Jul 18 - Aug 15, 2014 Volume 22 Issue 08
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOME BUILDER
WHY MORTGAGE RATES VARY FROM LENDER TO LENDER
STEERING CLEAR OF BUYER’S REMORSE
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. “Save $20,000 off!” Limited Time Offer.
EmeraldEstates Hills Urban Village Reflections Reflections McCrae PH: 587-594-2947 PH: 780.406.7530 Edmonton, In Award Winning LocatedLocated in Sherwood Park Village at Griesbach
PH: 780.410.0004 PH: 780.975.8866 Sherwood At CentreinInthe Park, LocatedPark, in Centre The Park Sherwood Park
• Eton Park Estates has Includes: adult living • active Spacious floorplans ••Eton Parkfinishings Place has Premium • luxury 6 Appliances retirement living Underground parking ••Easy access to shopping, restaurants and trails • Open concept floorplans
INCLUDES: Includes: ••Granite countertops Concrete and steel construction ••Stainless Stainlesssteel steel appliances appliances ••9’Hardwood, ceilings granite, & ceramics Staring from $259,800 ••Air conditioning • Underground parking
INCLUDES:
Southwoods Village Eton Park Villas
PH: 780.975.2509 PH: 780.903.2465 Sherwood Park, Adult Bungalows, Only Independent living location in 3 Remaining! Hazeldean INCLUDES: Includes: ••1 Finished bedroom + den basements and GST ••2Stainless bedroom coach homes steel appliances Granite,laundry hardwood, ceramics ••In-suite Immediate possessions available ••Air conditioning • Family party room
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
Village at Westmount ST.ALBERT
Emerald Hills
Eton Park Place COMING SOON
Eton Park Villas Eton Park Estates
Alta Vista Rivers Edge Villas
Glastonbury Village
EDMONTON SHERWOOD PARK
Southwoods Center At The Park Bedford Village Reflections
Legend
LEDUC
Devonshire Village
Sales Centre Now Open Senior Community Villas/Bungalows Estate Condos
Avalon Villas
Villas/Bungalows Village at Westmount
Estate Condos Villas at Lacombe Park
Senior Living Rivers Edge Villas
PH: 780.452.2030 Eton Park Villas Independent Living with optional • 780.903.2465 services.
PH: 780.903.2465 Alta Vista St. Albert, Adult Bungalows • 780.497.7245 Showhome Now Open
PH: 780.554.8342 Glastonbury Village Cameron Heights, Adult • 780.934.6636 Bungalows
• 780.903.2465 INCLUDES:
• 780.406.7530 INCLUDES:
• 780.975.8866 INCLUDES:
Villas At Lacombe Park
• • • • •
Villas construction SteelAvalon and concrete • 780.995.3713 1 + 2 bedrooms + den 490 - 1135 sq. ft. Full kitchens • In-suite laundry Air conditioning
McCrae Estates
• • • •
Reflections Finished basements and GST • 780.975.8866 6 appliances Hardwood and ceramics Eton Park Estates • 780.975.8866 Spacious floorplans
Bedford Village
• • • •
Citadel Village and GST Finished basements • 780.934.6636 6 appliances Hardwood and ceramics Devonshire Village • 780.934.6636 Spacious floorplans Southwoods
• 780.432.3222
VISIT US ONLINE AT CDLHOMES.COM
vipliving.ca
GREAT PRICE. GREAT SPECS. GREAT LOCATION. Parkside Condos from low $200s VIP at Californian Parkland truly lives up to its name. With luxury specifications at an affordable price, you’ll smile every time you walk through the door. • Granite countertops throughout • Stainless steel kitchen appliances • Choice of three birch kitchen cabinets • Electric fireplace with mantle • In-floor heating • Heated underground parking • Convenient guest suite, social lounge & fitness studio
VISIT OUR SALES CENTRE Mon-Thur: 1-7pm | Sat, Sun & Holidays: 1-5pm | Closed Fridays Showhome: 780.930.1518 (Karen/Crystal) Cell: 780.445.4248 (Karen)
4
780.974.4757 S O L A R A L I V I N G . CA
A FRESH START SOLARA 2 NOW SELLING CONDOS FROM THE
170s!
$
With the success of Solara 1, we’re back in the starting blocks pre-selling beautiful suites in Solara 2. It’s a sprint to the finish as our best selection of spacious one & two bedroom options won’t last long. We’re proud to put our track record on the line with stunning granite countertops, stylish maple kitchen cabinets and large balconies. It’s no time for a false start, your first place awaits!
VISIT OUR SALES CENTRE
127 St.
145 Ave. 127 St. just north of 142 Ave. 142 Ave.
N
Mon-Thur: 3-7pm • Sat, Sun & Holidays: 1-5pm • Closed Fridays
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR PL AIN JANE, SHE DIDN’T SHOW UP & DIDN’T CALL.
BONNIE DOON CONDOS WITH DOWNTOWN VIEW. PRICES FROM
$260s
lequartiercondos.ca
SALES CENTRE GRAND OPENING, SATURDAY, AUG. 9th Sales Centre at Suite 140L, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury (91 St.)
Marketed by Paul Blais Realty Group RE/MA X Elite
Mon - Thurs: 3 - 8pm | Fri: Closed
780-377-2517 • sales@lequartiercondos.ca
Sat - Sun & Hol: 12 - 5pm
built by Infiniti Developments
Rendering is an artistic and marketing concept and final product may not be exactly as shown. 6 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 7
table of contents
July 18 – August 15, 2014 volume 22 issue 08
on the cover
Le Quartier: Bonny Doon condos with downtown views
columns, news & feAtures
06
24 70 018 editor’s note columns
054 Home sweet Home Buyer’s remorse: How to avoid “What if” and “I wish I never” by Lydia McNutt
056 mortgage matters Why mortgage rates vary from lender to lender by aLyssa RichaRd
068 Fundamentally speaking Mortgage 101: Learning as much as you can is time well spent by WayNe KaRL
070 saving space Planning for the perfect summer soiree by syLvia daoust
075 Quick tips Go vertical or go home: Use the wall to store it all by heLLeN buttigieg
080 make your move Make moving kid-friendly by chucK ResNicK
In the news
027 Housing report Alberta housing starts climb in first half of 2014 058 industry news Alberta residential construction generates $17.9B investment 072 real estate market Edmonton house prices show mixed results in second quarter
features
024 Hot topic Choosing the right new condo builder 035 marketplace Nautical versus tropical by saRa ducK
036 project proFile Fox Towers: Live in the heart of Edmonton’s city centre 046 designer advice Cabin fever by yaNic siMaRd
052 money matters 12 steps to financial organization by gaiL vaz-oxLade
084 Homebuyers’ Help The finishing touches by KaRa KuRyLLoWicz
PresIdent, wall2wall medIa
Jacqueline Hill edItor-In-chIef / dIrector of content
Susan Legge dIrector of sales, natIonal
Josh Heppner senIor sales manager, western canada
Edwin Rizarri art dIrector
Sarah Jang edItor
Lydia McNutt contrIbutIng edItors
Sara Duck Wayne Karl Elisa Krovblit desIgn edItor
36
Yanic Simard
senIor medIa consultant
Shelley Balla 587.784.4044
ProductIon manager
Bala Gnanapandithan ProductIon co-ordInator
Hannah Yarkony graPhIc desIgners
Caroline Wassef
Published By
PO Box 458 Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1
46 homebuyers’ resources
75 055 Sherwood Park
016 web directory
057 Leduc
078 packing tips
059 Beaumont
087 Homebuyers’ Help Condo Buyers’ Resource Section
061 North East
Project locatIon maPs
021 South Central 029 Downtown 039 South West 049 South East
069 Fork Saskatchewan
coPyrIght 2014 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.
advertIsIng rates
071 Morinville
T 587.784.4044 email shelley.balla@wall2wallmedia.com
073 St. Albert
cIrculatIon Edmonton’s New Condo Guide is
077 Gibbons 079 North West 083 West 085 Spruce Grove & Stony Plain
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.
10
SHOW SUITE NOW OPEN
Secord Corners
LUXURY TOWNHOMES DESIGNED FOR TODAY’S BUYER
W
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 12 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
just off past Lewis Estates and provides easy access to West Edmonton Mall plus the Whitemud and Anthony Henday freeways. Just a stone’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 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. There are only 20 townhomes remaining in the final phase of this private community. Homes are selling fast - so do not wait to reserve your Secord Corners home! Priced from the $280’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 in Secord at 9535-217st, just off of Secord Blvd. To get to Secord, turn off the Whitemud onto Secord, turn left on Secord Blvd & follow the signs. Check out www.secordcorners.ca for more details too.
YELLOWHEAD TRAIL
STONY PLAIN RD.
GREEN DR. 87 AVE. N W
R
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.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 13
E X E C U T I V E T OW N HOM E S
The cat’s pajamas in neot-o-cool cribs Modern master suites with some sizzle 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, but built to last.
Visit GrandeDesign.ca for more information.
PRINCETON COURT 780-570-5065 Sherwood Park
Prices starting in the $300’s
14 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
Modern Homes. Classic Values. •
1781 sq. ft. suites
•
Double garage
•
Smart floor plans
•
•
Spacious suites – lower level den
Close proximity to new school, Emerald Hills Shopping Centre, hospital and Millennium Place
THIS HOME PAYS ITS OWN BILLS Sparrow Landing. A home so efficient it generates its own power from the sun. A home nested between a beautiful ravine and 70 acres of protected forest, near many of Edmonton’s finest amenities. Combine Landmark’s precision built homes with Magrath’s premier location to enjoy the best of living both inside and out.
VISIT OUR EDUCATION INSPIRED SHOW HOME AT SPARROW LANDING 7804 MAY LINK OR CALL 780.702.3120 Walk through a real Landmark home and read the museum style signs that help you see what’s beyond the walls. Regardless of the builder you choose, taking a tour of our brand new Education Inspired Show Home will help you make an informed decision on the next place you call home.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 15
Web Directory BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS
Find your next condo online, it’s easy! BUILDERS/DEVELOPERS
Abbey Lane Homes
www.abbeylanehomes.com
Sage Gardens
www.sagegardensliving.com
Addison Condos
www.theaddisonoffwhyte.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
Stafford Greens
www.staffordgreens.com
Carrington Communities
www.carrington.ca
Station Pointe Village
www.stationpointe.com
Christenson Developments Ltd.
www.cdlhomes.com
Tenor on the River
www.touchstalbert.com
Concept Homes
www.concepthomes.ca
Tessco Incorporated
www.edmontoncondo.com
Coventry Homes
www.coventry-homes.com
The Icon
www.theicon.ca
Daytona Homes Master Builder
www.daytonahomes.ca
The Rushes of Southfork
www.rushesofsouthfork.ca
Encore Tower
www.encoretower.com
The Signature
www.signatureambleside.com
Footprint Developments
www.footprintdevelopments.ca
Ultima
www.ultimatower.ca
Fox One
www.foxtowers.ca
Victory Lane
www.victorytownhomes.com
Grande Design Homes
www.grandedesign.ca
Windermere Mansions
www.windermeremansions.com
Homes by Avi
www.homesbyavi.com
Windermere Waters
www.windermerewaters.com
Landmark Urban Living
www.landmarkgroup.ca
Maxx Urban Living
www.livemaxx.ca
RELATED BUSINESS
Meridian Plaza
www.meridianplaza.ca
Park Homes
www.parkhomes.ca
Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta
www.chbaalberta.ca
Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton
www.chbaedmonton.ca
Dangie K-9 Service Inc. Your Condominium Security Specialists
www.dangiek9services.com
Parkwood Master Builder
www.parkwoodmasterbuilder.com
Robert F. McLeod
www.robertmcleod.ca
Rohit Communities
www.rohitcommunities.com
››
If you wish to advertise your Web site in our Web Directory please call 587-784-4044
16
LIVE IN THE MOMENT, BUT LEARN FROM THE PAST. (PART 1)
My son often needs to be told a story before he falls asleep. Although his mom’s gossip magazines are full of entertaining tales of deceit, he prefers dad’s true stories of found fortune and history. Stories like the one that starts…
So, what happened in 2008? You might think the global downturn caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the U.S. was to fully blame, but it wasn’t. The mortgage crisis did have a large effect on consumer confidence and the overall market, but it
“Once upon a time in the year 2006, everyone in the city
doesn’t provide the full story. And most of us with children
of Edmonton awoke to find their home values had
know they don’t like to go to bed without all the details.
significantly jumped in just 12 months. By the end of
The truth is a supply shock in the re-sale market began in
2007, prices had jumped again to record levels.”
the second half of 2007 – months before the mortgage
I tell my son this well-known tale to wish him sweet
crisis in the U.S. became evident. Edmonton’s re-sale
dreams. In simple terms, the drastic price increase was
market set record highs in unsold inventory. Housing
due to supply and demand, however, the number of
starts fell significantly, while a record level of new
factors that affected supply and demand were
single-family homes and multi-family units remained
numerous and complicated. As is often the case, there’s
unsold. In a nutshell, the demand had dried up and there
not one simple cause or answer.
was too much supply.
In 2006 and 2007, the scales were clearly tipped in the
So, where am I going with this? Well, so far this year the
direction of high demand and low supply – therefore,
re-sale and new housing market in Edmonton has
prices increased. The demand was so high that 80% of
surpassed numerous levels reached in 2007, and in many
homes in the re-sale market sold in the same month
cases historically. It seems the only record this market
they were listed.
hasn’t broken yet is price growth. Are we travelling on the
The events that followed in 2008, however, show how
same path as 2006, 2007 (and 2008)?
quickly (and drastically) the market can change. Falling
To be continued…
prices and decreasing profits caused new housing starts to plummet to less than half of those in 2007. Unfortunately, many in the housing industry lost their jobs.
Intelligence House is Edmonton’s newest and most innovative Real Estate Marketing Agency with a focus on market intelligence as well as full marketing and sales services to real estate industry professionals.
From left to right: Michael Melnychuk Alex Ruffini Emmett Hartfield
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 17
EDITOR’S NOTE
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO CALL “HOME”
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
Most newcomers to Canada tend to settle in larger cities, like Edmonton. Since housing costs vary greatly across the country, finding the right place to live and work means doing some homework. Not everyone has the same housing needs, so list the important features that you want to have in your community. Perhaps it’s great schools, proximity to transit, or plentiful job opportunities. There are always trade-offs in the real world. Smaller cities usually have lower costs of living, but you may require multiple vehicles to get your family from point A to B. Larger cities offer more transit and job opportunities, but you will have to deal with traffic, congestion and a possible increase in housing costs. Choosing a place to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and what you decide will ultimately affect your way of life. Look for good value in the home you’re considering, in a place with a reasonable cost of living based realistically on your finances, as well as a great quality of life. You can’t go wrong when you know the realities.
