Issuu

Jul 19 - Aug 16, 2013 Volume 21 Issue 08

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MORTGAGE DEFAULT INSURANCE 101

EDMONTON A STRONG NEW-HOME MARKET

DÉCOR: HARDWOOD FLOORS MADE EASY

MORE TIME MORE CHOICE

MORE FREEDOM The Name In Active Adult Living THE NAME IN ACTIVE ADULT With over 30 years of experience creating award winning multifamilyLIVING urban villages for adults Withseniors, over 30 years of experience creating award urban villages forsurrounding adults and seniors, and Christenson Developments haswinning been multi-family providing Edmonton and with Christenson Developments has been providing Edmonton and surrounding areas with more than just a home. more than just a home.

McCrae Estates

Reflections

Eton Park Villas

Winning Village at Griesbach Includes: INCLUDES: • Spacious floorplans • Spacious floorplans Premium finishings • Premium finishings 6 Appliances •6 appliances parking Underground • Underground parking

Includes: INCLUDES: • Concrete and steel construction Stainless basements steel appliances ••Finished and GST granite, & ceramics ••6Hardwood, appliances Staring fromand $259,800 ••Hardwood ceramics • Spacious floorplans

Includes: INCLUDES: • Finished basements and GST Stainless basements steel appliances •• Finished and GST hardwood, ceramics •• 6Granite, appliances Immediate possessions available •• Hardwood and ceramics • Spacious floorplans

Estates PH:McCrae 780.406.7530 PH: 780.406.7530 Edmonton, Located In Award Winning Edmonton, Located in Award Village at Griesbach

Villas at Lacombe Park PH: 780.975.8866 PH: 780.903.2465 Sherwood Park, At Centre In St.Park Albert, Adult Bungalows The

Avalon Villas PH: 780.903.2465 PH: 780.995.3713 Sherwood Park, Adult Bungalows, Only 3 Leduc, Adult Bungalows Remaining!

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT A SALES CENTRE TODAY

G u i d i n g P e o p l e H o m e Fo r O ve r 3 0 Ye a r s

Citadel Village

Villas At Lacombe Park McCrae Estates

ST.ALBERT

Emerald Hills Eton Park Villas Eton Park Estates

Alta Vista Glastonbury Village

A BEAUTIFUL HOME

EDMONTON

REFLECTING YOUR STYLE SHERWOOD PARK

Southwoods

Center At The Park

A BEAUTIFUL 4-STOREY BUILDING WITH SPACIOUS 1 OR 2 BEDROOM FLOOR PLANS TO CALL HOME Bedford Village Reflections

Reflections -LEDUC A innovative building located in Centre in the Park, a uniquely designed community. It is a vibrant, pedestrian friendly neighbourhood where Avalon people live, work, and play. Villas Reflections location is only one of its many outstanding features, which also includes secured underground parking, air conditioning, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and

Villas/Bungalows Eton Park Villas • 780.903.2465

Legend contemporary styling. Reflections offers residents Senior Community convenience in the nearby amenities such as tennis Devonshire Village Villas/Bungalows courts, a golf course, swimming pools, Estate theatres and Condos the Sherwood Park shopping mall Visit our presentation center on 2021 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park in Centre in the Park. Show Centre open Mon-Thurs 1-6pm and Weekends 1-5pm.

Estate Condos

Villas At Lacombe Park

McCrae Estates

Avalon Villas

Reflections

• 780.903.2465 • 780.995.3713

Senior Living

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Alta Vista Glastonbury Village 780.410.0004 • 780.497.7245 • 780.934.6636 • 780.406.7530 • 780.975.8866

STARTING IN THE $270’S

Eton Park Estates • 780.975.8866

Bedford Village • 780.975.8866

Citadel Village • 780.934.6636

Devonshire Village • 780.934.6636

Southwoods

• 780.432.3222

VISIT US ONLINE AT CDLHOMES.COM

An exclusive collection of 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes with garage surrounded by AN ABUNDANCE OF GREEN PARK SPACE, FUTURE SCHOOL SITE, AND PLAYGROUND

2 SHOWSUITES TO VIEW

60% SOLD MOVE IN NOW 2 bedroom 3 storey with heated garage; 1551 sq ft finished 21 left 3 bedroom 2 storey with heated garage; 1344 sq ft finished 3 left

Double master options available 6 left Potential for lower level development as an entertainment room or 4th bedroom Showcasing: • 2.5 baths • 9’ ceilings • Full height ceramic tile backsplash • Stainless steel appliances • Washer and dryer • Quartz countertop • Shag carpeting • Wider stairwells • Huge balconies & windows • Laminate and ceramic tile flooring • Maintenance free living (includes snow removal and landscape maintenance) Community: • Next to a 4 acre park, future school/park space and near a community pond with walking trails, landscaping, benches and viewing areas • Short walk to the new VIP Cineplex, grocery stores, restaurants, retail and dental/medical

2 bedroom from $1377 /month*

$292,370+GST | Qualifying income $60,303 3 bedroom from $1478 /month*

$313,800+GST | Qualifying income $64,504

youareeve.com

Anderson Way

Allan Dr.

ill R bit H

Windermere Dr.

Rab

Mon-Thurs 2-8 pm Sat-Sun & holidays 12-5 pm 587.520.1563

3710 Allan Drive SW

Ellerslie Rd.

* Regular monthly payments based on 5% down payment, 3 year 180 day rate hold at 2.89%, 30 year amortization. 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. NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 7

table of contents

July 19 to Aug 16, 2013 volume 21 issue 8

28 Westrich Pacific’s

encore tower

columns, news & features

018 editor’s note ColumnS

024 Mortgage talk Mortgage default insurance 101

by michelle oranchuk

076 quick tips Replace procrastination with motivation by hellen buttigieg

080 m oney matters Are you financially fit? by gail vaz-oxlade

085 chba - alberta Edmonton one of the strongest new-home markets by jim rivait

093 fundamentally speaking It’s never too early to begin your tax planning by wayne karl

IN THE news

031 Home prices Housing prices to grow across all housing types

056 t d canada trust Tips for ‘new Canadians’ to build credit 062 bmo economics Canadian home prices not overvalued: BMO 078 economy Canada’s outlook closely tied to U.S. rebound 088 t d canada trust Advice for Gen Y trying to save money

Vice-President, Wall2Wall Media

Jacqueline Hill Editor-In-Chief

Susan Legge Director of Sales, Western Canada

Josh Heppner Editor

Wayne Karl Lydia McNutt (on leave) Art Director

Sarah Jang Contributing Editors

Sara Duck Elisa Krovblit Design Editor

Yanic Simard Media Consultant

Shelley Balla 587.784.4044

Production Manager

Bala Gnanapandithan Production Co-ordinator

Laura Northmore Graphic Designer

Caroline Wassef National Account Manager, Mediative

Paul Slizys Published By

PO Box 458 Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1

Copyright 2013 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. features

051 p roject profile The Ion 3 – arrive in style, live in substance 074 s tyle file Hardwood made easy by yanic simard

Homebuyers’ Help

019 web directory 051 insurance needs IBC offers advice in wake of Alberta floods

053 finances Are you and your partner investing soulmates? 095 Homebuyers’ Help Condo Buyers’ Resource Section 098 CONDO hunter’s CHECKLIST Carry this list with you and take notes Project Location Maps

027 Downtown 037 South Central

041 South East 045 South West 059 Sherwood Park 061 Leduc 063 Beaumont 065 North East 069 North West 077 Gibbons 079 Fort Saskatchewan 081 Morinville 083 St. Albert 087 West 090 Spruce Grove 092 Stony Plain

Advertising rates

T 587.784.4044 email shelley.balla@wall2wallmedia.com Circulation Edmonton’s New Condo Guide is

published every four weeks, 13 times per year. To submit articles or advertising, we are located at PO Box 458 Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1. New Condo Guide is free to the public.

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.

SHOW SUITE

NOW OPEN

SECORD CORNERS LUXURY TOWNHOMES DESIGNED FOR TODAYâ€™S BUYER

ords like stylish, modern & even a little bit sexy come to mind as you enter the Secord Corners Townhomes. Gleaming granite countertops, large windows and a glass tile backsplash in the kitchen give the space a sleek, urban feeling while features like the large rear deck & oversize double attached garage are exactly what suburban buyers are looking for. Innovative finishes like glass walls instead of the usual spindle stair railings allow light to flow throughout the home. Thoughtfully positioned in the west end of Edmonton, Secord Corners townhomes are located in the gorgeous community of Secord. This family oriented community is just off past Lewis Estates and provides easy access to West Edmonton Mall plus the Whitemud and Anthony Henday freeways.

12 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

Just a stoneâ€™s throw away from grocery stores and the established community of Parkland, Secord Corners offers spectacular value for residents. Easily accessible and close to many amenities, these townhomes are the exactly what northwest Edmonton has been waiting for. Perfectly sized at 1536 square feet, these homes have been specifically designed to maximize the floor space. The open concept design allows one room to flow into another, giving the overall impression of a much larger home. A spacious gourmet style kitchen with a convenient eating bar is ideal for active families or professional couples with hectic lifestyles while the dining nook is the perfect spot for family meals or a party. The great room features plenty of room for a luxurious flat screen TV, an oversize window and has lots of room for entertaining. A well-placed half bath is very convenient for both

YELLOWHEAD TRAIL

STONY PLAIN RD.

GREEN DR. 87 AVE. N W

SECORD Sales Center

178 ST.

WEBB E

ANTHONY HENDAY DR.

217 ST.

Lake

215 ST.

WINTERBURN RD. BLVD. ORD SEC

STONY PLAIN RD.

WHITEMUD DR.

residents and guests. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms offer fantastic space for children or make excellent offices or hobby rooms. The master suite is a great size and comes with a large walk in closet and four-piece ensuite. Another four-piece bathroom completes this level. The lower level of the home contains the laundry room, storage room and oversize double garage. Many valuable upgraded features of these homes include five appliances, an oversized deck and full landscaping of both front and back yards. The extra deep double attached rear garage has additional storage for the kids stuff or recreational equipment. Secord Corners Townhomes have been planned and are being constructed by Footprint Developments. This company specializes in creating greater Edmonton’s most value rich townhome communities. Very popular with

today’s buyers, their first development, Terwillegar Corners, sold out in just months. Secord Corners Townhomes are master crafted and come complete with valuable, upgraded features and finishes. Only 48 townhomes in Phase 1 are available in this private community, so do not wait to reserve yours! Priced from the $270’s these homes are definitely west Edmonton’s most impressive new home opportunity. For more information about Secord Corners Townhomes, please call 780.966.6524 or visit their show home at the ultra successful MacTaggart Ridge project. They are located on Mullen Way in MacTaggart in southwest Edmonton. Check out www.secordcorners.ca for more details too.

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 13

EDMONTON’S URBAN VILLAGE STEELE & CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

STARTING FROM

199,900

A forward-thinking heritage community

ome and be a part of an exciting new urban village in one of Edmonton’s most historic neighbourhoods! Station Pointe Village, located just one block from Belvedere LRT Station, is a great community for first-time buyers, families and seniors alike. Not only is its physical location optimal for commuters, but thanks to the planned community gardens, playgrounds, large amenity building, walking paths and large commercial spaces for daycares, bakeries, bistros, doctors’ offices, lawyers offices and more, Station Pointe Village perfect for most families, too. Add that to 375 units of one-, two- and three-bedroom condos—spread across five buildings—and you’ve got a vibrant community just waiting to, well...happen! Station Pointe Village is part of the City of Edmonton’s Fort Road Redevelopment initiative. The City of Edmonton selected BCM Developments, to be a part of the project, because of our high quality designs and innovative building techniques. We’ve been building in Western Canada for over 30 years, and we build with our patented steel and concrete system and use 80% post-consumer recycled materials—to make sure we’re taking care of our environment today and in the future. Together, we’ve been working together with the City to highlight the heritage of the area while improving the lands and surrounding neighbourhood. By maximizing on land use with functionally-designed residential homes, inviting park spaces, walking paths, biking paths and links to the LRT, the new Fort Road will be one of Edmonton’s best linked and desirable

www.stationpointe.com | 780-490-6008 | myhome@stationpointe.com 14

*EO&E

LOW CONDO FEES

guaranteed

BEST NEW HOME SELECTION 1 Bedroom + den 2 Bedroom, 2 full bath 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath Retail space available for purchase or lease (21,160 sq/ft)

PRE-SALES PRICING Be one of the first 10 purchasers and receive over $25,000* in buyers incentives and upgrades.

family-friendly communities. Units are now pre-selling for the first of five buildings. Ground will be broken this spring, with the second building coming on in late winter 2014. Purchase now and you can pick from a long list of free free upgraded quartz countertops and laminate flooring, and get free condo fees for one year. Plus, stop by the trailer today to see if you’re eligible for the SmartBuy down payment assistance program. For more information visit us online at stationpointe.com or call 780-490-6008.

• Transit-oriented development • 1 block from Belvedere LRT Station • Patented steel & concrete development • Sustainable ECO friendly development • Low condo fees • Secure underground parking • Large amenity spaces • Family friendly, multi-generational community in place for over 30 years. BEST BUYERS INCENTIVES* such as the “SmartBuy Buyers Program” can’t put down all your down payment no problem we can work out the details give us a small deposit to get started and over the course of several months we will help you build up your total deposit needed. THE BEST MORTGAGE RATES and buyer programs around come in and get the details. BEST TIME TO SELECT your interior fi nishes and colours and upgrade your appliances if you wish. Or just take the Free upgrades like stainless steel appliances, upgraded washer dryer and upgraded Composite Granite countertops and Vessel sinks in kitchen, bathrooms up to ($16,000.00*) UP TO 24 MONTHS of free condo fees up to ($7200.00*) FREE UPGRADED Window Blinds throughout ($3500.00*) FREE 12 MONTHS of Home Telephone, Internet, T.V. and PVR equipment. ($1500.00*).

SALES CENTRE

ON SITE shopping and amenities such as doctors, dentist, daycare and restaurants. Come see us to buy or lease your next new commercial location.

Address: 403 Belvedere Way (1/2 block east of 66 street, on Fort Road) Show Suite Hours: Mon-Thurs 3-7 PM, Sat-Sun & Holidays: 12-5 PM *EO&E

Bentley Condo Guide ad:Layout 1

6/17/13

4:47 PM

Page 1

NOW SELLING

One Bedrooms â€“ SOLD OUT Two Bedrooms from the $460s Luxury has a new address... 11710 - 87 Ave

Shindig it baby—extra space to make a scene Spacious and trendy living rooms are what Grande Design Homes are all about. But when it comes to quality craftsmanship, our homes couldn’t be more traditional. Grande Design townhomes are sleek, chic and dazzlingly modern in look, but built to last.

Visit GrandeDesign.ca for more information.

Modern Homes. Classic Values.

PRINCETON COURT 780-570-5065

LAKEVIEW TERRACE 587-520-6135

Prices starting in the $300’s

Prices starting in the $280’s

Sherwood Park

17 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 20 ISSUE 01 | www.homeTRADER.ca

North Edmonton

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 17

EDITOR’S NOTE

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS Doing our part for the rebuild of Calgary

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

Thank you for picking up this issue of New Condo Guide. Following the recent flooding, Calgary is busy rebuilding and proudly on the mend. We’ve gone beyond the pages of this magazine to offer our assistance. As a Wall2Wall Media publication, this publication is owned by Yellow Pages Group (YPG). Thinking outside the box, YPG has used its corporate resources to help Calgary’s flood relief efforts in several ways. In terms of media, YPG has donated online advertising space across all of Yellow Media properties to the Canadian Red Cross to promote their flood relief efforts. It has made a $25,000 contribution to the Canadian Red Cross directly at redcross.ca. In addition, YPG has created a portal to facilitate employee donations.

In terms of a contribution of physical time and effort, 60 YPG staff volunteered at Calgary drop-in centres and in neighbourhood clean-up work crews. While efforts will continue in the post-flood relief, we will keep bringing you the best of the real estate market across Canada. We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to hearing from you.

KNOW YOUR BUILDER AND WARRANTY

Understand what’s covered – and what’s not

WAYNE KARL

EDITOR

Wall2Wall Media wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl

As Calgary and other parts of Alberta – and Toronto in the east – (at time of writing) are still reeling from severe rainfall, flooding, power outages and other issues, it’s the perfect time to discuss new-home warranties. Mind you, if you’re buying a condo, basement flooding won’t be your concern, but leakage and other issues could well be. You wouldn’t dream of buying a new car, TV or other big-ticket item without first inquiring about the manufacturer’s warranty, would you? When it comes to buying a new condo, you should be just as diligent, if not more so. Some people may be so excited about their purchase that they’re more interested in choosing finishes than reading the fine print of a sales

18 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

agreement. Or maybe they assume all builders are created equal, and that certain things are covered, when in fact they may not be. Or it might be a lack of awareness of just how newhome warranties work. Welcome to the Alberta New Home Warranty Program, founded in 1974 by Alberta home builders to provide warranty protection and to encourage improved performance for the new home building industry. It is, unfortunately, a necessary but extremely valuable program. It is also one you should get to know. Just like for cars or electronic devices, all manufacturers and product are not created equal. Learning about your new-home builder and warranty is a crucial part of the homebuying process.

