Community Spotlight: Seton, Calgary
Seton is one of Calgary’s most exciting newer communities. It offers an excellent selection of housing, plenty of shopping and many important services within one area. Buyers can choose from apartment condos, townhouses and single-family homes at different price points.
I believe Seton is especially attractive to first-time buyers, young families and professional singles. You can purchase a starter condo today and potentially move into a townhouse or detached home later without having to leave the community you have come to enjoy.
Why Buyers Are Choosing Seton
Convenience is one of Seton’s greatest strengths. Residents have access to shopping, restaurants, professional services, the Seton YMCA and the South Health Campus. The community is also close to Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, making it easier to travel throughout Calgary.
Seton is being designed as a complete community where people can live, shop, exercise, access healthcare and enjoy restaurants and entertainment close to home. As development continues, even more services and businesses are being added.
A Wide Selection of Seton Homes for Sale
One of the things I like most about Seton real estate is the variety. The community includes newer apartment condos, townhouses and single-family homes.
This gives buyers more opportunities to find a property that fits their current budget and lifestyle. A professional single may prefer a modern condo close to amenities, while a young family may want a townhouse or detached home with additional bedrooms and living space.
Seton Condos Can Be an Excellent Starting Point
From my experience, apartment condos currently offer some of the best value in Seton. There is a large selection of newer condos available, which gives buyers more choice and may create opportunities to negotiate.
A Seton condo can be an excellent entry point for a first-time buyer who wants a newer home without taking on the price or maintenance responsibilities of a detached property.
However, I always remind buyers that selecting the right condo involves much more than choosing attractive flooring, cabinets and countertops.
Location Within the Condo Complex Matters
The direction a condo faces can make a noticeable difference in how enjoyable it is to live there.
Does the balcony face a busy street, the parking lot or a quieter interior courtyard? A courtyard-facing unit will generally experience less traffic noise than one facing a major road or busy parking area. The view, noise level and location within the building can also affect future resale potential.
These are details that buyers sometimes overlook when they become focused on the appearance of the unit.
Review the Condo Documents Carefully
Condo fees are always important, but the lowest fee is not automatically the best choice. Buyers need to understand what the monthly fee includes and whether the condominium corporation is collecting enough money to maintain the property properly.
I also look closely at the reserve fund, financial statements, meeting minutes, upcoming repairs and any discussion of special assessments.
A special assessment is an additional amount that condo owners may be required to pay when the corporation does not have enough money available for a major repair or unexpected expense. Depending on the work required, an assessment could cost each owner hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This is why reviewing the condo documents should always be part of a careful condo purchase.
Seton Is Still Under Construction
Seton is a newer and rapidly developing community. Buyers should expect ongoing residential and commercial construction, along with construction traffic, noise and temporary disruptions.
This development will likely continue for some time as additional buildings, businesses and services are completed. Although living near construction can be inconvenient, it is also part of the process of creating the complete, walkable community Seton is becoming.
Buyers should consider where future buildings and roads may be located before selecting a property.
My Advice for First-Time Buyers in Seton
I encourage first-time buyers to choose a home they can realistically see themselves living in for at least four or five years. That provides time to build equity and prepare for the next stage of life, whether that means getting married, having children or eventually moving into a larger home.
If you are buying a condo, look for reasonable condo fees, useful amenities and a location within the complex that will also appeal to future buyers. Once you own the property, take care of it. Keep it clean, paint when necessary and complete routine maintenance instead of allowing small issues to become larger ones.
The condition of your home will matter when it is time to sell.
Is Seton the Right Calgary Community for You?
Seton combines newer housing, convenient amenities, recreation, healthcare and excellent access to Calgary’s major roadways. For first-time buyers, young families and professional singles, it can be an excellent place to purchase a home and begin building equity.
Every property and condo complex is different. Before buying, I can help you compare the available Seton homes for sale, review condo documents, assess resale potential and determine which property offers the best overall value.
Terry Edwardson – Calgary Realtor®
The Real Estate Company
403-830-6920
calgarydreamhomes@telus.net
