Stakeholders in office-to-residential conversions claim that such projects are an important component of Calgary's strategy for absorbing surplus office space. Conversions are faster than new buildings and are marketed as a means to get more people into the city center. Proponents argue that redoing rather than razing saves energy and resources.

Canada’s office real estate market has faces many challenges over the past 2 years with the highest vacancy rate seen since the mid 90’s.

Approximately six million square feet of downtown Calgary must be leased, transformed, or modified in order to stay competitive. Despite all the discussion of office conversions, just a few conversions have taken place.

Condo conversions face stiff competition from increasingly vibrant and innovative inner city condo projects.

Those searching to buy a unique home in Calgary’s downtown looking for opportunities may have to wait a while for more to come along. Among those conversions already completed, The Westley Hotel has been built on the former location of Birchcliff Energy Ltd.'s headquarters. In 2019, the CUBE building, a recent office-to-residential conversion, opened its doors. Sierra Place is a $30 million affordable housing development that will open in 2022.

Because it is near to public transportation and across the street from a food store, the CUBE building was an ideal showcase and proof of concept to demonstrate that such conversions are a viable option to Calgary’s real estate market. According to architect Ken Toews, many buildings are too long or too broad to be considered for office conversion.

In September, the firm obtained a pledge from the city for an eventual $7.5-million in financing, and they are presently going through the application process with the city.

According to CBRE regional managing director Greg Kwong, office-to-residential conversions are part of Calgary's goal to diversify the city's economy. The technique, according to Kwong, "won't alter the course of history, but it will assist."

At this time, we would encourage property investors and home buyers alike in Calgary to watch this trend keenly, but know that many of these projects are simply a proof of concept to demonstrate the possibility of such conversions to investors and regulators. Those looking for immediate options in the Inner city can find a wealth of great conventional options on the market already.

Newly appointed CEO Darshpreet Bhatti feels the LRT project's obstacles aren't insurmountable. Homeowners, investors and those looking to buy a home in the far reaches of Calgary’s North and Southeast and watching with great anticipation about the future of the project.

Regular Calgary commuters can attest to the struggles of commuting through congested areas and slow public transit, but the Green Line, along with the currently under-construction Stoney Trail Ring Road show the city is ready to tackle these challenges and make even the most far-flung communities accessible and easily reachable to the rest of the city.

Calgary Planners claim that the new Green Line LRT and C-Train will remove tens of thousands of cars from currently congested roads for years to come, and improve the potential for more communities and developments both on the city’s fringe, and also in the inner city where density is constantly rising.

Darshpreet Bhatti became the project's new public face last summer. His duties include fostering strong connections with stakeholders along the Green Line route and contractors designing and building the project.

Homeowners and those affected by the Calgary Greenline have recently expressed concerns about the technical hurdles of creating a two-kilometre CTrain tunnel beneath the city. The tunnel can be constructed, he says. We must be aware of the hazards and handle them properly since the soil conditions in downtown Calgary are not optimal for our job," said Bhatti.

The project appears to present a win-win scenario for property investors in Calgary.

Inner city residents such as those in Tuxedo Park, Crescent Heights, and Thorncliffe will reap the benefits of the added value of this line, as will those in Southeast communities such as Silverado and Auburn Bay. But those looking for new homes in Calgary’s far north such as Evanston, Kincora, and brand new Livingston and Carrington, may have to wait as long as an additional 5 years for the line to reach their homes.

Even homeowners in the far outskirts, such as those living north of Symons Valley Road, will be able to make use of the long term benefit of this project.

It remains to be seen exactly how long these residents will be waiting for this project: In the inner city subway sections, Calgary’ geography poses unique challenges. Since a tunnel boring equipment cannot be utilised to create the line underground, the more traditional "cut and cover" approach will be employed.

The downtown tunnel will run from Victoria Park's transit bus barn beneath the Beltline, under the Canadian Pacific railway, and below Second Street S.W. to Eau Claire. The municipal government is in the process of arranging the sale of homes from those living in lots adjacent to utilities, stations and other facilities needed for the construction.

He stated public awareness is crucial since this would be a significant nuisance, Calgarians need to remember that such a project would be like “conducting open heart surgery”  in one of the most sensitive and busy areas of the city’s core.

