Calgary?s East Village has perhaps seen more change over the last 20 years than any other community in the city. Since the idea of bringing East Village back to life resurfaced in 2005, the neighbourhood once known for its vacant lots and neglected buildings has been transformed into one of the city?s more vibrant communities.
While there have been several key developments during that transformation ? including the Simmons Building, RiverWalk pathway, St. Patrick?s Island and a handful of ...
The changing of the seasons often leads to window woes in a home, as problems that went unnoticed during the summer months become apparent with the arrival of colder weather.
Dallas Paquette from Lift Renovations, which handles window installations for Lowe?s Canada in Calgary, says winter weather is challenging for windows. As they expand and contract, gaps can open in areas that are weakened.
?Cold weather sort of puts a window through its paces thermally and can often expose flaws,? he said. ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 29 Dec 2020 17:48:41 +0000
Buying a property can be incredibly exciting and terrifying at the same time, especially if it?s your first . For a lot of buyers today, the idea of getting a killer deal is the ultimate goal, one that you may have heard is possible with a bank-foreclosed property (also known as a ?foreclosure? or ?real estate owned? property or simply ?REO?). Real estate prices over time are only going up, after all, so what?s the scoop on foreclosures?
Can You Get a Deal on Foreclosed ...
posted in Investing
at Thu, 24 Dec 2020 21:33:36 +0000
To paint or not to paint? With upholstered furniture, that is a complicated question. Social media, online blogs and video tutorials show that it can be a fun DIY project, but there are a few key considerations and great results are not guaranteed.
Calgary?s Dale Marie Wedge of Blooming DIY-er said choosing the right furniture piece is important. For example, she might paint old chairs or sofas to serve as props in the home.
?Maybe paint an ugly upholstered chair and use that as a plant ...
posted in home tips
at Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:46:05 +0000
Year of Construction: 1928
Address: 8539 48th Ave N.W.
Community: Bowness
Architectural Style: American Colonial Revival
This unique heritage home is a well-known landmark in historic Bowness, a community that began its life as one of Calgary?s first suburbs. The original owner and builder of the home was stockbroker and oil man Leonard Phillips, who was born in 1887 in Wakefield, England.
Courtesy of the City of Calgary
Phillips, who arrived in Calgary in 1911, purchased the property in 1928 ...
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Here are a few specific tips that might make the difference between a quick sale and a better sale. Or in the case of a slower market, any sale at all.
Before the guests arrive at your listing, you should open all window blinds, drapes and interior room doors and turn on all lights ? everywhere ? even on a sunny day! To avoid stuffiness, let the light and air flow.
Unless the buyer is a cave dweller, not only does a bright and airy atmosphere make the home more welcoming, but it also means the ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 18 Dec 2020 17:31:09 +0000
Chances are, you have at least heard of building permits even if you haven?t applied for one yourself. Going by their name alone, you can probably guess the general gist of what these permits are used for. You might be surprised to find out that a lot of homeowners don?t really know that much about building permits, especially when it comes to details such as when you need to apply for one. It can actually get kind of confusing at times, so here?s a rundown of the basics of building permits so ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:32:16 +0000
Cochrane?s largest infrastructure project to date, the much-anticipated Jack Tennant Memorial Bridge, recently had its grand opening, which was marked by a low-key, physically distanced celebration and plenty of fireworks.
?Given the challenges of the time and the global pandemic, it was just so nice to have something positive to rally around,? said Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung.
The bridge was named in honour of longtime Cochrane resident, philanthropist and Cochrane Eagle founder Jack Tennant, ...
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Good lighting is important in many places in a rental property. When you?re working in the kitchen, though, having sufficient lighting to see what you?re doing is vital. Poor lighting in your kitchen can make cooking and other tasks a pain, especially if the lighting leaves shadows in areas that you use a lot. Fortunately, there are a number of options available when it comes to adding new lighting to your kitchen. Here are some of the best for you to consider.
Recessed Lighting
One popular ...
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posted in home tips
at Sat, 12 Dec 2020 23:14:45 +0000
Historically low interest rates coupled with highly active markets might have you wondering whether now is the right time to purchase an investment property.
Canada?s housing markets have shattered records since the early summer, posting a 45.6% year-over-year increase in sales activity during September, according to the latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). During the first nine months of this year, 402,578 homes changed hands over Canadian MLS® Systems, a nearly 6% ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 11 Dec 2020 17:55:24 +0000
Although we?ve already gotten our first doses of snow, winter is (technically) still just around the corner, with many more cold days and tons of the white stuff to come.
Unfortunately, winter is also the season that tends to reveal and worsen issues within the home, so there?s no time like the present for some proactive maintenance. A bit of extra effort now could save you countless headaches when temperatures drop.
Here?s a handy checklist to get you started:
Gutters and downspouts
Make sure ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 09 Dec 2020 01:58:31 +0000
Calgary?s condo market may be mired in a bit of a slump, but developers are still finding ways to make their latest offerings stand out.
This is what Ocgrow Group of Companies has done with SOLA, the company?s new development in inner-city Kensington that will boast 172 condo units ? all equipped with smart-home automation.
SOLA will be Canada?s first luxury condo development to be fully integrated with Amazon Alexa devices.
?I firmly believe the real estate and tech sectors will continue to ...