Web Directory BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS

Find your next condo online, it’s easy! BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS

Abbey Lane Homes

www.abbeylanehomes.com

Secord Corners

www.secordcorners.ca

Albany Trails

www.albanytrails.ca

Serenity

www.liveserenity.ca

Californian Parkland

www.vipliving.ca

Solara at Skyview

www.solaraliving.ca

Callaghan Ravines

www.callaghanravines.com

Station Pointe Village

www.stationpointe.com

Carrington Communities

www.carrington.ca

Tenor on the River

www.touchstalbert.com

Christenson Developments Ltd. www.cdlhomes.com

Tessco Incorporated

www.edmontoncondo.com

Concept Homes

www.concepthomes.ca

The Icon

www.theicon.ca

Coventry Homes

www.coventry-homes.com

The Rushes of Southfork

www.rushesofsouthfork.ca

Daytona Homes Master Builder www.daytonahomes.ca

The Signature

www.signatureambleside.com

Encore Tower

www.encoretower.com

Ultima

www.ultimatower.ca

Footprint Developments

www.footprintdevelopments.ca

Victory Lane

www.victorytownhomes.com

Fox One

www.foxtowers.ca

Windermere Mansions

www.windermeremansions.com

Grande Design Homes

www.grandedesign.ca

Windermere Waters

www.windermerewaters.com

Homes by Avi

www.homesbyavi.com

Landmark Urban Living

www.landmarkgroup.ca

Maxx Urban Living

www.livemaxx.ca

Meridian Plaza

www.meridianplaza.ca

Park Homes

www.parkhomes.ca

Parkwood Master Builder

www.parkwoodmasterbuilder.com

Robert F. McLeod

www.robertmcleod.ca

Rohit Communities

www.rohitcommunities.com

RELATED BUSINESS Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta

www.chbaalberta.ca

Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton

www.chbaedmonton.ca

››

If you wish to advertise your Web site in our Web Directory please call 587-784-4044

FRESH CONDOS RIPE FOR THE PICKING Now Pre-Selling Aspen Meadows 6 starting from the $160s In-suite washer/dryer Hardwood in entry/ kitchen/living room

Tile floors in bathroom/laundry

Granite kitchen counters

Spruce

Tile backsplash

2 Bdm | 2 Bath 1,006 Sq. Ft.

42â€? maple kitchen cabinets Stainless steel kitchen appliances

LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE AIR CONDITIONING (vAlued AT $4000)

Visit our show suite: Mon-thurs: 3-8pm Friday: Closed sat, sun & holidays: 12-5pm

43 a

Ave

(780) 701-3085

23 St N W

#117, 2204 44 Avenue in southeast Edmonton

item ud

Dr NW

17 St NW

WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN? Monthly payments starting from $1200*

TOWNHOMES IN THE NORTHWEST COMMUNITY OF CAERNARVON Buying your first home is one of the biggest and most exciting events in your life! landmark Group is proud to partner with The City of Edmontonâ€™s First Place Program to offer first-time home buyers affordable, entry-level housing.

to QuALiFY For the First PLACe ProGrAM PArtiCiPAnts need to: Be a first-time home buyer

Qualify and obtain pre-approved financing

Have a household income of under $90,000 annually

If you meet these criteria, please call 780-702-8281 | Mon. to Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm

Find out iF You QuALiFY: Visit the City of edmonton First Place website for more qualifying information

*Based on 5% down, 3.54%, 5 year fixed term, at 25 years amortization (includes CMhC and Gst). subject to change.

marke t mar t s with

Jim Malner

So, you’re looking for a new home and you’ve done your planning. You have mortgage preapproval. You’ve decided what features, needs and wants are important to your family in a new home. You’ve identified the region, area or communities that provide the amenities and convenience to suit your lifestyle needs and preferences today and into the future. Now, it’s time to hit those showhomes and find the ideal design and builder for your situation. There is a fine line in choosing the right home and builder. Obviously the right home plan will have the room count, space and key features to fit your budget and lifestyle needs. And, the right builder will have the correct layout, price, building process, selections, warranties, service coverage, customer support, communication program, professionalism and financial stability to complete the job – the way you expect it. As you can see, that’s a mouthful and it requires every purchaser to be deeply engaged in the purchase and leave nothing to chance.

When visiting show homes engage in conversation with the sales representatives. It is important to feel comfortable with this person... You should shop for your builder as carefully and with the same diligence as you search out the best floorplan. When visiting show homes engage in conversation with the sales representatives. It is important to feel comfortable with this person as they will be your “advocate” and builder link throughout the process. Their level of knowledge and expertise, in the community, builder, planning process, support programs and related industry knowledge will provide you with the degree of confidence necessary to maintain good working relations while your home is being constructed. Ask lots of questions about the community, future plans for it, the builder, and the builder’s process. Look for gaps in knowledge that may become problematic after you sign the purchase agreement. Find out how long the builder has been in business. How many homes they build annually. Do they offer a home warranty program and who is it with. A good builder will have no hesitation passing along past customer referrals. Call a few and check to see how satisfied customers were with their buying and building process and see if they recommend the builder. 22 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

Shopping For The Right Builder!

Enquire about their after sales programs, the time frames for follow up inspections and attention to deficiencies should any arise after you move in. And, get everything you can in writing. If it is not written down, it’s irrelevant after the fact. This is your home, and to the degree possible control a successful outcome by having clear expectations of the builder going in. Ask questions, questions, questions. Then document, document, document. You may want to visit other showhomes of the builder so you can examine the quality and attention to detail that is standard in their homes. You may also want to ask about the builder’s design flexibility - how willing are they to deviate from floorplan specifications, their standard features versus upgrades, as well as what brand name products they use in the construction of the home. Viewing the showhomes will give you a close look at the builder’s construction, finishing details and use of space and function. However, showhomes are often fully outfitted with “upgraded” features that cost much more than the standard finishes and this is a common point of misunderstanding for new home purchasers. Ask, to see a home that uses standard finishes if that is what you are buying. You may be far less impressed. Most builders have completed spec sale homes crafted to simpler standards that might give you a better idea of what your home might look like. It just takes a little time and a few questions for you to move forward with ease and comfort, confident that you have chosen the right builder to build the right home for you.

Follow CSG on Facebook or Twitter for regular real estate opportunities and updates. All of Jim’s columns are posted on CSG’s blog at www.csg.ca.

Jim Malner is President of Consumer Strategies Group (CSG), Alberta’s longest serving, professional, real estate marketing consultancy with offices in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Changing Your Address? Plan Ahead… There Always is the Chance That Something May be Overlooked! As soon as possible…

notify individuals, companies and institutions that your address will be changing, either by phone or by mailing the change-of-address cards from your post office. The following checklist will serve as a convenient reminder:

❏ Alumni Association

❏ Investment Companies

❏ Attorney

❏ L ending Institutions

❏ Banks

❏M agazine / Newspaper Subscriptions

❏ Accountant

❏ Catalog Merchants ❏ Credit Cards ❏ Dentist ❏ Driver’s License ❏ Employers ❏ F requent Flyer Program

❏ Physicians ❏ Place of Worship ❏ Revenue Canada ❏ Stockbroker ❏ Veterinarian

❏ Insurance Companies

www.builtgreencanada.ca Built Green(16/5)-/et

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 23

mortgage talk

// by michelle oranchuk

Mortgage Default Insurance 101

Michelle Oranchuk is a Mortgage Specialist with RBC Royal Bank, serving Edmonton and the surrounding area. She specializes in helping you select a mortgage that suits your lifestyle and makes your homeownership goals happen. Expert advice on mortgage pre-approvals, purchasing real estate, refinancing, mortgage rate inquiries and realtor referrals. michelle.oranchuk@rbc.com

What is mortgage default insurance? A mortgage default means the borrower has not done everything the borrower is required to do under the mortgage agreement. The most common reason for a default is not making payments. Mortgage default insurance (“mortgage insurance”) is an insurance policy that compensates a mortgage lender (a bank) for losses caused by a mortgage default. Under the Bank Act, banks may lend up to 80 per cent of the purchase price of a residential property or its appraised value (often called the loan-to-value ratio), whichever is lower, without requiring the mortgage to be insured by a mortgage default insurance company (“mortgage insurer”). This type of mortgage is generally referred to as a conventional mortgage. If the principal amount of a mortgage results in a loan to value ratio that is greater than 80 per cent, the mortgage must be insured by a mortgage insurer. A bank may also require mortgage insurance on conventional mortgages that have unique risks, regardless of the loan-to-value ratio. These can include properties in remote locations with limited or poor marketability and properties in communities supported by a single industry. Mortgage insurance allows homebuyers to buy a home with a down payment of less than 20 per cent, provided they meet the bank’s lending qualifications and the mortgage insurer’s underwriting standards. Mortgage insurance protects the bank only. It does not protect a borrower or the borrower’s interest in the property. Mortgage insurance is not a type of insurance that pays the mortgage payment if the borrower can’t pay it or the borrower dies. How mortgage insurance works If a borrower stops making mortgage payments or breaches the mortgage contract in some other way, the bank may “enforce” its mortgage. Normally this means taking legal action to sell the property and recover what the borrower owes under the mortgage. The lender will

Mortgage insurance protects the bank only. It does not protect a borrower or the borrower’s interest in the property. Mortgage insurance is not a type of insurance that pays the mortgage payment if the borrower can’t pay it or the borrower dies. 24 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

The bank collects the insurance premium from the borrower, and it is paid to the mortgage insurer. If the borrower doesn’t have enough money to pay the insurance premium, it is added to the mortgage amount. attempt to recover the balance of the amount borrowed, unpaid interest and legal fees. If the lender does not recover the full amount owing to it, the mortgage insurer will pay the lender the amount of the shortfall, subject to any limits put in place by the insurer. The mortgage insurer may then take legal action to collect the shortfall from the borrower, if permitted under applicable law. Mortgage insurance premium The mortgage insurance premium (“insurance premium”) is calculated as a percentage of the amount borrowed. The insurance premium amount is dependent on a number of factors, including the size of the down payment. The higher the loan-to-value ratio is, the higher the insurance premium will be. Other factors, such as the mortgage amortization period (how long it will take to pay off the entire amount borrowed), the property value and the owner’s employment status, influence the premium’s calculation. The mortgage insurer determines the factors that are used in the calculation and the amount of the insurance premium. For additional information about the mortgage default insurance premiums and rates, visit these websites: CMHC cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/moloin/index.cfm Genworth genworth.ca/content/genworth/ca/en/home.html Canada Guaranty canadaguaranty.ca/

The bank collects the insurance premium from the borrower, and it is paid to the mortgage insurer. If the borrower doesn’t have enough money to pay the insurance premium, it is added to the mortgage amount. Once the mortgage is funded, the bank sends the insurance premium to the mortgage insurer, and the remaining mortgage funds are given to the borrower or the borrower’s lawyer/notary. If the insurance premium is added to the mortgage amount, the borrower will pay interest on the total amount borrowed, including the insurance premium. Example: Insurance premium calculation

The purchase of a property with a selling price of $200,000 and a down payment of $10,000 will result in a loan-to-value ratio of 95 per cent. With an amortization of 25 years, the default insurance premium rate will be 2.75 per cent. Insurance premium

$190,000 x 2.75%

How does mortgage insurance work? Banks can purchase mortgage insurance from a private mortgage insurer approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions or from a federal Crown corporation authorized to provide mortgage insurance. The decision as to whether a mortgage can be insured is not made by the bank. Each mortgage insurer has its own criteria for evaluating the borrower and the property, and it decides whether or not a mortgage can be insured. As part of the mortgage insurer’s evaluation process, a borrower’s credit reports are obtained from credit reporting agencies. The bank, not the borrower, selects the mortgage insurer. A bank may approve a mortgage application, but the application for mortgage insurance may be declined by the mortgage insurer. If this happens, the bank will not be able to make the loan unless another mortgage insurer is prepared to insure the mortgage.

$5,225 NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 25

Knowing your New Condominium Warranty and Preventative Maintenance Responsibilities

nowing what your warranty covers, what the Condominium Corporation covers and what your responsibilities are as an Owner can save money and misunderstanding between an Owner, the Developer and the Condominium Board of Directors. The purchase of a New Condominium does not always mean a 100% maintenance free lifestyle. Condominium ownership means you own the unit you live in and share ownership rights for the common space of the building therefore you need to know the Corporation Bylaws. If the Bylaws indicate Owner responsibility to maintain certain components of the property, keep in mind you will need to ensure you follow preventative maintenance guidelines provided at the time of purchase. Failure may result in a voided warranty. Components the Corporation is required to Maintain, still require you to report any irregular component operation that may have damaging short or long term effects. Preventative Maintenance can go a long way to reduce damages and save Condominiums from potential special assessments to cover the cost of prematurely aged component replacements. Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation offer some tips on Preventative Maintenance http://www.cmhcschl.gc.ca/ en/co/maho/gemare/gemare_003.cfm Not all warranties are the same. Oct 25th, 2012, Alberta Municipal Affairs issued a press release regarding New Home Warranty Legislation in Alberta. For more information: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/alberta_home_warranties.cfm Point form details of the release: The New Home Buyer Protection Act passed third reading on Nov 20, 2012 and will require builders to provide home warranty coverage for all new homes built in the province starting in Fall 2013. Note: The Act applies only to new homes constructed under a building permit applied for after the in-force date of the Act. Mandatory coverage for all new homes: • One year labour and materials; • Two years for defects in labour and materials related to delivery and distribution systems; • Five years building envelope protection, with a requirement for the warranty provider to offer the consumer the option to purchase additional years of coverage; and, • 10 years coverage for major structural components. Private companies will continue to provide warranty coverage for new homes. As some may include or offer coverage in excess of the minimum requirements, it is recommended you research the Warranty provided. 26 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

Some major Warranty providers include Alberta New Home Warranty, Progressive Home Warranty, National Home Warranty and GE Home Warranty. Check with your Realtor or Lawyer to find out what new home warranty program is included for your new Condominium and the full details of coverage. In addition to reviewing the Bylaws and Warranty details, we recommend you complete a thorough review of the Reserve Fund Study and any Technical Audit completed. These documents will give you details of the Property Construction, Common Property component life expectancies and anticipated future funds required for major replacements. Most importantly, there is Legislation for Alberta Condominium Owners and Developers, The Condominium Property Act and Regulation. The Act is currently under review by Service Alberta, with input from stakeholders, volunteers and the public. Service Alberta reports Consumer protection for buyers to be one of the issues they are looking at. Details and updates can be found at: http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca Some related highlights of the year 2000 amendments include the following: •M andatory capital replacement reserve funds to provide for major repairs; •G reater disclosure requirements for developers when in discussion with owners and buyers; •R ecognition of mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes other than court action; and •N ew rules and requirements for developers of phased condominium projects. You can research more at www.servicealberta.ca or view a full version of the Condominium Property Act and Regulation at www.qp.alberta.ca There are professionals to assist you and answer all your questions during the Condominium home buying process: Realtor, Property Manager, Lender or Mortgage broker, Lawyer, Insurance broker, Home inspector, Appraiser and Builder or Contractor. As an informed buyer, you will find your Condominium Home Buying experience more enjoyable even if this is your first time. Rose Evans, ARM, CPM, ACM, Associate Broker General Manager, Ayre & Oxford Inc.

DowntownEdmonton 118 Ave. 112 Ave.

106 St.

Victoria Park Rd. Rive r Va lley Rd

3 97 Ave.

82 St.

n wla Ro

St.

15 1 6 13

9 Jasper Ave. 100 Ave.

KINNARD RAVINE

102 Ave.

10 7

101 St.

105 St.

107 Ave. 8 14 2 104 Ave. 5 4

wa yA ve .

100 St.

109 St.

116 St.

t. 95 S

127 St.

Kin

. 97 St

124 St.

111 Ave.

LOW LEVEL BRIDGE JAMES McDONALD BRIDGE

DAWSON BRIDGE

Bellamy Hill HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE 105 ST BRIDGE

MAP LISTINGS

1 THE ULTIMA

BY WESTRICH PACIFIC

10244 - 103rd Street 2 THE VENETIAN BY ABBEY LANE HOMES

112 St. & 103 Ave. 3 SYMPHONY

North Saskatchewan River

7 SERENITY BY LANDMARK URBAN LIVING

Jasper Ave. & 118 St. 8 S TUDIO ED Corner of 116 Street & 106 Avenue 9 MERIDIAN PLAZA

BY BUSS MARKETING

BY CANCALI DEVELOPMENTS

9704 - 106 St.

111 St. & Jasper Ave.

4 ALTA VISTA

10 PEARL

BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS

111 St. & 103 Ave.

Jasper Avenue & 119 Street.

5 PANACHE ON TWELFTH BY ALLDRITT

112 St. between 103 & 104 Ave. 6 ENCORE

12 H IGHSTREET DISTRICT PROPERTIES BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS

10523 - 123 St. 13 ICON

BY LANGHAM DEVELOPMENTS

Jasper Ave., North of 104 St.

14 M AXX 11540 113 Street 15 THE FOX

BY LANGHAM DEVELOPMENTS

104 Street & 102 Avenue

11 QUEST BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS

Corner of 104 Ave. & 105 St.

BY WESTRICH PACIFIC

103 St. & 102 Ave.

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 27

DOWNTOWN

A NEW LEVEL. Welcome to Edmonton’s tallest residential tower! Westrich Pacific is excited to introduce ENCORE TOWER- a sleek 40 storey, all glass structure featuring 194 luxury private residences. This modern building will be a landmark within the Edmonton skyline and is destined to be an address of distinction. ENCORE has it all. From sophisticated design to cutting edge energy eﬃciency technology to brilliant interior finishes, Encore is a new standard in urban living defined. A NEW LEVEL. A new level. LOCATION Edmonton, a vibrant metropolis of over 1 million people with ENCORE TOWER At the heart of it all, on the corner of 102nd Avenue and 103rd Street in the financial core, Edmonton’s most central location. This vibrant and fashionable neighborhood offers effortless lifestyle with every convenience touching your doorstep. Amazing mix of Elegant restaurants, international acclaimed Royal Alberta museum and Windspear centre, world class galleries, New YMCA Gym and pool facilities, amble cafes, tremendous variety of shopping, exceptional theatre district and movie theatre, expansive indoor pedway system connecting the financial core oﬃce and retail sector, LRT, and the new Edmonton Oilers Arena Entertainment district are all right adjacent to Encore Tower. 28 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

A new level. AMENITIES An effortless lifestyle that embodies all the elegance and hospitality associated with the building. Ownership provides the benefits of 24 hour Concierge/security, a three storey dramatic corner lobby along 102nd Avenue and 103rd Street, Guest suite, rooftop skydeck, indoor and outdoor sky lounge featuring wading pool, luxury cabanas, fireplace, wet bar, and sundeck, onsite private gym fitness facilities, and his/hers steam showers/washrooms. Experience a culture of highly personalized service that consistently meets your uncompromising standards, and carters to your every need. A new level. FINISHING Coming home to your private residence in the sky is a treat in itself. Entering into the grand three story designer lobby, - greeted by the 24 hour concierge- you are welcomed to an exclusive world. From the comfortable lounge in the lobby, take the high speed elevators to your home, a personal haven of tranquility and comfort. Encore is designed as a sustainable building. The LEED qualifications are manifested through design and advanced building systems. The tower is made with a concrete superstructure, floor to ceiling windows, triple glazed for sound and energy performance, air conditioning and forced air heating system, hardwood flooring,

STORIES

quartz countertops, porcelain tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, contemporary kitchens, and modern bathrooms. A new level. ARCHITECTURE It is here, more than just a condominium residence, a masterpiece designed by award winning architect Dub Architects Ltd. The striking exterior architectural design is made of all glass with a dramatic shard of glass that extends past the exterior of the building along 102nd Avenue all the way up the tower. Anchored to the sophisticated podium, the contemporary tower is ultra-modern and sleek, Rising 40 stories above the City at this exclusive corner location. The Tower has a small floor plate and “cross” design, which provides additional frontage with a spectacular amount of natural light to every unit so that all suites are corners of the building.