Engineer Bhatti relocated to Calgary from Ontario, where he worked on LRT projects. He formerly worked for Metrolinx as vice-president of the Ontario LRT line in Brampton/Mississauga and the Waterloo LRT/BRT project.

The Green Line will still be updated and managed regularly by the council's new executive committee.

If you're thinking about incorporating this opportunity as part of your investment strategy, make sure to drop us a line and we can help you strategize further.

What can city planners, real estate experts, and municipal governments do to revitalize and reinvent the concept of suburban living? The solution is to attract both youthful talent and retired baby boomers to an urban centre. Suburban expansion and different land use zoning presents a challenge for planners.

Alpine Park by Dream Unlimited, which formally launched its first seven of 13 show homes recently, is expected to eventually be home to more than 12,000 residents.

Winner of awards such as the J.C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development, Calthorpe is a renowned leader in New Urbanist developments.

Looking back at Calgary’s past, century-long efforts to create the most productive, efficient, and delightful living environment for people have culminated in suburban design. Regardless of your personal views on urbanity, which is typically reduced to two opposing factions, the metropolis is a great engine for economic and cultural advancement.

Among Alpine Park’s features considered in line with New Urbanism are architecture with front porches, wide paths set back from the street, innovative green court park systems, and extensive tree planting effort and protection of existing environmental tree stands.

With streets have sidewalks on both sides with the treed boulevard, not only is walkability and community at the forefront of design, but it puts space between the car and the pedestrian, lending to a more human scale environment.

Calgarians are looking for progressive, modern takes on suburban living that carries the same privacy and freedom that comes from owning land on the outskirts of the city, with the benefits of walkability and community that come from traditional urban centers.

“It will include things like grocery, pharmacy, all of your daily needs will be shopped for or accessed from there,” she adds. Curated restaurants and a coffee shop will be part of the mix, as well.

The community will have six major parks that are all connected, as well as a centralized higher density urban core. The idea is for people to go out, play and find that next park. Its home styles include single-family homes with rear laned and street-oriented garage configurations with lot widths ranging from small to larger.

In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Suburban living came to define American views towards cities and communities. Everything centred on the vehicle — the lifeblood that unites disparate land-use patterns.

Calgarians have watched parts of downtown, historic districts, and walkable mixed-use zones have been demolished to make room for parking garages, highways, and interchanges. Now, as Canadians return from suburbia to the urban lifestyle, new social and cultural pressures are mounting on the nation's downtowns. Alpine Park is a great example of this shift of an attitude, and we’re excited to see more.

“This area is so close to downtown — 20 to 25 minutes,” Steell says. “You’re off to Kananaskis in 30 minutes. It’s kind of the best of both worlds."

The neighborhood truly helps Canadians live the urban lifestyle in a suburban setting.

If you are interested in learning more about this community, reach out to us today!

Ziplines, a parkour course, ice rink, balance beams and more are just some of the features of rec facility opening in Calgary's northwest.

Enormous community participation and involvement and a beautiful design will make this a destination for locals in the area.

Hawkwood, in Calgary's northwest, will soon have a communal place with ziplines, balancing beams, and a parkour course.

Hawkwood is an interesting case of a relatively affluent community that depends on neighboring communities for many of its amenities and facilities. Residents are excited to have a facility that serves as a “hub” for socializing and events of this nature.

Kelsi Hurlbut, a landscape architect from Calgary, helped create the design. Hurlbut renovated Bear Street in Banff as primary architect of The TULA Project.

The Hawkwood facility will include seats beneath the trees, solar panels, and a summer sunken lawn with a fire pit that can be flooded and utilized as a skating rink in the winter.

The parkour course was designed to be safe for both beginner and expert users.

If you are interested in learning more about the community of Hawkwood, whether you have a general inquiry, are interested in buying or selling a home, or looking for investment opportunities, give us a call today!

Dream Unlimited's $2.5 billion Alpine Park mixed-use development isn't daunted by Calgary's continued economic woes.

Conceived in in 1997, the development has finally broken ground, 23 years later. A drive through the outskirts of West Calgary proves that countless developers are continuing to take advantage of a market full of buyers interested in innovative suburban land and projects.

