. And don’t forget to measure first. Bringing home the wrong containers for the job simply creates more clutter. Hellen Buttigieg, CPO, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV host and owner of We Organize U. Visit her website, WeOrganizeU.com, for a free e-Book on how to find more time, energy and inner peace. Contact Hellen at 905.829.2219 or info@WeOrganizeU.com
I
2 | MULTI-TASKING IS ALWAYS PRODUCTIVE. FALSE. Although useful in some situations, multi-tasking can cause you to lose your focus and make costly and time- consuming mistakes. When working on important tasks, multi-tasking is probably not a good idea. Some things require your undivided attention. Multi-tasking distracts us from being in the present moment, which can drain our energy and leave us feeling exhausted and unfulfi lled. Next time you are participating in an activity, be with that activity (rather than thinking about all the things you should be doing instead, or have to do later). Resist the habit of trying to do two things at once. 3 | BEING MESSY AUTOMATICALLY MEANS YOU ARE DISORGANIZED. FALSE.
t’s time to dispel some organizing myths that may be keeping you stuck and getting in your way of a more organized life. I’ve focused on the five most common beliefs about organizing, so you can get clear on what works and what doesn’t. Once we bust the myths, you’ll be on your way to organizing yourself like a pro.
Organizing is not about how it looks; it’s about how it works. Visual, creative types need to have things out where they can see them, because out-of-sight is out-of-mind for them. This may cause their spaces to appear disorganized to others, but they probably know exactly where everything is. The flipside of this is that visual types lose focus when there is too much to look at, so they need to find products that will allow them to contain their stuff to keep down the visual clutter. For example, a literature sorter allows them to contain their papers while still keeping them within view.
1 | CONTAINERS WILL ALWAYS GET
people say, “There’s no way I could get organized because I am too sentimental – I don’t want to get rid of everything.” Although you shouldn’t keep things you don’t like or will never use, there’s always a way to either display or store the things that matter. For example, shadow boxes or display cases allow you to protect as well as showcase the possessions that truly mean something special to you.
YOU ORGANIZED. FALSE. Contrary
to what the ads want you to believe, containers alone are not the answer to your organizing dilemmas. They can even become part of the problem. Take Nancy, for example. She purchased several large plastic containers to organize her craft supplies and memorabilia. But she still couldn’t find what she was looking for when needed. She mistakenly thought all she needed
4 | YOU HAVE TO TOSS EVERYTHING TO GET ORGANIZED. FALSE. I often hear
5 | IF YOU WRITE IT ON A TO-DO LIST, IT WILL GET DONE. FALSE. I had a client
who was so proud of her to-do list: it was prioritized, colour-coded and categorized – yet she was frustrated and overwhelmed at how many things on the list were not getting done. To get anything accomplished you have to actually schedule time to do the things on your list. Simply putting a task on a list is not a commitment – blocking time on your calendar to do it is.
40 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
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Current lOCatiOns CAlGARY INDIGO Sky AT SADDLERIDGE 403.389.8144 • indigosky.ca INDIGO Sky AT TARA LAkE 403.389.8144 • indigosky.ca EAST VILLAGE
403.228.5872 • riverfrontpointe.ca VARSITy LANDING 403.800.6056 • varistylanding.com
edMOntOn ELEmENTS AT mcCONAChIE 780.977.0616 • elementscondos.ca RUThERfORD LANDING 780.977.0616 • rutherfordlanding.ca wALkER LAkE LANDING 780.977.0616 • walkerlake.ca
COChRAne STONECREEk LANDING DOwNTOwN COChRANE
403.981.0276 • stonecreekcondos.ca
immediate pOssessiOns available Upgrade to granite CoUntertops throUghoUt for only $595.
T a fo
RIVERfRONT POINTE
ENCORE AT kINCORA 403.470.6286 • encorecondos.ca
“I’ve done the math and even I can see this is the best value!”
$
AiRdRie CREEkSIDE VILLAGE DOwNTOwN AIRDRIE
403.980.3334 • creeksidevillagecondos.ca
COVERED with CARE www.blanketltd.ca
(ValUed at oVer $2200)
Central Sales Centre 403.228.5872
IN –
fu su Pr
b R
$300’s FROM the lOw
The only new condos available in East Village for the next 24 months INVESTOR OPPORTUNITy – fANTASTIC RETURN fully furnished executive rental suites professionally managed by Premier Executive Suites
best valued suites in east village Register at riverfrontpointe.ca Across the street from downtown plus 15 Mem orial Drive NE
2 Ave SE
Garrison Woods? The Bridges? Yaletown in Vancouver ring any bells? There is no fashionably late in real estate. With exciting changes to East Village, The River Walk and Calgary’s downtown core, Riverfront Pointe is at the centre of one of Canada’s hottest urban developments. Life is full of missed opportunities... don’t let this be one of them.
