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        <title>Real Estate Calgary Blog &amp; Calgary Real Estate News Letters</title>
        <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Welcome to CalgaryRealEstateBroker.com site blog with news and insights on the real estate industry and market in Calgary. Brought to you by Justin Havre &amp; Associates of CIR Realty</description>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/resign-the-kitchen-in-your-calgary-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/resign-the-kitchen-in-your-calgary-home.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Resign the Kitchen in your Calgary Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many people feel that the heart of any home can be found in
the kitchen. It is a place of warmth, mouth watering aromas, and those special
meals cooked with an extra bit of love. It is a place where family members come
together at quiet gatherings, and school projects. A kitchen can also be a
showcase which reveals your personality, and reflects the tone of your home or
neighbourhood. Your kitchen can be reflected as being rustic, historical
vintage or ultra modern with all the bells and whistles. If you want to update
your kitchen, here are a few tips to help you achieve your goals.


 


Assess the Needs of your Kitchen


When you look at your current kitchen, jot down what you
like about it and what you dislike. If you’re thinking of hiring someone to
design the kitchen for you, don’t rush out quite yet. Do some research before
you call a designer. Use the internet and get a feel for all the different
designs that are available. You also have to give serious consideration to how
much you want to spend versus how much you can afford to spend.


A kitchen needs to be functional so consider what you need
for your lifestyle. Consider how much time you spend or don’t spend in the
kitchen. If you and your partner love to cook, it should be designed to suit
those needs.


Consider the Floor Plan First


The most important thing is to establish the floor plan of
the kitchen. Once you’ve established the plan, you can always upgrade to more
expensive surfacing materials later on when you can afford it. Otherwise, you
will have to spend more money moving the island for example and re-do the
wiring.


The Triangle Approach


Long ago, experts discovered there is a natural pathway
between the sink, fridge and oven. This pathway has been dubbed the ‘work
triangle’. The sides of this triangle don’t have to equal but the accessibility
between these 3 crucial areas need to be considered for convenience. You may
also have to factor in additional appliances and where they should be located
such as the dishwasher, or where to locate the microwave and extra counter
space such as an island. A rule of thumb says there should be at least 4 feet
between an island and the nearest appliance or counter.


Choose the Shape of your Kitchen


There are 4 basic shapes used in the design in the majority
of kitchens and include:




The
     L-Shape - This has one long leg which contains 2 of the 3 major appliances
     with the short leg containing the other appliance.


The
     U-Shape - It has 2 legs of equal length with the fridge and stove opposite
     each other, and the 3 appliance situated at an equal distance to the
     fridge and stove.


The
     G-Shape - This uses either of the above 2 shapes but has an added
     ‘peninsula’ which partially separates your main work area from a family
     room or adjoining breakfast area. 


The
     Galley Style – Also called a corridor kitchen and ideal for small spaces.
     It usually has the stove and sink on one wall, and the fridge on the
     opposite side with a small walkway in between.  


Photo by Doogsta ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 07:41:08 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/a-guide-to-homeowners-insurance.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/a-guide-to-homeowners-insurance.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>A Guide to Homeowner’s Insurance</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You’ve finally bought that dream home you’ve always wanted. The possession date is set and the movers are lined up to get the family moved into your new home. Before you do, there is one very important task you have to perform beforehand. What is that, you ask? The answer is the purchasing of homeowner’s insurance. A house is an expensive investment and it is vital that you do everything possible to protect that investment against an unexpected catastrophe such as a fire or vandalism.


Not only do you want to protect the house, you’ve also spent a lot of cash on your personal things such as furniture, clothing, art work, books, tools and household goods, just to name a few. If you took stock of everything you own and figured out how much it would cost to replace all these precious items, the total will range in the tens of thousands of dollars to replace. Get them insured.





 What does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?


There are 3 main areas of coverage for homeowner’s coverage.


 The Home Itself


The home needs to be covered not just with the idea of covering repairs, but for its total replacement should it be completely destroyed. You must consider not only your investment or down payment, but also remember that the mortgage still has to be paid. The recommended amount of coverage you should have should be equivalent to the market or appraised value of the home. It is also vital that you re-visit the value of your home every other year at least become homes generally appreciate in value.


