Your client calls you and says they?re ready to sell their home, but before they list, they want to make sure they get the best possible return on investment. They ask if there?s anything they can do to help prep their home?what do you say?
Maybe a fresh coat of paint? Renovate the kitchen? Declutter the basement?
While listing photos and videos are critical for generating interest in your listing, it?s the work beforehand that can truly make the difference.
The time and effort that goes into ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:44:23 +0000
While the summer allows us to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, it also brings with it the possibility of extreme weather such as thunderstorms, windstorms, and hail. These severe storms have a heavy potential to cause damage to your property.
Here are some tips to help mitigate potential damage to your home or property. Being prepared is key!
Well-functioning and operational sump pumps are critical. Testing your sump pump and regular maintenance is important. Adding a battery back-up ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 19 Jun 2023 17:13:23 +0000
The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) has released its 2023 Forecast Calgary and Region Yearly Outlook Report. The report, which is prepared by CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie, provides a detailed analysis of the economic and housing market trends in Calgary and surrounding areas for the upcoming year.According to the report, elevated lending rates are expected to weigh on sales in 2023, bringing levels down from the record high in 2022. However, with forecasted sales of 25,921 in 2023, ...
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Sales remain stronger than pre-covid levels
City of Calgary, Nov. 1, 2022 ? October sales eased compared to last year?s levels, mostly due to slower activity in the detached sector.
However, with 1,857 sales this month, levels are still stronger than long-term trends and activity reported prior to the pandemic. Year-to-date sales have reached 26,823 and with only two months to go, 2022 will likely post a record year in terms of sales.?Calgary hasn?t seen the same degree of pullback in housing ...
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Calgary ranked in top 10 of the world's most affordable cities
According to the Urban Reform Institute?s Demographia International Housing Affordability Study, Calgary ranked 10th out of the 92 cities included in the survey.
Calgary?s affordability, which was based on numbers taken during the fourth quarter of 2021, was up slightly, posting a median multiple of 4.0 compared to 4.1 in the previous study analyzing 2020. Calgary?s 2020 rating placed them 29th on the list.
Cities with a median ...
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Who?s Really Right? Picking the Ideal Home Temperature
There?s one thing considered the most contested item in every household. No, not the TV remote?it?s the thermostat. It?s mere existence sparks controversy, conflict, and outright wars. We?re here to help settle those at-home battles over the thermostat using straight facts. Everything from our household members, to the time of day, the season, and different activities performed in your home play into what the ideal temperature is for your ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 30 Oct 2022 19:10:59 +0000
Across the country, a spike in loan applications for home improvement projects shows no signs of slowing down, as homeowners look to reinvest in their properties.
If you are planning a renovation of your own, it?s important to understand your financing options first. Here are a few options available to most homeowners, so you can choose the one that?s right for you and your situation:
1. Mortgage refinancing
Refinancing the terms of your existing mortgage, including the loan amount, interest ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:29:32 +0000
Spooky YYC: highlighting Calgary's haunted landmarks
Calgary probably isn?t the first city that comes to mind when you think of the world?s most haunted places. However, even though the city is better known for its steaks than its spooks, Calgary isn?t completely devoid of ghostly tales.
Heritage Park could be considered Calgary?s spook central. Hosting several events over the Halloween season, including ghostly gourmet dinners and Ghouls? Night Out, the park has been the setting for many ...
8 Ways to Prepare your home for winter - By Odds On Home Inspections.
1) Furnace Inspection
? Have your furnace serviced and ducts cleaned (every 2 years)? Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. It is good practice to write the date changed on the furnace filter for a reminder ? Move the dial on your humidifier from Summer to Winter, make sure the humidifier filter is clean or replace it.
For homes with HRV systems (Heat Recovery and ventilation system) ? clean and service this ...
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posted in home tips
at Sat, 22 Oct 2022 19:51:03 +0000
Strong sales for condominium apartment and row properties was not enough to offset declines reported for other property types. This caused city sales to ease by nearly 12 per cent compared to last year.
However, with 1,901 sales in September, activity is still far stronger than levels achieved prior to the pandemic and is well above long-term trends for September. Despite recent pullbacks in sales, and thanks to strong levels earlier in the year, year-to-date sales remain 15 per cent higher ...
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There are few things more rewarding than growing a garden. Whether it?s food to feed your family or beautiful flowers and foliage to adorn your backyard, the act of gardening can be very enjoyable and even therapeutic.
But what happens when destructive, intrusive, and uninvited guests show up? In an instant, pests and weeds can destroy all your hard work. Let?s explore the most common pests and weeds you?ll encounter in your garden and how you can ward off these unwanted garden invaders this ...
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As much as we all love Canada?s hottest season, summer also means one thing?bugs. From mosquitoes and cluster flies to earwigs, insects are the unpleasant reality we suffer each year. While it may be impossible to avoid their presence altogether, especially in rural areas, here are 11 ways to deter them and even reduce their populations so you can spend more time enjoying your yard.
1. Landscaping matters
Maintaining a well-groomed yard is one way to discourage unwanted denizens. Keeping your ...