SE
3 Street SE
Macleod Trail SE
3 Ave SE
Riverf ront A ve
1 Street SE
Centre Street S
a
EAST VILLAGE RIVERFRONT
4 Ave SE
e SE 5 Av
Main Floor-325 3rd St. SE. Phone: 403.228.5872 Show suite hours: Mon. – Thurs. 12-6 pm Sat. & Sun. 12-5 pm, Closed Fridays
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Visit our new discovery Centre at riverfront pointe, Main floor 325 3rd st. se Calgary.
RILEY PARK
th
5th Ave NW
Rd
7 St N W
W
N
Located in one of Calgary’s most sought after neighbourhoods th
4
W
N
e Av
Coming Soon
NW
s
N
w
REGISTER NOW
2 nd Av e
W
Kensington Rd NW
44
ge id Br
for Best Selection and Price Incentives
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Pe a
10th St NW
ad
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Walkway
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e Av
Spacious one bedroom to two bedrooms + den condos starting from $ 279,000
vencondos.com 403-225-0023
inner city 07 d rake by grosvenor
RILEY PARK VE 4A
6 AVE N
5 AVE N
12 08
Visit Sales Centre at 2nd Floor, 850 - 16 Avenue S.W
3
EN
V 2A
SUNNYSIDE STATION
08 P IXEL by Battistella
ROTARY PARK
PRINCE’S ISLAND PARK
9A St and 2nd Ave NW www.battistella.ca
09 S olaire By La Caille Group
17
EAU CLAIRE04 MARKET
09
16
01 4 AVE S 5 AVE S
11 keynote
13
220 12th Ave. SW
6 AVE S
MILLENNIUM PARK
02
CONVENTION CENTRE
9 AVE S
MOUNT ROYAL VILLAGE
TALISMAN SPORTS CENTRE
4 ST W
5 ST W
CLIFF ST
03
10 ST W
01 Riverfront Pointe by CARLISLE group
101 Riverfront Avenue S.E.
02 m ark on 10th -coming soon by qualex 901 - 10th Ave S.W.
MACLEOD TR
10th St. & 3rd Ave. NW
CALGARY EXIBITION AND STAMPEDE PARK
East Village, Calgary, AB
14 6 th & tenth coming soon by lamb development corp. 15 t he block by avi urban
Sales Centre 1022 17th Ave. SW
ERLTON / STAMPEDE STATION
PROSPECT AVE
26 AVE S
12 st. johns tenth street by streetside 13 F IRST by FRAM + Slokker
VICTORIA PARK / STAMPEDE STATION
17 AVE S
06
23 AVE S
1 ST W
2 ST W
COLONEL BELCHER HOSPITAL
11 1 ST E
10
4 ST W
11 AVE S 12 AVE S
15
5 ST W
8 ST W
10 ST W
05
FORT CALGARY
CITY HALL
14
OLYMPIC WY
GREYHOUND BUS TERMINAL
888-4th Ave. SW Presentation suite 912-5th Ave. SW www.solaireliving.ca
26 AVE S
03 4 3 park by vericon real estate ventures Coming Winter 2013
04 W aterfront by Anthem Properties 216 Riverfront Ave. S.W.
www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 45
condo profile
Bucci
poised to launch fabulous new condo project in Kensington // By Heather Ryan
c
ondo buyers who desire a stellar location that places all the conveniences at the doorstep as well as great features and spacious designs will adore a new project located in one of Calgary’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Bucci Developments is poised to launch Ven, a four-storey, 115-suite apartment-style condo project on 5th Avenue N.W. located in highly sought-after Kensington that will offer a range of floorplans and price points designed to appeal to a variety of buyers.
“We’re really excited about this project in Kensington because it’s such an amazing area and we think this site offers the best multi-family location in Calgary,” says Bucci’s sales and marketing manager Shane Styles. “We’re about 200 metres from the C-Train and about 300 metres from Safeway, and lots of nearby shops, services and restaurants so you really aren’t going to need to use your car. “When you think about your day, where you work, shop and sleep is a triangle and the smaller the triangle the happier you are,” Styles says. “With this location the three corners of the triangle are really close. “The location has huge appeal,” he says, “with great access to the river trails and parks, with SAIT and the U of C in close proximity, plus with this location you have all the conveniences close at hand but you’re in a quiet neighbourhood. It’s about as good as it gets.” Ven will offer a distinctive mix of floorplans including Bucci’s A Plan, which won a SAM Award for Best Design under 799 sq. ft. “It’s a plan we used in both NEXT and Tribeca and it proved to be very popular with
46 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Some other features are higher nine-ft. ceilings with some lofted to 14-ft., laminate and tile floors, in-suite laundry, spacious patios and balconies with gas line hookups and generous storage space – a Bucci standard.
