Welcome to November's newsletter. In this edition, I've shared things to consider if you are looking at purchasing a condo or know someone who might be (feel free to forward this to them!). You'll also see a community feature on Oakridge, one of south-west Calgary's most beautiful neighbourhoods. With tree lines streets, abundant green spaces and an abundance of amenities, this community is such a great place for families.
Speaking of families, the Christmas season is around the corner and you may be on the hunt for unique gift options. I've shared a list of some of the top holiday markets in the greater Calgary area to check out. I find these markets can be a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season, get some shopping done, and have some quality family time!
In Calgary market news, conditions remain relatively balanced for both detached and semi-detached properties. Overall, prices are holding steady, and October saw a slight increase in the overall number of sales. The luxury market continues to perform well, with new buyers coming from markets like Toronto and Vancouver, and current Calgary residents looking for the opportunity to move up in the market. If you have any questions about market predictions over the next few months, please let me know.
Have a great rest of November.
Speaking of families, the Christmas season is around the corner and you may be on the hunt for unique gift options. I've shared a list of some of the top holiday markets in the greater Calgary area to check out. I find these markets can be a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season, get some shopping done, and have some quality family time!
In Calgary market news, conditions remain relatively balanced for both detached and semi-detached properties. Overall, prices are holding steady, and October saw a slight increase in the overall number of sales. The luxury market continues to perform well, with new buyers coming from markets like Toronto and Vancouver, and current Calgary residents looking for the opportunity to move up in the market. If you have any questions about market predictions over the next few months, please let me know.
Have a great rest of November.
Featured Community
Oakridge is a beautiful mid-sized community in southwest Calgary, just south of the Glenmore Reservoir. Established in 1968, it is bounded to the north by 90 Avenue, to the east by 24 Street and the west/south by Southland Drive. Oakridge is a relatively affluent community, with over 69% of its 2255 households making more than $100,000 a year. The community is made up of primarily single-family homes (75%), followed by row houses (23%). There is one low rise apartment style building in Oakridge (condominiums).
Oakridge has a large population of seniors (25%) but that has started to shift in recent years as it becomes home to more young families. Children under 18 are now making up almost 20% of the population. And for good reason! This community is great for families, with numerous parks, playgrounds, sports fields throughout the neighbourhood plus excellent nearby school options. There's also a very popular bike pump track, as well as an accessible playground and splash-pad at south Glenmore Park. Oakridge is also home to a populsr outdoor tennis club, large community garden, and indoor and outdoor ice rinks. If you love getting outside, Oakridge has many large, mature trees and greenspaces and is a short walk to the Weaselhead Flats Natural Park.
You'll find excellent access to bus routes including the SW BRT and three additional bus routes that can take you to the LRT. Stoney Trail is a 5 minute drive, making it easy to get around the city and out to the mountains. There are also numerous quick routes to commute downtown or anywhere else you need to go in the city. Great amenities including restaurants, professional services, shops and a brand new Co-op grocery store are all within the neighbourhood. Be sure to check out Social Grounds, a unique local business offering coffee, treats, ice cream, AND community focused wellness and arts programming.
❓Did you know? Oakridge is home to Alberta's very first condominium project, built in 1970.
Oakridge has a large population of seniors (25%) but that has started to shift in recent years as it becomes home to more young families. Children under 18 are now making up almost 20% of the population. And for good reason! This community is great for families, with numerous parks, playgrounds, sports fields throughout the neighbourhood plus excellent nearby school options. There's also a very popular bike pump track, as well as an accessible playground and splash-pad at south Glenmore Park. Oakridge is also home to a populsr outdoor tennis club, large community garden, and indoor and outdoor ice rinks. If you love getting outside, Oakridge has many large, mature trees and greenspaces and is a short walk to the Weaselhead Flats Natural Park.
You'll find excellent access to bus routes including the SW BRT and three additional bus routes that can take you to the LRT. Stoney Trail is a 5 minute drive, making it easy to get around the city and out to the mountains. There are also numerous quick routes to commute downtown or anywhere else you need to go in the city. Great amenities including restaurants, professional services, shops and a brand new Co-op grocery store are all within the neighbourhood. Be sure to check out Social Grounds, a unique local business offering coffee, treats, ice cream, AND community focused wellness and arts programming.
❓Did you know? Oakridge is home to Alberta's very first condominium project, built in 1970.
🎄Holiday Markets to Visit in November🎄
Millarville Christmas Market
What you'll find: food trucks, music, photos with Santa, reindeer, face painting, and tons of vendors.
