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If I had a million dollars I would buy me a Condo.

I recently bought a lottery ticket, and when buying a lottery ticket we think about the possibilities. Naturally I began to think of the penthouse condo I would buy. There is a lot of inventory on the Calgary condominium market right now, so there is a lot to choose from.

This unit is listed for $899,500 in the River West Building located in downtown Calgary's west end. Offering an amazing view of the river and downtown Calgary. The unit is 1915 ft.² including two parking stalls. River west also has the amenities of a pool shared between the two towers and a gym. This is a fantastic buy.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3436052/

This next unit is located in the prestigious building 5 West that was completed in 2006 and located in downtown Calgary's west end. It is listed for $1,100,000. This amazing 2122 sq. ft. condo with 2 bedrooms with ensuites and walk in closets and a den which can serve as a 3rd bedroom, 2.5 baths and great open living space is a great deal at $518/sq. ft. This condo is located on the 23rd floor and enjoys views of the Bow River, Rocky Mountains and Downtown Skyline. This unit also includes two parking Stalls. 5 West has great amenities including Daily Concierge, Visitor Parking and a Party Room.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3404723/

This next unit is located in West Point Plaza. Located in downtown Calgarys West End. Listed at $1,149,900. It is an air conditioned penthouse apartment condo on the 21^st floor. Very spacious with just under 2700 sq ft including 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Unobstructed mountain, river and downtown views that you can view on your two decks. Also featuring two titled parking stalls.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3444317/

This unit is in the Union Square building located in Victoria Park. Listed for $1,490,000. This breathtaking example of luxury home boasts a specification list that is incomparable in today's market. It includes trusted names like; Sub Zero, Wolf, Viking, Hansgrohe, Ceasarstone, Colin Campbell Studio Line, Toto, Bosch Axxis and Andrea Raimondi. The finishings are perfect featuring; bali-stone & porcelain tile, Brazilion mahogany engineered hardwood, 12"x24" honed limestone, wool carpet, premium carpet and cabinetry. The 2216 sq.ft two storey penthouse has an impeccable design, it's open and airy with full height windows to take advantage of the corner exposures, two private decks that wrap almost the whole main floor, an "infinity" bar, dream walk in closet, two oversized bedrooms, a den, library complete with a connoisseurs wine room finished with a 147 bottle wine chiller & tasting area. Two prime heated secure parking stalls/storage

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3429640/

This next unit is located in Victoria Park and is listed for $2,500,000 . This is One of the finest penthouse examples in Calgary. Custom designed and built for the developer by the developer. Truly a magnificent example of modern luxury. The specification list is remarkable with features like a "Chef's" gourmet kitchen outfitted with Gangenau appliances, custom Cesar Stone counters, built in warming drawer, steam oven, oversized wall oven and convection oven with microwave, cappuccino machine and serving counter, gas cook top with grill, dual zone wine storage and custom swedish walnut/ash & bamboo cabinetry. The floor plan is 2 story, orientated to extract every ounce of view of downtown, the beltlne and the Rocky Mountains. The plan includes a "cathedral ceiling" great room with wall to wall windows with west & north exposures along with a sitting area with built ins. The home features two master bedrooms with spa like ensuites with every conceivable want, a Alex Caldwell "floating" staircase, media room a main floor balcony and a 1500 +-s.f roof top terrace with hot tub.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3442458/

This unit is located in beautiful Eau Claire and is listed for $2,800,000 . Gorgeous two-level penthouse overlooking Prince's Island Park. Fantastic location with quick access to the Bow River pathway system, the Eau Claire YMCA. An elevator whisks you up and into your suite - a fully air conditioned home built for fine living and entertaining, 5800 sq feet of richly finished space offer fabulous view in all directions. Huge deck with gas BBQ and heater opens from kitchen, dining room and great room. The second level is comprised of an exercise area and entertainment room - each opens to its own deck, as well as another large deck with a hot tub! Main floor houses a gourmet kitchen with double fridges, gas cooktop, large island, master suite with dressing room and his/her baths, den with fireplace. This is a gated community; you have 3 titled parking stalls as well as lots of indoor and outdoor visitor parking. Wonderful easy lifestyle with restaurants, entertainment, the Bow River paths, shopping - all yours within minutes.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3426346/

