From ceiling height to natural light, closing dates to interest rates, home hunting presents one critical decision after the next!
Whether you are a new-home newbie or a veteran real estate dealmaker with an eye on a future purchase, University District shines a light on townhomes and whether this style of residence may be worth closer consideration!
Photo Credit: U/D resident, Sam Lau
Decidedly urban, townhomes were historically second homes of the well-to-do in England who lived primarily in country estates and came into the city periodically for ball season or other occasions. They loved the lock-and-leave convenience, the distinction of a private entry as well as paramount proximity to amenities and social events.
Striking a balance between a more central location and uncompromising size, a townhouse has been a centuries-old ideal choice for homeseekers. The same appeal holds true to this day here in Calgary.
At University District, current offers include the final remaining spacious and elegant brownstones of Noble by Truman situated on Kovitz Lane. Bright and sleek for those who adore room-to-roam at home with more than 2,057 square feet of living space including 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and rooftop decks. Learn more about the available options here or visit the Discovery Centre today.
Noble by Truman
Curious about the inspiration for NOBLE? We sat down with its development team to learn about its landmark contribution to U/D. Read all about it here.
New on the University District townhome scene is Brookfield’s launch of sparkling three-storey show homes in the Ivy: two-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Olivine and the two- or three-bedroom 2.5 bathroom Reseda models. Both feature double attached garages!
For more information visit ivy.brookfieldresidential.com online!
With the release of these stylish contemporary townhouse show suites, U/D and its builder partners at Brookfield are especially excited to weigh in on what is prompting the popularity of this style of home for Calgarians. All these reasons and more led Brookfield to introduce the IVY townhomes, prominently placed at the entry to our growing community.
Stacey Reive, Community Manager with The Ivy at University District answered some key questions about its latest townhome offer and the lure of the townhome lifestyle!
Ivy by Brookfield Residential
“Let’s explore the advantages of modern townhouse living,” says Stacey. “Despite all of the options and choices homebuyers face at University District and throughout Calgary, for many people the benefits of buying a townhome make the decision more streamlined and straightforward. Here are our top-five reasons-why.”
Once the pros and cons of selling a traditional family home have been weighed and measured, discussed and determined, townhome living may be the preferred choice for people seeking to simplify life. If the leap to condo life is too great, a townhome has the feel of a single family house – with an open concept, spacious home with larger square footage to more traditional walk-up entrances — but the convenience of lower maintenance, like a condo! The Ivy offers three distinct plans including three-bedrooms with up to 1,816 square feet of living space.
One appealing factor that stands out for many townhome dwellers is the fact that they share fewer walls with a townhome than they do in a more traditional condo. We hear it said that there is a sense of more privacy and personal space with a neighbour on one side or another versus above and below or across a hall. If you are lucky enough to purchase a highly sought after end home you are only sharing one wall.
Ivy by Brookfield Residential
More like a traditional detached home, with a townhouse, you and your guests can enjoy a private entrance to come and go. This added threshold space is another opportunity to personalize – from character door mats to seasonal planters. Similarly, our Ivy townhomes give that private and handy perk of an attached garage. Again, an opportunity to expand and personalize your living area. Maybe neon gas signs are your thing? Racks, hooks and baskets to store sporty stuff? Or hang a boxing bag in the corner for workouts! Lastly, having your own personal entrance and parking garage increases your peace of mind.
Cut time or cut grass? Which would you rather? With lower maintenance living than a traditional detached home, you can free up precious hours and days in summer to enjoy other pursuits. With the University District’s plans for exceptional greenspace, you are unlikely to miss that feeling of being at one with nature without a garden plot to tend or worry about. The lack of lawn also frees you up to travel and not have to schedule or pay for someone to manage your garden if venturing away. If you do have a green thumb or love to garden The Ivy offers its home owners a community garden located in the central courtyard to grow your very own organic veggies and herbs!
The lure of living in a community like University District over traditional suburban neighbourhoods or downtown condos is the townhome option (with all the aforementioned benefits) PLUS the perks of a location packed with shopping, medical, dining, recreational and other community draws. All of these are available with the selection of roomy, relaxed lifestyles townhomes offer. The choices at University District will surprise you and help with the decision to downsize or upsize, depending on your life situation and goals!
Live like you are on vacation. U/D places major emphasis on everything located within walking distance, boasting amazing walkability with a walk score of 90! The 3rd community in all of Canada to be designated LEED-ND Platinum, residents can look forward to exploring many parks and greenspaces!
If you are wondering whether to sell up or downsize, we have a guide to help you decide! Take a look here.
Whether you opt for a townhouse or not, now is the time for house hunters to start the search! Heading into Spring house hunting season, we have a handy checklist to help you decide where and what matters to you and other essentials from financing to streamlining.
Ivy by Brookfield Residential
Make a visit to the bank to talk with a financial advisor to get a clear picture of what makes money sense for you! A dollars and cents health check with an advisor or lender will bring you current with lending options and rates, terms and budgeting. Realtor fees, closing costs, taxes and fees, mortgage pre-approvals can all be determined with expert help before you start your Spring search.
Professional experts and your relationships with them in advance of a move makes sense. Like the saying goes: be ready to be ready! Meet a realtor to look at the market trends and talk through personal and family priorities with a trusted 3rd party. Reach out to your legal go-tos, whether a lawyer or a notary and apprise them of your plans. They can then be on stand by to help navigate paperwork and important legal matters during the buying and selling days ahead.
House hunting is one of the most important moves you can make in defining your future! Step back and assess your personal situation taking in the big picture of your life now and forecasting your future best you can! How is your health and family health history? Proximity to preventative perks — like stores with organic food, parks to play and stay fit — and more immediate access to health care professionals, nearby friends and family are all important to consider. Considerations like these are important to keep in mind and why U/D is garnering the awards and attention it has!
U/D is prized for its place on the map: close to the University of Calgary campus, accessible to transit, near the hospital, close to well planned greenspaces, shopping steps from homes and the list scrolls on! Give some thought to the location you map out when searching for homes. Check the walk score for proximity to:
Look before you leap! Giving 360-degree consideration to all of the factors that make your house a home are good to ponder while in your current space, flipping through magazines, newspapers and websites for future dream-home options.
Keep a mental and written note that prioritizes factors like square footage, modernity of buildings, garage and parking options, storage space, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen flow and storage, style of home, type of construction, builder reputation and ease of maintenance, eco friendly features, privacy, security, decks and patios, guest accommodations, built-in technology, natural light. Order these and remind yourself of what matters to you before you embark on this exciting step towards your future.
Go online and check out the new showhomes at the IVY and the available last townhomes at NOBLE.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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