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It's only June, but Calgarians have already gotten a taste of the 30-degree temperatures usually reserved for the peak summer days of July and August. This summer could be a hot one, and it'll feel even hotter if, like many Calgarians, your home doesn't have air conditioning.Here are five tips for keeping your home cool without A/C this summer:
1) Cover up windows
A ton of unwanted heat can come from solar energy entering your home through the windows, creating greenhouse-like conditions that ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:58:28 +0000
Good maintenance protects your investment, enhances comfort, extends life expectancies and reduces your costs. It makes great sense. Some homeowners do the maintenance themselves, and others get help with it.
Monthly
Smoke detectors ? test to make sure they work in the event of a fire
Carbon monoxide detectors ? test to make sure they work in the event of an appliance malfunction
Ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault circuit interrupters ? test to make sure they work if there is an ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 24 May 2022 16:44:25 +0000
Record high sales seen again in March
City of Calgary, April 1, 2022 ? For the second month in a row, sales activity not only reached a monthly high but also hit new record highs for any given month. Gains occurred across every property type as they all hit new record highs.
An increase in new listings this month helped support the growth in sales activity. However, inventories have remained relatively low, ensuring the market continues to favour the seller. ?While supply levels have improved ...
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No matter where you live in Canada, the summer months are a short but sweet opportunity to get outside and discover the beautiful landscape our country has to offer. With warmer weather just around the corner, we?ve compiled a list of some of the best walking trails from coast to coast. Pack some snacks and a map before heading out to enjoy the outdoors at one of these must-visit locations near you.
1. Stanley Park trails in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of ...
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Two proposed subdivisions set to create new opportunities for luxury homebuyers in Canmore
Canmore's sizzling real estate market is about to get a welcome influx of new product for interested homebuyers.Two new proposed phases of the 600-acre Silvertip resort development, perched atop the slopes to the east of the TransCanada Highway, will include more than 100 luxury tourist homes.Marketing for one of the phases ? the development's first-ever resort chalets, known as Silvertip Village Lane ? ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 18 Feb 2022 17:28:18 +0000
Fixed or Variable? With Rates Potentially Set to Rise, Which Option is Best for You?
Should you stick with the stability of a fixed mortgage rate or opt for a variable?It?s one of the most difficult decisions faced by new homebuyers and homeowners who are renewing or refinancing. But with the Bank of Canada indicating that rates are likely to start rising next year, the question is once again highly relevant. Let?s take a look at the options and weigh some of the advantages and ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:37:21 +0000
5 Tips to Help Prepare for Estate Sales to ensure their estate sale runs smoothly.
The pandemic ignited a surge in home buying that we haven?t seen since 2006. A rise in remote work opportunities, a desire to relocate to less densely populated areas, and a large percentage of the population entering retirement are just some of the reasons people are on the move.
In a recent survey conducted by Blue Moon Estate Sales of more than 700 people over the age of 55, 19% reported they plan to ...
posted in home tips
at Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:26:27 +0000
Over the last year, nearly everyone across the world has become familiar with gathering online. Whether it's working from home or online school, learning via laptop or smartphone has become commonplace.
The City of Calgary has embraced this trend by posting a series of home improvement and business webinars on its website. The sessions available online aim to reach the many Calgarians who have been unable to gather this type of information in person during the pandemic."With COVID-19, (the ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 27 Jan 2022 19:22:47 +0000
City of Calgary, Jan. 25, 2022 ? Housing market activity in 2022 is expected to moderate relative to record levels of activity in 2021, while remaining stronger than historical levels.
?Despite challenges with COVID-19, we are starting to see a turnaround in our job and migration numbers, and while interest rates are expected to rise, they remain relatively low. All these factors are expected to support strong housing demand into 2022,? said CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie.?The biggest ...
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For some first-time home buyers, help from family or close friends can be the key to breaking down the barriers to homeownership.
One of the ways loved ones can help hopeful home buyers is by agreeing to be a co-signer on the mortgage. Co-signing can be applied to most types of loans, not just mortgages. Essentially, a co-signer takes on the responsibility of making the loan payments in the event the original borrower can?t. By providing this extra assurance to the lender, co-signers can help ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 24 Jan 2022 22:00:06 +0000
From coast-to-coast-to-coast, Canadians are spoiled with stunning landscapes, wild terrain, miles of coastal shoreline, and thousands of freshwater lakes. If a lifestyle more connected to nature is calling your name, choosing where to live might be the hardest part. To help make your dream of a life spent outdoors a reality, we?re sharing a list of six places across Canada that would make an epic homebase for outdoor adventure seekers.
Comox Valley, British Columbia
It?s no surprise ...
After breaking ground in April, a project is underway to expand the Vivo for Healthier Generations recreation centre into a true community hub in northeast Calgary.At completion, the $62-million project will grow the facility to 135,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. Among the exciting features of the new building are an indoor park, expanded meeting rooms, an outdoor community "hug," and a lakeside-inspired aquatic expansion with a fire pit, six-lane pool, sauna and steam ...
A brief history of the conversation pit: why interest in this '70s design staple has skyrocketed in the age of COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an obsession has developed among people who are extremely online with an interior design feature whose heyday occurred more than 50 years ago: the conversation pit. Over the past year, there has been someone taking to Twitter to call for the return of this '70s staple every few months, and each time it triggers an avalanche of likes, shares and ...