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It?s the classic rate decision many mortgage shoppers are faced with. And it?s only been made more complicated since the start of the pandemic. Towards the latter half of 2019, variable rates were flying off the shelves with rates as low as prime ? 1%. A lot has changed since then.
In March, fears over the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown forced most banks and other mortgage lenders to cut their fixed rates from 3.95% to 2.45% within the span of just one month. At the same time, ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:21:58 +0000
There are some chores around the house that make you feel like you?ve really done something, giving you a sense of massive accomplishment and joy. Cleaning gutters isn?t one of them. Unfortunately, it?s a chore that still has to be done, whether it?s fulfilling or not. And if you?ve got to do a thing, you might as well do it right. That?s why we?ve got tips for better gutter cleaning.
Why Clean Your Gutters?
Your gutters are the most efficient way to move water running off of your roof to ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 03 Dec 2020 16:30:21 +0000
While design trends come and go, there?s one item we can be sure won?t be making an appearance in our living rooms again: the tube TV. While the big and bulky televisions of our childhoods have been replaced with more minimal options, that flatscreen TV can still be an eyesore in your home. That?s why we?re sharing six creative ways to stylishly hide your TV.
Hide it behind a map or picture
Would you guess there?s a flatscreen hiding behind that stylish map and console setup? To achieve this ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 01 Dec 2020 21:07:06 +0000
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground and is also the No. 1 cause of lung cancer for non-smokers. It?s found in every home in Canada, but testing is the only way to truly know if a home has dangerous levels.
Radon and COVID-19
As Canadians continue to spend more time at home, now, more than ever, it?s important for buyers and sellers to test their homes for radon. People confined to their homes during the pandemic are at greater risk of being ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 29 Nov 2020 22:53:58 +0000
From staggeringly low sales numbers in the spring, to a breakneck summer recovery, Canada?s real estate market has felt like a roller coaster ride these last few months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to broader economic turmoil and uncertainty in the early days of the pandemic, Canada?s central bank cut its mortgage-market influencing key interest rate to the lowest level it says is possible. Many economists watching the central bank closely say these low rates will be here ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 27 Nov 2020 18:04:14 +0000
With winter knocking on the door, it?s a good time to decide if your home could benefit from some improved insulation.
Trevor Brown, president of Ideal Insulation & Roofing, says having a properly insulated home has two main benefits.
?Certainly, comfort is a big one,? said Brown. ?And using less energy is something that most Canadians are interested in ? reducing your carbon footprint.?
He says higher than normal heating bills are a sign your home could benefit from an insulation retrofit. ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 26 Nov 2020 22:08:07 +0000
Choosing a home security system can seem daunting. There are as many different options to protect your property as there are styles of home construction.
The advent of integrated smart homes mean that DIY setups are increasingly common, leading professional services to expand their features and lower their prices. Modern security systems don?t just monitor for break-ins, either ? many systems contain a variety of sensors that can detect everything from a carbon monoxide leak to a flood in the ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 26 Nov 2020 00:03:03 +0000
The Mortgage Refinance Process
When interest rates are low, it can be the ideal time to refinance your mortgage. After all, who doesn?t like a lower interest rate? There are lots of good reasons to refinance your mortgage, such as streamlining your expenses, investing in a secondary suite, or purchasing another rental property. But what?s really involved in the process?
Mortgage Refinancing: The Basics
Perhaps the best news any homeowner can get when it comes to a ?refi? is that it?s not ...
posted in Investing
at Tue, 24 Nov 2020 16:13:01 +0000
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is asking us to reconsider raking this fall, and instead leave the leaves on the ground."You can leave a layer or two on your lawn. It acts as free fertilizer for your lawn ? those break down on your property just as they do in a forest, so basically it enriches your soil because it provides nutrients for your lawn," said Andrew Holland of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Some Calgarians say they enjoy raking leaves but understand why it's OK to leave some on ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 20 Nov 2020 23:50:18 +0000
Nose Hill Park looms large over Calgary?s northwest ? an expanse of unspoiled grassland enveloped by the vastness of an ever-evolving city. Nearly unchanged from the days when herds of buffalo roamed the Prairies, the park now serves as a stomping ground for the herds of Calgarians that jog, walk and bike their way around its 300 kilometres of trails every day.
Created in 1980 following a lengthy battle between developers who planned to turn the area into a residential community and area ...
When you own a rental property, you know how important it is to have the right tenant. Good renters will take care of the property as though it were their own, leaving it as close to how they moved in as possible. Bad renters, on the other hand, make it obvious that they don?t care, since it?s not actually their house; it can take a significant amount of time and money to get your property back to rentable condition after they move out. Wouldn?t it be great if you could only rent to the first ...
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posted in Investing
at Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:37:01 +0000
Calgary has a new park, and it's six storeys off the ground.
High Park, located on the top floor of the City Centre Parkade at 340 10th Avenue S.W., opened in October.
Peter Oliver, president of the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, said while planning for the park began in late 2019, before the pandemic, it provides a solution to help people meet safely outdoors.
"We're inviting Calgarians to come up and escape above the rooftops of the warehouse buildings in the Beltline ? with full sun ...
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As summer days give way to cooler weather, good times had on the patio or balcony need not end ? especially, when outside is one of the safest places to be thanks to COVID-19. From simple additions to more elaborate fixes, there are many ways to winterproof outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment.
