Oct

22

Condo Projects Outside Calgary

Filed Under Buying, Selling, calgary condos | 1 Comment

Below are all the ‘Out Of Town’ condo projects around the Calgary area as of Sept. 20 2008

AIRDRIE

  • BREEZE AT AIRDRIE:  By Generations Group of Companies. Three-bedroom townhomes or one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment-style condos from low $200,000s. At 2370 Bayside Rd. S.W., Airdrie.
  • COURTYARDS OF KING’S HEIGHTS:  Gardenside condos from $194,900, plus GST. At Kingsland Road in Airdrie.
  • COPPERSTONE VILLAGE:  By Jade Landing Holdings. One- and two-bedroom suites on the developing west side of Airdrie, across from Creekside Crossing.
  • CROWN SHORES:  From $212,900. Sales centre 405 Airdrie Rd.
  • PATIOS OF SAGEWOOD:  By Beattie Homes. Two-storey three-bedroom units.
  • ZEN:  By Avalon. Two- and three-bedroom townhomes. From the mid-$250,000s. Show homes at 102 2445 Kingsland Rd. S.E.

BLACK DIAMOND

  • MOUNTAIN VIEW MANOR:  Marketed by Ken Placsko Realty. Two-bedroom adult-condo units from $195,000.
  • (Adult) WINCHESTER, THE:  By Prairie Dog Development Inc. Eco-friendly, 33-unit luxury development near Sheep River. At 415 4A St. N.W., Black Diamond.

CANMORE

  • BLACKSTONE MOUNTAIN LODGE:  By Assured Developments. Fully-furnished condos from $414, 900 to $539,900. At 170 Kananaskis Way, Canmore.
  • FAIRHOLME VILLAGE:  By Devonian Properties. From 1,151 1,343 square feet. Sales centre at 743 Railway Ave.
  • LODGES AT CANMORE:  By Devonian Properties. Condos from mid-$200,000s.
  • MOUNTAINEERS VILLAGE:  By Alpine Homes. From $490,000. Show suite at 104 Armstrong Pl. (Three Sisters Mountain Village.)
  • SERENITY RIDGE:  By Swan Group Inc. Maintenance-free townhomes from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet. At Three Sisters Mountain Village.
  • SOLARA CANMORE:  One-, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style condos. Fractional ownership. Show suite at 1205 Bow Valley Tr.
  • TIMBERLINE LODGES:  By Alpine Homes. From 1,000 to 3,200 square feet. From $400,000s to $1.6 million. Show suite at 104 Armstrong Pl. (Three Sisters Mountain Village).

CARSTAIRS

  • VILLAS AT STONEBRIDGE GLEN, THE:  By Gold Seal Homes. Executive villas next to the Carstairs Golf Course. From 1,225 to 1,700 sq.uare feet. From $290,000 to $450,000. Show suite open.

CHESTERMERE

  • BROWNSTONES OF RAINBOW FALLS:  Two-storey townhouse condos at 203 Rainbow Falls Dr.
  • CHALETS OF RAINBOW FALLS:  By Lionsworthe Homes. Two- and three-bedroom units. From 1,400 to 1,600 square feet. Show home at 164 Lavender Link. From $330,000 to $400,000, plus GST.
  • GEORGIAN VILLAS AT RAINBOW FALLS:  By Urban Escapes by Truman. Bungalows starting at $436,000. At 300 Westcreek Blvd.
  • WESTMERE GARDENS:  By Reid Built Homes. Semi-attached estate homes at 147 Springmere Rd., Chestermere. Show home open.

CROSSFIELD

  • ARCHES, THE:  By Crossfield Affordable Housing Inc. Apartment-style condos. One-bedroom, $154,900; two-bedroom, $189,900. At Main Street, Crossfield.