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posted in General
at Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:53:27 +0000
Mortgages for Investment Properties ? What You Need to Know
Has the idea of buying an investment property ever crossed your mind? Maybe you?d like a place to rent out and have someone else pay some or all of your mortgage while you build equity in a tangible real estate asset, or perhaps as a home for your child to live in.Whatever your reason, investing in an additional property (or multiple properties) can be a good way to accomplish those goals, but there are also some key considerations ...
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posted in Investing
at Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:48:18 +0000
Feeling restless in your home? Maybe you don?t have enough bedrooms and living space for your growing family, or adequate storage for your things. Or perhaps you?re yearning for a bigger backyard with an outdoor kitchen, an open-plan main floor, or an extra garage.
But in a red-hot real estate market, is it better to jump into a competitive market for a new home that fits your needs, or stay where you are and upgrade your property instead? Here?s how to figure out what?s right for ...
posted in home tips
at Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:18:28 +0000
Five DIY plumbing tips for homeowners
To the uninitiated, plumbing repairs and maintenance can be intimidating. Major repairs and plumbing emergencies are no doubt best left to the professionals, but with a few tools and a bit of knowhow, smaller fixes can be accomplished by any homeowner.With that in mind, here are five tips for the aspiring DIY plumber:
1) Minor toilet repairs
If your toilet is running constantly, don't despair ? it's usually easy to fix. A running toilet is often caused by a ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:01:00 +0000
Five cheap ways to boost your home's curb appeal
You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so why waste an opportunity to get a leg up on other sellers?Whether it's for better listing photos or to impress during showings, improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive. Here are five cheap ways to boost your home's curb appeal:
Front door
Your front door is one of the first things people see when they approach your home, so make it stand out. Brightly coloured ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 09 Jan 2022 22:05:04 +0000
May is national "Moving Month," which comes during a busy spring for the Calgary housing market, with record homes sales so far this year.All those home sales mean lots of people on the move. Unfortunately, there are always epic tales circulating about bad moving experiences, including damaged or missing items, bloated costs and even home furnishings held hostage.Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, says her ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:58:52 +0000
There?s something about looking at images of a perfectly put together fridge or pantry that inspires you to do your own #fridgemakeover or reach #pantrygoals. It?s a popular trend on social media right now, but a well-organized kitchen isn?t just good for an Instagram post or TikTok video. Smart fridge and pantry organization can also help reduce food waste and inspire more home-cooked meals or snacks. If you have an appetite for organization, we?re sharing fridge and pantry hacks you can use ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:32:42 +0000
Purchasing a property in the winter can be a pretty chill idea. Buying in the wintertime can be advantageous for both home buyers and sellers?with a smaller buying pool, the (typically) off-season market can lend more serious offers from motivated purchasers who benefit from less competition. However, wintery weather can make it tricky to assess a home when you can?t fully see the condition of the property under layers of ice and snow.
Paul Rushforth, broker of record at the Ottawa-based Paul ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:50:53 +0000
Work is now underway on a major expansion of the BMO Centre in Stampede Park, a project that aims to catapult Calgary into the major leagues of convention host cities in Canada.
The groundbreaking for the $500-million project that will add 560,000 square feet to the existing building took place on April 29, with construction due for completion in 2024.
?Once completed, the BMO Centre will be the largest convention venue in Western Canada,? said Clare LePan, vice-president of marketing and ...
Market continues shift toward more balanced conditions after torrid start to the year
City of Calgary, Sept. 1, 2021 ?
Citywide sales in August reached 2,151 units, 37 per cent higher than last year and 25 per cent higher than long-term trends. Sales have slowed from the record-setting pace seen earlier this year, but on a year-to-date basis, the eight-month total of 19,516 sales is higher than annual sales figures recorded over the past six years.
?Sales have far exceeded expectations ...
Earlier this summer, new changes were announced for the federal mortgage stress test, shifting the ground again in terms of how much house new and seasoned home buyers are qualified to purchase.
In April, Canada?s financial regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), proposed an increase for the stress test?s minimum qualifying rate on uninsured mortgages. This raised the previous rate from 4.79% to its current value of 5.25%.
As of June 1, 2021, the new ...
posted in home tips
at Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:52:18 +0000
You can always go downtown. At least that?s what the song says.
Much has been written about the current woes of Calgary?s Downtown Commercial Core. Office vacancies are approaching 30 per cent and many businesses and commuters are conspicuous in their absence from the area.
However, there are a significant number of Calgarians who have no intention of going anywhere, even after the workaday crowd goes home.
In fact, with around 8,500 Calgarians who call the Downtown Commercial Core home, the ...
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Calgary is one of the most unique cities in Canada when it comes to weather. Throughout the year, we can see temperatures span from -40C to 40C in a matter of months, and chinooks can warm our frostbitten city into a springtime paradise in only a few short days.
Because of this, our homes have to be prepared to withstand the most extreme weather Alberta has to offer. While these temperature fluctuations can cause damage to your home?s exterior, they can also affect your home?s interior, as ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 06 Jul 2021 21:49:45 +0000
There?s one kind of home with a view that already comes mortgage-free: a bird house! With spring in full bloom, we?re sharing some tips about backyard birds, what you need to know about birdseed, and how to make a bird feeder or birdhouse. Create a safe and happy haven for birds this spring and summer, and enjoy all your new feathered friends!
A feast for a finch
Feeding wildlife is usually discouraged, but backyard birds are an exception to the rule. Since birds don?t become dependent on ...
