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2022 Blogs

What To Do With A Week at Gleniffer Lake

As summer begins in full swing, the majority of Albertans have one thought on their minds – I need a vacation! We couldn’t agree more and we’ve got the perfect spot for you to bring your family, including the family dog, for a much-needed getaway. Here’s why you’ll want to spend a week at Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club!

 

Not only is Gleniffer Lake Resort close to home, under a two-hour commute from both Calgary and Edmonton, but it’s also like having a beachside resort in your backyard. The resort is situated on the shores of the crystal clear blue waters of Gleniffer Lake and offers some truly gorgeous views at sunrise and sunset. You can catch those beautiful skies on the lake if you like; bring your boat! We’ve got plenty of boat slips for you to store your vessel and perhaps you’ll love the area so much you’ll be interested in purchasing! Renting has never been easier with our available units and you can find the perfect place to stay for you and the kids. In fact, make it an extended family trip and invite your parents too! We’ve got the space!

 

Once you arrive, there’s plenty to keep the kids, and your parents, occupied. Send the grandparents off for a game of golf on our challenging 9-hole course, along with gorgeous putting greens. The kids can compete in an epic sandcastle building contest and everyone wins with Foothills Creamery Ice Cream from the General Store afterwards. As we’d mentioned previously, we encourage you to bring your boat to spend a day out on the water; there’s even a trout pond minutes away for you to go fishing for the afternoon! However, if you like to spend your afternoons at the beach, Gleniffer Lake is the perfect place to lay out your beach towel.

 

After a hard day of play, you can relax in our two hot tubs onsite as well as our outdoor pool. The Landing is the perfect place for a delicious meal to end the day, with a blend of pub-style food and high-end meals. Don’t forget to check out the drink menu!

Everyone is welcome at Gleniffer Lake, even the dog! We’ve got two off-leash parks onsite for your furry friend to stretch out. There’s always something to do with us here at Gleniffer Lake Resort, so bring your love of the outdoors and your relaxation! To book your summer vacation with us, check out our rental opportunities! We can’t wait to see you!

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2022 Blogs

Gleniffer Lake is an Ideal Alternative to Traditional Camping Options

We all crave an escape from our hectic lives and we all want a place to relax and unwind without having to be bombarded with city noises like sirens and traffic. That’s why so many Albertans are avid campers, glampers and RVers. But what if you’re not as enticed by the allure of traditional camping anymore? If you’re seeking the escape and tranquillity of nature but want to ditch the tent, have you thought about coming to stay with us at Gleniffer Lake Resort?

 

Camping is the perfect way to detach from society and just be in the presence of nature, to spend some uninterrupted time with trees and birds and flowing water. But the actual act of camping isn’t for everyone, we’re quite particular to sleeping in a bed rather than a tent. Try camping in comfort with us by renting one of our adorable little trailers or perhaps you enjoy a bit more space with a full house to access! Either way, we’ve got a place for you to stay with us!

 

Another upside to staying with us is full access to all our amenities! If you love golfing as much as we do, come try our challenging 9-hole course, along with putting greens and Par3 pitch. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like cooking after a day of golf, The Landing has you covered! The menu doesn’t skimp on taste and the view of the lake makes it a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy. When you’re finished with your meal, you can access the games room or take a dip in the hot tub. We also have indoor and outdoor heated pools for you to relax and soak up some sunshine or perhaps count the shooting stars once evening settles in. In addition to pools and a hot tub, the community center also boasts showers and a fitness facility so you never have to miss a workout. We also have a General Store onsite for when the grandkids need a snack or when you just need some Foothills Ice Cream! 

 

What brings everyone back time and again is the crystal clear waters of Gleniffer Lake, the perfect spot for sandcastle competitions and lazy days on the sailboat. With nearly 5,000 feet of pristine sandy shoreline, there will always be room for you and your family to set up for a beach day. Our waters are clean, clear and ready for you to dive right in!

 

Enjoying nature doesn’t have to mean backcountry camping trips with only what you can carry. Come experience the peace and quiet in comfort, plan your summer getaway today in one of our gorgeous rental properties. We can’t wait to have you! 

