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New property listed in Beltline, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 402 1123 13 AVENUE SW in Calgary. See details here

Welcome to Executive Estates! Located on a peaceful street right across the road from Connaught School, access to anywhere is quick and convenient. This beautiful and secure building has a super clean common area leading up to the unit on the 4th floor. Spacious condo is dominated by hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. Kitchen includes tasteful maple cabinets along with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and under mount sink. Living room boasts plenty of natural light with sunny south exposure along with access to the private balcony, making it perfect to enjoy your morning coffee. Completing this well kept unit are a good sized bedroom, full bathroom, in suite laundry, assigned storage and parking. Steps to downtown and all restaurants/shops on 17th  Ave, this is a great opportunity for those looking to get into the market or investor.   

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New property listed in Citadel, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 209 Citadel POINT NW in Calgary. See details here

BEAUTIFUL CORNER TOWNHOME IN A PRIME CITADEL LOCATION! Boasting awesome curb appeal and two parking stalls directly in front of the unit, this well maintained home may well be what you have been seeking all along. Main level includes a spacious living room complete with a cozy fireplace for those cool nights. Kitchen overlooks the dining room and includes plenty of cupboard space and all appliances. Enjoy a summer BBQ in your private yard, overlooking a gorgeous greenspace and pathway. No neighbours to the back.....what a treat! Completing the main level are a half bathroom and foyer. Generous sized primary bedroom is the highlight of the upper level, which also has two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. The unspoiled lower level includes 4 windows and a rough in for another bathroom. Furnace and laundry are tucked away nicely for this great space awaiting your creative development ideas. Easy access to the ring road and close to schools, shopping, restaurants and the YMCA in Rocky Ridge. A tremendous opportunity that cannot be overlooked.

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New property listed in Rocky Ridge, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 113 345 Rocky Vista PARK NW in Calgary. See details here

Beautifully maintained corner unit at Pavilions of Rocky Ridge! Located at the back corner of the complex, this quiet and private 2 bedroom/2 bathroom plan is perfect for a couple looking to downsize or young professionals getting into the market. Generous foyer leads to the open concept living room, dining room, and kitchen making it perfect for entertaining. Kitchen includes a tasteful combination of upgraded stainless steel and black appliances with plenty of maple cabinets. Enjoy quiet nights watching the big screen curled up in front of the stone corner fireplace. Super private patio with awesome morning sunlight, natural gas hookup for the BBQ, storage, and easy access to the path system. Spacious primary bedroom includes a full ensuite and large walk-in closet. Second bedroom is at the other end of the condo and is right beside the main bathroom. In suite laundry room with more storage is icing on the cake. Gleaming hardwood flooring dominates. Titled underground parking with even more storage directly in front of the stall. Access to all amenities this complex has to offer - exercise room, salon, games room, party room and theatre. Come and check the amenities out on the showing tour with your favorite agent. This amazing location is a short walk to the C-Train station, a 5 minute drive to the Rocky Ridge YMCA and all area shopping. Immediate possession is available. This is truly a great property with so much to offer.

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New property listed in Copperfield, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 59 Copperstone DRIVE SE in Calgary. See details here

YOUR SEARCH IS OVER! Backing onto a wetland reserve, this lovingly cared for and original owner home is a special opportunity to get into the desirable community of Copperfield. Gorgeous curb appeal will have you wanting more and the interior will certainly not disappoint. Total open concept main level is highlighted by a dream kitchen, which has plenty of cupboard space, upgraded stainless steel appliances, corner pantry and island with raised breakfast bar. The kitchen overlooks the dining and living room areas making it perfect for entertaining. Enjoy cool nights curled up in front of the tasteful tile surround gas fireplace. Sunny southwest exposure allows for maximum natural light and warm BBQ days on the raised deck. Completing the main level are a half bathroom and large foyer. Upper level boasts 3 good sized bedrooms, bonus room, full bathroom and upper laundry. Generous sized primary bedroom includes a full ensuite along with a walk-in closet along with some fantastic views to the south. Bonus room is a great spot for the big screen. Unspoiled walkout basement includes plenty of windows, a rough in and invites your future development ideas. Central air conditioning is truly icing on the cake. Lower patio and beautifully landscaped backyard is ideal for watching the kids play. Easy access to the ring road, area shopping and schools. Pride of ownership is evident everywhere you look. Homes of this quality do not often hit the market. Show and sell.  