City of Calgary, July 2, 2021 ?
Calgary?s housing market is showing few signs of letting up, as sales reached 2,915 units in June ? a record high for the month.
?It is taking time for supply to catch up with the demand in the market,? said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
?Through the early spring market, many buyers did not have a lot of choice, but the recent improvements in supply are providing more options for those purchasers and supporting the strong sales we continue to see in ...
Mahone Bay Nova scotia
There?s always been a romance about the water. From classic tales of the high seas to memories of quiet early mornings spent fishing with your parents, the water holds a special place in our collective experience.
In fact, it?s so special for some people they?ve taken the plunge and decided to live on the water full time.
Floating homes offer an alternative way of life. Today, we?ll explore why, delve into some specifics, and help you decide whether the move might be ...
We?re pretty attached to our stuff, aren?t we? Family photos, knick-knacks, and artwork?they reflect our personalities and styles. However, those might be a problem if you?re showing your home to potential buyers. They want to imagine themselves living in a beautiful, clean space, and that means properly staging a house for sale.
So if you?re planning on selling soon, here are six things a professional stager would likely do to maximize your home?s full potential.
Stagers will work closely with ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 23 Jun 2021 21:13:31 +0000
We recommend to Ask yourself a few questions:
1.Do you want something that can produce a rental income, or perhap want some Tulum real estate to be used for vacation rentals part time?
2. Is buying real estate in Mexico a life-long dream, and a place you plan to spend your winter months for years to come?
3. Are you near retirement age and want to buy a house in a beautiful climate, one you can share with other members of your family?
4. What about amenities? Would you prefer indoor parking? ...
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posted in Investing
at Wed, 09 Jun 2021 20:53:40 +0000
The 11,000-sq.-foot residence's front door is protected by statues of life-sized golden horses, and a golden chariot helmed by a giant winged man, also in gold
It comes out of nowhere. You?ll be driving south of the Trans-Canada Highway, through the dun-coloured foothills that run parallel to the still snow-tipped Rocky Mountains, and there it is. Bam. A monster house so grand-but-fleeting that you can?t help but ask yourself: ?What was that? Some kind of hotel??
But the 22 is a busy highway, ...
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For all the design DIYers out there in need of a little direction, we reached out to a couple Calgary designers for their foolproof colour palettes, design schemes and decorative themes that are sure to sizzle in any space. The best part is that anyone can pull these looks together ? no experience necessary.
1) Modern Luxe
Weaving together neutrals like black, white and gold will achieve a richness and elegance in any space. Think hits of black stainless steel in the appliances, an ebony barn ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 25 May 2021 15:56:13 +0000
Anyone who has walked into a hardware store lately is aware of the current price of lumber, a situation that is creating issues for the homebuilding and renovation industries in Calgary and across the country.
?The story we?re hearing in Calgary is similar to stories across Canada,? said Brian Hahn, CEO of BILD Calgary Region, which represents members of the local homebuilding industry. ?There?s pressure on the lumber supply.?
Hahn says the resulting price increases for building materials have ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 17 May 2021 17:48:32 +0000
There?s nothing new about the real estate markets in Ontario or British Columbia. Home sales and prices have risen yet again. That is bad news for prospective buyers who were hoping to purchase a home this year. But there is something new and exciting happening in Alberta, and this trend could bring some much-needed activity to the province?s weakened economy.
The real estate market in Alberta is heating up, but housing prices are still reasonable enough that first-time buyers can invest in a ...
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Year of Construction: 1913
Address: 1732 13th Ave. N.W.
Community: Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill
Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts
The 1½-storey, Arts and Crafts-style Walter Hargrave Residence is unique for a couple of reason. Constructed in 1913, it is one of the oldest buildings in the northwest community of Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill, a neighbourhood whose founding dates back to before the First World War.
Hounsfield Heights, Hillhurst and West Hillhurst were born from the lands of ...
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CREB®?s Q1 2021 Housing Report Released
City of Calgary, April 20, 2021 ?
For the full report, please download CREB®?s Q1 2021 Calgary & Region Quarterly Update Report here.
The economic challenges associated with COVID-19 brought about a dramatic rate cut from the Bank of Canada and an even more significant drop in the discount rates for mortgages.
The low-interest-rate environment, combined with pent-up demand and increased savings among those who remained employed throughout the pandemic, ...
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The art displayed in a home provides personality, creates a welcoming atmosphere and offers a glimpse of your unique style to guests. And while there aren?t many unbreakable rules for choosing and arranging art, you still don?t want to fling it all over the place with little thought to how those pieces work with each other or the space.
Here are four guiding principles that will have your home looking like an expertly curated gallery in no time.
1. Consider the room
Each room in a home serves ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:37:37 +0000
Working from home lent convenience to the lives of many Calgarians over the last year, but distraction can take its toll.
Competing for space with pets, children, a spouse or roommates can steal concentration quickly. As a result, backyard offices have become a trendy way to create a healthy boundary between home and work.
?As more people are working from home, they are looking to increase their productivity and workflow,? said Jason Fisher, owner of Urban Shed. ?You?ll also enjoy your new ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 19 Apr 2021 21:12:28 +0000
It?s time for spring cleaning, and while the excitement surrounding the Marie Kondo Method has died down somewhat since its peak, decluttering never goes out of style.