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2022 Blogs

Financial Benefits of Owning a Vacation Home on a Lake

If you’re in the market for a new vacation home, or at least somewhere you can put up your feet next to nature and not have to worry about the hubbub of the urban jungle, have you thought about purchasing property near a lake? Not only is it a truly beautiful experience to wake up to the sounds of gentle water against shore, but purchasing a lake house nearer to home, as opposed to a tropical vacation property, can come with financial benefits. Here’s why it pays to have a lakehouse as your second home! 

 

Lakefront Property is a Wise Investment Choice

The reason being is that there’s a limited amount of lakes and therefore a limited amount of property to choose from, making lakeside property that much more idealistic. Choosing a second home near or even beachfront to a lake is not only an investment, but it’s the perfect getaway for you and your family whenever you need some time to recharge. You can turn a profit on a lake house if you’re the kind of person who enjoys DIY projects and flipping homes or you can invest in your lakefront home by remodelling and renovating, building equity as you build your dream lake house. Buying can be cheaper than renting, especially if you plan to make this lakeside home a staple in your life as well as your kid’s and grandkid’s lives. 

 

You Can Rent It!

Speaking of renting, while you’re not vacationing at the lake house yourself, there’s always the option to rent it out to folks for a week’s vacation, or even just a few weekends a year. This residual income can help pay for the cost of upkeep for your second home and can even help with renovation costs. A lakeside property will be in high demand among renters and can   Only rent if it’s something you’re passionate about, however, as renting isn’t for the faint of heart! 

 

It Can Become Your Retirement Home

Investing in a second home, particularly one with an incredible view, is the perfect way to invest in your retirement. A vacation home on the lake is ideal as a summer property, especially for snowbirds that love to chase the heat. Purchasing the property early on allows you to really get the most out of lake life as your kids are growing up, rather than once they’ve moved out, and gives you a chance to build up the equity of the property over time as you make it your own.

 

You Always Feel Like You’re On Vacation

The biggest feedback we’ve heard is that owning a lake property as your vacation home feels as though you’re on vacation 24/7! As lake property owners ourselves, we understand the tranquillity of spending those hot summer days on the water or the sand, soaking up every last moment of lake life. If this calls to you, get in touch with us today! We might just have the perfect lakeside property for you to begin your adventure of living the lake life!

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2022 Blogs

Reasons to Buy a Fixer-Upper

Buying a house is a big decision, regardless of whether you’ve purchased property before or if this is the second home away from home you’ve been researching for years. If you’re interested in staying more frugal at the time of the initial buy, that’s the perfect reason to buy a fixer-upper home. Though purchasing and renovating a whole home isn’t for everybody, here are a few reasons to invest in one!

 

What is a Fixer-Upper?

A fixer-upper home is any home unit that needs some love in the form of extensive renovation and or maintenance. This could mean a full gutting of the house and yard or rooms needing more attention than others, either way, it’s a home you’re going to be investing in to essentially “fix it up.” Generally speaking, a fixer-upper is an excellent way to build equity or flip the house to resell! 

 

A Fixer-Upper Can Be Your Dream Home

A big reason to invest in a fixer-upper is the home becomes yours, customized to your taste. Every detail becomes your own design and if you’ve always dreamed of a yellow front door, guess what, now’s your chance! Lighting choices, cabinets, floor plans, it all becomes a wonderful way for you to express yourself. If you’re the kind of person who lives for DIY and can walk into a space and start thinking “what if I knock this wall down” or “imagine if I painted this wall dark blue,” a fixer-upper house might just be the perfect new project for you!

 

Lower Initial Costs, But Remember to Budget!

Like we’ve mentioned, a fixer-upper will cost much less upfront than a move-in ready home, but because it’s a fixer-upper, make sure you’ve got the funds set aside to begin the renovations soon after purchasing. This isn’t to say that you can’t save money by purchasing a fixer-upper house, because you absolutely can. Budgeting for your fixer-upper home will help you understand just how much money you’ll need to put aside for a home that needs some love. 