COCHRANE

  • ALORA IN SUNSET RIDGE:  Aspire Condo Living by Jayman. Four phases. At 201 Sunset Dr.
  • LAREDO PLACE:  By Trico Homes. At 28 Heritage Dr. in Cochrane. From 1,253 to 1,669 square feet. Two- to three-bedroom unit from $299,900, plus GST.
  • RANCHEROS:  By CalBridge Group Inc. Maintenance-free bungalow villas at 89 Sunset Square, Cochrane. Starting from $412,800. Sales centre at 101 Sunset Dr., Cochrane.
  • SUNSET POINTE:  By CalBridge Group Inc. An exclusive maintenance-free enclave of townhomes at 307 Sunset Point, Cochrane. Three floor plans available. Show suite open Sept. 18. Walkouts starting from $390,000s.
  • VILLAGE, THE:  By CalBridge Group Inc. Maintenance-free, luxury apartment-style condos from the low $200,000s. From 710 to 1,434 square feet, and loft penthouses. Variety of floor plans. At 15 Sunset Square, Cochrane.

HIGH RIVER

  • MURALS OF HIGH RIVER, THE:  Three-bedroom townhomes in Montrose, High River. Sales centre at 1403 Montrose Ter. S.E. (in Greenboro show home). From $320,000s.
  • (Adult) VIEW AT SUNRISE, THE:  By Enzo Developments. Adult-lifestyle condos in two-bedrooms and one-bedroom-plus-den. From $199,900. At 43 Sunrise Loop, High River.

OKOTOKS

  • (A) CALVANNA VILLAGE:  By Calvanna Developments. Maintenance-free living for 50-plus lifestyle. Located on Woodgate Road, behind Safeway.
  • DRAKE’S COVE:  By Rockford Ventures. From $280,000s. At 105 Drake Landing Common in Okotoks.
  • HARVEST GATE:  By Trico Homes at 27 and 29 Cimarron Vista Gardens in Okotoks. Three-bedroom units from 1,235 to 1,499 square feet. From $310,000 to $344,00, plus GST.
  • PENNCROSS:  By Streetside Development Corp. Apartment condos starting at $226,000s. At 129 1 Crystal Green Lane, Okotoks.
  • VILLAS OF CIMARRON ESTATES, THE:  By Crossley Homes. Executive villa bungalows from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet. From $395,000. At 10 Cimarron Estates Gn., Okotoks.
  • TUCKER HILL:  By Streetside Development Corp. Bungalow villa duplexes and triplexes, From the $290,000s. At 200 and 202 Tucker Blvd., in Westmount, Okotoks.

OLDS

  • CORNERSTONE VILLAGE:  ByLeaside Development Corp. One- and two-bedroom condominium apartments from 856 to 1,310 square feet. From $217,900 to $332,900. At 4403 67A Ave. in Olds. Sales centre on site.

STRATHMORE

  • (Adult) RANCH ESTATES:  Gated, land-lease community for manufactured homes. From $75,000 to $200,000. Sales office at 100 Ranchwood Lane.

Source

Oct

21

New Condos in NE Calgary

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Below are the condos projects in the NE quadrant of Calgary as of Sept. 20, 2008

NORTHEAST CONDOS

  • ADORA, THE:  By Sokol Developments. Starting at $339,900. At 725 4th St. N.E.
  • (A) CALVANNA VILLAGE WHITEHORN:  By Calvanna Developments. Apartment-style condos at 52nd Street and 44th Avenue N.E.
  • CRESCENT MANOR:  By Rainbow Homes Ltd. At 110 12th Ave. N.E., in Crescent Heights. This three-storey building has executive condos from $399,900. Show suite open.
  • GREENVIEW ON THE PARK:  One-, two- and three-bedroom condos in four refurbished buildings from 700 to 1,200 square feet. From $220,888. Sales centre at 4455 Grenview Dr. N.E.
  • LIGHTHOUSE LANDING OF COUNTRY HILLS:  By Cardel Lifestyle. Sales centre at 12025 Coventry Hills Blvd. N.E. From low $200,000s.
  • MEREDITH PLACE:  Condo conversion in Bridgeland. At 644 Meredith Rd. N.E.
  • RED WILLOW:  By Rockford Ventures. Townhomes from the mid-$200,000s at 504 Saddlecrest Blvd. N.E.
  • REFLECTIONS:  By Rockford Ventures. One- and two-bedroom apartments from the $250,000s. Sales centre at 161 Country Village Ld. N.E.
  • SIENNA, THE:  By Sokol Developments. From $499,000. At 41 6th St. N.E.
  • VERANA, THE:  By Sokol Developments. From $429,900. At 41 6A St. N.E. Sales centre at 20, 4th St. N.E.
  • VU:  By Luxe Developments. Two-bedroom suites from 1,086 to 1,253 square feet. Show suite open at 414 Meredith Rd. N.E.

