Real Estate Blog - Property

Maximizing Outdoor Spaces

One of the most attractive features of a new property can be the outdoor space included. Here in Calgary, many properties include nice outdoor living spaces compared to other cities where homes are lucky to have a strip of grass in front of the door. With this space, Calgarians get creative. If you search the city, you can find people who have created elaborate garden oasis’ in their backyard, or crafted mini hockey rinks during the winter. While these features are fun, they aren’t always the best example of maximizing the space.

Outdoor living spaces are something to be treasured and taken care of. In fact, here in Calgary we have bylaws about maintaing this part of the property. Part of taking care of your outdoor living space is properly…

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Are You Ready For An Investment Property?

Welcome to the world of investment properties!

An investment property can be a property you use yourself (such as a vacation home), a property you lease to others (such as renters or a business), or a property that you fix up and flip for an immediate return. Whatever you plan on using your investment property for, consider the following:

• Purchasing an investment property is a major decision, so don't rush it! Take the time to think critically about if an investment property is right for you, what kind of investment property is right for you, and, when you find a property, if it is the best investment property for you. There is absolutely no need to rush! Take your time so that you can be 100% (or at least 99%) confident in your end decision.…

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Most Desirable Home Features

When it comes to finding a new home, most buyers put together a wish list. This wish list has two sections: need to have and want to have. For example, for some people a pool in the backyard is a need to have. For others, it would only be a want to have. Different buyers have different needs. These needs are based on preference and what is required for each buyer’s particular lifestyle.

Some people are extremely picky when it comes to what they want out of a new home. Others are more relaxed. Either way, there are a number of home features that can make a property more desirable to potential buyers. The list below is not universal; like we said, everyone is different and will want and need different things out of their home. However, this list is a…

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Outdoor Summer Renovations

Summertime is coming in hot and we are ready to bask in the beautiful weather. After weeks of quarantine the forecast looks great! If that is not something to celebrate, we don't know what is.

With so much nice weather on the horizon, now is a great time to check off any summertime renovations you had on your to-do list. We don't want you to get caught mid-winter with half-finished projects, so here is your reminder to grind it out. Remember: if you get it done today, you won't have to worry about it tomorrow. 

Do you want to change things up but aren't sure where to start? Are you wondering what things you should be working on that you have not yet? Look no further. We have got you covered. Here is the ultimate outdoor summer renovation list:

…

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Interested in Refinancing Your Home?

One of the biggest expenses any homeowner has to deal with for an extended period of time is paying off a mortgage. In fact, it's typically one of the longest payments on any one thing that a person will make in their lifetime. 

A mortgage is money that you, a creditor, must repay a debtor within a certain amount of time. Most homeowners take out a mortgage in order to purchase a home, since most people cannot buy a home outright. This mortgage will have interest rates added to it, which are often the most difficult part to pay off as they continue to grow and grow. A mortgage is a very daunting thing for homeowners to have looming over them, but luckily it is not always fixed.

Have you ever heard of refinancing? When interest rates are low, some…

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Home Staging: Gardens

Spring is here and each day more and more of Calgary blossoms and comes alive. We are so thankful that Calgary gets all four seasons, especially when beautiful weather like we have had today is the outcome. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and we cannot wait to start seeing gardens come alive.

Calgary is home to some very dedicated gardeners who put hours of hard labour into creating beautiful landscapes for all to enjoy. A quick drive through most neighbourhoods will reveal many beautiful gardens, each with their own themes and plants. A drive through some of the most dedicated communities, such as Bowness and Mount Royal, are better inspiration than any Pinterest search.

For those of you looking to start your own garden or are looking…

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Exterior Finishes

Here in Calgary we are lucky enough to experience all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. While others need not be concerned with weather patterns beyond one season’s limitations, Calgarians must be ready for anything. Evidence of this would be the snow that fell in some areas of Calgary earlier this week. In July.

While these differing seasons provide us with spectacular sights–Golden forests in the fall, fresh blankets of snow in the winter, blossoming flowers each spring and pink august skies–the weather each season brings can put a lot of strain on properties. Shifting ground, sun-bleached surfaces, hail damaged paneling: all results of the way our often unpredictable environment can damage our properties.

Exterior finishing already…

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Vacation Properties

If there is one thing Calgarians love, it is a beautiful vacation home somewhere warm to visit on chilly winter days and as a summer getaway. Not only are vacation homes a great refuge to escape the busy city life, but they are also a fantastic investment. While real estate is one of the most popular places people invest their money, it can also be a risky investment if it is not done properly. So, today we are going to be going over how to find a great vacation property that doubles as a great investment.

Popular places for owning vacation homes are Palm Springs CA, Arizona, and Radium B.C. You definitely aren’t limited to only searching for homes here, but they do have some bonuses: the plethora of other vacation homes there mean that it is a…

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Backyard Renovations

After a little bit of a rainy last week, the sunshine is breaking through here in YYC. The conditions are becoming absolutely excellent to begin your backyard project. There are a number of reasons backyard renovations are a sound investment for homeowners:

1). Renovations add aesthetic value to the property. Whether you personally care about this or not, future buyers will definitely care.

2). Renovations are part of being a good steward of your property. Little renovations here and there will keep your property up to date and in good condition.

3). Renovations add an incredible amount of value to your property. A simple fresh coat of paint goes a long, long way. Do not underestimate this investment opportunity!

We understand how daunting…

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The Perfect Patio

Imagine it is summertime. It’s not hard to, right? The birds are chirping, the sun is out, and Calgary is finally seeing the end of cold, snowy days. Imagine a cold drink in your hand, a bowl of fruit and good book at your side, and those shorts you’ve had buried under jackets and scarves all winter long. You can smell ribs on the barbecue, and George Strait is playing on the radio. Where are you? Outside on the patio! You don’t have a functioning patio? Well, here’s how you can make one.

Step One: Measure the area you want to cover and buy enough supplies to cover the space. We recommend using pegs to map it out beforehand so you get a good idea of how much space it will take up.

Step Two: Your patio should be elevated off the ground, or else the…

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