A new level. PRICES Amazingly, the 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suites are starting in the low 300’s and 1 bedroom suites from the low 200’s. The sizes of the units range from 520 square feet for the one bedroom units, and two bedroom units range from 740 square feet to 1000 square feet. Stunning penthouse suites ranging in size of 1260 square feet to 2800 square feet, with breathtaking views are also available complete with private elevators into the suites, and expansive rooftop terraces.

A NEW LEVEL. Its finally arrived, ENCORE TOWER, private residences, Edmonton. The awe inspiring Architecture, and the one and only address, offering residents the unparalleled lifestyle and quality that makes ENCORE TOWER unique and truly exceptional.

A new level, a life of privilege, discover the access to A new level. VIEWS Experience an ever evolving everything at your fingertips. Call 780-803-8777 or showcase of the city’s most spectacular views. Resi- visit www.encoretower.com today. dencies offer a beautiful visual show, from the glittering downtown skyline, to the North Saskatchewan river valley, and the west side of the city providing beautiful evening light and sunsets. Consider it your personal window to the City. 29

DOWNTOWN

N O O

S G

Grant MacEwan University

105 ST NW

109 ST NW

100 AVE NW

99 AVE NW

103 STREET

102 AVENUE

City Centre Mall

STORIES

104 AVE NW 100 ST NW

N I M

Future Arena District

1 bedroom’s from

2 bedroom’s from

AMENTIES

• • • •

$199,000 $299,000

• • • • • • • • •

concierge service/security indoor/outdoor sky lounge rooftop sky deck private gym facilities wading pool luxury cabanas fireplace wet bar sundeck

• • • •

quartz countertops hardwood floors porcelain tile stainless steel appliances air conditioning modern bathrooms contemporary kitchens floor to ceiling windows

FINISHES

You could be first in when pre-sales open! Register online now to receive project updates and all the insider information.

780.803.8777 encoretower.com

30 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

IN THE NEWS

Edmonton prices to see

GROWTH ACROSS ALL HOUSING TYPES THE LATEST ROYAL LEPAGE HOUSE PRICE SURVEY and Market Survey Forecast showed year-over-year price increases across all housing types surveyed in Edmonton. Standard two-storey homes posted a modest year-over-year increase of 2.2 per cent to $361,636, and condominiums increased by 1.9 per cent to $204,755. Detached bungalows were the strongest performer, rising 5.9 per cent to $347,344. “An influx of people into the Edmonton area over the past few years has translated into increased activity in the entry-level housing market. Buyers are looking for starter homes and lower-priced inventory,” says Ken Shearer, broker and owner of Royal LePage Noralta. “Overall inventory has dropped as these properties get snapped up, and now we’re commonly seeing multiple offer situations in some districts.” Shearer predicts that the market will continue to make small price gains over the balance of 2013. “While unit sales will likely remain flat, we forecast that overall prices will rise by about 1.6 per cent.” Nationally, in the second quarter, standard two-storey homes and

detached bungalows both showed a year-over-year average price increase of 2.7 per cent to $419,614 and $386,547, respectively. Average prices for standard condominiums showed a more modest increase during the same period, rising 1.2 per cent to $248,750. Royal LePage forecasts that house prices will see modest gains throughout the remainder of 2013, projecting a 3.0 per cent increase for the full year when compared to 2012. Dialogue concerning the direction of Canada’s housing market has remained front and centre in recent months. Changes to mortgage lending rules in mid-2012 coupled with concerns about consumer debt levels, housing affordability in cities like Toronto and Vancouver and continued international economic uncertainty have prompted a number of analysts to forecast large downward price adjustments.

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 31

Fr m ev si ur sa th

75% SOLD FINAL SELL OFF!

PRICES FROM $260’s

M be do co Ev fo C aw

S in la

M re ar pl on sh

See what all the BUZZ is about. Soaring ceilings. Incredible downtown views. Condo fees starting from under $200.00 per month. If ordinary simply won’t do - live it to the MAXX downtown without maxxing out your bank account. *Some conditions apply. See sales consultant for more details.

32 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

DOWNTOWN

MAXX lives downtown From its cool exterior details to gleaming gourmet kitchens, massive windows, high ceilings and oversized balconies everything at MAXX has been done to the max. And, you simply can’t help but get excited. This is the destination urbanites have been longing for. A west coast inspired sanctuary of downtown professionals and early adopters that want a home reflecting their aspirations.

STEEL & CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION ENSURES GREATER PRIVACY, SAFETY & LOWER MAINTENANCE

105th Avenue Redevelopment

Mon - Thur: 3 - 7pm Sat, Sun & Hol: 1 - 5pm Closed Fridays

MAXX is located in the heart of the 105th Avenue redevelopment. Already, incredible changes have made this area a sought after location and with more exciting changes planned over the next few years, now is the time to move on this. For complete redevelopment details visit the MAXX showsuites or www.livemaxx.ca.

101 St

780.993.6505 10540 113 Street

109 St

So, think extreme. Its time for you to max out your lifestyle in MAXX. There’s nothing like it and at these prices it won’t last long.

113 St

ONLY 2 BLOCKS FROM GRANT MacEWAN UNIVERSITY

116 St

MAXX offers downtown’s best selection of one and two bedroom condos at great prices. And, it’s perfectly situated down the street from Grant MacEwan University and Oliver community’s thriving lifestyle and entertainment district. Everything’s easy (except maybe that triathlon your training for) because its just outside. Shopping. Clubs. Restaurants. Coffee shops. Parks. Oh, and the health club is just a block away.

105 Ave Oliver Square

Grant MacEwan University

104 Ave

Longstreet Shopping Centre

Jasper Ave

w w w. l i v e m a x x . c a 33

DOWNTOWN

Now under construction •

Sales advancing

i o

W in • •

•

Enj a th

CondoGuideMar_DPSf.indd 1

is downtown Edmonton’s best location on the corner of 104 St. and 102 Ave. With a walk score of 98/100*, Fox One is in the top 2% of the best walkable locations in the world — the only condominium in downtown Edmonton ranked that highly. • Strong architecture highlighted by sparkling glass feature walls • Designed with zero-obstruction sight lines – every occupant enjoys unobstructed and spectacular views from generously large windows • 142 units on 28 floors, elegantly finished in modern style • 1 to 3 bedroom suites in 650 to 2,200 square-foot configurations

www.foxtowers.ca | 780.425.0369

Enjoy unparalleled walkable and LRT access from eclectic 104 Street to the best of Edmonton — shopping, entertainment, Grant MacEwan University and the city’s highly anticipated new downtown arena. *walkscore.com 35

2013-05-27 9:46 AM

ICON tOwers

few uNIts remaININg • ImmedIate pOssessION

104 Street at Jasper Avenue is Edmonton’s most sought-after downtown neighbourhood. Enjoy worry-free condo living in the heart of the city. To book a viewing visit our website or call:

www.theicon.ca | 780.461.ICON (4266) 36

CondoGuideFP_Jun2013.indd 4

2013-06-03 4:19 PM

SouthCentralEdmonton CAPILANO BRIDGE

North Saskatchewan River

76 Ave.

3 4 6

Whyte - 82 Ave.

75 St.

85 St.

Co nn or sR d.

90 Ave. 83 St.

104 St.

103 St.

. n Dr ewa atch k s a S

95 Ave. 92 St.

105 ST BRIDGE

101 Ave. 98 Ave.

Scona Rd.

Sas kat che wa nD r. 87 Ave.

FOOT BRIDGE

JAMES McDONALD BRIDGE

99 St.

109 ST BRIDGE

114 St.

Groat Rd .

GROAT BRIDGE

84 St.

LOW LEVEL BRIDGE

79 St.

106 Ave.

DAWSON BRIDGE

9 51 Ave.

MAP LISTINGS

1 MILL CREEK PARK BY PARKWOOD MASTER BUILDER

8515 - 99 Street 2 FUZION 10201 Whyte Ave. 3 TRINITY POINTE 93 Street & 82 Ave. 4 STRATHCONA SQUARE 9650 Whyte Ave.

5 PARKALLEN POINTE

8 URBAN VILLAGE ON WHYTE

BY SANTOS CONSTRUCTION

BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

7625 - 112 St.

7907 - 71 St.

6 SOLSTICE OFF WHYTE 99 St. & 79 Ave. 7 THE UNIVERSITY BROWNSTONES BY TESSCO

9 SCONA GARDENS BY CASSEL COMMUNITIES

10124 - 80 Ave. 10 NINETNINE 99 Street & 84 Ave.

108 St. & 71 Ave.

SOUTHCENTRAL EDMONTON | Call Amanda 780.461.1622

STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA

Please see our ad between pages 18 and 19

CONDOS FROM $170 $170,900 900 7825 – 71 street (Between Whyte Ave & Argyll Road) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 37

THE UNIVERSITY

BROWNSTONES F

ollowing the great success of Phase One of The University Brownstones, we are proud to announce the second phase of their multi-family development. Built on the foundations of quality, value and innovative design these 72 spectacular units are a welcome addition to this in-demand address. With a prime location in a charming mature neighbourhood, The University Brownstones is a unique project surrounded by character homes, and all the amenities of an established community. Situated at 108 Street and 72 Avenue, residents will be conveniently located just steps from the Garneau, the University of Alberta, and the Whyte Avenue shopping and entertainment district - all • Excellent location, close to within walking distance! Just U of A and Whyte Ave. a few minutes • Spacious designs with 9 away is the scefoot sprinklered ceilings nic river valley, where outdoor • Upgraded appliance packenthusiasts can age and soundproofing enjoy plenty of activities. Plus, • Beautiful central courtyard getting to the and glass elevators downtown core is hassle free • Underground heated parkwith just a quick ing and 24 hour video LRT ride. Making monitored security your next home at The University • Backed by New Home Brownstones is Warranty easy as only a 5% down payment is required. With this type of opportunity, buyers are encouraged to act now to ensure their home style preference is available. The design of The University Brownstones is as distinctive as the neighbourhood it is located in. Glass elevators with vestibules and covered, open pedways that link all parts of the development add to the unique European look and feel. The stylish pedways also create private, separate entrances to each suite, allowing for more windows since suites back onto the open pedways rather than a

closed in hallway. Adding to the bright and airy environment is the wonderful feature of a central courtyard. The University Brownstones, will have the same quality and design as found in its many other sought-after developments, but with more of an Old World flair. At The University Brownstones, buyers will discover spacious suites that range from 745 to 1,600 square feet and present an array of floor plans to suit a wide variety of tastes and lifestyles including one bedroom, one bedroom plus den, two bedrooms and even a couple of three bedroom suites. The den in the one bedroom suite option is designed so that it can easily be used as a second bedroom. Inside each suite, buyers will appreciate the open great room plans, 9-ft. ceilings, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchens with islands and raised eating bars. The selection of finishing packages and superior soundproofing are part of The University Brownstones. Each unit is self contained, with a separate furnace, hot water on demand and telephone and cable access in almost every room. We skip the expensive amenities that are seldom used and instead puts the money saved into state of the art soundproofing – ultimately allowing condo fees to remain low. And, your surroundings are always secure, with 24-hour video monitoring in the parkade. The University Brownstones is an impressive development that combines the coveted features of a mature, culture rich area with beautiful and visually interesting architectural design. With Phase I sold out, and the highly anticipated pre-sale now underway, you will not want to miss out on the exciting opportunity! Be sure to ask about our Free $10,000 upgrade upgrade package package that is available for only pre-sale $10,000 that is available the first 25 first 25 pre-sales. for only thepre-sales. For more information visit the Phase One Show Suite at 10808 71 Avenue, open Monday to Thursday, 4-7 pm, weekends 1-5 pm or call Troy Stenson at Re/Max River City, 780-439-7000

COVERED with CARE www.blanketltd.ca

www.edmontoncondo.com

Visit us online for priority registration on Phase 2 and view our new upgraded construction specs 38 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

2 BED/2 BATH UNITS STARTING AT $259,900

PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION NOW UNDERWAY

DONATE TODAY. STOLLERYKIDS.CA With your support, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is able to provide life-saving equipment, research that paves the way for new treatments and cures, medical innovations and specialized training, so that every child has the chance to go home again.

You’re ready to make your move

Convenient appointment, day or night, home or office • Competitive rates on a wide selection of mortgages •

For convenient mortgage service, contact: Nancy Bruno-Romeo Mobile Mortgage Specialist Tel.: 780-973-8892 Cell: 780-908-7183 nancy.bruno@bmo.com What’s next for you?

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Mortgage Expertise at Your Doorstep 24/7 74_BMO_20/13

40 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

SouthEastEdmonton North Saskatchewan River

106 Ave. 101 Ave.

BASELINE RD.

98 Ave.

90 Ave.

34 St.

50 St.

75 St.

83 St.

63 Ave.

. Rd yll Arg

d. rR pe Ro

86 St.

99 St.

76 Ave.

ood Park Fwy. Sherw

17 St.

Whyte - 82 Ave.

Whitemud Fwy.

Calgary Trail North

51 Ave.

38 Av e.

39 Ave.

66 St.

Millwoods Rd.

91 St.

34 Ave.

3 ELLERSLIE RD.

2 9 12 8 3 10

MAP LISTINGS

43 Ave.

30 St.

4 1 23 Ave.

11 9

7 URBAN VILLAGE ON WHYTE

1 VILLAGE ON THE PARK BY GREENBORO HOMES

BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

24 St. & Silverberry Rd.

7907 - 71 St.

2 SOUTHWINDS

8 SUMMERSIDE POINTE 2005 - 70 Street SW

BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

6084 - Stanton Dr. SW

9 AXIO SUMMERSIDE

3 WALKER LAKE LANDING

BY BROOKFIELD HOMES

BY CARLISLE DEVELOPMENTS

Corner of Welsh Dr. & Watt Blvd SE 4 12TH STREET STATION BY JDL HOMES

5 ELEMENTS AT LAUREL CROSSING BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

South of Ellerslie Rd. on 62 St. 11 ASPEN MEADOWS

34 Street & 16 A Ave NW

BY LANDMARK URBAN LIVING

6 TRAILS OF MILLCREEK ESTATES 34 St. & 35A Ave.

10 SANDSTONE AT WALKER LAKE STATION BY HOMES BY AVI

3751 – 12 Street

BY PARKWOOD MASTER BUILDER

7205 - 22nd Ave SW

43A Ave. & 23 St. 12 SOUTHERN SPRINGS BY PARK HOMES

655 Watt Blvd.

SOUTHEAST EDMONTON | Call Riley 780.756.0096

STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA

Please see our ad between pages 18 and 19

CONDOS FROM $174 $174,900 900 6084 Stanton Drive SW (East on Ellerslie Road to 70 Street) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 41

SOUTHEAST

YOUR FIRST HOME CAN BE A REALITY!

Townhomes from the $250,000’s

• Located in Mill Woods Southeast Edmonton near amenities, services and shopping • Townhomes up to 1295 square feet with two or three bedrooms • Featuring laminate, tile, granite in the kitchen and upgrades are available • Includes full landscaping and appliances Tawa Landing is a partnership with the City of Edmonton to assist first time buyers in making home ownership a reality, to learn more please visit the website or showhome for more details.

Visit the showhome at 1779 Cunningham Way SW, Call Lynn 780.914.1565

RohitCommunities.com 42

Edmonton’s 2013 Builder of the Year

SOUTHEAST

The keys to finding great tenants I

’m often told by many who don’t invest in real estate that their reason for not taking advantage of the asset class directly is due to the potential headaches associated with property management. Often these people understand the power of real estate but settle for diminished returns offered by REITS simply to avoid having to manage an asset directly. Others avoid tenants by taking part in risky limited partnerships or other joint ventures and can often do fairly well, while others lose a large portion of their investment. A bad tenant can cost thousands in both the damage they might cause to your investment and the costs to remove them by court order and bailiff if it comes to that. But not all tenants are bad and it’s not hard to find a good paying renter who will love their home as much as you love your investment. The first step is to own a good property that invites good tenants. Good honest people want to live in a safe clean home, and are willing to pay for it. Buy a home (house with a basement suite is preferred) that shows well and has been maintained over the years. Advertise it your property for rent by describing the benefits of living in your home over similar rentals. Use a good headline the draws attention to your property; words like NEW, MODERN, RENOVATED make for a good heading. Describe the home using words that create pictures for people

like ‘family area’, ‘playground’, ‘grand foyer’, ‘fenced yard’, ‘private parking’, and always mention accessibility to schools and other regular destinations. Avoid using negatives like ‘no pets’ – the point here is to create interest, not screen the tenants. You’ll know you’ve got a good ad when you’re getting 10 – 15 calls/day. Ask a reasonable rent. Ask what you expect to get and not more. With a good property and a good ad you’ll have your pick of renters. Show the property one time. By having all the prospective renters show up on the same day you’ll see that those who are interested will act by completing an application on site. They may offer you cash on the spot but I suggest you resist that temptation. Rather, you should check all the references with a phone call, then go and visit your chosen renter. If you show up at their home without calling first you’ll know if you want to rent to them the minute they open the door. At that moment you can decide if you want to offer them the home and the keys in exchange for a signed lease and post dated rent cheques; or if you’ll hand them back their application and thank them for coming out. It may sound like lots of work, but it really isn’t more than a few hours spread over a week or so. You’ll take control of your investment, have a great start to a good relationship with your tenant and benefit directly from your decision to invest in real estate.