Oct

21

New Condos in SE Calgary

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Below are the 11 condo projects in the SW quadrant of Calgary as of Sept. 20, 2008

SOUTHEAST CONDOS

  • ARRIVA:  By Torode Residential. One-bedroom units from 828 square feet and two-bedroom units from 1,162 square feet. At corner of 3rd Street and 11th Avenue.
  • BELLA CASA CONDOS:  By Prism Developments. This four-storey building with units from $188,500 to $338,500. At 5430 17th Ave. S.E.
  • BORDEAUX OF CRANSTON:  By Avalon Master Builder. Three-bedroom townhomes. Information centre at 70 Cranleigh Dr. S.E.
  • (Adult) CHAPARRAL, THE:  Pointe of View Developments. Mature, adult-living with suites from 821 to 1,302 square feet. Presentation centre at 428 Chaparral Ravine Vw. S.E.
  • GALA IN APPLEWOOD:  By Luxe Developments. At 1720 68th St. S.E. On-site sales centres/show suite for Phase 1 opening soon.
  • KEYNOTE:  Keynote Development Corp. One- and two-bedroom units. Sales centre at 1119 1st St. S.E.
  • MOSIAC MONTAGE IN AUBURN BAY:  By Hawthorne Homes. From mid-$200,000s. At 625 Auburn Bay Blvd. S.E. Presentation centre open.
  • MOTIF NEW BRIGHTON:  By Hawthorne Homes. From the low $200,000s. At 55 New Brighton Gardens. S.E.
  • PRESTWICK PLACE:  By Cardel Lifestyles. Sales centre at 114 Prestwick Villas S.E. Prices from low $200,000s.
  • RIVERSIDE QUAYS:  By Statesman. Apartment condo and townhome village in Inglewood. Sales centre at 1640 17A St. S.E.
  • SOLEA:  By Luxe Developments. At 15304 Bannister Rd. S.E. in Lake Midnapore. Two-bedroom suites.

Oct

20

New Condos in NW Calgary

Filed Under Buying, News Articles, Selling, calgary condos | 2 Comments

Below are the 18 condo projects that are happening in NW Calgary as of Sept. 20, 2008

NORTHWEST CONDOS

  • BLUE SKY:  By Streetside Development Corp. Townhouses with mountain views starting at $299,000. At 2 164 Rockyledge View N.W. (weekend) or 118 30 Royal Oak Plaza N.W.
  • EDGE ON 17TH, THE:  By Strathridge Apartments Inc. At 1231 17 Ave. N.W. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units from $239,900 to $369,900. Show suite open.
  • KENSINGTON, THE OXFORD:  Townhouses on 12th Street. From $599,900.
  • ORCHID IN TUXEDO, THE:  Three-storey condominium building has one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom units available. Starting at $319,900. At 2012 1 St. N.W.
  • PANORAMA POINTE:  By Pointe of View Developments. From 579 to 1,243 square feet. Presentation centre at 60 Panatella St. N.W.
  • PANORAMA HEIGHTS:  By Rockford Ventures. From the low $300,000s. Show home at 398 Panatella Blvd. N.W.
  • PLAZA AT ROYAL OAK:  By Streetside Development Corp. Townhouses starting in the $320,000s. At 118-30 Royal Oak Plaza N.W. Show suite open.
  • PROVIDENCE AT KENSINGTON:  By Providence Development Corp. From 1,024 to 1,101 square feet. From $487,900. Two-storey townhomes from about 1,600 square feet. Presentation centre at 1321 Kensington Cl. N.W.
  • RANCHVIEW VISTAS:  By Cardel Lifestyles. At 6315 Ranchview Dr. N.W. One- and two-bedroom apartment-style condos from the low $240,000s.
  • RED HAUS:  By Streetside Development Corp. Apartment condos from $199,000. At 118-30 Royal Oak Plaza. N.W.
  • SWAN LANDING AT ROCKY RIDGE:  By The Swan Group. At 525 Rocky Vista Gardens N.W. Bungalow-style villas from $449,900 to $599,900. Apartment condos from $269,900. Show suite open.
  • TUSCANY POINTE:  By Cedarglen. At 104 Tuscany Ravine Heights N.W.
  • URBAN VIEW BY THE RIVER:  Urban View Projects. $408,000 — $512,000. Presentation centre at 204 8 Parkdale Cres. N.W.
  • VIDA:  By Luxe Developments. At the corner of 17th Avenue and 3rd Street N.W.
  • VILLAGE AT WEST SPRINGS:  By Landstar Development Corp. Terrace townhomes and patio homes. At 73rd Street and Old Banff Coach Road.
  • VILLA D’ESTE:  By Knightsbridge. Apartment-style condos south of Tuscany Boulevard. Show home open.
  • THE VUE:  Two-bedroom apartment-style condos in Hillhurst from $332,900. At 429 14th St. N.W.
  • WEST BY STONECROFT:  Luxury condos from the mid-$300,000s. At 88 Arbour Lake Rd. N.W., near Crowfood Crossing. Furnished show suites open for viewing.