However, if you?re ready to part with some of your stuff, don?t just throw it in the trash. There are countless charitable organizations across the Calgary area that accept all manner of gently used household goods, from clothing and books to electronics and furniture.
The following are 20 organizations you can support with your ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 18 Apr 2021 22:05:38 +0000
When it comes to crowning Calgary?s most eclectic park, it would be tough to top the assortment of activities and opportunities offered at Prairie Winds Park.
Situated on the edge of the northeast community of Castleridge, the park opened in September 1990 with a gazebo in the Grant MacEwan grove, where 90 trees were planted to celebrate the former Calgary mayor?s 90th birthday.
The park then underwent a $11.9-million renovation between 2014 and 2017, which added a host of new features to the ...
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As kitchens get a robust workout due to more people cooking and working at home, design professions have responded with chic, functional updates.
3 Takeaways:
When space permits, an island has become the heart of the room.White is still the go-to color for kitchens, but other colors are gaining momentum in personalization.Zones for tasks like baking, coffee making, and working are the new way to separate space.
Kitchen trends are like fashion?wait a season and this color will be in and that ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 09 Apr 2021 21:49:23 +0000
Wood paneling has been synonymous with ?70s rec rooms, dart boards, and generational lakeside cottages for decades. It was forgiving, versatile, and a budget-friendly option to quickly elevate a basement or living room decades ago. Classic wood paneling still has its place, but its integration in modern design is gaining traction.
If your current living room reminds you of a sauna (and not because of the temperature), you may want to consider decorative wood panel options such as shiplap, ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:56:33 +0000
photo Withrow laneway house
For an urban planner, they?re called infill homes, but you may refer to them as laneway houses. We?re talking about infills added to residential properties, as the term is also used commercially. Any new or replacement building on an old lot is technically an infill, but in contemporary use, it often describes a second house built on a single lot.
In 2020, Canadians were asked to stay home. This meant people started to see their homes differently and many were eager ...
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posted in Investing
at Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:10:42 +0000
Photo courtesy ofGreenwood Centre for Living History
About 30 kilometres from Ontario?s eastern border and 60 kilometres west of Montreal sits the rural town of Hudson, Quebec. The Town of Hudson, a municipality of Greater Montreal, was officially established when the villages of Hudson, Hudson Heights, and Como amalgamated in 1967. While the town designation has only been official for a little over a half-century, Hudson has been populated since the 1700s when the region was still ...
The initial impact of COVID-19 on the housing market began last March.
One year later, it is not a surprise that March sales in 2021 were higher than in 2020. However, at 2,903 sales, this was the highest March total since 2007.
?Low lending rates and improved savings have supported sales activity,? said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
?However, sales have been somewhat restricted by the lack of listings. This month there was a jump in new listings, contributing to the strong monthly ...
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The foundation of a home is the basis of the entire structure.
Just like a strong foundation can make a happy relationship, a strong foundation beneath your home will keep it standing strong for many years.
Many different factors go into building a strong foundation.
Footings are a vital part of foundation construction. They are made of concrete and rebar reinforcement and exist to support the foundation and prevent settling. They?re made for the foundation to rest on and are especially ...
posted in home tips
at Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:28:51 +0000
Right now, there?s no way to describe Canmore?s housing market other than ?hot.?
?I?m always hesitant to use that word because you can?t paint everything with the same brush, but the statistics don?t lie,? said a local Realtor
Those statistics show that of the 66 new listings that came on the market in February, 60 were sold in that period ? sometimes with multiple offers ? and at a 99 per cent sale-to-listing-price ratio.
Another Realtor calls the situation ?unprecedented,? considering ...
this "Pittsburgh Potty" photo dates back to 1922.
Old homes are often full of outdated features that seem bizarre in a modern context but served an important purpose at the time of construction. With some of these quirks ? such as milk doors, dumbwaiters and boot scrapers ? the utility is obvious. With others? well, not so much.
One such eccentricity from a bygone era is a case of curious plumbing. In some old homes, usually only those dating back to before the Second World War, a random ...
Saving up a down payment is hard work, and it?s getting more difficult to achieve the required savings as prices continue to rise in certain hot markets (due in part to low interest rates spurring high demand), outpacing what you might be able to save on a monthly basis. Thus, pooling resources, and buying a home as a group with the intention of living together, is becoming increasingly more popular.
Whether you?re a first-time homebuyer, or this is your second or third property, the financial ...
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posted in Investing
at Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:59:56 +0000
With spring on the horizon ? bringing warmer days, blooming flowers, plenty of sunshine and increased optimism ? Calgary?s real estate market is poised for a flurry of activity.
?We have definitely rounded the corner, but in this market, who knows, we are still a little bit in the fog. Right now, the market is brisk and it?s essentially a sellers? market, so buyers really need to be prepared,? said a REALTOR® in Calgary.
?A smart consumer, whether buyer or seller, should engage a real estate ...
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posted in home tips
at Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:02:00 +0000
When it comes to deciding if an investment in solar will pay off, the homeowner has to do research and make smart decisions for their home and financial situation. Here are some steps to take along the way.
Step 1: Figure out the home?s solar potential.