Ed DePrato

Written by Ed DePrato of Re/Max Accord. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at ed@edeprato.com, =or call 780-498-9977. Follow Ed on Twitter @eddrealtor.

Put our Team of Real Estate Experts to Work for You! Whether you are ready to buy, sell or invest, DePrato Associates can help! Call us today 780.498.9977

www.edeprato.com 44 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

™

SouthWestEdmonton 23

51 Ave.

105 St.

111 St.

119 St.

40 Ave.

SOUTH

WHITEMUD DR.

34 Ave.

Rabbit Hill Road

CALGARY TRAIL NORTH

Riverbend Rd.

Lansdowne Dr.

Ter will ega rD r.

ay Dr. y Hend Anthon

North Saskatchewan River

Belgravia Rd.

104 St.

Fox Dr.

113 St. 109 St.

76 Ave.

QUESNELL BRIDGE

170 St.

23 Ave.

Ha dd ow

14 1 22

15 7 24 10

19 Ave.

Saddleback Rd.

Dr.

9 Ave.

MacEw an Road

Blackburne Drive

Ellerslie Road

19 16

MAP LISTINGS 1 EVE IN AMBLESIDE BY JAYMAN MODUS

3710 Allan Drive SW

17 7 WINDERMERE MANSIONS BY WESTRICH PACIFIC

1350 Windermere Way SW

2 W ATERSTONE IN 8 CALLAGHAN MACTAGGART MAINS LANDING BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

6079 Maynard Way 3 C ALLAGHAN RAVINES BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

1623 James Mowatt Tr

BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

1778 Cunningham Way 9 ELAN BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

1144 Adamson Dr SW

4 ION IN AMBLESIDE 10 ELEMENTS AT BY JAYMAN WINDERMERE 2582 Anderson BY CARRINGTON Way, SW COMMUNITIES Windermere Blvd & 5 RUTHERFORD Windermere Rd. LANDING BY CARLISLE GROUP 11 KIMBERLEY 11804 - 22 Ave. SW COMMUNITIES 1901 - 126 Street SW 6 CENTURY PARK 112 2606 – 109 Street

3 5 18 9 8 12

12 C REEKWOOD CHAPPELLE

BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES 504 Chappelle Dr. SW

13 E’SCAPES BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

11080 Ellerslie Road 14 L ’ATTITUDE STUDIOS BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

304 Ambleside Link SW 15 THE SIGNATURE BY WESTRICH PACIFIC

5151 Windermere Boulevard 16 ELEMENTS GLENRIDDING BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

16003 10 Avenue SW (located off 170 and south of Ellerslie rd)

17 R UTHERFORD PARK BY GRANDE DESIGN

12004 22 Ave SW 18 S OUTH CALLAGHAN TOWNHOMES BY VOCO

Corner of Casselman Link & Cunningham Way SW 19 R UTHERFORD GATE BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

11615 Ellerslie Road 20 SOUTH TERWILLEGAR BY PARK HOMES

4105 - 7323 South Terwillegar Dr. OUTH TERWILLEGAR 21 S TOWNHOMES

22 V ILLAGE AT LANGDALE BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

704 - 176 Street SW 23 SERENITY GARDENS BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS

105 Street & 56 Avenue 24 W INDERMERE WATERS BY WESTRICH PACIFIC CORP

1290 Windermere Way 25 RAVINE POINT AT MACTAGGART RIDGE BY CAMBRIDGE MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENTS

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| may 42 New 38 72 56 36 50 NEW home CONDO Guide GUIDE | VOLUME 21 10, ISSUE 08 2013 | NewCondoGuide.com oct nov dec feb MAR apr 15 12 10 21, 26 15 23 ---2012 mar may jun APR nov dec 15, 7, -12, 21, 23, jan 2013 2013 2012 18,

JAN JAN18 18- -Feb Feb15, 15,2013 2013||New Newhome homeGuide Guide07 07

INSURANCE NEEDS

IBC information centre offers

insurance advice in wake of Alberta floods “Am I covered?” “When can I start to rebuild?” These are just

some of the questions fielded by Insurance Bureau of Canada’s information officer, Frits Wortman, who has handled hundreds of calls since the Alberta floods. The 50-year insurance veteran who is one of the insurance professionals staffing IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1.800.377.6378 says most callers ask about the process of both filing a claim and applying for government disaster relief. Every insurance company that writes policies in Alberta has extra staff – claims adjusters, customer service representatives, underwriters – working to help Albertans recover from the recent disaster. According to an IBC survey, some 5,000 insurance company personnel have been deployed to work on Alberta claims in this disaster situation. Wortman explains that consumers must first make a claim to their insurer whether or not they are covered for any damages. If they are not covered, the insurer will then issue a letter of denial that consumers can use for their Alberta Emergency Management Agency disaster relief application. To speed up the disaster assistance funding, the government does not require the letter in advance of issuing funds, but it will require it eventually.

Wortman’s approach is to listen carefully and empathetically, then offer whatever practical information and advice he can about the process for seeking help whether through an insurance claim or government disaster funds. “You have to feel for people. It’s a bad situation. People tell us that just talking to somebody seems to have helped a great deal,” Wortman says.

The 50-year insurance veteran who is one of the insurance professionals staffing IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1.800.377.6378 says most callers ask about the process of both filing a claim and applying for government disaster relief. He also advises consumers on how to proceed if they don’t agree with their insurer’s decision to deny a claim. “I tell them there’s a process to follow,” he says. Consumers should first contact the company claims manager, followed by the company liaison officer. Consumers can also appeal to the General Insurance Ombudservice. Every insurer has an ombudsman at the ready to review the concerns of customers. Wortman has answered a range of complex insurance questions related to the floods. In particular, consumers have had insurance questions related to condominiums, small business, non-profit organizations, secondary homes, rental properties. NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 51

SOUTHWEST

Affordable Luxury in MacTaggart

Southwest Edmonton Condominiums

ffordable luxury shouldn’t be an oxymoron. Case in point: Ravine Point at MacTaggart Ridge. Designed with quality and simple sophistication in mind, Cambridge Meridian Developments have achieved just that. Located in Edmonton’s southwest, just off Anthony Henday Drive and Rabbit Hill Road, and nestled beside a treed greenbelt, Ravine Point is perfect for professionals, empty nesters and families alike. That’s thanks in part to its premium amenities which include shopping and dining establishments, golf courses, Whitemud Creek Ravine, the brand new Terwillegar Recreation Centre, a weekly farmers’ market and access to one of North America’s most extensive urban trail networks. A bonus for young families is the community’s elementary, junior high and high schools, and easy access to Edmonton’s public transportation system and some of the City’s major arterials. Ravine Point touts 73 large, open-planned and modern two- and three-story units, all of which include two or three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, two-car garages, spacious kitchens with large windows and stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage and oodles of natural light. (The first phase is now pre-selling, and of the 24 units, 17 are left.) Main floors of all units feature high- grade laminate flooring, while the upper stories are laid with beautiful carpets. The project is also fully landscaped, so residents can focus on living rather than, well…landscaping. Townhomes at Ravine Point are larger than most that you’ll find on the market today, developed over 3 levels, giving residents plenty of space to make their home their own. Upgrades are available for many of the projects’ stunning standard features. Cambridge Meridian Developments’ interior designers are available for consultation if required. Enough about luxury and convenience. Let’s talk about affordability. Ravine Point townhomes range from the $370’s, making them a competitively priced and affordable home for Edmontonians. Their impressive showsuite and grand opening event will

take place in early September. Can’t wait? The sales centre is now open, and there you can find a lot more information about this exciting project. The sales centre is located at 5835 Mullen Place, just north of the Anthony Henday off Rabbit Hill Road. Sales Centre hours are Monday–Thursday 4–8pm and Saturday–Sunday 1–5pm (closed on Fridays). For more information about Ravine Point and to book a viewing, call Sam at 780-995-7744, email info@cambridgemeridian.ca, visit www.ravinepoint.com or head down to the sales centre.

FINANCES

Are you and your partner

INVESTING SOULMATES? WEDDING SEASON IS IN FULL SWING and

couples need to have the “financial talk” before they take their vows, according to BMO InvestorLine. Couples may not always be a perfect match when it comes to their finances and investing strategies. Some situations include: SAVER VS. SPENDER

One partner tends to be a saver and makes regular contributions to savings. The other may not have a plan and spends extra money.

HELPFUL TIP Talk about your financial situation and investing habits early on to prevent friction down the road. Choose a realistic amount to invest each month towards your goals and set aside a separate amount to spend. Compromising will ensure the saver has the financial security he/ she desires, without leaving the spender feeling deprived of the things he/she enjoys.

SHARING AND RISK TOLERANCE

When sharing an investment portfolio, risk tolerances don’t always match. One partner may be more aggressive, while the other is more conservative, even if it means lower returns.

HELPFUL TIP Diversify a shared portfolio to help meet both investment styles. Select a mix of investments such as stocks, for higher returns, and more conservative options like bonds and cash, to insulate against market volatility. Such a portfolio will help meet shared short- and long-term financial goals.

AGREE TO DISAGREE

There are a variety of strategies individuals use to feel confident with the growth of their investment portfolio. While many couples are able to find something that works for both sides, sometimes a compromise cannot be reached when it comes to investment strategy, the asset mix and how it is managed. HELPFUL TIP If you’re unable to agree, it may be more beneficial to create separate portfolios. With individual portfolios, each partner can be comfortable with his/her investments and how to best manage those assets.

Beautiful Ravine Views!

Luxury Townhomes FROM THE

Showhome Opening this Summer For more information about Ravine Point and to book a viewing, call Sam at 780-995-7744, email info@cambridgemeridian.ca, visit www.ravinepoint.com or head down to the sales centre. CAMBRIDGE MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENTS INC.

370’s

INCL. NET GST

• ravine settings • double attached garages • 1,500 sf - 2,154 sq ft featuring 3 stories including a developed loft!

Sales Centre

5835 Mullen Place monday to thursday 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm weekends & holidays noon - 5:00 pm

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 53

54 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

IN THE NEWS

Tips for new Canadians to build credit Stephen Menon, associate vicepresident of credit cards at TD Canada Trust. “But in order to build a good credit rating, you need to apply for credit, which is challenging when you are new to Canada and don’t have a Canadian credit history.” A credit rating reflects the ability of a potential customer to pay back borrowed money, and is recorded by at least one of Canada’s major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada. The following tips can help newcomers build their Canadian credit rating:

Every year, thousands of people immigrate to Canada in search of new opportunities and a better life. Today, Statistics Canada estimates that immigrants account for more than one-in-five Canadians and projects that by 2055 immigration will account for 90 per cent of the country’s population growth. But figuring out how things work in a new country can be challenging, from locating new schools and communities to navigating the banking system. According to a poll from TD Canada Trust, most newcomers said they did not know how to open a bank account (47 per cent), apply for a credit card (58 per cent) or mortgage (87 per cent) or send money to family overseas (72 per cent) in their first three months in Canada. The biggest surprise new Canadians encountered setting up their finances was the credit rating system (24 per cent) and not having access to credit right away (23 per cent). “One of the major challenges new Canadians face when they arrive is establishing a credit history so they can buy or rent a home, get a credit card, purchase a car, and even secure a mobile phone plan and insurance,” says

56 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

According to the poll, a quarter of new Canadians (23 per cent) said they wish they knew more about how to get approved for a credit card. Menon recommends newcomers visit their local branch to apply for a secured credit card as soon as they arrive. 1 | Apply for a secured credit card

requires that a certain amount of money be set aside to provide the bank with the security that the money will be paid back,” says Menon. “If used responsibly over time, a solid credit history can be built by paying credit card bills on time until eventually the credit rating is high enough to apply for an unsecured credit card.” 2 | Pay all of your bills on time and in full

Late bill payments have the potential to negatively affect a credit rating, so Raymond Chun, senior vicepresident at TD Canada Trust, recommends setting up preauthorized debits to avoid missing recurring bill payments. According to the research, 49 per cent of newcomers pay their bills through online banking and 30 per cent use a mobile app on their smartphone or tablet for banking services. “If you can’t afford to pay an entire bill, think about setting up an automatic transfer of the minimum monthly payment to avoid negatively affecting your credit rating,” says Chun. “And remember, even if your utility company gives you an extension on your monthly bill, your credit rating may still show that you paid it late.” 3 | Check your credit rating before applying for a mortgage

Eighty-seven per cent of newcomers didn’t know how to apply for a mortgage in their first three months in Canada and 38 per cent said they wish they knew more about local

mortgage rules. Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust, says qualifying for a mortgage and favourable interest rate depends on a number of factors, including a solid credit rating. She recommends homebuyers check their rating at least six months before applying for a mortgage, so they have time to correct it if there are any flaws. “It can take up to 18 months to build a credit history robust enough to apply for a mortgage, but I encourage newcomers to meet with an expert earlier to learn more about the home buying process in Canada,” Haque says. “An expert can help calculate what’s affordable and provide guidance on how to budget to service mortgage payments, live comfortably and save for the future in Canada.” TD Canada Trust and new Canadians

Language can be one of the biggest challenges for newcomers when they arrive in Canada; 41 per cent found communicating difficult when they first arrived and 55 per cent said it was important for them to find a bank that offered services in their native language. TD Canada Trust offers telephone banking services in more than 170 languages, including the ability for customers to make an in-branch appointment with a financial advisor who speaks their native language. “We also found that many new Canadians like to bank on Sunday, so many of our branches open on Sundays are located in communities where there are large populations of new Canadians,” says Chun. NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 57

IN THE MARKET FOR A

NEW HOUSE

OR A CONDO?

We think ﬁnding a home is a lot more than simply ﬁnding the right property. That’s why we put you right in the middle of the search process.

Search your favorite neighbourhood

Find out about nearby services and amenities

View new construction projects and register to get the latest info

Visit the new real estate section on canpages.ca and start looking for that special place.

58 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

canpages_filler_VF.indd 1

13-02-26 4:50 PM

SherwoodPark Hwy. 16

ws eado ale M d k r 7 Cla . d Blvd n o o t l w r r e o Cha Way Summ

Bo th B

Jim Commo nD r. 9

Baseline Rd.

Beauvista Dr.

Wye Rd.

Sherwood Park Fwy.

Wye Rd.

Range Rd. 232

MAP LISTINGS

Range Rd. 233

Grana d d Blv

TO EDMONTON

Brentwood Blvd.

ood Dr. Sherw

2 10 3

14X

Sherwood Dr.

Broadmoor Blvd.

ver Bar Rd. Clo

r1. ll D we el Dr. h et

1 PRINCETON COURT BY GRANDE DESIGN 301 Palisades Way

6 EVOLVE LAKELAND RIDGE BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES 400 Churchill Crescent

2 C REEKSIDE VILLAGE IN SUMMERWOOD BY QUALICO LIVING Summerwood Blvd. off Clover Bar Rd.

7 ELEMENTS SUMMERWOOD PARK BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES 2 Sunterra Way

3 ELEMENT LOFTS & FLATS BY QUALICO LIVING 41 Summerwood Blvd. 4 PALISADES ESTATES TOWNHOMES BY COVE PROPERTIES 401 Palisades Way. 5 CENTRE IN THE PARK

BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

8 ETON PARK VILLAS

BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

Emerald Hills Aspen Trail & Eton Blvd.

9 WINDSOR PARK

BY ABBEY LANE HOMES

271 Charlotte Way

10 ESTATES AT SUNVIEW LANE BY QUALICO LIVING 5300 Sunview Lane

2021 Sherwood Dr.

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 59

STAY COOL, Sleep Well O

ne of the many things I love about Edmonton is that we aren’t in a climate that has sweltering heat to deal with, very often. There are days though, when the heat is so oppressive that it’s difficult to stay indoors and especially sleep at night. The idea for this month’s article came about on one of those days when it was over 30° during the day and very uncomfortable that night. As I was lying there (with one daughter running for a harpoon, one calling Green Peace and one calling National Geographic to report the sighting of the rare Pale-skinned Prairie Whale, aren’t teenagers precious?), I reflected on the many ways that building an energy efficient home would contribute to my sleeping much better that evening. Simple choices made with your builder can not only make you more comfortable in winter, but can improve your comfort in the summer as well. The first choice to be made is the orientation of the home. Most lots, these days, are oriented East-West. If you can, get a home oriented North-South; this will minimize the amount of west-facing windows you will have. West-facing windows are a major source of overheating in a home. During the Edmonton summer, we have a lot of exposure to low west sun. The more windows you have facing this direction, the more your home will overheat. If this is indeed the scenario on the lot you have chosen, ask your builder for windows with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Sunstop® & Heat Mirror® are two of the common coatings that will reduce the amount of radiant energy entering the home by as much as 75%. Windows can also be designed to capture the prevailing winds, providing free cooling. In Edmonton our winds are predominantly from the West. Setting up your window openings to capitalize on this is a great help on those hot days & nights, so work with your builder to optimize the opportunity. Passive solar shading on any South (and some East/West) facing elevations can reduce cooling loads substantially as well. Awnings and roof lines are the most common forms of shading. One must be careful here not to go too far overboard; too much overhang will diminish the free energy you get from the sun in the winter. For fixed overhangs two feet is the max I would go with. For retractable awnings go crazy!

Your building envelope can have a substantial effect on your summertime comfort. Insulation resists the flow of heat; both leaving your home (in winter) and entering your home (in summer). Heat always wants to move to where it’s cooler. It’s a law of physics and you can’t fight the law. Make sure you’re well insulated. Additionally, work with your builder to minimize air infiltration. Air carries heat both into and out of your home. Both cost you money and make you less comfortable. A Blower Door Test will expose the leaks in a home and give your builder the opportunity to fix them. Air conditioning should be the appliance of last resort. We only really need it those few days a year, but it is very easy to use it all the time. The best advice I can offer here is to buy the most efficient model you can afford. We use electricity for cooling (versus gas for heating) and electricity is much more expensive. Look for an air conditioner with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Lower rated models have ratings of 13 but can go up to as high as 20. The more efficient unit will save you quite a bit of money over its lifetime. A bit of forward thinking on the attributes of your new home can have a lasting impact on your comfort and the environment. Take a bit of time upfront and you will sleep better for years to come.

