During last year’s election campaign, the Liberal party proposed a ban on “blind bidding” for homes. In the current system used across the country, the buyer's offer are kept secret during the bidding process.

Blind bidding has been partly blamed for accelerating price gains in a hot market, with properties sometimes selling for hundreds of thousands over the asking price. Some argue that secret bidding forces each potential buyer to offer as much as they can.

The industry body for Canada's real estate agents has now backed away from its defence of the practice.

The Canadian Real Estate Association announced a pilot project to display offers in real time on properties listed on its own listing website, realtor.ca.

“Multiple-offer scenarios have become an increasingly commonplace in today’s real estate environment,” Michael Bourque, the association’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Canadian property buyers and sellers seek greater confidence in the process.” The press recently announced that the pilot test will begin in select markets in the summer of 2022.

What the future holds for blind-bidding in this country, we are still unsure. But Canada could soon adopt a new way on the way we buy and sell real estate.

Alpine Park - SW

This community's new urbanist design was built around a dynamic mix of housing choices that put people first and encourages neighbourliness. Located off Stoney Trail and west of Evergreen.

Ambleton - NW

Nestled in the heart of northwest Calgary and within walking distance to the already established community of Evanston, this brand-new community will have everything you will need. Stay awhile and enjoy the views.

Belvedere - SE

In a premium location adjacent to the East Hill Shopping Centre and only 15 minutes from downtown, Belvedere is destined to become one of Calgary’s most sought after communities.

Glacier Ridge - NW

Find the perfect balance between urban lifestyle and wild frontier – fulfilling Calgary’s namesake as the “Gateway to the Rockies”. Follow Shaganappi Trail north to 144th Avenue, turn left, and follow 144th Avenue west until you reach 69th.

Homestead - NE

Discover Calgary's new northeast, with easy access to major roadways like Stoney Trail and Metis Trail - This community is located just east of Taradale.

Rangeview - SE

Rangeview will be a vibrant gathering place for neighbours to connect, surrounded by amenity-rich residential living, community gardens, and so much more. This new development is south of Mahogany.

Rockland Park - NW

Rockland Park has an exciting story to tell – one that celebrates connections to the land, to nature, to history, to family, and to four seasons. Rockland Park will be place to connect with nature and each other. This scenic community is located in the upper NW near Tuscany.

What are Condo Fees?

Condo fees refers to a levy paid by every property owner in a condominium complex to cover ongoing maintenance cost. The fee is often based on the size of the condo unit, the amenities that the building offers, and any anticipated annual expenses. Oftentimes buyers look for the property with the lowest condo fees, however, if that low fee is not covering the expenses and required savings for future repairs and upgrades, then a special assessment is inevitable. Good financial stewardship is very important to the health of a condominium corporation.

What do Condo Fees Cover?

Condo fees typically cover utilities (water, heat, garbage collection), building insurance, contribution to the reserve fund, regular maintenance and improvements to the common areas (gym, hallways, social rooms, parkade), and services for the condominium (concierge, security, cleaners, gardeners, management).

Clarity on Condominiums:

One of the biggest misconceptions about condominiums is what exactly a condominium is. Many consumers believe a condominium is an apartment-style property in a complex which offers amenities for its residence. Although this may be accurate, it is not the whole story, as a condominium can be almost anything from an apartment or townhouse to the lot under a single-family detached home or a 10-acre parcel of rural land. The reason for this is that a "condominium" is a type of corporate ownership of a project, rather than simply owning a piece of real estate.