?Right now, the biggest trend we?re seeing is any way to get heat into your backyard,? said Krystin Pierce, assistant store manager at Barbecues Galore ? Calgary South. ?We?re seeing a ton of ...
posted in home tips
at Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:36:49 +0000
It?s November, and time to start planning for winter. After a summer full of park picnics, patio meals and backyard hangouts, the arrival of cold weather and the wet stuff will require a pivot to winter-appropriate outdoor activities. And if the rush to snag home fitness gear and bikes this spring/summer was any indication, equipment for traditional winter sports might soon be hard to find.
Here are a few ways you can stay active and social in and around Calgary this winter:
Downhill ...
When the pandemic hit Canada in March, and we were asked to stay at home, and that all but essential services remain open, many were concerned about how they were going to pay the bills, including their mortgages. To their credit, lenders and mortgage insurers stepped up to the plate and offered homeowners the option to defer their mortgage payments by up to six months.
That strategy worked. The number of Canadians who asked for a deferral or a skip-a-payment was 778,000. Roughly 32% of ...
posted in home tips
at Sun, 08 Nov 2020 18:39:28 +0000
A crucial portion of the city?s southwest ring road that traverses land purchased from the Tsuut?ina First Nation is now open to traffic.
The 12-kilometre section of the 101-kilometre freeway encircling the city has proven the most complicated and frustrating portion to begin and complete, and its construction is still generating concerns among those who live alongside it.
But beginning October 1, traffic will begin flowing southwards from Glenmore Trail and Sarcee Trail over three crossings ...
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What is a ?good investment??
A good real estate investment, in our mind, is one that generates or has the ability to generate cash flow to offset the property costs. By using this simple evaluation method you are enabling yourself to withstand a reduction in rents should that occur.
How do I choose what type of investment property to purchase?
There are many types of investment properties to choose from ? everything from houses to apartment buildings to commercial strip malls to industrial ...
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posted in Investing
at Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:22:49 +0000
For most, the fantasy of building a dream home is just that?a fantasy: the perfectly styled gourmet kitchen, the shower big enough to fit an elephant and every tiny detail carefully considered to be exactly what you want.
With so much to consider, where do you begin? As always, a good place to start is with your budget.
The Basics: what is a construction mortgage?
If you want to build a home from scratch or if you?re planning significant renovations or expansions to an existing property, a ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:51:42 +0000
Are you thinking about breaking your fixed-rate mortgage? While traditionally considered a financial faux-pas, many Canadians choose to break their fixed-rate mortgage when they find their current terms and conditions no longer meet their needs.
?Breaking a fixed-rate mortgage occurs more often than you would think,? Jared Ksenica, Regional Vice-President, Mortgage Specialist, with BMO Bank of Montreal said.
Of course, there are penalties to pay for breaking a mortgage. When you break a ...
posted in home tips
at Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:53:08 +0000
Many Canadian mortgage holders renew without asking any questions?often receiving a higher rate with a mortgage product that doesn?t suit their needs. Do yourself a favour, and don?t sign a renewal letter without doing your due diligence. Take an assessment of your current situation, put a plan in place, and let the lenders compete for your business to ensure you receive the best mortgage possible. Here?s what you need to consider before renewing your mortgage.
Put a plan in place
Don?t wait ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:20:01 +0000
Detached homes drive Calgary sales growth in October
City of Calgary, November 1, 2020 ?
With strong gains in the detached sector, October sales in the city reached 1,764 units. This is a 23 per cent increase over last year and well above longer-term averages.
The gain in citywide residential sales outpaced the growth in new listings, supporting tighter market conditions and improving prices.
?Over the past several years, higher lending rates and the stress test pushed many out of the detached ...
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Calgary-area REALTORS® Herb Styles and Ray Pfob are celebrating 50 years in the business this year ? an impressive milestone by any measure.
Both entered the industry somewhat by happenstance, but five decades later, neither man would trade his time in real estate ? including all the stories and bits of wisdom collected along the way ? for anything.
?It?s been one of the most exciting and fulfilling careers that I could have ever asked for,? said Styles, an agent in Calgary. ?I feel very ...
posted in Investing
at Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:35:01 +0000
The year is 1960. Calgary?s population sits at 234,428. Completion of the Trans-Canada Highway is still two years away. A new $1-million terminal at McCall Field welcomes airline passengers, with the first non-stop, transatlantic flight from Calgary to Amsterdam still a year away. The first two buildings on the new University of Calgary campus open and the newly minted community of Brentwood sits on the very edge of the city.
How times have changed.
Now, sitting just outside of what is ...
If a portion of your roof becomes warm enough to melt some of the snow and ice on top of it, an ice dam can form. That melted snow or ice will trickle down the roof as water, reaching the eaves or gutter and encountering much colder materials where it will freeze again. This process continues until there is a buildup of ice at the very edge of the roof, with liquid water attempting to flow underneath it. The ice can overflow onto your gutters, while the water forces its way under the shingles ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 23 Oct 2020 21:00:17 +0000
The city is preparing to contract out one-quarter of black cart pickup services across Calgary by 2022
A private company will take over garbage collection in parts of west and northwest Calgary by 2022.
The city opened proposals from companies hoping to do the work Monday as it moves ahead on a pilot project to contract out one-quarter of black cart pickup services. Council approved the project earlier this year, and proponents of the move say it will show whether the city can save money by ...