 

A Few Tips

Always make sure to have a professional inspection done on the home before you purchase as the inspector will be able to give you useful information on what will need fixing and may be able to give you an approximation of the costs. Also, consider the amount of work it will take to renovate a fixer-upper as it’s no easy feat. Working with your own two hands on your home can be incredibly rewarding, but be sure to weigh the physical, emotional and financial stress fixing up a house can require. And always prepare for the unexpected, such as a permit for structural work or window installation.

 

If you’re looking for a move-in ready home, a fixer-upper likely won’t be the right fit for you. A fixer-upper home is a labour of love and careful consideration and planning should preclude the thought of purchasing. But, if you’ve always loved doing things with your own two hands and you’ve got an idea, a fixer-upper is the perfect way to build equity and build something you really care about.

 

Are you on the market for a home but not sure where to start? Contact us today and take a tour of Gleniffer Lake Resort!

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2021 Blogs

Buying A Second Home

Coming to the decision to purchase a second home is a big one and we’re happy to hear you’re thinking about taking the plunge! Having a second home to vacation to away from the bustle of city activity can be a lifesaver, especially in these times. If you’re looking seriously into buying a second home for you and your family to enjoy, here’s what to keep in mind. 

 

Property Types

Whether it’s a cottage in the mountains or a perfect lakeside bungalow, investing in a second home is a great way to build more equity while also enjoying yourself. Be sure to pick somewhere you’ll actually enjoy living part-time, not just because the prices are good. And whatever you do, don’t plunge into anything without properly doing your research. You want to really know the property before you decide to finance it! Discover the neighbourhood, meet the locals and have a thorough property inspection done so you know every detail. 

 

Insurance 

It isn’t uncommon that folks will forget about the costs of insurance when looking into purchasing a second home. Always ask for insurance quotes as part of your research on the home and understand the insurance needs of the property depending on its location. For example, a lake house will need flooding insurance where a mountainside cabin probably won’t.

 

Utilities 

Another aspect that can be overlooked is the actual upkeep of a second property and what that costs. You’ll have a second set of bills to look after every month and it might be smart to put a little money aside for possible emergencies, like a burst pipe. Consider how easy it would be to winter down your second home or if perhaps you’d consider renting. Renting is another story entirely, but it can really help with utility costs if it’s something you’re interested in. 

 

Financing 

If you own a home already, you likely have a mortgage. What’s nice about a mortgage is you can refinance it and then use that money as a down payment on your second property. There’s also the option of taking out a second mortgage and some banks will offer up to 85% for you to borrow, even discounting the amount you owe on the original loan. However you decide to finance your second home, make sure you understand and read the fine print of any mortgage agreement! 

 

Wanting a second home is becoming more and more popular as we look for new ways to escape from the hectic bustle of a work-life. It’s no surprise that a lot of Albertans are turning to recreational properties as a way to escape. If you’re thinking about purchasing a second home, why not check out what lots we have available? Gleniffer Lake and Paradise Reality always have something beautiful to show off! 

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2021 Blogs

Spruce Up Your Lakeside Cottage

Your lakeside cottage should feel like the perfect home away from home, and a lot of that feeling comes from the decor! If you’ve had your lakehouse for some time or you’re ready to spruce it up with a new makeover, here are a few easy tips on how to bring some life and excitement to your lakeside cottage! 

 

Colour Schemes

Many lakeside or beachside homes are dressed up in nautical themes full of various shades of blues, sandy tones and white. While nautical themes are a traditional and a wonderful way to decorate your cottage, there are a few other colour schemes we love! Using browns from light to dark chocolate can bring a warm, earthy feel to your cottage and is a terrific base for a rustic cabin feel. Perhaps you love the colours of autumn, so why not bring those golds, oranges, russet, reds and yellows into your decor to mimic that gorgeous fall foliage! If you love the greens that surround bodies of water, from light green to a rich pine, add a green accent wall to bring those natural colours inside. When choosing a colour scheme for your cottage, it’s a good decorating tip to pick a focus colour and then select two secondary colours to use with drapes, upholstery, wall art, furniture and knick-knacks.