buyers,” Styles says. “It’s a spacious 645-square-foot one-bedroom that is really efficiently designed with plenty of storage and an amazing kitchen.” It will also offer a 783-sq.-ft. one-bedroom, two-bathroom plus den or junior two-bedroom that sold out quickly in Tribeca, as well as six other larger two-bedroom plus den plans. “We learned from Tribeca that our two bedrooms plus den are big with professionals and downsizing buyers, so we’re offering them here in the 914- to 1,350-square-foot range,” Styles says. “We’re also going to increase the specs for these suites because downsizers are not only looking for larger space they also want the some of the luxuries they had in their single-family homes.” Buyers will quickly discover the standard specification offered at Ven is such that no upgrades are needed. They will be wowed by the contemporary finishings and features including kitchens that feature Bosch stainless steel appliances, including a gas cook top, microwave and wall oven, quartzite countertops with flush eating bars, tile
backsplash and an abundance of cabinets. Some other features are higher nine-ft. ceilings with some lofted to 14-ft., laminate and tile floors, in-suite laundry, spacious patios and balconies with gas line hookups and generous storage space – a Bucci standard. The building will also offer underground heated and secured parking, and additional storage, bike lockers and a car wash in the parkade. Bucci is looking to launch Ven in late February with the opening of its sales centre that will showcase a designer furnished showsuite at 306 10th Ave. N.W. (above the Broken Plate restaurant in Kensington on the second floor). Construction is expected to begin in the spring. Interested buyers should register now for best selection and early price incentives at vencondos.com or call 403.225.0023 for more information.
www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 47
INNER CITY
TOWNHOMES IN THE $400’S
LIVE CENTRAL
LIVE ACTIVE
SCAN TO VIEW
LIVE INNOVATIVE
LIVE GREEN LIVE MODERN
FALL / WINTER 2013 POSSESSIONS
1120 KENSINGTON RD NW TUESDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-6PM SATURDAY/SUNDAY 11AM-5PM
pi xe lco n dos .c a
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Delight in fine wines from the world’s most celebrated regions
STAMPEDE PARK BIG FOUR FRIDAY Evening Session 7 - 10 pm SATURDAY Afternoon Session 2 - 5 pm SATURDAY Evening Session 7 - 10 pm
Feb. 22 - 23, 2013
PURCHASE YOUR WINEFEST tickets online – limited quantities available & tickets are selling quickly! ALL-INCLUSIVE TICKET INCLUDES WINE, HORS D’OEUVRES & A RIEDEL TASTING GLASS Please enjoy your beverage responsibly. Minors are not permitted.
For tickets and more information, visit CelebrateWinefest.com
www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 48
• • • •
16TH AV E N E N
6TH ST
EDMONTON TRA IL
8TH AV E N E
7TH AV E N E
The Pinnacle of
LUXURY A Brand New Magazine Dedicated to High-End Properties in Calgary and Area The only magazine of its kind in Calgary, Luxury Living showcases high-end homes, condos and apartments. This is your exclusive opportunity to establish your property as the pinnacle of affluent living. Pick up your FREE copy.
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FROM DAWN TILL DUSK.
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ELEVATE YOUR DAY AT MARK ON TENTH. At 10th Avenue and 8th Street SW, Qualex-Landmark is setting a new standard for urban living. MARK’s rooftop amenity will be the most luxurious in the city, with a fitness centre and a spectacular indoor/outdoor private lounge. On the third floor, the residents’ garden will be one of the largest in Calgary. It feels like an exclusive private club. Yet free membership is just one of the many benefits of ownership. Breathtaking views over the urban skyline and the distant mountains complement the ambitious architecture of this 35-storey tower in the heart of the Design District. New homes in this inspiring location start in the $200,000s. MARK’s Discovery Centre is now open! Be among the first to experience MARK on Tenth.
REGISTER NOW AT QUALEX.CA/MARK This is not an offering for sale. Such offering may be made by disclosure statement only. E.&O.E.