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At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of people thought that Canadian housing markets would suffer a steep crash, resulting in a considerable COVID-19 discount on real estate prices ? particularly within the country?s urban centres. While there was a roughly six-week slump in some of the biggest real estate markets, many regions are already rebounding and reporting record activity in sales and prices. For now, the industry has defied the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation?s ...
posted in Investing
at Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:12:21 +0000
$34.1M project finished after 4 years, mayor calls it 'labour of love'
City officials say the four years renovation project should ensure the heritage building will be around for another century. 1:23
The rehabilitation of Calgary's 109-year-old City Hall has been completed after four years of renovations.
Most members of city council gathered on the front steps of the recently unveiled building on Tuesday to celebrate the end of the $34.1-million project, which city officials say should ...
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If you?re a first-time homebuyer, many aspects of the purchase process can be confusing and stressful, including financing. While the mechanics of a mortgage are relatively simple, choosing the right mortgage product can be far from it, as many of the choices available to buyers are obscured by complex and unfamiliar terminology.
To help you cut through the jargon, here?s an alphabetical list of common mortgage terms and their definitions:
Amortization Period
The amount of time it will take to ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 16 Oct 2020 16:23:54 +0000
For many, home is the place where they feel the safest and most at ease. However, there are many hazards within the average house or apartment that can have dangerous, and even deadly, consequences if left unchecked. Luckily, most of these threats are easy to identify and even easier to avoid with just a little bit of knowhow.
Here are 12 common household hazards and how to eliminate them:
Dryer lint
Emptying your dryer?s lint screen/trap seems like a simple task, but it?s also one that?s easy ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:55:04 +0000
It?s time to close down your Sprinkler/Irrigation System for the winter season.Leaving water in your sprinkler line during colder weather months can cause ruptures of pipes or other expensive damage.
Consider hiring an irrigation company to service and close down your irrigation system for the season. (Approx $90) They offer annual plans that include both start-up and close down at the end of the season. Items on the shutdown checklist (there may be others depending on your particular system) ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:58:14 +0000
On an afternoon stroll, residents of the neighbouring communities of Cliff Bungalow and Mission can feel like they?ve gone back in time. They might encounter structures built in the Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial, Classical and Georgian Revival styles, all from the early 1900s, within only a few blocks.
However, combing through the city?s historic neighbourhoods is no longer an activity reserved for area residents, as Heritage Calgary is helping people learn about Calgary?s past through ...
How many of us have started a home redecorating project only to stop midway, frustrated because we just can?t seem to recreate that magazine-worthy look? Well fret not, as we?ve identified some common design mistakes and asked local designers for their surefire solutions to get back on track.
The Mistake: Hanging Art Improperly
Infusing a space with splashes of art can bring design to a new level. After all, who doesn?t love colour, texture and gallery-inspired spaces? But hanging art correctly ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 07 Oct 2020 18:20:32 +0000
We receive numerous questions from new and existing investors in regards to purchasing their next income property. As every personal situation is different, below is what we believe to be one of the best ways to make money while you sleep.
Real Estate investing has the benefit of utilizing the banks money for the majority of a property?s purchase price (mortgage) you don?t get that with stocks. The down payment that investors put in the property come from either: savings, existing equity, or ...
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posted in Investing
at Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:18:24 +0000
It?s widely known that lakes in and around Calgary provide both recreational opportunities and some highly desirable residential and vacation real estate.
However, here are five things you might not know about Calgary-and-area lakes:
1. Making a splash
Completed in 1968, Lake Bonavista was the first manmade residential lake in Canada. At the time, the permit process for building a lake was not well established.
The story goes that not only was the lake dug without all the necessary permits in ...
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Ask anyone who lives across a broad swath of south Calgary for their favourite spot to go for a walk, jog or leisurely bike ride, and the No. 1 answer is bound to be Fish Creek Park.
Created by the province in 1975, the park had previously been owned by John and William Roper Hull. The two men farmed in the area and later built Bow Valley Ranche House, which is still standing near the park?s visitor centre.
The historic Bow Valley Ranche House is now home to the Bow Valley Ranche ...
Calgarians have had more than their share of weather challenges this summer, including several nasty bouts of hail. Thankfully, a little preparation can help your home?s roof emerge unscathed the next time golf-ball-sized ice chunks starts falling from the sky.
?Hail eats standard laminate architectural shingles like sugar eats kids? teeth,? said Anthony Babin, owner of A.B?s Roofing & Contracting. ?The best protection is found in metal, rubber and tile roofs, followed by those with Class 3 or ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 18 Sep 2020 22:42:15 +0000
By early 2022, the first of Alpine Park?s eventual 10,000 residents will be moving into a mixed-use community at the heart of a new type of Calgary suburb.
Tara Steell, general manager for Dream Unlimited?s Calgary land division, says that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the developer?s market research had shown buyers were seeking neighbourhood integration through ?New Urbanism? principles more commonly found in the inner-city core.
The new 646-acre community, situated at 146th Avenue and ...
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Our lives have certainly changed in this COVID world. Our daily routines have been upended, as has the way we work ? many of us are now working from home and relying more on technology. With more of us using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and social media networks, we are also experiencing increases in cyber-attacks. One was at the Canada Revenue Service (CRA), when fraudsters took advantage of login credentials exposed through previous hacks to compromise the personal information of thousands of ...
posted in General
at Mon, 14 Sep 2020 02:19:42 +0000
Buying a house can be an exciting, but complex process. So when you embark on your journey, one of your first stops should be familiarizing yourself with the lingo.
