Calgary Real Estate - Michele Duce

Friday, April 13, 2012 - ITS A LOCK FOR YOUR HOME

Gone are the days when sellers' keys hung on pegs in real-estate offices. Today, it's sophisticated lockboxes that make your home accessible - and easier to sell. Lockboxes are metal boxes containing a smaller compartment for your house key. While older lockboxes were opened with keys, today's models are much more advanced. Some are combination locks; the latest are electronic, opened by a code (which can be changed on a day-to-day basis), a secure key card with PIN, or by infrared technology t ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:17:35 -0600

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - PRICE YOUR HOME RIGHT

Pricing your home right is critical for a quicker sale. To help prevent your property from lingering on the market longer than it needs to, avoid the following mistakes many sellers unfortunately make when establishing their asking price. Factoring in sentimental value. Your property is no doubt priceless to you - you've worked hard to make it a home and it's been the source of countless wonderful memories. However, your price needs to be based on market value, not emotional value - after all, ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:16:22 -0600

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - HOLIDAY HOME SHOPPING

If you think there's little point to hunting for a new home during the holidays, think again. The holiday season can yield some great deals for homebuyers willing to put in the effort at that time of year. Here's why. The holidays are generally a very busy time, so if a homeowner has their property on the market during this period, they are very likely to be serious about selling. Additionally, some of these sellers may be anxious to sell before the end of the year. Some homes may have already ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:12:28 -0600

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME

Have you just moved into a new place and are looking for room for all of your belongings? Are you having trouble accommodating all the things you've accumulated in your home throughout the years? Or are you planning to sell and need to show off your square footage to potential buyers? Whatever your resons for wanting more storage space are, there are plenty of ways to get it. Here are just a few. PARE DOWN First things first, edit your stuff. The easiest and most inexpensive way to get the adde ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:39:55 -0600

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS MARCH 2012

SINGLE FAMILY LEADS CALGARY HOUSING GROWTH New listings at a good price generating a lot of activity Calgary, April 2, 2012 – City of Calgary residential sales continued to rise in March 2012, reaching 2,167 units, an increase of 12.6 per cent over last March. “The rise in activity is related to the continued improvement of our economy and consumer confidence, as some concerns regarding the global economy have eased,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist. Af ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:12:07 -0600

Monday, March 19, 2012 - LEARN TO LET GO OF THINGS IN YOUR HOME

Do you know someone who's a bit of a hoarder? Or do you yourself have trouble parting with belongings doing little more than occupying space? Then keep reading - whether you're downsizing to a smaller home or purging as part of your spring cleaning ritual, here are some strategies to help make letting go a little easier. Money is a powerful motivator. Ask yourself if there's profit in selling items you no longer need. Thanks to the internet (and sites like eBay, Amazon, and Kijiji) there are mo ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:47:03 -0600

Thursday, March 15, 2012 - A GUIDE FOR HOME BUYERS

Spring's here, which means the real-estate market is in high gear! Don't run the risk of losing your dreamhome to a competing buyer by inadvertently disrespecting the seller. If your looking to buy, please take a moment to consider these points. Respect appointment times and open-house hours. Sellers often have to shuffle their schedules around to accommodate showings. Don't cancel at the last minute or show up late. Also, don't surprise sellers by showing up outside of established open-house h ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:23:05 -0600

Wednesday, March 14, 2012 - A GUIDE FOR HOME SELLERS

A property that doesn't generate as much interest and sell as quickly as expected isn't necessarily one that's flawed. There are several good reasons why perfectly good homes linger on the market. Below are some of the most common. It's overpriced. This is the top reason why quality properties don't sell more quickly. Buyers tend to assume, rightly or wrongly, that a seller whose home is priced above fair market value isn't serious about selling or open to negotiating. As such, buyers may feel ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:15:58 -0600

Friday, March 9, 2012 - THE EYESORE NEXT DOOR TO YOU HOME

When it's time to sell your house, your street's appeal can be just as important as your home's. Unfortunately, living next to (or near) that house - you know, the neighborhood eyesore - can be another obstacle on the way to a sale. What can you do? It's worth checking local laws to see if there are any ordinances that would enable officials to step in; in some areas, for example, owners can be fined for property neglect. Good places to start include your municipality's building department, pub ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:24:15 -0700

