The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are mesmerizing, dynamic displays of light that appear in the night time northern skies. The Aurora is caused by energetic particles that enter the atmosphere from above and create the luminous glow of the upper atmosphere. There are few sights that equal the magic and mystery of these brilliant waves of color dancing in the cool night air.

Fort McMurray is located within the auroral band that roughly centers on the 65th parallel, we are privileged to watch the Aurora Borealis dance most cold, clear evenings from October to March.

However, nature doesn’t follow a schedule and viewings on hot August nights are common. The aurora may appear for hours at a time or disappear in the blink of an eye. Patience and persistence are often required but the experience and memories are priceless.

Viewing Tips

• Check the forecast at AURORAWATCH.CA.
• The best times to view the aurora are around midnight, but they can often be seen anytime from 9pm to 3am.
• Aurora viewing is affected by a variety of factors, such as cloud cover, moonlight, and urban light pollution.
• Aurora is often seen within the urban area of Fort McMurray but the light pollution can make it difficult to see the aurora, so head a few minutes out of town for better viewing.
• Be patient, wear warm clothes and bring something warm to drink.
• Look in the direction of North and North East

Photography Tips

• Use an SLR camera with a wide angle lens
• High speed film, 200 to 400 ISO
• Use manual settings and turn off all automatic features
• Use a tripod and cable release to prevent jarring
• Vary exposures anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds
• Don’t use filters
• Carry spare batteries in a warm place as the cold can cause them to lose power

How to Make a Homemade Cleaning Solution

Get Yesterday’s Prices – This Weekend, at Heritage Landing!

With prices starting at just $259,900, over 50% percent of the condos in phase 1 are already sold.

Come to the Grand Opening of the sales centre, on location at the development property at 121 Denholm Gate, just off of the far south end of Franklin Ave, to start your trip back in time, when the price of a home was still affordable.

It will be an opportunity to visit the Sales Centre, meet the realtors in person and get information about the Heritage Landing Development. One lucky buyer will receive a 1 week luxury trip for two, back in time to London, England! (compliments of Highstreet Ventures, restrictions apply).

Go back to in time by contacting Susan Lore at The Lore Group, Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray 780.370.3325 or visit fortmaccondos.com

As Christmas and the New Year fast approaches, all of us here at The Lore Group would like to wish all our friends, clients, and associates a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This year has been a great one for us, and it’s included both old, familiar faces, and new ones we are happy to have met and hope to work with again in the future.

Of course, we know the Fort McMurray real estate market doesn’t stop just because its Christmas, and you can always reach a member of The Lore Group throughout the holidays at the team phone number, 780-370-3325. And if you’re spending your holiday starting your search for a new home, bookmark our Fort McMurray real estate search tool where you can create saved searches, mark your favourite listings, and get notified by email when new homes that meet your search criteria are listed.

The Lore Group team hopes you have a fantastic holiday this year, filled with family, warmth, and fun, and look forward to helping you with any 2013 real estate adventures you have planned!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Susan, Jamie, Michael, Kelly, & Kyla.

GET THE LIFESTYLE YOU WANT… FOR THE VALUE YOU NEED.

The Lore Group is excited to be working with Devonian Properties on Fort McMurray’s latest and greatest Townhouse community, The Portage at Longboat Landing. With prices starting at only $550,000 and possessions starting as early as March, 2013 these townhouses are a great opportunity for Fort McMurray home buyers looking for a brand new home at an affordable price.

Available in 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans with three-floor open-concept layouts and two car garages, these townhouses are fully finished and upgraded throughout. Complete with window coverings, laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances, and modern light figures and finishings, these homes will be 100% move-in ready!

In addition to their great layouts, value, and prime location in the Downtown area, one of our favourite things about these townhouses is the extra bonus room on the ground floor. It comes fully finished, and would make a great office space, workout area, sewing room, or hobby area.

Benefits of Fort McMurray Townhouse Living

Fort McMurray townhouses are a unique blend of the privacy and square footage of a traditional house with the affordability and convenience of a condo. These are perfect for home buyers with busy, active lives and families who want the comfort of a house without the long list of maintenance work that can often come attached.

Here are some of the reasons we love townhouses, and are excited about the addition of The Portage development to Fort McMurray:

1. Amazing Central Location

This development is located in Fort McMurray’s Downtown, close to prime service and amenity areas. The area around The Portage is extremely walkable: most everything you need is within a 5 or 15 minute walk, including grocery stores, health services, parks and trail access, professional services, fitness centres, and entertainment venues.

2. Affordable & Modern

One of the key perks of buying a townhouse in Fort McMurray is price; often, townhouses cost less per square foot than standalone single-family houses. The value for your money will be unprecedented from this reputable, dependable, local developer. These new homes are fully finished with open-concept floor plans, and include gourmet kitchens with modern appliances and finishings, two-car garages, and a bonus room on the ground floor to accommodate your lifestyle.

3. Low Maintenance

If you’re not a fan of mowing, shovelling, or outdoor maintenance (and let’s be honest, who is?) a townhouse is a great option. The Homeowners Association will take care of a lot of this tedious yard maintenance for you. Additionally, purchasing a new Portage Townhouse means no renovations and many of the systems and appliances are covered against defects for the first few years by New Home Warranties.

4. Privacy & Security

Townhouses are medium-density developments, which means homeowners get a great mix of both privacy and security in these communities. Living with neighbours close by means extra pairs of eyes and ears around to keep watch. But you also aren’t “surrounded” on all sides like you would be with an apartment-style condo, which means you get a greater amount of privacy. You get your own home, your own entrance, and your own garage.

To learn more about The Portage development at Longboat Landing, visit the feature page on our website. You can also look through the first listings available in The Portage community, or contact us at any time with questions.