This last unit is the most expensive one in the bunch, but trust me it is impressive. Located in Eau Claire and listed for $4,497,000. This fabulous 4400 sq ft home has views to forever - city, mountain and a plethora of windows, decks and patios from which to enjoy them. Opulent, spectacular, elegant yet warm and restful; this is a home for enjoying - whether alone, entertaining a small gathering or a large crowd. The home flows from one room to another and spills out to the wonderful outdoor living space. The rooms are like the view - grand, and highlighted by an airy atrium with a huge fountain! Commercial grade Denca kitchen has everything you could dream of, butler's pantry with wet bar. Three spacious bedrooms - each with ensuite - the master is absolutely sumptuous. Floors are beautiful Travertine; wool carpeting in the bedrooms. Fabulous built-ins through out the home as well as a sound system. Three titled parking stalls, storage locker and all the amenities, such as wine room, that the Princeton Grand affords. Truly magnificent.

http://calgary-condominiums.ca/idx/condo/C3415425/

If any of these Condo's don't tickle your fancy or you are looking for something more modest you can do a search on my website www.calgary-condominiums.ca for free. No sign up or log in required.

All new listings in the Calgary Downtown area are featured on the first page of my website www.Calgary-Condominiums.ca

Listings are updated hourly. Make Calgary-Condominiums.ca your source for condo information. Many pre-searches by area are already done for you. No log in is required for you to get up-to-date and complete information.

I am a certified condo specialist so if you do find your dream condo I am right here to answer any questions you may have regarding condo documents, reserve funds or the many other issues condo buyers face. You can call me at 403-294-1500 with any questions you may have.

A mortgage isn't something you sgn once very few years and then forget about it. As we all know, life can change substantially in a year, and a regular review can help ensure that your mortgage is still the right fit for your financial situation.

5 common reasons to revisit your mortgage:

- Lowering monthly payments: Renegotiating for a lower interest rate.

- Paying down your mortgage faster: If you receive extra cash like tax refund, work bonus, think about putting it toward your mortgage.

- Debt consolidation: transferring high-interest credit cards, car loans into your mortgage at lower interest rate.

- Securing a Home Equity Line of Credit:It can help you access lower cost funds for investing.

- Improving credit: A mortgage professional can coach you on how to improve your credit score, which can help you work toward future goals.

I just came across of an article and according to it, the recent study shows that Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa were among the largest cities that are attractive to migrants. The cities were assessed in the following categories: education, health, society, economy, environment, innovation and housing.Of course Vancouver was voted for its warm climate and cultural diversity. Calgary was placed on the top of the list for its economy and strength in the housing category. Ottawa received high ranking for education and innovation. Interestingly nothing was mentioned about health care or environment. I guess it is always an issue in a bigger cities. What do you think?

There have been a lot of changes over the past few years in a condominium market in Calgary. Fueled by a sadden demand about 3 years ago builders reacted by starting a number of a new large projects, especially high rise condominiums in downtown. Lots of condos were bought by investors and that created oversupply. Because of the economic downturn some of the projects were put on hold or cancelled which somewhat leveled supply and demand. According to statistics Calgary market is absorbing about 180 newly-built condos per month and about 400 unit on resale market. This means that buyers who are considering condo living should be out shopping.

Condominiums are the perfect choice for all generations, offering an affordable entrance to home ownership as well as a lifestyle for empty-nesters. Before buying, it's important to know that condo living comes with paying monthly fees and the amount of those fees determines how much home you can afford. When looking for a condo, finding the best value is all in the combination of the price, the location and the monthly fees. Speak to your mortgage expert and real state agent before moving forward with a purchase to learn more about condo fees and rules of ownership and avoid paying for perks that may not suit your lifestyle. When mortgage lender calculates how much they will loan to you, they count half of your monthly fees. So by choosing a property where the monthly fees are lower, you can boost your purchasing power.

Some other tips:

- Check the reserve fund.

Is there enough to cover the cost of repairs to common elements? Check Estoppel certificate and condo corporation's annual meeting minutes.

- Find out what your condo fees cover.

- Think twice about upscale amenities.

Such buildings require higher condo fees. Will you use these features enough?

- Check with the management company if building is occupied mainly by owners or renters.

- Check bylaws governing your condo development such as household pets, gas bbqs, renting the unit, working from home, etc.