FIRST is offering my clients VIP access to purchasing these units from Feb 25 – 27 before they are released to the general public. All you need to do is let me know that you’re interested and I will register you to get in this limited access and accompany me down to the sales centre on one of the VIP dates.

The Sales Centre will open to the general public on the Feb 28.

Here are some highlights that FIRST has listed to distinguish it from other buildings:

• The place for a five-star view of the Bow and Elbow rivers;
• 24/7front-door access to the riverfront and the reborn RiverWalk;
• A striking example of avant-garde architecture by RAW Design;
• The only building with a rooftop Sky Lounge and WiFi Café lobby;
• The anchor for funky new shops, cool eateries and extraordinary nightlife that will illuminate The Riff’s pedestrian zone;
• Walking and/or biking distance to Downtown, Inglewood, St. Patrick’s Island, the Stampede grounds, the C-Train, the soon-to-be-built National Music Centre and Central Public Library and more.

FIRST will have a mix of studios, one & two bedrooms with the following starting pricing:

• Studio
 from $199,000
• 1 Bedroom from $229,900
• 1 Bed + Den from $279,900
• 2 Bed from $329,900

As you likely know from previous pre-sales, there are generally limited quantities of entry priced units in each category.

To view the floor plans & amenities – click here.

For more information please call me at 403.478.3258 or fill out the form below.

Here’s some info about him:

Kenwick Chui possesses the knowledge and the skill sets required to bring you a lifestyle, rather than just a home. He understands that your home is much more than the sum of its parts

He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Calgary and enjoys traveling abroad. These experiences provide him with a fresh perspective and a professional, yet approachable attitude to every interaction.

While Kenwick brings enthusiasm and energy to the equation, don’t be fooled by his youthful appearance. His clients are of the utmost importance to him and he is committed in providing them with the undivided attention they deserve.

Receptive to the ever-changing needs of his clients, Kenwick is intertwined with the pulse of the city. He is tireless in his dedication in bringing his clients the best results.

I’m looking forward to working with him  and please contact him: 403.680.8675 to buy or sell!

The new tool measures how typical properties are valued in the market rather than relying on average and median prices. In January, for example, the average price declined year-over-year, but only because more homes were sold in the lower-price ranges compared to the previous year, when more luxury home sales occurred.

The MLS® HPI is calculated using a sophisticated statistical model that estimates home prices based on their quantitative and qualitative features that are typical to that neighbourhood, such as square footage, number of rooms above the basement level, number of bathrooms and half-bathrooms, whether the property has a fireplace and/or finished basement, lot size or the age of the property, to name a few.

“The MLS® HPI is the best tool to determine true price trends in the market,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist. “The commonly used average and median prices can be misleading as they are easily affected by the composition of what is sold.”

For buyers and sellers, the MLS® HPI determines what a typical home is valued at in their neighborhood, as well as how this compares to other neighborhoods. In addition, it provides a true price trend for their community.

You can see the index for yourself at www.homepriceindex.ca and please contact me to see how your community is affected by the index.

]]> http://needlav.com/mls-home-price-index-calgary.html/feed 0 http://needlav.com/love-yyc-valentines-day-contest.html http://needlav.com/love-yyc-valentines-day-contest.html#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:18:29 +0000 Lav Daskal http://needlav.com/?p=2726 Read More]]> We’re excited to launch our I Love You In YYC Valentine’s Day contest! All this week if you post a description of your perfect V-Day date on our wall, you’ll be entered to win dinner and a reservation for two at Without Papers Pizza on Valentine’s Day!

Note: to be eligible, you must have liked this page and have followed Without Papers on Twitter (@wopizza).

We’ll choose the best wall post on Friday. So let your romantic side out and win dinner for you and a special someone on Valentine’s Day from Without Papers Pizza in Inglewood and I Love Calgary!

Please contact me to see any of this developments, or if you have any questions.

Tribeca (Bucci Group)

Tribeca is a collection of 82 units, which include one, two and three-bedroom plans that are located in a Mission and is in the pre-construction phase with an anticipated completion in 2013.

The development is to be priced from the lows $200s and sizes from 555 to 1056 Square Feet. Some of the features that are included are Mission brick, durable HardiePlank® siding and natural wood details. Inside, clean simple lines enhance smartly designed open-concept floor plans and designer kitchens, complete with Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances.

Tribeca’s building amenities include heated underground parking, convenient car wash station, bicycle lock-ups and underground storage lockers.

The Guardian (Hon Tower’s)

First (Fram and Slokker)

This development is to be one of the “first” to be built in the new East Village. The developers out of Toronto will be building an 18 storey, 191 unit high-rise to the newly crowned area.