We?ve curated helpful information from our Homebuyers? Road Map and Tips for Buyers, to share with you some of the most important terminology a new buyer needs to know?from pre-purchase to post-purchase.
Before you buy
First things first, you need to find yourself a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® can bring you peace of mind thanks to their ...
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posted in home tips
at Thu, 10 Sep 2020 20:46:16 +0000
Stand-alone showers have been rising in popularity as the primary bathing method in many homes?they?re practical, spacious, and downright gorgeous. If you?ve been reconsidering your bathroom?s space with a shower conversion, think about the following important considerations to help you get started.
Can it affect my home?s resale value?
While it?s usually recommended to maintain at least one bathtub in a home, some Houzz polls indicate this may not be as important to homeowners as it used to ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 09 Sep 2020 17:58:56 +0000
Located smack-dab in the middle of the city and packed with amenities, the Beltline could be considered both the literal and figurative heart of Calgary.
Encompassing the historic neighbourhoods of West Connaught, Connaught Centre, Victoria Centre and East Victoria, the community?s name originated from the Calgary Municipal Railway?s Route No.5 ? known as the ?Belt Line.?
While the days of the old streetcar system have come and gone, the buildings constructed in those early days have provided ...
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Year of Construction: 1907
Address: 803 15th Ave S.W.
Community: Beltline
Architectural Style: Tudor Revival
As the name suggests, this historic residence holds significant heritage value thanks to its status as the home of Nellie McClung and her husband from 1923-32.
McClung was a successful novelist, prohibition campaigner and suffragist, as well as a prominent member of the ?Famous Five,? along with fellow women?s rights advocates Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Louise Crummy McKinney and ...
August home sales consistent, but COVID-19 impacts continue
City of Calgary, September 1, 2020 ?
Total residential sales in August were relatively stable compared to last year with year-over-year gains in the detached and row sectors.
These gains offset declines in the apartment and semi-detached products.
With 1,573 sales in August, this is consistent with levels over the past five years. Year-to-date sales activity remains nearly 13 per cent below last year.
?Recent national reports have ...
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Every real estate investor wants to see their property increase in value. There are some physical and immediate things that landlords can do to boost the property value of a rental property. Let?s cover the four best upgrades to increase rent and your bottom line. It all about:
PRICE DURABILITY DESIGN
Upgrade Plumbing Fixtures
Kitchen and bathroom fixtures like faucets, sinks and sprayers can get old and tarnished quickly, not to mention looking out ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 01 Sep 2020 01:39:20 +0000
Alaia Belize
Ahhh, the lure of a second home ? a place of your own to escape for a change of scenery or warmer weather. It?s a dream for some and a reality for others. Two possible buys in the Caribbean region offer a snapshot of how it works and what you get.
As the developer of three condo hotels in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and another luxury residential resort under construction, you could say Mark Durliat is somewhat biased when he touts the benefits of investing in a second home ...
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The Corral will soon be gone, but technology is helping preserve many facets of the beloved building
It was the day he lived for each week, when he?d get to spend the entire afternoon watching live action on the hockey rink.
?I?d take the bus after church every Sunday to Stampede Park and meet my friends at the Corral,? recalls Dave Poulsen. ?It was a senior men?s league called Big Six Hockey. When you?re an 11-year-old hockey fan, it was the greatest.?
By the time Poulsen had permission to ...
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Pets are truly the best human companions; snuggly, cuddly and even therapeutic. They instantly become a part of the family the moment we bring them home. Regardless of whether you have a dog, cat, bird or reptile, as pet owners we know they all have one thing in common: they smell.
It?s never our intention to own a smelly animal, but over time we quickly become ?nose blind? to the odors our pets omit. . Unfortunately, smell isn?t contained to the animal, it can quickly spread throughout ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:13:06 +0000
Adding an element of upcycled, vintage chic to a home?s furnishings can create a rich and inviting space with a unique design aesthetic. Plus, it?s great for the environment and easy on the pocketbook.
?It?s so rewarding to buy second-hand or to find a vintage piece that is a conversation starter, instead of purchasing just another boring coffee table from a big box store,? said Calgary-based designer, DIYer and blogger Dale Marie Wedge (bloomingdiyer.com), who specializes in breathing new life ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 25 Aug 2020 19:32:55 +0000
With COVID-19 challenges that include layoffs and deferred mortgage payments, getting a mortgage may be a bit tougher for some, whether it?s for a first home, or refinancing to consolidate debt, or simply renewing your existing mortgage with a new lender to take advantage of a lower interest rate. But it doesn?t mean you?re shut out of the market completely. It just means you have to plan ahead and be careful managing your debt load.
Lenders generally look at two primary factors to determine ...
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posted in General
at Sat, 22 Aug 2020 17:36:23 +0000
This Lot is available for sale in the Crowsnest pass.
Multiple offers, steady prices and lower inventories: the 2020 summer recreational property market in Western Canada is not what you might expect in the midst of a global pandemic and economic downturn.