Oct

20

New Condos in SW Calgary

Filed Under Buying, News Articles, Selling, calgary condos | 1 Comment

Below are all 51 condo projects in Calgary in the SW quadrant with location and info as of Sept. 20, 2008.

SOUTHWEST CONDOS

  • ACCESS COUGAR RIDGE:  Birchwood Properties Corp. From low $300,000s. Discovery centre and show homes located at 5 Cougartown Cir. S.W. in Cougar Ridge.
  • ASCENT:  Aspire Condo Living by Jayman. At 2727 28th Ave. S.E. Pricing from $209,900, plus GST.
  • ASTORIA ON TENTH:  By Arcus Developments. Thirty-five-storey tower on 900-block of 10th Avenue S.W., with one- ,two- and three-bedroom floor plans from 580 to 2,157 square feet, and a 4,400-square-foot penthouse. From $300,000s to $10 million. Presentation centre at 110 999 8th St. S.W.
  • AURORA AT CHINOOK:  By Condo Condo Development Group. From $259,900. At 790 Kingsmere Cres. S.W
  • BANKVIEW, THE:  By Westscape Investment Corp. At 2137 17th St. S.W. Concrete conversion with balconies, storage and parking. Unrenovated for cost-conscious do-it-yourselfers. From $169,800 to $234,900.
  • BENTLEY IN LOWER MOUNT ROYAL:  By Eden Group of Companies. Four-storey building with units from 678 to 1,728 square feet. Lofted units have extra 240 to 450 square feet. From $350,000 to $850,000. At 1726 10th St. S.W.
  • BRIDLECREST POINTE:  By Pointe of View Developments. From 900 to 1,135 sq. ft. Presentation centre at 2109 16969 24th St. S.W.
  • BROWNSTONES OF WENTWORTH ESTATES:  By Beattie Homes. Two-storey estate homes with elevators. At 87 Wentworth Terrace S.W.
  • BROWNSTONES AT BANKVIEW:  By The Eden Group of Companies. One unit available, at $469,900. At 2408 17A St. S.W. Visit the New Home Gallery, 100 1414 8th St. S.W. Show suite open.
  • CANVAS AT MILLRISE:  By Medican Developments. Sales gallery at 23 Millrise Dr. S.W.
  • CASEL:  By Niklas Group. At 17th Avenue and 24th Street S.W. Nine-storey building with units from 676 to 1,243 square feet. From $299,900 to $649,900. Show home at 1935 35th St. S.W.
  • CASTELLO:  Homburg-Centron Teamworks. Castello is a 19-storey building with units from the $500,000s. At 530 12th Ave. S.W. Sales gallery open.
  • CENTURIA ON THE PARK:  By Lake Placid Developments. At 301 13th Ave. S.W. From $450,000.
  • CHURCHILL ESTATES:  By Homburg-Centron Teamworks.Sales Gallery on site at 701 3rd Ave. SW. One-bedrooms from $690,000; two-bedroom from $820,000.
  • COLOURS BY BATTISTELLA:  By Battistella Developments. Loft-style spaces at 192 15th Ave. S.W. From $290,000 to mid-$500,000s.
  • CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOWS:  By Burntwood Homes. At 21 Bridle Estates Manor S.W. Adult community. From $399,900. Showhome open.
  • EIGHTWELVE:  Show suites at 812 14th Ave. S.W. One-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den and two-bedroom units available, starting from the mid-$200,000s.
  • ELEMENT:  Bachelor units downtown, starting at $179,900. At 827 12th Ave. S.W. Show suite open.
  • EVERGREEN GROVE:  By Today’s Communities. Now open. At 24th Street and Eversyde Avenue.
  • GINGER PARK:  By Streetside Development Corp. Townhouses with mountain views starting from $399,000. At 8720 9th Ave. S.W. Show homes open Aug. 16.
  • HIGHBURY TOWER 2:  By Perera Developments. Homes from 698 to 1,358 square feet. Views of Fish Creek Park, Rocky Mountains or downtown skyline. Sales centre at 14359 Macleod Tr. S.W.
  • LONDON AT HERITAGE:  Westcorp. Condominiums at Heritage Station. At 8835 Macleod Tr. S.
  • (Adult) LAS BRISAS DEL SUR:  By Gran Sabana Developments. Maintenance-free bungalow villas for 50-plus adults in Springbank Hills. At Elysian Crescent S.W.