One bedrooms starting from $200s Two bedrooms starting from $350s
DISCOVERY CENTRE 1120 10th Ave SW, Calgary Open Daily Noon to 5PM, Closed Fridays Tel: 403.244.2428 51
your first home
Buying your
first condo One of the most common first-time homebuyer questions is affordability. Here are four ways to help make your homebuying experience smooth and straightforward: 1. Understand your financial situation. Your financial needs will change and evolve throughout your life. Working with a trained professional to understand your current financial situation and your future goals can help you assess what type of home you can afford. 2. Ask about your credit history. A credit rating is a measure of how dependable you are in repaying your debts. A good credit rating goes a long way in helping you obtain credit and determine the interest rate you will receive. For example, if you pay your bills on time or if you repay a loan, you will be in good standing with the credit bureau. So, when it’s time to borrow, a lending institution will know that you are credit-worthy. For more information on your credit history, contact TransUnion or Equifax Canada and get your credit report free of charge by mail. 3. Get pre-approved. By getting pre-approved, you will know how much home you can afford, which will allow you to shop with
confidence within your price range and prove to sellers you are a serious buyer. Plus, obtaining a pre-approval is absolutely free. 4. Ask about extended amortization. The extended amortization feature is available on most mortgage products. The feature provides homebuyers the flexibility of lowering their mortgage payments by spreading them over a longer period of time, helping to ease budget and cash-flow issues. But keep in mind that by extending your amortization, you will increase the amount of interest that makes up your mortgage payment. Given this, it is important to choose a mortgage that allows you to increase your payments and make lump-sum payments when you can. Keep these important points in mind to help you find the condo you love at a price you can afford. NC For more information and assistance with your mortgage needs, visit your CIBC branch, call 1.800.465.CIBC or visit the website at cibc.com/mortgages.
It’s true – and until Feb 28th you can save $10,000!*
52 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
FIRST DATE. FIRST KISS. FIRST LOVE. EXPERIENCE FIRST.
Inner city
Life’s a journey and, for a select few, one of its most pleasurable experiences is overlooking the river and downtown skyline from your huge terrace at FIRST Condominiums. FIRST is first in many ways; location, design, finishes, amenities and, of course value. Take the first step. Visit the East Village Experience Centre today.
RIVERFRONT DOWNTOWN CONDOS FROM THE MID $200,000s. ONLY 5% DOWN* FIRST Sales Centre 553 Riverfront Ave SE. 403.263.8144 liveherefirst.com
EXPERIENCE
*On approved credit. 5% cash down plus 5% in bond. Processing fee and bond cost paid by developer. Ask sales rep for details. Prices shown do not include GST and are subject to change without notice. E&OE. Illustration is artist’s impression. Creative: la-ads.com
www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 53
13-0063_FIRST_CG_FEB2013.indd 1
13-01-25 11:20 AM
INNER CITY
‘
A NEW townhome community for Bridgeland and area • 7 MINS TO DOWNTOWN • EXCLUSIVE TOWNHOMES • LARGE OPEN PLANS • 2 & 3 BEDROOM OPTIONS • PRIVATE GARAGE • LUXURY FINISHINGS • VAULTED CEILINGS • FULL SECURITY • MINUTES TO SHOPS & CAFES • GREEN SPACE & PATHS • MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING • LUXURIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN Now under construction, SPECIFICATIONS visit us soon for the best unit selections! Now Nowunder underconstruction, construction, Immediate occupancies available, visit usussoon visit soonfor forthe thebest bestunit unitselections! selections! visit us soon for the best unit selections
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Here’s what you can do to Recycle, Renew and Reuse • Keep your car in good working order. Tune-ups and filter changes cut down on exhaust emissions, and you’ll get better gas mileage. When you change your oil, take your used motor oil to a recycling centre. • Use available transit alternatives. • Separate your garbage. Glass, aluminum, paper and even plastic can be recycled. If a recycling program is not directly available to you, contact your municipal sanitation department. • Donate reusable clothing and linens to charity. Most pick-up regularly in your area. • Become environmentally active in your community. You can make the world a better place to live... now and for future generations.
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26 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
KEY-024 - Condo Guide FP 4C 7.5”x 10.5” - Guy Steps
Po INNER CITY ss es sio nS pr ing 20 13
Work time or game time. Steps away.
Calgary’s ultimate address welcomes residents in 2013 From the onsite convenience of Sunterra Market, Starbucks™ and RBC Royal Bank,® to nearby bars, restaurants and entertainment, Keynote’s Urban Village has everything right on your doorstep.
Condos from the
250
$
URBAN VILLAGE
S
220–12th AVE SE | Show Suite Hours: Mon–Thurs 12–6 pm; Sat–Sun 12–5 pm
KeynoteCalgary.com
www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 55
KEY-026_Keynote_CondoGuide_7.5x10.5_MK.indd 2
13-01-29 2:33 PM
CALGARY’S LUXURY VANTAGE POINT In the 1980s Statesman introduced “The Villa” to Calgarians. Now 30 years later, you must view “THE NEW VILLAS.” • The NEW VILLAS & VISTAS (Town Home) offer 2 or 3 Car “Invisible” Parking • Maintenance Freedom • Reduced utility Costs with Geothermal Healthy Heating and Cooling • Private Community with Majestic views of the Bow River Valley Tran s
Canada Olympic Park
Cana
da-H
1
Sa
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Old Banff Coach Road
Bo
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Coach Hill Plaza
85 Street SW
West Springs
771 Patrick Street S.W. Calgary, AB T3H 4B9 403-262-5070 www.cougarridgelandings.com
WY#
ive
r
Edworthy Park
Bow Trail Strathcona Square
Villas & Vistas from the 400s to a Million Plus Reserve your New Villa or Vista and Take Advantage of Limited Time Offer Design Center Allowances!