While that market slammed shut in March and April because of COVID-19, Calgarians have fuelled strong sales numbers in May, June and July in traditional vacation-home destinations, such as Canmore, Sylvan Lake and B.C.?s Windermere ...
posted in Listings
at Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:57:03 +0000
Chickens are playful, pretty and if properly cared for, could be the perfect pet that supplies fresh eggs for you and your family. You might be surprised to learn you don?t need to live on a farm to raise chickens?some municipalities allow residents to raise chickens right in their own backyard. But while the prospect of fresh eggs is exciting, there?s a lot to consider before hosting a hen party in your backyard. We?ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with help ...
posted in home tips
at Wed, 19 Aug 2020 18:02:23 +0000
Buying a home isn?t necessarily something that you can do on a whim?there are months of preparation involved when transitioning from renting to homeownership.
With so many moving parts in play, from loan approvals to placing purchase offers, navigating home buying for the first time can be an overwhelming task. In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, when some real estate processes have changed, buying a home can seem especially daunting.
Luckily, we?ve developed this handy 12-month calendar ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 18 Aug 2020 22:09:40 +0000
After seven years in a yurt, this family has finally moved into the Earthship-inspired home they built themselves near Golden, B.C. But it's not just any house. Take a tour and find out how they made it despite the struggles.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/earthship-sustainable-dream-home-eco-friendly-golden-alberta-1.5653570
Jair Stolz has an instinct to think outside the box, and it's led his family to experience sustainable ? and sometimes unconventional ? living spaces.
First, ...
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When it comes to various projects around the house, the do-it-yourself route is appealing for many reasons ? from saving money to the sense of accomplishment from a job well done. If you are looking for more info, or even just a little bit of inspiration, before you take the DIY plunge, these Calgary Instagram accounts are a great place to start:
Blooming DIY-er
Dale Marie Wedge, the woman behind Blooming DIY-er, moved to Calgary with her family in 2015 and has been sharing her home décor and ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:21:08 +0000
Housing market second quarterly report released
City of Calgary, July 27, 2020 ?
The second quarter of 2020 marked the first full quarter since COVID-19 began to weigh on the economy.
Calgary housing sales slowed by 35 per cent compared to the previous year. This is better than original expectations, thanks to June figures that were far stronger than initial estimates. The pullback in new listings in the second quarter caused inventories to trend down, preventing a more significant decline in ...
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Owners of historic homes across Calgary could soon be eligible for additional grant money and a significant tax break if city council approves a new plan to boost financial incentives for heritage conservation.
The plan, which was approved by a council committee last week and will go before city council for debate later this month, would increase the pool of money available for heritage grants from $500,000 to $2.5 million. Most of that total, a full $2 million, would be for non-residential ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:38:58 +0000
Year of Construction: 1910
Community: Upper Mount Royal
Architectural Style: Arts and Crafts
This historical home is notable not only for its status as a great example of the Arts and Crafts architectural style, but also because of a pair of high-profile Calgarians who lived there over the years.
The home, designed by Lang & Dowler Architects, features a front-facing, half-timber and stucco gable, and a large open verandah at the entrance, creating a quaint cottage vibe typical of many Arts ...
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Due to the ongoing safety concerns around dining out these days, the humble backyard grill ? already a fixture for many during the summer months ? has newfound appeal.
If you?re new to the grilling game or your current barbecue has seen better days, it might be time to go shopping. However, there are some key points to consider before you buy.
?One of the first things to address is fuel type,? said Garnett Tubman, sales associate with Barbecues Galore ? Calgary North.
Most new homes in Calgary ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:00:59 +0000
Are You Ready For Storm Season?
As spring has turned to summer, more and more focus is shifting to outdoor activities and enjoying the wonderful summer weather. Unfortunately, not all of the weather is going to be so wonderful. Depending on where you live, you may face several severe storms during the summer as well as the usual summer storms and rain. Now is the time to prepare for storm season to make sure that you aren?t taken by surprise when bad weather hits.
Clean Your GuttersOne big ...
posted in home tips
at Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:22:49 +0000
Tucked away just five minutes north of Airdrie and less than half an hour away from Calgary, the hamlet of Crossfield offers the best of small-town living, plus quick and easy access to the rich amenities of two vibrant cities.
It?s a fact that wasn?t lost on Creation Communities, a developer and homebuilder with a knack for identifying small, well-located towns that offer a connected, vibrant and affordable lifestyle.
?Crossfield is really safe. It?s a nice town to raise your kids in,? said ...
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Concrete has been used as a building material for thousands of years?the Romans used it as the Colosseum?s foundation, and a form of cement was also used to build the Great Wall of China. While concrete has been a foundation for modern-day buildings, bridges, roads, and dams for centuries, it was 20th-century architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier who brought the use of concrete to the forefront of design.
In recent years, the use of concrete has moved into homes through ...
posted in home tips
at Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:19:49 +0000
Nelson, British Columbia is a vibrant and engaged counterculture community of more than 10,000 residents. With palatable winters ranging from -5 C to 5 C, Nelson instills instant meteorological envy across Canada.
Known as the ?Queen City,? Nelson is a breath of fresh air. Located in B.C?s southern interior, on the extreme West Arm of Kootenay Lake (one of the largest lakes in the province). Vancouver and Calgary are both a one-hour flight from the nearby Castlegar Airport.
The restored ...
Atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Huron sits the port town of Goderich, Ontario. Known nationwide since Victorian times and hailed as the ?prettiest town in Canada,? Goderich is rich with impressive architecture, stunning views, and combines small-town charm with world-class amenities.
Goderich has plenty to offer whether you?re moving to the area or just visiting?from Instagram-worthy beaches and an abundance of accessible parklands to heritage and culture, shopping, and great-tasting ...