  • LA CAILLE FIVE WEST, THE:  By The La Caille Group. From $385,000 to $2.8 million, plus GST. Show suite at 924A 5th Ave. S.W. Project at 910 5th Ave. S.W.
  • MANCHESTER STATION:  By Source Development Corp. At 5320 2nd St. S.W. One-bedrooms starting at $322,000; two-bedrooms starting at $387,000. Show suite at 341 17th Ave. S.W.
  • MADRID, THE:  By Kalzen Property Group. One-bedroom apartment condos from $234,900. Show suite at 1815 16th St. S.W.
  • MISSION CROSSING, THE:  By Tricor Development Corp. Three-bedroom townhomes with more than 2,400 sq. ft. of developed space. From $1,499,000. At 540 21 Ave. SW. Sales centre open.
  • MONTECITO IN MARDA LOOP:  By The Eden Group of Companies. At 1725 to 1733 34th and 35th Ave. S.W. From 1,400 to 1,900 square feet. From $499,900 to $599,900. Show suite open. Visit New Home Gallery at 100 1414 8th St. S.W.
  • MONTANA, THE:  By Procura. At 817 15th Ave. S.W. Show suite open. Discovery centre at 803 15th Ave. S.W.
  • TOWNHOMES IN MOUNT PLEASANT:  By Rainbow Homes Ltd. At 407 28th Ave. N.W., in Mount Pleasant, These executive, 1,850-square-foot homes have three bedrooms and are priced from $699,000. Two units available. Showhome open.
  • MOSAIC ASPEN HILLS:  By Hawthorne Homes. From mid-$300,000s. At Aspen Hills Green S.W. Show homes open.
  • NEWBURY:  Aspire Condo Living by Jayman. Townhouses from $576,900 to $622,900. Show suite at 3000 Dallaire Ave. S.W.
  • NEWS:  By Today’s Communities. Show suites open. From the $280,000s. At 400 Village Gdns. S.W.
  • NUERA:  By Cove Properties at 1410 1st St. S.E.
  • OSCAR LIVING AT EAU CLAIRE:  By The Eden Group of Companies. From 808 to 1,756 square feet. From $499,900 to $1,599,000. At 735 2nd Ave. S.W. Presentation centre at 100 1414 8th St. S.W. Show suite open.
  • OSLO:  By Homburg-Centron Teamworks. A 32-storey tower with suites from $350,000. Sales gallery at 1324 11th Ave. S.W.
  • RIVERFRONT POINTE:  By Pointe of View Developments. Suites from 622 to 1,540 square feet. At Riverfront Avenue and 3rd Street S.E.
  • ROBSON:  By Streetside Development Corp. Apartment condos from $259,000. At 26 Val Gardena View S.W. unit 102.
  • SANDERSON RIDGE:  By Medican Developments. Luxury living in Fish Creek Park. At 2330 Fish Creek Blvd. S.W.
  • SILVER SKY COURT:  By Vertical Properties. At 7 Silverado Range Heights S.W. Two-storey town homes.
  • SITRO:  One-bedroom units starting from $199,900. At 2411 29 St. S.W. Show suite open.
  • TERRACES OF ERLTON, THE:  By Del Rich Homes Ltd. Townhomes are 2,100 square feet and priced from $995,000 (includes GST). At 2707 Erlton St. S.W.
  • TWEED:  From 700 to 1,600 sq. ft. At 1734 5A St. S.W.
  • THE VILLAGES AT WEST SPRINGS:  By Landstar Development Corporation. Old Banff Coach Road and 73rd Street S.W.
  • UPLAND ESTATES:  Executive townhomes and condos in Marda Loop. From the $450,000s. Sales centre at 3 2120 35th Ave. S.W.
  • UNION SQUARE:  By Apex City Homes. At 1325 1st St. S.W. Units from $340,900 to $749,900.
  • WATERFRONT:  By Anthem Properties. Units are 581 to 2,518 square feet. From the $319,900. Show suite at 104 2nd St. S.W.
  • WEST 17TH LOFTS:  By Pacer Signature Homes. From $1.1 million to $1.6 million. Presentation centre at 53 Aspen Ridge Way S.W.
  • WINDSOR, THE:  One- and two-bedroom suites from $215,000 and $310,000. Located within walking distance of Stanley Park, Chinook Centre and public transit. Show suite at 315 50th Ave. S.W. Immediate occupancy.
  • VALMONT AT ASPEN STONE:  By Today’s Communities. At the corner of 85th Street and 17th Avenue S.W. Two-bedrooms from $357,900, plus GST.
  • XENEX:  By Bucci. Presentation centre at 1226 8th St. S.W.