DAVE TURNBULL

Product Development Manager Landmark Group

To everyone who enjoys energy bills: We’re sorry. 60 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

lvd .

Leduc

4 1

50 Ave.

48 St.

50 St.

Grant MacEwan Blvd.

High way 2

rt B Bridgepo

Telford Lake

Black Gold Dr. Black Gold Dr.

Hig hw ay

MAP LISTINGS

Dr. Park South

St. 50

1 LEDUC MANSION

Rollyview Rd. 2A

3 ROYAL WEST HOMES 81 Acacia Circle

BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

4141 - 98 Street

4 SUNTREE POINTE

2 THE SPRINGS AT BRIDGEPORT

5 THE RUSHES OF SOUTHFORK BY HUNTER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

401 Southfork Drive

BY DAYTONA HOMES MASTER BUILDER

133 -142 Selkirk Place

BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

6 WINDROSE BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES

61 Windrose Drive

102 Bridgeport Crossing

WELCOME TO LEDUC The City of Leduc, a thriving Industrial, Commercial & Agricultural Community continues to experience growth and expansion. A great place to call home! POPULATION 15,000 and growing “Small city” living within minutes of “Big city” amenities LOCATED 20 kilometers south of Edmonton on Hwy. 2 SCHOOLS 7 Elementary, 2 Junior & 2 Senior High - Public, Private & Separate school systems GROCERY Variety of shopping

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Black Gold Recreation & Culture Centre, Performing Arts Centre, 18 hole Golf Course & Public Library MEDICAL FACILITIES Full Service Community Hospital and Full Ambulance service PARKS & PATHWAYS 27 parks including Telford Lake, Fred John’s Park & Lions campground

For more information contact The City of Leduc (780) 980-7177

Affordability

THE

ADVANTAGE!

by HUNTER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

1100+ sq ft New Townhomes 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom from $199,900

To book a viewing of the new show suites please contact Heather at 780-884-8111 EMAIL info@rushesofsouthfork.ca WEB www.rushesofsouthfork.ca

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 61

in the news

BMO Economics says

Canadian Home Prices Are Not Highly Overvalued A new report from BMO Economics released recently

challenged the notion that Canadian home prices are highly overvalued when compared to the price of renting a home. Recently a report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) claimed that Canadian home prices are 64 per cent overvalued. This has fuelled more debate over Canadian house prices, with much attention focusing on ownership versus renting, and whether or not someone in today’s market should opt to rent instead of buy. “We can confidently dispel the notion that Canadian home prices are egregiously overvalued versus rents, but they’re not cheap either,” says Robert Kavcic, senior economist, BMO Capital Markets. “ The report noted that on a national basis, ownership currently looks only moderately expensive versus renting. Using current market mortgage rates — around three per cent for a five-year fixed rate instead of posted rates — leaves valuations almost bang on their long-run norm. Gap in price between buying And renting gets smaller in Vancouver

Kavcic noted that there are regional differences within the numbers: ›› On the west coast, Vancouver valuations have begun to compress from very elevated levels, though ownership still remains expensive versus renting. ›› In Calgary, both housing prices and rent prices are rising, so the gap is stable. Calgary’s market looks pricey, but well 62 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

below levels seen at the height of the energy boom, and resurgent rent growth has helped offset recent price gains. ›› Toronto appears only slightly overvalued compared to historical norms, but not at all at prevailing three per cent mortgage rates. Notably, the city is miles away from the severe bubble conditions seen in the late 1980s. To Rent or Buy?

“The decision to rent or buy is a very personal one and is determined by a variety of factors that need to be carefully weighed before taking the next step — whether for the short or long term,” says Laura Parsons, mortgage expert, BMO Bank of Montreal. “A mortgage for some can be seen as a type of savings plan, particularly if they view their home as a financial nest egg for their retirement years, as many Canadians do.” Parsons noted that those who choose renting over owning property should consider working closely with a Mortgage Specialist to build a more aggressive long term saving and investment plan, as they will not be able to rely on the value of a property to bolster their retirement savings down the road.

7 Min. to Edmonton

Beaumont 1

Coloniale Way

Rue Montalet

44 St.

50 St.

57 St.

55 Ave. 52 Ave.

50 Ave. 3

60 St.

43 Ave.

30 Ave. Hwy 625

HOMES MAP LISTINGS 1 C50OVENTRY Ave. & 57 St.

(Nisku Rd.)

2 THE VILLAGE AT BEAUMONT 89 Rue Monette

3 GOUDREAU HEIGHTS BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

4900 - 62 St.

WELCOME TO BEAUMONT Come visit us and discover why “Life Is Better In Beaumont” POPULATION Approximately 8,361 LOCATED 2 miles South of Edmonton on 50 Street SCHOOLS 5 Schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12, French Immersion offered in all GROCERY Sobey’s & Extra Foods

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Beaumont Regional Activities Centre and numerous outdoor facilities MEDICAL FACILITIES 10 minutes to Grey Nuns Hospital, seved by Edmonton Ambulance PARKS & PATHWAYS Approximately 170 acres of parkland and 6 kilometers of inter-connected walkways

For more information call (780) 929-8782 or visit www.town.beaumont.ab.ca

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 63

Get involved with Sage! Sage is a non-profit seniorsâ€™ serving organization, offering a wide range of programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors in Greater Edmonton. Get involved with Sage! Take advantage of the many resources, programs and services. Explore a variety of volunteer opportunities. Consider supporting at-risk seniors by making a charitable donation. Sage has been serving seniors in your community for over 40 years. 64

Visit www.MySage.ca or call 780-423-5510!

NorthEastEdmonton

ve. 137 A

Rd .

137 Ave.

Fo rt

132 Ave.

129 Ave.

120 Ave. 95 St.

118 Ave.

58 St.

122 Ave.

121 Ave.

. Ave d. 112 Blv Ada

CAPILANO BRIDGE

MAP LISTINGS

1 MIRRA BY PARK HOMES

70-8318 180 Ave. 2 SHOREWINDS CONDOMINIUMS

3 STATION POINTE BY BCM HOMES 403 Belvedere Way 4 H OLLICK KENYON POINTE 5005 - 165 Avenue 5 BRINTNELL SUMMIT BY QUALICO LIVING 445 Brintnell Blvd NW

22 St.

104 Ave. North Saskatchewan River

6 L ANDRA GARDENS 16004 - 54 Street 7 T HE AVENUE AT HERMITAGE

BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

6070 Schonsee Way NW

7 11 Hooke Rd. Hermita ge Rd. YEL LOW HEA DT RAI L 38 St.

127 Ave.

20 St.

50 St.

144

151 Ave.

. Ave

34 St.

87 St.

144 Av e.

Victoria Tr.

8 4 16712Ave. 6 10 66 St.

82 St.

97 St.

. 160 Ave . Ave 153

M Fo ANNIN GF rt WY. Rd . 34 St.

195 Ave. 91 St. 9 1

1188 Hyndman Road

8 AIR HARBOUR/ALTITUDE BY ROYAL WEST HOMES 175 McConachie Dr.

11 E LEMENTS AT HERMITAGE BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

Hyndman Crescent 12 E LEMENTS AT MCCONACHIE BY CARLISLE GROUP

167 Ave. & 53 Street

9 L AKEVIEW TERRACE 179 Ave, east of 87 St. 10 H OLLICK KENYON ESTATES 16235 - 51 Street

NORTHEAST EDMONTON | Call Falisha 780.473.9143

elementsbycarrington.ca Please see our ad on the inside back cover

CONDOS FROM THE $130’S 1180 HYNDMAN ROAD (Off Victoria Trail, Second right on Hyndman Crescent) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 65

NORTHEAST

ADULT BUNGALOW COMMUNITY • Ceramic tile & hardwood • Gourmet kitchen with pantry • Full appliance package • Fireplace • Window coverings • Central vacuum • Deck & landscaping • Hardie board exterior finish • Maintenance free living

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For more information contact: Nina Flora Altitude located at: 450 McConachie Way | Mon-Thurs 2-8pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm 66 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

80% SER OLD IN P

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NORTHEAST

ALBERTA’S TOP SELLING CONDO BUILDER

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ANTH ONY HEND AY DR

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MANN ING D R

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OUR RECENT LAUNCH WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS BUT THERE ARE STILL A FEW VERY DESIRABLE SUITES AVAILABLE!

for quick possessions visit www.carlislegroup.ca

NorthWestEdmonton City Boundary

162 A ve

127 St.

15 153 Ave. 6 8 1 10 4

7 132 Ave.

An th

on y

l rai rt T

127 Ave.

ail d Tr

124 St.

142 St.

149 St.

. Rd eld yfi

Kin

gsw

s . es ve nc A Pri beth a Eliz

Ave .

111 Ave.

178 St.

184 St.

170 St.

199 St. 215 St.

156 St.

a whe 118 Ave.

o Yell

109 St.

lbe

135 St.

A St.

137 Ave.

nd ay

142 Ave.

97 St.

150 Ave.

121 St. 113A St.

148 Ave.

Campbell Rd.

2 3 14 167 Ave. 5 9 153 Ave.

12 176 Ave. Castle Downs Rd.

Stony Plain Rd.

MAP LISTINGS

1 COVENTRY HOMES Castle Downs Rd. & McCrae Ave. 2 ALBANY TRAILS BY FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS

1385 & 167 Ave. 3 AVIVA BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

167th Ave & Albany Way 4 VICTORY LANE BY ABBEY LANE HOMES

2510 Pegasus Blvd. 5 UPPER CARLTON BY REID BUILT HOMES 13838 - 166th Avenue 6 VICTORY POINT BY ABBEY LANE HOMES

97 St. & 137 Ave.

7 B ELLWETHER PARK 132 Ave. & 132 St. 8 VICTORY PARK BY ABBEY LANE HOMES

Pegasus Blvd & Sir Arthur Curry Way 9 THE SILHOUETTE AT CARLTON BY CASSEL COMMUNITIES

15503 - 139 St. 10 MCCRAE ESTATES

13 STARLING AT BIG LAKE BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

137 Ave & Ray Gibbons Dr. 14 ELEMENTS AT ALBANY BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES

167 Ave & Albany Way 15 EDGEWATER AT GRIESBACH BY FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS

Pegasus Blvd. & Frezenburg Ave.

BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

4450 McCrae Ave. 11 VILLAGE AT TRUMPETER BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES

2055 Trumpeter Way NW 12 LEGACY POINTE BY CONCEPT HOMES MASTER BUILDER

18230 - 104A Street

NORTHWEST EDMONTON | Call Eva 587.520.3372

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2BR CONDOS FROM $230,900 167 AVENUE & ALBANY WAY (South of the Henday, South on 127 St) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 69

NORTHWEST

70 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

NORTHWEST

NEW SHOWHOME OPEN

ALBANY TRAILS A TOWNHOME WITH A REAL DOUBLE ATTACHED GARAGE

ords like modern, stylish & even a little bit sexy come to mind as you enter the Albany Trails Townhomes. Granite countertops, large windows and a glass tile backsplash in the kitchen give the space a sleek, urban feeling while features like the large rear deck and oversize double attached garage deliver what suburban buyers are looking for. Innovative finishes like glass walls instead of the usual spindle stair railings allow light to flow throughout the home. Adjacent from a community pond, these townhomes are located in the exciting new community of Albany. Albany is perched on the edge of northwest Edmonton, at 138 Street and 167 Avenuet. Just a stoneâ€™s throw away from St Albert, Albany Trails offers incredible value for residents. Easily accessible and close to many amenities,

72 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

these townhomes are the exactly what northwest Edmonton has been waiting for. Perfectly sized at 1536 square feet, these homes have been specifically designed to maximize the floor space. The open concept design allows one room to flow into another, giving the overall impression of a much larger home. A spacious gourmet style kitchen with a convenient eating bar is ideal for active families or professional couples with hectic lifestyles while the dining nook is the perfect spot for family meals or a party. The great room features plenty of room for a luxurious flat screen TV, an oversize window and has lots of room for entertaining. A well-placed half bath is very convenient for both residents and guests. Upstairs, three generous bedrooms offer fantastic space for children or make excellent offices or hobby rooms. The master suite is a great size and comes with a large walk in

closet and four-piece ensuite. Another four-piece bathroom completes this level. The lower level of the home contains the laundry room, storage room and oversize double garage. Many valuable upgraded features of these homes include five appliances, an oversized deck and full landscaping of both front and back yards. The extra deep double attached rear garage has additional storage for the kids stuff or recreational equipment. Albany Trails Townhomes have been planned and constructed by Footprint Developments. This company specializes in creating greater Edmonton’s most value rich townhome communities. Very popular with today’s buyers, their first development, Terwillegar Corners, sold out in just months. Albany Trails Townhomes are master crafted and come complete with valuable, upgraded features and

finishes. Only 46 townhomes are available in this private enclave, so don’t wait to reserve yours! Priced from the $280’s these homes are definitely northwest Edmonton’s most exciting new home opportunity. For more information about Albany Trails Townhomes, please call Christine 780.862.8708 or visit their show home at the ultra successful MacTaggart Ridge. They are located on Mullen Way in MacTaggart in southwest Edmonton. Check out www.albanytrails.ca

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 73

style file

Hardwood Made Easy // by Yanic Simard // Photo by Sarana Tile

Historically, wood floors began as a prized

possession of the extravagantly wealthy, or a ramshackle solution for the common people – constructing a smooth and elegant floor took painstaking labour and craftsmanship, sometimes needing years to create one masterpiece for a wellappointed mansion. In 1885, the invention of the side-matcher brought tongue-and-groove planks to the middle class, and later the dry kiln helped prevent the common warping and shifting natural to such an organic product. In the 21st century, wood remains a favourite choice for modern and traditional homes alike, and with so many options (each coming in a multitude of stains) the possibilities are truly endless! Here’s my guide to finding the right hardwood floor – any style, any budget. So hard to choose!

Although many woods are labelled “hardwood,” not all floors are created equal. The Janka Hardness Rating assigned to every wood guides you as to how well each species will endure the daily beating it takes: the lower the rating, the more prone to denting, so I recommend sticking to Red Oak’s rating of 1290 or above. Oak, especially the harder white oak, has many burls and swirls, but with its ability to hold stain well it can easily be given a variety of tones, making it one of the most popular choices. I recently used a stunning Oak Ravensdale in a dark modern satin finish (from Kentwood Floors) throughout a client’s condo – it’s one of my favourites. Although there are endless colour combinations, here are some of my other wood favourites, with paint suggestions to get you started: Maple One of the toughest affordable woods, patriotic Maple has a subtle grain, perfect for those who prefer a more minimal and consistent look. Usually has a light reddish colour, especially as it does not absorb dark stains well. › Mix with: Clean, fresh white. 74 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

Ash With a solid hardness rating, ash sapwood is

another durable light-coloured option that features a highly consistent grain. Heartwood ash can have much darker brown tones, and either will stain well for a range of colour options.

› Mix with: Bright sky blue.

Mahogany Quality, sustainable mahogany still exists, but it has become rare in recent decades and the demand pushes the price higher and higher. Very durable and stains beautifully, making it worth the investment for floor aficionados.

› Mix with: Complementary olive green.

Lyptus A recent invention, this eucalyptus-based product is harvested from fast growing trees and is often a cost-effective substitute for mahogany. Can be stained dark or light to inject exotic flair.

› Mix with: Near-black grey.

Walnut Walnut features a beautiful, dramatic grain,

reminiscent of Zebra wood striping, and its grey undertones integrate well with modern material schemes. However, the low hardness rating means walnut is best kept to low traffic areas.

› Mix with: Dark, subdued purple.

Bamboo Bamboo is not truly a “hardwood” flooring, as it is actually created by pressing together many strands of a grass. However, the resulting material is very hard, with a distinct linear graining perfect for modern decor. Keep in mind that bamboo made with inexpensive binding agents may scratch easily – a deal that sounds too good to be true just may be.

› Mix with: Cheerful cherry red.

Pine Southern Yellow Pine is very soft (in fact, not even a hardwood), but its propensity for marking can actually be charming. Look for reclaimed pine planks to get characterful floors at a low cost; just don’t install pine expecting it to stay flawless.

› Mix with: Rustic green-grey.

Pattern power Straight The most common “pattern,” laying wood

planks in straight rows parallel to the longest edge of the space creates continuous lines that highlight the length, making your home appear bigger. Diagonal Similar to straight, but with the lines following a diagonal to create even longer bands to maximize the visual length. Some installers may not suggest it as it can create more work (and sometimes more waste), but the results are trendy and stunning. Herringbone This classic but energetic pattern is very popular in modern homes; the repeating zig zag recalls elegant suiting, and yields a sophisticated look that suggests luxury. Parquet Not usually still in favour for new installations, parquet floors with their iconic swirling checkerboard patterns can often be visually minimized rather than replaced. I recently had a client’s parquet stained a very dark brown, with several top coats applied to create a gorgeous finish that virtually erases the many joints. Inlay More commonly seen in high-end traditional spaces, wood inlay uses contrasting tones of wood (or even other materials) mixed together to create decorative designs. Often see as a thin border around the edges of rooms, or medallions in foyers. A significant investment, the technique creates a 100 per cent custom look. Hardwood vs laminate

›› Solid hardwood is truly what the name implies: a solid plank milled from lumber – what you see on the surface is the same as the core. The material can be sanded and refinished repeatedly, but is less moisture resistant. ›› Engineered hardwood uses a layer of solid wood (often around 3/4-in.) with plywood or other material as the core – the surface is still often thick enough to be sanded and refinished occasionally. Can use a tongue-and-groove system to create a “floating” floor, rather than one that must be nailed and glued in place (making a DIY much easier). ›› Laminate flooring is similar to engineered, but does not use a real hardwood surface, instead replicating the look through a printed image for maximum cost effectiveness. Cannot be sanded or refinished as it will remove the surface. Prefinished vs raw

›› Prefinished flooring comes already stained and treated, which often means a more thorough final

coat that can be more durable and more consistent, and the product is usually less expensive pre-made. ›› Raw wood is delivered and installed untreated, to be finished on site after installation. This allows the stain to be customized on site for a more perfectly flat finish - prefinished wood will show unevenness in the subfloor that raw wood can have sanded out. Maintenance

›› Even the hardest wood can still suffer scratch marks, so use protective felt pads under furniture legs, keep pet nails trimmed, and use area rugs in the busiest traffic zones. Vacuum or sweep regularly, but use a brush head or felt padded vacuum, or a soft broom. ›› Wipe up any spills immediately – as long as you don’t let water stand, hardwood is safe to use in a kitchen to keep the look continuous from other spaces. ›› It can be hard to retroactively match your floor, so I recommend replacing everything at once, including upgrading from metal vent covers. I’ve seen many homeowners decide down the road they wish they had sprung for some finishing details that are very difficult to match when the wood has naturally aged, so invest up front for a truly beautiful floor you will cherish for years! One last idea

If you want the look of wood at a lower cost, here’s a recent discovery: Sarana tile carries a new faux-wood ceramic tile line called “Over” which comes in trendy colourways – I’m in love with the “Black & White” variety, which makes for amazing, dramatic zebra-like herringbone. With an affect like this, you won’t miss the real wood one bit!