 

Indoor to Outdoor Living

One of the highlights of having a lakeside cottage is that you can easily pop out to visit the lake for a swim, a boating excursion or sandcastle competitions with the grandkids. With this in mind, focusing on outdoor to indoor spaces such as porches, patios or sunrooms can make cottage life that much sweeter. Having a screened-in porch can offer a space for you to store those lakeside activities, like sand toys, water boards, kayaks and more, making the transition from outdoor activity to indoor a little easier. You can even use paddles as part of your decor that doubles as storage! 

 

Decorate Around The View

Arguably the best part of lake living is the view. If you have a space with that picturesque lake view out the windows, put your time and energy into this room as it’s likely this will be where you spend most of your relaxing hours. Furnish with only the comfiest seating for reading, visiting and napping. Hang photos of your family here, find the fluffiest pillows and coziest throws and don’t be afraid to use a bold pattern. Perhaps you’d even be willing to leave out a TV in this room, to allow for more face-to-face time with your loved ones either by chatting, playing board games or card games or reading the morning paper together. 

 

However you decide to spruce up your lakeside cottage, make sure to design it with your relaxation in mind. Your home away from home should be comfortable, easy and inviting. If you’re considering a cottage by the lake as a vacation home, we’ve got plenty of gorgeous properties to look at! Come visit us today!

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2021 Blogs

Keep Your Vacation Property Safe While You’re Away

Investing in a vacation home is another way to invest in yourself because that vacation home is a place for you to relax, escape, and unwind from the stress of life in the city. That vacation home is a special place for you to recoup with your family and your grandkids, for you to enjoy the simple pleasures that come with stepping away from the concrete jungle to rejuvenate. But what happens when you’re back to work and your vacation home sits empty, waiting for your next getaway? Here’s how to keep your property safe while you’re away!

 

Security 

If you haven’t already installed a security system for your vacation home, now’s the time to do it. Motion sensor lights around the property, along walkways and around main access points is a good way to deter unwanted company on the property. If the home lights up when approached, this is an excellent deterrent for possible thieves. Having a timer on for lights inside the home makes it look lived in which is another way to prevent invaders. There are many security systems that you can now operate via your phone, allowing for remote locking, lighting and camera access.

 

Double Check Windows and Doors

As a rule, always double-check you’ve locked every window and door of your vacation home. Many break-ins happen simply because a window was left unlocked by accident. Consider installing doors with keyless locks and if there are sliding glass doors on the property, make sure to use a security bar. A security bar can be used in almost any window sill, but a two-by-four or a broom handle cut to size in the basement windows will also do the trick if you don’t mind how it looks. Be sure to secure that doggy door too, if you have one!

 

Make Friends With Neighbors 

Besides the wonderful social aspect of getting on with your neighbours, fostering a good relationship with those that live close to you provides extra protection when you’re away from your vacation home, as well as collecting mail or newspapers. Watchful neighbours are an extra set of eyes to report suspicious activity, lowering crime rates in the entire area. It pays to know your neighbours!

 

A few extra tips to keep your vacation home safe include hiring a landscaper to keep up with overgrown grass or plant life on your property and refrain from hiding a spare key somewhere obvious. It’s a good idea to just switch over to keyless locks as this removes an extra key from the equation, making the house just that much more secure. We, at Gleniffer Lake, take care of our own and keep an eye out for each other when necessary. If you’re looking for a safe place to own a vacation home, this is it! Visit our available lots today

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2021 Blogs

Invest In A Property You Can Enjoy

It’s quite the undertaking to go from deciding to purchase a vacation property to the actual purchase of the lot. What goes into choosing a vacation property? There’s lots to consider when you’re interested in investing in something you’ll love that isn’t too far from home. Perhaps it’s the property you dream of retiring to. Regardless, here’s how to invest in a property you’ll enjoy!

 

Know the Area

Before you even consider any exchange of monies, make sure you know where it is you want to purchase a property and actually get to know the area. Find a local rental to stay for a few days and get to work exploring the surrounding area. Where is the closest grocery store? How about the nearest hospital? Details like this are extremely important when picking the place you want to call your home away from home. And don’t be afraid to get to know the locals, find out where the best coffee is and what folks enjoy doing in the area! If you’ve got kids, find out where the coolest kid hangouts are and what activities you could get up to as a family.