To get an initial idea about a roof?s solar potential, you can enter the address at Google Project Sunroof or check out solar resource maps from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. One common misconception is that solar panels only pay ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:57:45 +0000
Fogo Island Inn - an island off an island
While you and your special someone might not have traveled for Valentine?s Day this year, that doesn?t mean you can?t start planning a romantic getaway for the future. Some people believe they need to travel to Paris, the Bahamas, or another international destination to find a romantic getaway, but that?s not the case. One of the greatest things about living in the second-largest country in the world, you don?t have to cross oceans to discover a unique ...
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With Canadians spending more time at home, opportunities to level-up our living spaces continue to present themselves. You may have spent time pampering your pets, setting a new tone in the bathroom, or even performing some long-overdue home maintenance. If you?ve been considering uncharted home improvement territory, then it could be time to finish your basement. Let?s look at some key considerations to help you plan for this project.
Is it worthwhile?
Undoubtedly this is one of the biggest ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:24:20 +0000
Moving into a new home is exciting?it represents a fresh start with new rooms to decorate, and a new neighbourhood to explore. However, setting up your house can also be exhausting and stressful. But don?t worry?we?ve compiled a helpful checklist of things to cross off before you settle in. And if you?re moving to a new city, your REALTOR® is a great resource for advice about tasks to take care of, who to tap for help and how tofind the best schools for your kids.
1. Update your address and ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:39:39 +0000
For homeowners, insurance is an inescapable expense that can quickly add up when stacked on top of other financial obligations like a mortgage, property taxes and utilities. That?s why it?s important to make sure you?re getting the best deal possible ? even a few small discounts applied to your premiums can turn into huge savings over time.
With that in mind, here are eight ways to save money on your homeowners insurance:
1) Increase your deductible
With all insurance policies, a higher ...
posted in home tips
at Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:58:46 +0000
Calgary is still stuck in the throes of winter, but many homeowners are already planning their landscape projects for 2021 to ensure they have an outdoor space to enjoy this summer.
Alison Atherton, co-owner of Project Landscape, says there was a sudden surge in demand for landscaping work last summer, as many Calgarians scrambled to adjust to COVID-19 restrictions and more time spent at home.
?The idea was to create resort-style living, some sort of oasis in your backyard to enjoy while you ...
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Year of Construction: 1912
Address: 802 Prospect Ave. S.W.
Community: Upper Mount Royal
Architectural Style: Georgian Revival
Oddly enough, the most famous owner of this stately brick home in Calgary?s upscale Mount Royal neighbourhood never actually lived there. As the house?s modern moniker suggests, that owner was R. B. Bennett, Canada?s 11th prime minister and a man who, despite growing up in New Brunswick and spending his final years in England, is indelibly linked with Calgary?s history. ...
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Sound transmission class (STC) is the rating system used to measure a partition wall?s ability to reduce the effect of airborne sound. A higher STC rating means less sound will make its way through the partition wall ? sometimes called a party wall, common wall or shared wall ? creating a quieter living space.
If you?ve ever lived in an apartment or townhome where you can hear your neighbours? every move, you know how irritating it can be. However, many homebuyers don?t know about STC ratings ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:22:02 +0000
At the end of 2020, the Pantone Colour Institute announced its 2021 Colour(s) of the Year: Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647), ?A marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.?
This marked only the second time in the 21-year history of Colour of the Year that Pantone has chosen two colours, a deviation from the norm meant to reflect, and move on from, a year in 2020 that was anything but normal. The combination of hues ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:55:53 +0000
Staircases tend to capture the eye because of the way they transcend from one level to the next. If your property?s stairs have seen better days, though, you might not like the message that your staircase is sending potential buyers. Whether you?re simply tired of the way that they look, or your stairs are starting to fall into a bit of disrepair, refinishing and revitalizing your stairs will have to come sooner or later.
Here are a few ideas that you should keep in mind when trying to figure ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 03 Mar 2021 20:14:34 +0000
With gains in every price range, residential sales activity in February totalled 1,836.
This reflects the best February since 2014.
?Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, housing activity continues to improve. Much of the strong sales activity is expected to be driven by exceptionally low mortgage rates,? said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
?Confidence is also likely improving as vaccine rollouts are underway. Additionally, some of the worst fears concerning the energy sector are ...
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Cody Stuart / CREB®Now
With pandemic precautions forcing Calgarians to restructure their lives, the city?s outdoor spaces have become a hot commodity this winter. Among the spots in highest demand have been the city?s many outdoor rinks.
With eight City of Calgary rinks and dozens more maintained by community associations around the city, Calgarians have a host of choices when it comes to strapping on the blades and heading out for a skate.
One of the newest stretches of ice is in North ...
Whether you?re trying to break into the real estate market, downsizing from a larger home or longing for more space for your growing family, there?s probably a tiny house for you. In addition to the trendy appeal to build a compact house on wheels and live an adventurous nomadic lifestyle, living large in a tiny house offers up a wealth of options?and their popularity is surging.
Canadians are curious
The Canadian Real Estate Association has reported record sales activity over the last few ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 19 Feb 2021 17:40:46 +0000
Located in the heart of cottage country, hidden within the boundaries of the Land O?Lakes Tourist Region, Sharbot Lake is a rural community with a quintessential small village vibe. A friendly, family-oriented place where everybody knows your name, Sharbot Lake offers a mix of outdoor experiences for year-round adventure, with larger city amenities only a scenic hour?s drive away.
