Calgary Villas and Adult Condos

10/20/2026

I’ve added three new Sanderson Ridge videos to my YouTube channel! 🎥

If you’ve ever wondered what this 40+ condo community in Evergreen is actually like, these videos give you a closer look at:

🏡 The exterior and setting of the building
✨ The extensive resident amenities
🛠️ The workshop and hobby space

Sanderson Ridge is one of those buildings where the amenities really are a big part of the lifestyle — and it’s especially interesting for anyone considering downsizing but not wanting to give up the spaces and activities they enjoy.

You can watch the new Sanderson Ridge videos on my YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Z2bUHmAgYIE

And if you’d like more information about Sanderson Ridge or current listings in Calgary’s adult-living condo communities, visit JenniferSipkens.ca.

10/19/2026

🏢 Special Levies: The Condo Expense Nobody Wants to See!

Imagine finding out you owe an extra $10,000 on top of your regular condo fees. 😳

That's the reality of a special levy, and it's something every Calgary condo owner and buyer should understand.

But here's something particularly important if you're buying or selling a condo:

Who pays if a special levy is approved before possession but isn't due until months later?

Under the standard Alberta resale condominium purchase contract, the seller is responsible for special levies approved by resolution on or before noon on Completion Day, regardless of when payment is due — unless the parties have agreed otherwise.

In my updated blog, I explain:

✅ What special levies are and why they happen
✅ Whether condo boards need owner approval
✅ How your portion is calculated
✅ Who pays when a condo is bought or sold
✅ What buyers should look for in condo documents

A special levy isn't necessarily a red flag, but understanding why it's happening can tell you a lot about the financial health of a condominium.

📖 Read the full article here:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/what-is-a-special-levy/

Learn how special levies work in Calgary condos, who pays, how they're calculated and what Alberta condo buyers and owners need to know.

10/16/2026

Thinking about downsizing, but not sure if it’s the right move yet?

Sometimes the best place to start isn’t with listings — it’s with a few honest questions about your home, your lifestyle, and what you want the next chapter to look like.

In this short video, I share 6 questions to ask yourself before downsizing.

They may help you decide whether moving makes sense now, later… or perhaps not at all.

If you’re starting to explore downsizing in Calgary, you can also find more information and 55+ housing options at jennifersipkens.ca

10/15/2026

🏢 What can a condo board actually do in Alberta?

If you’re buying a condo in Calgary, it’s important to understand that you’re not just buying the unit — you’re also buying into a condominium corporation with its own board, bylaws, rules and financial responsibilities.

Condo boards can make decisions about things like:

• Condo fees
• Common property repairs
• Special levies
• Pets
• Renovations
• Parking
• Rentals and occupancy
• Bylaw enforcement

But boards do not have unlimited authority, and there’s an important difference between a registered bylaw and a board-created rule.

I’ve updated my guide to condo boards and bylaws in Alberta, including information on the new Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal introduced in 2026.

If you’re buying a condo, this is one of those topics worth understanding before you remove conditions.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/condo-boards-and-bylaws/

Buying a condo in Calgary? Learn what Alberta condo boards can do, how bylaws and rules work, fines, pets, rentals, special levies and buyer due diligence.

10/14/2026

🏙️ Views, convenience and great amenities at The Renaissance!

This 7th-floor, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers beautiful views toward Nose Hill Park, the mountains and Calgary’s city lights.

Inside, you’ll find an open-concept living and dining area with a gas fireplace, a spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closet and 5-piece ensuite, a second bedroom and full bathroom, in-suite laundry, plus a handy den/storage area.

One of the biggest advantages of living at The Renaissance? You can walk indoors directly to North Hill Mall — giving you easy access to Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, restaurants, medical services and more without stepping outside. The LRT station is right across the street too.