 

Know Your Budget

It’s been a hard year and many of us are ready to throw our money at just about anything to give ourselves a moment of reprieve from the madness we’ve been living through since last March. But don’t be too hasty to lay down any sort of cash until you’ve made a clear, concise budget for yourself. What can you feasibly afford when it comes to a second property? A good rule to go by is setting aside at least 1 to 2% of the property’s initial purchase price for repairs or any maintenance you may encounter in the first year. Keep in mind that most vacation properties will likely require a larger down payment than your first home, somewhere in the 30% range, and budget accordingly for this. It’s okay if you need to wait just a little longer to save for your dream home. It’s worth it to invest in a property you’ll enjoy!

 

Know Your Taste

Are you set on a mountain location? What if it’s out of your price range? Would you be happy with a lake lot or do you dream of a cabin deep in the woods? Ask yourself the questions to find out what you’re really looking for in a property. Is it a retirement home? Is it for your kids to help them experience life outside the busy city? Sit with yourself and make a list of what you enjoy and what’s important to you, and remember that list when you’re looking for a property!

 

The first rule you should follow when purchasing a piece of property is that you want to invest in your own enjoyment so find something that you’re going to really love! At the end of the day, you’re looking for a place to relax and destress after a long week at work or even just an excuse to get out of the city. Whatever drives you to search vacation properties, make sure it ends up being a search for something you’re going to enjoy!

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2021 Blogs

A Vacation Property vs. A Seasonal Camping Lot in Alberta

If you love the outdoors and spending time with the fresh air and the sky, it’s not surprising if you’ve been researching vacation homes or even seasonal camping lots across the province. But what’s the benefit to either choice when looking to purchase in Alberta? We’ve compiled a pros and cons list of a vacation property vs. a seasonal camping lot in Alberta to help you decide what works best for you and your family!

 

Vacation Property

  • You have an additional property to manage and rent if you choose, meaning you’ll be taking care of another set of utilities, property taxes, etc
  • There’s always a place for you to take the kids for a weekend
  • It’s easier to host a girls weekend, a bachelor party, or a fishing trip, if you’ve purchased lake property
  • With a vacation property, you have the potential for a retirement home
  • Depending on the location of your property, it can become inaccessible in winter or you’ll need to invest in snow clearing
  • Owning a vacation home in the province makes it easier to access and frequent for getaways from the bustle of Edmonton or Calgary

 

Seasonal Camping Lot

  • Ideal for those that love the allure of camping
  • You won’t have to wait for an available campsite or book in advance, there’s always a spot available to you
  • It isn’t as costly as maintaining another property 
  • Perfect for those looking to park their rig without having to rent the space
  • Depending on where you look in Alberta, the prices can vary considerably 
  • You may have to invest in amenities 
  • Taxes and fees are either annual or monthly and can also vary greatly
  • Some purchase for year-round living while others use it as a vacation home
  • It’s easy to get away from the city, even for just a night, if your lot is close

 

It all depends on your personal preference and what you’re looking for out of your home away from home. Depending on what you’re willing to spend, you are sure to find something that will fit with your dream. Here at Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club, we’ve got both vacation properties and seasonal camping lots available for sale or rent. If you’re not quite sure you’re ready to purchase, come on down anyway and rent one of our gorgeous rental properties to experience Gleniffer Lake yourself.

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2021 Blogs

Why Choose A Central Alberta Vacation Property

It’s really no surprise that folks are keen to find vacation property that isn’t a long flight away. Even with domestic borders opening, many are still choosing to find getaway opportunities closer to home. That’s why many folks are turning to properties they can easily drive to in a few hours! Here’s why choosing a vacation property in Central Alberta might make you the favourite parent or grandparent of the year.

 

Proximity 

With all that we’ve been through in the past sixteen months, so many of us are connecting back to family and prioritizing time spent with our loved ones. An added bonus is if you’re able to whisk the grandkids and your own kids to a vacation property that’s closer than you think. Finding a getaway home that’s within two hours’ driving distance of major cities such as Calgary and Edmonton makes it that much easier for our families to gather. Forget trying to figure out how to fly right now, just hop in the car and get to a gorgeous, lakeside property in under two hours and get to playing right away!