Go exploring in the vast wilderness landscape surrounding the village, refresh and revitalize in the myriad of ...
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The long, dark days of winter are upon us, and with COVID-19 still keeping us closer to home, we?re keenly aware of all the maintenance tasks we?ve put off or let slip through the cracks.
And we hate to break it to you, but it?s time to get to work.
We know you?re wondering if you can get out of this. Must you really hit pause on your newest Netflix binge session and do, ugh, chores?
Well, no. You don?t have to do anything. But if you do, we guarantee you?ll save some money?and maybe even your ...
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posted in Investing
at Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:16:42 +0000
Whether you?re a prospective homebuyer or an existing homeowner already paying down a mortgage, ensuring your finances are in good order is crucial for your overall financial health.
With tax/RRSP season just around the corner, now is a great time to review your current financial plan to identify potential improvements.
This could mean relatively small changes that could improve your credit score?which could get you access to better interest rates. Or it could involve something more ...
posted in Investing
at Sat, 13 Feb 2021 19:00:48 +0000
Even if you wouldn?t describe yourself as handy, it?s important for homeowners to have the skills and equipment to tackle routine maintenance and repairs. Thankfully, most of those tasks require nothing more than a few basic tools and a little elbow grease.
?Most small home repairs can be completed by any homeowner, no matter their level of expertise,? said Jason Cunningham, tool rental merchant with Home Depot Canada. ?With a little bit of confidence, along with the right tools, most projects ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 12 Feb 2021 20:09:31 +0000
Historically low interest rates are helping boost the residential real estate market in Calgary and across the country, with the trend expected to continue throughout 2021.
?The decline in interest rates since last spring gave a sizable break to buyers by lowering debt service costs. This has undoubtedly attracted more buyers into the market,? said Robert Hogue, senior economist with RBC Economics, in a recent report on the Canadian housing market.
?We expect interest rates to stay low though ...
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posted in Investing
at Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:36:32 +0000
Inside the home, lighting does so much more than help you see. The right lighting can improve your mood, create the perfect atmosphere and highlight all the features of your home that you love the most.
If your current configuration is coming up short, here are four foolproof tips for taking your home?s lighting to the next level:
1) Streamline bulbs
If you live in an older home, it?s likely you have a mishmash of different bulbs, which can result in a chaotic atmosphere of clashing colour ...
posted in home tips
at Sun, 07 Feb 2021 18:03:23 +0000
Move over feng shui.
Step aside Marie Kondo.
There?s a new kid in interior design town, and it?s called hygge. No longer do we have to worry about the alignment of the furniture with the windows, to create a positive energy flow around the house. No more throwing out what we no longer need, decluttering to the point of tidy but boring minimalism in the name of sparking joy.
No. Hygge is all about the cosy. The warm, the enveloping, the hunkering down in one?s environment, being embraced and ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 05 Feb 2021 21:57:23 +0000
Long before the stock market existed, before salt was considered as valuable as gold and before humans first struck oil, the asset that was most sought after was land. Real estate investing has evolved, but today investors still seek out land as a way to diversify their assets, earn income, and increase their net worth.
These days, however, many Calgarians are asking whether or not real estate is still a good investment. The question is timely given the local and national housing market with ...
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posted in Investing
at Thu, 04 Feb 2021 22:26:43 +0000
January sales were the highest they have been for the month since 2014, as housing market momentum from the end of 2020 carried over into the start of 2021.
Sales activity improved across all product types and across all price ranges.
?Discount lending rates are exceptionally low, which is likely attracting all types of buyers back into the market,? said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
?New listings in the market were also slightly higher than what was available over the past two months, ...
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It?s not a spot where you would normally expect to find a recreational space. Yet, Flyover Park, located under the overpass that links westbound Memorial Drive to 4th Ave S.E. and the East Village, is the newest addition to Calgary?s parks system.
The park, which opened in December, is the result of a partnership between local Grade 6 and University of Calgary Landscape Architecture students, who teamed up on the design to create a distinctive hub for the community.
?The park?s setting next ...
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It might sound like magic, but banishing snow from your driveway without lifting a finger is a trick that?s within reach for Calgarians.
?Our system uses electricity rather than water or gas,? said Sob F., a sales representative with Ontario-based Heavenly Heat Inc.
?We peel off the existing driveway, lay down cables and cover them with asphalt or concrete. The cables are connected to a control box, which can be placed inside or outside the garage, and the system is completely automatic, ...
posted in home tips
at Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:47:11 +0000
I have just finished attending the #creb2121 virtual forecast and am happy to bring you the "hot off the press" 2021 forecast by our wonderful economist Anne-Marie Lurie.
? In 2020, housing markets across the country surprised many with a stronger-than-expected rebound in the second half of the year despite record-high unemployment rates and significant job losses.
Calgary did not hit record-high sales or prices in the third or fourth quarters, but still posted some of the strongest sales ...
If your home?s interior is feeling a bit drab and lifeless, adding a handful of houseplants to the mix can make a world of difference. This is especially true during the winter, when a little bit of greenery inside can help you forget about the weather outside.
The benefits don?t stop there either, as plants also purify the air and taking care of them can create a comforting sense of routine.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are 10 great indoor plants you should consider adding to your home: ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 24 Jan 2021 22:36:33 +0000
A tiny home in retirement could be a more-affordable way to downsize and still be close to family. This article is from the US - but stay tuned as tiny homes are catching on in Canada too!