Thursday, March 8, 2012 - PREPARE DOCUMENTS EARLY FOR THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

Missing paperwork can hold back or even stop a real estate transaction. for a smoother sale, gather the following documents so they'll be available to your real estate representative and to buyers as needed. Your deed or transfer of title document, which conveyed evidence of ownership to you when you bought your current house. Property survey(s). Be sure to inform your sales representative of any changes to your property that could impact the survey's accuracy. Property tax records, useful to t ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:48:06 -0700

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE IN

Smoke detectors. Contrary to popular belief, they shouldn't go in the kitchen, where they're likely to go off when they shouldn't. Rather they should be placed outside of every bedroom, to wake the sleeping, and on every floor of homes with more than one. Mount them at the ceiling's highest point, as smoke rises, and test them regularly (once a month). Carbon monoxide detectors. These, too, should be placed outside of sleeping quarters and on every floor in multilevel homes. Where they shouldn ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:29:50 -0700

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 - JUSTIFYING YOUR HOME ASKING PRICE

Ideally, you'd never have to haggle over your selling price. While there's not much you can do to prevent buyers from offering less than your asking, there are some things that you can do to help justify your asking price. Have a home inspection done before your property goes on the market. A documented, impartial report verifying that your home is in good condition helps substantiate a higher listing price. If the report reveals any defects, disclosing them up front via a seller's inspection h ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:02:40 -0700

Monday, March 5, 2012 - HOME HUNTING DON'TS

Home Hunting Don'ts Whether you're looking for your next home now or you're planning to pound the pavement this spring be sure to avoid these home-hunting "don'ts". If possible, don't bring the kids - at least not in the initial home-hunting stages. They can divert your attention from where it needs to be: on the homes. Also, children tend to either love or hate each property, so it's best not to bring them along until you've objectively narrowed your search down to the serious candidates, at w ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:39:19 -0700

Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Calgary Housing Sales Trending Up

Stable Pricing Providing Opportunities for Buyers Calgary, December 1, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), Calgary residential sales in November increased eight per cent over last year, at 17,538 after the first 11 months of the year. While sales activity tends to taper off in the winter months, so far this year Calgary area sales remain significantly stronger than levels recorded last year. Single family home sales totaled 962 for the month, ... Full Article...

posted in General at Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:40:45 -0700

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - Mark Herman's MARKet update, Winter 2011

86,000 new jobs, 14,000 less people on E.I. & 16,000 new immigrants in Alberta. Someone else IS going to buy that house before you do. • The Canadian economy is the strongest of the G7 and recovering. When the recovery takes hold, rates and prices are expected to rise. Alberta will maintain the strongest economic growth in Canada and America. • Mortgage rate 110-year low was 3.79%, is now 3.39%! Variable is at Prime - 0.3% = 3%-0.3% = 2.7%. • 5% down and 0% down still exist ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:21:42 -0600

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 - Calgary's Housing Market Set to Outpace 2010

Several Calgary Communities Get a Boost in Sales and Price Calgary, November 1, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), Calgary residential sales totaled 16,184 after the first 10 months of the year, an increase of eight per cent over last year. Over 61 per cent of Calgary’s established communities saw increased sales levels compared to last year. Garrison Woods, Collingwood and Mahogany saw the largest sales increase at 170 per cent comb ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:53:53 -0600

Monday, October 3, 2011 - HOMEBUYERS CONFIDENCE HOLDS STEADY DESPITE GLOBAL TURMOIL

Sales gain momentum in the first three quarters of 2011 Calgary, October 3, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continued to gain momentum in Calgary this year, totaling 14,832 after the first three quarters, a seven per cent per cent rise over last year. “Despite recent turmoil in the global economy, Calgarians are showing confidence in the long term prospects for the city and are taking advantage of affordable and ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:22:10 -0600

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 - The Personal Touch of a REALTOR