In June, city council approved the revised Stage 1 alignment for the Green Line LRT project in a 14-1 vote. The future of the $5.5-billion infrastructure project, the largest in Calgary?s history, had been in doubt as recently as a couple weeks ago, when a handful of councillors started to walk back their support for the north-south LRT. However, after this week?s near-unanimous vote in council, construction could start as early as next spring and Stage 1 of the new line could be open as early ...
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As COVID-19 restrictions have been scaled back gradually during Alberta?s relaunch, many Calgarians have likely started thinking about their summer vacation plans. While travel to any far-flung destination, or even the United States, is looking inadvisable at best and actively dangerous at worst, a holiday within the province is firmly within reach. From last year, here is a roundup of popular Alberta vacation communities:
During the summer months, it?s always nice to be able to get away from ...
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A devastating hailstorm ripped through parts of Calgary on Saturday, shredding siding, breaking windows, pummeling vehicles and flooding streets.
The full extent of the damages caused by the storm remains uncertain, but Mayor Naheed Nenshi speculated the Calgary total could be as high as $1 billion ? a massive figure for a natural disaster that lasted for only 15-20 minutes. For reference, the estimated damages across Alberta from the 2013 floods totalled roughly $5 billion.
Based on the scale ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:27:32 +0000
After an unusual spring spent mostly cooped up inside, summer?s onset promises brighter days.
Summer is also a great time to notice the areas around the home that are especially in need of a refresh. This is where Alykhan Velji, principal at Alykhan Velji Designs, is focused for summer 2020.
?The spaces that we tend to forget about but once you put the focus on them, you can really get the full benefit of using them,? he said.
?It is all about keeping it light, fresh and working with what you ...
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posted in home tips
at Sat, 11 Jul 2020 20:11:24 +0000
Despite the gradual reopening of businesses and other public spaces as part of Alberta?s relaunch strategy, COVID-19 still loom large in our daily lives several months into the pandemic. As a result, the humble backyard might be where many Calgarians spend much of their time outdoors this summer ? whether they?re seeking sanctuary or a place for small, physically distanced gatherings with friends and family.
So, there?s no time like the present to make the most of that space. Here are six easy ...
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The communities of Upper and Lower Mount Royal have long been home to an eclectic mix of everything Calgary?s real estate scene has to offer.
Promoted in Calgary?s early days as an exclusive neighbourhood by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Mount Royal was originally known as American Hill, due to the large number of Americans who settled in the area. Its current name is an homage to the Montreal community that was home to CPR president William Cornelius Van Horne.
The community was annexed ...
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A new survey shows some Canadians believe they are forever renters, but Alberta builders point to growing list of affordable options.
Alberta?s new home builders are weighing on a recent survey finding a significant number of Canadians believe they may never be able to own a home.
The survey by the personal finance site Finder.com found about one in 10 surveyed believe they will be forever renters.
Yet builders interviewed by the Calgary Herald note the industry offers a wide selection of new ...
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When the end came, it was just like Tom and Mary had imagined. Supply chains started to crumble. Millions of Americans lost their jobs. Grocery stores ran out of food. The nearly retired couple wasn?t going to wait for society to collapse. They hopped in their camper van and drove 19 hours to South Dakota. ?To come here and experience it in person is like walking the Grand Canyon for the first time,? Tom says. But it?s not the Grand Canyon. It?s a doomsday bunker.
Tom and Mary are living at ...
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many Calgarians have lost their jobs, been furloughed (i.e., temporarily laid off) or seen their working hours reduced. If this has happened to you and you own a home, the loss of income could, understandably, make it difficult to keep up with mortgage payments.
If you are in a situation where you?re having trouble making payments or know you cannot pay your mortgage, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recommends exploring a variety of ...
posted in home tips
at Sun, 05 Jul 2020 17:06:08 +0000
Put away those down-filled parkas and stash the winter boots?spring has arrived! With longer days and warmer temperatures, it?s time to make the most of this season by rejuvenating your homes? curb appeal.
If there?s one thing I tend to put off every year, it?s refreshing the exterior of my house. By the time I think I?m ready to put in the effort, it?s August. Why bother, right?
The truth is tackling your home?s curb appeal is not hard or even expensive. With all of us staying home to put an ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 03 Jul 2020 14:50:50 +0000
The City of Brampton, Ontario recently launched Canada?s first city-wide backyard garden program, designed to help alleviate food insecurity in the area due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative encourages citizens to grow vegetables, herbs, and fruit outdoors and donate their harvest to local food banks. The Brampton Backyard Garden Program supports residents with free soil and seeds, along with tutorials and gardening tips.
?Gardening has the potential to build communities,? ...
As temperatures rise, so too does interest in enjoying the sun from the comfort of one?s home, and a sunroom is one option that is easy to warm up to.
?Nowadays, no one is considering a cruise or a trip to Italy, so they?re really focused on improving the space around them,? said Bob Whiteside, general manager of Desert Sun Patios in southeast Calgary.
?Some houses have a deck, but it?s often too hot or too cold to enjoy it, so homeowners are seeking other ways to get the most from their rear ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:58:49 +0000
If you read CREB®Now or my blogs , you probably already know the importance of staging your home when you sell. But what about your garage?
When it comes to staging a home, the best advice is usually to make it look like you?d want to live there. But what do you do when you?re staging a space that will be home to vehicles rather than people?