Yanic Simard is the Principal Designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group, a regular design guest expert on City’s Cityline and columnist for The Toronto Star newspaper. Follow him on Twitter @yanicsimard or on facebook.com/yanic.simard. Read his blogs on tidg.ca and every Thursday on the Thermador Facebook Page’s blog (facebook.com/ ThermadorCanada). Yanic is design editor of New Condo Guide and writes for many other Canadian and international publications. Send questions or comments to info@tidg.ca NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 75

quick tips

// by hellen buttigieg

Getting started

Replace the procrastination with motivation

Where to start? One of the most common questions is, “Where do I start?” Picking a place to begin can often be the biggest obstacle to de-cluttering, immobilizing us from taking action. Think about what you are making room for. If your goal is to unload some “financial burdens,” the logical place to start is the home office where the financial papers are piled. If your goal is to have more romance in your life, it would make sense to start the organizing process in the bedroom.

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

Plan before de-cluttering Before beginning any de-cluttering project, determine in advance how you will dispose of the items you no longer want. If you have valuable pieces and would like to sell them, decide whether you will do this yourself or hire someone to do it for you. If you would like them to go to charity, which one and where is it located? It’s not until those boxes and bags leave your home that you will reap the full rewards of de-cluttering. Planning in advance will curb procrastination and ensure full completion of the task.

Toss old newspapers, things that are broken or have missing parts and clothing items that are permanently damaged. If you can devote 10 minutes a day to this process, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make in just one week. The important thing is to block out time every single day to do it. Begin with the “no-brainers”

t can take a long time to build up clutter and just as long to clear it out. You know it’s been put off for far too long, but sometimes the procrastination is caused because you don’t know where to start. Make a plan and find the right place to start. Work on one thing at a time and you’ll find, drawer by drawer, closet by closet and room by room, it will eventually all get done.

Start the clearing process with a “best before” box. If you can’t quite bring yourself to let go of certain items, even though you aren’t using them, consider packing them in a box and writing a “best before” date on it six months away. Put this date on your calendar as a reminder. If you don’t go into that box again before the expiry date, donate it to charity without opening it again.

Jump-start your spring cleaning with baby steps

Empty spaces result in smiling faces When reorganizing a closet, a dresser or a cupboard, empty it out first. It’s motivating and gratifying to see the space empty. You are also likely to sort through the contents more thoroughly. However, when organizing a large area, empty only a section at a time, sort it and then move on to the next section. Overcome procrastination

If you’ve got an unfinished project hanging over your head but can’t seem to motivate yourself to work on it, take a moment to think about what the payoff of completion would be. Write three benefits of completing the project and keep this where you’ll see it throughout the day. 76 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

53 Avenue

51 S tree t

Stu rg eo n

Ri ve r

y wa gh i H

50 A venu e

Highway 28A Edmonton

Gibbons

POINT MAP LISTINGS 1 RIVERSIDE 4922 - 52 Street

WELCOME TO GIBBONS Our community places great pride on being a safe and friendly place in which to raise families and enjoy an outstanding quality of life Gibbons-“Living at its Best”.

POPULATION 2848 and growing LOCATED The Town of Gibbons is strategically located at the junction of Highway 28 and 28A along the banks of the Sturgeon River, only minutes from Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in Sturgeon County. SCHOOLS Landing Trail School (Kindergarten to grade four) and Gibbons School (grades five to nine). High School students are bussed to Sturgeon Composite High or Redwater High Schools. GROCERY One grocery store and two convenience stores

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Gibbons arena, curling rink, community hall, Goose Hummock golf course, campgrounds and much more MEDICAL FACILITIES Two medical clinics, a dental office, laboratory, chiropractic centre, massage therapy, and a Capital Health Unit. Three hospitals are available within 15 miles of Gibbons. PARKS & PATHWAYS Gibbons hosts ten park areas, including seven playgrounds, two passive parks, and a sports grounds area.

For more information, please visit www.gibbons.ca

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 77

IN THE NEWS

CANADA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK closely tied to U.S. rebound CANADA’S ECONOMY IS MUDDLING ALONG THIS YEAR,

but a better performance is expected in 2014 in line with a revived U.S. economy, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Outlook: Spring 2013. Currently a softening housing market, downturn in commodity prices and ongoing government spending restraint is taking a bite out of Canada’s domestic economy. “Overall, Canada’s domestic economy is not expected to muster enough strength to get growth in real gross domestic product above two per cent this year,” says Pedro Antunes, director of national and provincial forecast. “Still, the stronger pace of U.S. growth expected in 2014 should help to lift spirits, resource prices, trade prospects and income here at home.” SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REPORT:

›› The Canadian economy is expected to grow by just 1.8 per cent in 2013.

›› I n 2014, growth is expected to accelerate to 2.5 per cent, due to a strengthening U.S. economy in 2014. ›› Tightening of mortgage rules is having its intended effect of bringing the real estate market in for a soft landing – the national average price of a home is expected to fall by just 2.5 per cent this year and stay flat through 2014. Despite lacklustre growth in 2012 and 2013, Canada’s economic situation needs to be viewed in perspective, especially when compared with other developed countries. Business investment surpassed its prerecession peak in 2012, employment and real wages are trending upward, and the trade picture is improving. The federal government’s tightening of mortgage rules is softening home sales activity and reducing new home construction. The slowdown in building should help rebalance the market and mute declines in real estate values.

MAINTENANCE FREE

1, 2, & 2 BeDRooM+DEN CONDOS

• Starting from $239,000 including GST • Adult building (18+) • Heated underground parkade & storage plus one optional parking stall • 9ft. ceilings

• Seven appliances

• Monitored entrance

• In-suite laundry • Large balconies

• Elevator to all levels

• Ravine views

4922-52 Street, Gibbons, Alberta | 780.445.4658 or 780.923.2333

www.riversidepoint.ca 78 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

FortSaskatchewan ER AT S DWBON E R IB G

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Wilshire Blvd.

MAP LISTINGS

1 WALNUT GROVE BY DYNASTY BUILDERS

#85 - 15 Woodsmere Cl.

2 SOUTHFORT BEND 8802 - Southfort Dr.

WELCOME TO FORT SASKATCHEWAN A quiet, friendly, family oriented community. “Move in Next Door... Neighborly Fort Saskatchewan”.

POPULATION Over 14,700 LOCATED Adjacent to the northeast boundary of the provincial capital, the City of Edmonton & 30 km from downtown Edmonton SCHOOLS 6 Public Schools, 3 Separate Schools, 1 Christian School GROCERY Sobey’s Station Square, Canada Safeway,

Extra Foods, Garden Market IGA RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Dow Centennial Centre, Tennis courts, campground, golf courses, bowling lanes, baseball diamonds, indoor pool, outdoor ice rinks (2), curling rinking, indoor soccer, gymnasium, fitness centre

MEDICAL FACILITIES Hospital, local ambulance, 5 medical clinics PARKS & PATHWAYS 360 hectares of park/ recreational/natural land with 29 km of paved trails for walking, running, biking, rollerblading & cross-country skiing

For more information contact Tanya Stillborn (780) 992-6408 or visit our website at www.fortsask.ca or e-mail: tstillborn@fortsask.ca

STATION POINTE VILLAGE NOW PRE-SELLING - FROM $199,900 1 Bdrm + den | 2 Bdrm, 2 full bath | 3 Bdrm, 2 full bath

INCREDIBLE VALUE

• 10 to 12 minutes to Fort Sask refinery row • 1 block to LRT • Also close to stores & amenities • Great location and on site retail available

www.stationpointe.com | 780-490-6008 | myhome@stationpointe.com NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 79

money matters

// by gail vaz-oxlade

Are you financially fit?

Gail Vaz-Oxlade is the host of Til Debt Do Us Part, author of Debt Free Forever and blogs daily at gailvazoxlade.com. Follow Gail on Twitter at twitter.com/GailVazOxlade

eople spend a lot of time worrying about what they eat, how much they weigh and how healthy their hearts are. According to Statistics Canada, life expectancy rose by almost 2.5 years for men and by almost 1.5 years for women between 1986 and 1996. But while we are all living longer and healthier lives, financial fitness isn’t always a reality. Only 30 per cent of Canadians follow a monthly budget, while just 40 per cent of us have a formal financial plan in place. Yikes! The fallout of all this inactivity (is it inattention or procrastination?) is that the realities of Canadians’ lives are a long way off their expectations. The CIBC Financial Health Poll conducted by COMPAS Inc., showed that 37 per cent of those who retired and then returned to work did so because they didn’t have enough money. What would they have done differently if they could do it all over?

Most people are financially flabby. How fit are you

Well, 60 per cent say that in hindsight they would have started investing earlier and they would have saved more. Hmmm. More than just having enough money, our level of financial fitness reflects our ability to bring our current and future needs into balance. To have a balanced financial plan, you must set some realistic goals. Just as most athletes have specific goals towards which they consistently work, the key to financial fitness is to set achievable goals and consistently work towards them. What weighs most heavily on your mind? Very likely there will be several issues competing for your limited financial resources. Do you want to accumulate a specific amount of money, eliminate your mortgage or pay off that new car? Weighing each of your goals against the others will help you to see which are the most important ones. There are no right or wrong answers at this point. Right now, you’re just laying the plan. Later, if you want to double-check it, you can ask your financial adviser to look it over and see what’s missing. Okay, it’s time to pick up a pen and get to work.

›› Make a list of everything you want to achieve ›› Make sure you’ve covered each of the seven areas of a financial plan ›› Prioritize your list ›› Pick two goals

›› M ake sure your goals are realistic ›› S et some dates ›› W rite it all down ›› C heck your progress every six months

Having decided where you want to be, you need to determine where you are now so you can size up the gap. Complete a net worth statement to see just how balanced your finances are and update this statement annually. It is your scorecard of how much your efforts are paying off. Next, do a budget so you can see exactly where your money goes each month. Estimate how much you spend monthly, track your expenses for about three months, and revise your budget to reflect your actual expenditures. Don’t cop out and say, “Well I had unusually high expenses this month because...” Emergencies always crop up, and part of being financially fit is having a plan for dealing with those nasty little surprises. Now look at your income relative to your expenses. If your expenses seem too high, you can either cut back on what you’re spending or increase your income.

›› Consider a part-time job to boost your earnings on a short-term basis. ›› If you have extra space, think about renting a part of your home for extra income or sharing your home to reduce your living expenses. ›› Consolidate bank accounts to save on fees. ›› Brown-bag it for a few months to trim your waistline and your budget. ›› Share newspapers, magazines and books with friends and co-workers. ›› Park the car.

80 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

Morinville 1

MAP LISTINGS

1 MAPLE BROOKE VILLAS BY DYNASTY BUILDERS

Unit 44, 9511 - 102 Avenue

WELCOME TO MORINVILLE Located within a short drive from Edmonton, CFB Edmonton and St. Albert, Morinville offers residents the dual benefits of abundant amenities blended with small town values and community support. Spring 2011 will see the town celebrate the completion of the new Community Cultural Centre, the new focal point for the community. POPULATION 7,600 LOCATED Highway 2, 18 minutes north of Edmonton, 8 minutes north of St. Albert, 15 minutes from CFB Edmonton SCHOOLS Two elementary schools, one junior high and high-tech high school. French immersion is offered at elementary/junior high levels. Morinville is also home to Sturgeon Learning Centre and Morinville

Christian School GROCERY Sobeys, nofrills RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Hockey/curling rinks, ball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis court, walking trail system, 18 hole golf course, extreme sports park and splash park MEDICAL FACILITIES Two clinics and full ambulance service

For more information contact Town Office (780) 939-4361

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 81

money matters

continued…

Having done your warm-up exercises – you’ve written your financial goals down in order of priority, completed a net worth statement and set up a budget – you now have to decide how to meet your goals. Let’s say you plan to start an investment program. You want to save $25,000 over the next five years. If you’re looking at your budget and thinking, “There’s just no way!” maybe you need to adjust your time frame. Or perhaps you need to look at how you’re investing your savings. One rule of investing is the longer you have to reach your goal, and the more your money earns during that time, the less you have to set aside each year. If you haven’t already done so, establishing an emergency fund for large, unforeseen expenses or temporary job loss should be a priority. Ideally, your emergency fund should be able to support you for three to six months. If someone in your household shares the expenses, consider how long it would take him or her to find another job. Check over your accounts and make sure you’re getting the most for the least. There’s no point in paying for services that you’ll use only once in a blue moon. Little things like choosing a passbook option rather than receiving a statement can save you money. If you can reduce or eliminate your fees by maintaining a specific minimum balance, consider consolidating your accounts to reduce your costs. If maintaining a monthly balance is a problem, then you’ll have to compare individual service charges to choose the least expensive account for your purposes. Attracted to the “packaged” accounts? Take the time to compare the individual fees with the package costs to see if you come out ahead. The idea is to pay for only the services you’ll use. Now it’s time to look at your debt. Begin by eliminating credit card balances and consumer loans. Often people pay only the minimum required without realizing how much interest costs work against their overall plan. If you have several cards with high balances, consider a consolidation loan to reduce your interest costs. Does your card charge a high rate of interest? Transfer your balance to lower cost card. If you have only a small amount to work off, put your cards away until the debt is cleared. Once you’re debt-free, by all means take advantage of the convenience credit cards offer, but keep tight control of them and pay your balance off in full every month. Prepare for the risks of everyday life. The risks we seem to deal with quite easily are property insurance, car insurance, contents insurance. The risks we tend to overlook are those associated with our economic earning power. If you or your partner were to die or become ill or disabled and unable to work, would your family have the resources to meet their day-to-day needs? It’s a tough question to face, but the consequences of not facing it can be even tougher on your family.

›› Life insurance will protect your family’s standard of living if you die. ›› Disability insurance will provide you with an income if you cannot work due to illness or injury. ›› Critical illness insurance will pay you a lump sum if you are diagnosed with a specific illness. ›› Long-term care insurance will pay the bills should you (or other members of your family) need in-home or facility care. Don’t forget to do some retirement planning. The only one you can count on is you. Through means testing of pension and age tax credits, and reduction in senior’s benefits, the government is saying loudly and clearly “You are responsible for providing for yourself.” Thankfully, we still have Registered Retirement Savings Plans. Any money contributed to an RRSP remains 82 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

tax-deferred until the funds are withdrawn. And since investments held in RRSPs also grow on a tax-deferred basis, they grow much more quickly than investments held outside an RRSP. Despite the fact that almost everyone should have a will and a power of attorney, many people don’t. Some think their wishes will be carried out by a family member or that they do not have enough money to justify the cost of making a will. Others avoid making a will because their personal circumstances – marriages, divorces and accumulated children and stepchildren – just seem too complex to unravel. However, if you die without a will, trying to figure out who gets what, and when, can be a mess. And your estate may end up paying more in fees and taxes than it should, leaving less for your loved ones. Partnered? Have your wills drawn up together so that they reflect an integrated estate plan. Review and update your will every three or four years, especially when family circumstances change (weddings, divorces, births, and deaths all result in changes in family structure), your financial circumstances change, new legislation is implemented, or you change your province or country of residence. Financial fitness isn’t achieved overnight. It takes time, a sound plan, a strong commitment and, perhaps, a financial coach. If you are serious about taking control of your finances and about your independence, you too can become financially fit. Believe in yourself and in your own ability to take charge. Then just do it! See you in the winner’s circle.

St.Albert

MAP LISTINGS

1 NORTH RIDGE PLACE

St. Albert Trail & Ridge Drive

TO N

DEVELOPED BY MCLEOD PROJECT MARKETING

25 North Star Close BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES

tT r.

167 Ave.

3 TENOR ON THE RIVER

BY GRANDE DESIGN

2 CITADEL VILLAGE

Keil lor Dr.

Rd .

St. Al be r

Boudreau Rd. Campbell Rd.

Sturg eon Rd .

Dr. ins k t A

156 St.

Av e.

G 170 St. ervai s

184 St.

Levasseur Rd.

e. Poirier Av

Rd .

He be rt

to ns Wi r i S

er Riv

ud re au

e. Av ill h c r hu nC

Ga te

n eo rg u t S

Ro ad

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Lacombe Dr. M

Ave. ny cKen

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x Rd. irou

Kin gsw ood Blvd.

r lle Be

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Erin Ridge Drive

TO MORINVILLE

35 Sturgeon Road 4 V ILLAGE ON PERRON 5 Perron Street

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 83

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.