BLV GE D.
TR
HIL L NO SE
AIL EY TR STON
SH AG AN
DR .
NA
PI
TR AIL
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ER
FO
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NOSE HILL PARK
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CALGARY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
64 Ave
16 AVENUE
4
SARCEE TRAIL
TRA
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IV E 02 SILVERADO
by SLOKKER
36 STREET
03 17 Ave
10
16
11
Silverado Way & Sherrif King Rd
03 OVATION BY INTERGULF CIDEX
#2105, 99 Spruce Place S.W.
04 t he landings by statesman
771 Patrick St. S.W.
06 Sawyer silverado coming soon BY Avi Urban
10 vi ctoria cross by avi urban
GLENMORE RESERVOIR
BARLOW TRAIL
ORE
DR
MacLEOD TRAIL
NM
1020 194th Ave S.W. www.hunterhouseliving.com
ME M O R I AL
37 STREET
GLE
69 STREET
85 STREET
12
01 h unter house by streetside development 16 AVENUE
BLACKFOOT TRAIL
OLD BANFF COACH ROAD
32 Ave
EDMONTON TRAIL
E
14 STREET
ENU
ELBOW DRI VE
16 A V
CENTRE STREET
southwest communities
SOUTHLAND DRIVE ANDERSON ROAD
DEERF
Coming Soon
by vertical properties
16 e instein by providence group
M TR
1521 35th Ave. SW COMING SOON
AIL
194 AVE
AIL D TR LEO SHERIFF KING ST. SW
VITT
McKE 02 01 06
Mac
S JAME
SHAWNESSY BLVD.
J5, 2953 Battleford Ave. S.W.
eighty5nine.com
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11 c urrie barracks BY CANADA LANDS COMPANY 12 eighty5nine
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132 Victoria Cross Blvd. S.W.
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www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 57
condo profile
e eart EDISON
Avi Urban offers condos to meet a variety of lifestyles // By Heather Ryan
d
iscerning buyers looking for well-located, stylish, affordable condos are falling in love with Avi Urban, a multi-family builder that is crafting homes across Calgary to suit a variety of needs and lifestyles. In south Calgary, Avi Urban is crafting Edison on Walden Drive, just steps away from shops and local amenities in Walden. Starting in the $250s, Edison will be comprised of 157 three-storey townhomes with double-car attached garages and full driveway, providing parking for three vehicles. “Edison at Walden is the next generation of all the things we’ve learned from our past successes,” says Charron Ungar, president of Avi Urban, the multi-family division of Homes by Avi. “It’s the
culmination of years in research and feedback from our Avi Urban homeowners.” For Edison, Ungar says they have brought together a “highly detailed and innovative architectural design with a studied approach to the latest trends and finishes. We are creating what I believe will be Calgary’s most stunning example of a highly livable and extremely attractive townhome development.” The townhomes range from 1,130 to 1,400 sq. ft. and are designed based on the success of Avi Urban’s The Enclave at Castle Keep featuring nine-ft. ceilings on the main floor and incredible standard features such as full-height tile backsplashes and extended height cabinetry. Buyers are also able to mix and match finish options inside and enjoy a fully landscaped central park, an Avi Urban signature in many of its developments. They also benefit from having neighbourhood conveniences nearby at the Gates of Walden, which includes various shops, services, a local pub, plus a grocery store that is expected to be added this year. They also have easy access to Macleod Trail and Hwy. 22X. For more information and to register, visit aviurban.com/edison. Another south Calgary condo development is Sawyer, which is comprised of 138 apartment-style condos in three buildings and located in the heart of the established community of Silverado on Silverado Boulevard.
