Real Estate Blog - Ken Richter

Getting Ready to List Your Home for Sale Checklist

The prospect of selling your home is incredibly exciting, but can also be slightly overwhelming. There are so many things to take into consideration when selling, one of which is simply getting your home prepared to sell! This is why we are providing you with the ultimate checklist for preparing your home to hit the market:

STEP ONE - Declutter and Depersonalize: Don't take it personally, but no one wants to walk into your home and see YOU. They want to see THEMSELVES. 

• Remove excess items: Clear countertops, shelves, and closets to create a clean and spacious feel.
• Store personal items: Pack away family photos, personalized decor, and anything that may distract buyers from imagining themselves in the home.
• Organize storage spaces:…

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JUST LISTED: #311, 39 Quarry Gate SE

Welcome Home to Quarry Park Living!

Discover this stunning 1-bedroom + den, top-floor condo nestled in the heart of Quarry Park.

Prime Location: Enjoy the perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty. This condo is just a 10-minute drive to downtown Calgary and steps away from the Bow River and its scenic pathway system.

Bright and Inviting Space: With a sought-after south-facing orientation, this unit is bathed in natural sunlight. Step out onto your spacious private patio, complete with a gas hookup—perfect for BBQs and outdoor lounging.

Modern Features: The sleek kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and ample storage space—ideal for cooking and entertaining.

Added…

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Calgary Winter Road Safety

Winter is coming...

Next week Calgary is expected to receive its first major snowfall! The first snow of the year always leads to chaos on the roads. Here are some tips for navigating extreme weather conditions:

• Set Up a Block Heater: "Cold weather can weaken your battery, making it harder to start your vehicle. Keeping your block heater plugged in when temperatures drop below -15°C can make a huge difference" (AMA).
• Invest in Winter Tires: "Winter or snow tires are specially designed for the low temperatures and snowy and icy conditions we experience in Alberta. They provide better traction than regular or all-season tires. All tire rubber stiffens as the weather gets colder, but the latest generations of winter tires maintain their…

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JUST LISTED: 4111 Centre Street NW

Attention Builders and Investors!

Prime inner-city location perfect for your next development project! Whether you're envisioning a mixed-use commercial and residential building or an owner-occupied business space, this opportunity is not to be missed.

Key Features:

• Two Adjacent Lots: Sold together, offering a combined 100 feet of frontage by 130 feet deep, totaling 13,000 sqft.
• Zoning & Height: Allowable contextual height of 15 meters, ideal for a mixed-use development.
• Current Revenue: Two on-site properties generating $6,300/month, making it a great income source or holding property while awaiting building approvals.
• Location Highlights: High-visibility traffic area with transit at your doorstep, close proximity to shopping,…

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JUST LISTED: 4107 Centre Street NW

Attention Builders and Investors!

Prime inner-city location perfect for your next development project! Whether you're envisioning a mixed-use commercial and residential building or an owner-occupied business space, this opportunity is not to be missed.

Key Features:

• Two Adjacent Lots: Sold together, offering a combined 100 feet of frontage by 130 feet deep, totaling 13,000 sqft.
• Zoning & Height: Allowable contextual height of 15 meters, ideal for a mixed-use development.
• Current Revenue: Two on-site properties generating $6,300/month, making it a great income source or holding property while awaiting building approvals.
• Location Highlights: High-visibility traffic area with transit at your doorstep, close proximity to…

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Why Early Winter is A Great Time to Buy A Home

Early winter often goes overlooked as a prime time for purchasing a home in Calgary, Alberta, but savvy buyers know it offers many unique advantages. Here is why you should consider making a move during this quieter season:

1. Sellers Are Extra Motivated: Sellers with homes on the market in early winter are often more motivated to close a deal quickly—whether due to job relocations, tax purposes, or the desire to move before the holidays. This motivation can translate to better deals and flexibility on closing terms and dates.
2. Year-End Tax Benefits: Closing on a home before the year’s end allows buyers to take advantage of mortgage interest and property tax deductions when filing taxes. There are also some lucrative tax breaks for selling at…

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What is Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day is Monday, 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.

Why this day? 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 remember the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to…

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October 2024 Calgary Real Estate Market Statistics

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 October 2024, which you can read in full by clicking here:

• "Sales gains for homes priced above $600,000 offset declines at the lower end of the market," (CREB).
• "As of October, 4,966 units were available, a significant improvement over the near-record low of 3,205 units reported last October" (CREB).
• "The inventory composition…

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November 2024 Events Things to Do in YYC

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

November 3 Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 8 Diwali Dhamaaka: Dinner and Dance Gala
November 9 The Price is Right Live
November 11 Remembrance Day
November 14 Sarah McLachlan: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
November 16 Jerry Seinfeld Live
November 16 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
November 21 Top Talent Wrestling
November 22 Locked Library: Force of Nature
November 23 A Heebee Jeebees Christmas
November 23 Shepard of The Hills Lutheran Church Christmas Tea & Bake Sale
November 29 The Candy Cane Gala
November 30 Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis

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

(Image via Canva)

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Understanding Property Taxes in Canada

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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