Calgary News, Events & Local Insights about Calgary - Blog Archive: November, 2018

Welcome to Calgary.com's blog, featuring news and insights on Calgary. Brought to you by Justin Havre & Associates - RE/MAX First.

Close
Page Summary
Call or Text us

How Curb Appeal can Improve a Home SaleImprovements to "curb appeal" can punch up a drab exterior and get more offers on the table. Real estate agents recommend that property owners take time to analyse the exterior of a home and make necessary improvements to areas seen by individuals out on the street. A clean and inviting exterior appearance can assist in the home selling process and boost interest in a home. What basics should homeowners know about curb appeal and what can they do themselves?

Sellers should make improvements before a home goes on the market. However, regular maintenance is required while the home is listed as available. Many people turn to professionals to take care of their yard while their home is for sale. Lawn care services are affordable, impress potential…

1784 Views, 0 Comments

How to Save for a Home Down PaymentA home represents a major purchase and requires a lot of planning. The down payment is usually the biggest hurdle that you’ll have to jump in order to become a new home owner. Use these budget tips to help you save the cash you need to purchase your dream house.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Scale Down Your Daily Expenses

The easiest way to start saving for a down payment is to cut your expenses. Start by cutting out some of the extras. For example, make coffee at home instead of purchasing it from a coffee shop. Another option is to renegotiate your monthly financial obligations. If you have a cable package, for instance, bargain…

1048 Views, 0 Comments

Why Buy a Historic Calgary Home?There are plenty of older homes in the Calgary area that you won't be able to help but fall in love with. While many homes were built during the 1970s and 1980s, there are many homes that were built much earlier that provide the charming character that can only be found in an older home. Here are just a few of the many things that you may love about the older homes versus the newer ones.

Aside from aesthetic and historical purposes, maintaining the character of a house is also important in retaining its real estate value.

As a guide to new homeowners of historical or old houses, these are the basic differences between them and their modern counterparts:

  • In terms  of housing materials – historic houses oftentimes are made of varying…

3787 Views, 0 Comments

What Do Homeowners Need To Know When SellingFor many first time home buyers, your new home affords you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It offers your family a feeling of security and a degree of financial stability. A new home gives you the freedom to define your style and allows you to create the way your living space should look like. One of the best perks is that you don't have to deal with the unpredictability of landlords.

Needless to say, a new home is an excellent investment. Unlike the uncertainty of the volatile stock market, property values generally don't bounce up and down like a yoyo. Also, when the value of your home increases and, unlike the stock market, you don't have to pay back the government for capital gains. Sure, home prices may drop for awhile during a…

1848 Views, 0 Comments

The Best Water Parks in Calgary AlbertaNow that the children are on vacation, and the weather is hot, why not check out some of the best water parks or pools that Calgary has to offer?

Taking a dip in a pool or sliding down a fun waterslide is a great summer activity. If you enjoy the water, here are a few of the top spots to enjoy swimming and water activities throughout Calgary.

The Bowview Outdoor Pool

There are so many things that you will love about this place; the food, the ambiance, the clean waters, and of course – the one of kind mushroom waterfalls. You can find the Bowview Outdoor Pool at 1910 6th Avenue NW.

The Southland Leisure Centre

The Southland Leisure Centre is one of the best facilities you'll find for water fun, fitness and more. There's more to do…

752 Views, 0 Comments

How to Structure Your Mortgage for a Vacation HomeThe mortgages for secondary homes in Canada are different than those of primary homes for a number of reasons. Lenders and the government alike view secondary homes as a luxury good and may not offer the same attractive terms that a primary loan would. There are also different types of secondary homes that will determine the specific terms of the loan. It can help Airdrie homeowners to be armed with information before filling out their first application.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

There Are Two Types of Secondary Homes

Second homes are broken into two major categories: Type A and Type B. Both require the borrower to live in the…

1307 Views, 0 Comments

What to Know About Closing Costs When Selling a HomeThere are a lot of things to think about when you're making plans to purchase a new Calgary home but don't forget about the closing costs once you have your down payment saved. You'll need to make sure that these costs are covered as well. For the most part all of these fees need to be paid legally in order to make a home purchase so you'll have to budget them into your costs along with the initial down payment.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Mortgage Insurance

If you're planning on borrowing at least 75% of the purchase price of the home the lender will ask for mortgage insurance.

Home Inspection

While this is not a necessity,…

1008 Views, 0 Comments

Getting Rid of Mold in the HomeOne of the biggest issues that a home owner may run into is mold and mildew. A lot of insurance claims have been made regarding mold since it can destroy your home and also be harmful to your health. In a perfect world mold would stay outside where it belongs and would not invade your home.

Unfortunately, mold spores tend to land on any moist, dark area anywhere and cause problems.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Many people are allergic to mold and it can cause complications in people who are dealing with respiratory issues. Mold buildup in a dwelling can cause a variety of health problems including the following:

  • Red eyes
  • Increased instances of asthma attacks
  • Skin rashes
  • Sneezing
  • Irritated lungs
  • Sore throats
  • A variety…

1475 Views, 0 Comments

The Best Fall Festivals in CalgaryCalgary is a city well known for its year-round festivals and inhabitants who are ready to party at all of them. Calgary's festivals are a means to showcase its broad culture, and in the autumn, that's no different. Check out these Calgary festival events taking place this fall and find one that's fit for you.

Here are 3 autumn Calgary festivals taking place this year:

Calgary International Film Festival

If you enjoy cinema, visual arts and general fun, the Calgary International Film Festival will be bringing 12 days of fun to the city very soon. From September 23rd to October 4th, more than 200 films will be shown from over 100 countries. There will also be awards ceremonies, gala events and plenty of special presentation.

The festival…

995 Views, 0 Comments

Farmers Markets in Calgary ABFarmers markets have become a neighborhood staple in Calgary, providing residents with a place to gather, purchase fresh produce, meet local farmers and interact with their neighbors. Whether people are searching for a unique ingredient for their next meal, or they simply want to browse the handmade products that are available, they know that they can find what they need at these community events.

These are two of the top farmers markets in Calgary:

Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers Market

The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers Market is a weekly market that takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Wednesday throughout the year. It is known for its local vendors, 80 percent of which feature products that were grown, baked or made by the vendors…

1269 Views, 0 Comments