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House vs Townhouse vs Condo

Buying a house, townhome, or condo each offers distinct advantages and considerations in both the short and long term.

Short-Term Differences:

1. Cost: Generally, condos and townhomes are more affordable upfront compared to single-family houses. Condos tend to be the most budget-friendly option due to shared expenses and smaller individual space. Townhomes often fall in between condos and houses in terms of cost.

 2. Maintenance: Condos typically have lower maintenance, responsibilities such as exterior maintenance, landscaping, and common area upkeep are managed by the homeowner's association (HOA) through monthly condo fees. Townhomes may also have shared maintenance responsibilities but usually involve more private maintenance compared to condos. Houses require the most maintenance as the homeowner is responsible for all upkeep.

 3. Community Living: Condos and townhomes often provide a sense of community and shared amenities like pools, gyms, and clubhouses. Houses may offer more privacy but may lack these shared amenities unless part of a planned community.

 4. Space: Houses typically offer more space both indoors and outdoors compared to condos and townhomes. Condos may have limited space, especially in urban areas, while townhomes generally offer more space than condos but less than houses. Condos and Townhomes generally have guidelines for whether or not pets are allowed; including numbers and sizes.

 5. Customization: Homeowners in houses have more freedom to customize and renovate their property according to their preferences. Condo and townhome owners may have restrictions on modifications due to HOA rules and regulations.

 Home buying

Long-Term Differences:

 1. Appreciation: Historically, single-family houses tend to appreciate more over time compared to condos and townhomes. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, market trends, and demand.

 2. Resale Value: Houses typically have higher resale value compared to condos and townhomes due to their standalone nature and larger size. Condos and townhomes may be more affected by market fluctuations and oversupply in certain areas, especially the smaller one-bedroom units.

 3. Rental Potential: Condos and townhomes often have strong rental potential due to their lower upfront costs and amenities. Houses may also be rented out, but they require more maintenance and management responsibilities.

 4. HOA Fees: Condos use monthly condo fees to cover shared expenses. Some townhomes will have condo fees, these are typically much lower than for a condominium. These fees can increase over time and impact long-term affordability. Many communities have a small HOA that the community association uses for maintaining amenities, this varies throughout the city. Some communities have had the city collect through taxes and take over the maintenance.

Taking this into account, long term this monthly fee tends to even out amongst the different styles. Over the long-term condo fees add up to maintenance costs that go into a home.  Short term however, condo fees can be a large expense that doesn’t pay off.

 5. Lifestyle Changes: Homeownership needs may change over time due to factors such as family size, job relocation, and lifestyle preferences. Houses offer more flexibility for accommodating such changes, while condos and townhomes may have limitations.

 Home buying

In summary, the short-term differences between buying a house, townhome, or condo revolve around cost, maintenance, space, and community living, while the long-term differences include factors such as appreciation, resale value, rental potential, HOA fees, and lifestyle changes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, financial considerations, and lifestyle needs.

Home buying

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New property listed in Acadia, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 613 Agate CRESCENT SE in Calgary. See details here

Home ownership in desirable Acadia! Located on a quiet street across from St. Cecilia School, this completely renovated and well maintained bungalow may well be what you have been seeking all along. Gorgeous curb appeal will have you wanting more and the interior will most certainly not disappoint. The main level foyer opens to the generous sized living and dining room areas, making it perfect for entertaining or having a morning coffee while you enjoy the fantastic sunrises. Kitchen includes white cabinets, granite countertops, updated stainless steel appliances, tasteful backsplash, undermount dual sinks and space for a kitchen table. Completing the main level are a huge primary bedroom with dream 5 piece ensuite, a second bedroom and another full bathroom. Hardwood and ceramic tile dominate. Cool in summer and warm in winter, the fully developed basement maximizes total living space with a large family room, a bedroom for guests or extended family, a 3 piece bathroom, and plenty of storage. Recently installed furnace is quiet and programmable. Tankless hot water on demand. Pride of ownership is quite evident everywhere you go. Spend warm summer days in the private, low maintenance west facing backyard, complete with a new patio with gas hookup for the BBQ. This home also includes a carport giving easy access to your vehicle from the house while protecting it from the elements. New sewer line from the dwelling to the city connection. Central location near main arteries making it easy to get downtown or out of town. Close to area shopping, libraries, grocery stores, and schools. A safe and quiet neighborhood all around. This home cannot be overlooked. Show and sell.

