Calgary Bowness Montgomery Real Estate Home News - Ken Richter's Blog

Navigating the Canadian real estate market involves more than just finding the perfect property. You also need to understand the financial responsibilities tied to property ownership, such as property taxes. As a homeowner in Canada, comprehending the intricacies of property taxes is crucial. Here are some notes to get you started:

  1. Property Assessment: Property taxes in Canada are based on the assessed value of your property. Municipalities assess properties periodically to determine their market value. The assessment is a key factor in calculating property taxes.
  2. Municipal Jurisdiction: Property taxes are administered by local municipalities, which use the revenue to fund services such as schools, roads, garbage collection, and public…

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Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re scrambling to find a costume, don’t worry—you’re not alone! There’s still time to put together something fun, clever, and unique without a trip to a crowded costume store. Here are some last-minute Halloween costume ideas that you can create with items you likely already have at home:

  • Cat Lady: "Put your favorite old stuffed animals to good use, by toting around one (or many) stuffed cats. You decide what kind of clothing from your closet gets you the "lady" part of the equation" (Real Simple).
  • Rancher: "We can’t get enough of Yellowstone, and bonus—stealing any of the characters’ looks make for super easy Halloween costumes! Just pair your favorite jeans with a flannel shirt and a cowboy hat,…

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Welcome to this pristine, meticulously maintained family home on a quiet street in the heart of Bowness!

Pride of ownership shines through in every detail of this extensively updated property. Offering a total of four bedrooms and two fully renovated bathrooms, this home features beautiful hardwood and tile flooring throughout the main floor, a spacious country kitchen, and custom space-saving barn doors—all enhanced by a bright, open floor plan. The fully developed lower level boasts a newer gas fireplace feature wall in the family/recreation room, two well-sized bedrooms, and a modern three-piece bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Updates include newer windows, a high-efficiency furnace, a hot water tank, central air conditioning, a 100-amp…

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As winter approaches in Calgary, it's important to prepare your home to withstand the cold, snow, and icy conditions. Winter in Alberta can be harsh, and neglecting necessary maintenance could lead to costly repairs and discomfort. By taking on a few home improvement projects now, you can ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the colder months. Here are key home improvement projects to tackle before winter in Calgary:

  1. Inspect and service your furnace: Your furnace will be working overtime during Calgary’s long winter months, so it’s essential to make sure it’s in good condition. Scheduling a furnace inspection and tune-up in the fall can help you avoid a breakdown when the temperature drops. Change the filters, check for…

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If HGTV is any indication, people love the idea of renovating a home. Shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers are wildly popular, audiences tuning in every week to see neglected homes turn into dream homes. There's something about an underdog that people love to root for--homes included. 

These shows are inspiring. They make fixing up a home seem easy! You drive past an old house and say, "some exposed brick would do that property wonders," or, "it's got great bones - imagine what a fresh coat of paint could do!" Don't let the edited smiles of Chip and Joanna Gaines fool you; renovating a home is hard work. It can be incredibly rewarding and profitable, but you should know these things before making an offer on that shack down the street:

1).…

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and gratitude—but if you’re hosting, it can also be a source of stress. With careful planning and thoughtful touches, you can create a seamless Thanksgiving celebration that is as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests. Here are some tips to help you host a Thanksgiving that is stress-free, memorable, and delicious:

  • Shop early: "With your menu set, enter every ingredient you need on a shopping list. Divide the list into perishables and non-perishables, so you know what you can buy immediately (like spices and canned goods) and what you need to buy later (like dairy and produce). Shopping early helps ensure your grocer doesn't run out of what you need. It also gives you plenty of time to alter your menu…

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Since the COVID-19 epidemic, the rise of remote work has dramatically transformed the real estate landscape. Once tethered to specific locations near workplaces, homebuyers and sellers now have a new set of priorities that is reshaping where and how they make real estate decisions. Here is how remote work is influencing home buying and selling:

  1. Location Flexibility: Traditionally, homebuyers focused on living near city centers to cut down on commuting time. With remote work becoming a long-term reality, buyers now prioritize homes in suburban or even rural areas, where they can enjoy more space, privacy, and affordable housing options. This trend has sparked growth in previously overlooked regions, and cities once known as commuter hubs are seeing…

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Every month the Calgary Real Estate Board releases a report detailing what has been happening in the real estate market. These reports provide valuable information to sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Real estate requires strategic decision making, so staying informed is crucial to ensure you are making the best moves possible.

Here are the highlights from The The Calgary Real Estate Board's market report for August 2024, which you can read in full by clicking here:

  • "Rising sales in the upper price ranges were not enough to offset the pullback occurring in the lower price ranges, as sales in September were 2,003" (CREB).
  • "New listings in September rose to 3,687 units, the highest September total since 2008" (CREB).
  • "September…

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Check out some of the fun events happening this month in Calgary!

October 1-31 Pumpkins After Dark
October 5-6 & 12-13 Halloweekends at Calaway Park
October 5-19 Superstitions and Secrets: The Dark Side of Victorian Society
October 11-26 Screamfest
October 12 Pumpkin Fest by Blue Grass
October 14 Thanksgiving Day
October 16 Rocky Horror Picture Show - 49th Anniversary
October 17 The Homegrown Short Film Showcase
October 18 Wild After Dark: Zoodunnit
October 18 Wordfest Presents: Literary Death Match
October 19 Brick Roundup 2024
October 24 The Vampire Circus
October 31 Halloween

Let us know what you're most looking forward to in the comments below!

(Image via Canva)

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Monday, September 30th, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

CBC writes, "established in 2021 following recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action, numerous commemorative events and ceremonies are held to remember the Indigenous children who died while being forced to attend residential schools, those who survived and the families and communities who are still affected by the lasting trauma."

There will be many events held around the city to foster learning and in recognition of the horrors of the residential school system, as we seek to honor victims and promise to never do such a thing again.

The following are links to various events:

Heritage Park: "Join us in this significant day of…

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