“GOOD DEBT” IS A WISE MOVE
LYDIA MCNUTT
EDITOR
Wall2Wall Media Lydia.McNutt@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/LydiasTweets
Despite reports about rising real estate prices, Canadians still consider homeownership a wise move, and mortgage to be “good debt,” according to a recent consumer survey conducted by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals. At the end of the day, everyone needs a roof over their head. Real estate happens to be one of life’s necessities that actually pays off in the long run. While no one can guarantee what the value of your home will be in 20 years, ask your parents what they paid for their place and compare that to current market values. Odds are that you’ll be pleasantly surprised, if not completely shocked, at the increase in value. What other investment vehicle out there allows you to purchase and use something, then sell it for a profit of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and not have to pay any tax on that earned income? This, in a nutshell, is what happens when you sell your principal residence. Homeownership is a way of forced savings, and that equity is how many Canadians can afford to move up into their $1-million dream home, or head to the sunny south for a worry-free retirement. In the meantime, if you’ve been considering buying a first home, now’s a great time to make your move. Interest rates are at record lows, and there are countless condo communities coming up across the city, offering a perfect stepping stone to financial freedom.
18 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
Coming soon
On Stands Now! Watch it! Octoberfor 2012
BUILDER & DEVELOPER
A Comprehensive Guide to Edmonton’s Builders, Developers and Communities
The stories behind Edmonton’s top builders, developers & new communities
SouthCentralEdmonton North Saskatchewan River
6
1
84 St.
75 St.
85 St.
Co nn or s 7 Rd.
90 Ave. 83 St.
103 St.
104 St.
. n Dr ewa atch k s a S
95 Ave. 92 St.
105 ST BRIDGE
5
101 Ave. 98 Ave.
Scona Rd.
Sas kat che wa nD 2 r. 87 Ave.
JAMES McDONALD BRIDGE
99 St.
109 ST BRIDGE
114 St.
Groat Rd .
GROAT BRIDGE
FOOT BRIDGE
79 St.
106 Ave.
DAWSON BRIDGE LOW LEVEL BRIDGE
Whyte - 82 Ave. 76 Ave.
CAPILANO BRIDGE
3
4 51 Ave.
MAP LISTINGS
1 MILL CREEK PARK BY PARKWOOD MASTER BUILDER
3 URBAN VILLAGE ON WHYTE BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
8515 - 99 Street 2 BENTLEY IN WINDSOR PARK BY YORKTON GROUP INT’L
11710 - 87 Ave.
7805-71 St. 4 THE UNIVERSITY BROWNSTONES BY TESSCO
108 St. & 71 Ave.
5 LUMIERE BY INFINITI DEVELOPMENTS
10836-85 Ave. 6 THE ADDISON BY PK DEVELOPMENTS
10024-83 Ave. 7 Le Quartier Condos BY INFINITI DEVELOPMENTS
8627-91 St
SOUTHCENTRAL EDMONTON | Call Amanda 780.461.1622
STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA
Please see our ad between pages 00 and 00
CONDOS FROM $232,900 7805 – 71 street (Between Whyte Ave & Argyll Road) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 21
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 package package. that is available for only pre-sale $1 5,000 upgrade the first pre-sales. For25 more information visit the Phase One Show Suite at 10808 Avenue Thursday 4-6:30pm or anytime For71 more information visitfrom the Phase One Show Suite atby 10808 appointment. Call Troy Stenson at ReMax River City 780.439.7000 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 22 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
PHASE II 65% SOLD OUT! 15 PREMIUM SUITES REMAIN 2 BED/2 BATH UNITS STARTING AT $279,900 ASK ABOUT OUR FREE $15,000 UPGRADE PACKAGE
POSSESSION FALL 2014
PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION NOW UNDERWAY
THURSDAY 4-6:30PM OR BY APPOINTMENT ANYTIME
Hot topic
cHoosing a condo Builder, and making the right decision You are aBout to BuY a Home –
screening steps:
and make the biggest financial decision of your life. Make sure that you have all the facts and do your homework. Home building is a complex process. It takes training and a great deal of skill to build a highquality home. Not everyone who claims to be a home builder is actually qualified or experienced. After visiting as many show suites as you can, try to narrow your list of preferred builders to three. If these builders have the plan(s) and specifications that you like, or the ability to provide the plan(s) and specifications, your next step will be to screen them further.
01 Talk with people who have bought homes from these builders in the past and ask them if they are satisfied customers. Ask them what kind of care they got throughout the home-buying process and after they moved in. You can get a list of homebuyers’ names from the builders, or visit a completed community and ask a resident for their opinion.
24 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
02 Walk through the neighbourhoods you like to get a first-hand feel for the community. 03 Find out if the builders are members of a new home warranty program, and if they’re not, why? Good builders will provide warranty coverage – deposit protection, material and workmanship warranties, and a sound structural warranty – and they must show that they have the technical skills, management and marketing experience, and the financial know-how necessary to build new homes.
Home building is a complex process. It takes training and a great deal of skill to build a high quality home. Not everyone who claims to be a home builder is actually qualified or experienced. Ask if the builders are members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region, and if not, why not? They work with governments and private partners to improve regulations which affect the cost of your new home – they believe in affordability. They stay up to date on developments in the industry and keep their technical and business skills well tuned through workshops, courses and information sharing.
04
Ask what industry-sponsored training programs the builders and their staff have taken in recent years. Housing technology is constantly changing, and professional home builders invest in keeping up to date.
Ask if home building is the builder’s full-time profession. Many of the problems consumers run into are caused by amateur builders with little experience or training.
06
Inspect the show suites on quality, attention to detail and cleanliness. These are often good indicators of the quality of the builder.
07
05
08 Drive past builders’ construction sites. Are they clean and orderly? This usually indicates a wellorganized builder.
Ask the builders how many years they have been in business and if they have always operated under the same name. As with any other business, builders can employ various strategies – such as dissolving old companies and forming new ones – to avoid obligations to customers.
09
CHBA – Edmonton Region is the voice of the residential homebuilding industry. Membership comprises new home builders, renovators, developers, trade contractors, building material manufacturers and suppliers, lenders, and a host of other housing industry professionals. chbaedmonton.ca
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 25
SOUTHCENTRAL
Be Hyper-Local at
THE ADDISON off Whyte
If you’re looking for great location, amenities and style, look no further than The ADDISON, a brand new 26-unit condo project in the heart of Old Strathcona. Being built by seasoned builder PK Developments, The ADDISON is stylish, is chockfull of exquisite amenities, and is in a location secondto-none in Edmonton in terms of easy, walkable access to everything from local arts, entertainment and dining to the river valley and downtown core. The ADDISON’s 12 unique floor plans are as varied as the neighbourhood, with the perfect layout to fit any personality. They range from the 655 sq. ft, one-bedroom, one-bathroom “Flair” to the 1,129 sq. ft, two-bedroom, two-bathroom “Brio” (onebedroom plus den floor plans are available, too).
Experience The ADDISON: • Central location, right in the heart of Old Strathcona • Spacious designs, with 9’ ceilings • Huge walk-in closets
Along with professionally landscaped grounds, there’s a host of amenities usually reserved for only the highest-end condo buildings, including a rooftop terrace for all condo owners to enjoy, underground heated parking with additional private storage, four guest parking stalls, five bicycle storage units, and the building is wheelchair accessible (ramp at entrance and elevator). So whether you want spend more time entertaining, cocooning, or doing that whole “life is nirvana” thing, there’s an ideal living space in The ADDISON for you. (Not that you’ll be spending much time in your suite, if you’re using the building’s Whyte Avenue location to your advantage.) Suites are now pre-selling, and they’re going fast. The show suite opens in early August, and you can sign up at www.theADDISONoffwhyte.com for an exclusive invitation to see it first. You can also get in touch with Adam Dirksen, the project’s realtor, at 780-221-3475 to reserve your suite today.
• A rooftop patio • Ensuite bathroom • Private patios and balconies • In-suite laundry • Engineered hardwood and laminate floors • Enhanced soundproofing All open-concept suites feature kitchens with extended islands (perfect for cooking up a gourmet meal from the food you just picked up from the Strathcona Farmers’ Market), quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets and drawers and stainless steel appliances.
26 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
The Brio, 1,129 sq. ft
cmHc report
AlbertA Housing stArts Climb in First HalF oF 2014 pushed Alberta housing starts up strongly in the first half of 2014. At 18,137 units, total housing starts recorded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) in the province’s cities with a population over 10,000 were up 12 per cent from the first six months of 2013. Improvements in Metro Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer offset declines in Greater Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Wood Buffalo. Single-detached starts in the first half of 2014 amounted to 7,859 units, up two per cent from January to June 2013. Multi-family activity was stronger, with total starts reaching 10,278, representing a gain of 22 per cent over combined semi, row and apartment starts reported in the first six months of 2013. A surge in multi-fAmily construction
New UltraModern Condos in the Heart of Old Strathcona Sign up at www.theADDISONoffwhyte.com for an exclusive invitation to the show suite grand opening on August 8th!
Suites are now pre-selling. Call Adam Dirksen at 780.221.3475 to reserve one today.
Calgary’s hot condominium apartment market provided much of the heavy lifting. Multi-family starts in Greater Calgary were up over 140 per cent to mid-year, with Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Red Deer also reporting stronger numbers. A slowdown in Edmonton was expected since 2013 witnessed the second-highest number of multi-family starts on record across the Capital region. Demand for new homes in Alberta should remain strong for the balance of 2014, thanks to affordable mortgage rates, steady job creation and robust population growth. A shortage of rental units and relatively tighter resale home markets are also helping to bolster consumer interest in new homes this year.
Published by
VIEW OUR MAGAZINES ON ANY
DIGITAL DEVICE anytime, anywhere!
Now you can view all New Condo Guide magazines online using any smartphone, tablet or desktop device.
NEWCONDOGUIDE.COM
DowntownEdmonton 118 Ave. 112 Ave.
2 1 6 5
7 106 St.
Victoria Park Rd. Rive r Va lley Rd
3 97 Ave.
.
82 St.
100 St.
9 Jasper Ave. 100 Ave.
d lan
w Ro
.
Rd
St.
105 St.
11
102 Ave.
10
101 St.
107 Ave. 4 8 14 104 Ave.
109 St.
116 St.
12
wa yA ve .
t. 95 S
124 St.
gs
KINNARD RAVINE
92
Kin
. 97 St
127 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
North Saskatchewan River
6 ENCORE
10244 - 103rd Street 2 THE FOX
BY LANGHAM DEVELOPMENTS
BY ROCKWOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
9704 - 106 St. 4 VIBE
BY LAMB DEVELOPMENT CORP
8 S TUDIO ED Corner of 116 Street & 106 Avenue
12 H IGHSTREET DISTRICT PROPERTIES BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS
10523 - 123 St.
9 MERIDIAN PLAZA BY CANCALI DEVELOPMENTS
111 St. & Jasper Ave. 10 PEARL BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS
5 ICON
Jasper Avenue & 119 Street.
BY LANGHAM DEVELOPMENTS
Jasper Ave., North of 104 St.
Corner of 104 Ave. & 105 St.
Jasper Ave. & 106 Street
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
West of 116 Street & South of 107 Avenue
BY REGENCY DEVELOPMENTS
103 St. & 102 Ave. 7 JASPER HOUSE
104 Street & 102 Avenue
3 SYMPHONY
11 QUEST
BY WESTRICH PACIFIC
DOWNTOWN EDMONTON | Call Riley 780.705.1350
STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA
Please see our ad between pages 00 and 00
CONDOS FROM THE $170’S West of 116th Street & South of 107th Ave NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 29
30
symphony
TOWER
9704 - 106 STREET
(780)701-0058
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 31
I N T R O D UC ING
Edmonton’s best downtown location At 33 stories, Fox Two occupies the centre of Edmonton’s most sought-after downtown neighbourhood — the 104 Street Promenade. Situated on the corner of 102 Avenue and 104 Street, it is the last major tower to be built on this popular street. Fox Two is the final and taller phase of Langham Developments’ Fox Towers project. The first phase — Fox One — is currently under construction and almost sold out. Edmonton’s 104 Street Promenade was one of 4 finalists on the 2013 list of Great Streets in Canada, and is home to eclectic shops, restaurants and a summertime street-wide farmers’ market. Boasting a walk score of 98/100*, residents also enjoy unparalleled walkable and LRT access to the best of Edmonton, including the highly anticipated downtown arena. Another Langham development, Icon Towers completed in 2010, was instrumental in hastening the rejuvenation of this popular neighbourhood, and the Fox Towers project will further cement its popularity. *www.walkscore.com 32
SOUTHCENTRAL
Architectural excellence This striking 33-storey tower embodies superior design and quality in every respect. From the expansive glass feature wall commanding spectacular views of the city and river valley, to the bold and colourful suite interiors that reflect today’s most popular trends — Fox Two is modern architectural elegance personified.
Sales Centre Now Open
Sales Centre located on-site, at the northwest corner of 102 Ave. and 104 St.
www.foxtowers.ca | 780.425.0369
Stylish, well-conceived interiors Our dedicated team of designers were charged with creating the most efficient floor plans possible for every suite type in Fox Two. Every fixture, every fabric, every finish was selected to reflect today’s most popular trends and ensure timeless quality, beauty and longevity. From architectural nuances like quartz kitchen countertops paired with sleek and colourful high-gloss kitchen cabinets, to creature comforts like heated parking stalls (at least 1 per unit), Fox Two is a testament to comfortable highrise living. Choose from a total of 169 units in 1-3 bedroom configurations from 640 to 2,400 square feet.
The latest project from Langham Developments Since 2001, Langham has been creating exceptional developments — each imbued with the same unwavering mandate: to deliver strong unrivaled architecture, uncompromised in quality. Langham is among Edmonton’s most experienced and reputable high rise builders, having completed 3 outstanding downtown towers to date: Icon 1, Icon 2 and Omega.
33
DOWNTOWN
Discover the Huge Financial Benefits of Downtown Living at studio ED
I
f you haven’t met ED yet, better introduce yourself before it’s too late. Located just a few minutes from Oliver Square, Studio ED will soon be Edmonton’s most modern and stylish urban condominium community. If you act now you could be moving in next month. Featuring 76 suites made up of one bedroom, one bedroom + den and two bedroom floor plans, Studio ED has what today’s urban buyer is looking for at an exceptional price. Details like spa inspired bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, Hanstone & Caesarstone countertop upgrades, polished glass tile backsplashes and spacious decks, patios and balconies are just some of the features that set Studio ED apart from the rest. Close to public transit, MacEwan University, downtown Edmonton, shopping, restaurants, services and much more, Studio ED has been designed for buyers who want the advantages of an urban lifestyle but not the usual accompanying hassles of traffic & neighbourhood density. In this age of rising energy prices and hectic schedules, more & more buyers want to simplify their life - by living close to where they work or play so that walking, biking and public transit are just as convenient as driving their car. Studio ED buyers can save money, help protect the environment and enhance their physical well-being, all while living in one of Edmonton’s most beautifully designed and convenient urban condominium communities. For more information, visit www.studioed.ca, call 780.998.0001, or visit the Studio ED Sales Lounge at 10611 – 117 Street, 12-5pm Saturday & Sunday or 3-8pm Monday to Thursday.