Alpine Park, like Toronto's Distillery District and Canary District, and Ottawa's Zibi, is a high profile mixed-use community. This New Urbanist development is designed to bridge the gap between suburban and urban living, promoting the values of both lifestyles. Learn more about this concept in our previous blog post.

The company began investing in Western Canada in 1994. The first 320 acres we acquired in anticipation of the construction of the new Ring Road. With easy access to the Ring Road and the rest of the city, as well as the mountains and Fish Creek Park, it’s clear that consumers will be interested in the value provided by these lots.

Calgarians are beginning to look for different options as an alternative to the typical suburban model of urban design

With an energy, health, and economic crisis shaping modern life in Alberta, it’s impressive that developers are still moving forward with such ambitious projects. Calgary, especially the west side, has a strong market and a desire to live near to the mountains and Kananaskis.

In the southern portion of the city, Alpine Park is situated at 146th Avenue and 37th Street S.W. It offers stunning views of the city and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Alpine Park is among many new developments in Calgary that have embraced the new urbanist and mix use concept of planning. University District, Greenwich, West District and Currie Barracks showcase just how well walkable and sustainable communities can sell in Calgary’s market.

Investors and consumers from abroad continue to express interest in moving to Calgary; a great location to live with a vibrant, entrepreneurial community shaping the city's future.

New SW Calgary Homes starting in the 450,000 Range?

Today we are taking a look at Alpine Park, a new Southwest community in Calgary that bridges the gap between the Metropolitan big city lifestyle and the best Alberta's outdoors has to offer.

Located 30 minutes to Kananaskis, right next to the newly finished SW portion of Stoney Trail, Calgary's new community Alpine Park brings you the convenience and short commute times you have been looking for! 

Dine, golf, and relax in surrounding communities of Priddis and Bragg Creek, beat everyone else out to the mountains for your weekend getaway!

Houses range from 450,000 to just under the 1 million dollar mark. We are excited to watch this neighborhood take shape.

Inspired by the surrounding communities of McKenzie Towne, Evergreen and Silverado, Alpine Park mixes inner city ammenities with suburban value and convenience.

What sets Alpine Park apart from other new developments in Calgary SW Communitites?

Alpine Park is planned in a walkability-first manner - all residences will be able to walk to local shops and businesses in the main high street shopping center of the community. The variety of housing ranges from high density to single family, and the core high-street area of the community will feature a vibrant mix used planning concept.

Pathways, greenspace and a central activity hub will also help tie this main core area in with the theme of this neighborhood's sustainable, outdoors lifestyle. New urbanist road planning and layout distinguish this neighborhood from other newer suburbs in Calgary's Southwest.

View of Downtown from Alpine Park - get there in no time with the new Ring Road!

There are a vairety of homebuilders offering different options and packages in this area. It is always a good idea to use a realtor when working and negotiating with a homebuilder.

We have insight into this area and surrounding developments - reach out today to learn how to choose and where to build!

While Canadians haven't seen the full range of Zillow services available, may are curious to know about the recent closure of the homebuying giant Zillows closure, and that that might forshadow for Canada

Last month, the iBuyer platform Zillow said it was freezing new house orders because to supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and other challenges. The business said on Tuesday that the over $300 million inventory write-down in its properties division, which includes Zillow Offers, was because it acquired homes for prices higher than it expects to sell them for.

Most Zillow Offers were rejected because to competition from other iBuyers. 10% of offers were accepted. Also, new challenges had began to arise from recent regulatory changes.

Rich Barton, Zillow's co-founder and CEO explains that “the unpredictability in forecasting home prices far exceeds what we anticipated and continuing to scale Zillow Offers would result in too much earnings and balance-sheet volatility,"

In the most recent quarter, Zillow's Homes sector lost over $400 million before taxes. This compares to a $76 million deficit a year ago.

Homebuyers in Canadian cities like Calgary have expressed concerns about the impact Zillow may have had on an already competitive market.

According to reports, the corporation has already started selling 7,000 houses, with most selling for less than what Zillow paid for them.

Before the announcement, bigger ideas for combining Zestimate and iBuying were in the works. According to Zillow, the Zestimate represents “an initial cash offer” for select qualified houses in 20 locations, including Phoenix and Los Angeles. Whether such changes would have trickled into the Canadian market in cities like Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary remains to be seen.

