This spring promises to bring changes to both Calgary's natural and built landscapes, as two new developments from Qualico Communities sprout up in some of the most desirable areas of the city.

Together Ambleton in the northwest and Alpine Park (temporary name) in the southwest will see 6,500 to 7,200 new residents and are at various stages of planning and construction approvals, says Clark Piechotta, Qualico's associate director of development.

A deposit is the first financial hurdle a homebuyer needs to clear when buying a pre-construction home.

That deposit is generally five per cent of a home's total value for a purchase of less than $500,000, but it can be as high as 20 per cent for a $1-million-plus home. Those funds are a pre-construction commitment to the builder to take that condo or single-family home off the market. That money also gets put toward your eventual down payment.

Does the relaxing tranquility of acreage living have to mean losing the energy and convenience of city life? Not at Aventerra Estates, Rocky View County's newest acreage-living community.

Mariah Wilson - Generation Z

Housing situation

Living at home with her parents, while she waits to take occupancy of her new condo.

Housing goals

Wilson recently purchased a one-bedroom condo in the Annex, a new development in vibrant Kensington. She and her partner are excited to move in when the project is completed in late 2020.

If you think young people are less focused on the housing market than previous generations, you haven't been paying attention. Generation Z, which roughly encompasses everyone born in 1997 or later, is poised to have a massive impact on real estate, in Calgary and beyond.

Some would say the town of Cochrane offers the best of everything. Nestled into the foothills, this picturesque community of just under 30,000 people offers untouched nature, beautiful mountain views and small-town appeal, in addition to a full suite of amenities.

The town's friendly vibe is attracting young families and downsizers alike, and many new communities are stepping up to meet the demand with a variety of innovative home designs.

Inhabited by First Nations people long before settlers had notions of calling the banks along the Bow River home, the Bowness/Montgomery area has a history that predates most communities in Calgary.

Bowness would later become one of the city's first satellite communities, complete with its own streetcar line, as part of a scheme by landowner John Hextall to develop an exclusive suburb "in a natural scenic setting of great beauty."

First settled in the 1880s, when Calgary itself was little more than a fort on the banks of the Bow River, the community of Bridgeland is one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods.

How many times has a potential homebuyer driven up to a home, looked at the yard and the building's exterior, and driven away without even getting out of their car? Too many, unfortunately.

As the old saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression, and curb appeal is one of the most important factors involved in selling your home. After all, the exterior is often a reflection of what's going on inside the home, so a tidy, attractive yard – both front and back – is a must.

With its storied history, convenient location and family friendly atmosphere, Airdrie continues to attract young families and entrepreneurs in droves.

The city's population has swelled from just under 11,500 to almost 71,000 in just 30 years. However, despite its growth, Airdrie has retained all the attributes of a connected village.