Fantastic "SOUTHFORK" like Estate Ranch. 3.1 Sprawling Acres. Full details and virtual tour to come.

View this recently sold TOWNHOUSE or see all my home sales

Located in the heart of West Hillhurst, on a sprawling 50x120 foot lot.This Estate home, newly built in 2004 has been only quality finishings throughout. A fantastic floor plan which features 4 bedrooms + main floor den, and 3.5 bathrooms. A bedroom with full ensuite and walk-in closet on the main floor. 2 huge bedrooms up with walk in closet, plus Master Suite. Gleaming brazilian cherry hardwood throughout the main floor, accented with slate. Formal Dining area for those intimate family dinners. An amazing Gourmet Kitchen with granite, huge island, walk in chef's pantry, and top grade stainless appliances including gas stove and wall oven. The great room features 20 foot ceilings, and built in entertainment system.The master suite has dual sinks, walk in steam shower with body jets and dual heads.Soaker Jacuzzi tub, a fireplace,and of course a full his and hers walk in closet. For ease of laundry, this upper level also features a full laundry room. Custom built in cabinetry abound throughout the house. The huge yard is fully treed and features irrigation, and a double oversized garage. Additional features include 1600 square feet of undeveloped basement. With in slab heating, ready to develop your additional dream space. Located minutes to the Bow river, and hospitals, and 5 mins to the downtown core.

A great opportunity in the community of Bankview presents itself with this beautiful hillside bungalow. Over 960 sq.ft. of well-designed space featuring east, south and west windows allowing an abundance of natural light. Beautiful maple hardwood flooring that enhances the carefully selected colonial-esque tones throughout providing a warm, welcoming feeling. The bathroom has a phenomenal use of space with lots of storage, modern fixtures, cork flooring and south exposed glass block window. The kitchen opens onto a spacious dining room full of natural light. Double french doors lead the way to an incredible covered rear patio, just in time for spring and summer. The basement is fully developped and features a workshop area, a study and a great bachelor suite equipped with well-sized kitchen, brich chimney accent and 3pc. bathroom. A phenomenal opportunity in an excellent community.

Define your lifestyle at The Westmore. This ultra one-bedroom condo is the perfect fit for those who enjoy fine living. Who said you had spend a fortune to look this good? Fisher & Paykel/Amana stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, mosaic tile backsplash and feature wall treatments for that extra WOW factor. Neither words, nor pictures can do justice to how stunning this unit really is. Book an appointment today.

Last Updated: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | 8:33 AM ET 

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced new rules aimed at preventing homebuyers from getting in over their heads with mortgage debt. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced new rules Tuesday aimed at preventing homebuyers from getting into financial difficulty when mortgage rates rise.

After consulting with major Canadian lenders, Flaherty outlined the latest weapons at Ottawa's disposal aimed at removing some of the speculative froth in the housing market.

"There is no evidence of a housing bubble, but we're taking prudent steps today to prevent one," he said at a press conference in Ottawa.

Broadly speaking, the plan unveiled has three components.

First, Ottawa will require that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, even if they choose a variable mortgage with a lower rate or a shorter term.

"This will guard against higher rates in the future," Flaherty said.

Second, the proposed rules would lower the maximum Canadians can withdraw when refinancing their mortgages to 90 per cent of the value of their home, from 95 per cent.

And finally, Ottawa will now require a minimum 20 per cent down payment to qualify for CMHC insurance for non-owner-occupied properties purchased as an investment.

The last rule is aimed at reining in would-be real estate speculators who own multiple properties beyond their primary residence.

"We want to discourage the tendency some people have to use a home as an ATM, or buy three or four condos on speculation," Flaherty said.

There had been speculation the Department of Finance might implement legislation raising the minimum down payment from five to 10 per cent of a home's value, or reduce the maximum amortization period from 35 years to 30 years.

Those measures were not part of Flaherty's announcement on Tuesday, but all options are still on the table should circumstances change, Flaherty said.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/02/16/mortgage-flaherty.html#ixzz0fhxjf35K

Some say it's a rational decision when you owe more on your mortgage than the home is now worth.

New Jersey-based Loan Value Group LLC has come up with an incentive to keep those payments coming, however. In a press release today, the company says it is launching the Responsible Home Owner Reward program where it will pay a cash reward to borrowers if they agree to keep paying their mortgage.

That amount they will pay varies on income, negative equity, geography and other risk factors.

"RH Reward is the only program of its kind in the mortgage industry, and its structure and incentive-based design are unique," says Loan Value Group CEO Howard Hubler. "There is no cost to the borrower whatsoever, yet the homeowner receives the full benefit of the reward."

He says it is "by far" cheaper and simpler than any other loss mitigation strategy.

