SOUTH HILL (RED DEER, AB) | NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE

South Hill, buried between nature and commercial Red Deer, is a unique area that holds a lot of potential for the avid investor. The neighborhood is very walkable due to its proximity to Gaetz Avenue and the amenities nearby. South Hill overlooks the downtown core and is bordered by Waskasoo Creek to the west along Taylor Drive, and Piper Creek to the east along Kin Kanyon and Rotary Park. The Kinsmen have a community centre located along the east side of the neighborhood near Kin Kanyon as well. Property in the area is a large mix, from mobile homes, to apartment complexes, to adult-oriented condos, to detached houses, to duplexes and fourplexes. A large portion of property would be considered to have investment potential, especially due to more flexible zoning (R1A, R2, R3, R4) on lots currently housing single family detached homes.

Photobucket

The Red Deer Regional Hospital is also located at the north edge of the neighborhood, adding value to individuals who would like to be within walking distance of work. Access to the QE2 is also convenient, with Gaetz Avenue and 32 St intersecting the neighborhood.

Activity Last 3 Months:

Sales: 5

Average Days on Market: 69

Average List Price: $155,675

Average Sale Price: $151,480

List: Sale % Obtained: 97.31

If you are interested in more information on what South Hill has to offer, or would like to make an inquiry, please email me.

Maybe you have been thinking about an investment opportunity in Red Deer, or perhaps you are looking for an affordable home with great walkability. Whatever it is you need, I would be happy to supply advice on what may be your best plan of action.

Mike Wiseman

MOUNTVIEW (RED DEER, AB) | NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE

Located on the cusp of downtown Red Deer, overlooking the city from above Waskasoo Creek, lies the neighborhood of Mountview. Situated to the east of Spruce Drive, and directly north of 32 Ave, Mountview is a diverse community that borders on many great outdoor activity areas in town. It also happens to be home to the Red Deer Water Tower, or what many have referred to as the “Green Onion.”

Photobucket

Along the north and west side of the neighborhood, you will find access to the Red Deer trail system, which offers a great way to stay active during the year. Some of Red Deer’s most popular parks, such as Kin Canyon and the Rotary Park, are just a minutes stroll from the edge of the neighborhood as well, not to mention the Farmer’s Market in the summer months.

Photobucket

Other features of the area include tennis courts overlooking the water tower, outdoor hockey rinks and skate shelter in the winter, one of Red Deer’s French Immersion schools (Ecole Mountview Elementary), Sproule’s IDA, and close proximity to Eastview Middle School (NE of the neighborhood) and Eastview Shopping Centre (to the east).

Property in the neighborhood almost entirely consists of single-family detached homes, with a few multi-family units located in the south-southeast portion of the community. Some of the finer locations in Red Deer are found in Mountview, including property along Spruce Drive backing onto the trail system, and Springbett Drive which overlooks Waskasoo Creek and the downtown core to the north.

Activity Last 3 Months:

Sales: 5

Average Days on Market: 45

Average List Price: $247,640

Average Sale Price: $239,400

List: Sale % Obtained: 96.67

If you are interested in more information on what Mountview has to offer, or would like to make an inquiry, please email me.

With the warm weather finally arriving over the last few days, you may be awaking from your winter slumber and thinking about a move in the spring or summer. If you are looking for advice on what may be your best plan of action, I would be more than happy to talk about the options available out there for you.

Mike Wiseman

424 JENKINS DRIVE (JOHNSTONE PARK) | RED DEER REAL ESTATE

Price: $219,900
MLS#: CA299612
Size: 874 sq.ft.
Style: Bungalow
Area: Johnstone Park

Immaculate townhouse in adult oriented Springfield Crossing in Johnstone Park of Red Deer. This condo offers a nice open concept, with an office off of the entry and 1 bed / 1 bath upstairs. Your front-attached garage will keep you defrosted and out of the cold in the winter. Enjoy a warm afternoon in your west-facing backyard, and take advantage of the condo lifestyle without worrying about your exterior maintenance or snow removal.

To view the full MLS Feature Sheet, please click here!

FLAHERTY TOUGHENS LENDING RULES | RED DEER REAL ESTATE

Following many warnings over the past couple of months that there could be drastic changes coming with respect to our mortgage lending rates in Canada, Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced yesterday a few changes to be implemented in order to ensure that Canada does not get into too much trouble with “frivolous lending,”  which could lead to a housing bubble.

With all of the talk of minimum downpayments and lending rates rising, I think a lot of people were a bit afraid of what type of action may be taken. The changes were as follows, and are not as scary as many expected:

• Canadians buying a house with less than 20% down must qualify based on a five-year fixed rate, regardless of what mortgage they get.

• People refinancing their mortgages will be able withdraw a maximum of 90% of the value of their house, down from 95%.

• Property speculators who buy places but don’t live in them, will have to put a minimum of 20% down, up from 5%.

With the dust still settling, I feel the changes were indeed justifiable. The government did not jump the gun with the new regulations, and in the long run these changes will only aid in keeping people out of trouble and ensuring home buyers can afford to make this large investment.

For a full article on the subject, check out this story in the Toronto Sun. If you have any questions or concerns, I am always free to chat with you!

MW

Brad & Krista Howe Memorial Trust | Red Deer News

As I am sure you have all heard on the news about the terrible tragedy that occurred this past weekend in Red Deer. Because of a young individuals irresponsible and inconsiderate actions, two individuals are no longer with us, and leave behind five children and countless others who will undoubtedly be affected by this horrible event.

For a recent article by the Red Deer Advocate, please click here.

After hearing about this, all I can think about is how these five children have had not just one, but both of their parents taken away from them so abruptly. I cannot imagine how this would feel, and it really makes me wonder what can be done to not only do our best to prevent this from happening again, but to help the victims left behind.

It has come to my attention that a Trust Fund has been set up for the children left behind. I have decided that in lieu of holding a contest, it would be more appropriate to simply make a contribution, and encourage everyone out there to do what you can in order to help provide the support necessary to get the family through this tough time.

According to a recently created facebook group (In Memorium-Brad and Krista Howe), donations can be made out as follows:

Make cheques payable to:
Brad & Krista Howe Memorial Trust

and mailed to:
Foam Lake Credit Union
P.O. Box 160
Foam Lake, SK
S0A 1A0

Contributions can be made at any credit union, using the following information:

Route and Transit # 80838-889
Account # 820000016171

If you are out having a good time, and are too intoxicated to drive home, a cab in Red Deer might cost you $20 on the high end. This is a small price to pay to keep the streets safe, and is a much better option than a jail sentence and lives lost. Call a friend, a family member, do whatever it takes to get home safe and ensure everyone else does the same. Life is short, don’t throw it away over a $20 cab fare.

MW