When Cary Childre, 65, of Athens, Ga., considered moving closer to her daughter, Eva Maudlin, of Decatur, an Atlanta suburb, she realized she couldn?t afford to buy ?much of anything.? So, Eva, 31, researched building a cottage in her own backyard. The 429-square-foot home will have one bedroom and ...
Oh, baby, it?s cold outside? and inside, too, if you?re standing close to a drafty window, door, or mysterious source of outside air. Persistent drafts are funny things. They can be massive pains when the wind blows just right, and almost unnoticeable when it?s still, making it both difficult to locate the problem, and hard to keep front of mind as you go about the rest of your week. But if you?ve got a persistent draft, transient or not, this can be the year you solve it. You?ll also save ...
posted in home tips
at Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:02:17 +0000
Year of Construction: 1905
Address: 35 Point Drive N.W.
Community: Point McKay
Architectural Style: Vernacular
This pioneer vernacular home was built in 1905 by Alfred McKay (1860-1940). His work as a member of Canadian Pacific Railway survey crews took him from his home in Woodbridge, Ont., to the Prairies in 1880 and he eventually settled in the Calgary area in 1886.
Originally, McKay lived as a squatter in a log cabin on Cochrane Ranch Co. land, before securing his own piece of land in ...
Whether you are a real estate mogul or just getting started with your first rental unit, if you?re receiving money for rent, your silent investor needs his cut paid. Never heard of this silent investor? We are talking about Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and they always get their share through taxes.
The good news is that there?s many different tax rebates and deductions that can help you reduce how much tax you have to pay. In this article, we will cover tax rebates most landlords don?t claim ...
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posted in Investing
at Sun, 17 Jan 2021 20:27:16 +0000
?Where did you get that?? An enthusiastic and genuine question those who thrift furniture get asked all too often. Whether you?ve upcycled a dining room table or refinished an antique armoire, you know those unique pieces have a way of attracting the eye of house guests.
Filled with charm and character, thrifted furniture is an excellent option for those on a budget, looking for a distinct piece to complete a design vision, or those simply hoping to make a positive impact on the environment and ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 15 Jan 2021 22:33:26 +0000
While you might not love building IKEA furniture, the Swedish retailer?s smart designs and affordable finds make the effort (and the tears) worth it. But if you think your basic IKEA pieces are in need of a style upgrade, you?re not alone. There?s a community of thousands of IKEA hackers dreaming up creative ways to transform their pieces on a budget. Whether you?re a first-time or devoted furniture hacker, we scoured the internet to find some of our favourite IKEA hacks for your home.
Play ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:56:19 +0000
On the northern shoreline of the spellbinding Lake of the Woods district, Kenora, Ontario is a coveted tourist destination. The small city of 15,096 (2016 census) is located 50 km east of Manitoba, nearly 200 km east of Winnipeg. The area was traditionally named Rat Portage or ?Waszush Onigum? in Ojibwe, in reference to the traditional ?portage of the muskrat.?
Lake of the Woods includes parts of Ontario, Manitoba, and the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota. The lake is more than 110 km long ...
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When buying your first home, there are more costs involved than you may expect. Between moving expenses, legal fees, inspections and taxes, purchasing a property involves a lot more than just saving for your down payment. It?s not uncommon for first-time buyers to skip on budgeting for these expenses and then get sticker shock when all of the additional costs pile up.
Thankfully, first-time home buyers in Canada have exclusive access to programs to help offset some of the costs. From rebates ...
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posted in Investing
at Mon, 11 Jan 2021 23:46:32 +0000
Calgary?s winters are bad enough without having to worry about the expensive heating bills that often accompany plummeting temperatures. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to limit the damage and save a bit of cash in the process.
1) Make sure your home is properly insulated
Here?s how to find out if your home needs an insulation upgrade.
2) Layer up and lower the temperature
One of the most common pieces of advice for cutting your heating bill is also the most straightforward: dress warm ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:45:23 +0000
City of Calgary, January 4, 2021 ?
With December sales of 1,199, this is the highest December total since 2007.
"Housing demand over the second-half of 2020 was far stronger than anticipated and nearly offset the initial impact caused by the shutdowns in spring. Even with the further restrictions imposed in December, it did not have the same negative impact on housing activity like we saw in the earlier part of the year," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.
Attractive interest rates ...
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In recent years, Canadians have been some of the biggest buyers of property south of the border, purchasing nearly $9.5 billion worth of U.S. real estate in the last year alone, according to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors. As we head into the start of a particularly unusual snowbird season under COVID-19 however, a significant number of Canadians are now in a ?wait and see? situation as to whether they will want to or be able to travel south to enjoy their U.S. property ...
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posted in Investing
at Sat, 02 Jan 2021 23:00:52 +0000
I watched a really good Webinar yesterday on Secondary suites - For more info and to watch it click here. Here are a few of the points I discovered"
- The City are waiving $900 of fees for permits until December 2021
- For a secondary suite -There are other options besides putting in a second furnace.
- For an existing suite there are differing rules than if you are building a new suite. An Egress window is the size of the unobstructed opening not the size of the window.
A secondary suite has ...
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posted in Investing
at Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:28:11 +0000