That was the challenge presented to home stager Elysse Bulloch with one of her recent projects. Boasting two garages, including a newly renovated ...
posted in home tips
at Sun, 28 Jun 2020 17:53:28 +0000
Take net zero homes for example. A decidedly niche category, when normal life resumes and fuelled by legislative change and changing consumer preferences, this is a space to watch, say industry observers.
?It?s coming. I have no doubt about that,? says Sonja Winkelmann, director of net zero energy housing for the Canadian Home Builders? Association (CHBA). ?PV (photovoltaic solar panel) technology has improved so much and we?re getting so good at building these net zero homes,? she ...
posted in home tips
at Sat, 27 Jun 2020 17:34:24 +0000
For many residents of apartment-style condo buildings, a balcony offers a small, private slice of the outdoors ? a place to kick back with a book, sip your morning coffee, catch a few rays, or enjoy an al fresco meal or cocktail.
In recent months, the widespread adoption of social distancing and self-isolation to combat COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of private outdoor spaces. For those who have them, balconies and backyards provide a crucial refuge ? a safe space to get some fresh air ...
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posted in home tips
at Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:03:44 +0000
As self-isolated gardeners in charge of our own personal food security this summer, it?s good to know which vegetables are fast from seed and which ones are oh so slow.
Sprinkle radish seeds directly into your garden soil any day now (or in a 45-centimetre pot on your sunny, sheltered patio) and they will sprout in 2-5 days. You can start slicing and serving the spicy red balls a month after they sprout.
Alternately, you could seed asparagus seed right now, grow them for a month indoors under ...
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Spring might have officially started on March 19, but as Calgarians know, ?spring? in this city is an elastic concept. Now that temperatures are rising and nature is showing new signs of life, it?s time to give your home the spring-cleaning treatment.
Thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, keeping your living space clean (and sanitized) is more important than ever. Due to social distancing measures, people are spending the bulk of their time at home, and the novel coronavirus can live on ...
For years, rumours have been swirling about the addition of a soaring residential tower to Toronto?s skyline, and now it?s finally official: SkyTower by Pinnacle International is set to become Canada?s tallest residential building (for now, at least) at a towering 95 storeys (or 313 metres).
Designed by the award-winning Hariri Pontarini Architects, SkyTower will offer its residents incredible views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline from its 800+ condominium suites. The suites themselves ...
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Stand-alone showers have been rising in popularity as the primary bathing method in many homes?they?re practical, spacious, and downright gorgeous. If you?ve been reconsidering your bathroom?s space with a shower conversion, think about the following important considerations to help you get started.
Can it affect my home?s resale value?
While it?s usually recommended to maintain at least one bathtub in a home, some Houzz polls indicate this may not be as important to homeowners as it used to ...
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posted in home tips
at Wed, 17 Jun 2020 19:57:08 +0000
Heritage homes have features that new builds just can?t replicate: soaring ceilings, gorgeous trim and solid construction are just a few reasons people fall in love with these charming properties. However, when it comes to renovating a heritage home, it can sometimes seem daunting.
New homeowners may look at an older home?s overall décor and feel compelled to gut everything to get a fresh start. But put down that crowbar and sledgehammer! Some original elements actually enhance the value of ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:35:19 +0000
As Calgary?s oldest community, Inglewood is a neighbourhood that has been through a lot.
Since it pre-1900 founding as Brewery Flats, Inglewood ? along with its neighbour Ramsay ? has weathered both the First World War and Second World War, the Great Depression, and countless booms and busts. The communities have bounced back time and time again, emerging as two of the most desirable places to call home in the city.
These neighbourhoods already boast an impressive selection of amenities, ...
While budgets, like rules, are often made to be broken, there are some additional costs associated with the purchase of a new home that buyers should keep in mind to avoid breaking the bank.
?A lot of that added expense is items outside the home, such as landscaping, fencing and decks,? said Karl Bursnell, sales contracts manager for Homes by Avi. ?Most builders will also offer a turnkey package that includes landscaping, but typically, for a single-family, detached home, you are doing it ...
Springtime brings an energy like no other season. So, why not put that energy to good use with some easy maintenance tasks that will have your home ready for the laidback days of summer and beyond?
?A lot of this work is proactive rather than reactive and can save money in the long run,? said Jeff Howells, professional home inspector with Nu Level Inspections.
Here are his top spring maintenance tasks for homeowners, inside and out:
Exterior
After the accumulation of fall?s messy debris and ...
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posted in home tips
at Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:09:17 +0000
Many homeowners know the value of additional space in their homes, whether it?s an extra bedroom for a teenager seeking solitude, or to bring in-laws under the same roof. It?s a big undertaking requiring the support and understanding of your entire household.
When it comes to adding more livable space, there are two typical options to consider: build an addition, or convert your attic space. While converting attic space may seem like the simplest?and lowest-cost?solution, it?s no simple task. ...
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posted in home tips
at Sun, 07 Jun 2020 17:24:37 +0000
A Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta affordable housing project in Calgary?s northwest community of Silver Springs is transforming lives through homeownership, providing new homes and new hope to 32 families.
?Moving into this home has really given us an opportunity to start a new chapter together and have a home base without having to move yearly,? said Robert, a Silvercreek homeowner and single dad. His is one of six families who recently moved into the project?s first phase.
Robert and ...
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