34 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
marketplace
nautical VS tropical Decorating is all about choices! We show you how to instantly update your space with key pieces that suit your preferred style. // by sara duck
2
2
1 1
3
3
5
4
6
4
5
1. Tera Gear Muskoka Chair in Navy. $89. Visit
1. Ixtapa Tonal Green Lounge Chair. $279. Visit cb2.com
realcanadiansuperstore.ca 2. Bevista Tray. $6. Visit ikea.ca
2. Watermelon Serving Bowls. $12 to $46. Visit pier1.ca
6
3. Wooden Decorative Sailing Boat. $121. Visit oVerstock.com
3. Seedpod Birds. $9 each. Visit westelm.com 4. Hula Lamp. $100.
4. Rope Knot Table Lamp Base. $169. Visit potterybarn.com
Visit cb2.com 5. Hand-painted Floral 20-inch Outdoor Pillow. $40.
5. Tonal Stripe Pillow Cover. $87. Visit williams-sonoma.com
Visit crateandbarrel.com 6. Woven Sea Grass Napkin Rings. $26 for set of four. Visit williams-sonoma.com
6. Sahil Napkin Rings. $37 for set of four. Visit williams-sonoma.com
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 35
project profile
fox towers: Live in the heart of Edmonton’s city centre
e
dmonton’s city centre is booming and the Fox Towers are right in the middle of all the excitement! With its premium location on the corner of 102 Avenue and 104 Street, Fox Towers have taken downtown condo living to the next level. With stunning architectural design and impressive size, the Langham Developments group proudly adds this exciting project to their list of successful Edmonton developments. Fox Towers will feature two beautiful residential towers each, with a 36 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
glass wall that promotes beautiful city and river valley views. Anchoring the residential towers is a five-storey brick podium that has been designed to complement the architectural style in the area. This visually pleasing component of the project will feature commercial space and retail shops, all with either street or designated elevator access. Residents at the Fox Towers will enjoy all the convenience of downtown living with breathtaking views. The initial phase of the project, Fox One, features a 28-storey, 142-unit building that is currently under construction. Fox One is almost completely sold out and is expected to be completed in late 2015. The final phase of this spectacular development is Fox Two, which will stand at an impressive 33 storeys tall and is already 60 per cent sold! Fox Two will include
Fox Towers will FeaTure Two beauTiFul residenTial Towers, each wiTh a glass wall ThaT promoTes beauTiFul ciTy and river valley views
169 exceptionally designed suites that have been styled and planned to reflect today’s biggest condominium trends from global urban hotspots. Suite options range from 654 to 2,400 sq. ft. – all expertly planned to efficiently maximize space. Recognizing different lifestyle needs, Fox Two offers buyers one- to three-bedroom layouts, with many floor plans including an optional den. Setting Fox Towers apart from other condos on the market are the first-rate finishings that are provided within each suite. From high-gloss kitchen cabinets in trendy and vibrant colours, to quartz countertops, Fox Towers are full of desirable urban flair at the highest quality. Each unit includes a balcony, to further indulge the sweeping Edmonton views, as well as at least one heated parking stall. Becoming a resident at the Fox Towers means that you now own one of Edmonton’s most-coveted addresses. On the doorsteps to the 104th Street Promenade, a top four finalist on the Great Streets in Canada 2013 list, will put you just steps away from an array of amenities, including charming cafés, restaurants and shops. All major amenities are also within walking distance, such as banking, the YMCA, City Center Mall, and the U of A downtown campus. NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 37
becoming a residenT aT The Fox Towers means ThaT you now own one oF edmonTon’s mosT coveTed addresses Plus, convenient LRT access connects condo owners to all major zones of the city. Adding to all the excitement in the thriving downtown scene is the highly anticipated arena district, set to open in 2016, which is expected to transform Edmonton’s core and further revitalize the downtown area with an influx of entertainment and dining options. For more than 10 years, Langham Developments has been providing downtown Edmonton with premium condo options. Previous projects include The Omega as well as the Icon Towers – both successful developments that have been a part shaping Edmonton’s downtown highrise landscape. Fox Towers will join Langham Developments’ previous projects as a sought-after 38 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
downtown residential destination and is definitely a highly awaited revitalization and urban expansion of Edmonton’s downtown. for more information and to learn more about the fox towers, please visit online at foxtowers.ca or call 780.425.0369. Visit the sales centre, located on site at the northwest corner of 102 Ave & 104 st. Hours are Monday to friday from 3 to 7 p.m., weekends from noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment anytime.
SouthWestEdmonton 51 Ave.
105 St.
119 St.
34 Ave.
Rabbit Hill Road
2
19
11Saddleback Rd.
9 Ave.
13
Anthony Henday Dr. Ellerslie Rd.
James Mowatt Tr.
127 St.
141 St.
Ellerslie Road
16
23 Ave.
Blackburne Drive
30 Ave.
3 18 8 9 12 23 4
50 St.
MacEw an Road
15 7 22 10 21
19 Ave.
91 St.
20
17
Parsons Rd.
6
Dr.
101 St.
Ha dd ow
14
91 St.
23 Ave.
66 St.
5
40 Ave.
SOUTH
WHITEMUD DR.
1
Calgary Trail North QE II
Lansdowne Dr.
104 St.
Belgravia Rd.
111 St.
North Saskatchewan River
Ter will ega rD r.
ay Dr. y Hend Anthon
Riverbend Rd.
Fox Dr.
113 St. 109 St.
76 Ave.
QUESNELL BRIDGE
41 Ave.
MAP LISTINGS 1 THE LEGER BY BRASS III DEVELOPMENTS
625 Leger Way 2 W ATERSTONE IN MACTAGGART MAINS BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
6079 Maynard Way 3 C ALLAGHAN RAVINES BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
1623 James Mowatt Tr 4 ATRIA BY PARK HOMES
2803 James Mowatt Trail 5 ALLURE BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
4042 MacTaggart Dr
6 V ILLAGE AT LANGDALE
11 MAGRATH GREEN BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
2003 Rabbit Hill Rd.
704 - 176 Street SW 7 WINDERMERE MANSIONS
12 C REEKWOOD CHAPPELLE
BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
BY WESTRICH PACIFIC
1350 Windermere Way SW
504 Chappelle Dr. SW 13 E’SCAPES BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
8 C ALLAGHAN LANDING
11080 Ellerslie Road
BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
1778 Cunningham Way
14 L ’ATTITUDE STUDIOS BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
9 ELAN BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
1144 Adamson Dr SW 10 ELEMENTS AT WINDERMERE
304 Ambleside Link SW 15 THE SIGNATURE BY WESTRICH PACIFIC
5151 Windermere Boulevard
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
Windermere Blvd & Windermere Rd.
16 ELEMENTS GLENRIDDING BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
16003 10 Avenue SW (located off 170 and south of Ellerslie rd) 17 R AVINE POINT AT MACTAGGART RIDGE BY CAMBRIDGE MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENTS
5835 Mullen Place 18 S OUTH CALLAGHAN TOWNHOMES BY VOCO
Corner of Casselman Link & Cunningham Way SW 19 S PARROW LANDING AT LARCH PARK (NET ZERO TOWNHOMES)
20 SOUTH TERWILLEGAR BY PARK HOMES
4105 - 7323 South Terwillegar Dr. 21 R EGENCY AT WINDERMERE BY ROYAL CANADIAN DEVELOPMENT INC.
723-172 St (In Langdale) 22 W INDERMERE WATERS BY WESTRICH PACIFIC CORP
1290 Windermere Way 23 C REEKWOOD LANDING BY CARLISLE GROUP
11804 - 22 Ave SW
BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
7504 May Common
SOUTHWEST EDMONTON | Call Christine 780.438.1513
STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA
Please see our ad between pages 00 and 00
CONDOS FROM $230,900 308 Ambleside Link (South off of the Henday onto Terwillegar Drive) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 39
SOUTHWEST
lion dollar Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre (with its pools, indoor track, gym, gymnasiums, ice sheets and indoor playground) and just a quick hop to the community’s main transit hub on 23rd Avenue. It’s also proximate to grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, cafes,
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED AT the LEGER BRASS III has an excellent reputation as a builder of choice in the Riverbend/Terwillegar area. They know the community, they know the amenities and residents, and they know how to build great projects (they’ve built over a dozen projects in the area to date). This is amplified at The Leger. The Leger’s 60 units range from two-bedroom, two-bathrooms, to two-bedroom plus den plus two bathrooms, and are between 1,250 and 1,550 sq ft. All units features nine-foot ceilings, premier finishings like hardwood and tile floors, granite countertops, seven appliances (stainless steel appliances in the kitchen) and oversized balconies. All homes are self-contained, too, with their own hot water tank and heating system, and in-suite laundry. The building will also have low condo fees because there are no common amenities in the building—other than the heated underground parking. Instead, resources are put toward towards elements like soundproofing and improved construction materials. The Leger is in a prime location, in the heart of Terwillegar. It is steps from the new multimil-
40 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
doctors and other professionals, schools and golf courses. And being close to both the Anthony Henday and the Whitemud Freeway makes commuting quick and simple. There are a handful of floorplans to choose from, and suites start under $300,000. Preselling starts in late May and June, and possessions start in 2015. Of course, the sooner you get in the more choice you have on floorplans and units. So swing by the sales centre today at 625 Leger Way. For more information, you can also go to www.brass3.com, or call Troy Stenson from Re/Max River City at 780-918-0678 or 780-439-7000.
SUITE 106, 1550 SQ FT
BRASS3.COM
W
hen people think about the typical apartment-style condo in Edmonton they think about a 600–800 sq ft home. That’s why BRASS III’s new project, The Leger, will come as a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Designed for those who love the Riverbend area, who want the maintenance-free lifestyle that a condo offers, but who want lots of living space, The Leger delivers.
DISCOVER THE
UNEXPECTED...
...DISCOVER
the LEGER
AN EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT BY
BRASS III LOCATED IN THE HEART OF TERWILLEGAR JUST STEPS TO REC CENTRE & TRANSIT STATION
LAUNCHING THIS SPRING • PRICED FROM $279,900
Leger Blvd
Rabb
ay Leger W
TERWILLEGAR REC CENTRE
rR
TRANSIT STATION
LOCATED AT 625 LEGER WAY
REGISTER ONLINE FOR EXCLUSIVE UPDATES AND
Terwilleg
ar Dr
d
Leger Gate
ge
l Rd
it Hil
Le
ay rW
ge
Le
23 Ave
• Only 60 Suites • Choose from 2 Bedroom or 2 Bedroom + Den • Large suites ranging in size from 1255 to 1550 sq ft
PROMOTIONS: BRASS3.COM
SALES & MARKETING BY TROY STENSON, RE/MAX RIVER CITY CELL
780.918.0678 /
OFFICE
780.439.7000
41
ALBERTA’s #1 CONDO BUILDER MAYBE IT’s BECAUsE WE’RE sO EAGER TO PLEAsE
NOW SELLING IN 6 LOCATIONS North East ELEmENTS II VITA ESTATES South East WALkEr LAkE GATE South West ITAGE VALLEy STATION HErITAGE mACTAGGA mACTAGGArT rIdGE GATE Cr CrEEkWOOd LANdING Calgary IN mANy LOCATIONS
ARTIST’S RENDERING ONLY
FOr mOrE INFOrmATION:
carlislegroup.ca 780.977.0616
43
SOUTHWEST
In the community of Ambleside
Imagine never making a second trip to the parkade while unloading the car.
Floorplan
Welcome to Signature Condomniums. A home where luxury and privacy meets convenient condo living. In the Signature’s townhouse style condo’s a double attached garage opens directly into your suite. Gone are the days of trying to bring everything from parkade to elevator in one trip. From parking stalls, to fitness centre, to a walking path around a lake- everything is just steps away when you call the townhouse condo home.
THA
1450 sq. ft. 2 bed, 2.5 bath + den
Standard Finishes Include:
· Granite countertops · Hardwood floors · Porcelain tile floors · Maple cabinets · LG stainless steel appliances · Air conditioning · Approx. 9’ ceilings · Concrete and steel structure
780-803-0888 info@signatureambleside.com
5151 Windermere Blvd.
Showsuite:
Mon-Thur 3pm- 8pm Sat: 12-5pm
VISIT OUR SHOWSUITE JUST OFF AMBLESIDE DRIVE 44 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
SOUTHWEST
TOWNHOMES
South Callaghan Estate FINAL PHASE
ONLY 7 UNIT S LEFT
Victorian Style
127 Street
Save on Food
4 STOREY TOWNHOMES
t at ow sM e m Ja
W il S Tra
t. 1S (11
Sobeys
) SW
W
.S
e Av
30
• STARTING AT $327,900* • Ask about possible December 2014 Possession • 1520-1830 Sq ft • Hardwood, tile flooring & granite countertops • 3 bedrooms + Den + 2 1/2 bathroms with 2 balconies • 2 car garage • Sprinkler system • Brick, stone & stucco exterior • Low Monthly Condo Fee
Ellerslie Road
South Callaghan Townhomes
Show Home: 1621 Cunningham Way SW Edmonton Open Mon-Thu 3-8pm, Sat-Sun Noon-5pm, Closed Friday/Holiday
780.200.0135 |
.SC.
*INCL. NET GST WITH SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY
like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/southcallaghan NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 45
deSigner advice
Cabin
fever // by yanic Simard // photoS by ted yarwood 46
Even in the most humble home, a bit of sparkle usually appears in the form of an eye-catching kitchen faucet whether or not you can find the
time for a true cabin getaway this summer, a sense of relaxed living can be infused into homes of any form, from traditional to modern. Here are some easy ways to get the look of laid-back lake-side living, even in your urban abode: Cottage colours It’s hard to imagine a cabin colour scheme without the calming essence of fresh white. > For an earthy, Zen atmosphere, pair white with off-white neutrals (greys, beiges or both) and let texture and materials become the focus. The palette recalls the simple beauty of sandy shores and pebbled paths without feeling too stark. > For a livelier nautical vibe, blue can’t be beat. Choose a limited palette and stick to it. Pick one hue to repeat in smaller or larger doses from room to room (and if you want a little extra punch in a key area, add small pops of red). Let wood reign Naturally, wood is one of the first materials you think of when you think “summer chic” – but you must know how to use it right. > To create a feeling of consistency, run wood floors throughout – even into the kitchen. Wood can survive the occasional spill if you treat it properly. Embrace wood with visible graining. > For those who prefer a hard surface, consider an inset tile “mat” for the kitchen, entry, or other wet areas. It keeps the floor flush (and there’s no sisal rug to try to wash the mud or red wine out of).