The Internet has been a boon to both buyers and real estate professionals. But it's no replacement for personal service. Here's why you still need a real estate sales representative to walk you through the home-buying process. Access to the most comprehensive - and current - information. Want to be in the know about properties not even listed on the MLS®? Want the most up-to-date figures on comparable sales to help you determine your offer price? Want insight into the local market? There's no m ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:04:42 -0600

Monday, September 26, 2011 - Home Buyers Analysis Paralysis

Are you so overwhelmed by the home-buying process that you find yourself unable to move forward? If so, you may suffer from buyer's paralysis. Luckily, this condition can be cured. Here's how. Make a "needs vs. wants" checklist and use it to measure how each property stacks up. Sometimes, it's the sheer amount of choice, or the thought of ending up in a home that's not right for them, that leaves buyers stymied. A checklist helps narrow your focus and prevent you from purchasing a home that doe ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:13:00 -0600

Friday, September 23, 2011 - Ready, Set, Move!

Most buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, agree that finding a property in "move-in ready" condition is important to them. So, sellers, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Making your home move-in ready doesn't necessarily mean doing costly kitchen and bath renovations. It does mean addressing safety issues, as well as performing maintenance tasks, both minor (such as fixing leaky faucets and drawers that stick) and major (like fixing faulty appliances or problems with your ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:14:03 -0600

Thursday, September 22, 2011 - CONGRATULATIONS, MORTGAGE-SAVVY CANADIANS!

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided some interesting--and positive!--insight into the way Canadian mortgage holders view their mortgage obligations, according to the CMHC 2011 Mortgage Consumer Survey. Overall, Canadians appear to enter the housing market with both eyes open, doing extensive research before they purchase, and then are diligent in their mortgage management following their purchase. After all, as Pierre Serre, Vice President, Insurance Product and Business ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:10:21 -0600

Thursday, July 14, 2011 - Prepare Your House & Beat The Heat

Hot enough for you? Take these few steps to prepare your house for the hottest weather of the year, and not only will you be more comfortable when the mercury spikes, you'll save energy and money, too. Test your air-conditioning system. Make sure your thermostat is set to cool and turn down the temperature. If the system doesn't turn on, the culprit might be as simple as a tripped breaker. If the problem is more complex, you'll want to address it before the year's hottest days arrive and techni ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:53:45 -0600

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - Setting The Stage Before Your Home Goes On The Market

Have you discussed with your real estate sales representative the possibility of having your home professionally staged before it goes on the market? Here are four reasons you may consider going this route. Staging helps you think like a buyer. In other words, it helps you view your property not as your home, but as a product to be marketed and sold like any other. The sooner you adopt that perspective, the better off you'll be - everything from showings, to contract negotiations, to moving day ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:33:57 -0600

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - The Real-Estate Waiting Game

While young adults from age 18 to 34 represent the most likely age group to buy a home within the next two years, 55 percent of them responded to a recent survey saying they're not quite ready now, and, in fact, probably wont be ready until at least next year. Why the wait? An Ipsos Reid survey, conducted in January 2011 among 2,103 Canadians, found that rising real estate prices, along with providing a large enough down payment, were the biggest concerns for the young people. Committing to the ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:47:50 -0600

Monday, July 11, 2011 - Home Spring Cleaning Like The Pros! Part 4

Kitchen: Working quickly, turn off the power to your fridge; clean its coils with a vacuum attachment and defrost its freezer. Empty your fridge, tossing expired/unnecessary items. Remove shelves and drawers; washing them and wiping down the fridges interior before putting back what you're keeping. Empty your cupboards and drawers, throwing out what you don't use. Clean them out, putting down new shelf paper as needed. Run your dishwasher with nothing in it but some baking soda or vinegar. Clea ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:43:24 -0600

Thursday, July 7, 2011 - Home Spring Cleaning Like The Pros! Part 3

Family/Dining Room: Dust and wipe down light fixtures, artwork, electronic equipment and ceiling fans. Take down your window coverings and wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove knick-knacks, picture frames, books, etc. from tables and shelves so you can dust and clean/polish them and the surfaces they sit on. Vacuum couches and chairs, using the attachments to get down into those areas where crumbs tend to collect. Launder slipcovers, throws, etc. Vacuum windowsills, mo ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:41:03 -0600

