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Recreational Real Estate as an Investment

Owning a beautiful piece of property away from the city feels pretty fantastic. It provides you a home away from the hustle and bustle and loud car alarms of city life and instead offers a quiet, relaxing moment to yourself and your loved ones. With the economy the way it is and has been, however, investing in recreational real estate might seem like a laughable idea. Summer homes and lake houses are the iconic vision of the idyllic family refuge, but don’t think for a second that these are completely sound financial investments.  This being said, there will always be a demand for vacations with the kids and once the kids are grown, that vacation space might well become your retirement home. So if you love the lifestyle and you know this is a decision that will not only be an investment for your future but also your wellbeing, consider these few things when planning to purchase a piece of recreational real estate.

Location, Location, Location

If buying realty that is strictly for pleasure and relaxation is something you have your heart set on, the first question you need to ask yourself is “what kind of lifestyle speaks to me the loudest?” When we think “summer home,” many of us envision a lake home or a quaint little cabin in the woods. These kinds of vacation homes are often a long commute away from our lives. But a lake cabin with topnotch amenities might not be as far away as you think. Glennifer Lake might seem quaint, and that’s because in a lot of aspects it is, but it’s also a valuable investment for those who appreciate a challenging game of golf, a private beach or a day of boating on the lake. One highlight of this little patch of heaven is it’s also quite close to home in central Alberta, boasting less than a two-hour commute from most major cities. Glennifer Lake holds the atmosphere of quiet family getaways without sacrificing long hours spent in the car or eating into time better spent on relaxation activities.

Value of your property

One thing to also keep in mind is the value of the property you want to purchase.  As wonderful as it would be to buy a mountain top ski resort cabin, is it worth killing yourself and your finances over? Other purchasers offer advice to stay within your economic means without sacrificing that relaxing lifestyle, the biggest piece of advice being don’t stress yourself silly over a piece of property you’re trying to relax at. With all this in mind, purchasing property that is both beautiful while also being economically feasible doesn’t have to be a losing game. The value of a property is what you make of it. Obviously there are some exceptions to this rule, but if the property is taken care of, is surrounding by quality amenities and a community oriented local feel, there aren’t too many ways you can go wrong. Investing in yourself and your children with a good summer lake home is priceless, the memories and adventures had don’t have a price tag.

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August 2016

Talk about all the amenities Gleniffer Lake has to offer

When Albertans ask me about buying a property at Gleniffer Lake and what amenities are available in the area, I feel like I can go on forever. I mean, it’s a gated community with a secure entrance, so everyone in the area is a neighbour or friend. Our roads are paved and effectively cleared of snow all winter long — more than some suburban neighbourhoods can say. We have an on-site manager who is easy to get ahold of and is alway ready to help with any problem large or small. The fact is Gleniffer Lake is one of the best places to live in Alberta — it just makes sense that our community has a lot to offer.
Our Wonderful, Wonderful Lake offers nearly 5000 feet of shoreline and beaches for residents to play in the sand, craft sandcastles, or just relax and read in the sun. As a gate community, our beach is private and for residents and their guests only. The boat launch and dock, as well as individual boat slips are also located in a secured area, so you never have to worry about strangers. Our lake is extremely clean, clear of algae, and ideal for swimming, boating, and all water sports. If you enjoy diving, you’ll enjoy using the diving platform on the beach.

Not Too Close, Not Too Far.

Gleniffer Lake is an easy drive from Alberta’s major cities. Only a quick 35 minutes from Red Deer, our residents and their guests find the 75 minute trip to Calgary or the 2 hour drive from Edmonton very comfortable. And our surrounding are full of useful amenities for our residents to take advantage of. We’re mere minutes from a great little pond that Alberta Fishery stocks with Rainbows. Spruce View, a cozy town also just minute away, has a co-op grocery store, hardware store, post office, restaurants, liquor, and even a motel and fire hall. If you’re in the mood for some truly excellent ice cream, Dickson is also a very quick drive and boasts a wonderful antique Danish museum, a variety of quaint crafts and gifts, and even a friendly Lutheran Church for Sunday Mass if you’d like to attend. But don’t worry about needing to head out for every little thing, the general store at Gleniffer Lake offers Foothills Creamery Ice Cream, basic staples (milk, bread, etc), movie rentals, and assorted goodies and treats.

On-Site Amenities.

If you don’t feel like driving or spending a day at the lake, there are still a ton of options available to you. Our huge community centre has a licensed restaurant that backs onto the lake. And this centre comes equipped with a fitness facility, games room, showers, laundry facility, an indoor hot tub, and both an indoor and outdoor heated pool. All these facilities (except the outdoor pool) are available to residents year round. If you’ve come to Gleniffer Lake to stretch your legs and get some exercise, our challenging full length 9-hole golf course and putting greens may be calling your name. And if golf isn’t your thing, we’re sure that, between our five horseshoe pits; our six outdoor adult fitness machines; our baseball diamond; and our tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, you’ll still find something to do to stay fit and have fun. We also have two playgrounds areas and an off leash field for you to run with your best fur-friend.
When it comes to Gleniffer Lake, I really can go on forever talking (or writing) about how great it is to live here. But don’t take my word for it! Give me a call, and come take a no obligation tour of the area. You may just find your dream home!

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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!