 

Prices

It’s no joke that the market for Canmore and area properties is booming, but so are the prices. While the mountains are a gorgeous getaway, they can be pricey on the pocketbook. What’s good about central Alberta properties is the prices won’t be so inflated and you don’t necessarily have to give up gorgeous views. Lakeside properties are on the rise and many are opting to dip their toes into lakeside real estate as opposed to mountain cabins. We always recommend trying before you buy and we’d love to invite you to rent one of our lovely properties to get a taste of lake life before you commit!

 

Whether you’re looking for a lot or a fully-realized home with a garage, Paradise Realty has got something that will suit your needs. The best part about our little slice of heaven is it’s close to our families while still giving us that “away” feel. Schedule a tour with us and see what we have to offer, but be warned. You might fall in love with Gleniffer Lake and the community!

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2021 Blogs

What To Look For In A Vacation Property in Alberta

Many folks are desperate to stretch their legs and experience something other than their own city and backyard this summer! Some are turning to campgrounds and RV excursions while others are considering investing in some much-needed recreational real estate. The demand for a vacation property closer to home is high right now, but don’t let that deter you from finding your second home! Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a vacation property in Alberta.

 

Know The Area

Before you make any decisions on a home or a piece of land, make sure you do your research about the property you’re considering. This includes knowing the area around the desired property, such as where is the closest hospital or grocery store? Visit the area off-season and chat with locals to get to know the details of the area from the folks actually living it. In our case, come stay at one of our gorgeous rental properties and experience paradise for a few days!

 

Hire Local

Try to hire a local real estate agent, especially one that either owns a property where you’re looking or lives nearby and understands the neighbourhood. This goes for renovations to your vacation properties as well! Not only does this help the local economy, but it offers you a chance to get to know the people living and thriving around you. After all, vacation homes are a place for us to escape the concrete jungle and that small community allure is something many Albertans are chasing.

 

Before you jump into any purchase, ask yourself these questions. Are you looking for a turnkey property or are you willing to do some renovations after you purchase? Is it important that your vacation home is within two hours to make for easy getaways? Are you hoping to spend a little less compared to the Canmore market while still holding on to the idea of a lakeside property? We might have something just for you! Schedule a tour with us today and we might just find your perfect vacation property, close to home and right alongside the beautiful shores of Gleniffer Lake. We can’t wait to have you join us!

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2021 Blogs

Our Recent Renovations and What to Look Forward to!

There’s been a lot of change happening around Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club and we’d love to tell you more about what we’ve been up to! We’re so excited to show off our new and improved facilities, including upgrades to our onsite restaurant and enhancements to our pro-shop! Here’s what you need to know about our recent renovations and upgrades!

 

The Landing Restaurant

A perfect place to relax after a hard day of playing with the kids on the beach or improving your swing on the golf course is our restaurant, The Landing, which we’ve worked hard to embellish before we opened for in-person dining! You can expect a beautiful new coat of paint and brand new flooring, lit up perfectly with modern lighting. Get comfortable with our newly reupholstered seating and shiny dining tables because when we say we gave our restaurant a facelift, we mean it! We’ve installed new televisions for the optimal front seat to all the games and events beginning to happen all across Alberta as well as a new stereo system. And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered for the heat of our already hot summer with our state-of-the-art air conditioning system. We can guarantee we’ve got a place for you and your family to cool down!
Outside on our gorgeous new glass-enclosed patio, you can enjoy the summer breeze on fresh new patio furniture. We’ve repurposed our gazebo for additional seating, creating a mini bar oasis, and installed new stereo systems outside as well! Please remember to make a reservation to ensure your table is ready for you!

 

Pro-Shop

The shop you’ve come to know and love has recently undergone some facelifting as well! We’ve expanded the glass-enclosed patio here too and with the addition of the colourful umbrellas and beautiful planters, it’s proved to be a perfect getaway from the stress and volume of the concrete jungle. Be sure to stop in next time you’re here to see the new products we’ve got in store!

We invite you to join us this summer at our Central Alberta beach oasis! Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club is ready to welcome you back to your home away from home, but please remember that your safety is our top priority. We ask that you help us by remaining masked and proper distancing measures continue to be respected in our indoor facilities, except when seated in the restaurant. We are so excited to have you back!