Don’t forget to consider house/hotel rental coverage either. If you are forced to vacate your home while it’s being replaced or repaired you will need somewhere to live. 


 Your Possessions


When trying to figure what your possessions are worth, don’t be cavalier and pick a vague number out of the air. Include everything from your toothpaste to your most expensive item. Specialty items like valuable paintings, collectibles, and jewellery may need to be appraised separately and covered by additional riders. Most insurance companies strongly suggest you take pictures of all you possessions, and keep an up to date list of what you own to avoid disputes with the insurance company if you make a claim.  


Liability


All homeowner policies cover guests on your property for liability if they injure themselves such as a slip and fall on icy steps. Don’t scrimp on this portion of the policy because if the amount awarded the third party exceeds your coverage you will be responsible for the rest of it. 


Coverage Options


Home owner policies generally have 3 types of coverage options. These options include:


1. Actual Cash Value – This type of coverage means the cost of replacement of the home or possessions less depreciation, and not what you paid for it. Most items depreciate at a rough rate of 10% per year. You can be out of a lot of money with this type of coverage.


2. Replacement Cost – This means you would be reimbursed for what you originally paid for the item. For example, if you bought an item 4 years and spent $300 then that’s what you would receive. 


3. Guaranteed/Extended Replacement Cost – This is the most comprehensive form of coverage. It not considers the replacement cost of what you paid several years ago but the inflationary rate of what it would to replace at today’s value. However, there is usually a ceiling limit of between 20-25% on the amount of inflation coverage provided.


Photo by 111 Emergency
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 07:12:34 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/5-top-things-to-look-for-in-buying-a-calgary-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/5-top-things-to-look-for-in-buying-a-calgary-home.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>5 Top Things to Look for in Buying a Calgary Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For many people, buying your first Calgary home will be the biggest investment you will make. You want your home to be in the best possible shape before you spend all that hard earned money. The house you buy should be in the best possible shape because you don’t want to get stuck with a money pit.  


 You can eyeball the house the first time you inspect it and glean a lot of useful information in deciding whether you want proceed further and hire a home inspector to make a more thorough examination. 


  


Here are the top 5 things to look for when buying a home in Calgary. 


Check the Roof and Eaves 


Many different materials can be used in covering the roof. Most materials generally have a limited life span ranging from 10 – 25 years. The first thing you want to look for is to see whether there is any sag in the roof and whether the surface is uneven or wavy. Are there any missing shingles or excessive signs of aging or bleaching/fading of the materials that were used? You should also find how old the house is and when the roof was last replaced. Does the chimney have the flashing it needs and is the soffit in good shape? 


Take a walk around the house and examine the eaves trough.  


Look at the Exterior Walls 


Materials that cover the walls need to be at least several six inches above the ground. If not, they could be exposed to moisture, insect infestation and mould that aren’t readily visible. Check the exterior structure, regardless of the construction material used, and look for rot, bowing and uneven surfaces by looking down along the edge of the wall from corner to corner. If brick or stone is used, take a close look at the pointing (the mortar between the bricks) to ensure it looks good.


Windows and Doors


Look closely at the windows and the caulking around the edges. Do the windows look fairly new and how are they constructed? You also want to be looking for signs of moisture and rot on both doors and windows, especially around the corners.  


Examine the Exterior Foundation 


You want to be making sure it looks in top condition and has no major or even minor cracks. Also look for any repair work such as patch jobs which could be very telling. Make sure the foundation looks straight and solid as well. Also, ask the owner whether they have experienced any problems with the foundation.


View the Basement Closely


Note the smell of the basement because you want to be cautious if it smells musty. Also, look for obvious cracks not just along the walls but also the floor, if it is an unfinished basement. If it is finished, you want to look for any visible signs of water stains and mould. If you see any indications of whitening, this might be suggestive of salt minerals which indicate leakage. A home inspector will use a moisture detector to make a more thorough examination.


 If the home appears satisfactory and you intend to proceed with the purchase, always use the services of a licensed and experienced home inspector. It is also a good idea to attend the inspection with them to gain a better perspective of any potential problems.