First pricing starts in the mid $200,000 and sizing is yet to be released. Some features to expect are a neutral colour palette in charcoals and light greys. The kitchen is anticipated include a movable custom-designed island with plenty of storage; for sit-down dinners, it seats four,  with the ability to push the island to the side for a buffet if needed. The main bathroom and ensuite offer quartz countertops, raised overmount sink and single-lever chrome faucets.

The condo also has great amenities such as a gym, rooftop garden, cafe lounge and a yoga studio to name a few. First is in pre-construction phase with anticipate completion in 2014.

Evolution (Bossa Developments)

This be the second major development in the East Village and is backed by Vancouver’s Bossa Developments. Evolution was actually named by a local Calgarian through a contest and is to be a mixed-use project taking an enormous 700,000 square feet in 3 towers and offers a total of 600 units.

Evolution is in the pre-construction with not too much more information available. I’m sure they’ll release pricing, unit sizes and floor plans shortly.

Pixel (Battistella)

With the success of Battistella’s prior developments, Chocolate and Colors, both in Victoria Park, it was only a matter of time for them to foray into other Inner City areas. They choose Sunnyside as their next spot. Pixel is a shorter high-rise with 8 storey and offers 101 units.

Pricing ranges from the $200,000 – $600,000 range and floor sizes range from 460 – 1200 Square Feet. Pixel is set to have a mix of studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. Some features include loft-like 9′ ceilings, central air conditioning, in-suite high efficiency front loading washer/dryer and a ‘green roof’ to reduce energy consumption, absorb air pollution and help moderate the urban heat island effect.

Pixel is to be Greenbuilt, which includes dual/low flush toilets, energy star rated appliances, in-site recycling, high efficiency boilers to name a few. Pixel is currently under-construction and is slated to be completed in 2014.

]]> http://needlav.com/top-condos-calgary.html/feed 0 http://needlav.com/januarys-calgary-real-estate-update.html http://needlav.com/januarys-calgary-real-estate-update.html#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:20:57 +0000 Lav Daskal http://needlav.com/?p=2682 Read More]]> Here are January’s Calgary Real Estate numbers which are listed below. The numbers demonstrate that it continues to be a buyer’s market with over 4 months of inventory, but nearing balance.

Overall Calgary Real Estate Market

• YTD Single Family and Condominium sales totaled 1,078
• This was a 1% increase over 2011
• Year-to-date listings remain lower than last year

• Single Family sales were 773
• Single Family sale numbers where down 1% over 2011
• Single Family Calgary home average price - $438,683
• Single Family Calgary home median price - $395,000
• Absorption Rate at 3.8 months of inventory

Calgary Condominiums

• Condominium sales were 310
• Condominium sale numbers down 3% over 2011
• Condominiums in Calgary average price - $280,155
• Condominiums in Calgary median price - $257,875
• Absorption Rate at 4.2 months of inventory

Speed Dating for Calgary Singles with 25dates.com

Location: Vicious Circle
When: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 at 7:00 PM – 10:00PM
Contact: 25dates.com
Email: info@25dates.com
WebSite: www.25dates.com 

Meet 25 singles in one night! Hosted by Canada’s premier speed dating company; 25dates.com (as featured on CNN Headline News). This Speed Dating event is for Men and Women ages 25-35. Come out for this fabulous night which includes hors d’oeuvres and your chance to meet up to 25 singles.

Calgary Boat & Sportsmen’s Show

Location: BMO Centre
When: Thursday, February 09, 2012 to Monday, February 13, 2012 at Thursday, February 9th, 2012 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Contact: Serah Harlingten
Email: infoab@sportshows.ca
WebSite: www.sportshows.ca 

The Calgary Boat & Sportsmen’s Show is Southern Alberta’s largest outdoor extravaganza!! We have the best in the industry joining us, as we get ready to launch summer! This years newest makes and models of boats and quads, along with the newest gear needed for everything in the outdoor enthusiasts world, including the latest products & information in Boating (powerboats, runabouts, cruisers, infl…atables, fishing boats, personal watercraft); Fishing (retailers, educational seminars and destinations); Hunting (gear & lodges) Kayaks, ATV’s, Outdoor Products and Services, Travel Charters, Destinations, Lodges, Outfitters and Resort Properties. Also tons of family entertainment each day.

Juno nominees Sultans of String CD Release

Location: Ironwood Stage
When: Thursday, February 09, 2012 at 8:00 PM
Contact: Patrick McIntyre
Contact Number: 403-269-5581
WebSite: www.ironwoodstage.ca 

On Thurs Feb 9, raucous world-roots string wizards, 2x CFMA winners & JUNO nominees, Sultans of String, are releasing MOVE, a spicy stew of Gypsy jazz, Spanish flamenco, Global roots, and Cuban rhythms at the Ironwood Stage!