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2021 Blogs

Why Snowbirds Flock to Gleniffer Lake

Gleniffer Lake Resort and the accompanying community almost feel like central Alberta’s best-kept secret. The gated community of retirees, snowbirds, and families are a friendly bunch with a common goal – grow up and grow old next to the beautiful waters of Gleniffer Lake in peace and comfort. It’s really no surprise to anyone that snowbirds are especially fond of this little slice of heaven!   Nestled in central Alberta, Gleniffer Lake Golf & Country Club is a vibrant little community with so many amenities; it’s easy to see why many folks have chosen to make the resort their full-time home or their snowbird home over the summer months. The lake speaks for itself with its crystal clear, serene waters perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming. With almost 5,000 feet of gorgeous, sandy shoreline, it’s the perfect spot to have epic sandcastle-building competitions with the grandkids or to simply relax with your sweetheart. The location of the resort is another very attractive feature, allowing snowbirds to be close to their families in either Edmonton or Calgary, as neither city is more than two hours away. There’s no rumble of traffic around the resort either as we all use electric golf carts to zip around, meaning the peace and quiet aren’t disturbed. And speaking of golf carts, our challenging 9 hole course and expansive putting greens are perfect for those with a love of golf. Practice your swing against our driving net and then relax with your buddies over at our onsite restaurant and lounge, where we’re known for our prime rib.

Stay close to your kids and grandkids by staying with us at Gleniffer Lake Golf & Country Club, Alberta’s secret lakeside oasis. If you’re looking to invest in a property with us, be sure to check out what we have available. If you’d like to stay with us to experience it first hand before you buy, we have some comfortable rentals for you to choose from. We can’t wait for you to stay with us, whether it’s another return visit or a permanent move into one of our gorgeous properties. We’re so excited you chose Gleniffer Lake!
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Uncategorized

A Cabin Vacation that Never Ends!

There’s just something magical about leaving the city behind and arriving at the lake. The limitless blue waters that touch the sky, and a landscape of trees and prairies instead of suburban houses. The cabin has an air of freedom and safety. It’s a place where kids can roam around the lake or at the playground, and where parents feel more calm and less worried. The worst part of a cottage holiday is going home, so why not decide to let the vacation go on forever?

Recreational Properties are More Affordable than Ever.

Over the last decade, the poor economy has pushed the price for cabins and other recreational properties lower and lower. Compared to 2007, the average cost is only 42% of what it once was. That means, instead of being out of reach, recreational properties are now accessible to more Canadians than ever for. Here at Paradise Realty, we’ve noticed an increase of snowbirds flocking to the affordable prices, but Albertans from all walks of life are investing in lakeside cottages that they know they’ll pass down generation to generation. And even more Canadians are choosing to embrace their cabin as their permanent residence and live at the lake all year round.

How Much are Properties?

This year, we’ve seen prices for a good quality, ready-to-use cottages vary from around 200-300 thousand dollars. So for Canadians hoping to buy their lakeside, dream-home, we have to recommend buying now. Despite the economy, the low prices are attracting buyers, and that means buying now or maybe never.

Why Live at Gleniffer Lake?

Besides the joy of living at a lake all year round, there are many great reasons to choose Gleniffer Lake to raise your family. We’re only half an hour from Red Deer, so all your big-city needs are a quick drive away. Our gated community offers an indoor pool, fitness centre, and all the other amenities you need year round. But perhaps the best reason to choose Gleniffer Lake is that you get to live in a real community.
Whether you love watching (or playing!) in the Sunday baseball games or prefer to attend our annual chili potluck, Gleniffer Lake is a true community of people who know and care about one another. Here at the lake, you’ll find all the joys of an urban life within driving distance, but we maintain our friendly, safe, and community-centred vibe, and that’s something that’s hard to buy anywhere else.

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The Economy is Poor, but Here’s the Good News!