Recycle girl(15/10)-ja/ah

84 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

industry updates - chba - alberta

// by Jim Rivait

edmonton

Jim Rivait is Executive Officer of CHBA Alberta. Starting his career working in government, Jim spent the last decade working in the private sector specializing in government relations, advocacy, strategic communications, policy development/analysis and association management.

hinking about buying a new home or condo? Welcome to a very popular club. Edmonton’s strong economy is giving many people the confidence to invest in a better quality of life. Those investments in new homes and renovations translate into a stronger Edmonton, generating jobs that help fuel more economic growth. A recent report by Will Dunning Inc. showed the value of residential construction in Edmonton topped $5.6 billion in 2012. That includes $3 billion for new homes, $2.2 billion in residential renovations and $420 million in related spending. To put those numbers in perspective, Edmonton’s new downtown arena is expected to cost $480 million, so the annual investment

One of the strongest markets for new homes

in residential construction is the equivalent of more than 11 new National Hockey League caliber rinks. Much of the money invested in building new and better homes stays in our community. Spending on other big-ticket items such as vehicles and big-screen TVs mainly means jobs in other provinces or countries. In the Edmonton area, residential construction employs more than 17,000 people. Another 8,000 jobs are generated within Alberta. And 7,800 Canadians in other provinces can thank Edmontonians for their pay cheque. When you add it all up, we’re talking about an industry that creates 33,000 jobs a year and pays wages of more than $2 billion. That’s more than every team in the NHL combined is allowed to spend on player salaries in the 2013-14 season. And there would be enough money left to pay the player salaries of every team in the Canadian Football League, even if there were twice as many teams. Edmonton’s robust residential construction industry helps explain why the percentage of construction-related jobs has climbed from 8.9 per cent to 12.1 per cent in the last 10 years. And those are some of the best paying jobs in the community – about 12 per cent higher than the average for all industries. Workers in the industry – and remember that dozens of different skills are needed to take a construction project from conception to completion – not only boost the economy through their spending, but contribute to the community through involvement in everything from coaching sports to helping out with charitable events. One reason that the scale of residential construction tends to be downplayed is that a lot of the work takes place out of sight. Unlike a refinery or other big employer, there is no parade of vehicles to and from the same site each day to provide a visual reminder of how many people make a living there. New neighbourhoods hum with construction work but the only people likely to see the peak levels of activity are the first people to take possession of their new home. And renovation projects bring crews to a neighbourhood for a short period and then they move on to the next job. But there is plenty of work underway. Last year in Edmonton builders started work on 12,837 new homes or multi-family units. That means every 40 minutes or so work starts on a new project – someone’s future home. So if you’re thinking about buying a new home you have plenty of company. People recognize their own economic prospects are strong because Alberta’s economy continues to grow at a faster pace than the rest of Canada. When those confident buyers survey the Edmonton scene they will find builders who offer a wide range of housing options – perhaps a downtown condo for a young couple or a family-ready house in the suburbs for those with children. No wonder Edmonton remains one of the strongest markets for home building. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta represents more than 1,500 business members including new home builders, renovators, developers, trade and supply companies and professional services. NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 85

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213 St.

WestEdmonton Yellowhead Trail

124 St.

7 159 St.

87 Ave.

WHITEMUD FWY.

QUESNELL BRIDGE

199 St.

69 Ave.

Callingwood Rd.

4 5

MAP LISTINGS

North Saskatchewan River

1 T HE CALIFORNIAN PARKLAND BY ABBEY LANE HOMES 2035 Grantham Court

2 JASPER GATES BY BELJAN DEVELOPMENT

10144 - 150 Street 3 SUDER GREENS 92A Avenue & 206 Street BY BOSS DEVELOPMENTS

4 SOUTH HAMPTONS BY PARK HOMES 1520 Hammond Gate

GROAT BRIDGE

142 St.

163 St.

170 St. 175 St.

8 1

102 Ave.

149 St.

156 St.

178 St.

Stony Plain Rd. 100 Ave. 95 Ave.

182 St.

ANTHONY HENDAY

Stony Plain Rd.

107 Ave.

a en d. Bu ta R Vis

Winterburn Road (215 St.)

Ma yfie ld

Rd .

111 Ave.

VILLAGE AT THE HAMPTONS 199 St, South of Hamptons Rd.

10 ELEMENTS HAMPTONS BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES 1753 Hammond Cres NW

6 G LASTONBURY MEWS & ESTATES 1589 Glastonbury Blvd 7 THE VANIER

BY QUALICO LIVING

9820 165 Street

9 GLENORA SKYLINE 10220 - 140 Street

8 V IP AT CALIFORNIAN PARKLAND BY ABBEY LANE HOMES 2035 Granthan Court

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 87

IN THE NEWS

in the news

TD Canada Trust study:

Gen Y Struggles to Save 2 Budget to help manage spending Assess spending to 40 years ago. habits, starting with a list of essentials such as food, rent According to new research from TD Canada Trust, more than a third of and transportation. Review Gen Y (34 per cent) admit they find it almost impossible to save. Young people TD RESEARCH FINDS HIGH COST EDUCATION, working to pay off high studentabout, debts insuch tandem face fiscal challenges thatOFolder generations did not have to worry as each item on the list and lower salaries and high debt load are the biggest with managing spending on lower salaries. assess whether they are really high student debts in tandem with lower salaries. barriers to saving for twentysomethings today Still, the principles of budgeting, saving and “nice to haves.” For example, Still,tothe principles and spending remain true matter compared 40 years ago. of budgeting, saving spending remain true no matter the no financial theAccording financial according Raymond Chun, a senior vice-president at TD to reality, new research from TDto Canada reality, according to Raymond Chun, a senior vice food is essential but buying a Trust, moreTrust. than a third of Gen Yautomation (34 per cent) and president TD Canada Trust. Diligence, bagel on the way to work is Canada Diligence, realisticatgoals are essential to making admit they find it almost impossible to save. Young automation and realistic goals are essential to not. Whatever is left after the saving money a habit. people today face fiscal challenges that older making saving money a habit. essentials, including servicing generations did not have to worry about, like debt and saving for the future, Gen Y more affected by common obstacles than previous generations Gen More Affected Common Boomers Obstaclesand ThanGen Previous Generations is for discretionary spending. The Yresearch, whichbysurveyed Y’s ability to save in their The research, which surveyed Boomers and Gen Y’s ability to save in their twenties, found that twenties, today’s youth appear to be moreobstacles affectedto by thethan following today’s youthfound appear that to be more affected by the following common saving 3 Save and service debt common obstacles to saving than previous generations: previous generations: simultaneously The amount of debt people carry should not exceed 40 per cent of their pre-tax monthly income. PAYING FOR SALARIES TOO DEBTS FROM THE TEMPTATION EDUCATION LOW TO COVER CREDIT CARDS, TO SHOP BEYOND This means, if a person earns COSTS LIVING EXPENSES LOANS AND LINES THEIR MEANS $3,000 a month, monthly OF CREDIT 44% of Gen Y versus 39% of Gen Y versus 36% of Gen Y versus 38% of Gen Y versus 18% of Boomers 30% of Boomers 16% of Boomers mortgage repayments, student 26% of Boomers loans and other debts should not amount to more than As a general rule, individuals should Make a Plan for Saving and Spending $1,200. Young people with Make a plan for saving and spending aim to set aside three to six months’ worth of Although “the job market is tighter, university heavy debt loads should Although job market is tighter, university costs higher and salary growth essential expenses in an emergency fund. The costs higher “the and salary growth lower for young most important thing is to startand a savings habit people today,” according to Chun, “With planning to concentrate on paying down lower for young people today,” according Chun, “With planning early, regardless of how much can be set aside and discipline, young Canadians can lay the their highest interest rate discipline, young Canadians can lay the foundation for a solid financial future foundation for a solid financial future by diligently at the beginning. debt, such as a credit card, by diligently tracking their cash flow and creating a plan for saving and “It is tough for young people to balance tracking their cash flow and creating a plan for all ofthree their financial obligationsworth as they of enter saving and spending.” before focusing on saving. spending.” Individuals should aim to set aside to six months essential expenses in an emergency fund. The most important thing is to start a 4 Make it a habit One of savings habit early, regardless of how much can be set aside at the beginning. the most effective ways to “It is tough for young people to balance all of their financial obligations as they enter adulthood, but this is precisely why it’s important to be committed to save is to put money away before there’s a chance to saving even just a little each week — every dollar counts,” says Chun. “Savings spend it. For example, set provide some freedom if a great opportunity like a new job overseas comes up, up a pre-authorized transfer or as a financial cushion in the event of something like temporary job loss.” of a set amount each week to a high interest savings Timeless principles of budgeting and saving: account. Or, some banks offer 1 Small actions yield big results Reaching a savings goal is a marathon, not automatic transfers of small a sprint; be diligent about putting away a little bit with each pay cheque and it pre-set amounts into savings will add up. Consider putting away just $25 a week, and over the course of 12 account with each access card months this will add up to $1,300. Don’t make the mistake of not saving at all transaction. just because the goal doesn’t appear achievable right away. TD research finds high cost of education, lower salaries and high debt TD Canada Trust study: load are the biggest barriers to saving for twentysomethings today, compared

GEN Y STRUGGLES TO SAVE

44% 39% 38% 36%

88 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

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90 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

he 2013 Residential Construction Industry Conference (RCIC) was held on April 30th and May 1st at the Edmonton Expo Centre – with a SOLD OUT trade show floor showcasing 83 different companies and over 800 delegates in attendance it was a great success! RCIC is a two day – industry only - conference that is hosted by the Canadian Home Builders Association – Edmonton Region (CHBA-ER) annually. Both days consist of the opportunity to visit the trade show floor that showcases a vast amount of innovative products and to also attend many of our educational sessions that are delivered by world renowned speakers. This year at RCIC there was a session for everyone – whether you wanted to be mentored by one of our top industry leaders, learn more about extreme selling, how to harness a homes emotion, the five tips for a more professional relationship with your trade contractor, or learn more about high efficiency homes on our first ever high performance home tour this was the place to be! We offered 58 different sessions with all different topics that relate to each person in the homebuilding industry. If you missed this year’s RCIC don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE for the 2014 RCIC – April 2nd and April 3rd.

For more information please visit the website:

www.rcic.ca

NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 91

To Highway 16

StonyPlain Highway 16A, To Edmonton

47 Ave. 48 St.

50 St.

52 Ave.

South Park Dr.

44 Ave.

Golf Course Rd.

46 St.

To Jasper

Fairway Dr. 55 Ave. Oatway Dr. 3 2

79 Ave.

MAP LISTINGS

1 BARTH & GOSSET MANOR BY JAFFER DEVELOPMENTS

Main St - 5211 50th St

92 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

2 WESTERRA MANOR Golf Course Rd & 79 Avenue

3 WILLOWS END BY JAFFER DEVELOPMENTS

48 Street & Willow Park Rd

// BY WAYNE KARL

It’s never too early to begin your

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. He can be reached at wayne. karl@wall2wallmedia.com or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl

t’s mid-July, we’re deep into summer and many Canadians are planning or heading off on vacation. What better time of year to be thinking about... taxes? Indeed, if “nothing is certain but death and taxes,” as several famous authors have waxed in various forms, Canadians have a curious way of preparing for the inevitable. While the deadline for contributing to one’s Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for the previous tax year is March 1, and for fi ling a return April 30, many Canadians take it right down to the wire – especially on the first point.

FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING

TAX-PLANNING With the 2012 tax season now behind us and next year’s deadlines many months away, it may not seem like a great time to discuss tax planning. But it is. As many experts suggest, the best tax planning should begin during the year – not at tax deadline time. But, like death, perhaps Canadians just don’t like to think about taxes, viewing them as an equally unsavoury topic. How else would you explain that, looking at the bigger picture, we are seemingly even more short-sighted: personal finance and taxes are not subjects that are taught to any depth in our public education system. David Chilton lamented this fact in his 1989 best seller, The Wealthy Barber. More than 20 years later, the challenge still exists – for Canadians of every age. Consider, for example: » A recent CIBC poll conducted by Harris/Decima shows that many Canadians across a wide range of ages say they do not feel financially prepared for their retirement. » According to a new TD Retirement Realties Poll, too many Canadians procrastinate in saving for retirement; 15 per cent plan to save for retirement for only less than five years before leaving the workforce. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of retirees say, in hindsight, they should have saved for retirement for 25 years or more » A recent BMO study found that more than a third (40 per cent) of Canadians are unclear on the differences between an RRSP and a tax-free savings account. » If, like many Canadians, you believe that you pay too much tax, then tax-planning, and thinking of ways to minimize tax, should be a year-round task. Some suggestions, courtesy of a variety of sources: Meet with a financial advisor to devise your strategy, including plans to buy a home, reduce debt and save for retirement. Contribute to RRSPs regularly, even if smaller amounts throughout the year to avoid having to come up with a large lump sum at deadline time. Manage and budget your spending, to better control where and how you spend and identify opportunities to save. Remember that your finances are connected. Making progress on one aspect of your goals can lead to an opportunity to improve in others. Taxes are indeed certain, so planning to minimize what you pay, while maximizing your assets and developing the discipline to do both, is a sound strategy. 93

What to do when you hire a contractor Many experienced and reliable contractors work in your community – highly skilled professionals who do business the right way. Unfortunately not all contractors play by the same rules. Some cut corners to offer lower prices. They promise you a “good deal” as long as nothing is written down and you pay in cash. These cash deals can mean a lot of risk for you. Contractors who don’t do business properly don’t protect you from accidents or their mistakes. If there is a work-related injury or damage to your home, you could face lawsuits and financial loss. You could be responsible for your contractor’s unpaid bills. And you could be stuck with work that is incomplete or badly done. While serious, these risks are easy to avoid. Before you agree to let anyone work on your home, take these three simple steps: know who you’re dealing with, make sure you’re protected from risks, and always Get in in Writing! ™

How to find

a good contractor • Ask friends, family and neighbors about contractors they have hired to work on their homes. • Contact your local Home Builders’ Association or other trade association for a list of professional contractors in your community. • Ask your local building materials store if it has a list of recommended contractors. • Ask your utility company if it has a list of recommended contractors. • Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if a contractor is a member.

For more advice, including detailed information about contracts plus worksheets you can use when interviewing contractors, visit HiringAContractor.com For a listing of builder and renovator members, contact the Canadian Home Builder’s Association - Edmonton Region. Call 425-1020 or visit their website at chbaedmonton.ca Get it in Writing! provides information to help you make informed choices when you build, renovate, or repair your home. This program is managed by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association with support from the Government of Canada.

Get it in Writing(14/10)-/ja

94 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 21 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

homebuyersâ€™ help

condo buyersâ€™

resource section

You love the condo, see what you can afford! Compare mortgage rates for your best deal Calculate your mortgage payments using the mortgage payment calculation chart

NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 95

homebuyers’ help

Calculate your mortgage payments interest rate

amortization period

chart figure

mortgage amount ÷ 1,000

monthly payment

example: 5%

25 years

5.82

125 (mortgage amount $125,000)

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. 02 Divide by three. This figure is the monthly payment you can afford to make on your condo. 03 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 Multiply this figure by the amount you need to borrow. Divide by 1,000.

96 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

06 Add to this your estimated monthly heating costs and monthly property taxes. 07 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.

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

Variable

6 Months

1 Year

4.650

Bank of Montreal

3.100

Bank of Nova Scotia

3.100

AGF Trust

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

3.040

3.200

3.240

3.340

3.490

4.000

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

4.550

3.750

3.890

3.990

4.390

4.990

3.240

3.390

3.250

3.720

3.640

Bridgewater Bank

CIBC Mortgages

3.000

4.450

3.090

3.140

3.750

4.390

5.140

Canadian Western Bank

3.200

4.000

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

Equitable Bank

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

First Calgary Financial

4.000

2.390

2.670

2.790

2.890

3.190

First National Financial

2.600

3.950

2.990

2.890

3.090

3.240

3.540

FirstOntario Credit Un.

2.700

4.240

3.090

3.140

3.340

3.190

3.390

HSBC Bank Canada

3.100

4.450

3.600

3.950

4.450

4.990

5.240

ING Direct

2.750

3.000

2.999

3.090

3.390

Investors Group Trust

3.000

4.200

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

London Life

3.000

4.200

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

Manulife Bank

3.000

4.450

3.000

3.150

3.200

3.250

3.290

Meridian Credit Union

2.850

4.450

3.100

3.140

3.550

2.980

3.190

National Bank

3.200

4.400

3.140

3.750

4.540

5.140

4.500

3.100

3.350

3.550

3.850

3.950

3.000

6.040

3.140

3.150

3.290

3.490

3.690

Servus Credit Union

4.000

3.100

3.140

3.650

4.390

5.140

Steinbach Credit Union

2.500

2.600

2.700

2.800

3.000

4.000

3.090

3.140

3.650

4.540

5.140

Peace Hills Trust President’s Choice Fin’l

T-D Mortgage

3.000

Rates effective as of July 10, 2013. *Rates subject to change without notice.