The Wall Street Journal and Canadian Business were amongst the publications recently to ask whether Canada's surprise performance in real estate was the start of a boom in the industry, or instead was nearing a bubble about to burst.

Rather than anything dramatic, however, most experts in the real estate industry still see 2010 as another strong year with a slowing of price gains in the second half as supply increases.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts reached 186,300 units in January, up 5.8 per cent from 176,100 in December, according to the CMHC.

In January last year, housing starts began the year with 149,081 units, with activity progressing as the year went on.

Regionally, B.C. had largest increase in housing starts, with a 19.8 per cent jump in housing units in the province. In the Prairie region, the seasonally adjusted rate of urban starts decreased by 4.8 per cent.

Gorgeous River Park location! Great proximity to Sandy Beach, reservoir, off-leash park, Rockyview Hospital and Mount Royal University. At just under 2250 sq.ft, this 4-level split offers fantastic finishings throughout. A large and inviting foyer sets the tone with imported tiles, smooth ceilings, gas fireplace and beautifully finished hardwood flooring. Immediately to your left you will find a generously-sized living room with large west-facing windows. As you continue on your right you'll be greeted by a large dining room area, perfect for dinner gatherings. The kitchen hosts unique concrete counters, beautiful cherry cabinets, raised breakfast counter and centre island. A garden door off the dining room leads way to a phenomenal east facing backyard, perfect for those calm morning sunrises. The Master bedroom hosts a fantastic solution to closet space and is spoiled with an incredible ensuite. Two additional bedrooms and 4pc bathroom available on the same level.

View this recently rented HOUSE or see all my home sales

Incredible price for this spacious townhouse in the Mission Area. Two storey's of great space - fantastic open layout that is perfect for entertaining. The main floor features a spacious kitchen with clean white kitchen cabinets, breakfast bar overlooking the dining room and living room. Large living room area with gas fireplace and a wall of south-facing windows. The second storey hosts a master with ensuite and a second bedroom with a full 4 pc bathroom. One titled underground parking stall available with out-of-suite storage. Trully an amazing opportunity!

The number of single family homes sold in January 2010 in the city of Calgary was up 39 per cent from the same time a year ago, while condominiums sales saw an increase of 67 per cent from the same time a year ago.

“Low mortgage rates and earlier price reductions have improved the affordability of home ownership for Calgarians,” says Diane Scott, newly elected president of CREB^®. “For the time being average home prices are more in line with average incomes.  A narrowing gap between the costs of renting versus owning a home will attract more first time home buyers into the market in 2010,” adds Scott.

January 2010 saw 762 single family homes sold in the city of Calgary. This is a decrease of 5 per cent from 799 sales in December 2009. In January 2009, single family home sales totaled 550. The number of condominium sales for the month of January 2010 was 376. This was an increase of 10 per cent from the 341 condominium transactions recorded in December 2009. In January 2009, condominium sales were 225.

“The story for 2010 will be a balanced and steadier market,” says Scott. “Just one year ago we were facing record low sales and more than 10 months of inventory.  Consequently, year-over-year sales comparisons are up dramatically—but all in all sales this month are moving closer to the range we would expect this time of year,” adds Scott. 

The average price of a single family home in the city of Calgary in January 2010 was $441,217, showing a decrease of 2 per cent from December 2009, when the average price was $451,349, and showing an increase of 7 per cent from January 2009, when the average price was $413,049. The average price of a condominium in the city of Calgary was $282,639, showing a 2 per cent decrease from December 2009, when the average price was $288,640 and a 4 per cent increase over last year, when the average price was $270,940. Average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods, or account for price differentials between geographical areas.

The median price of a single family home in the city of Calgary for January 2010 was $398,000, showing a 1 per cent decrease from December 2009, when the median price was $401,000, and a 6 per cent increase from January 2009, when the median price was $374,700. The median price of a condominium in January 2010 was $265,000, remaining the same as in December 2009, when the median was also $265,000. That’s up 9 per cent from January 2009, when the median price was $243,000.

All city of Calgary MLS^® statistics include properties listed and sold only within Calgary’s city limits. The median price is the price that is midway between the least expensive and most expensive home sold in an area during a given period of time. During that time, half the buyers bought homes that cost more than the median price and half bought homes for less than the median price.

“Affordability is the silver lining in Calgary’s housing market. Even in the face of slowing wage growth—we can see affordability has improved.  Higher prices in 2007 and 2008 left the average family with a maximum buying power of $250,000—while average single family prices pushed well into the $450,000 range. Lower interest rates have enabled these same families to now look at homes in the $350,000 to $375,000 range—closer to average market prices,” says Scott.