> Plank walls give the textural look of a cabin interior, but unless you live directly on the water, you may find this much wood a bit overwhelming. Paint it out in a white or pale colour to maintain an airy, relaxed vibe, or go for a deep espresso stain and break up the wood with white accents such as art and drapery. NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 47
HC-128
CC-10 ultrawhite
2064-50
CC-640
ClearsprinG Green
Costa riCa Blue
Blue Grass
HC-168
CHelsea Gray
CC-636
Mountain air
cabin colourS Visit BenjaMinMoore.Ca
Timeless tile Subway tile is a versatile classic that can appear either modern or traditional, depending on the details. > The most popular form of contemporary subway tile is crisp white porcelain, but you don’t have to go so minimal. Consider a tile with a more organic surface shape and subtle, uneven colouring, to bring in some traditional warmth, or choose a style with a bevelled edge for a sleek touch of class. > A cabin-inspired kitchen is a great place to play with the colour of your tile grout – the geometric patterns of subway tile (or any other shape) can be highlighted with dark, contrast grout, or you could even choose one with a colour infused to add a playful accent. Focus on faucets Even in the most humble home, a bit of sparkle usually appears in the form of an eye-catching kitchen faucet. > Whether your goal is a transitional or traditional style, a “bridge” faucet (which sits above the counter on two widespread arms rather than one in the centre) adds an uncommon graceful touch with classic country flair. > If you find yourself filling oversized pots often (for soups or pastas, for example), a wall-mounted faucet placed over the stove is extremely practical, and makes the fixture even more of a focal point. Soft and strong Seating in a cabin-inspired home tends toward two timelessly practical (and beautiful) categories: wood and slip-covered. > Sturdy wood bar stools, dining chairs and benches make perfect options for bringing in a sense of natural strength, as their open frames still allow for an airy and relaxed look, and they contrast soft upholstery beautifully. > Slip-covered furniture is practical for its ease of washing and the ability to swap out looks between seasons. Plus, a skirted front on a sofa or chair communicates the relaxed vibe – especially in a heavy natural fabric, like a linen blend. 48 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
Everyday beauty Cabin décor celebrates the basics, such as beautiful plates, vintage serving ware, and stunning pots and pans. > Open shelving is a popular trend which suits the most rustic of spaces (think simple wood-plank shelves) or more modern schemes (try vanishing floating glass). However, if you prefer to keep your storage behind closed doors, consider varying the heights of your cabinets. This creates neatly framed niches at the ceiling where you can display occasional serving ware, such as elegant porcelain pitchers. > If you have precious plates you won’t use often (or even favourite ones that you do!) an artful wall display over your dining table makes a classic cabin-inspired showpiece. Choose all white dishes if you want to keep the look modern. Similarly, cool copper pots hung on an open rack make a trendy metallic statement in between recipes.
yanic Simard is New Condo Guide’s design editor, principal designer of the TIDG (tidg.ca), and regular guest expert on City’s Cityline. Check out Yanic’s accessory line, Yanic Simard Selected, at ysselected.com
SouthEastEdmonton North Saskatchewan River
106 Ave.
101 Ave.
BASELINE RD.
98 Ave.
90 Ave.
34 St.
d. rR pe Ro
86 St.
63 Ave.
50 St.
. Rd yll Arg
75 St.
83 St.
99 St.
76 Ave.
ood Park Fwy. Sherw
7
17 St.
Whyte - 82 Ave.
Whitemud Fwy.
51 Ave.
8
43 Ave.
38 Av e.
39 Ave.
Calgary Trail North QE II
91 St.
Millwoods Rd.
34 Ave.
4 1
Anthony Henday Dr. 216
9 3
Ellerslie Rd.
5
11
91 St.
66 St.
10
50 St.
Parsons Rd.
4
23 Ave.
2
101 St.
MAP LISTINGS
6
30 St.
41 Ave.
7 URBAN VILLAGE ON WHYTE
1 CHARLESWORTH BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
5503 - 3 Ave. SW
7805-71 Street
2 SOUTHWINDS
8 ASPEN MEADOWS
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
BY LANDMARK URBAN LIVING
6084 - Stanton Dr. SW
43A Ave. & 23 St.
3 WALKER LAKE LANDING
9 SOUTHERN SPRINGS
BY CARLISLE DEVELOPMENTS
BY PARK HOMES
Corner of Welsh Dr. & Watt Blvd SE 4 TAMARACK
655 Watt Blvd. 10 THE EDGE IN ELLERSLIE
BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
BY DAYTONA HOMES
655 Tamarack Rd.
#44, 6520-2 Avenue SW
5 MAPLE WAY GARDENS
11 ELEMENTS AT WILLOWHAVEN
Off of Maple Road & 8 Street
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
6 TRAILS OF MILLCREEK ESTATES BY PARKWOOD MASTER BUILDER
34 St. & 35A Ave.
56 Street & 7 Avenue
SOUTHEAST EDMONTON | Call Nav 587.521.1444
elementsbycarrington.ca Please see our ad on the inside back cover
CONDOS FROM THE $180’S 5515 – 7TH AVENUE SW NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 49
SOUTHEAST
Soak up the sun on the patio at Sparrow Landing — Alberta’s first Net-Zero townhome community — while the solar panels on the roof do the same.
What Every Home Owner Needs to Understand about Net-Zero A Net-Zero home is a micro generator. It’s a home that has the capacity to create enough electricity to power itself. One of the best ways to generate electricity in sunny Edmonton is to include solar panels on a home’s roof. The more sunlight there is the more clean free electricity your home can make. If a home has a solar system that can produce as much electricity as it uses in the course of the year, then it has a “net-zero” consumption of electricity — which is where this emerging new home category gets its name. Just as a plant harnesses sunlight and converts it into energy it uses to grow and be nourished, the solar panels on the roof harness the power of the sun and convert it into electricity to power the home. This process fulfills the energy needs of a modern household without causing any harm to the Earth. And if a Net-Zero home makes more power than it
50 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
uses, it’s set up to automatically sell that extra power. It’ll go back into the grid and to your neighbours’ homes. And you get paid for it. Net-Zero homes may seem more expensive at first, but the lower monthly bill payments actually leave people in Net-Zero homes paying comparable monthly amounts to their housing as someone who bought a similar non-Net-Zero home. The difference is that the Net-Zero homeowner pays more each month to a mortgage (which helps them gain more equity) and less towards energy bills, whereas a non-Net-Zero homeowner pays less towards the mortgage but spends much more on power bills. Landmark Homes is passionate about Net-Zero, and has built over 20 Net-Zero homes in Edmonton and Calgary — from Sparrow Landing townhomes (pictured above) to estate homes. This future thinking builder’s Net-Zero homes are designed for maximum efficiency, and require minimal electricity to perform to the
A relaxing front room at Sparrow Landing – Alberta’s first Net-Zero townhome community – the perfect spot to feel good about the future of the Earth (and low power bills).
highest standards. This means each kilowatt of power produced by Landmark solar panels goes further to keep your water hot and your home the perfect temperature. Plus, several devices are installed in a Net-Zero home’s inner workings to conserve and recycle energy in the home whenever possible. Landmark’s precise building system (LBS) also creates a protective building envelope that prevents unwanted transfers of heat in or out of a home, while integrating with the ventilation and humidifying systems in the house to keep the air extremely fresh and healthy — all using minimal energy.
Two stunning living walls are features of this Net-Zero lottery home in Jagare Ridge. They serve as reminders of how beautiful it is to be green – and that even luxurious estate homes can be Net-Zero!
VISIT LANDMARK’S EDUCATION INSPIRED TOWNHOMES AT 7804 MAY LINK OR CALL 780.702.3120 TO SEE HOW COMFORTABLE A NET-ZERO HOME FEELS, AND HOW BEAUTIFUL IT LOOKS! Come read the museum style signs throughout this home that help you see what’s beyond the walls. Regardless of the builder you choose, taking a tour of these Education Inspired Townhomes will help you make an informed decision on the next place you call home.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 51
money matters
// by gail vaz-oxlade
12 steps to financial organization
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
set Up
05 create a monthly bill summary
01 gather all your paperwork. create a file folder for each of the following:
List your bills in the date order they need to be paid to prevent you from missing a bill. If you have bills that are paid automatically from your account, write an “A” beside these bills and remember to deduct them from your spending journal at bill payment time each month.
» Chequing accounts » Savings accounts » Retirement accounts » Investment accounts » Credit card accounts » Loans » Personal lines of credit » Mortgage » Insurance: life, disability, health, critical illness, home, car » Tax returns » Estate: wills and powers of attorney 02 Welcome to 21st century banking
If you don’t already have it, set up telephone or Internet banking. 03 reduce fees by setting up a buffer
Establish an automatic savings deposit every month and your nest egg will accumulate faster than you think
If you can afford it, transfer $1,000 float to your chequing account (pretend it isn’t there) and use that to minimize your banking costs. 04 save automatically
Create an auto-debit from your chequing account to a savings account that will not be touched. Most people won’t put money into a savings account on a regular basis, opting to wait for a tax refund or bonus before setting aside some money for the future. Establish an automatic savings deposit every month and your nest egg will accumulate faster than you think.
52 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
06 set up your “in-baskets”
Create an in-basket with two bills folders labelled “1-15” and “16-31.” When a bill comes in, look at the due date and file the bill in the appropriate folder. Recycle all the marketing materials in the envelope. Create a second in-basket with three folders labelled “bank statements,” “bills paid” and “tax receipts.” Weekly 07 make a date with your money
On the 12th and 28th of each month, set aside the time in your schedule to pay bills – you’ll need about 30 minutes, depending on your bills. Always pay your bills in one place that you’ve equipped with your bill paying system: spending journal, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, a calculator, tape, a stapler and return address labels and recycling bin. When you pay a bill, write the cheque or transaction number, amount paid, and the date you paid it on the bill. Put the paid bill in your “bills paid” file. Deduct the amount you’ve spent from your spending journal. If a bill has not been paid in full (tax bills are paid over several months, for example) put it back in your bills folder so you don’t forget it.
SOUTHEAST
When you pay a bill, write the cheque or transaction number, amount paid, and the date you paid it on the bill monthly 08 reconcile your bank statements
When your bank statements come in, put them in your in-box folder. Set a date when all your statements are in (it’ll depend on when you receive them) to: » Review your statements to make sure there are no mistakes. » Reconcile your spending register; clearly mark the cheques that have been returned to you and highlight the ones in your spending register that haven’t yet cleared the bank. A cheque that is taking a long time clearing the bank can lull you into thinking you have more money than you do. Go back at least a month to make sure all previous cheques have cleared. » Talk about anything unusual. QUarterly 09 file
Once every quarter, file all your paperwork to keep your system current. 10 talk
Have dinner with your business partner (your spouse!) and talk about the bumps, your goals and how you’re doing. annUally 11 re-vamp your budget
Review your budget using last year’s credit card statements and bank statements to see what you actually spent. If you spent more on a particular category, make sure you know why, or look for ways to cut back. 12 clean up
Go through your files at the end of each year and throw out bills and receipts no longer needed for auditing/budgeting purposes. NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 53
home sweet home
// by Lydia mcNutt
buyer’s remorse:
Lydia McNutt is an award-winning writer and editor of New Condo Guide. Lydia’s love of architecture, interior design and the written word have landed her happily at home at Wall2Wall Media, where real estate rules. Email Lydia.McNutt@wall2wallmedia.com, and follow her on Twitter @LydiasTweets
T
here are many questions that will run through your head in the weeks leading up to closing on your new home. Did I choose the right location? Did I pay too much? Should I have waited out this hot market? We’ve all heard of buyer’s remorse. Maybe it’s that canary yellow convertible that caught your eye at the dealership when you were there only to get an oil change. Maybe it’s that Florida timeshare that tempted you in the dead of winter. Maybe it’s, dare I say it, the home you just purchased.
How to avoid “What if” and “I wish I never”
When it comes to buying a home, feeling a little anxious and questioning whether you’ve made the right decision is normal. Having just bought a new house – our second – my husband and I have been swept up in a whirlwind of excitement, anxiety and stress bordering on distress. First of all, our new home is more expensive than our current home. Second, it’s further away. Third, it’s a new community. (Well, not new new, but new to us.) While we were well aware of these factors when we bought the house – and we still consider it worth the trade-off – we can’t help but feel pangs of fear as we prepare for the big move. My husband is the worrier between the two of us, but admittedly, I am very reactive. When the world around me panics, I’m not far behind. So, I too have suffered some sleepless nights. How can you curb those “I wish I never...” and “What if...” thoughts? Here are three ways to stop buyer’s remorse dead in its tracks: stop looking. You’ve had your eyes glued to the real estate listings for months. Now that you’ve purchased a home, it’s tough to go cold turkey. Trust me – if you keep looking, you’ll find something in a more convenient location, or at a cheaper price, or better in some way. Why are you torturing yourself? If you were happy with your decision to buy when you made it, then stop looking for the bigger, better deal. stop listening. You’ve made your buying decision based on your needs and wants. You were confident with your purchase... until Uncle Joe tsk-tsked and dug up that newspaper article he’s been saving for you about a drop in house prices in the coming months. Does anyone really know for certain what will happen in the future? By sitting on the fence and waiting for “perfect market conditions,” you could miss out on some really great opportunities. Don’t be overcome by analysis paralysis. If the timing is right for you, go for it. stop worrying. You’ve done your homework, haven’t you? You’ve scoped out a variety of locations with a close look at the amenities, home types and prices. You’ve set your budget. You’ve been pre-approved at a great mortgage interest rate and terms. You’ve saved a down payment and closing costs are covered. You’ve got your team of professionals in place: realtor, home inspector, lawyer. What more could you have done? Buying a new home – especially for the first time – is certainly stressful, but ask yourself if your fears are founded on facts, or just a common case of cold feet. If you’ve done your research, then it’s most likely the latter and you’ll get over it. Nothing will ruin your homebuying happiness like having it engulfed in a wave of irrational fear. In your home purchase, as in life, regret nothing and enjoy every moment.
54
SherwoodPark dows Mea dale k r 7 la C 8 lvd. on y ood B t l w r r e a Ch Wa Summ
1y a sW de
4
Lakeland Dr.