NewCondoGuide.com | Volume 21 issue 08 | new condo Guide 97

homebuyersâ€™ help

Condo hunterâ€™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:

Salesperson:

Phone:

Developer/builder:

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:

# of bedrooms:

# of bathrooms:

Interior appliances:

Options:

Parking facilities:

Special incentives:

Price:

Down payment:

Condo fees:

Financing available:

Other comments:

98 new condo Guide | Volume 21 issue 08 | NewCondoGuide.com

palladium

2br

Pd 862 FT2

Visit one of our sales centers today for the best suite selection & pricing

Condos from the $130’s All Suites Include

6 Appliances • Elevator Service to All Floors • Laminate Floors • Underground Parking Available

3353 16A AvE East of 34 Street NW on 16A Avenue NW •Now Under Construction

WAY

North East Call 780.473.9143 1180 HyNdMaN Rd Off Victoria Trail & second right on Hyndman Crescent •Now Under Construction •River Views available •Fall Possessions

DR NW

WINDE

RMERE

167 AVE

YELLOWHEAD TRAIL

TER WI LLE GAR

142 ST N W

50 ST M RAI ANNIN L GD R IA T TOR

ALBANY

WIND

Call 587.520.0482

HYNDMAN ROAD

AY D

South East

ES AN CR HYNDM

END

ANTHONY HENDAY DRIVE

137 AVE

R ITAGE

HERM

E NW

AY DR

HEND

HON ANT

16A AV

ONY ANTH

127 ST NW

34 ST NW

MI LL RD WOO NW DS

ElEmEnts at windErmErE

ElEmEnts at albany

e ElEmEnts at Showoswuit N n! HErmitagE O pe

VIC

ElEmEnts at laurEl Crossing

ERME

RE BL VD

North West Call 587.523.7912

South West Call 469.6976

508 albaNy Way

WiNdeRMeRe Rd & WiNdeRMeRe blVd

South off the Henday onto 127 Street, West on 167 Avenue •Now Under Construction

South West off the Henday onto Terwillegar Dr, West onto Windermere Blvd, North onto Windermere Rd.

information Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday: 3 to 8pm | Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 12 to 5pm | Closed Fridays

elementsbycarrington.ca

The 24th Annual Trades Golf Tournament was a huge success, raising more than $10,000 in support of Changing Futures Foundationâ€™s Project Touchdown! The foundation has partnered with the Terra Centre for Pregnant Teens to develop Project Touchdown, an initiative that provides safe, affordable housing for teen parents. The Changing Futures Foundation was established in 2011 by Ken Ferchoff, founder of Carrington Group of Companies. Recognizing a need for safe, affordable housing in our community Ken began this non-profit organization that is committed to creating partnerships and opportunities to help underprivileged individuals and families. The foundations focus is on giving a hand up, rather than a handout. Project Touchdown is a four-plex in the Montrose neighborhood. Once the first group of teens from Terra Centre for Pregnant Teens completes their education and they have stable employment, they will move to traditional housing and Terra Centre will populate the Project Touchdown four-plex with another group. There are plans for more buildings in the future, which hopefully can be built in diversified neighborhoods in an effort to create balanced communities.

Carrington presents the grand prize of a 2013 Hyundai Accent to Paul Gutteridge, owner of Sandhills Manufacturing. (L–R): Cam Ferchoff, Jarret Sheath, Ken Ferchoff, Paul Gutteridge, Renae Ferchoff, Dan Slaven.

As part of the fundraising effort, Carrington Construction and Bedrock Homes Trades participated in Driven for Change, a unique fundraising component of the golf tournament. Carrington Group of Companies and Leduc Hyundai provided the grand prize, a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The second prize, provided by Carrington Group of Companies, was a weekend for two at Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club in Kelowna, B.C., complete with flight, hotel, two rounds of golf and a gift certificate for Carrington’s Restaurant. Paul Gutteridge, owner of Sandhills Manufacturing, who has been proudly serving the Edmonton and surrounding areas with quality stairs for over 20 years was the lucky winner of both prizes. He paid it forward by raffling the car off among his 50 employees and raised an additional $3,900 for the Changing Futures Foundation! This kind of generosity is at the core of the foundation – volunteers help drive the projects, donations come from throughout the community, and industry partners donate materials and labour. Everyone involved becomes part of the team. The focus on community is an integral part of Carrington Group of Companies’ philosophy. They have been in operation for more than 40 years and are one of the top residential builders in Edmonton and area. For more information, visit www.carrington.ca and www.changingfutures.ca.

2013 ExCELLEnCE in HOuSinG AwARD winnER

Condos From The Upper $100’s

Townhomes From The Upper $200’s

reasons 10-1

Your exeCutive team

Top 40 10 reasons Carrington Communities

is your preferred

condo builder and has been

sinCe 1973

Have operated a family run company for the past 40 years

Have been an accredited member in good standing with the BBB for 25 years

Are committed to constant growth & innovation

Have been helping Edmontonions find their dream condo for 40 years

Offer citywide locations for every lifestyle

Are passionate about building a product that is second to none

yOUR home is where THEiR heart is

Believe in improving our community through charitable organizations such as Hope Builders & Changing Futures

Have built a company that is an award winning industry leader

Know that it takes a COMMUNiTy to build a CARRiNgTON COMMUNiTy

Enter to Win

• iM

• 15 ga

• Th

• Su lau

*Sel

Visit

meet your executive team: sheldon, Jarret, renae, Dan, & David

carrington.ca/ contest

91 ST

Save up to $15,000 on these spectacular suites!*

h ns &

Condos FRoM

$170,900

• 15,000 sq ft of amenities includes a fitness centre & a 3,500 sq ft party room with wet bar, kitchen, gas fireplace, games table, billiards & more! • The aquatic centre is equipped with an indoor pool, hot tub, locker rooms, steam room & outdoor patios • Suites include window coverings, six appliances, laminate floors, heated underground parking, in-suite laundry & complimentary interior design consultation *Select suites only, for a limited time. See Sales Associate for details.

WHYTE AVE YLL

ARG

SOUTHCENTRAl RD

SHERWOOD PARK FWY

75 ST

• iMMediAte poSSeSSionS AvAilABle

91 ST

inCludes GsT

WHITEMUD DR

Call Amanda

780.461.1622 7825 - 71 Street 2013 ExCELLEnCE in HOuSinG AWARD WinnER

• Walking distance to a vibrant new town centre, future LRT station & recreational PMS1545: PMS 2204: 32C2M7Y1K complex, Blackmud Creek Ravine & 53M100Y72K much more 8583

Condos FRoM

•

metallic

• 9' ceilings on all floors

$179,900

•

• Beautiful ravine views*

inCludes GsT

• Customize your suite with a complimentary interior design consultation

•

• Two storey lobby

•

ANTHONY HENDAY DRIVE

SOUTHWEST

WA TT

RAI

Call Craig

JAM

ALLARD LINK SW

127 ST SW

ELLERSLIE RD

111 ST SW

*On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

30 AVE SW

587.520.6775 1144 Adamson Drive SW

le AB te il iA vA ed A M nS iM io S eS SS po

• Building features underground parking, fully equipped fitness centre, convenient guest suite & social room with wet bar and billiards

•

• Stylish suites come with six appliances, laminate floors & 9’ ceilings • Oversized heated storage included with underground heated parking Condos FRoM

$181,900 inCludes GsT

• Located in the heart of Ambleside this convenient Southwest location has easy access to the Anthony Henday, transit centres, South Edmonton Common & Currents Shopping Centre *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

170 ST

GA ILLE

W TER

HENDAY DR

WINDERMERE BLVD AMBLESIDE

2013 ExCELLEnCE in HOuSinG AWARD WinnER

DR ANTHONY

AMBLESIDE DR LINK

ELLERSLIE RD SW

SOUTHWEST Call Christine

780.438.1513 308 Ambleside Link

•

• Designer kitchens complete with upgraded appliances • Gas line to balconies with optional gas line to ranges

• Amenities including fully equipped fitness centre, three social rooms with theatre, games, dining & butler kitchen, & rooftop terraces *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

23 AVE NW

SOUTHWEST 4042 MacTaggart Drive More information coming soon

po SS eS iM Si Me o d n iA S t Av e A il A Bl e

MACTAGGERT DRIVE

New showsuites now open!

• Gorgeous lake views*

• Building features luxurious amenities including air conditioned corridors and common areas, fully equipped fitness centre, social room with full kitchen and billiards, and a convenient guest suite • 9’ ceilings on the first, second and third floors, 10’ ceilings on the fourth floor • Located in desirable Southwest community of MacTaggart this location offers easy access to the Anthony Henday, and is close to many amenities • Winner of the 2013 CHBA Award for Best Multi-Family Apartment Building *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

111 ST

WHITEMUD DR

GAR DR

TERWILLEGAR BLVD

TERWILLE

• Double, triple and quadruple private garages available

C o So M o ing n

• Oversized balconies

RABBIT HILL RD

• Cast in place concrete structure

RABBIT HILL RD

n al

23 AVE MAYNARD WAY

ANTHONY HENDAY DR

SOUTHWEST Call Jeremiah

780.438.4911 6079 Maynard Way

Condos FRoM

$279,000 inCludes GsT

ConCReTe Condos FRoM

$227,080 inCludes GsT

• Cast in place concrete construction

•

• Modern architectural styling & suite features

•

• Overheight ceilings

•

• Stainless steel appliances

•

• Heated underground parking & storage

•

• Engineered hardwood floors • Guest suite, leisure centre & rooftop terraces

•

• Just minutes from shopping, dining and many other amenities *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

RUGBY PARK

CALGARY TR

111 ST

SOUTHWEST

GATEWAY BLVD

ANTHONY HENDAY

Call Kathy

780.756.2230 11080 Ellerslie Road

ELLERSLIE RD

C n on o W St u ru n C d t er io W n Ay

Visit now, pre-sale pricing available for a limited time*

• Exceptional landscaping with easy walkability to neighborhood amenities, parks & ponds

•

• •

• 9' ceilings on all floors

inCludes GsT

• Customize your suite with a complimentary interior design consultation *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

167 AVE NW

NORTHWEST ST N

Y DR NDA E H ONY ANTH ALBANY WAY

127

VENESS RD

$230,900

• Two storey lobby

142 ST NW

2 bR Condos FRoM

• Convenient access to St Albert & the Anthony Henday

Call Eva

587.520.3372 167 Avenue & Albany Way

•

• Overheight cabinets • Full height ceramic subway style backsplash

po SS eS iM Si Me o d n iA S t Av e A il A Bl e

• Laminate floors

• Located in Edmonton's only exclusive lake side community with swimming, boating, fishing, skating, cross country skiing, sledding and so much more *On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

SOUTHEAST

70 S

TON

780.756.0096

D R SW

6084 Stanton Drive

po SS eS iM Si Me o d n iA S t Av e A il A Bl e

STAN

Call Riley

66 ST

T SW

ELLERSLIE RD

Up to $20,000 off select suites*

• Two bedroom & two bedroom plus den suites available • 9' ceilings available on the fourth floor • Building features underground parking & owner's amenities • Suites include window coverings, six stainless steel appliances & natural gas BBQ outlet on the patio • Easy access to the Anthony Henday & Gateway Blvd • Winner of the 2013 CHBA Award for Best Multi-Family Apartment Style $250,000-$350,000

2 bR Condos FRoM

$217,900 inCludes GsT

*On Select Suites. See Sales Associate for details.

ANTHONY HENDAY DR

ELLERSLIE RD

SOUTHWEST CALGARY TR

MACEWAN RD

111 ST

• Hunter Douglas window coverings & six appliances included

119 ST

• Beautiful park views

Call 780.439.5030 (by appointment only)

11517 Ellerslie Road

2013 ExCELLEnCE in HOuSinG AWARD WinnER

Condos FRoM

$174,900 inCludes GsT

Up to $20,000 off on select suites*!

Condos FRoM

$159,000 inCludes GsT

• iMMediAte poSSeSSionS AvAilABle • One bedroom, one bedroom plus den, two bedroom, & two bedroom plus den suites available • underground heated parking, laminate flooring, window coverings, and six appliances included • Customize your suite with a complimentary interior design consultation • natural gas fireplaces* • Just minutes from shopping, dining & many other amenities *Select suites only, for a limited time. See Sales Associate for details.

68A AVE

SCHONSEE WAY

66 ST

82 ST

76 ST

NORTHEAST

167 AVE

Call Mick

780.476.1137 6070 Schonsee Way

Building dreams come true for 40 years! WiTH OvER 10 CiTyWiDE lOCATiONS CARRiNgTON HAS SOMETHiNg FOR EvERyONE

ALBANY WAY

L’ATTITUDE STUDIOS FROM $181,900 308 Ambleside Link 780.438.1513

167 AVE

FROM $279,000

66 ST

YELLOWHEAD TR

RUTHERFORD GATE

82 ST

6083 Maynard Way 780.438.4911

VIC TO

RIA TR

WATERSTONE

ARGYLL RD

1144 Adamson Dr SW 587.520.6775

S CEN SE

GAR ILLE TERW

70 ST

SOUTHWINDS

WINDERMERE BLVD STANTON DR

FROM $174,900

6084 Stanton Drive SW 780.756.0096

AVIVA NW

ELLERSLIE RD

FROM $170,900

7825 - 71 Street 780.461.1622

FROM $230,900

23 AVE

30 AVE SW JAMES MOWAT TRAIL

Albany Way & 167th Ave 587.520.3372

SHOREWINDS NE

FROM $159,000

6070 Schonsee Way 780.476.1137

SALES HOURS Mon to Thurs 3PM - 8PM Sat, Sun, holidays 12PM - 5PM Closed on Fridays

2013 ExCELLEnCE in HOuSinG AWARD WinnER

URBAN VILLAGE

111 ST

4042 MacTaggart Dr SW

RABBIT HILL RD

75 ST

WHITEMUD DR

ALLURE COMING SOON

SHERWOOD PK FWY HENDAY

FROM $179,900

WHYTE AVE

WHITEMUD DR

ANTHONY

É LAN

75 ST

11080 Ellerslie Road 780.756.2230

T TR LBER

FROM $227,080

ST A

E’SCAPES

142 ST

11517 Ellerslie Road 780.439.5030

ANTHONY HENDAY DR

2 BR FROM $217,900

mes

Life

mmunities has mart spaces. right locations, reate maximum ensuring a the entire able one.

137 St

location. bility to

mize

een.

ive product ptional

options sing your

1. Edm

Cass

Elem

Evolv

2. Edm

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Elem

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RohitCo

Edmontonâ€™s

Building Homes

For Real Life For almost 30 years, Rohit Communities has been committed to creating smart spaces. This starts with choosing the right locations, designing efficient homes to create maximum value for our customers, and ensuring a streamlined process to make the entire experience an easy and enjoyable one.

LOCATION Our attention to your perfect home starts with its location. We choose communities that offer great accessibility to current and future amenities and conveniences.

DESIGN Our award-winning and versatile floor plans maximize every inch of space. We’ve got you covered from apartments to bungalows and everything in between.

VALUE

Based on your feedback, we’ve created an inclusive product offering balanced with affordability to create exceptional value in your new home.

PROCESS Our process is simplified with finishing package options designed by professionals. All aspects of purchasing your new home are streamlined for your convenience.

RohitCommunities.com Edmonton’s 2013 Builder of the Year

Duplex

Featuring Village at Langdale Located in Southwest Edmonton. Convenient proximity to Anthony Henday and the retail mecca at Currents of Windermere. Two storey townhomes with two or three bedroom floorplans up to 1377 square feet. Includes full landscaping, deck and appliance allowance.

Starting from $320,300!

Visit the showhome located at 704 â€“ 176 Street SW Call Kim at 780.906.9808 for more details

Duplexes & Townhomes Elements Hamptons Located in West Edmonton, close to shopping, services, amenities and the Anthony Henday. Two-storey duplexes with single or double front attached garage up to 1500 square feet. Flex internet/bonus area, second floor laundry and appliance credit, with no condo fees.

Starting from $315,170! Visit the showhome at 1753 Hammond Cres NW Call Kim at 780.906.9808 for more details

Elements Creekwood Chappelle Located in Southwest Edmonton, close to LRT, South Common, entertainment and services. Two or three bedroom layouts up to 1459 square feet with unique curb appeal. Features bonus/flex area, deck, landscaping and no condo fees!

Starting from $300,415!

rmere.

Visit the showhome at 504 Chappelle Drive SW Call Candice at 780.990.9588 for more details

Elements Glenridding Located in Southwest Edmonton. Up to 1465 square feet with two or three bedrooms. Granite in the kitchen, laminate & tile included

Starting from $327,280! Visit the showhome at 16003 â€“ 10 Avenue SW Call Angela at 780.991.2337 for more details

Elements Keswick

n, close to shopping, e Anthony Henday.

On the river in Southwest Edmonton, by amenities.

single or double front 0 square feet.

Triplexes with two or three bedrooms.

econd floor laundry no condo fees.

Includes granite, appliance credit, and landscaping.

mmond Cres NW e details

d Chappelle

onton, close to LRT, ment and services.

uts up to 1459 square al.

deck, landscaping

ppelle Drive SW more details

monton.

Starting from $300,415! Showhome Coming Soon! Call Kim at 780.906.9808 for more details

Elements Summerwood Located in Sherwood Park, just minutes from Edmonton. Floor plans up to 1500 square feet with two and three bedroom options. Includes appliance credit, double front attached garage and front landscaping.

Starting from $352,056! Visit the showhome at 2 Sunterra Way Call Wende at 780.952.1572 for more details

Village at Trumpeter Located in Northeast Edmonton.

th two or

Two and three bedroom townhomes up to 1373 square feet.

inate &

Features landscaping, appliances, double detached garage and second floor laundry.

0 Avenue SW more details

Starting from $312,900! Visit the showhome at 2055 Trumpeter Way NW Call Pam at 780.938.5478 for more details

Edmonton & Area FORT SASKATCHEWAN

ny tho An

lbe

.A rt

Range Rd 230

153 Ave

66 Street

Drive bon ib

137 Street

e Av

e r iv yD

127 Street

Ra yG

a nd He

ive Dr

92 Street

ST. ALBERT

g nin an

Tra Yellowhead Trail Yellowhead Trail Groat Road

Baseline Road

Wye Road 50 Street

75 Street

Terw illeg ar

Casselman Landing Elements Cy Becker Evolve Cy Becker

Village at Trumpeter Elements Starling Evolve Starling

Vistas – Bungalow communities or townhomes with attached garage

Evolve – Single homes with or without attached garage

Village – Two storey townhomes or duplexes with rear lane access

3. Edmonton West Elements Hamptons

4. Edmonton Windermere Village at Langdale

2. Edmonton North West

Home Styles Elements – Two storey duplexes

111 Street

1. Edmonton North

23 Ave

17 Street

Calgary Trail Ellerslie Road

ive enday Dr ny H

Whitemud Drive Gateway Blvd

Dr ive

Whitemud Drive

A ntho

Highway 21

Whyte Ave Whitemud Drive

8 Cloverbar Road

Highway 14

Anthony Henday Drive

EDMONTON

Elements Keswick Elements Glenridding

5. Creekwood Chappelle Elements Chappelle

RohitCommunities.com Edmonton’s 2013 Builder of the Year

Landing – Townhome Condominium Project

6. Edmonton South Callaghan Landing Vistas at Callaghan North Vantage at Callaghan North Callaghan Ravines Vistas at Callaghan Evolve Allard Vistas at Allard

7. Edmonton South East Tawa Landing

8. Sherwood Park Evolve Sherwood Park Elements Summerwood Park

9. Fort Saskatchewan Evolve Sienna