The building also offers an impressive list of amenities including:
• Exercise room
• Library
• Movie theatre
• Social and games rooms
• Hobby room
• Guest suites
• Landscaped gardens and BBQ areas
• 24-hour concierge/security

📍 #705 – 1726 14 Avenue NW, Calgary
🛏️ 2 bedrooms
🛁 2 bathrooms
📐 930 sq. ft.
🚗 Titled underground parking
💰 $430,000

Take a closer look at the listing:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/property-search/detail/46/A2333408/1726-14-ave-nw-calgary-ab-t2n-4y8/

10/13/2026

Thinking about selling your home, but there are still a few repairs or unfinished projects?

You may not need to fix everything before you list.

Some repairs are absolutely worth doing because they can affect how buyers perceive the home, create concerns during an inspection, or turn into negotiation points later. Other projects may not give you enough return to justify the cost.

In my latest blog, I break down:

• Which repairs are usually worth doing
• What can often wait
• When an unfinished renovation matters
• Whether you should renovate before selling
• What Calgary sellers should know about known defects
• When selling “as-is” may make more sense

Before spending thousands getting your home ready for market, it helps to know what buyers are actually likely to care about.

Read the full post here:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/should-you-list-your-home-before-repairs-are-done/

10/07/2026

Buying a home in Calgary? There’s more than one type of insurance you may hear about during the purchase — and they don’t all protect the same person.
🏠 Home insurance
🏢 Condo insurance
📄 Title insurance
💰 Mortgage default insurance
❤️ Mortgage life or disability insurance
🛠️ New-home warranty coverage
I’ve updated my blog to explain what each type of insurance does, which ones may apply to your purchase, and what buyers should be asking before possession.
If you’re buying a condo, there’s also an important distinction between the condo corporation’s insurance and the coverage you need personally.
Read the full guide here:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/insurance-calgary/

Types of Insurance involved in Real Estate including mortgage insurance, title insurance, life/disability insurance and home owner's insurance

10/06/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED | 19 Versant View SW | Alpine Park

Want the fresh feel of a newer home without having to start from scratch?

This 2024 Sterling-built home offers 2,334 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with many of those important extras already taken care of.

✨ 9' ceilings on the main floor
✨ Executive kitchen with two-tone cabinetry & gas cooktop
✨ Large pantry with dedicated coffee bar
✨ Main-floor den
✨ 4 bedrooms upstairs
✨ Bonus room with vaulted ceiling & skylight
✨ 5-piece primary ensuite
✨ Central A/C
✨ Landscaped & fenced yard with deck
✨ Side entrance to the unfinished basement

And when you want to get outside, the community pond, pathways and picnic area are just a short walk away.

You can view the listing HERE https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/property-search/detail/46/A2349209/19-versant-view-sw-calgary-ab-t2y-0w9/

10/05/2026

🏠 Buying or selling an older Calgary home?

If the property was built in the 1960s or 1970s, there’s a chance it may have aluminum wiring — and that can raise questions about safety, insurance and possible upgrades.

The good news? Aluminum wiring doesn’t automatically mean the home needs to be completely rewired.

In my latest blog, I cover:
• why aluminum wiring was used
• what buyers should look for
• what sellers should know
• insurance considerations
• when an electrician should be involved
• whether pigtailing or other repairs may be recommended

If you’re buying an older Calgary home, this is one issue worth understanding before you remove your conditions.

Read the full article: https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/things-to-know-about-aluminum-wiring/

10/03/2026

🏡 Calgary Real Estate Market Update – September 2026
The Calgary market stayed fairly steady in September, but the story looks quite different depending on the type of property.
Detached homes remain relatively balanced, while row homes and apartment condos are seeing more supply and softer pricing.
A few key numbers:
- Overall benchmark price: $566,700, down nearly 1% year over year
- Detached: prices down about 1%
- Row homes: prices down nearly 6%
- Apartment condos: prices down more than 8%
For buyers, increased selection in some parts of the market may create more opportunities. For sellers, understanding what is happening specifically in your property type and neighbourhood is becoming increasingly important.
I’ve broken down the September numbers — including detached, semi-detached, row and apartment condos — in my latest blog post.
👉 Read the full Calgary market update here:
https://www.jennifersipkens.ca/blog/detached-home-sales-improve-in-september/

Market update from CREB for September