In a normal year, crafting a few New Year's resolutions can be a fun way to identify opportunities for personal growth and development in the year ahead. However, 2020 has not been a normal year by any stretch.

Given the circumstances, you could certainly be forgiven for deciding that 2021 requires no loftier pledge than "I will make it through this year in one piece." But if you are still looking for some self-improvement suggestions, here are a few real estate resolutions to set you up for success next year:

As Calgarians continue to navigate the challenges of an intense economic downturn and a global pandemic – in addition to the standard curveballs life tends to throw one's way – many are re-evaluating their priorities in hopes of a brighter future.

As people tire of self-isolation and its negative health impacts, the idea of cohousing is becoming more attractive than ever. Imagine neighbourly, small-town friendliness meets convenient city living; the privacy and independence of single-family living, but with added space and social amenities available in the form of shared common areas; and a diverse mix of residents, from retirees to young families.

The COVID-19 pandemic has, among other things, made many people acutely aware of the importance of proper cleaning and sanitization within the home. However, "out of sight, out of mind," is often the mantra that informs our cleaning habits, which means many hidden or seemingly clean areas can get neglected.

With that in mind, here are 16 spots within the home that should not escape notice the next time you're sprucing things up:

A year-long pilot project designed to ramp up safety in the downtown core winds to a close at the end of 2020, but its effects might be long lasting.

The community of Acadia sits in southeast Calgary, nestled between Carburn Park and the Bow River to the east and Macleod Trail to the west. Established in 1960, the community is home to nine schools from the public and separate boards – including the city's largest high school, Lord Beaverbrook – as well as a charter school and bilingual schools.

For the sixth month in a row, sales in the Calgary market recorded a year-over-year gain.

Sales growth over the past several months has been the strongest seen in the past five years, but the activity has not been strong enough to offset the pullbacks from the spring. Year-to-date sales remain over three per cent lower than last year's levels.

Calgary's downtown office vacancy rate is going nowhere but up.

By the end of this year, that rate is projected to jump to 29.5 per cent, and it will climb even higher moving into 2021, says Greg Kwong, regional managing director with commercial real estate company CBRE.

CREB^®'s annual Forecast real estate event returns on Jan. 26, 2021 with an all-new virtual format. So, grab your ticket, put on your headset, and get ready to immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind real estate experience.