The Alberta economy hasn’t been having the best year, and with Brexit shaking the UK, the Canadian dollar has dropped even further. For snowbirds and other Canadians hoping to head abroad for their holidays, the weak dollar is bad news. Fortunately, a slow economy isn’t all rain clouds. For Canadians hoping to invest at home, they’ll find their dollar stretches a lot further than it used to.

Prices are Down.

Since 2007, the cost for recreation properties has dropped by over 50%! On average, lakeside vacation cottages hold around 42% of the value they did just under a decade ago. For Albertans who have been waiting and waiting until they could afford their very own cabin, this is excellent news. And the low prices aren’t harming the buyer’s market either. There are many recreational properties listed for sale, and I recommend you jump on this opportunity before your dream location is sold out and prices are driven up once more.

Vacation in Alberta.

Whether you’re born and raised in wild rose country or live in another province or territory, Alberta is a great place to invest in a recreational property. While we may not have the long history of Quebec or the fresh seafood of the maritimes, Alberta has a strong tourist industry. You can hike the rockies in the Banff and Jasper National Parks, climb the Calgary tower, eat the best steak in the world, and enjoy boating and water activities at one of our many lakes. We have two international airports, and flights are constantly coming into Calgary and Edmonton from all over Canada and the world. By choosing to vacation in Alberta, you keep your hard earned money in our country and help grow the Canadian economy. You also won’t need to worry about your passport or fuss with customs.

Why Gleniffer Lake?

Between the low prices and the natural beauty of Alberta, it’s a no-brainer to invest in a recreational property this year. But many Canadians will wonder why they should choose Gleniffer Lake. The answer is obvious. Our lake is crystal clear, algae free, and safe for swimming and boating. Our miles of beaches are pristine — perfect for tanning or building sand castles. We have all the sport, playground, and other services you want, but with none of the noise or hustle-bustle of the city. We’re a gate community that’s safe for kids and senior alike. Finally, we’re conveniently located in central Alberta, so whether you hail from Edmonton or Calgary, the drive is under two hours.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the price of Alberta recreational properties so low. With such a reasonable cost for a lifetime investment, why would you even consider waiting? Call me today at 403-710-4559 — or 1-888-269-0044 if you’re out of province —  and find your dream property now.

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Gleniffer Lake: A Retired Snowbird’s Summer Getaway

Retirement can be a great time to start over and begin afresh in a new province or country, far from the travails of home. But it also provides an opportunity to finally explore your local community and enrich the relationships you’ve cultivated over a lifetime. Your choice of retirement property should best reflect your own goals and interests, but if you plan wisely, you can satisfy your desire for travel while still staying close to family and friends. Gleniffer Lake is conveniently located right in the heart of Alberta, two hours from Edmonton and just seventy-five minutes from Calgary, meaning you can branch out while keeping your roots.

Keep Your Health Benefits

One impediment for aspiring expats is the prospect of losing the advantages you’re entitled to as a Canadian citizen. For example, Canadians are only allowed to retain their health insurance benefits if they reside within the country at least six months a year plus a day—or 182 days of every year. The countries you spend your time in during the rest of the year have their own rules as well, and overstaying your welcome could mean becoming “eligible” to pay taxes to their government. Having a Canadian getaway means you can enjoy your retirement without giving up on your entitlements—and not inadvertently becoming an American taxpayer.

Keep Your Family Close

Hang gliding in Singapore is a rush, but lifting your grandkids five feet off the ground while they squeal with an equal sense of shock and fascination is also pretty cool. With a retirement home in Gleniffer Lake, you can take advantage of the warm summer months that Canada has to offer while entertaining your grandchildren during their school breaks. Your retirement paradise is within racket-striking distance of tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts; a nine-hole golf course and putting green; a fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout; and an indoor pool and fitness facility. For the next generation, there are two playgrounds and five horseshoe pits. And when the grandkids return to school in the fall, you can rent your property out and spend the money on those hang gliding lessons and a transatlantic flight.
Whether your plans for retirement involve roaming or staying close to your roots, Gleniffer Lake offers a little of both. It has lots of activities to explore and opportunities to hone your existing skills. Its proximity means keeping your connections without letting them keep you from new experiences. If you want to explore your retirement options at Gleniffer Lake, contact me today at 1-888-269-0044!