Real Estate Blog

Happy December, Calgary!

The Holidays are officially upon us. Now is the time for sparkly lights hung up in trees, warm treats and drinks on a chilly day, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, gift wrapping and bows, treasured time with loved ones and a spirit of gratefulness. Similar to Narnia, in Calgary it can feel like it's always winter but never Christmas. However, in December, it's always Christmas and never winter. 

Here at Team Ken Richter, we love Christmas. Ken Richter has been a trusted name in Calgary real estate for 35+ years, with special focus on the communities of Bowness, Montgomery and Bow Crescent. As a resident of Bowness for many years, Ken can attest to how beautiful this community is during the Holiday season and how much…

With flurries cooling off the last of our autumn days here in Calgary, people are preparing to settle into autumn and get cozy. With this feeling comes the desire to nest--to make your home feel more like home in preparation for a new season. Whether you are new to your home or not, here are some things you can do to help you feel more settled following a transition in the seasons. 

• Finish unpacking. Everyone has at least one box in their home that they have neglected since moving. Friends, now is the time to unpack it once and for all. Finish moving into your home by unpacking any boxes you have. It will help you feel organized and in control. While you're at it, go through that one drawer you throw everything in and find a proper place for its…

Welcome to an almost totally redone, fully developed semi-detached infill on a very quiet street in the heart of the inner city!

The bright open design is located on a sunny south rear fenced private lot featuring a total of four bedrooms, two and a half baths, newer kitchen including a centre island and quartz counters. A fantastic south facing bright, sunny addition was completed in 2000 including skylights and vaulted ceilings enhancing the main floor living space! Beautiful re-done maple hardwood flooring, updated bathrooms, the lower level is fully finished including the 4th bedroom, newer 3-pce bath and a huge rec room. The exterior was redone in 2015 (including shingles and vinyl siding). Here's the BONUS - a very large heated 22'11" x…

When preparing to buy a home, most people can not make the purchase outright in cash. It is totally normally and acceptable to use a mortgage. As you go through the process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage so that you know what your home budget is, the bank is going to do something very important: a credit check. If you're thinking about buying a home but know your credit score won't be good enough, here are some ways you can improve it:

• Monitor your monthly payments closely! Make sure you are always paying your bills on time, that you are meeting your minimum payments and that you don't skip paying a bill even if it's in dispute. There are helpful apps out there, such as Mint, that can help you keep track of payment deadlines, goals,…

UNBEATABLE VALUE. Vista West, SUB-PENTHOUSE, corner unit available for purchase with sweeping river and mountain views.

This unit comes with 1 titled, underground, parking stall. Roomy, two bedroom unit with maple cabinetry, granite counters in the kitchen with an eating area / bar, corner gas fireplace in the living room, and 8+ foot ceilings. Expansive Master has floor to ceiling windows and an ensuite with dual vanities. Amenities included a gym, party room, and bike storage (on application). Next door to LRT "free zone", short distance to downtown core and river pathways, and neighborhood eateries / stores surround the building.

 

It is time to prepare for snow, Calgary.

We have had a beautiful, mild autumn this year! All of us here at Team Ken Richter hope you have had a chance to get outside and enjoy it. If not, take advantage of this weekend! Temperatures are expected to rise to 6 degrees Celsius, so get a warm drink and go soak in the sunshine.

With snow coming soon whether we want it or not, here are some items to take care of before it’s minus thirty with wind chill and these tasks become much more arduous:

Lawn Care: Rake up your leaves, give your lawn one last mow, remove any dead branches, tidy up the plant beds and take out your shovel from the shed. We recommend putting wooden stakes in the grass along flower beds so you don’t accidently shovel away your…

Remembrance Day is today, November 11th.

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, Canadians will stop what they are doing and partake in two minutes of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Having a moment of silence on this particular day is not a trifle decision. It marks a very important day in Canadian history: November 11th, 1918, when "the Armistice was signed and the Canadians took part in the triumphant entry into Mons, Belgium," marking the end of World War I (veterans.gc.ca). 

Remembrance Day does not only commemorate World War I; it commemorates all wars, big and small, all veterans, past and present, and all Canadians who have been affected by war in any way. It is so important to…

Nothing quite fills up our homes faster than furniture. A couch here, dresser there, bookshelf in the corner, coffee table by the TV… it all adds up very quickly. The reality is some things, like a bed and a couch, are essentials in any home. However, they also eat up precious space and can make rooms seem small and cluttered.

This becomes an important issue when you try to sell your home. So, what is one to do?

We have two words for you: clever staging. The reality is furniture can be hard to work around. However, by trying some of these tips you can eliminate as many negative side effects as possible. Read on to learn more.

Use your walls. If you can have big pieces of furniture, such as couches and beds, up against a wall instead of…

Welcome to a very spacious 997 sqft. total of five bedrooms (lower bedrooms require egress windows), two and a half bathroom, semi-attached bungalow on a sunny south fenced lot in a fantastic and quiet inner city location of Montgomery.

The main floor features 3 bedrooms, including the master bedroom c/w a 2-pce ensuite and walk-in closet, plus you can walk out to a rear private south deck. The bright and open living room is highlighted by a beautiful wood-burning fireplace feature wall. The lower level only requires some minor finishing but includes 2 bedrooms, huge recreation room and a 3-pce bath. The low maintenance exterior was replaced not too long ago, including metal siding, eavestroughs and shingles. And here's the BONUS.....a huge…

Happy, November!

Though the weather may be beautiful, winter is just around the corner. It is supposed to be a mild November and December before a great big freeze in January and February, so make the most of these last two months before the end of the year! Here are some events happening this November to check out: 

Important Dates:
November 7: Daylight Savings Ends
November 11: Remembrance Day
November 28: First Sunday of Advent
November 29: First Day of Hannukkah

Bowness Holiday Craft Fair (November 13-14): MyBowness writes, "stop by the Bowness Holiday Craft Fair to get a head start on your holiday shopping. Local vendors have a wide selection of unique and hand crafted items. Support a local business and the BCA by stopping by. This event is…