58 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Starting with a very affordable and attractive price point in the $170s, the Sawyer condos offer various floor plans ranging from 700 to 1,100 sq. ft. and are being so well received by buyers the first release is already 50 per cent sold. “Avi Urban has been active in the downtown condo market. Taking experiences and knowledge from this market, we’re able to bring this inner-city perspective to south Calgary with Sawyer Silverado,” Ungar says. “We believe that our urban take on this product will bring together the benefits of affordability and established south Calgary amenities with the latest design concepts and building technology.” Homes at Sawyer feature underground parking and finishes that are anything but standard, including oversized windows and flat panel cabinetry. Again, buyers can mix and match finish options for their interiors along with choosing the colour for their front door from five stylish selections. Sawyer’s three buildings will be arranged in a U-shape to create a beautiful landscaped circular courtyard and almost 250 trees will be planted throughout the development. Silverado also offers a great location with easy access to Hwy. 22 and Macleod Trail, and residents can enjoy neighbourhood conveniences at the Silverado Marketplace that includes shops, services and a grocery store. Visit aviurban.com/Sawyer to register and receive all the details. In northwest Calgary, Avi Urban is offering the third in its highly successful Prospect series with Prospect Rise, located in Kincora in beautiful Symons Valley. Prospect Rise features three-storey townhomes ranging from 1,211 to 1,385 sq. ft. and offering three unique floorplans – double master, twobedroom and den or three-bedroom options. The townhomes offer excellent interior features such as nine-ft. ceilings on the open-concept main floor, tile flooring in the kitchen and bathrooms, extended height custom cabinetry and glass mosaic tile backsplash. They also come with a double-car attached tandem garage and driveway, offering parking for three vehicles, along with a fully landscaped courtyard, large balconies and bright exteriors. SAWYER
Ungar says offering the differing floorplans at a price point starting in the $280s makes the townhomes attractive to a wide range of first-time buyers, downsizers and empty-nesters and the development is already 50 per cent sold. An added benefit to buyers is the location – Kincora it’s just minutes to Stoney Trail, Deerfoot Trail, Beddington Trail and Country Hills Boulevard for ease of getting to the airport and around the city. It’s just blocks to local shopping at Creekside and a short drive to a vast range of shops, services and restaurants at CrossIron Mills mall and in Country Hills and Beacon Hills. For more information about Prospect Rise, visit aviurban.com/prospectrise.
PROSPECT RISE
www.hometrader.ca | Volume 16 issue 02 | NEW Condo Guide 59
Scrumpdillyicious
Leslie Styles, foodie and travel aficionado, shares some delicious dishes found on her travels around the world
Goan-Style Shrimp Curry ingredients
Serves 4
For the marinade
For the sauce
› 1/2 tsp kosher salt › 1/4 tsp ground black peppercorns › 1/4 tsp cayenne › 2 tbsp lemon juice, from about 1/2 lemon › 1 lb large or extralarge shrimp, peeled and deveined
› 1 cup water › 1/4 cup canola oil › 24 curry leaves, roughly torn › 4 dried red chiles › 1 tsp ground black peppercorns › 1 3-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced › 1 medium red onion, finely chopped › 1 tbsp plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
› 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped › 2 tsp ground coriander › 1/2 tsp turmeric › 1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes › 1/2 teaspoon curry powder › 1 1/2 cups coconut milk › 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
directions To make the marinade, place all of the ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag, add the shrimp, toss to coat and refrigerate.
always on the hunt for unique seafood recipes,
I was delighted when I came across this wonderfully aromatic Goan-Style Prawn Curry by Suvir Saran. Best known for it’s beautiful beaches, rustling palm trees and tropical climate, Goa is equally well known for it’s rich culinary history. A long era of Portuguese rule, combined with that of the Muslim and Hindu kingdoms, has left a permanent influence on the original style of Goan cooking, so that what we see today is an exotic and vibrant cuisine, abounding with intense flavours and robust spices. With over a hundred kilometres of coastline, it’s no surprise that Goan cuisine is famous for its seafood: fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs and lobster dishes are the speciality of the region, characteristically infused with coconut milk, tamarind, chilis and fragrant hand ground masalas, used to flavour most traditional Goan dishes. Served with rice, Suvir’s Goan-Style Prawn Curry recipe is rich and aromatic with complex flavour and a little bit of heat, making this a delicious meal for a warm summer night, or when you need some warming up during a cold winter evening. Easy to prepare, this wonderfully delicious and satisfying curry takes less than an hour to make, making it an excellent recipe to explore the fragrant world of Goan cuisine.
60 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
In a deep sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the curry leaves and chiles and heat until the curry leaves start to sizzle, about one to two minutes. Add the ground black peppercorns and cook for another minute. Stir in the ginger, onion, and salt and stirring often, cook until the onion is browned, about eight minutes. Sprinkle with water if the onion and ginger begin to stick to the bottom of the pot. Add the garlic, coriander, and turmeric and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about one minute. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the tomatoes. Cook, stirring and scraping the browned bits up from the sides and bottom of the pot, for one minute. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer for five minutes, stirring often. Stir in the curry powder and cook for one minute. Add the coconut milk and 1/2 cup of water, and bring to a boil. Add the shrimp and any accumulated juices, and simmer until the shrimp are curled and opaque, about two minutes. Stir in the cilantro. If desired, serve with rice or naan bread.
