Tuesday, September 13, 2011 My little garage sale raised $187.50 for the Royal LePage Foothills Shelter Foundation - Thank youCategories:Market Trends
Thank you to everyone that stopped by and bit by bit raised some money for the Royal LePage Foothills Shelter Foundation this weekend at my little garage sale. A couple folks added some extra coins here and I just wanted to say thank you. It would have been a bit more, but a very nice family struggling to get settled needed some furniture so away it went.
Even though Calgary is very prosperous, there are folks out there that find themselves in circumstances. The foundation has one goal - to raise money for the development and protection of women and children living under abusive and stressful conditions.
Every time I help someone buy or sell a home, I make a donation to the foundation. Hopefully the number at the end of the year is a good one and I hope to increase it with every year.
If you'd like to donate visit the Royal LePage Foothills Shelter Foundation website or visit the Royal LePage Foothills website for more information about the Foundation. Tuesday, September 13, 2011 Info Session Sept 15 for NW Rec CentreCategories:Our Neighbourhoods Northwest session:
Thursday, September 15 @ 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Silver Springs Community Centre (5720 Silver Ridge Drive N.W.) Public engagement sessions in the SE on Sept 13 and the NW on Sept 15. For more information on the proposed rec centres and the upcoming planning visit the City of Calgary website.
Friday, September 9, 2011 Market Update - August 2011 stats publishedCategories:Market Trends Stability seems to be the word of the day based on the August numbers from CREB. To view the full creb package, see the link below. CREB has also released the 'City of Calgary Residential Resale Market Update' recently along with the 'Calgary and Region Economic Update' from the City of Calgary CFO Office. All of these docs are publically available for the economist in all of you. :) If you wish see a copy just send me a note.
From a local perspective the numbers are looking more encouraging with more migration into the city and positive news from the energy sector. With many major projects coming on board in the province the increase in career search ads has been noticable.
Depending on what newspaper you read, you may be seeing the current international economic ups and downs as uncertainty or as opportunity. If you look just at local indicators, we would expect the market to start booming, however, international indicators seem to be putting a lid on the pot and holding the current status in simmer. It is a time of risk/reward so folks are reviewing their numbers and reviewing their options.
What is the result of all of this? Sellers have to present at their best and buyers have to be on the lookout for great properties and take advantage of the opportunities. With the interest rates expected to remain at current levels for at least another quarter, the combination of buying power and low interest rates is an opportunity that many buyers are considering and we'll see if the simmer in the local market has the opportunity to flourish.
Happy Shopping.
From the CREB Press Release
Review the full stats package.
Friday, September 9, 2011 Secondary SuitesCategories:Buyers Secondary suites, either for rental or famly, have specific requirements in Calgary and the City of Calgary website is a great place to start.
A resource on the City website is the Guide to Developing Secondary Suites. This document outlines the process and requirements. For example, people sometimes see an R2 zoning designation and think a property can have a rentable basement suite. The property must also be reviewed for zoning, setbacks, parking, parcel width/depth/area, building code and many other considerations so careful review is necessary.
The Secondary Suites Grant Program is currently scheduled to end in May 2012. It offers a grant of up to $25,000 to cover 70 per cent of the costs of developing or upgrading a legal secondary suite. Participants must commit to having the suite available to rent for at least five years at no more than average market rent for secondary suites.
Sunday, September 4, 2011 Open House today 23 Hawkside Close NWCategories:Open House Open house today, Sept 4, at 23 Hawkside Close between 2-4 pm.
Executive home in the Uplands of Hawkwood close to exceptional schools and walking distance to the new NW High School with unobstructed mountain views from main and upper floors. With just under 2400 sq ft above grade plus 1000 sq ft in the basement, this home provides room for the whole family. Need a bedroom on the main floor? This 6 bedroom/5 full bath home provides 3 bedrooms upstairs, 1 on the main floor and 2 in the basement. Numerous new windows, new carpet, new tile and laminate flooring in this sparkling clean home. The master bedroom sitting area has gorgeous mountain views, ensuite with soaker tub and separate shower, and his/hers closets. The fully developed walkout basement would be an excellent in-law suite or teenage hangout. The backyard is private and established with mature trees to be enjoyed from the large upper or lower decks. Location provides access to the Uplands Rec Centre (hot tub, sauna, pool, squash, exercise room, party room, outdoor courts, etc.) which is just down the block.
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