Wicked Divas Broadway’s Best 

Location: EPCOR CENTRE”s Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue Southeast
When: Friday, February 10, 2012 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 8pm
WebSite: www.cpo-live.com 

Stars of the hit Broadway musical Wicked join the CPO for a concert of diva show-stoppers. Favourites from Wicked, My Fair Lady, Chicago and the music of Liza Minelli and Barbra Streisand light up the stage. To purchase tickets visit www.cpo-live.com or call 403.571.0849.

ArtaWEARness XII

Location: Orpheus Theatre at SAIT
When: Friday, February 10, 2012 to Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 8:00
Contact: Patricia Zyrinn
Email: artawearness@yahoo.ca
WebSite: www.artawearness.com 

This is a yearly wearable art extravaganza that showcases work by ACAD students. Buy your tickets online at www.showclix.com/event/artawearnessxii. Tickets will be $17/$20 at the door and will be available online in early December.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra – An Evening of Romance – the music of Chet Baker and Billie Holiday

Location: River Park Church, 3818 14A Street, Calgary AB
When: Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Contact: Calgary Jazz Orchestra
Email: info@calgaryjazzorchestra.com
WebSite: www.calgaryjazzorchestra.com 

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra (CJO) will be performing the music of Chet Baker and Billie Holiday featuring Johnny Summers and Johanna Sillanpaa on vocals just in time for Valentine’s Day. Come celebrate your love and passion for music as the CJO interacts with each other and the audience to create a vibrant and engaging experience.

TD Winterfest on Family Day 

Location: Olympic Plaza – 222 – 8th Avenue S.E.
When: Monday, February 20, 2012
Contact: Lynzey MacRae
Email: td.calgary@td.com
WebSite: www.tdlocal.com/calgary 

Looking for fun, FREE, family entertainment right here in Calgary? Bring the whole family down to TD Winterfest at Olympic Plaza on Family Day, Monday, February 20th, 2012 from 11a.m. – 5p.m. You’ll be treated to live music, live ice sculpting, ice café, snowman and ice castle building. Meet, skate with and have your photo taken with Calgary Hockey Greats Jamie Macoun and Colin Patterson. Bring your skates and bundle up – it’ll be a great day for the whole family!

Reel Fun Film Festival 

Location: Empire Theatres
When: Monday, February 20, 2012 to Monday, February 27, 2012 at see below
WebSite: www.reelfunfilmfest.com 

Feb 20 to 26 There’s something for everyone, all budgets and every age during the seven days of premiere screenings, award-winning and international family films. Visit www.reelfunfilmfest.com for show times, prices and locations.

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance

Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
When: Friday, February 24, 2012 at 8:00 PM
Contact: MagicSpace Entertainment
Contact Number: (403) 297-8000
Email: kim.m.smith@gov.ab.ca
WebSite: http://www.magicspace.net/calgary-alberta/lord-of-the-dance-calgary/?utm_source=calgaryarea_CalgaryL 

Fall in love with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, coming to The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, AB, on Friday, February 24, 2012 for one performance. Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance, a classic Irish folk tale of good versus evil, as well as a passionate love story that is expressed through exhilarating dance numbers.

Volunteer Open House – Workshop Theatre

Location: Easterbrook Theatre at the Community Arts Centre at the Currie Barracks on February 26, 2012 at 1:00
When: Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Contact: Shelby
Email: info@workshoptheatre.org
WebSite: www.workshoptheatre.org 

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a play? Ever wanted to be a part of the magic? This is your opportunity!
Come check out Calgary’s longest running community theatre organization , and get more information on available volunteer positions and information on Workshop Theatre’s upcoming season.This event includes tickets to see our production of “In the Heat of the Night” directed by Michael Brown starting at 1:30 p.m. There will be an information session about Workshop Theatre, as well as snacks and refreshments, and a tour of the theatre. Please RSVP by February 19, 2012 to info@workshoptheatre.org

French Impressionism 

Location: Jack Singer Concert Hall (205 – 8 Avenue SE, Calgary)
When: Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:30 PM
Email: calgarycivicsymphony@gmail.com
WebSite: www.calgarycivicsymphony.ca 

Tickets $15 (general admission) / FREE (children under 6)
Tickets are available by calling (403) 670-5430, on-line at www.calgarycivicsymphony.ca, or at the door
Information: Call (403) 670-5430 or visit www.calgarycivicsymphony.ca for more information

The Calgary Civic Symphony takes the occasion of a French composer Claude Debussy’s 150th birthday to explore the moods and colours of the two greatest French impressionists – Debussy and Ravel. Often called one of the most important composers in history, French composer Claude Debussy was influenced by Impressionist paintings and Romantic literature. Himself a pianist, Debussy shared a natural French preference for woodwinds in his orchestral writing. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s legendary principal clarinetist Steve Amsel joins the orchestra for Debussy’s Premiére Rhapsodie. Composed in 1910, it is one of Debussy’s few pieces for solo wind instruments.