Oct

13

Preparing Your Home For A Winter Sale

Filed Under Selling | 1 Comment

In doing this article, I’m not wishing that winter be upon us as of yet, but when it comes here are some thoughts to keep in mind during those chilled months.  Winter has never been the best time to sell a home, especially if you live in an area that is besieged by bad weather. But sometimes it is necessary to sell during the months of less desirable weather. Well, that’s alright, it just gives you the opportunity to try something different when it comes to home staging. Actually it can be quite an opportunity as it will show off your home at the worst of times. This is the perfect time for you to crate the warm and inviting atmosphere that you need in order to make the home inviting.

During winter with snow and rain, water and associated damage is one of the biggest issues.for you as a home owner. The biggest issues for the viewers will be their safety in getting to the house and their warmth once in it. If you have a fireplace then ensure that its lit during the show times. A warm home will encourage people to stay longer and view more of the home, whereas a chilly home can quickly drive viewers out.

If there is snow and ice then you will need to spend some time making the approach to your home safe and easy to navigate. Driveways and walkways should be completely shoveled and clear and should be keep free of ice all day. Keep a bag on de-icer on hand in case things get slippery. Also take care to note whether falling snow from the roof could be a concern.

Some thoughtful touches that will help a home show better are things like warm drinks for the viewers. A little bit of hot chocolate or apple cider warms viewers up and helps them to remember your home. This also gives a great aroma to the house that will be fondly remembered. Another nice touch would be some plastic slip-ons so that viewers don’t have to remove their shoes when looking at the home. This also goes a long way towards protecting your floors. Staging isn’t impossible during the winter, just different.

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Article Source: Kerri Demski

Oct

6

New MLS.ca

Filed Under Buying, Selling | 2 Comments

I have had a few clients give me a call in the last couple days, and complain about how the new www.MLS.ca is a very poor design, and is very hard to search.  I logged on today to find the same result.  I think the new design and layout came in over the last couple weeks or so, as I personally don’t use this site, I’m unaware of the exact date of change.  From my own searches, I was unware of a way to search by community?  This is an important factor in searching for a home.

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If you are in this boat, I want to encourage you to check out www.ChamberlainGroup.ca as you are able to do much more, and in depth searching from there of the Calgary and area real estate than the MLS.  You will need to become a member, but once you are in, you can actually get the full address and days on market of properties that are listed, which you are not able to get through the MLS.  I’m not saying this so that you will become a client of ours, but rather so you are able to find what you are looking for if MLS.ca isn’t going to provide it for you.

