As single family home prices continue to increase, condominiums such as apartments and townhouses are becoming the choice of many first time home owners but is condo living right for you?. 

Condo living isn’t for everyone.  Some people prefer the privacy of a single family home, need the extra space and aren’t crazy about sharing a common area with their neighbours.  It comes down to deciding what works for you.

If you are on the fence, there are four important advantages to consider:

You don’t need to think twice about leaving town. 

If you travel often, condo living is a great option.  There is no need to worry about who will collect the mail or mow the lawn.  Seniors, in particular, can head down south when the winter strikes without worrying about who will maintain their home while they are away.

Your ideal location is probably within your budget. 

Do you love living near shops and restaurants?  Finding a single family home in a highly sought after neighbourhood is tough for first-time buyers, but condo developments often offer the next best thing.  Developers generally choose areas that are close to transit with easy access to highways and recreation.

You don’t need to worry about costly exterior maintenance.

 Replacing a driveway or roof is a significant cost associated with home ownership.  Condo fees vary by development, but in most cases, they cover all exterior maintenance.  A well-managed condo association will make sure the building is properly cared for.

You get to enjoy the social aspect of condo living.

 Living alone doesn’t have to feel lonely, when you are surrounding by like-minded people.  Certain complexes are ideal for social young professionals, while other buildings cater more towards retiree. The best way to see if condo living is right for you is to go see a few properties for yourself.  An online listing will show you a home’s best features, but seeing a few condos in person will really give you an idea of what the experience is like.

For more information about purchasing a condominium, check out this useful guide by CMHC

I’m sure our neighbours were so happy when the for sale sign went up on our “lawn” in Calgary. We weren’t good lawn people. If you didn’t water and fertilize your lawn, you didn’t need to cut it. Simple! Our neighbour’s lawns grew so well that they had to cut it twice per week and at different angles.

The traditional suburban lawn has long been a symbol of beauty and status. However, as we become more aware of the environmental challenges we face, it’s crucial to reevaluate the impact of our choices on the planet. Surprisingly, lawns, which seem harmless at first glance, can have a significant environmental footprint. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why lawns are not environmentally friendly and explore alternative solutions for our outdoor spaces.

1. Water Consumption

Lawns require vast amounts of water to maintain their lush appearance. In many regions, watering lawns contributes to excessive water consumption, especially during dry seasons or in areas prone to drought. In Okotoks, there are restrictions and schedules that you need to be aware of. This high demand for water depletes local water supplies, stressing ecosystems and creating water scarcity issues. Considering that water is a finite resource, it’s important to question whether maintaining a lawn is the best use of this precious commodity.

2. Chemical Dependency

The quest for perfect lawns often leads to a heavy reliance on pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Pesticides and herbicides can contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life and disrupting fragile ecosystems. Synthetic fertilizers contribute to nutrient runoff, which can lead to harmful algal blooms in lakes and coastal areas. Additionally, the overuse of chemicals can degrade soil quality over time, making it less fertile and reducing its ability to support diverse plant life.

3. Energy Consumption

Maintaining a manicured lawn requires a significant amount of energy. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment rely on fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The collective impact of millions of lawns being maintained with gas-powered equipment should not be underestimated. Transitioning to more sustainable landscape maintenance practices, such as using electric or manual tools, can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. There’s also the beer to think about if one has a ride on mower. One needs an entire extra fridge for that!

4. Loss of Biodiversity

Lawns typically consist of a single type of grass, providing a uniform and monotonous landscape. This uniformity eliminates habitats for native plants, insects, and wildlife that are crucial for biodiversity. By replacing diverse natural ecosystems with manicured lawns, we disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, reducing the availability of food and shelter for a variety of species. Embracing native plants and creating natural, wildlife-friendly habitats in our outdoor spaces can help restore biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

5. Opportunity Cost

The large expanse of lawns often means missed opportunities for other land uses that could be more environmentally beneficial. Transforming lawns into productive vegetable gardens, native plant habitats, or even rewilded areas can provide multiple benefits. Vegetable gardens promote local food production, reduce food transportation emissions, and encourage sustainable consumption. Native plant gardens attract pollinators, improve soil health, and enhance local biodiversity. By reimagining our outdoor spaces, we can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Maybe we were on to something… although I’m pretty sure the weed killer would have come out if planted anything other than grass seed.

Let’s talk about timing and why you should have at least 2 weeks between condition day and possession day. Trust me when I say that having a comfortable two-week gap between these two milestones is an absolute game-changer. Let me break it down for you.

First things first, what exactly do we mean by “condition removal” and “possession”? Well, condition removal is the point in the transaction when all the  conditions outlined in the purchase agreement are met and satisfied. It’s like crossing the finish line – you’re almost there! On the other hand, possession is the magical moment when you officially take ownership of your new property. It’s the key to your dream home being handed over to you, and it’s oh-so-exciting.

Now, here’s why having a two-week gap between condition removal and possession is a stroke of genius. It gives you the breathing room you need to tie up any loose ends, make necessary arrangements, and ensure a smooth transition into your new abode. Let’s break it down further:

1. Time for due diligence: Before you close the deal, you want to make sure that everything is in order. Having those extra two weeks will allow you to conduct a final walkthrough, check for any unexpected issues, and ensure that the property is exactly as it should be before you make it your own.

2. Finalizing finances: The two-week gap provides an excellent opportunity to finalize all financial matters. You can ensure that your down payment and closing costs (check with your lawyer regarding the final fund amount you need before running to the bank to get that final bank draft), coordinate with your lender, and take care of any outstanding paperwork. This way, you can avoid last-minute stress and enjoy a seamless transition into your new home.

3. Scheduling logistics: Moving is no small feat, my friends. It requires planning, coordination, and a touch of strategic genius. Having at least two weeks between condition removal and possession not only gives your lawyer time to gather the documentation for your file and find a convenient time to meet with you, but it also allows you to line up your moving trucks, cleaners, and schedule utility installations. BTW, best practice is to arrange these for mid to late afternoon on possession day. 

4. Contingency cushion: Life happens, vacations happen and sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. Having at least a two-week buffer between condition removal and possession gives you a safety net. If any surprises pop up, such as last minute document requirements from the lender, you’ll have the flexibility to address them without feeling rushed or pressured.

So, my friends, there you have it – a solid argument for why having at least a  two-week gap between condition removal and possession is a no-brainer. It’s the secret ingredient that ensures a stress-free and seamless transition into your new home. Remember, timing is everything in real estate, and this strategic move will undoubtedly give you the upper hand.

As always, if you have any questions or need guidance through your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you ace this game and make your dreams a reality.