Thursday, June 23, 2011 - Home Spring Cleaning Like The Pros! Part 2

Bathrooms: Remove and wash your shower curtain. Clean the liner or replace it altogether. Empty out and clean the inside of your medicine cabinet, linen closet, drawers and cupboards. Throw out expired medicine, makeup, etc. Clean your bathtub and/or shower, toilet (inside and out), sink, fixtures, vents/fans, wastebasket, mirror, rugs and floor.

posted in General at Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:22:28 -0600

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - Home Spring Cleaning Like The Pros! Part 1

Will the change of seasons mean a change of address for you? Or just a change in mood? Whatever the reasons for why you want to make your home shine this spring, is often wise to have a room-by-room cleaning checklist to refer to, just like proffessional cleaning services do, so that no corner gets forgotten! BEDROOMS: Remove your window coverings and launder them as per the manufacturer's instructions. Clear off and wipe down the outside and inside of your dresser, nightstands and armoire. Put ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:57:37 -0600

Thursday, June 16, 2011 - House Listed?: Stop Buyers in Their Tracks

Listing in your area may already be budding like spring flowers. If you'll be selling, too, consider these curb-appeal boosting home-improvement projects that'll help stop buyers in their tracks. New garage doors. Certain garage doors constitute a large portion of a houses facade, and so the doors are one of the first things buyers notice. Whatever style you choose, make sure the doors compliment the architecture of your house - carriage-house style doors have become quite trendy, though they m ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:29:23 -0600

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - Smooth House Move

Entrusting your belongings into the care of strangers is just one reason why moving can be stressful. To help ensure you're putting your possessions in the right hands, ask these questions of potential movers. How long have they been in the business? Can they provide references? Are they members of any type of movers' association? The answers will give you an idea as to how reputable the mover is. What additional fees might you be charged? For example, some movers charge extra if the home is ha ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:22:17 -0600

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - A Winning Offer To Purchase Your Next Home

You might be in the market for a new home this spring, but so will a lot of other people. When you're ready to make an offer, here are a few things you can do to better the odds of your offer being the winning one. WORK WITH A REAL ESTATE SALES REPRESENTATIVE. A winning price is an essential part of a winning offer - especially when bidding on a property whose owners are entertaining multiple offers. A real estate sales representative with expert knowledge of the area where you're buying is es ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:49:37 -0600

Monday, May 2, 2011 - Calgary Spring Real Estate Summary

The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) calculated real estate activity for the first quarter of 2011, and noted the following results. While condominium sales and average price during the first quarter of 2011 continued to fall from levels recorded during the same period the previous year, sales of single-family homes increased by four percent. Improved selection of affordable single-family homes and higher inventory levels of new condos have reduced the demand for resale condos. Sano Stante, pr ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 02 May 2011 10:16:00 -0600

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - First Time Home Buyers Report

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5s2tMXZYSc Check out this report for first time home buyers just put out by RE/MAX

posted in General at Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:15 -0600

Friday, November 12, 2010 - For Rent? Or Sale?

You've decided to buy a new home. But what are you going to do with your current one: rent it out or sell it? Below are a few things to consider before making your decision. What's the rental market like? If you anticipate uninterrupted occupancy of your property, you can view the rental arrangement as a way to have your cake and eat it too--your tenants can help pay off your mortgage as your property grows in value. What's the buying and selling market like? Every market's different, and yours ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:55:30 -0700

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - Looking Ahead: Housing Market Expectations

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) published its market forecast for the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, and the outlook looks good due to an expected stabilizing Canadian housing market. Housing starts are projected to decline slightly, from an estimated average of 184,900 units in 2010 to an estimated average of 176,900 in 2011, while sales of existing homes through the MLS® are forecast to dip slightly from an expected average of 463,800 sales in 2010 to 456,000 in 2011. R ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:37:43 -0700

Monday, October 4, 2010 - Many Realtors did not renew their license

354 Alberta Realtors didn't renew their license for the September 30th Real Estate Council of Alberta deadline and gave up their right to practice Real Estate in Alberta. This is a huge number and is a good indication of what's been happening in the Alberta Real Estate market.