6 Jim Commo nD r. 9
ver Bar Rd. Clo
Pa lisa
Hwy. 16
Baseline Rd.
Beauvista Dr.
14
Wye Rd.
Sherwood Park Fwy.
.
Wye Rd.
Range Rd. 232
MAP LISTINGS
Range Rd. 233
14
21 d Blv
TO EDMONTON
Brentwood Blvd.
ood Dr. Sherw
Grana d
a
14X
Sherwood Dr.
Broadmoor Blvd.
5
2 10 3
1 PRINCETON COURT Y GRANDE DESIGN B 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 LAKELAND RIDGE
BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
219 Charlotte Way
5 CENTRE IN THE PARK
BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES
2021 Sherwood Dr.
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
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 55
Mortgage Matters
// by alyssa richard
Why Mortgage rates vary froM lender to lender
O
Alyssa Richard is the founder and CEO of ratehub.ca, a mortgage rate comparison site that aims to empower Canadians to make smart financial decisions.
ver the past several weeks and months, we saw mortgage rate wars continue in Canada, as different lenders all tried to get a bigger piece of the piping-hot real estate pie. First, Investors Group offered a three-year variable rate of just 1.99 per cent. Then Scotiabank dropped its five-year fixed rate down to 2.97 per cent, which was the lowest among the big banks. Finally, on ratehub.ca, we saw five-year fixed rates vary from 2.99 per cent in Quebec to 2.84 per cent in British Columbia. It seems odd that lenders can all offer such different rates, right? I mean, if five-year fixed mortgage rates are driven by five-year government bond yields, how is it possible for mortgage rates to vary from lender to lender – especially from province to province? As it turns out, the answer is fairly simple. Individual lending institutions set their rates based on what their profit objectives are, how much competition they have, and what their marketing strategy is. We’ve seen how this works on a national level, when one of the big banks launches a new low rate before the other big banks, so they can get some press and gain a little more of the market share. On a provincial level, though, we often forget how many credit unions and small lenders exist in only one province. And if a small lender in one province sets a new low rate, there’s no reason for small lenders in other provinces to follow suit because they are not direct competitors. Finally, on a city level, it can also become a classic case of supply and demand. For example, in a city such as Edmonton, where there’s a greater demand for housing and thus mortgages, there’s a need for lenders to supply the lowest mortgage rates, so they can compete for a portion of the market share. However, in comparison to somewhere like Yellowknife, where there are significantly fewer people, homes and real estate transactions, buyers have fewer lenders to choose from, so lenders can charge higher interest rates. On top of the role lenders play, you also need to consider what the mortgage brokers who work with each individual lender choose to do with their commission. Some brokers keep the full commission, and others decide to split it with clients in the form of a lower rate. What does all this mean for you? If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, don’t just walk into your bank and accept the rate they offer you. Work with a mortgage broker who can find the best mortgage rate and product for you.
Individual lending institutions set their rates based on what their profit objectives are, how much competition they have, and what their marketing strategy is 56 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
lvd .
Leduc
4
50 Ave.
48 St.
2
50 St.
Grant MacEwan Blvd.
High way 2
rt B Bridgepo
Telford Lake
3
Black Gold Dr. Black Gold Dr.
Dr. Park South
St. 50
1
Hig hw ay
Rollyview Rd. 2A
Dr. Southfork 5
Simpkins Wynd
6
MAP LISTINGS
1 WINDROSE
3 ROYAL WEST HOMES 81 Acacia Circle
BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
61 Windrose Drive
4 SUNTREE POINTE
2 THE SPRINGS AT BRIDGEPORT
BY DAYTONA HOMES MASTER BUILDER
133 -142 Selkirk Place
BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES
5 THE RUSHES OF SOUTHFORK BY HUNTER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
401 Southfork Drive 6 SOUTHFORK STREET TOWNS BY HOMES BY AVI
419 Simpkins Wynd
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
Remarkable New 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhomes from the low $200’s
To book a viewing of the new show suites please contact Kit at 587-896-6107 EMAIL info@rushesofsouthfork.ca WEB www.rushesofsouthfork.ca
in the news
AlbertA residentiAl
construction generates $17.9B investment Alberta’s residential construction economic impact hit $17.9 billion annually as investment in home building and renovation climbed, according to a study for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta
AlbertA’s residentiAl construction economic
impact hit $17.9 billion annually as investment in home building and renovation climbed, according to a new study for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta (CHBA – Alberta). Investment rose more than 17 per cent, or $2.7 billion, in 2013 over the previous year. The work produced more than 100,000 jobs for Albertans and nearly 25,000 jobs elsewhere in Canada. Wages totalled $7.9 billion. The value of new home construction reached $9.7 billion while renovation work totalled $6.7 billion. Expenditures such as realty and legal fees added $1.5 billion. “Builders broke ground on almost 100 new homes a day last year, and construction is forecast to rise again in 2014. Buying a new home or starting a major renovation is a giant vote of confidence in Alberta’s future and the strength of the housing market. Unlike many major consumer purchases, most of that investment stays in the local economy,” says Stephen Amonson, president, CHBA – Alberta. The new economic impact report for Alberta was prepared by Will Dunning Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in housing market analysis, 58 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
and is based on actual results for 2013, and includes investment, direct and indirect employment, and wages paid. The report shows almost a fifth of all new homes built in Canada were in Alberta – well above the province’s 11.5-per-cent share of the national population – and the highest proportion since 2007. “The pressure is on Alberta’s housing market with both rents and existing home sales rising fast. New homes are needed to keep prices from rising out of reach of many Albertans, especially firsttime buyers. The last thing Albertans searching for a home need are more ‘new neighbour taxes.’ Costs imposed by governments in the form of taxes, levies, permits and fees must be controlled if Alberta is to offer a quality of life that attracts new workers and investment,” says Jim Rivait, CEO, CHBA – Alberta.
7 Min. to Edmonton
Beaumont 1
Coloniale Way
Rue Montalet
44 St.
50 St.
57 St.
55 Ave. 52 Ave.
50 Ave. 2
43 Ave.
60 St.
3
30 Ave. Hwy 625
MAP LISTINGS
1 COVENTRY HOMES 50 Ave. & 57 St.
(Nisku Rd.)
2 GOUDREAU HEIGHTS BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES
3 MONTROSE ESTATES BY SABA HOMES
3311 – 67 Street
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 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 59
Get involved with Sage! Sage is a non-profit seniors’ 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.
Visit www.MySage.ca or call 780-423-5510!
NorthEastEdmonton M Fo ANNIN GF rt WY. Rd . 34 St.
Rd .
137
Fo rt
132 Ave.
129 Ave.
120 Ave. 95 St.
118 Ave.
58 St.
122 Ave.
121 Ave.
. Ave d. 112 Blv a Ad
CAPILANO BRIDGE
MAP LISTINGS
1 TOPAZ BY PARK HOMES
70-8318 180 Ave. 2 SHOREWINDS CONDOMINIUMS
3 STATION POINTE BY BCM HOMES 403 Belvedere Way 4 NORTHSHORE
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
6076 Schonsee Way NW
22 St.
104 Ave. North Saskatchewan River
5 BRINTNELL SUMMIT BY QUALICO LIVING 445 Brintnell Blvd NW 6 CLAREVIEW VISTAS
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
6076 Schonsee Way NW
7 11 Hooke Rd. Hermita ge Rd. YEL LOW HEA DT RAI L 38 St.
3
127 Ave.
20 St.
137 Ave.
Victoria Tr.
50 St.
66 St.
144 Av e.
151 Ave.
. Ave 144 6 Ave.
34 St.
87 St.
8 16710Ave. 5
82 St.
97 St.
. 160 Ave . e v A 153
195 Ave.
4 2
91 St. 9 1
9 L AKEVIEW TERRACE 179 Ave, east of 87 St. 10 E LEMENTS AT MCCONACHIE
BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
BY CARLISLE GROUP
3625 144 Ave NW
167 Ave. & 53 Street
7 T HE AVENUE AT HERMITAGE
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
1188 Hyndman Road
11 E LEMENTS AT HERMITAGE BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
Hyndman Crescent
8 AIR HARBOUR/ALTITUDE BY ROYAL WEST HOMES 175 McConachie Dr.
NORTHEAST EDMONTON | Call Falisha 780.473.9143
elementsbycarrington.ca Please see our ad on the inside back cover
CONDOS FROM THE $180’S 1180 HYNDMAN ROAD (Off Victoria Trail, Second right on Hyndman Crescent) NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 61
NORTHEAST
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
L
THE RADIANCE IN EAUX CLAIRES
ocated at the corner of 95th street and 160th avenue, Footprint Developments presents their exciting new condominium and townhome development in Eaux Claires. Ideally situated just off 97 street, the Radiance is the ultimate home choice for buyers who are looking for convenient, urban style living with an exceptional location. Residents of the Radiance will find themselves surrounded by an abundance of first-rate amenities, including supermarkets, banking, restaurants, schools, and much more. This charming northwest neighbourhood provides access to major roadways that are only minutes away, including the Anthony Henday, allowing for quick and easy commutes in and around the city. Offering two styles of homes to choose from, condos and townhomes, the Radiance development presents numerous home size and pricing options that are sure to suit an array of lifestyle needs. Each Radiance product offers buyers the added benefit of energy efficiency. Built Green, these homes were designed with the environment in mind and have been engineered to maximize efficiency and reduce waste. Each home features double pane windows, energy efficient appliances, low VOC paint, and several other environmental conscious features that add value and plenty of appeal to the property. The four storey condominium building features a modern exterior with brick accents and aluminum cladding. A heated underground
62 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
parkade provides homeowners with safe and secure parking, also ensuring vehicles are warm and snow-free throughout the winter season, while ample visitor parking offers guests convenient access to the main entrance. Spacious common areas, plus pressurized and air conditioned corridors, enhance the building’s comfort. A video security camera entrance system allows for a secure entrance into the Radiance condominiums, providing peace of mind for all residents. Suites range from 601 – 1,168 square feet and are available in one bedroom plus one bath and two bedroom plus two bath options. There are ten floor plans to choose from, including limited availability for a three bedroom plus two bath floor plan option. Each suite features an open
concept floor plan with upgraded laminate flooring throughout. A designer lighting package and quartz kitchen countertops compliment the modern design of the suites. Stainless steel appliances, three inch baseboards and Decora style light switches all increase the visual appeal within these beautiful homes. Plus, an in-suite laundry and storage area with stacking washer and dryer offers added convenience. Each home also features a covered balcony allowing homeowners to utilize their outdoor space throughout the year. Radiance townhomes offer spacious home living with the all the benefits and convenience of condo amenities. Perfect for consumers who are looking for multi-level living space, these two storey homes combine urban style and private living. Each three bedroom home offers an extensive list of features, including an oversized two-car garage with flex space, a large balcony with gas BBQ outlet, and beautifully finished exterior with stone accents. The front yards are also expertly landscaped and completed with trees and shrubs. The townhomes’ interiors have been designed with contemporary luxury in mind. Stylish lighting and 8 foot ceilings enhance the open concept style that is presented. An exceptionally spacious kitchen
PERFECT FOR CONSUMERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR MULTI-LEVEL LIVING SPACE, THESE TWO-STOREY HOMES COMBINE URBAN STYLE AND PRIVATE LIVING features a wrap-around design with a decorative 6” high tile backsplash. Modern flat panel kitchen cabinets and a stainless steel double sink ensure you have plenty of space to cater to family and friends. Five black or white appliances are included with the home, with the option to upgrade to stainless steel. Each townhome has been designed to allow for the most effective use of space and with convenient home living in mind. All bedrooms and living areas feature TV and telephone outlets – ready for use right when the homeowner moves in. With over 67 years of residential and commercial development experience, the Footprint Developments Management team have the knowledge and expertise in creating exceptional apartment condominium, duplex, and townhomes that fit the needs of home buyers. Specializing in efficiently designed homes, Footprint developments provide home buyers with a quality product that features energy efficient technology and convenient designs. Phase one condos at the Radiance are sold out! Phase two is now over 60% sold with prices starting in the upper $100s. Townhomes are in high demand at the Radiance with townhomes in phase one of the development almost completely sold out! Sales are also strong in the second phase of the project and with townhome prices starting from the mid $200s this is definitely an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on! For more information or to learn more about the condominiums and townhomes at The Radiance visit their website at www.radiancecondos.ca or call Suzie at 780.940.1803. Visit the sales centre at 9505 160 Avenue NW, Monday to Thursday from 3 to 8pm. Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays from 12-5pm.
SELLING FAST!
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 63
CRYSTALLINA NERA
64
NORTHEAST
MODERN ADULT VILLAS • Ceramic tile & hardwood • Gourmet kitchen with pantry • Full appliance package • Fireplace • Window coverings • Central vacuum • Deck & landscaping • Hardie board exterior finish • Maintenance free living
70% SOLD! TIME IS RUNNING OUT! GREAT PURCHASE INCENTIVES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY!
780-466-4099
www.airharbour.ca Open Mon-Thurs 2-8pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm 175 McConachie Drive 74_Built Green(20/6)
For more information contact: Nina Flora
STYLISH TWO-STOREY TOWNHOMES Starting from the $270’s!
ONLY 2 UNITS REMAINING!
Soar to New Heights with Exceptional Standard Features at Amazing Prices HARDWOOD & CERAMIC TILE FIREPLACE & FULL APPLIANCE PACKAGE Great Purchase Incentives
780.466.4099
|
HURRY IN!
altitudeliving.ca
For more information contact: Nina Flora Altitude located at: 450 McConachie Way | Mon-Thurs 2-8pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm Showhome is by appointment only.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 65
NORTHEAST
WHO LIVES IN THE LANDINGS? Rohit Communities has partnered with the City of Edmonton’s First Place Program - an initiative to redefine home ownership for first time buyers. The Landings Townhomes are now selling in North Edmonton!
KAYLA CASSELMAN LANDING HOMEOWNER
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m a high school teacher. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD?
It’s close to the LRT, which is really nice. I also like how there’s a whole bunch of new shops and a theatre going in all really close by. It’s pretty close to my parent’s house too, which is nice. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?
I’m hoping to still be teaching, hopefully starting a family - getting married, having children, all that kind of stuff. So, in five years I’m hoping to be more stable. I don’t know if that’s actually stable, but I guess that’s what everyone calls it! WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST PLACE PROGRAM?
That it exists! I just happened to Google townhouses for sale and it was something that came up - I had never heard of it before. I think the big thing is getting the word out that this program exists, and that it’s an option for young professionals. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING IN A FIRST PLACE PROGRAM NEIGHBOURHOOD?