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FEBRUARY 2024 CALGARY AND REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORTS

In February, low inventory and high demand continued to push prices up in Calgary. Despite a rise in new listings, sales increased by almost 23%, keeping the sales-to-new-listings ratio at 79%, maintaining inventories at historic lows. The tight supply and increased sales led to the months of supply falling to just over one month, resembling levels seen last spring. Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®, noted that strong demand and low supply are driving price gains, particularly for homes under $500,000, which saw inventories drop by 31%. Higher-priced homes are seeing rising supply, leading to more balanced conditions in that segment. The East district saw the highest year-over-year price growth at 25%, while the City Centre reported the slowest growth at under five percent.

*Data sourced from CREB (Calgary Real Estate Board)

February 2024 CREB Calgary Real Estate Full Report

February 2024 CREB Calgary REGION Real Estate Full Report


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New property listed in Woodbine, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 375 Woodbriar CIRCLE SW in Calgary. See details here

Beautiful family home on a corner lot in Woodbriar Estates! Situated on a super quiet street and backing onto the path system leading to Woodbriar Park, this 2491 square foot may well be what you have been seeking all along. Gorgeous curb appeal of this well maintained home will have you wanting more. Main level includes plenty of space for your growing family. Formal dining room opens to the living room making it perfect for entertaining guests. Dream kitchen has loads of cupboard space and has seen its share of upgrades with black appliances, granite countertops, island, and corner pantry. A convenient office nook in the kitchen provides the perfect spot for handling household bills, recipes or work from home tasks. Breakfast nook opens to the deck and private backyard oasis, which has plenty of tree coverage along with a high end hot tub and shed. Family room is a great spot to settle in for the evening with skylights, built-ins, and a cozy fireplace. Gleaming hardwood and updated ceramic tile flooring dominate. Completing the main level are a dedicated laundry room with sink, a half bathroom, and access to the garage which boasts a newer door and custom wall slats/cabinets. Upper level has 3 generous sized bedrooms and an office retreat. Large primary bedroom includes a full 5 piece ensuite (with in floor heating), walk-in closet, and access to the upper balcony for the morning coffee. If this is what you fancy, the lower level is a sports enthusiast dream. A huge space that includes a pool table and room for your morning workout along with a bathroom and room for additional storage. Additional high end features include - no maintenance cement tile roof, newer furnace, hot water tank and central air conditioning, underground sprinkler system, water softener and vacuum system. Close access to the ring road and shops at Buffalo run. Completion of the ring road in its entirety has made going anywhere easy and convenient. This is a beautiful home that cannot be overlooked. Show and sell.

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Tips for creating Productivity and Comfort in your Home Office

In the era of remote work, having a functional and comfortable home office is paramount for success. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or just starting out, optimizing your workspace can significantly impact your productivity and well-being.

1. Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is key to reducing eye strain and enhancing productivity. Aim for a combination of natural light and artificial lighting sources to brighten up your workspace. Position your desk near a window to benefit from natural light during the day, and invest in adjustable desk lamps for task lighting in the evenings.

Organized home office

2. Office Chair: Invest in a high-quality ergonomic office chair that provides adequate support for your back, neck, and arms. Look for adjustable features such as seat height, lumbar support, and armrests to ensure proper posture and comfort during long hours of work.

Organized home office

3. Identify a Workspace: Designate a specific area in your home as your dedicated workspace. Choose a quiet and clutter-free corner where you can focus without distractions. Ideally, your workspace should be separate from high-traffic areas to maintain concentration.

Organized home office

4. Add Plants: Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating plants into your home office decor. Not only do plants add a touch of greenery and aesthetic appeal, but they also help purify the air and reduce stress levels, creating a more conducive work environment.

Organized home office

5. Ergonomic or Standing Desk: Consider investing in an ergonomic or standing desk to promote better posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues. These adjustable desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, improving circulation and energy levels.

Organized home office

6. Block out Distractions: Minimize distractions in your home office by creating physical and digital boundaries. Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out ambient noise, and set boundaries with family members or roommates to avoid interruptions during work hours.

Organized home office

7. Choose Colors Wisely: Select calming and neutral colors for your home office decor to create a tranquil and focused atmosphere. Avoid overly stimulating colors that may distract or overwhelm you while working.