A pandemic, regulatory challenges, and then a supply and demand mismatch leading to an unusual spike in property prices have all occurred since Zillow Offers started in 2018.

Northeast Calgary is known for its amazing value, great amenities, and convenient lifestyle! If you are looking for space for your family to grow, or you are looking to make the move to Calgary, check out our guides below:

Read our Guide to Northeast Calgary

Read our Guide to Calgary

We know it can be a daunting task browsing for properties in a new city, whether you are checking Zillow or browsing MLS listings, you might be wondering why certain locations are more expensive, how to make sure you get a good deal and how to make sure you are fairly represented in a transaction.

We would love to get a chance to personally guide you through the moving process even if you are just initially beginning to look at relocating.

Contact us today, and stay tuned for more articles on Calgary lifestyle and neighborhood!

The autumn forecasts in Calgary are basically unchanged, with prices predicted to remain level in Calgary and increase by 1%. This trend has been noticed by RE/MAX agents in Edmonton and Calgary, where buyers are taking advantage of improved purchasing power due to local home affordability and reduced borrowing rates.

October's sales totaled 2,186, a monthly record and nearly 35% above long-term trends. Year-to-date sales are already 61% higher than the five-year average.

This is expected to continue for the rest of 2021, according to local RE/MAX brokers.

According to a recent survey, oil prices are returning to 2014 levels, corresponding to an increase in condominiums in Calgary.

Re/Max recently released its Canada 2021 Condominium Report, which looked at activity in five key regions and found Calgary had the fastest increase, with sales up over 80 percent year over year from January to August.

Relative affordability is driving demand of lower priced condominiums: Calgary is one of the only locations in Canada where you can purchase a sub $300,000 condo unit in a desirable location.

Because they're competing with single-family detached and semi-detached homes in the $400,000 to $500,000 area, condo sales drop significantly.

Brokers have pointed out that there are two sorts of condominium purchasers. First-time buyers who cannot afford a single-family house but want to enter the housing market. Lifestyle customers searching for high-end urban choices.

The Big Picture

While new listings increased over last year, greater sales lowered inventory levels, which remain 16% below last year's and longer-term norms for the month. Supply has failed to keep up with demand, although the robust sales have contributed to the drop in months of supply. In October, the supply was little over two months.

This month's benchmark prices rose due to tight market circumstances. October's benchmark price of $460,100 was marginally higher than last month's and over 9% more than previous October's $422,600. 

Knowledge is power, and getting all the right information about a potential property gives you peace of mind when completing a transaction. A Home Inspection highlights the home's best features while also highlighting serious flaws or fixes that you may have overlooked. This allows you to budget for the repairs or improvements.

Home Inspections: What & Why?

A home inspection is a professional visual assessment of a property's interior and exterior. Every home requires a check when a buying or selling transaction takes place. We suggest an inspections on all real estate transactions in Canada to protect your hard-earned funds. Another benefit is a general maintenance report that might save you money in the future.

What does it entail?

The primary systems and components of a house are analysed and reported on by qualified home inspectors. During the examination, your home inspector will point out any needed repairs or upgrades, as well as the estimated cost. Find a great opportunity for a space to flip in one of Calgary's mature communities? This is a great time to learn about the house's condition and discuss concerns or restoration ideas. 

Soon after the inspection, you will get an electronic or printed report. Be sure to keep this document in your records. This useful guide contains maintenance suggestions, yearly costs like utilities, and renovations. It depends on the house's location, age, and expected square footage. The Inspector's credentials should be the main focus. Acquiring your home inspected by a specialist is as important as getting insurance.

What happens on the day of the inspection?

An inspection takes several hours. It is in your best interest if the buyer is there. The real estate agent should also be there to answer any general inquiries you may have.

Having agents and clients present avoids misunderstanding. When all parties are present, any misunderstandings or concerns about the residence may be immediately addressed.

What about brand-new homes?

This process is just as important for new builds or renovations as it is for existing properties. Just because a house is new doesn't imply it's flawless. A pre-inspection may help lower various risks. Two major benefits of checking new dwellings are that the building may be inspected for compliance with building codes, as well, deficiencies may be identified that the builder missed. This includes an examination in the eleventh month of occupation, right before the one-year mark.