Definitely price, which is a big factor, and you know the people living by you are also first-time homeowners – so, you’re kind of all in it together. DO YOU THINK THE FIRST PLACE PROGRAM HELPED YOU?
Absolutely, it’s such a good deal. You get so much for your money. I couldn’t find anything as big or with as many features as this house anywhere else and for this price. So, it has definitely helped me.
RohitCommunities.com 66
TOWNHOMES FROM THE $240,000’S REDEFINING YOUR FIRST HOME! Now Selling in Casselman Landing, a brand new Rohit Communities project in Edmonton’s Northeast! Casselman Landing is offering townhomes up to 1295 sq. ft. featuring two or three bedrooms, laminate, tile, granite in the kitchen, appliances, full landscaping and upgrades are available! Live maintenance free year round! Close to services, shopping, entertainment and amenities.
153 Ave 50 St
Yellowhead Trail
N
Prices subject to change. Whyte Ave
Whitemud Drive
50 St
SHOWHOMES NOW OPEN! 75 St
Anthony Henday Drive
EDMONTON
Gateway Blvd
Calgary Trail
23 Ave
Call Lynn at 780.914.1565
RohitCommunities.com 67
FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING
// BY WAYNE KARL
MORTGAGE 101:
Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics of buying property. Email Wayne at wayne.karl@wall2wallmedia.com or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl
any pre-payment and lump-sum payment options to pay down your mortgage. Another appeal of this scenario is that, as we often point out, experts advise you take a long-term view of your home purchase. For example, there has been some talk recently about cooling prices and softening sales. But even if that were to happen in your market and housing type, ask yourself: in 10 years, is a home you buy today likely to be worth more or less? If you need an answer to this question, just take a look back at prices 10 years ago. Of course, there are no guarantees, but if you’re in the homebuying mode anyway, today’s low rate environment makes a pretty compelling reason to act sooner than later to take advantage of these opportunities. Low rates notwithstanding, the banks, financial firms, brokers and other experts still advise homebuyers to practice smart borrowing – everything from making a larger down payment to taking advantage of pre-payment options and even “stress-testing” your mortgage at a higher rate to ensure your finances can accommodate rate fluctuations or other unforeseen circumstances.
The mortgage market is a complex beast, and as a prospective homebuyer, these are not lessons you’re going to learn overnight – nor do you likely want to
M
ortgage interest rates, still at historical lows and expected to remain so until later this year and maybe even into 2015, represent a window of opportunity for those looking to buy a home. The Bank of Canada once again held its influential overnight target rate at one per cent – where it has been since September 2010. Indeed, the mortgage industry remains ultra-competitive, lenders often introduce new products and otherwise there are plenty of options for borrowers. If you could lock in at a low rate over 10 years, for example, that gives you the comfort of knowing what your mortgage payments will be over that period, while over that time you can also take advantage of
Learning as much as you can is time well spent
The mortgage market is a complex beast, and as a prospective homebuyer, these are not lessons you’re going to learn overnight – nor do you likely want to. You’re focused on saving a down payment, getting your finances in order, searching potential neighbourhoods, choosing a home and selecting interior finishings. But just as important is to also spend as much time as necessary to find a broker or banker you trust and who knows their business. More so than in any other area of homebuying, you’re going to rely on the advice of this member of your team – now more than ever. It will prove to be time well spent.
68 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
FortSaskatchewan ER AT S DW N RE IBBO G
ES UT ON IN ONT M 7 DM E TO
Hig hw ay
15
. 2 St
t. 82 S
Westpark Drive
e. ve. Av 95A A 94 We stp ark 84 St. Wo Blv od d. Clo sme se re 1
15
ve. 97 A
BR 17 K UD M ER TO HE IM
1
e. Av
St. 101
99
e. Av 99
ay hw Hig
rth No
1
er Riv an w e tch ska Sa
21 ay K hw PAR Hig OD N. O O 2 ERW NT SH MO TES TO & ED MINU 10
Wilshire Blvd.
MAP LISTINGS
1 WALNUT GROVE
2 CLIO
BY DYNASTY BUILDERS
BY PARK HOMES
#85 - 15 Woodsmere Cl.
#94th St Southfort Drive
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
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 69
Saving Space
// by Sylvia daouSt
planning for the perfect Summer Soiree
T
he season for outdoor entertaining is upon us. Barbecuing on the balcony, hosting a party on the rooftop patio, and cosy campfires at the lake get squeezed into our short Alberta summer. A little preparation ahead of time allows us to be spontaneous when the weather permits. Let’s explore ways to make the most of this outdoor space and get organized for impromptu gatherings!
Sylvia Daoust, owner of Niche Small Space reDesign, is one of Calgary’s only professional organizers with expertise in small spaces. She is renowned for simplifying homes and offices with mini renovations, redesigned rooms and tricky organization projects. Join her blog, nicheredesign.com/blog/ where smart solutions transform challenging spaces every week! Follow Sylvia on Facebook.com/nichedesignsinc and Twitter@SylviaDaoust
Reserve a cabinet: Reserve a kitchen cabinet to store your outdoor tableware, platters, paper towels and candles. Stash a first aid kit stocked with bug spray, sunscreen and matches. Carry-all caddy: Save yourself a few trips to and from the kitchen with a well-stocked caddy that gets your napkins, utensils, plates and spices to the table in one shot! Portable cart: Outfit an inexpensive bathroom or kitchen cart like a mini kitchen. Set a removable try on the top for grilling, hang large utensils and hand towel from ‘S’ hooks, and stack bins of supplies on the shelf. Cover it up, or roll it out of the elements when not in use.
Set up a small table separate from the food where it’s convenient for your guests to help themselves. Stock the ‘bar’ with cups, openers, and a bucket of ice for drinks. Beverage station: Set up a small table separate from the food where it’s convenient for your guests to help themselves. Stock the ‘bar’ with cups, openers, and a bucket of ice for drinks. Tuck a bin under the table for recycling. Vertical storage: If you’ve got a privacy wall, take advantage of this space for storage. Hang ‘S’ hooks and bins from kitchen rods to keep the condiments, spices and extra cutlery handy while entertaining. Cosy campfire: Pre-cut wood and kindling for your s’more nights and store in plastic bins tucked under the deck. Don’t forget to include some cardboard and a lighter!
70 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 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 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 71
in the news
edMonton house prices show Mixed results in second quarter Steady real estate market, strong local economy lead to price appreciation for two-storey homes and condos
Most housing types showed price
appreciation across Edmonton, according to The Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Survey Forecast released recently. Condominiums showed the strongest gain, with the average price increasing 7.8 per cent year over year to $236,429, while standard two-storey homes posted a steady increase of 3.8 per cent to $372,112. Detached bungalows were essentially flat, dropping 0.2 per cent year over year to $350,401. “For the most part, house prices in the Edmonton market have appreciated over this time last year, with the exception being detached bungalows, which were flat,” says Tom Shearer, associate broker and branch manager of Royal LePage Noralta Inc. “For the overall market, we’re ahead of where we were last year – somewhere in the three- to five-per-cent range, depending on the neighbourhood and style of home.” Shearer suggests that homebuyers in Edmonton are price-conscious and that junior executive homes ranging from $600,000 to $800,000 have seen slower activity compared to homes in the lower price range. “The luxury home market was really strong to start the year but has been cooling off in recent weeks,” he says. According to Shearer, the condominium market has been steady and sales have been
consistent despite a great selection of properties. The strong price appreciation this quarter can be attributed to the category catching up to the stronger gains recorded for other housing types over the past couple of years. Looking ahead to 2014, Royal LePage forecasts moderate price appreciation of 4.5 per cent for the Edmonton housing market. “There is a solid and growing middle class based in Edmonton, buoyed by a strong economy and regular migration to the city. This solid foundation should result in steady year-over-year price appreciation for homes and a consistent number of sales in Edmonton.” Nationally, with the harsh winter now a fading memory, the average price of a home in Canada increased between 3.9 and 5.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2014. According to Royal LePage, price increases were posted across housing types, with detached bungalows seeing the highest year-over-year gains, rising 5.2 per cent to an average price of $406,454. Meanwhile, standard two-storey homes rose 5.1 per cent year over year to $440,972, while standard condominiums posted gains of 3.9 per cent to $258,501.
Condominiums showed the strongest gain, with the average price increasing 7.8 per cent year over year to $236,429 “Chronic supply shortages are driving price spikes in Canada’s major cities, masking otherwise moderate home price appreciation nationally,” says Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage. “While a widening affordability gap in Canada’s largest urban centres is characterizing the national market Canadians read about daily, year-overyear house price increases in most regions of the country are presently tracking below the historical average.” Looking ahead at the remainder of 2014, Royal LePage is projecting that the national average house price will increase at 5.1 per cent for the full year. “Compared to other major forecasts, our year-beginning national outlook predicted a higher level of 2014 average price appreciation, yet supply constraints in a handful of our largest cities necessitate a revision upwards,” Soper notes. “Looking ahead to 2015, we expect house prices to track more closely to the rate of general economic growth. That is, we see price increases in Canada’s largest cities moderating, just as our smaller city markets should see a lift.”
72 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
St.Albert
MAP LISTINGS
ros e Dr.
Keil lor Dr.
e. Poirier Av
Rd .
1 SAGE GARDENS
St. Al be r
Boudreau Rd. Campbell Rd.
Dr. ins k t A
TO
tT r.
167 Ave.
ED
M
ON
TO N
156 St.
170 St. Gerva is
Av e. 184 St.
Levasseur Rd.
ud re au
Rd .
ton ins W Sir
er Riv
Bo
. ve lA l i h urc Ch
4
Ga te
n eo rg Stu
3
Sturg eon Rd .
ve. yA enn K c M
Kin gsw ood Blvd.
lle Be
Ro ad He be rt
. x Rd irou
ron Per
Lacombe Dr.
2
ert . St. Alb
G
1
Element Dr. Erin Rid ge Dr.
TO MORINVILLE
3 BOTANICA
BY VI PROPERTIES
BY BOUDREAU DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
25 Element Drive
105 Bellerose Drive
2 CITADEL VILLAGE
4 TENOR ON THE RIVER
BY CHRISTENSON COMMUNITIES
DEVELOPED BY MCLEOD PROJECT MARKETING
St. Albert Trail & Ridge Drive
35 Sturgeon Road
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 73
STALBERT
LUXURY BY NATURE Open concept luxury condos in the heart of St. Albert
livebotanica.ca
NOW SELLING! Construction underway! Limited penthouses and premium river view suites recently released. Sales Centre 105 Bellerose Drive, St. Albert Monday - Thursday: 2pm to 7pm Weekends & Holidays: 1pm to 5pm or by appointment Call 780-218-3828 74
Like us on Facebook: Botanica
Follow us on Twitter: @LiveBotanica
quick tips
// by hellen buttigieg
go veRticAl oR go hoMe
Use the wall to store it all
go vertical or go home. When you’ve run out of storage space, lie on the floor and look up. There is a limited amount of horizontal space (countertops, desks, tables and the floor) but vertical space is abundant and often overlooked. Consider putting shelves above door frames or around the perimeter of the room, like a border. Hang things from the ceiling in the kitchen. When purchasing armoires, bookcases or shelving units, choose the tallest you can find and put baskets on top of them. clear up valuable tabletop space. We all have a limited amount of counter Hellen Buttigieg is a certified professional organizer, life coach, TV host, owner of We Organize U and author of the best-seller, Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on getting organized, visit WeOrganizeU.com and sign up for the free newsletter.
C
learing clutter and putting everything away can be a challenge when you don’t have enough storage space. You’ve got to be creative in finding new places to store things, because closets will only get you so far. Take advantage of your condo’s height. Use the wall to store it all, and make a statement with decorative shelving and vertical storage possibilities.
and tabletop space, but our wall space is often under-utilized. By hanging photos and framing special mementos in shadow boxes on the wall, you’ll free up space on your tabletops and create a less-cluttered, more-spacious look.
Running out of kitchen-cabinet space? If your kitchen supplies exceed your cabinet space, consider mounting a metal rail to your wall. Use hooks (usually included with a rail) to hang everything from utensils to hand towels. This attractive storage solution gives you easy access to your items and utilizes previously wasted wall space. Make the most of ceiling space. Rather than putting up a wallpaper border,
install shelves a foot or so below the ceiling around the perimeter of your children’s rooms. On them, display prized belongings and collectables. This gets your treasures out of the closet where they take up valuable space, and allows the kids to enjoy them.
Avoid shampoo overload in the bath. For a more streamlined look in your
bath or shower, consider attaching wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers. This will eliminate the sticky mess of shampoos, soaps and lotions crowding the bath or shower, contributing to a more serene, spa-like space. store magazines creatively. When looking for interesting ways to store
magazines, think outside the box. As a creative alternative to a magazine stand, consider using a ladder. Propped up against a wall, a ladder is an interesting way to display magazines and make use of otherwise wasted vertical space.
Adjust your storage systems. A common misconception is that once you
have organized your entire home, you’re done. However, organizing is a process, not a destination. As your interests change, so will your organizing systems. Put some time aside to tweak existing systems on a regular basis – especially when you experience a lifestyle change.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 75
VIEW OUR MAGAZINES ON ANY
DIGITAL DEVICE anytime, anywhere!
Now you can view all New Condo Guide magazines online using any smartphone, tablet or desktop device.
NEWCONDOGUIDE.COM Published by
28
Gibbons
51 S tree t
53 Avenue
1
MAP LISTINGS
50 A venu e
Highway 28A Edmonton
Stu rg eo n
Ri ve r
y wa gh i H
1 RIVERSIDE POINT 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 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 77
tips & tricks
packing tips
to make your move a little easier ❏ Gather boxes in all sizes from friends, neighbours and stores, or purchase them from a moving company.
❏ Label boxes containing fragile items with large red lettering.
❏ Collect cushioning material such as bubble wrap, foam pellets, furniture pads, old blankets, plastic bags, tissue paper, newspapers and small towels to use as padding inside boxes. These can also be purchased from a moving company.
❏ Place china in plastic bags and stack plates upright on their sides, not flat.
❏ Create a “portable packing kit” with marking pens, a tape measure, packing tape, twine and scissors. Carry it with you as you pack up items in your home. ❏ Reinforce the bottom of boxes with extra tape for added strength. ❏ Label each box with the name of the room in your new home where it should be placed. ❏ List the contents of the box on the side of it.
You’re ready to make your move
❏ Pack your TV, stereo and computer in their original boxes whenever possible. Tape the manuals to the backs of the electronics. ❏ Keep boxes to 50 pounds or less. ❏ Pack heavy items into their own smaller boxes and place lighter items together into larger boxes. ❏ Don’t move flammable, combustible, corrosive or explosive items such as paint, gasoline and ammunition. ❏ Pack a bag of personal items you’ll need during the move and keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.
