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.

The Bow Collection

This grouping of eight exclusive duplex-style homes, located in the sought-after community of Three Sisters, sits adjacent to the Stewart Creek Golf Course. Wrap-around decks, double-attached garages, landscaped yards and no maintenance fees make these homes extremely desirable. Prices start at just under $1 million.

A type of Canmore real estate whose popularity and profitability had plateaued is reaching greater heights thanks to new economic trends.

Hotel-style condominium units in Canmore have seen their rental potential soar thanks to online listing websites like VRBO and Airbnb, providing another vacation-booking option for visitors to the increasingly popular region.

A custom home can tick every box on a prospective buyer's wish list. Without the right builder, however, both the experience of building the home and the finished product might come up short.

Before signing a contract with a builder, there are several important questions people in the market for a custom home should have answered.