 Photo by Hamed Saber


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:12:44 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/applying-for-a-mortgage-in-calgary.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/applying-for-a-mortgage-in-calgary.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Applying for a Mortgage in Calgary</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are 2 types of mortgages that are available. If you're buying a new home you would be applying for what is called a 1st Mortgage. This the primary mortgage carried by all homeowners. The other type is called a 2nd mortgage and can be use for a variety of purposes. You can use it for debt consolidation or to purchase an additional property such as a second home or cottage for example. You may even use it to finance the educational costs of your children. You must own property to get a second mortgage.





One of the first things you need to do is to determine how much available money you will have to pay for the mortgage. This means you need to sit down and draw up a very detailed monthly budget. You will need to consider your rent (which can be used toward a mortgage payment), all household bills including phone, utilities, credit card payments, insurance, car payments, existing loans payments, and incidentals for entertainment, clothes and miscellaneous expenses.


Banks take a serious look at your credit history, especially looking for a poor payment history and bankruptcies, and your credit score. Don’t despair if your credit rating is not too stellar because there are some mortgage lenders who will still give you a break. You may have fewer choices in picking a mortgage lender, but you still have a chance of owning that dream home.


The best thing you do to find out where your credit rating stands is to get a credit report before you apply for a mortgage so there are no unexpected surprises. Mistakes are made and with the advent of identity theft you don’t want to get caught up in a nightmare that was not of your making. If there is something that doesn’t belong on your credit report, you must get the problem addressed right away and get everything straightened out before you apply.


You will also need to provide full verification of all employment and income sources when you submit your application for a mortgage. You need this information because it allows the mortgage lender the ability to determine your ability to repay and handle the mortgage payments. 


Additionally, by comparing what percentage of your monthly expenses are relative to the money you’re bringing into the household, the lender will have a better idea of what terms and monthly payments you will be able to comfortably afford.


Once you are comfortable that you will be able to manage a mortgage then it’s a good time to go shopping for that new home. Once you’ve found that dream home there will be one final piece of paperwork that you will need to present to the lender with your application. This is a copy of the purchase contract for the home you wish to buy. 


The purchase contract will clearly spell out the amount you are paying for the home and the amount of the down payment you intend to pay toward the purchase of the house. The balance would be the amount you will need for your mortgage.


Do your research before you begin your house hunting so you don’t waste your time. There is an abundance of material to advise people on how to apply for a mortgage and what is required. You can also use the services of a mortgage broker who help you find the best deal for your circumstances and it won’t cost you a thing. They have a lot of expertise and guide you successfully through the process.


Photo by 401k
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:28:51 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/divorce-how-to-sell-your-home-without-war.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/divorce-how-to-sell-your-home-without-war.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Divorce – How to Sell your Home Without War</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Alberta has the highest divorce rate in Canada. Divorce is a very traumatic time for couples as emotions are riding high. There can be many very bitterly contested issues that arise during divorce proceedings. Your home is often the biggest financial investment that you made as a couple in happier times. Quite often, when a married couple decides to split, one partner will continue to reside in the home at least for the short term. How is the best way to sell a house so you can both equitably profit instead of making the lawyers richer?





Deal with your emotions before you decide what to do. The first thing to remember is not to base your decision on what you’re feeling. Since your home represents a considerable investment, be smart in how you make your decision. You have to try and accept the situation and take charge of your emotions. If you have children, then their needs should come first above all else. Remember the little ones and think about what’s best for them.


Use your real estate agent and lawyer to fully understand your options and the pros and cons of each choice. You both need to make an informed decision. Neither of you needs to make your home a battleground where you both can needlessly end up losing a lot of money. Discuss it with your partner to consider these options and if possible, agree on a cooling off period so you both can make your decision both rational and equitable. 


The decision is to sell the house only entails so many choices, so what do you have to consider? A divorcing couple basically has 3 options.


 Both Parties Mutually Agree to Sell the Home


Agreeing to sell the home doesn’t have to occur immediately. Essentially you both agree to sell the house and split the proceeds from the sale. If you choose to do so, decide on a timeline and involve a realtor so that you make the maximum amount of profit from the home. The main benefit is that it gives both of you a clean break and some equity to start you new lives apart.