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?
® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal.
Mortgage Expertise at Your Doorstep 24/7 74_BMO_20/13
78 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
NorthWestEdmonton City Boundary
12 176 Ave. Castle Downs Rd.
2 167 Ave.
162 A ve
.
15
153 Ave. 6 14 8 1 10 4
He
lbe
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
ay
s . es ve nc A Pri beth a Eliz
Ave .
111 Ave.
Ma
178 St.
184 St.
170 St.
199 St. 215 St.
156 St.
a whe 118 Ave.
o Yell
109 St.
A St.
11
135 St.
137 Ave.
Dr
13 nd ay
142 Ave.
97 St.
150 Ave.
121 St. 113A St.
153 Ave.
127 St.
5 9
148 Ave.
Campbell Rd.
3
Stony Plain Rd.
MAP LISTINGS
1 COVENTRY HOMES Castle Downs Rd. & McCrae Ave. 2 ALBANY TRAILS BY FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS
138 St & 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 VALOUR BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
North of 137 Ave along Griesbach Parade
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.
13 STARLING AT BIG LAKE BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
137 Ave & Ray Gibbons Dr. 14 JUNO TOWNHOMES BY SLOKKER CANADA WEST
2570 Pegasus Blvd. 15 CAERNARRON KEEP - FIRST PLACE PROGRAM BY LANDMARK COMMUNITIES
14621 - 121 St. NW
10 MCCRAE ESTATES 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
STRONG \\ SOLID \\ SECURE \\ CARRINGTON.CA
CONDOS FROM $189,900
Font: Optima Roman & Bold, all caps & small Caps C:72 M:75 Y:0 K:0
Please see our ad between pages 00 and 00
167 AVENUE & ALBANY WAY (South of the Henday, South on 127 St) C:23 M:0 Y:45 K:0 C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:85
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 79
make your move
// by ChuCk resniCk
make moving kid-friendly
Chuck Resnick is vice-president of marketing and operations, Two Men and a Truck Canada. twomenandatruck.ca
S
chool’s out for summer! For the kids, July marks the start of some hard-earned down-time. But if you’re moving, the fun and play can quickly turn into stress. This change can be overwhelming for the kids, too. However, there are ways to make the move easier on them.
Moving is a family process, so share the excitement and responsibilities with every member of the family by assigning ageappropriate tasks
It’s important to inform your kids about the family’s plans to move as soon as you can. The more time they have to prepare, the easier it will be for them, say child psychologists who suggest it’s good for children to participate in the decision-making process. If kids feel included and take ownership of their new-home decision, the transition will be much easier. Moving is a family process, so share the excitement and responsibilities with every member of the family. Give everyone an age-appropriate responsibility. Kids will enjoy decorating their moving boxes. And when you are in your new home, it will be easier for them to find their stuff. Throughout the move, stay as upbeat and calm as possible. Give your children a chance to express their feelings and try to be honest about your own feelings. Children may feel some anger, sadness, or they may worry about the move. Reassure them that they aren’t alone, and that it’s okay to have these feelings. Involve your kids in the packing process and start packing items you will not need ahead of time. Sentimental items your children treasure, such as special blankets or beloved stuffed animals, should be kept in a separate bag or box. That way, they can have them on hand on moving day and on arrival in your new home. Plan a date to tour your new neighbourhood with your family. If it’s not a long distance, ride your bikes and scope out your children’s favourite activities and even fast food locations, new neighbourhood tennis courts, soccer clubs and baseball associations. Check with the local school’s parent-teacher association to determine if there is a welcome wagon program, arrange a tour of their new school, and meet the teachers ahead of moving day. Make sure children say goodbye to the important people in their lives. Help them prepare a list of phone numbers, emails and addresses to stay in touch. Prepare cards that have their name and new address on them to hand out to friends. If you are moving within the same city, try to schedule a few play dates with their friends before you move. Give your kids an inexpensive digital camera to take as many pictures as possible of their friends prior to moving day. This way, they’ll have a reason to stay in touch as they share the photos. Keep them involved with the sports teams they were associated with until the end of the season, so they can maintain their friendships while they make friends in their new neighbourhood. Child psychology experts agree that if kids know they can stay in touch with friends and loved ones, it will make the move less traumatic.
80 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
NORTHWEST
In this booming market prices have skyrocketed. Thankfully, there’s an exception to every rule. Visit our sales centre:
250s
$
137 Ave 132 Ave
Now under construction!
132 St
6 unique floor plans up to 1,622 sqft
127 St
Stylish townhomes with two-car garage from the
N
82
780.455.9811 • bwpark.ca
Mon - Thurs: 3 - 8 pm Sat - Sun & Hol: 1 - 5 pm
213 St.
WestEdmonton Yellowhead Trail
124 St.
2
7 159 St.
87 Ave.
WHITEMUD FWY.
QUESNELL BRIDGE
6 10
199 St.
69 Ave.
11
GROAT BRIDGE
142 St.
163 St.
170 St.
102 Ave.
9
149 St.
156 St.
178 St.
8 1
175 St.
Rosenthal Blvd.
Stony Plain Rd. 100 Ave. 95 Ave.
182 St.
ANTHONY HENDAY
5
Stony Plain Rd.
107 Ave.
a en d. Bu ta R Vis
3
Winterburn Road (215 St.)
Secord Blvd.
Ma yfie ld
Rd .
111 Ave.
Callingwood Rd.
4 North Saskatchewan River
MAP LISTINGS
1 THE CALIFORNIAN PARKLAND BY ABBEY LANE HOMES
2035 Grantham Court 2 JASPER GATES BY BELJAN DEVELOPMENT
10144 - 150 Street 3 SECORD CORNERS BY FOOTPRINT DEVELOPMENTS
9535 - 217 Street 4 SOUTH HAMPTONS BY PARK HOMES
1520 Hammond Gate
5 JADE
9
BY CARRINGTON COMMUNITIES
NW corner of Rosenthal Blvd & 215 Street 6 GLASTONBURY MEWS & ESTATES 1589 Glastonbury Blvd 7 THE VANIER
GLENORA SKYLINE 10220 - 140 Street
10 ELEMENTS HAMPTONS BY ROHIT COMMUNITIES
1753 Hammond Cres NW 11
STAFFORD GREENS BY ALDRITT HOMES
62 Ave & Getty Gate
BY QUALICO LIVING
9820 165 Street 8 VIP AT CALIFORNIAN PARKLAND BY ABBEY LANE HOMES
2035 Granthan Court
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 83
Homebuyers’ Help
tHe FinisHinG toucHes // by KArA KurylloWicZ
FinisHinGs, liGHtinG And AppliAnce upGrAdes enhance the aesthetic appeal of your condo and pride of ownership, but buyers need to make strategic selections that also improve functionality and help the unit stand out in a positive way on the resale market. “Be smart, temper your inner designer and keep your upgrades neutral, or the extra money you’ve put into your upgrades will vanish at resale time,” warns Brad J. Lamb, president of Lamb Development Corp., one of Canada’s leading condominium development companies. “Personal statements, such as bright red, yellow or green kitchen cabinets, will take much longer to sell and you’ll take a big haircut on price.” Whether you plan to stay in your condo for five or 15 years, chances are you’ll eventually sell the place, so the return on your investment must be considered. It’s virtually guaranteed you’ll recoup the premium you’ll pay to be up on
a higher floor, because buyers typically look up before they look at the interior finishings. However, it’s impossible to predict what, if any, reward will be reaped on upgrades. The reality is that most people upgrade because they want to feel fabulous every time they look around their condo, and they’re equally committed to impressing family and friends. Even functionality tends to be a secondary consideration. Unfortunately, the upgrades’ impact on resale value is rarely top of mind, although it’s something every condo buyer should think about if money matters to them. “It’s all about the aesthetics and impressing everyone – functionality doesn’t come into it at all,” says Tim Huxley, lead sales consultant at Streetside Homes, Calgary. “You’re most likely to get the best return on kitchen and bathroom upgrades, where appliances, countertops and backsplashes offer plenty of visual impact for your dollar.” Virtually every buyer has a budget. When it’s time to sell, continued on pAGe 86…
84 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
SpruceGrove 3
4
3
1
2
1
2
MAP LISTINGS
1 KING STREET ON PARK
2 WINDSOR ESTATES
BY RENOIR DEVELOPMENTS
BY QUALICO LIVING
420 King Street
511 Queen Street
3 CENTURY GATES 5 Minutes North of Spruce Grove on Century Road (Rge. Rd. 272)
To Highway 16
StonyPlain Highway 16A, To Edmonton
47 Ave.
48 St.
52 Ave. 50 St.
South Park Dr.
44 Ave.
Golf Course Rd.
1
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
2 WESTERRA MANOR Golf Course Rd & 79 Avenue
3 WILLOWS END BY JAFFER DEVELOPMENTS
48 Street & Willow Park Rd
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 85
Homebuyers’ Help
continued…
if your upgrades force you to price your condo above comparable units in your building, your unit might not pop up in realtors’ searches, let alone be considered for a viewing. However, provided your pricing is competitive, your upgrades could give your unit the edge over those equipped with just the standard finishings. “Quality finishings will catch the eye of the more discerning consumer, but most buyers get caught up in the furniture,” Lamb says. “You’ll spend less and reap greater rewards if you save that money to paint your walls something other than white and have the unit professionally staged for resale.” The range and cost of finish upgrades varies widely from developer to developer, with some, like Lamb, installing what would typically be considered upgrades as standard in their units, like a high-end glass backsplash, gas lines for barbecues on balconies, and gas stoves in kitchens. Others offer just a handful of relatively standard upgrades, like stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and granite countertops. Some developers take it up a few notches with medicine cabinets, wall-mounted ovens, front-loading washer/dryer, bathtubs with jets, a TV/iPad/surround-sound package, stone sinks, extra-thick granite counters, faucets with spray nozzles that accommodate mega-sized soup pots, and even second parking spaces. “It’s your dream home and you’ll be living there, but you don’t want your equity vanishing,” Lamb says. “Upgrade just enough to make your new home look and feel good.” Ask yourself how the average person will react to that 86 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
countertop or soaker tub as you remember that many buyers will go for the unit on the higher floor before the one featuring the most upgrades. How practical, functional and relevant is it really? How many homebuyers will actually see it as a “must-have” versus a “nice-to-have” feature? Although it’s widely accepted that it’s virtually impossible to keep stainless steel appliances fingerprint free, homebuyers don’t care because they look so good. While many like the feel of carpet in bedrooms, many buyers today actually prefer hardwood due to environmental sensitivities. While many will love that sleek, sexy oversized shower stall, that upgrade makes resale sense only if there is a tub in another bathroom. Meanwhile, seemingly dull upgrades, like additional wall sockets and extra pot or track lighting, are affordable and can be a re-selling point in every room. Condo builders and developers typically charge two to five times what homebuyers would pay to buy and install everything from hardwood floors to undermount sinks and valance lights to rain-shower heads. While some industry insiders suggest that’s unfair, others point out that consumers are willing to pay for the convenience and accompanying warranties as well as the single point of contact in the form of the condo manager. Because consumers often commit to their new condos and upgrades 12 to 36 months before taking possession, Lamb strongly suggests homeowners specify the products, brands and manufacturers, or their equivalent, in the contract. “Memories fade and perceptions change over time, so use the contract to get what you paid for,” Lamb says.
homebuyers’ help
condo buyers’
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 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 87
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
88 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
homebuyers’ help
Compare mortgage rates for your best deal ChArTereD bANKs
Variable
6 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
ATB Financial
2.700
4.000
2.940
2.890
2.990
3.040
3.290
Bank of Montreal (BMO)
3.000
4.000
3.140
3.040
3.850
4.390
4.990
Bank of Nova Scotia
3.100
4.550
3.290
3.140
3.440
3.940
4.790
-
4.800
4.700
5.250
-
5.250
Bridgewater Bank
-
CIBC Mortgages
3.000
4.450
3.090
3.040
3.750
4.240
4.990
Canadian Western Bank
3.200
4.000
3.140
3.040
3.750
4.390
4.990
Canadian Western Trust
3.200
4.000
3.140
3.040
3.750
4.390
4.990
First Calgary Financial
-
4.000
2.890
2.890
3.190
3.390
3.290
First National Financial
2.500
3.950
2.990
2.590
2.790
2.770
3.090
Home Trust Company
2.500
3.950
2.890
2.890
2.790
2.940
3.040
ICICI Bank Canada
3.050
-
3.150
3.650
3.640
3.690
3.890
Investors Group Trust
3.000
4.200
3.140
3.140
3.750
4.640
4.990
London Life
3.000
4.200
3.140
3.140
3.750
4.640
4.990
Manulife Bank
2.700
4.450
3.000
3.050
3.100
3.140
3.190
Manulife Trust
-
4.450
3.000
3.050
3.100
3.140
3.190
Meridian Credit Union
2.600
4.000
3.090
3.140
3.650
4.390
2.950
National Bank
3.000
4.400
3.140
3.040
3.750
4.390
4.790
-
4.500
3.150
3.500
3.950
3.950
3.490
President’s Choice Fin’l
3.000
6.190
3.290
3.040
3.590
3.690
4.090
Royal Bank of Canada
3.000
3.140
3.140
3.040
3.750
4.540
4.940
-
4.000
3.140
3.040
3.750
4.240
4.790
T-D Mortgage
3.000
4.000
3.090
3.040
3.440
3.940
4.790
Tangerine
3.000
-
3.190
3.240
3.490
3.690
3.790
Peace Hills Trust
Servus Credit Union
*Rates subject to change without notice.
NewCondoGuide.com | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NEW CONDO GUIDE 89
homebuyers’ help
CoNDo huNTer’s CheCKlisT
When shopping for your dream condo, carry this list with you and take notes to help you remember what you saw, and where! CONDO #1
CONDO #2
CONDO #3
CONDO #4
Project & address:
Project & address:
Project & address:
Project & address:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Salesperson:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Developer/builder:
Type:
Type:
Type:
Type:
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
2-storey highrise bungalow
detached conversion townhome
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
Sq. Footage:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bedrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
# of bathrooms:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Interior appliances:
Options:
Options:
Options:
Options:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Parking facilities:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Special incentives:
Price:
Price:
Price:
Price:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Down payment:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Condo fees:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Financing available:
Other comments:
Other comments:
Other comments:
Other comments:
90 NEW CONDO GUIDE | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 08 | NewCondoGuide.com
ELEMENTS AT HERMITAGE There’s nothing worse than waking up with regrets, especially when it comes to your new home. In addition to laminate flooring, six appliances and available underground parking, all Elements condos come with the peace of mind that you have purchased a quality home from a reputable local builder. Visit our showsuite at Hermitage and see what sets Elements by Carrington apart from the competition.