Single family listings in the city of Calgary added for the month of January totaled 1,822, an increase of 126 per cent from December 2009 when 806 new listings were added, and showing a decrease of 12 per cent from January 2009, when 2,068 new listings came to the market. Condominium new listings in the city of Calgary added for January 2010 were 951, up 114 per cent from December 2009, when the MLS^® saw 444 condo listings coming to the market. This is an increase of 1 per cent from January 2009, when new condominium listings added were 941.

“The outlook for Calgary is still about energy. Re-starting of investment in Fort McMurray will be needed to boost employment in Calgary.  Undoubtedly Calgary’s economic recovery is still fragile—and improvements in the housing market will be gradual and modest.  The good news is improved housing affordability will make Calgary more attractive to job seekers than in past years,” says Scott.

Photos: 2010 Grammy Highlights

It wasn't for lack of star power, but didn't this year's Grammys manage to be not only over the top but a little...awkward? Stephen Colbert seemed to think he was hosting his own show; moments that should have been inspired--like pairing Lady Gaga and Elton John--seemed forced at times. And let's call a moratorium on supporting casts of stormtroopers and robots, shall we? Still, "the coolest people in the world" managed to induce a few gasps, both great and cringe-worthy. Here, a few of the show's highlights, and lowlights:

Most Overdue (Though Crazy-Underwhelming) Grammy: After being toasted by a dazzling tribute concert earlier in the week for his charitable works by the likes of Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris and Jackson Browne, Neil Young won his first-ever Grammy for...wait for it... best art direction on a boxed or special edition package. (The album was "Archives, Vol. 1.") The musician who's kept us rocking in the free world for four decades deserves something less about the box and more about his musical heart of gold. Long may he run.

Best Utility Infielder: Chanteuse Colbie Caillat, who dueted on not one but two nominated tunes, with Taylor Swift ("Breathe") and Jason Mraz ("Lucky").

Best Sartorial Homage by One Nominee to Another: Lady Gaga's red-carpet Armani dress encircled with layers and hoops of delicate "Halos." Thanks, Beyoncé!

Photos: Lady Gaga | Beyoncé

If Freddy Mercury and the Lucky Charms Leprechaun Had a Love Child: It would be Gaga in her opening number, in emerald green glitter and dueting with Elton John, combining some sweet lyrics from "Your Song" and shout-outs of mutual admiration. Though it was hard not to be a little distracted by Sir Elton, who had some kind of solar system dangling from his right ear that kept snagging on his collar.

Best Backhanded Compliment: Stephen Colbert acknowledging Susan Boyle, "this 48-year-old Scottish cat lady" who saved the music industry. Meow!

That Baby Was Right!: The little dancing viral-video baby who grooved to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" got it early on--that song rules and it deserved Song of the Year.

Best Unbroken Streak of Wacky Award-Show Fashions: Jennifer Lopez did not disappoint, announcing the musical cast of "American Idiot"--wearing half a shower curtain liner.

Most Fake Pretend Shock: Taylor Swift, who's lugged home about 150 awards in the last six months, feigned total and utter surprise ("Me? Really?") when she won Best Country Album--and, OK, we were a little surprised by this--Album of the Year.

Nuttiest Sidekicks: Beyoncé's hip-hop stormtroopers who tromped up the stage with her. How many bodyguards does that girl need? Then again, the homage to Alanis killed. And she oughta know.

Most Creative Use of Garment Pieces: Pink, who crafted a dramatic outfit out of an elongated cowl and a few long white strips.

Worst Seating Ever: Those unfortunate few who ended up directly underneath Pink's drippy mobile, getting sprayed with inexplicable streams of water flying off her in every direction. Arty? Sure. Worth getting your Zac Posen drenched? Not so much.

Second Worst Seating Ever: Whoever the poor schmoe was who had to sit behind Lady Gaga and her towering origami headgear.

When Soft and Sensitive Rocks: Jason Mraz may seem like a weenie, but Grammy voters recognized his charismatic connection with his audience. Not that we're biased.

Hottest-Looking Costume: Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am was encased in some kind of sweat-inducing latex Blue Man Group shrink wrap (with epaulets), but it didn't seem to stop his pumpin' delivery. 

Nor did it mess his hair's side point when he finally ripped off the head.

Welcome to Web 1.20: Not a bad idea to make the stuck-in-the-past Grammy show interactive with an audience vote, but... for favorite Bon Jovi song? Hey, you kids, turn down that tape deck!

Best Imitation of a Whirling Dervish: M.I.A., wearing what looked like a giant hand-quilted bell, with matching giant bell sleeves, in cornflower blue, and matching blue tennies. (We have finally found the limit of the reach of the long arm of Rachel Zoe.)