Leslie Styles is president of Styles Design Inc., a Toronto-based branding and communications agency, and author of Scrumpdillyicious, a food & travel blog dedicated to all things delicious. She can be reached at stylesdesign.net and scrumpdillyicious.blogspot.com
SOUTHWEST
2
2
< $325k
61
condo hunter’s checklist
Condo hunter’s checklist When shopping for your dream condo, carry this list with you and take notes to help you remember what you saw, and where! condo #1
condo #2
condo #3
condo #4
Project & address:
Project & address:
Project & address:
Project & address:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Type:
Type:
Type:
Type:
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Options:
Options:
Options:
Options:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Price:
Price:
Price:
Price:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Other comments:
Other comments:
Other comments:
Other comments:
62 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
homebuyers’ help
Condo Buyers’ Resource Section You love the condo, see what you can afford! Compare mortgage rates for your best deal alculate your mortgage payments using the C mortgage payment calculation chart
HOMEBUYERS’ HELP
YOU LOVE THE CONDO, SEE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD! INTEREST RATES
CALCULATE YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
AMORTIZATION PERIODS
% 5 YEARS
10 YEARS
15 YEARS
20 YEARS
25 YEARS
5.00%
18.84
10.58
7.88
6.57
5.81
5.25%
18.96
10.70
8.00
6.70
5.95
5.50%
19.07
10.82
8.13
6.84
6.10
5.75%
19.18
10.94
8.26
6.98
6.25
6.00%
19.29
11.06
8.39
7.12
6.39
6.25%
19.41
11.18
8.53
7.26
6.54
6.50%
19.52
11.31
8.66
7.40
6.69
6.75%
19.63
11.43
8.79
7.54
6.85
7.00%
19.75
11.55
8.93
7.69
7.00
7.25%
19.86
11.68
9.06
7.83
7.15
7.50%
19.98
11.81
9.20
7.98
7.31
7.75%
20.09
11.93
9.34
8.13
7.47
8.00%
20.21
12.06
9.48
8.28
7.63
8.25%
20.32
12.19
9.62
8.43
7.79
MONTHLY PRE-TAX INCOME
SPOUSE’S PRE-TAX INCOME
TOTAL PRE-TAX INCOME
DIVIDE BY THREE
AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS
AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE (PRICE-DOWN PAYMENT)
CHART FIGURE
AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE DIVIDED BY 1,000
AMORTIZATION AMOUNT
AMORTIZATION AMOUNT
ESTIMATED MONTHLY TAXES AND HEAT
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO SEE IF YOU’LL QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE ON YOUR DREAM CONDO
01
Calculate the combined monthly before-tax income of you and your spouse.
Multiply this figure by the amount you need to borrow. Divide by 1,000.
02
Divide by three. This figure is the monthly payment you can afford to make on your condo.
06
Add to this your estimated monthly heating costs and monthly property taxes.
03
07
Take the total price of the condo and subtract the amount of money you expect to make as a down payment. This is the money you will have to borrow.
04
Refer to the chart on the opposite page. Look down the left column and locate the interest rate you expect to pay. Line this up with the amortization period of your choice. (Most first-time buyers take the 25-year amortization.)
05
If this figure is equal to or less than one-third of your gross monthly income (calculated in Step 2), you’ll qualify for a mortgage on your dream condo. Bear in mind that this is a rough estimate. If you have several other large loans already, you may qualify for less. Also, banks and trust companies vary in their policies. The best way to know what you can afford is to go to the lending institution of your choice and get pre-qualified.
64 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | www.homeTRADER.ca
COMPARE MORTGAGE RATES FOR YOUR BEST DEAL VARIABLE
ATB Financial Bank of Montreal Bank of Nova Scotia Bridgewater Bank CIBC Mortgages Canadian Western Bank Canadian Western Trust First Calgary Financial First National Financial HSBC Bank Canada ING Direct Investors Group Trust Laurentian Bank Canada London Life Manulife Bank Manulife Trust Meridian Credit Union National Bank Peace Hills Trust President’s Choice Fin’l Royal Bank of Canada Servus Credit Union T-D Mortgage
3.000 3.100 3.100 3.200 3.200 3.200 3.000 3.100 3.000 3.000 3.200 3.000 3.000 2.850 3.200 3.200 3.200 3.200
6 MONTHS
4.000 4.000 4.550 4.450 4.000 4.000 4.000 3.950 4.450 4.000 4.400 4.000 4.450 4.450 4.450 4.000 4.500 6.040 4.000 4.000 4.000
1 YEAR
3.100 3.000 3.650 3.240 3.000 3.100 3.100 2.390 2.740 3.600 3.000 3.000 3.090 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.100 3.100 3.100 3.140 3.000 3.100 3.000
2 YEARS
3 YEARS
4 YEARS
5 YEARS
3.140 3.040 3.890 3.390 3.140 3.140 3.140 3.140 2.690 3.950 3.000 3.140 3.140 3.140 3.050 3.050 3.140 3.140 3.350 3.200 3.040 3.140 3.040
3.700 3.650 3.990 3.150 3.700 3.700 3.700 2.990 2.890 4.450 2.790 3.650 3.700 3.700 3.100 3.100 3.700 3.700 3.700 3.240 3.650 3.700 3.650
4.390 4.640 4.390 3.570 4.390 4.640 4.640 3.290 3.150 4.990 3.250 4.640 4.640 4.640 3.100 3.100 3.400 4.640 3.850 3.350 4.640 4.390 4.640
3.190 5.240 4.990 3.200 5.240 5.240 5.240 3.290 3.090 5.240 3.080 5.240 5.240 5.240 3.090 3.090 3.280 5.240 3.950 3.440 5.240 5.240 5.240
This information is current as of January 23, 2013 and is subject to change without notice.
