Real Estate Blog - Team Ken Richter

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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Virtual Run Bowness & June Events

Large events are still cancelled in Calgary for the month of June, but there are lots of things you can still do to get outside your home and enjoy the beautiful weather. For starters, the community of Bowness is hosting a virtual race! Here are the details: Virtual Run Bowness || Run Bowness may not be able to 'run' as per usual this year, but they have come up with a creative alternative! On their website they write, "Run Bowness has gone virtual! From June 7 through June 21 you can run a 5k, 10k, and 1 mile (13 years old and under) race on whatever route you choose! Sign up by purchasing a registration, then run your favorite route between June 7-June 21. Submit your length of run, time, and photos to lmiller@mybowness, either by a…

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May 2020 Calgary Real Estate Statistics

The Calgary Board of Real Estate released their May 2020 market statistics summary. Here are some of the highlights:

• "May sales totalled 1,080 units, a 44 per cent decline from last year’s figures."
• CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie says, "the initial shock of COVID-19 and social distancing measure is starting to ease. This is bringing some buyers and sellers back to the market. However, this market continues to remain far from normal and prices are trending down. Activity has also shifted toward more affordable product, which is likely causing differing trends depending on product type and price range.”
• "Sales are down in all price ranges, but a greater share of sales are priced below $500,000... The shift in sales toward lower-priced…

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Pros and Cons of Different Home Flooring

Quality flooring can make or break a home. Often specific kinds of flooring is on a buyer's must-have list. Here are some different kinds of flooring and the pros and cons of each, according to the experts at Homes.com:

• Ceramic Tile: "Ceramic tiles are made of natural materials like clay, sand and water... Ceramic tiles are highly durable and you can choose from numerous designs and colors. Furthermore, they are perfect for homes with children or pets because they don’t get scratched easily... Ceramic tiles can suffer damage from exposure to sunlight and the pattern tends to fade over time. They are also slippery and children and the elderly must be careful when walking on ceramic tiles, especially with socks."
• Hardwood: "Hardwood floors have…

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3 Tips for Being A Good Landlord

As the economy is preventing more buyers from owning their own home during these unprecedented times, many are turning to rentals for a place to live. Despite facing their own challenges, landlords in Calgary, Alberta are hoping to capture this market. 

Being a landlord is a fantastic side-business to have, because it allows you to make the most out of the property (or properties) that you own. Renting out space to a tenant is an excellent way to pay off your mortgage, make extra money for other endeavors, and keep your property occupied and, hopefully, well looked after. There are downsides to being a landlord too, but here are three tips for renting out your home: 

1. First you need to make sure that the space you want to rent is habitable.…

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May Long Weekend Activities 2020

Happy May Long Weekend, Everyone!

After weeks of shut downs and quarantine, the world is slowly starting to open back up again; including Calgary! While it is important to make sure that we continue to use precautions (wear face masks, keep 6 feet of distance whenever possible, continue to practice good hygiene, stay home if you're sick, etc.), it's becoming safer to navigate this brave new world. That being said, if you're going stir crazy and ready to get out and about, here are some ideas of things to do this weekend: 

• BBQ from home with a local barbecue kit: Avenue Calgary writes, "Now that the weather is nice again, it’s time to break out your barbecue and start grilling. While you can, of course, pick up supplies from the grocery store,…

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April 2020 Market Statistics

The Calgary Real Estate Board has released the Calgary housing market statistics for the month of April. The biggest takeaway is that coronavirus put everything on hold, including the real estate market. Here are some highlights from the Calgary Real Estate Board’s report:

“April sales hit 573 units, a decline of 63 per cent over last year… Sales activity eased across all price ranges, but the largest declines were for homes priced above $600,000. New listings this month totaled 1,425 units, a decline of 54 per cent compared to last year. Inventories also declined, but with 5,565 units available, they remained high enough to push the months of supply above nine months.” - Calgary Real Estate Board April Report

“The decline in home sales does not…

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Your May Update

Normally at the beginning of each month we share fun events happening around the city for you to check out. However, these days life looks different as we continue to self isolate and social distance. 

Alberta.ca has rolled out really encouraging information regarding the reopening of the province following strict shutdowns. They write, "Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy puts safety first while gradually reopening businesses, resuming activities and getting people back to work. While we face a long road to recovery, there are signs our collective efforts are helping slow the spread of COVID-19. We must ensure the sacrifices we have already made are not wasted. To be successful, we must stay vigilant to slow the spread: follow public health measures,…

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Spring Decorating Trends

One of the most fun parts of owning a home is decorating it and getting to make it your own. Even the smallest change in visuals can liven up your home and make everything feel fresh and new, which is something we could all use these days as we're quarantined at home. If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to do for your next home decorating project, look no further! We’ve got you covered.

This spring, decorating trends are all about vibrantly neutral colors that are in style, but will remain classics. Gold, modern calligraphy and strong lines are predominant among many designs, along with feux-rustic accent pieces. Here are some trends in colors, fabrics, furniture and art.

Color: The colors trending right now are vibrant neutrals.…

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Encouraging Information for Calgarians During COVID-19

We are certainly living in strange days as we navigate the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. With such a constant flow of news, not to mention a sprinkling of fear mongering, it can be hard to keep your head above water. If you're looking for some positive news and resources, we've got you. Check out the following for a dose encouragement and tips & tricks:

• 5 Good Things That Happened in Calgary This Week
• Text4Hope - Daily Messages of Encouragement
• Services to Support Seniors During COVID-19
• Official Coronavirus Updates from Alberta Health Services
• UpWorthy - Good News Stories
• Watch the Calgary Zoo Panda's Live

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