Convenience, diversity key to big-city alternative

A short drive west of Calgary, the community of Bragg Creek is an oasis for homebuyers looking for a convenient escape from the big city.

And the good news is the tranquil hamlet of less than 500 residents, situated in the shadows of the Rockies, has something for everyone, whether they're empty-nesters or first-time buyers.

"It's not really urban living; it's rural-urban," explained Lee Edwards, REALTOR® with MaxWell Canyon Creek, who has worked out of Bragg Creek since 1986.

Brokerage believes in its community commitments

Whether helping children around the world access clean drinking water, joining Calgarians in planting trees or helping you find or sell a home, Jeff Neustaedter & Associates is ready to show the power of teamwork.

Neustaedter began selling homes in 2000, later joining Re/Max House of Real Estate and launching his own business. He established a seven-strong REALTOR® team including his brother and original partner, Ray Neustaedter, along with Rod Burriss, Mark Lockhart, Candace Randall, Mark Lofgren and Randy Merkley.

Chestermere council voted 6-1 to become a city Sept. 29.

"This is an exciting historic move for our community and I'd like to thank every single person, and there are many, who took the time to let us know their opinion on this subject," said Mayor Patricia Matthews.

The next step in becoming a full-fledged city involves sending an application  to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for an official title by Jan. 1.

Calgary's condo sectors continue to set the pace for the city's residential resale housing market, which recorded 2,148 sales in September, nearly 12 per cent higher than the same period last year.

"September's sales growth was stronger than expected, due largely to a surge in condominium apartment and townhouse sales," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, who credits Calgary's strong economy and fewer options in the lower-priced single-family market behind the continued demand.

Calgary's commercial sector still among nation's busiest markets

With cranes a seemingly permanent fixture of Calgary's growing skyline, it's of little surprise the city's commercial market has been one of Canada's busiest.

According to a report from commercial real estate services and investment firm CBRE Ltd., demand for office space in Calgary and Toronto has contributed to a decline in the national office vacancy rate, which fell for the first time in two years during the third quarter of 2014.

"The Canadian economy may not be firing on all cylinders, but the Toronto and Calgary office markets turned out quite a performance last quarter," said CBRE chairman John O'Bryan.

Calgary's housing market continues to come of age

* Part two of three in the CREB®Now real estate news' latest series Growing Up

Calgary's increasingly sophisticated housing market is crossing a vital threshold following RioCan Investment Trust and Embassy BOSA's recent announcement of a $300-million 500-unit condo project for the burgeoning East Village, according to industry experts.

"Calgary is on the tipping point right now, with condo living becoming a more sought after alternative to suburban life," said Embassy BOSA president Ryan Bosa in announcing the new development at Sixth Avenue and Third Street. S.E. "The future of Calgary is up not out, and developments like the East Village showcase how Calgary is creating vibrant, sustainable communities."