Real Estate Blog - Calgary Real Estate

How Much Home Can You Afford?

If you're considering making a move, contact Ken Richter today at 403-630-6363! He can help you strategize how best to enter the market based on your varying needs. 

One of the biggest aspects to purchasing a home is figuring out 1). How much home you need and 2). How much home you can afford. Figuring out how much home you need is usually the easy part. You need to consider how many people will be living in the space now and in the future. You need to consider how much backyard space or parking space you'll need. You need to consider number of rooms, living areas, kitchen space, etc.. Deciding how much home you can afford is also highly personal. 

Start out by knowing what mortgage you can comfortably afford. You should meet with a lender or…

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Holiday Shopping Tips

Christmas is right around the corner! Did you know that December 21st is the busiest day of the holiday shopping season? It's estimated that 600-700 credit and debit card transactions are made in relation to holiday shopping and preparation every single second. That is absolutely astronomical!

We hope you don't wait until the absolute bitter end to do your holiday shopping, but let's be honest: shopping anytime in December can feel like a mad-dash. If you are one of the brave souls heading out into the wild Calgary streets to finish your holiday shopping, we've got some tips for you:

1). Make a list, check it twice. Head to the stores with what you need in mind, and make sure the shops you'll be visiting have your items in stock. This will save…

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Home Safety During The Christmas Holidays

Have you begun watching Christmas movies? Classics such as Griswold Family Christmas, The Santa Clause, and Elf are staples in many homes and the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Another classic? Home Alone.

If you're not familiar with the plot of Home Alone, it goes as follows: a young boy is accidentally left at home when his family flies to Paris for Christmas vacation. He swiftly learns that one part of being a home owner is protecting your property. It brings up the age old question: how can you keep your home safe during the holidays?

First and foremost, recognize that the holidays always bring with them a rise in home crime. Homes are filled with more valuables than ever thanks to wrapped gifts, and people are typically more…

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December 2023 Calgary Events Things To Do

December is arguably the busiest month of the year for many. There are so many events and holidays happening. While your calendar is likely already starting to fill up, check out some of these fun events happening around the city of Calgary:

December 1-30 Storybook Theatre Presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
December 1-17 Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
December 1- January 7 Zoolights
December 1 - January 20 Broadway Across Canada Presents: Mean Girls the Musical
December 2 Montgomery Festive Artisan Market
December 3 First Day of Advent
December 5-7 Calgary Philharmonic Presents: Traditional  Christmas
December 6 BCA Planning & Development Committee Meeting
December 8 First Day of Hanukkah
December 9 Bowness Holiday Dinner
December 9 Troupe Vertigo:…

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Winter Property Care

Its been a very warm fall-to-winter transition here in Calgary, Alberta, but we all know that won't last forever...

The colder months bring unique challenges that require homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their homes from the harsh weather conditions. Here are essential tips for maintaining a safe and well-cared-for property during the winter season.

1. Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems: Before winter sets in with full force, have your heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, and chimneys, professionally inspected and serviced. Also make sure to clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure optimal performance.
2. Protect Pipes from Freezing: Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating them. Shut off exterior faucets and…

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Prioritizing Mental Health During The Holidays

The holiday season, typically associated with joy and celebration, can also bring about heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges for many individuals. Balancing various commitments, family dynamics, and societal expectations can take a toll on mental health during this time. Prioritizing mental well-being amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays is essential for a healthier, more fulfilling season. You don't want to spend the upcoming holiday season sick or stressed.

Here are some ways to keep your mental health in good shape during the holidays:

1. Be Gracious on Yourself: Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it's okay to feel overwhelmed or stressed during the holidays. Set realistic expectations and don't pressure yourself to…

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The Impact of Remote Work on Housing Trends

The surge in remote work has revolutionized not just our professional lives but also our housing preferences and choices. As more companies adopt flexible work arrangements, the concept of the traditional office job tied to a specific location for you to live at is fading. This shift in work culture impacts the housing market significantly. Here are some of the ripple effects:

1. A Need for Home Office Spaces: With remote work becoming the norm for many, the demand for dedicated home office spaces has skyrocketed. Buyers and renters seek properties with designated areas suitable for work—a quiet space conducive to productivity, whether it's a separate room, nook, or converted space.
2. A move back to the suburbs and rural properties: The allure of…

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Black Friday Tips for Canadians

Black Friday, a massive shopping event originating in the United States the Friday following American Thanksgiving, has become increasingly popular in Canada. This annual extravaganza offers Canadians fantastic deals and discounts across a wide array of products. To make the most of this shopping frenzy, here are top tips to navigate Black Friday as a Canadian shopper:

1. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters and sign up for alerts from your favorite retailers. Many stores offer exclusive discounts and early access to deals for subscribers.
2. Set a Budget: Create a budget and stick to it. Black Friday deals can be enticing, but it's important not to overspend. Prioritize your purchases and focus on the items you truly need.
…

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The Role of Location in Real Estate Investment Success

The classic saying "location, location, location" is a classic for a reason. The importance of location cannot be overstated; it profoundly influences the value, demand, and potential return on investment of a property. Understanding the role of location in real estate investment is crucial for making informed and profitable decisions in the market. 

So, why is location so important? Here are the top 5 reasons:

1. Property Value: Location significantly impacts a property's value. Desirable locations—such as those with proximity to amenities, good schools, public transport, and low crime rates—tend to command higher property prices. Conversely, less favorable locations might result in lower property values, impacting potential profits for…

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October 2023 Calgary Real Estate Statistics

The stats are in! Here are some of the highlights from the Calgary Real Estate Board's latest report:

• "... with 2,171 sales, levels were 17 per cent higher than last year and amongst the highest levels reported for October" (Calgary Real Estate Board)
• " Sales activity has been boosted mainly through gains in apartment condominium sales" (Calgary Real Estate Board)
• "New listings also improved this month compared to last year, reaching 2,684 units" (Calgary Real Estate Board)
• "... months of supply [is at] one and a half months" (Calgary Real Estate Board)
• "The unadjusted benchmark price in October reached $571,600, a gain over last month and nearly 10 per cent higher than last October" (Calgary Real Estate Board)

CREB® Chief…

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