Real Estate Blog - Team Ken Richter

Shop Local this Christmas

Calgary has a thriving small business sector that we always like to encourage people to check out. It is important to support small local businesses and the Calgarian's that pour their hearts into them, especially this year as many Calgary businesses have faced loses due to COVID-19. As they say, when you shop from a big box store, a CEO doesn't blink twice. When you shop from a small business, the owner does a little happy dance. Support a fellow Calgarian this Christmas by buying your holiday gifts from one of these local shops:

• Outside The Shape: A curated shop with items from local YYC makers. You can find everything from candles to jewelry to workshops here!
• Plant: Your succulent dreams will come true in his gorgeous shop featuring all…

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4 Unique Smart Home Technologies

Smart Home Technology is a booming industry. What used to be the creative imagining of science fiction stories is now a reality. Homes are now being built with built-in smart home technology or retrofitted to accommodate smart home technology. These products aim to help our homes run more efficiently, from energy use to time spent.

Here are some new smart home technology products for you to check out:

Lockly: A door lock that does so much more than a simple key ever could. Digital Trends writes, “Lockly is known for its high tech smart locks that have advanced features like fingerprint sensor technology, a touchscreen keypad that moves the numbers for added security, app control, voice control, and temporary codes for guest access.”

Jupiter…

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October 2020 Real Estate Statistics

The year of 2020 has been unprecedented, to say the least. This has had incredible impact on the Calgary, Alberta real estate market. Back in April we saw a near standstill in the market as the entire world shut down. Many feared this would have long-lasting impacts on our already struggling economy and real estate market. Despite the naysayers, the Calgary real estate market has outperformed expectations and risen from the ashes. There is still a long way to go, but trends are looking positive and worth holding hope in.

Each month the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) releases a summary at the top of the month of what happened in the market the previous month. Here are some of the highlights from their latest report on October 2020, which you can…

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JUST LISTED!!! 2000 Home Road NW

Virtual 3d tour is available for online viewing . Are you looking for "Not Your Typical Cookie Cutter" infill? We have the perfect solution...builder/owner is proud to present this very unique architecturally designed semi-detached infill on a massive corner lot!

This unique fully developed 5 bedrm family home offers a sunny southwest open concept main floor with 10ft ceilings, large kitchen c/w pantry & breakfast bar, quartz counters thru-out, cozy gas fireplace in living rm & separate dining area. Upstairs features 9ft ceilings, large master bedrm with 5-pce ensuite c/w jet-tub, 2 additional bedrms, 4-pce bath & convenient laundry room. Lower area offers 2 bedrms, 3-pce walk-in shower & rec room. Bonus Double Attached Garage! Located in the heart…

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Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Happy Halloween!

A spooky weekend is ahead with plenty of notable events. First, Halloween is on a Saturday! This means you can stay up late without worrying about waking up early for work or school the next day. Second, Saturday night there will be a full moon! Full moon's are always spooky, but with this one falling on Halloween, it's sure to add some extra moodiness to the atmosphere. Third, we say goodbye to daylight savings this weekend! That's right, Saturday at midnight the clock falls back an hour, giving you a full extra hour of Halloween!

Many people around the city are turning to at home events instead of big parties, careful to follow the new Alberta Health Services guidelines of limiting gatherings to 15 people again. Some families…

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Ways to Give Back to Your Neighbors

During this very difficult year, Calgary came together. We always knew you would, Calgary!

Time and time again, Calgarians show up for each other and help the most vulnerable, extending a helping hand and lifting up spirits. While traditional methods of volunteering may not be as easy accessible these days because of COVID-19, there are lots of ways you can support your city, community and closest neighbors. It's going to be a snowy weekend; time some time to spread some sunshine.

Here are some ways to give back to your neighbors:

• Be a snow angel! Like we mentioned, the show is falling heavy all across the city this weekend. It is a legal requirement to keep the sidewalk outside of your home cleared, so while you're shoveling, keep going…

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Your Listing Photos

There are many factors that help sell your Calgary, Alberta home: the real estate professional you partner with, the location, open houses, word of mouth, a competitive listing price, and the right timing. One of the largest factors is, quite simply, your listing photos.

Most buyers search online listings extensively before narrowing down which homes they actually want to see in person, especially during COVID-19 times. Your listing photos show the world exactly what your home has to offer. It is an inside glimpse into the space and layout.

It is your real estate professional's job to provide your listing with photos. Some real estate agents take them themselves, and others will hire out the work to a photography company. Here at Team Ken…

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Are You Ready to Buy?

For most people, their first home is a rental property.

A rental property is a great way to learn how to live on your own without the responsibility of property taxes or major repairs. It is ideal for people unsure of where they want to settle by allowing you to test out a community, and for people whose lives may require they move frequently. Rental properties are also a way for people to get into housing if they don't have the financial means to qualify for a mortgage and buy a home. 

Rental properties also come with some downsides. It can be hard to fully feel 'at home' when you are living under someone else's roof, potentially with other individuals. You also do not have the creative freedom to paint, complete renovations, or put nails in…

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September 2020 Market Statistics Summary

The Calgary Real Estate Board has released their statistics summary giving you the low down on what happened in the real estate market last month in September 2020. If that sounds like a boring read, here is one very important reason why you should care: the people who are most successful in real estate are those that are informed. The information that the Calgary Real Estate Board provides is packed full of details you do not want to miss. Next to your real estate agent, it is the best place to go to learn about the market so you can strategize how to get the most out of buying, selling or investing.

Here are some of the highlights from the September 2020 summary to give you important insight into what October 2020 and beyond could look like: 

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Should You Live in The Suburbs or The Inner-City?

Trying to decide if the suburbs or an inner-city community is right for you? There's lots to consider. 

Here are some of the Pros of living in the Suburbs:

• New homes
• Communities planned out to serve the modern world
• Quiet / Removed from the stress of the city
• Typically populated by younger families

Here are some of the Cons of living in the Suburbs:

• Cookie Cutter homes can lack uniqueness
• Communities in development lack established amenities
• Far from City services such as workplaces and schools
• More isolated community feeling

Here are some of the Pros of living in the Inner-City:

• Historic and unique homes
• Larger property lots with bigger resale value
• Close to all city amenities / well…

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