posted in General at Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:50:16 -0600

Friday, September 24, 2010 - FSBO UH-OH

If you're thinking of selling your home yourself as an "FSBO" (For Sale By Owner), think again, from a buyer's perspective. Buyers may be more hesitant to deal with sellers representing themselves than with those working with a professional real estate sale representative. Owners selling their own homes probably don't have access to the information needed (e.g., comparables) in order to assess their home's true market value. As a result, they're more likely to overprice their homes and less lik ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:27:08 -0600

Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - Reduce, Reuse, Renovate

You may not have purchased a green home, but every time you undertake a remodeling project, you have the opportunity to make your living environment more environmentally friendly. Here are some tips for turning your next renovation into a more eco-friendly one. If you plan to hire help, speak with professionals who specialize in eco-friendly renovations. From interior designers who can oversee your whole project with an eye toward minimizing impact on the environment and maximizing your energy ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:54:39 -0600

Thursday, September 16, 2010 - The Trouble With Clutter

Often invisible to homeowners, clutter can be a deal breaker for buyers. To understand why it's so important to rid your home of clutter before it goes on the market, it helps to know its effects on buyers. A cluttered space feels smaller, darker, and more cramped than one that isn't stuffed wall-to-wall with knickknacks and furniture. And small and dark are absolute turnoffs for buyers, who want the most space and light their money can buy. It's your home buyers are interested in, not your per ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:09:37 -0600

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - Savvy Mortgagors Budget Wisely

According to a recent study*, Canadian mortgage holders are weathering the changing housing market in a positive and proactive manner. The continued low mortgage rates prompted many borrowers to renegotiate their mortgages within the past year, wisely using the cost savings to lower their mortgage debts. The historically low mortgage rates allowed almost three-quarters of the borrowers who renewed their mortgages last year to achieve an average of a one percent reduction in their mortgage rates ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:23:46 -0600

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - Two Perfect

You've narrowed the search for your next home down to two properties. you like both equally in terms of price, the properties themselves, and their locations. So how do you choose one? If each property is in a different neighborhood, find out which of the two boasts better schools. All other factors being equal, you'd be wise to buy in whichever area offers superior schools. This is applicable even if you don't have children - looking ahead, potential purchasers of your home might have children ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:08:12 -0600

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - Canada to match U.S. interest rates or risk inflating the Canadian dollar

Interest rates have been the most effective tool in achieving desired exchange rates and have been used in the past to manage inflation. In the face of economic weakness, the US is forced to keep interest rates low and Canada will have to match US interest rates or risk pushing the Canadian dollar up further. The good news is that inflation is being well managed and this sets a positive environment for 2010 GDP growth in Canada. On a cautionary note, the Canadian government will be watching con ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:34:29 -0700

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - Stay In, Work Out

With a new year come New Year's resolutions. Many will resolve to make physical fitness a priority in the coming year, a goal more easily achieved at the gym or when you have a home gym--which you can have, no matter where you live or how little space is available. Those living in condominiums are fortunate, as many condos offer fitness facilities just an elevator-ride away. But condo gym-goers and regular gym-goers still share an all-too-common problem: lacking the energy to actually go. Here ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:17:51 -0700

Monday, January 25, 2010 - Take Credit

Are you in the process of making improvements to your house, or did you have work done last year? Make sure you keep your receipts, and remember you only have until February 1, 2010 to qualify for Canada's Home Ronovation Tax Credit. Part of the federal government's Economic Action Plan, the HRTC is a non-refundable, family-based tax credit for eligible home-improvement expenses. To qualify, the expense (be it goods purchased or work performed) must have been incurred between January 27, 2009 a ... Full Article...

posted in General at Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:03:46 -0700

Sunday, January 24, 2010 - Relocating Responsibly

Whether you're relocating across town, across the country or across the world, you can make your move a little eaier on the planet. Follow These tips to make your next move a more environmentally friendly one. One of the main tenets of green living is, "reduce." So get rid of as much of your stuff as you can pre-move. The fewer things you have to move, the less packing material and fuel you will require. But purge the eco-friendly way: offer items that don't make the cut to friends and family, ... Full Article...

