REALTOR® guided transactions offering more than just peace of mind

By Nolan Matthias

While no bank has come out and said it, their actions speak louder than words. Banks prefer to lend on properties where the transaction is handled by a REALTOR®.

As mortgage professionals, we have noticed increased scrutiny on private sales is becoming the norm – and for good reason.

An additional $300 million in development and as many 500 new condos are slated for East Village after a partnership announcement between RioCan Investment Trust and Embassy BOSA including a Loblaws grocery store.

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

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Today's luxury homes boast more than just curb appeal

With the ability to purchase a home priced at more than a million dollars, most luxury homebuyers also have the ability to add even more amenities to their new homes.

With the kitchen, living room and backyard serving as the main entertainment areas in the home, CREB®Now asked some local businesses what they're seeing in the city's luxury renovations industry.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Calgary has always had a flair for luxury living

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes. Earlier this year, a penthouse unit in the Princeton Hall highrise at Eau Claire sold on MLS® for a record $4.4 million. A Priddis-area home, meanwhile set a provincial record in June when it went on the market for a cool $38 million.

Yet set amid today's multimillion-mansions and copious condos comes a reminder of just how far Calgary luxury housing market has come.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Hot and haute rides complete today's million-dollar mansions

The extravagance of Calgary's luxury listings, inevitably, comes down to the details – the crystals in the chandelier, the velvet in the carpet and the pixels on the big screen. After all, achieving affluence in the home means striving for perfection.

Yet ironically, this feat is most commonly being discovered in the garage, where petroleum princes are going hand in hand with today's palatial palaces.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Calgary's prosperity driving demand for high-end housing

While the final tally won't be in for a few more months, it appears Calgary's luxury homes market is on the verge of the best year in the city's history.

According to CREB®, 611 homes priced at $1 million or more have sold through the first eight months of 2013. That number includes a record-setting 69 properties sold in August alone, which broke the previous record of 64 .

Town to celebrate Doors Open and share behind-the-scenes of 17 sites

Cochrane has joined Calgary in baring all with its own version of Doors Open Sept. 25 – 27.

"We've been looking for a way to show people behind the scenes at municipal government because we think it's a great way to engage with our community," said Laurie Drukier, senior communications advisor for the Town of Cochrane.

New development to bring restaurants, retail to RiverWalk

East Village's historic Simmons Building will soon have a fashionable new neighbour.

A fitting mix of Calgary's past and future, the new project will bring 17,000 to 20,000 square feet of retail and office space to M2 – a quarter-acre lot alongside the Bow River in downtown Calgary.

"M2 is a highly visible site and, even though it's small, it will have a huge presence in East Village," said Kate MacGregor, president of Calgary's XYC Design + Development.