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2022 Blogs

Why You Should Spend the Holidays at Gleniffer Lake

Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club is one of the best places to spend some time away from the bustle of the city during the warm, summer months. Offering an oasis so close to home, it’s almost impossible to resist. The lake’s crystal clear waters are a hit for all ages, the nearly 5,000 feet of shoreline perfect for family picnics, a quiet afternoon for snowbirds or a place to play all day with the kids. But what if we told you it’s just as unique and as relaxing of an experience during the winter as during the heat of July or August? Here’s why even in the snowy cold, Gleniffer Lake Resort is the place to be during the holidays!

 

Relax and Enjoy!

The holidays are the perfect time to sit back and relax. They are a chance to unwind from our otherwise incredibly busy lives full of running errands, getting the kids to sports, family commitments, and not to mention a full-time job. You deserve a break away from all of that hustle. Wouldn’t you know that we have beautiful properties for rent that you can cozy up in over those holidays with enough room for the whole family? We might not have the golf course this time of year, but The Landing, our delicious onsite restaurant, always has something special cooking. We’ve got a delightful off-season menu with some wonderful cocktails to choose from while you watch the snow fall from the wonderful view out the windows. We have a fully operational indoor pool and hot tub for you to warm up, especially terrific for when it’s snowing, and a stocked games room for an epic night of board games with the kids. The best part about vacationing with us is the uninterrupted time spent with loved ones!

 

Spend New Years With Us!

We’re delighted to share that we’re hosting a New Year’s Eve Bash at The Landing this year with some fantastic live music by Wytners Night and you can bring the kids too! Join us on December 31st for a glass of bubbly, an hors d’oeurves buffet and a live show for $35 a person and only $10 for kids. All the fun starts at 8:30 pm and don’t forget your dancing shoes. Secure your tickets by shooting us an email at [email protected]!

Not only will you be supporting the Albertan economy by staying somewhere local, but you’ll also be closer to home and spending a fraction on travel to arrive at your cozy oasis over at Gleniffer Lake Resort. Consider spending the holidays with us, we’d love to have you! Keep an eye on our events via our Facebook page to see what else we’ve got happening onsite, we can’t wait to celebrate with you at Gleniffer Lake Resort and Country Club this festive season! Contact us to learn more!

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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

Introducing Tracy Hirsch, the newest agent at Paradise Realty!

We are so excited to announce the newest addition to our sales team and Paradise Realty family, Tracy Hirsch! Tracy has over 20 years of experience in the sales industry and her enthusiasm for realty has brought her to the shores of our favourite little slice of Alberta heaven, Gleniffer Lake Resort! We would love to introduce you to Tracy!

 

When Tracy and her husband decided they wanted to invest in a “lake place,” they had no idea how hard they would fall for the friendly community of Gleniffer Lake. “We did a lot of research, a lot of touring and had many boxes that needed to be checked before we would decide where we would invest. From the moment we saw the beautiful Gleniffer Lake arch and the gorgeous winding road, we fell in love. Little did we know that arch would become our relaxation checkpoint for many years to come!” 

 

Tracy’s true love has always been properties and decorating both inside and out, but most of all her passion is people and connection. With this in mind, she decided to do something just for her, and that was to get her realtor license! She obtained her license while still working full time and raising a family with her husband, determined to reach her goal. “I was strictly doing this for myself and fulfilling a dream I always had. While I enjoyed the lake, I admired Diane and Carla and the job they were doing around the resort. They are professional, very involved in the community and have built such special relationships with people around the resort. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sell and share their favourite place with everyone and anyone?”

 

We are delighted to welcome Tracy to our team and we can’t wait for the community to get to know our newest agent better! “You can find me on the lake, near the lake or enjoying many of the events around the resorts with my husband and kids! My parents and any one of my five siblings and their families join us on the resort often and you’ll be seeing us walking our brand new puppy around the resort too! Feel free to stop me anytime for a chat or a pet for the pup. Just don’t laugh at me if you see me on the golf course as I am a horrible golfer! This is a dream come true and I can’t wait to share this amazing resort with everyone! Looking forward to meeting all of you!”

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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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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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Uncategorized

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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Three Reasons Gleniffer Lake is Better than Camping

Whether or not “go outside and play” was a large part of your parents’ vocabulary growing up, many agree that getting back to nature is something to aspire to. Whether it’s to taste the unpolluted air or an excuse to rent an RV, many Albertans will choose to go camping for their next vacation. And while we’re not trying to say the wilderness is overrated, there are better ways to enjoy the great outdoors that don’t involve impugning nature’s pristineness or hanging your food in the trees so that bears don’t eat it. Gleniffer Lake has lots of green spaces and outdoor extracurriculars, so you can go outside and make hay without lugging equipment through the brush. But that’s just the start of it.

Give Nature a Day Off

While camping outdoors might seem like it’s bringing you closer to mother nature, campers also tend to bring mother nature closer to non-biodegradable garbage and general human contamination. Aside from the potentially hazardous impact of unattended or incorrectly extinguished campfires, are the masses of bottles and debris that campers leave behind every year. These recyclables muck up once-clean lakes and clutters the homes of wildlife. And the discarded sleeping bags, tents, and candy wrappers people routinely leave behind? Mother nature could definitely do without. Plus, Gleniffer Lake has a state of the art septic system—what more needs to be said?

The Beaten Path is Paved with Good Intentions

Even conscientious campers who clean up after themselves can have an impact that lasts longer than their trip. Traveling “off the beaten path” might be a nice way to tell someone to try new things, but there’s a reason there are nature paths. When hikers go off course, their presence can contribute to soil erosion and choke the local flora. Even staying on the roads to and from camping sites can blanket local lakes with dust kicked up by cars, which then interfere with salmon and bug reproduction cycles—and if you thought your Nikes were hard on the forest floor, imagine what all-terrain tires can do.

The Great Backdoor

Getting “in tune” with nature doesn’t have to mean getting “away” from modern convenience, and you don’t have to be far from all electronics to enjoy a day in the outdoors. Gleniffer Lake has so much to do that you probably won’t be able to do it all! We have everything from beach volleyball to a 9-hole golf course. There’s an off-leash dog park, and playgrounds for the kids. Do I mention our beautiful lake full of clear, cool water? And it’s clean and free of algae too. Also, when you stay in Gleniffer Lake you won’t need to sleep on the ground, which means you can invite grandma without worrying about her back.
Do yourself a favor and get some fresh air—without placing a strain on Alberta’s forests and wildlife. You can have as much or as little of the amenities of home while still getting some sun. If you want to plan a getaway to Gleniffer Lake, contact me today at 1-888-269-0044!

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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!