 Sell your Half to your Partner or Buy out your Partner


You either agree to sell out your share of the investment of buy your partner out. This also should be done using a realtor that you both agree to use. To do so amiably, you have to look at how much investment is required if one of the spouses decides they want to keep the home. More importantly, the person who is buying out the other needs to consider their current and future financial situation to ensure you they manage the investment. Again, your realtor can advise on how much this investment will entail.


 Maintain Joint Ownership of the Home


Occasionally, the real estate market can be depressed and home prices may have dropped. This often happens during a recession or when the housing market experiences a readjustment if prices have become inflated. It might not be a good time to sell, and since neither of you wants to lose money, why not hold onto to it for awhile and sell when home prices have improved?


Whatever you do, don’t use home as the battleground because neither one of you will likely win in the end.  


Photo by Cosmic Kitty


 


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:58:44 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/first-time-home-buyers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/first-time-home-buyers.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>First Time Home Buyers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For 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 recession but they always edge back upwards. Additionally, as you pay down your mortgage, you are building up equity in your home and that's money in your pocket. A first time home buyer can also borrow against the equity that you build up in your home which gives you a lot more financial latitude. You can use this money to invest in your children's future, or even invest in that dream summer cottage in the mountains or on a lake.


Are you ready to Buy a Home?


It's a good idea to take stock of your circumstances before you jump into the realty market. You want to consider not just your current circumstances but your future as well.


One good question to consider is whether you feel the careers of both you and your partner will be stable enough so that at least one of you will be able to make the mortgage payments should your financial situation change. Another question to ask yourself is whether you think you will be in the home for awhile or will you have to re-locate in the near future as moving costs are an expensive proposition. 


You will also have to ask yourself what you can afford as home prices can vary considerably. It all depends on the square footage of the home, and the neighbourhood where it's located. A new home owner will also have to consider how big a home they will want or need in the future.


Also, you will also want to consider the neighbourhood itself. A few questions to investigate are to ask what services and facilities are in the area. This includes schools, shopping centres, grocery stores, daycare facilities - just to name a few.  


You might want to find out how safe the neighbourhood is because crime rates vary in Calgary and other metropolitan centres. Since you have to travel to work each day, you might want to look at how much it will cost you to commute to work. Public transport, although not ideal, can save you a lot of money and avoid a lot of frustrations encountered in the daily commute.


You might want to factor privacy in your needs. The size of the yard, fences, foliage, and proximity to major traffic arteries can also influence your decision in being a first time home buyer.


Although buying a house sounds like a lot of work, it's well worth the reward when your home meets as many of your specifications as possible. It's a great investment compared to many others out there. Finally, you also have a place that is yours and yours alone - what could be better?


Photo by Riverratt 3
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            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:10:14 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/value-adding-home-improvements-for-your-calgary-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/value-adding-home-improvements-for-your-calgary-home.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Value Adding Home Improvements for your Calgary Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’re thinking of selling your Calgary home, you can enhance the value of your home with certain types of home improvements. Some improvement may be necessary to make your house attractive enough for buyers to make them smile in appreciation. The best way to approach any renovation is to think from the perspective of the buyer, and not from the viewpoint of your own personal tastes. 





 The second most important thing to remember is to be practical and keep your home improvements in sync with the style of your house and neighbourhood. Some renovations will allow you to re-coup all or more of your investment while others are less profitable 


 Top 8 Value Adding Home Improvements


1. Interior/Exterior Painting – Yup, nothing spruces up your home more than a fresh coat of paint. Both the exterior and the interior of the house need to appear pristine. Be conservative when choosing colours though. Talk to a pro and do your research on the most current colours in vogue. 


2. The Kitchen – This is one of the most important areas of your home. If your kitchen cabinets have been there for 20 or more years, they’re out of style. Be careful and plan carefully as kitchen renovation is a pricey project. 


3. Add a Second Bathroom – If you only have a single bathroom, then your home may appeal only to couples without children. Even there, they may be planning on starting a family and have second thoughts about a one bathroom home.


4. Upgrade your Bathroom – Bathrooms generally rank second to kitchens as the most important rooms in your home. Replace and upgrade your bathroom with new faucets, tub, shower and add a more modern vanity. 


5. Finishing – If that basement or garage is bare, then it’s time to build some walls and add some drywall. Most city dwellers are busy people and don’t want to bother with having to deal with unwanted projects. Finishing these areas can add a lot of extra appeal and increase the living space.


