Many Calgarians benefit from facilities and programs in their communities that are looked after by a local homeowners' association (HOA) or residents' association (RA).

In real estate, the one buzzword I hear all the time is "amenities."

Whether it's a new high-rise condo development in the inner city or a new community in the distant suburbs, the salespeople for the project will inevitably talk about amenities and their proximity to new homes.

Getting a head's up on HOA fees

When school let out this year, Suzanne Maynard and her two young daughters joined a cohort of neighbours at Lake Bonavista for a summer kick-off party.

Unlimited access to the private beach is worth every penny of the Homeowner Association (HOA) fee Maynard says she and her husband pay annually.

"We truly believe it's the best $288 we spend in a year," she says. "The money that goes towards the community is priceless – it provides endless entertainment for our kids and we have got to know our neighbours down at the lake."

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Today's luxury homes boast more than just curb appeal

With the ability to purchase a home priced at more than a million dollars, most luxury homebuyers also have the ability to add even more amenities to their new homes.

With the kitchen, living room and backyard serving as the main entertainment areas in the home, CREB®Now asked some local businesses what they're seeing in the city's luxury renovations industry.