The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines downsizing as "undergoing a reduction in size." Downsizing is sometimes used as a negative--a company may let go employees when forced to downsize due to a bad bottom line--but sometimes used as a positive--like when we clear out the clutter in our life. There are also positives and negatives when it comes to downsizing our home.

Buying a smaller home can be as liberating as it is hard work. However, if it is what is best for you and your family, it is worth it. If you are contemplating downsizing to a smaller home, make sure you think through the following carefully.

Positives to Downsizing:

• Home maintenance ease (both indoors and outdoors).
• Fewer Home Expenses
• Investment Diversification &

Canada has fully embraced Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both days marked by incredible retail sales. For many Canadians, this long weekend of savings has marked the start (and end) of all Christmas shopping. Many retailers boast incredible sales, free shipping and one-day-only savings events. Want to take advantage of this year's great deals? Here are some tips:

1). Make a list & check it twice: What are you hoping to get during this weekends deals? Make a list and check it twice. Consider everything: gifts, work clothes, food, home goods, etc.. Literally everything will be on sale somewhere. Having a list will help you stay focused and not forget anything. However, be flexible! You never know what great deals could await... 

2). Be

With the advent of the digital age comes a series of tech innovations aimed at making life more efficient. From searching for the best pizza place in town to messaging thousands of friends and family at once, the golden era of the internet is here. Love it or hate it, it is not going away anytime soon. 

For homeowners, the advancement of technology has helped them better find service providers for their property, secure their property, keep tabs on their property and easily access important property guidelines and documents. Most agree that these advancements are generally positive, but there is one new app that people are split on: Airbnb.

Airbnb and services like it are designed to enable homeowners to rent out their property, either a single room

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:

Finding a new home can be difficult and emotional experience.  After all, this is a major life decision. This why it is so important that you partner with a licensed, experienced real estate agent like Ken Richter. Ken has been working in this industry for over 30 years and understands everything that needs to go into making this major decision. He will always be looking out for your best interests and will make sure you are informed and protected throughout the entire process. Call him today at 403.630.6363 to discuss your real estate needs!

After walking through different properties, doing research on the areas and starting to imagine what all your furniture would look like different homes, making a final decision can be hard. When you're torn

Affordable acreage living just 25 minutes from downtown Calgary!

Perfectly located, very quiet subdivision, mature-treed, 2 acre parcel perfect for the growing family. It features its own private pond/skating rink, gazebo & tons of space for activities. This Ranch style bungalow has over 3,000 square feet of developed living space, highlighted upstairs by 3 good sized bedrooms, including the master which has its own 3 piece ensuite, vaulted open beam ceilings and bright open main living areas. The fully developed lower level features 4 additional bedrooms including large windows, and the 4th bedroom could be modified as an additional living room. There is a massive attached 28x28 triple heated garage, 220 power & additional rear door for back yard

Professionally remodelled from top to bottom in the 'new everywhere' modern chic & sleek decor for the discriminating buyer!

Just move in & enjoy this amazing 12th floor sunny south/east exposed 2 bedroom unit c/w wrap around balcony offering panoramic outstanding views of the downtown skyline & the river escarpment! Over $100,000 in recent renovations include high-end modern high gloss cabinets, quartz counters, all new bathroom fixtures, luxury vinyl planking, all new tiles (backsplash, wall tiles etc.), all new plumbing fixtures, all new light fixtures, new walk-in closet built-in shelving unit, new laundry room in master closet, all new Hunter Douglas blinds thru out, ceiling stipple was removed and replaced with know down modern ceilings &

Pride of ownership is evident inside and out of this immaculate, long time owner's home in a special hidden enclave of west Bowness!

This huge 1638 square foot bungalow has a total of 3 bedrooms plus a den and sits on a manicured, mature-treed, south, rear-facing 200 square feet deep lot that backs onto a heavily treed, natural reserve! This lot is impeccably landscaped and offers a very private retreat you will enjoy all year round. This house has no basement, but still has lots of room to roam in the sprawling ranch style space. This house features a large country kitchen and includes a centre island, an adjoining dining room, a nice bright family room at the rear of house, plus the aforementioned bedrooms. It is only a couple blocks away from

If you love beautiful Calgary views, one of these properties is for you! These two homes offer the best views in the inner city, and in one of the most progressive, re-developing inner city areas in all of Calgary! What's more is that you can customize either one of these homes since they are still under construction. The builder has generously included the opportunity for the buyer can select numerous interior selections and finishes, such as cabinets, flooring and countertops. The wide open floor plans and walk-up southern exposure accentuates the amazing views from every floor. Each home has a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms. Made by a quality local builder that produces high-end, modern homes, these properties are a fantastic new home

Massive 50 by 167 square foot, mature-treed, corner lot on a quiet street. Lovingly maintained 770 square foot bungalow featuring newer windows, updated 4 piece bath, 2 spacious bedrooms on the main floor and a large lower level 3rd bedroom. Lower family room features cozy wood stove. Huge west backyard includes 25x13ft deck with firepit and bar, perfect for outdoor entertaining, a double 31x20ft detached garage, gravel parking pad and additional RV parking at the rear.

Fantastic location close to the Bow River, Bowness Park, bike paths, short commute downtown, close to UofC, Foothills & Children's Hospitals, easy access to COP and west to the mountains!

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