posted in General at Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:02:22 -0700

Saturday, January 23, 2010 - Canadians Show Confidence in Housing Market

As we await confirmation of final 2009 housing statistics, Canadians can be assured that the state of our real estate market is now not only stronger than it has ever been, but set to improve even more throughout 2010. The Canadian Real Estate Association charted the highest level of home sales on record in July, September and October 2009, while National MLS® home sales activity is forecast to rise a healthy seven percent in 2010. "Momentum for sales activity remained strong throughout the thi ... Full Article...

posted in General at Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:24:06 -0700

Friday, January 22, 2010 - Incredible Calgary Inner City Condo

Did you see my sign? This is an incredible property....... Huge! Downtown views, 2 private West facing decks, 3 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 bath, double attached private garage, cathedral ceilings, formal living and dining room, family room with gas fireplace, breakfast bar, new stainless steel appliances, upgraded bathrooms. Entertainment home. Steps to trendy shops, bars and restaranuts. Minutes to downtown on public transit or a short drive. Wouldn't you want a property like that? Can you tel ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:51:04 -0700

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - New Year, New Home?

The year just changed--are you ready for a change of address as well? Below are five signs the answer to that question is "yes!" Your current home's flaws are affecting your daily life. Maybe your floor plan doesn't work, you don't have enough space, or your commute's too long. Whatever the issues, when you start thinking a move would improve your daily life, you're probably ready to move. You've been investigating your options. Have you been eyeing listings? Scouting areas you might like to li ... Full Article...

posted in General at Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:29:13 -0700

Friday, June 26, 2009 - Take it Outside!

Gone are the days when a simple patio set fulfilled all your backyard relaxation needs. Today, the trend is toward "outdoor rooms." Want to create one for yourself? Here are some pointers to start you down the garden path. First, determine what purpose(s) your outdoor room needs to serve. Will it be an open-air kitchen? Space for entertaining? A respite for relaxing and reading? How the space will be used will determine what goes in it. Next, consider location. To truly be an extenion of your ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:48:03 -0600

Friday, June 19, 2009 - Factors that shouldn't affect your home asking price

Much attention is paid to those factors that should affect your asking price (market forces, your home's location and condition) - but what factors shouldn't be a consideration? -What the neighbours got for their home. Your reasons for selling may be different, you may be selling in a different market, your home's condition might be significantly different, their home may have upgrades yours doesn't - in short, your neighbours' property shouldn't be your only basis of comparison. -Your home's ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:31:51 -0600

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - Happy House Hunting!

Moving is one of life's biggest stresses, and home hunting is part of the reason why. Here are some tips to help make your hunt less stressful and more productive. -Don't schedule more than a few showings in one day; more than that and you'll have trouble remembering which was which. Plus, you'll likely become too tired to pay proper attention after the first few showings, in which case you'd only be wasting your time and eveyone else's. -Dress for comfort. Home hunting can involve a lot of w ... Full Article...

posted in General at Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:52:24 -0600

Friday, June 5, 2009 - Calgary Housing More Affordable Than Ever!

In the midst of a constant barrage of negative housing news comes an interesting observation about our economic climate. Our real estate buying power has actually increased, compared to previous years! It's actually ironic that, in this unsure economic market, affordability conditions have improved so dramatically. In fact, the buying power of a typical family has improved significantly: with the drop in interest rates, a median-income family can afford a home costing thousands of dollars more ... Full Article...

posted in General at Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:32:55 -0600

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Renter to Homeowner

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Are you a renter? Do you want to be a homeowner? Now is the best time to buy! Home prices are at the lowest point in months and interest rates are at a all time low. Word on the street in Calgary is that interest rates and home prices are projected to go up soon. For the first time since September 2008 the amount of home sales in May 2009 is up over last May by 16%. 70% of the homes sold in May 2009 were between $200,000 and $450,000. View this web commercial link attac ... Full Article...

posted in General at Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:46:09 -0600

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - The New Website!

Today marks the first day of the new website. The new site offers a wealth of fresh industry information that's constantly being updated. Have a great time checking it out!

posted in General at Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:25:14 -0600