6. Add New Doors and Windows – In today’s society, people are both energy and security conscious. Replacing aging windows and weathered doors can also make your home look more appealing and energy efficient. 


7. Decks – If you don’t have a deck, then it’s time to consider adding one. Busy people like their chill time and Calgarians love their BBQ’s. There are many sizes and styles of decks that can suit any size and home model.


9. Add Another Room – Adding an extra bedroom, bathroom, or garage not only increases the living space but adds extra square footage to a home which automatically increases its value. 


Two Things Not to Do


The first is never waste a bunch of  money by adding a swimming pool. Not only are pools expensive, but in some instances, they can actually decrease the value of your home. The second home improvement that does not add value to your home is excessive landscaping. Attractive landscaping may help you sell the house but you’re going to be mostly out of pocket for all your time and expense. 


Photo by  Home Space
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:58:03 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/weather-proof-your-calgary-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/weather-proof-your-calgary-home.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Weather Proof your Calgary Home </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Neglecting to weather proof your Calgary home can end up costing you a lot of money if you don’t give it the TLC it needs. Nature’s elements can batter your home with wind, rain, snow, frost and pesky insects. Sure, it might cost a bit to keep your home well maintained and protected from the ravages of nature, but it’s an investment well spent.






Calgary Home Weatherproofing Tips 


Protecting your home from the weather is a 4 season job.


Examine your windows both inside and outside to ensure they are in tip top shape. If the caulking on the exterior is cracked or aged, then you should replace immediately. You can also add storm windows on the outside to get an extra layer of protection, or use plastic window seal or heavy curtains for the interior. 


Consider replacing single paned windows with double glazed windows. They have the two-fold ability to not only keep the cold air out, but also reduce noise which is a bonus if you live in a high traffic neighbourhood. 


Use draft stoppers for your doors. They not only keep the cold air out, but also prevent the cool air from escaping. (TIP – Use a candle around your doors and windows as it will show where the drafts are originating). Don’t forget your letterbox if it’s attached as a door slot, and use an internal seal to prevent drafts. 


Buy an insulating blanket for your hot water heater as they can save your heating loss by up to 40%. Insulate your wall outlets, especially if you own an older home.


Look at the attic and make sure that it is properly insulated. If your insulation is old or absent, you can be losing a ton of money on extra heating costs with this alone.


Inspect your basement and make sure that it is also properly insulated. Also, check for mould and moisture accumulation. Additionally, if the basement isn’t finished, inspect the walls for cracks. They can be easily repaired but will deteriorate if you don’t address this problem. 


Use weather stripping for both your doors and windows. Weather stripping comes in a variety of widths and is handy for utility doors that lead to an attached but unheated garage. Also use rubber gasket strips especially if there are gaps at the bottom of the doors. 


Check your roof to make sure it’s in good repair. Loose or missing shingles can cause you an awful headache when the leaks start bringing down the ceiling. Don’t forget to look for cracks in your chimney. 


If you have a brick exterior, check that the cement pointing is in good shape. It ages over time and will crack and become crumbly. 


When you’re leaving for a winter holiday for those sunnier climates, remember to lower your thermostat and leave it around 10 degrees centigrade. Turing it down any lower can cause pipes to freeze and burst.  


Take action and don’t delay!


Photo by J. Dickert


 

 

 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:44:36 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/yearly-maintenance-tips-for-your-calgary-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/yearly-maintenance-tips-for-your-calgary-home.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Yearly Maintenance Tips for your Calgary Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Keeping your Calgary home in tip top shape is relatively easy with some simple yearly maintenance tips. Regular maintenance is crucial as every home needs tender loving care. More importantly, by taking a little time and effort you can also save yourself a bunch of money and avoid expensive repair bills down the road.





 Here’s a simple season by season breakdown of some of the more important tips to keep your home well maintained, safe, and healthy. 


 Spring Maintenance Tips


 In spring, when the snow is done, you want to take a good look both inside and outside to check for the ravages of winter. Additionally, you should;




Check your furnace and clean the filter or replace as necessary.


Look out for mould or dampness, and cracks in the foundation and repair immediately.