]]> http://needlav.com/february-2012-calgary-events.html/feed 0 http://needlav.com/jurees-thai-place.html http://needlav.com/jurees-thai-place.html#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:39:34 +0000 Lav Daskal http://needlav.com/?p=2603 Read More]]> Feeling the need to satisfy a hankering for something a little different, my wife and I, along with a few friends headed over to Juree’s Thai Place. It is located just off 16th Avenue and 19th Street NW in the old Burger King and while that seems a pretty unlikely location for a Thai restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised by the transformation. Once inside, it is nearly impossible to discern that a fast-food establishment ever existed in what is now a Thai-inspired haven. The restaurant achieves a nice coziness, with greenery, bamboo, statues and photos.

After being seated at our table, we looked over the expansive menu, which has the usual Thai fare, and also a very large “Western” menu, which we essentially ignored. We decided to start with some appetizers consisting of chicken satay with peanut sauce and veggie spring rolls. Both of these were nice smaller portions of 6, so they were easy to share and quite tasty. We then selected our main dishes along with coconut rice. These dishes consisted of: matsamun curry chicken, red curry chicken, spicy noodles, chicken with cashews, beef salad and fish with chili sauce. We asked for the dishes in varying levels of spiciness, but overall, we found nothing was very spicy in spite of the request to have certain items made “Thai hot”.

Matsamun curry is one of my favorite Thai curries and I especially enjoy the thicker sauce that I have experienced when tasting this dish in the past at other restaurants. The curry here, while still had the matsamun taste, was more runny and a bit more oily. I also found the red curry to be the same. Overall, the food was good, but I wouldn’t rank this as a great thai food experience, although I did like the big variety of the menu and the service. Prices are on par with many other Thai restaurants (appetizers ranging around $9.00 and main dishes around $15.00).

For a casual Thai experience, I would head to Juree’s again and it looks like they have a lunch buffet, which might be worth a try.

1. If you’re considering buying a home in a community that is unfamiliar to you, get to know its lay-out, offerings, and ambiance.  Take some time to walk or drive through the neighbourhood, both during the day and at night, familiarizing yourself with the sights, sounds, and smells.

2. What amenities does the neighbourhood have to offer?  Is public transportation readily accessible?  Are there schools, churches, parks, or grocery stores within reach?  Consider visiting schools in the area if you have children.

3. What is the nature of the job market in the area? Keep in mind that if area employers are producing more jobs, you can expect property values to increase, especially if the jobs offered fall within a higher salary bracket.

4. Speak with the neighbours. Ask questions. They can offer you a wealth of information, from an inside perspective.

5. How will you be affected by a new commute to work? Drive the route between the new neighbourhood and your office during the appropriate times to gauge the volume of traffic you could expect to encounter, and the amount of time you’d need to put aside for daily travel.

6. Contact local land-use and zoning officials to determine existing development plans or potential for development in the area. A strong agenda for neighbourhood planning and local zoning will increase the value and draw of a neighbourhood. Keep in mind that any large, tree-covered area may be a target for future development in popular communities.

7. Determine whether financial resources have been put in place to support infrastructure projects in the area. These construction projects might include building, replacing, or improving anything from schools to roads, and are usually part of a city or town’s long-term plan. While disruptive, construction could also be a benefit to your experience of a community, influencing the long-term value of the area.

Please fill out the form below to request a buyers’ package or contact me if you any specific questions regarding any neighbourhood.

Join us for an information session where we will be covering the basics of buying a home and walk you through the entire process step-by-step from start to finish.

You will also save $600, just for attending!

Our qualified team includes:

- Lav Daskal (Realtor, Remax iRealty Innovations) 

- Felix Chan (Mortgage Associate, MyMortgage)

- Khalil Haji (Real Estate Lawyer, KH Law) 

Minimize your chances of making mistakes, learn how to be financially prepared, and know what to expect.

RSVP to this FREE event today! Seats are limited, so don’t miss your chance to learn about the home buying process step-by-step.

Snacks and beverages will be served; door prize included!

Whatever your Real Estate needs may be, our professional team has you covered.

Feel free to forward this invite to your friends, family or colleagues who might be interested in this educational session.

We look forward to seeing you there!