Britney Makes a Splash: On the red carpet, she looked happy and healthy--but wearing an unfortunate black Esther Williams bathing suit under a wisp of black nylon net.

Oddest Introduction of a Presenter: Robert Downey Jr., on to introduce his "The Soloist" costar, Jamie Foxx, was called "the most self-important actor of his generation." Does Mickey Rourke know?

Red, White and Blues: Great pairing of Zac Brown Band with legendary Oklahoma blues rocker Leon Russell on a set of patriotic country rockers. And loved the lightning-fast "breakdown" Brown played on his guitar, worthy of the best banjo picker or fiddler.

Witchy...and Pitchy: Poor Stevie Nicks had to hear Taylor Swift shoot for the moon--and miss--on the harmonies on "Rhiannon"--which had to hurt. But the veteran players backing them, including the revered Waddy Wachtel, were grooving extra hard in the background, almost willing Taylor to stay on key.

"Put Your 3D Glasses on Now!": The only one who looked cool in those silly specs was will.i.am in his kryptonite wraparounds. Think people in the audience were a little seasick watching the 3D movie and the non-3D singers?

Most Creative Use of Olympic Gold Medals: Sheryl Crow's giant disc earrings that dangled past her collarbone.

Prettiest Little Bird in the Crowd: Rap collaboration co-winner Rihanna, whose hair was sculpted into a rooster comb and whose gown collar was encased in white fluffy feathers. How tweet!

Award-Winner We Most Wish We'd Heard From: Mississippi Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards, 94, who received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, was in the audience, but not asked to sing--despite the fact that the soulful singer still tours rigorously.

Un-Hippest Hip-Hop Speech: Oh, Quentin Tarantino. Though you may be all things to all races, your punk-tu-ated delivery was so not dope, bro.

Coolest Retro Act: Guitarist Jeff Beck (who has a kickass album coming out later this year, so is due for a high-profile comeback) accompanying Irish singer Imelda May on "How High the Moon." It was swingy, rockabillyish and very soulful.

Most Stunning Use of Pop Can Pull-Tabs: Six-award-winner Beyoncé, in an inspired and layered mini that seemed to be made completely of tiny metal rings. Yes, it sounds weird, but it was somehow truly gorgeous. Oh, and she thanked "my husband," Jay-Z, whom she rarely acknowledges publicly. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Z--you've got a lot to celebrate tonight!

IMPERIAL LOFTS - Circa 1910 Fabulous 2 Storey Loft in the Heart of the Inner City! Features soaring 18' ceilings, an entire wall of windows which showcases unobstructed Downtown Views. Gleaming walnut-like laminate flooring, open concept Kitchen with maple Cabinets, new stainless steel appliances, granite counters and stainless steel backsplash. Lofted Master bedroom with gorgeous ensuite and built-in fish tank overlooking the main floor. Main Floor Powder Room. Corner Gas fireplace with steel surround. Custom blinds. Ensuite Laundry and Ample Storage Space and private single Garage Building has great Amenities including a Party / Billiards Room, Exercise Facilities, and a Roof-top Patio! TRUE LOFT living in the Heart of Downtown Calgary Available June 1, 2009

Phenomenal waterfront townhouse in the heart of Mission. Nestled in the midst of mature foliage, wildlife and the river, this fantastic property is sure to capture your soul. At nearly 1,800 sq.ft. on three storeys this home provides all the necessities of our modern world. The main floor hosts a gracious entrance and office/Den area with french doors opening to the world of nature. The second sotrey is comprised of a well-laid out kitchen plan with south exposed windows, tons of cupboard space with clean lines, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring that leads its course through to the living room and dining room. Wonderfully laid out living room with gas fireplace and walls of windows throughout, allowing a phenomal display of natural light. The second storey is home to an amazing Master Bedroom with high vaulted ceilings, huge ensuite, laundry and more. The second bedroom is well-sized and is just steps from the secondary bathroom (4pc.) Truly a unique home worth seeing.

An excellent home, in the heart of Elboya, awaits your arrival. The home is equidistant from parks, schools, and main roadway access, yet tucked away in a quiet location. This two-storey wonder offers over 2,400 sq.ft above grade, four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. The Master Bedroom is a generous size, complete with large south-facing windows, ensuite and walk-in closet with a window that allows natural light. Large second bedroom, currently used as a TV room is large enough to be considered a second Master Bedroom. The washer and dryer are connected on the second floor - an efficient choice for placement. The main floor is home to a beautiful kitchen that opens on to a family room that shares a gas fireplace with the dining room on the opposite side and an office/flex room with large south-facing windows. The entire main floor features beautiful hardwood flooring. This is an exciting new opportunity in Elboya that will not last.