Take down the storm windows and check the caulking around the windows. Check your screens for holes or damaged frames.


Eyeball your steps, walkway and driveway for cracks, frost damage, or broken steps. Also, give your deck, veranda and interior handrails a good once over and look for rotten wood or loose rails. Repair as soon as the weather looks good.


Give your gutter a good once over and clean out any leaves or gunk. Make sure all fasteners are well secured.




Summer Tips


 Before you barbeque those steaks, check out the propane lines with soap and water to look for leaks.




Look at all your caulking around the sinks and tub and replace if rotten or frayed.


Change your air conditioner filter and poke around in the attic or crawl spaces to look for accumulated water or damp spots. Watch out for activity from those carpenter ants or termites.


Lubricate and oil all your door hinges and outdoor locks. Check your exterior siding, and repair or paint as needed. 


Clean your decks and use a sealant to keep the wood in top form. 




Fall Home Maintenance


There’s a lot more to do than just raking the leaves.




Your furnace, alternative heating and cooling systems have to be thoroughly inspected and preferably by a professional and licensed HVAC inspector.


Have your chimney cleaned, and have the oil tank or natural gas lines properly inspected.


Perform the required maintenance on your outdoor equipment such as your lawn mower and snow blower.


Make sure all your doors and windows are functioning smoothly and weather strip where required.


Insulate any pipes that have given you previously problems and don’t forget to leave your outdoor tap open so you don’t burst a pipe.




Winter


Brrrr!




Clean and ready the humidifier.


Vacuum all vents, grills and heating registers.


Check all your electrical cords and plugs and GFCI outlets.


Change the batteries for all smoke and CO detectors.




These are some of the most basic tips. Get a more detailed Maintenance Checklist from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). Be prepared!


 Photo by Chris and Babs
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:57:13 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/calgary-real-estate-for-seniors.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatebroker.com/blog/calgary-real-estate-for-seniors.html</link>
            <author>danno@elitenewmedia.com (Justin Havre Writing Team)</author>
            <title>Calgary Real Estate for Seniors</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you’re a senior and finding your current home too big, or posing too much hassle to maintain, you might be considering a variety of alternative living situations. There are many options for seniors, but many of these choices involve renting. Renting is okay, but it’s money out of your pocket and not an investment. You worked hard for your money, so why not keep it working for you.





You could invest in a smaller home, but you run into those pesky upkeep and maintenance problems which you were hoping to avoid in the first place. If you’re not really interested in a retirement community and would like more independence, what other choices are out there?


How about considering investing your money into a condominium instead? The condo market is alive and thriving in Calgary, and if you plan to live in your new accommodations for awhile, then maybe you want to get a better bang for the bucks you’re going to spend.


New condos


New condominium concepts now exist that have been designed and created specifically for the senior market. The new wave of baby boomers has begun to enter their golden years of retirement and they want options. Developers are listening.


The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between age-restricted condos and adult-oriented condos. The latter allows children, and even though you love kids, you might not want to listen to them. Age-restricted condominiums give you the ability to enjoy your space and freedom while allowing you to interact and socialize with people in your age group.


Many of these age-restricted condominiums come with amenities that are of special concern to seniors for partially assisted living requirements. On the lighter side, senior based condominiums also offer a vibrant community with many activities to keep you busy and mingle socially. It all depends on your needs, the location you want, and what your budget can afford. 


A newer concept being offered for seniors is the ‘life lease’ purchase. What it means is that you purchase the contract so your occupancy is for life. You don’t exactly own it, but you do buy the lease at the value currently appraised. When you sell it back, the same applies. 


Before you buy a condo though, do your research thoroughly. This is a major investment, so you want to be well prepared before you begin your search. You want to learn everything about the condo/management fees. Additionally, you will want to know what maintenance is covered, how much property taxes cost, what the locale is like and available local services, security, and that your deposit is refundable. These and many other issues need to be weighed and considered before you sign on the dotted line.


It might be a good idea to check out your local senior organizations to find the most knowledgeable real estate brokers that specialize not only in the condominium market, but with seniors in particular.


Calgary real estate for seniors is alive and thriving.


Article Photo by  Kevin Staff
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 07:28:50 -0500</pubDate>
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