Smart and green technologies recently considered luxuries are becoming increasingly important to Calgary homebuyers, and the city's homebuilders have taken this to heart.

Solar panels, smart-home technology, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, lots of storage, and secondary suites above the garage or in the basement are all valuable upgrades that provide a lot of bang for your buck when building a new home.

Despite real estate's recent shift to virtual showings and meetings conducted via Skype and Zoom rather than in person, Rohit Communities continues to place relationship building at its core.

When you buy a home, you're also buying the lot, so it's important to make sure you pick the right lot for your needs.

As we head into what is traditionally one of the hottest seasons for real estate – with homebuilders launching purchase incentives, promotions, new communities and new showhome models – there is a distinct air of uncertainty due to the outbreak of COVID-19 sweeping the globe.

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.

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.

All the approvals are in place and all systems are go for the new southeast community of Belvedere, which will deliver more than 1,500 homes in the coming years.

Moez Moledina, general manager for Belvedere developer Tristar Communities, said the intention is to start stripping and grading the site by the middle of April or as soon as the weather allows.

If you think year-round outdoor living is out of reach for Calgarians, you haven't paid a visit to the new community of Rockland Park.

As northwest Calgary's first master-planned community in more than 10 years, Rockland Park draws on open spaces, well-tended parks, and a network of trails and pathways to craft a four-season recreation hub.

The new southwest community of Hudson in Creekstone makes the most of its spectacular setting – perched on a ridge overlooking the Pine Creek coulee with the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Dennis Inglis, development manager with Highfield Land Management, says the community's location alongside a protected reserve means its scenic surroundings are here to stay, unlike some new communities where development eventually encroaches on natural lands.