Are you concerned about the condition of your home?

Contact us so we can help you prepare for a home inspection. We may also suggest steps to take following the inspection.

Moving into the winter season of 2021, we are taking a look at some design pointers to help give our spaces a fresh boost. Today we are going to talk about 5 things to keep in mind when revamping your space.

Over the past few months we've began to see some of these new trends take shape in real homes that people are living in - not just magazines. Here's what we found.

Cucina di Suburbia

(As pictured in title image)

Tuscan kitchens. Dark reds, chocolate browns, and golds adorned the kitchen of many a mid-2000 suburban estate. Remember how vintage suits were generally overembellished and oversize to show off how much fabric the wearer could afford? This is exactly how we feel about this type of kitchen. Kitchens are becoming lighter and slightly more utilitarian; the exaggerated marble and millwork look is perhaps best left alone for the time being.

Extra Nautical

Coastal design is definitely found in many design blogs and feeds; coastal decor in non-beach locales might appear goofy if not actually located nearby an ocean (Or if your home is located in Calgary, Alberta, a city which sits on one of the biggest swathes of prairie on the planet). Make sure your home's design motif complements your locale. Try implementing a nautical touch in a spare bathroom or guest room, we would shy away from getting carried away form this look.

Pale and Ghostly

White walls, furnishings, and rugs can have a fun vibe if the room is decorated tastefully, tastefully being the operative word in this equation. Contrasting and balancing proportions of color is being used increasingly in primarily white spaces. Bring in an accent walls with vibrant paint, dramatic wallpaper, or fill your room with vibrant plants, collectibles or more. Hardwood or natural wood surfaces contrast beautifully with white spaces, take advantage of it. We suggest going for more of a half and half ratio in such rooms.

Industrial Revolution

Whether you’re outfitting an existing industrial-style space or designing a new build to include these elements, designers agree that excessively cold, utilitarian looking industrial spaces are on their way out.

Excessive Minimalism

A house devoid of individuality might be depressingly uncluttered and sparingly furnished. Bolder and fuller spaces are becoming more common; Antiques are renowned for lending a distinctive aspect to a blend of old and modern finishes. The trend will be for softer furniture, not lived in but filled spaces is on the rebound.

Looking into ways to give your home a boost before putting your home for sale on the Calgary market? Drop us a line!

We believe that the art of bidding & making a first impression is crucial in creating a successful real estate deal.

And here's why you should probably leave it to your Realtor®

If you want to make an initial offer, you should consider two factors: what you can afford, and what you really feel the property is worth. Consider making an initial offer that is reasonable and fair, and that will not cause the seller to lose his or her cool too much.

Remember that as much as hearing from a great buyer will make the seller feel as though they have an opportunity on their hands, you don’t want to cast any aspersions relating to how you may be inexperienced, vulnerable, or difficult to deal with in the days that follow.

A lot of individuals believe that they should make a lesser bid the first time they place one. Everything is dependent on how the market is doing at the moment. If you want to obtain an average price per square foot, you can look at what other houses in the area have sold for and compare it to your target price. The ability to evaluate a home on a price-per-square-foot basis is a fantastic leveller.

Also, find out what is going on in the community that could impact property values. Are their neighbors planning any new construction or restoration projects on their land?

When it comes to property taxes, so many sellers are behind on their payments nowadays, and if you have that important knowledge, you'll have an advantage in the negotiation process. In order to find out, you need visit the county clerk's office.

Fumbling a negotiation is a sure-fire way to lose out on a great home buying opportunity. If you’d like to learn more about how to do it properly, the first time, drop us a line.

Often clients engage in bidding wars, or make other moves in their deal. Real Estate Agents are in place in order to handle these properly and effectively.

Don't try to predict when the market will peak.

The greatest moment to purchase a home is when you locate the home of your dreams and can afford it. Real estate is cyclical in nature; it rises and falls, and then rises and falls and rises and falls again. As a result, if you attempt to hold out for the ideal moment, you will almost certainly lose it.

It is not necessary to worry about attempting to timing the market and determine when it is the optimum moment to purchase. Even experts usually struggle with predicting the market.