Mustard Seed, RESOLVE campaign join forces for The 1010 Centre

A new 12-storey development has officially opened in Calgary to provide affordable homes for low-income residents.

The 1010 Centre, owned by The Mustard Seed, includes 224 furnished units, as well as support services including employment coaching, a computer lab and assigned support workers for residents.
The centre is located downtown on Centre Street S.E.

"For 30 years, the Mustard Seed has been caring for Calgarians experiencing poverty and homelessness. With the completion of The 1010 Centre, we are now able to provide 224 safe, new, affordable home to low-income and formerly homeless residents," said Mustard Seed CEO Stephen Wile.

RBC makes donation to Calgary RESOLVE campaign

A 160-unit building will be constructed under Calgary's RESOLVE Campaign thanks to a $1-million donation from RBC.

The gift, presented April 17, was designated to Horizon Housing Society, which provides homes for people with mental health challenges and disabilities as well as families and seniors working below the poverty line, and the working poor.

First-time homebuyers turning to mom, dad for financial assistance

More young Canadians are turning to their parents to help find financing when purchasing their first home.

According to BMO's 2015 Home Buying Report, 42 per cent of first-time buyers are expecting their parents or relatives to help pay for their first home. Up 12 per cent from
last year, the number shows Canadians needing a helping hand to enter the market is on the rise.

Drop masks diverging local conditions in fourth quarter of 2014

Home price increases in Ontario were key to a slight decrease in housing affordability across Canada, said a report from RBC.

The bank said although owning a home at current market value in Canada was less affordable for the second straight quarter as of the end of 2014, affordability trends have stayed relatively flat since 2010.

The comforts of home are what a large majority of Canadian's who are retired and those nearing retirement are looking for.

Despite potential health care issues that may arise in their life to indicate they should move from their current residence, an RBC poll shows more baby boomers are choosing to stay home.

When it comes to homeowners, Calgary's million-dollar club is becoming more inclusive every minute.

With 64 homes priced at $1 million or more sold in August, Calgary's luxury homes market broke the record for most luxury homes sold in the month. Calgarians growing love for the lap of luxury also helped contribute to the highest average sale price and the second highest number of homes ever sold in the month of August.

Despite recent flooding, Calgary's housing market continues to chug along according to a new report from RBC.

Thanks to a strong economy, solid labour market, rising population and continuing attractive affordability, RBC's Housing trends and Affordability report showed monthly resale activity increased for six straight months, while affordability levels in Calgary continue to be among the better in Canada.

In a poll conducted by RBC, 64 per cent of post-secondary students plan to live away from home while attending school this fall despite the expected 50 per cent increase in cost of living compared to those remaining at home.

Of those students living away, 83 per cent are confident in their ability to manage their finances.