If you have any questions on our site, please let us know…

Happy Hunting!

Oct

6

Conquering the Clutter

Filed Under Home Tips, Selling | Leave a Comment

It’s a tough market out there. If you want to have any chance of selling your home, you need your house to look its best. One of the simplest - and most important - ways to boost the appeal of your home is to “de-clutter”. I know it can be a difficult process but going through your entire house and removing all unnecessary items is crucial step.

The blest place to start your Campaign Against Clutter is in the kitchen. Your kitchen should look spotless, open, and inviting. Go over the countertops and remove anything that you don’t use anymore. That means everything - toaster included. Then go through the kitchen cabinets and remove anything you don’t need there. In a perfect world, the buyer would be able to see your cabinets and drawers completely empty to get a feel for how much storage space they would have. Obviously, that won’t always be possible but make sure you keep it down to the bare necessities. And ALWAYS take the trash out of the kitchen before a buyer comes over.

Go through every room of the house this way, starting with the rooms that your buyer will see first. Try to look at every object in each room objectively. If you don’t need it, if you don’t use it every day, pack it up in a box and put it in storage somewhere, or get rid of it completely. Take all of your personal items out of the house - photographs, diplomas, trophies, collectibles - anything that could distract buyers from looking at the house itself. Also, remove any excess furniture that you can. You want all your rooms to look as spacious as possible.

When you think you’ve cleared out as much of your clutter as you possibly can, take a breath and then take a step back. Can you do more? Is anything left? Invite a friend or neighbor over and get their unbiased opinion, or ask your selling agent.

Think of your house as a model home. You want it clean, tidy, depersonalized and clutter-free. When a buyer comes through your door, they should be able to envision themselves living in your house. Whenever possible, try not to hinder that vision by reminding them that you are still living there. Removing the clutter will remove the distractions and will let the buyer focus on the things you really want them to see.

Remember, you don’t want a buyer to be looking at your home, you want them to be looking at THEIR home. Conquer the clutter and you will have made a big step towards that goal.

Oct

1

Selecting A Real Estate Agent

Filed Under Buying, Real Estate General, Selling | Leave a Comment

When buying or selling a home, one of the biggest decisions that you will make is deciding on a When buying or selling a home, one of the biggest decisions that you will make is deciding on a real estate agent. After all, this is a decision that you want to get right. If you strike up a relationship with a qualified and trustworthy agent, it is safe to say that you will be on the right track to success. On the other side of things, an agent who is only interested in the money could cause more bad than good.

The process for selecting a real estate agent depends on a number of different factors. First off, you need to choose an agent that you feel comfortable working with. This is not to say that you have to be best friends with the person, but you need to feel that communicating with them is second nature. If you are afraid to ask your real estate agent questions, you may end up losing out in more ways than one.

Once you know the names of a few real estate agents in your area, move onto calling them on the phone. From this point on you should be forming your opinion of the person. Do they like what you are saying? Are they kind and courteous when speaking with you? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? As you call more and more agents, you will begin to formulate a list of questions that you can rely on.

The final selection process is not difficult if you do your homework in the first place. Once you speak with several real estate agents, when it comes time to choose one you will know what you are doing. The bottom line is that the only time you will find yourself in trouble is if you try to select an agent on a whim. When you take the time to learn about each agent and what they offer, you will know who is right for the job.

Overall, there is no reason to stress out over selecting a real estate agent. You will want to keep your stress level to a minimum when buying or selling a house. This will help to ensure that you get the best deal, and that you have fun doing so. Having a great real estate agent on your side is never a bad thing!

Oct

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Calgary Prices Past vs. Present

Filed Under Buying, Education, Home Prices, Real Estate General, Selling | Leave a Comment

We have had some incredible growth in our prices in Calgary, and Alberta in general.  At some points we were making money without even doing anything to our houses, and some months we were getting upwards of $5,000 per month “in our pocket equity”.  Times have changed… we are now seeing prices relax, and decline.  Now, don’t take me wrong, I’m not saying that the increase in Calgary and area is over, by no means, but the market is resting right now… Below is a great graph that puts it all into perspective of how well we have done with the prices in Calgary.

Would love to hear your feedback!

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