Immediate possessions • River views* Convenient access to the Yellowhead & Anthony Henday *May not be available in all suites
Live with no regrets from just $668/month!*
SE SW SE
16A AVE NW
ELEMENTS AT HERMITAGE
FROM THE $160’s
FROM THE $180’s
340 Windermere Road 780.469.6976
1196 Hyndman Road 780.473.9143
ELEMENTS AT Willowhaven
SALES HOURS
FROM THE $180’s
Mon to Thurs 3PM - 8PM Sat, Sun, holidays 12PM - 5PM Closed on Fridays
56 Street & 7 Avenue 587.521.1444
70 ST
FROM THE $180’s
ELEMENTS AT WILLOWHAVEN
56 Street & 7 Avenue 587.521.1444
ELeMENTS at WINDERMERE
ELEMENTS AT HERMITAGE
ELLERSLIE RD SW 54 ST
NE
W DR N ILLE GAR
7 AVE SW
HENDAY DR
75 ST
111 ST
ELLERSLIE RD WINDERMERE BLVD
23 AVE
34 ST NW 50 ST SW
WHITEMUD DR
RABBIT HILL RD
TERW
SW
50 ST A T MAN R NIN GD R
75 ST
T TR LBER
WINDERMERE RD
SHERWOOD PK FWY
ARGYLL RD
ROSENTHAL BLVD ELEMENTS AT WINDERMERE
ANTHONY
ST A
142 ST
ANTHONY HENDAY DR
WINTERBURN RD
WHITEMUD DR
FROM THE $180’s
YELLOWHEAD TRAIL
WHYTE AVE
FROM THE $160’s 340 Windermere Road 780.469.6976
ELEMENTS AT Willowhaven
HYNDMAN RD
YELLOWHEAD TR
NE
82 ST
137 AVE
ELeMENTS at WINDERMERE
ELEMENTS AT HERMITAGE RD ITAGE R E H M HYNDMAN CR
TOR I
167 AVE
VIC
Y WAY
ALBAN
66 ST
142 ST NW
*Monthly payment based on 5% down and a 25 year amortization.
1196 Hyndman Road
elementsbycarrington.ca 780.473.9143
Introducing Vibe Condos for an entirely new concept in condo living Transformable, adaptable and flexible floorplans rise to meet every occasion and take open-concept living to a new level Ultra-modern studio, 1 & 2 bedroom condos are compact, well edited and infused with the latest design trends’ Find a Vibe as unique as you with customizable Lifestyle Modules and À La Carte options built right in to your suite Amenity spaces that challenge the status quo: two-story fitness centre, cyber café and urban garden plots ... to name a few Desirable downtown location brings convenience to your doorstep and the city to your backyard Close proximity to river valley, recreation, shopping, LRT, Grant MacEwan University and NAIT
Urban modern living from the 170's
now open Visit the presentation gallery today for the best suite selection and pricing!
register at vibecondos.com
107 AVE
106 AVE
115 ST
780.705.1350
West of 116 Street & South of 107 Ave
117 ST
Call Riley at
116 ST
108 AVE
Downtown
2014 Awards of
EXCELLENCE in HOUSING
4042 MacTaggart Drive | 780.756.2230
Sometimes it's good to be all over the map!
• Located in the Uplands of Mactaggart Allure boasts close proximity to stunning natural spaces, fabulous amenities, as well as the Anthony Henday & Whitemud Drive
WITH OVER 10 CITYWIDE LOCATIONS CARRINGTON HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
• Cast-in-place concrete construction • Double, triple, and quadruple underground parking garages available • STARTING FROM $654,696
ALBANY WAY
L’ATTITUDE STUDIOS
SW
YELLOWHEAD TR
FROM $240,930
4042 MacTaggart Dr SW 780.756.2230
W of 116 St & S of 107 Ave 780.705.1350
TERW
NW
AVIVA
1144 Adamson Drive SW | 587.520.6775
FROM $189,900
Albany Way & 167th Ave 587.520.3372
valour
23 AVE
ELLERSLIE RD
COMING SOON!
N of 137 Ave on Griesbach Parade 780.760.2002
northshore
metallic
• Full height backsplash, laminate floors & six appliances included
WINDERMERE BLVD
STANTON DR
FROM $171,900 NE
• Beautiful ravine views • STARTING FROM $232,900
6076 Schonsee Way 780.476.1137
SALES HOURS Mon–Thurs 3PM–8PM Sat, Sun, holidays 12PM–5PM Closed on Fridays
West of 116 St & South of 107 Ave | 780.705.1350 • Flexible floorplans take open-concept living to the next level • Convenient downtown location just minutes from the river valley, recreation, shopping, LRT, Grant MacEwan & NAIT • Ultra-modern studio, one and two bedroom suites • Ample amenities to extend your living space • STARTING FROM THE $170'S
70 ST
FROM THE 180’S
• Walking distance to a vibrant new town centre, future LRT PMS 2204: 32C2M7Y1K stationPMS1545: & recreational complex, Blackmud Creek Ravine 53M100Y72K & much8583more
Central
RABBIT HILL RD 111 ST
7805 - 71 Street 780.461.1622
WHITEMUD DR
30 AVE SW JAMES MOWAT TRAIL
DR
FROM $232,900
ONLY 5 SUITES LEFT!
GAR
URBAN VILLAGE
ARGYLL RD
ROSENTHAL BLVD ILLE
CEN
FROM THE 170’S
SHERWOOD PK FWY
75 ST
• STARTING FROM $230,900
vibe
S CEN
• Stylish suites come with six appliances, laminate floors & 9’ ceilings
WHYTE AVE
WHITEMUD DR
HENDAY
• Building features underground parking, fully equipped fitness centre, convenient guest suite & social room with wet bar and billiards
ANTHONY
FROM $654,696
75 ST
ALLURE
308 Ambleside Link | 780.438.1513
T TR LBER
1144 Adamson Dr SW 587.520.6775
142 ST
FROM $193,900
ST A
É LAN
ANTHONY HENDAY DR
11080 Ellerslie Road 780.756.2230
WINTERBURN RD
SouthWest
E’SCAPES
• Just minutes from shopping, dining and many other amenities
66 ST
• Guest suite, leisure centre & rooftop terraces
97 ST
FROM $230,900 308 Ambleside Link 780.438.1513
82 ST
• Engineered hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances & overheight ceilings
• STARTING FROM $240,930
167 AVE IA T R
• Cast in place concrete construction
FROM $189,900 1004 Rosenthal Blvd 780.426.1686
DR
11080 Ellerslie Road | 780.756.2230
W
jade
TOR
EXCELLENCE in HOUSING
VIC
2014 Awards of
PART 1: MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING
West
benefits of purchasing a carrington condo
NW Corner of Rosenthal Blvd & 215 St | 780.426.1686 • Convenient access to the Anthony Henday & Whitemud Drive • 9' ceilings on all floors • Laminate Floors, full height backsplash, and stainless steel appliances • Secure, heated underground parking with storage
Meet Jim.
• Two storey lobby
He's just purchased a Carrington condo here in Edmonton, and it’s changed his life for the better in so many ways!
• STARTING FROM $189,900
Here is just one of the many benefits that Jim is enjoying in his new home so far.
167 Avenue & Albany Way | 587.520.3372 • BUILDING 2 NOW SELLING
• Stainless steel appliances & full height backsplash • Convenient access to St Albert & the Henday • STARTING FROM $189,900
before Jim used to spend hours and hours shovelling snow, mowing the lawn, fixing the hot water heater, and other generally unpleasant tasks.
after Now the time that Jim used to spend on maintenance is free for him to enjoy more of the activities that he loves! A major improvement in his quality of life to say the least.
North of 137th Ave along Griesbach Parade
NorthWest
• Exceptional landscaping with easy walkability to neighborhood amenities, parks & ponds
• Located in North West Edmonton’s most desirable new neighbourhood, Village At Griesbach, which features four lakes, a 24 acre central park, a childrens playground and much more • 9’ ceilings on all floors • Secure, heated underground parking with storage
P R I N T L O G O A P P L I C AT I O N
• STARTING FROM THE $180'S
• One bedroom, two bedroom, & two bedroom plus den suites available • Underground heated parking, laminate flooring, window coverings, and six appliances included S I G N L O G O A P P L I C AT I O N
• Just minutes from shopping, dining & many other amenities
NorthEast
6076 Schonsee Way | 780.476.1137
• STARTING FROM $171,900
• 15,000 ft2 of amenities including a fitness centre, a 3500 ft2 party room with wet bar, kitchen, gas fireplace, games table, billiards & more!
Condo's with benefits from $171,900
• Aquatic Centre equipped with an indoor pool, hot tub, locker rooms, steam room & outdoor patios
STAY TUNED NEXT MONTH FOR PART 2: BUILDING EQUITY
• STARTING FROM $232,900
SouthCentral
7805–71 Street | 780.461.1622 • Award winning location
FIND YOUR
M
ST. ALBERT
Ra y
Range Rd 230
66 Street
rt il Tra Groat Road
Wye Road 50 Street
75 Street
Whitemud Drive Dr ive Terw illeg ar
17 Street
Calgary Trail
23 Ave
N
ive 111 Street
Ellerslie Road
2
4. EDMONTON NORTH WEST Starling at Big Lake
Gateway Blvd
A ntho
enday Dr ny H
Whitemud Drive
1
Duplexes Single Family Homes
5. EDMONTON NORTH Casselman Landing
6. SHERWOOD PARK Aspen Trails
7. FORT SASKATCHEWAN Sienna
Townhome Condominiums
Duplexes
Duplexes
Cy Becker
Sherwood Park
Duplexes Single Family Homes
Single Family Homes
RohitCommunities.com
Highway 21
6 Cloverbar Road
Highway 14
Anthony Henday Drive
3
Duplexes Single Family Homes
RohitCommunities.com
Baseline Road
Whyte Ave
Edgemont
With homes for sale in a variety of unique communities dotted across the city, you'll find that our locations are always close to shopping, services, amenities, restaurants and entertainment with easy access to major roadways.
For all full list of locations and home styles visit RohitCommunities.com
EDMONTON
Whitemud Drive
Duplexes
Rohit Communities is a leading home builder in Edmonton, Sherwood Park and surrounding communities. Its diverse portfolio consists of bungalows, single family homes, two-storey duplexes, townhomes and apartment condos.
FORT SASKATCHEWAN
Yellowhead Trail
Duplexes Single Family Homes
YOUR NEW HOME IN EDMONTON
7
e Av
Yellowhead Trail
2. EDMONTON WINDERMERE Glenridding Heights
3. EDMONTON WEST Hamptons
lbe
4
99
ive
Dr
5
153 Ave
.A
137 Street
Townhome Condominiums Callaghan North Bungalow Community
St
Callaghan Landing
ny tho An G
a nd He
g nin an
e riv yD
127 Street
Townhomes Single Family Homes Bungalow Community
Drive bon ib
THIS SUMMER!
1. EDMONTON SOUTH Allard
92 Street
NEW HOME
EDMONTON & AREA
VISIT A ROHIT SHOWHOME TODAY SOUTHWEST EDMONTON
NORTHWEST EDMONTON
Glenridding Heights |
Starling at Big Lake |
TOWNHOME
NEW! 2351 Glenridding Boulevard SW Call Candice at 780.990.9588
Call Pam at 780.938.5478
Allard |
NORTHEAST EDMONTON
BUNGALOW
Cy Becker |
2303 Abbott Crescent SW Call Kevin at 780.862.1060
Allard |
Call Chris at 780.995.6054
TOWNHOME
FORT SASKATCHEWAN
Call Blair at 780.909.9141
Callaghan North |
Sienna |
BUNGALOW
2632 Bowen Way SW
•
•
•
•
Located in the vibrant area of Aspen Trails in Sherwood Park. Find great amenities for all of your life’s needs with easy accessibility to major roadways. Duplexes up to 1510 square feet with two or three bedrooms. Features such as laminate, tile, and granite are included with many upgrade options available. Condominium Duplexes allow for a maintenance free lifestyle! Appliance allowance, landscaping and deck are also included.
Starting from $335,400
as of July 8, 2014, prices subject to change
Visit the showhome at 400 Churchill Crescent in Sherwood Park or Call Wende at 780.950.1572 for more information!
DUPLEX
118 Cy Becker Blvd NW
675 Allard Boulevard SW
NOW SELLING DUPLEXES IN ASPEN TRAILS
DUPLEX
2407 Sparrow Crescent NW
DUPLEX
JUST RELEASED! 1 Santana Crescent Call Kathy at 780.446.2643
Call Kevin at 780.862.1060
Callaghan Landing |
TOWNHOME
1778 Cunningham Way SW Call Lynn at 780.914.1505
WEST EDMONTON
Hamptons |
DUPLEX
1753 Hammond Crescent NW Call Kim at 780.906.9808
For all product listings and more information visit RohitCommunities.com
Ravine Living, Executive Location PMS1545: 53M100Y72K
PMS 2204: 32C2M
8583 metallic
Visit our award-winning presentation centre today for the best suite selection and pricing! • Beautiful ravine views • Walking distance to a vibrant new town centre, future LRT station & recreational complex, Blackmud Creek Ravine & much more • Two storey lobby & 9’ ceilings on all floors
• Personalize your space with a complimentary interior design consultation
ANTHONY HENDAY DRIVE
• Starting from $193,900
OW AT TRA I ES M
127 ST SW
JAM
*Select suites only, for a limited time. See Sales Associate for details.
Sales Hours Mon to Thurs: 3pm – 8pm Sat, Sun & Holidays: 12pm – 5pm Closed on Fridays
30 AVE SW
ALLARD LINK SW
SOUTHWEST Call 587.520.6775 1144 Adamson Drive SW
L
ELLERSLIE RD
111 ST SW
• Full height backsplash, laminate floors & six appliances included
SELLING FAST!
DOUBLE Your Pleasure Call 780.940.1803 or visit radiancecondos.ca
THIS Summer MAKE OWNING A NEW CONDO OR TOWNHOME HAPPEN! Visit Our Sales Centre at 160 Ave. & 96 St. Monday through Thursday 3-8 PM Weekends & Holidays Noon-5 PM | Closed Friday
Check Out This Other GREAT Footprint Development Executive Townhomes from the $280’s 9535 - 217th Street
YELLOWHEAD TRAIL
STONY PLAIN RD.
GREEN DR. 87 AVE. N W
R
SECORD Sales Center
WHITEMUD DR.
In West Edmonton
178 ST.
WEBB E
ANTHONY HENDAY DR.
217 ST.
Lake
215 ST.
WINTERBURN RD.
BLVD. ORD SEC
www.secordcorners.ca
STONY PLAIN RD.