MORTGAGE OPTIONS You can choose any of these mortgage options which fit into the two basic mortgage types. Lenders may even customize these options to suit your needs. All mortgages are of two basic types:
CONVENTIONAL
OPEN MORTGAGE
Buyer can borrow up to 75 per cent of the purchase price or the value of the property, whichever is less. Buyer has to pay 25 per cent down. A conventional mortgage cannot exceed 75 per cent of the value of the property.
Allows borrowers are to repay all or part of the total amount of their mortgage at any time without penalty. Because of flexibility, this is ideal for borrowers who plan to sell their homes in the near future or who want to switch from a short-term mortgage at high-interest rates to a longer term when mortgage interest rates fall.
INSURED OR HIGH-RATIO Buyer can borrow up to 95 per cent of the purchase price or the value of the property, whichever is less. The down payment can be as low as five per cent.
CLOSED MORTGAGE This usually has the lowest interest rate available but lacks the flexible features of other mortgage options. It’s a good
choice for those who want the security of knowing their monthly payment is fixed for a longer term. Prepayment options are available but they are subject to conditions.
PORTABLE MORTGAGE Offers flexibility if borrowers move. Borrowers can take the mortgage to their new home or can transfer it (usually with the consent of the lender) to the purchaser of their old home. This is an attractive option if the rate on the existing mortgage is lower than current rates.
www.homeTRADER.ca | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 65
Index of advertisers
read more about our advertisers! 43 Park
Vericon Real Estate Ventures
49
Champagne
Remington Development Corp.
2
Chestermere Townhomes
Slokker Canada West Inc.
7
Concept
Jayman Modus
28
Copperfield Park
Brad Remington Homes
Coventry Station
Hunter Developments
Cranston Place
Cardel Lifestyles
16-17
Creekside Village
Carlisle Group
42-43
Drake
Grosvenor
52
Edison
Avi Urban
30, 58-59, 67
Einstein
Providence Developments
Encore at Kincora
Carlisle Group
First
FRAM
1, 11-13, 68 25
61 42-43 53
Galleries Renfrew
Assured Developments
54
The Gardens
Genesis Builders Group
4, 26-27
Groves of Varsity
Statesman
6
Harvest Mosaic
Brookfield Homes
23
Heartland Townhomes
Excel Homes
29
Highland Park
Stonecroft Developments
41
Indigo Sky
Carlisle Group
42-43
Keynote
Keynote
55
The Landings
Statesman
56
Mahogany Street Towns
Homes by Avi
19
Mark on 10th
Qualex
51
Mint
Jayman Modus
14
Pixel
Battistella
48
Prospect Rise
Avi Urban
30, 58-59, 67
Riverfront Pointe
Carlisle Group
Sage.stone
Greenview Developments
42-43 39
Sawyer
Avi Urban
Silverado
Slokker Canada West Inc.
30, 58-59, 67
Sonoma
Vertical Properties
33-35 42-43
7
Stone Creek Landing
Carlisle Group
Swan Landing
Swan Group
37
Taralake
Slokker Canada West Inc.
7
Varsity Landing
Carlisle Group
42-43
Ven
Bucci Developments
44-47
Victoria Cross
Avi Urban
30, 58-59, 67
Waterfront
Anthem Properties
5
The Villas of Swan Landing
Swan Group
37
Zen – McKenzie Towne
Avalon Master Builder
21
66 NEW Condo Guide | Volume 16 issue 02 | www.hometrader.ca
Streetside Developments
Pullout Insert
067-Avi Urban-Sawyer 02-08-13.indd 67
2/1/13 10:40:51 AM
copperfield park love it. live it. afford it.
two bedroom condos*
three bedroom condos*
From the
From the
$140’s +GST
$180’s +GST
Titled parking stall included.
*
Two Bedroom Condos from the
$140’s
+ GST
Model A 970 sq. ft.
Model B 963 sq. ft.
scan it!IT! SCAN
Model C 825 sq. ft. New Brighton
Bl
vd
SE
www.copperfieldpark.com 403-257-0271 www.copperfieldpark.com | 403.723.0094 M cIv o
r
Copperfield
S 52
t SE
001-CCG_Cvr_Feb8.indd 1
22X
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2/6/13 11:22:33 AM