Real Estate Blog - Team Ken Richter

The Importance of a Home Inspection

Buying a home is an incredibly exciting process, especially once you have found a home you like! Many buyers are overwhelmed with excitement as they walk through a home that feels like the perfect fit: the neighbourhood is great, it's close to work and schools, the home itself has everything on their 'needs' list and even a handful of things on their 'wants' list. It's sparkling with that staged home look and they're already imagining where their belongings will find a new sweet spot. An offer is made and accepted, and the home officially is set to (hopefully) go to the new owners after the specified time. They find a home inspector just to make sure everything looks okay under the hood, and...

Mold. Cracks in the foundation. Pipes that need…

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The History of Daylight Savings

Daylight Savings is this weekend, and we are springing forward! We may be losing an hour of sleep, but it means we’re one hour closer to spring blossoms and summer nights.

While most clocks will automatically spring forward these days, be sure to check items such as kitchen appliances and older vehicles. It’s always worth the small inconvenience to figure out how to change the time on these clocks—don’t be one of those people who leave it until autumn when we gain the hour back.

Why do we practice daylight savings? The main reason is to conserve energy. By setting our clocks ahead we gain more daylight hours in the spring and summer, which means less artificial light is needed during waking hours. To offset this adjustment, we lose an hour of…

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Selling Your Home During COVID-19

Whether you are preparing to upgrade or downsize, selling your home is such an exciting milestone. It is an incredible accomplishment that you purchased a home and have built up equity. Now, you get to leverage that equity to make your next big move. 

All that being said, selling a home can be overwhelming. There are lots of things to consider, such getting finances and documents in order, making sure your home is staged and open house ready, finding your next home sweet home and more. These days, there is also the added element of selling during a global pandemic. Still; don't let any of this deter you.

The market is hot right now and headed towards a buyers market. With more buyers than homes listed, this means as a seller you have a…

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March 2021 Events

March is here and spring is on the horizon. Take a deep breath, Calgary. You made it.

We have now been in some form of quarantine and self-isolation for nearly a year. While many of us are still mourning the loss of our old 'normal,' we are now at the point where creative solutions and changes have come about to make sure we get to experience some of what we used to--even if slightly modified. 

That being said, here are some of the events happening this month: 

• March 1 - 31 : Calgary Zoo King Penguin March
• March 1 - 31 : Parks Foundation Calgary Bench Dedications
• March 1 - 13 : PlungeX - Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Alberta
• March 1 - 22 : Art & Nature Virtual Museum Classroom
• March 11 : Your Brain on Art
• March 11 : An…

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February 2021 Real Estate Market Statistics

Congratulations, Calgary! The Calgary Real Estate Board, also known as CREB®, had incredible news to share in their February market report summary: “With gains in every price range, residential sales activity in February totaled 1,836. This reflects the best February since 2014.”

Time for a happy dance! This is wonderful news considering the last year we have had navigating a COVID-19 world. While we experienced the shock of a global pandemic in 2020 with a near pause in the market, the new year continues to push ahead with strength and optimism.  

CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie says, “Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, housing activity continues to improve. Much of the strong sales activity is expected to be driven by exceptionally…

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Creating Safe Play Spaces for Children

Having little kids in the home is often romanticized with visions of quiet playtime with blocks and the sounds of giggling wafting through the home. While sometimes dreams do come true, the reality is that having kids playing in your home is a little more complicated.

Homes are safe havens, but to the right amount of childlike curiosity, death traps. Unfortunately many children are injured in the home during innocent playtimes, which is exactly why it is so important to create a safe play space.

Safe play spaces are ones that are physically secure, tidy and engaging. Here are some tips on how to accomplish all three of these things:

Make sure the space you have designated for play is physically secure by ensuring it has clear physical…

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At Home Valentine's Date

Valentine's Day is this weekend and is worth taking a moment to celebrate, no matter what your situation is. The last year has been incredibly draining as we have been part of a collective grieving; a grieving of loss of life, plans, jobs, opportunities, and what we always considered 'normal.' So whether you're spending this Valentine's Day alone, with a partner, or with a cohort, take time to celebrate love. There is much to be thankful for, and there is love in this world for everyone. 

Here are some ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day at home, depending on your situation:

For the Solo Valentine: If you're spending this Sunday alone, take time to bask in a day or evening of self care. Order in your favorite meal from a local restaurant,…

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Support Local On Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is this Sunday! Valentine's is a great opportunity to spoil your loved one with a small (or big) gift as a token of your love. While you do so, skip Amazon or big chains and support someone local! Here are some local businesses to check out this Valentine's Day:

Stay Sweet YYC: Vicky from Stay Sweet YYC makes the most beautiful, delicious treats! Her cookies are seriously tasty and seriously gorgeous. Check her out and place an order for some incredible baked goods. 

Ollia Macarons & Tea: Is there anything more romanic than a bubble bath, champagne and a plate of macarons? We think not. Their macarons are divine, visit their flagship shop on 17th Avenue!

NOtaBLE: This restaurant has become a Calgary staple and is…

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February 2021 Calgary Events

February is the month of love. Typically Calgary has tons of events to help relieve Calgarians of their winter hibernation and draw them outside, but this year continues to be different as we keep conscious of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. In that vein, many events being held this month are at limited capacity or are being held online. While this may be different, we encourage you to still attend in whatever ways you can. Here are some of the events happening across the city this month, and some other helpful links:

February 11-28 || Chinook Blast Winter Festival || The official website writes, "Calgary – come outside, bring your small cohort and enjoy the vibrancy of our city this winter. You’re not afraid of a little cold, are you? Local…

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January 2021 Market Statistics

The title of the Calgary Real Estate Board's latest report on the Calgary housing market is: "January sales signal strong start to 2021!"

On that positive note, here are some of the highlights from their summary:

• January sales were the highest they have ever been since January 2014. Considering the year we just came out of, this is an incredibly positive indicator of a stronger market and recovering economy. 
• Improved sales were recorded in all home categories, from affordable single bedroom condos to sprawling luxury estates.
• Chief Calgary Real Estate Board Economist Ann-Marie Lurie notes, "Discount lending rates are exceptionally low, which is likely attracting all types of buyers back into the market. New listings in the market were…

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