When: Nov. 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 2025; 9am to 4pm
Where: Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society - 306097 192 St. W., Millarville
Cost: $7.50; Tickets
Inglewood Night Market
What you'll find: over 50 rotating local artisans, makers, and small businesses ready to help you with your holiday shopping! There will also be live music and adult beverages.
When: Nov. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 4pm-9pm
Where: The Quonset at The Crossroads Market 1235 26th Ave. SE
Cost: Free
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
What you'll find: over 200 vendors. Look for gifts and treats and enjoy the cozy charm this market has to offer. There will be Santa and reindeer visits on select days!
When: Nov. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. Hours vary.
Where: Spruce Meadows - 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Cost: Prices vary; Tickets
Aspen Crossing Christmas Market
What you'll find: You can find tons of unique, handcrafted, local treats and treasures from talented vendors. You can also enjoy their buffet, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
When: Nov. 15 and 16. 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-3pm Sunday
Where: Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh, Alta.
Cost: Free
Holiday Market at Deerfoot Inn and Casino
What you'll find: over 90 vendors, free parking, and horse and wagon rides!
When: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Deerfoot Inn & Casino - 11500 35 St. SE
Cost: Free
Con-do's and Con-don'ts: What to think about when considering a condominium purchase.
Condominiums, commonly called condos, are a type of property ownership where individuals own their unit within a building or a collection of buildings, and also share ownership of common areas with other owners. In Calgary, condo properties are most often town homes, semi-detached home or apartments, although condo communities could technically feature single family homes and villas on shared common property.
Condos can be an attractive option for many people. In most neighbourhoods, condos are generally a more affordable option which can be great for first-time buyers, and young families. Many offer a low maintenance lifestyle, with landscaping and snow removal as well as building repairs and improvements being managed by the condominium corporation via condo fees. This can make condos a popular choice for seniors who are looking to downsize to a smaller home while reducing upkeep responsibilities. Real estate investors also see condos as meaningful additions to their portfolios. Condos are attractive to a wide range of renters, which can generate consistent passive income for investors.
If you are thinking about purchasing a condo, it's important to consider the following con-do's and con-don'ts:
Amenities: Most condos offer a range of amenities for owners and residents which can be convenient and add value. These might include a gym, pool, craft room, rooftop terrace, party room, gardens, and/or concierge services (and more).
Do: Consider what amenities are important to you and what value they add to your lifestyle
Don't: Don't get caught up in excitement over amenities you'll realistically never use. Condo fees are generally higher the more shared amenities there are, as they pay for their upkeep. If you aren't overly interested in these additional spaces, you may want to look at properties that offer fewer amenities to potentially pay less every month in fees.
Management: Condominiums are governed by a board of directors, who are owners of individual units. The board oversees the affairs of the "corporation" (the legal entity that manages funds, bylaws and maintenance and repair of common areas and structures). Some boards will take care of all the administrative duties, including collecting fees, hiring contractors, and enforcing bylaws. In other cases, the board hires a property management company to perform those duties on a day-to-day basis.
Do: Ask how the condo you are interested in managed. If possible, speak to other owners about their satisfaction with the board/property management company and how the property is managed.
Don't: Be afraid to look around the common areas to see how well maintained the spaces are. If you decide to purchase a unit consider joining the board to get to know the inner workings of how the property is managed.
Reserve fund/financial management:
When making an offer on a condo, you will have the opportunity to review monthly financial statements and details on the corporation's reserve fund. A portion of each owners monthly condo fees go towards this fund which are used for planned life-cycle repairs and updates (building elements like siding, roof, fences) and major unplanned expenses, like elevator replacements or significant repairs to parkades or aging utility infrastructure. If condo fees are too low, the reserve fund often reflects that and can put the corporation at risk.
Do: Take the time to have the reserve fund reviewed by a lawyer or other expert to ensure the fund is healthy and can support planned repairs and emergency situations.
Don't: Purchase a condo if you don't feel comfortable with the reserve fund balance or how the ongoing day to day operational finances are being managed. If something happens that the reserve fund cannot cover, each unit owner may have to pay a special assessment, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Condos are an excellent option for many different types of buyers, delivering a variety of lifestyle benefits, home styles, value-add services, and amenities. Like any home purchase, it is important to consider your individual needs and non-negotiables before starting your search, and to do your research on the particulars of the condo corporation you are interested in before finalizing your purchase.
