While Calgary's Downtown West End has not seen much updating in the last three decades, plans for revitalization are underway.

Your kitchen and bathroom need to stand the test of time, both in design and function. How do you create a kitchen – one that you will love – that serves both needs?

It starts with an experienced designer who understands today's products, innovations, space-saving ideas and, of course, trends that actually stand the test of time. The right designer will have the expertise to ensure your renovation runs as smoothly as possible.

Alberta vacation communities for Calgarians

During the summer months, it's always nice to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a little R and R – whether for a few weeks or only a weekend – which is why the idea of owning a vacation property is so appealing to many Calgarians. Thankfully, there are no shortage of options here in the province for vacationers of all stripes.

Here are 10 popular vacation communities within three hours of Calgary:

Though there's nary a house in sight at this stage, it's easy to feel at home in Hamilton Heights Estates. After a long day at the office, what could be homier than peace, privacy and captivating mountain views, all within 10 minutes of south Calgary and Okotoks?

March saw a modest decline in city wide sales activity compared to last year. However, sales have been rising for more affordable product in the detached and attached sectors.

Shifts in the lower end of the market have not outweighed easing across the higher priced product. First-quarter sales dropped to 3,108 units. This is nine per cent below last year and 28 per cent below typical levels of activity.

Airdrie resident and REALTOR® Matt Carre was always a big-city guy. He was born in Montreal and grew up in Toronto, with a few years spent in major U.S. centres. In 2004, he moved to Calgary.

But in 2006, he left the big city and moved to Airdrie with his wife and fellow Realtor Michelle, who was born and raised in the charming, community-centric city of just over 68,000 people. It didn't take long for him to change his allegiances.

If you're a renter in Calgary thinking of testing the waters of homeownership, it might be time to take the plunge.

With lower prices and lots of choices, the current real estate market in Calgary has some people thinking now is the time to invest in a rental property.

In two short months, Sodo Residences has 31 per cent of its luxury rental apartments occupied and 40 per cent of the 305 units already leased.

While the common refrain that renting amounts to nothing more than "paying your landlord's mortgage" is a bit misguided, it does raise an interesting question: what kind of house can you afford with what you're currently paying in rent?