Organized home office

8. Clear the Clutter: Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free to enhance productivity and mental clarity. Invest in storage solutions such as file cabinets, shelves, and desk organizers to keep essentials within reach and maintain a tidy workspace. Set your timer and spend 5 minutes per day to clear clutter and tidy.

Organized home office

9. Get Creative with Storage: Maximize space efficiency in your home office by getting creative with storage solutions. Utilize vertical wall space for shelving, invest in multi-functional furniture with built-in storage, and use decorative baskets or bins to corral loose items.

Organized home office

10. Get Organized: Establish a system for organizing your workspace, including files, documents, and supplies. Create digital folders for digital files, label physical folders for easy access, and schedule regular decluttering sessions to maintain orderliness. A professional organizer can get you started if this feels overwhelming.

Organized home office

11. Good Internet Service: Reliable internet connectivity is essential for seamless remote work. Ensure that your home office is equipped with high-speed internet service to support video calls, file transfers, and other online activities without interruption.

Organized home office

12. Table or Desk: Invest in a sturdy and spacious table or desk that accommodates your work setup and provides ample surface area for tasks. Choose a desk with built-in storage or add a separate filing cabinet for increased functionality.

Organized home office

13. Personalize Your Space: Infuse your personality into your home office decor to make it feel more inviting and inspiring. Display meaningful artwork, photos, or decor items that motivate and uplift you during the workday. Adding personal touches can make your workspace feel more welcoming and conducive to productivity.

Organized home office

14. Hook Up Your Headphones: Invest in a good pair of headphones or earbuds for clear audio during virtual meetings or when listening to music or podcasts while working. Wireless options provide freedom of movement and reduce desk clutter.

Organized home office

15. Prioritize Comfort: Above all, prioritize comfort in your home office setup to ensure long-term health and well-being. Invest in ergonomic furniture, take regular breaks to stretch and move, and listen to your body's cues to avoid discomfort and fatigue.

Organized home office

By incorporating these tips into your home office setup, you can create a workspace that fosters productivity, creativity, and overall well-being, allowing you to thrive in your remote work environment.

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New property listed in McKenzie Towne, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 16 Elgin Meadows MANOR SE in Calgary. See details here

Making home ownership a reality. This spectacular family home is situated in desirable McKenzie Towne. Located on a quiet street and easy access out of the neighbourhood, this 1516 square foot home may well be what you have been seeking along. Boasting awesome curb appeal and a good sized yard for the kids, this 3 bedroom home will check all of the boxes for you. You will immediately be greeted by a large and dramatic foyer which moves into a total open concept floor plan complete with 9' ceilings. Dream kitchen includes loads of cupboard space, upgraded stainless steel appliances, island with breakfast bar, and corner pantry. The kitchen opens up to the dining and living room areas, making it perfect for entertaining. Curl up in front of the big screen and the cozy fireplace on those cool winter nights. The dining room will accommodate a larger table and opens up to the deck in the sunny south facing backyard. A great spot to watch the kids play in the yard after a long day. Upper level is highlighted by the massive primary bedroom which has a walk-in closet and a tasteful 4 piece ensuite. Completing the upper level are 2 additional generous sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. The spacious lower level invites your future development ideas. Oversized double detached garage is simply icing on the cake. Close to schools, shopping, area parks and super easy access to all major routes for the downtown commute. Homes of this quality and care do not hit the market often. Do yourself a favour and view this home. You will not be disappointed.

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New property listed in McKenzie Towne, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 1212 4975 130 AVENUE SE in Calgary. See details here

Home ownership can now be a reality! This 2 bedroom condo is located on the second floor and faces north (not courtyard), providing both security and privacy. Open concept throughout makes it perfect for entertaining with the kitchen looking right out to the living and dining areas. Enjoy a summer BBQ on the balcony. Both bedrooms are generous in size and include their very own full ensuite bathrooms. In suite laundry room provides ample storage. This condo includes all 5 appliances and all utilities are covered in the condo fees. 2 parking stalls are literally icing on the cake. The indoor stall is titled and the outdoor stall is assigned and right out the front door. Steps to all shopping, restaurants, and shops at South Trail Crossing. Show and sell.

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The Silent Danger of Radon Gas in Your Home

In the realm of home safety, certain dangers lurk beneath our notice. One such hidden hazard is radon gas – a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into homes and pose serious health risks. 

As uranium breaks down, it releases radon gas, which can then enter homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, walls, and floors. Once indoors, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels, exposing inhabitants to increased health risks.

Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. The danger lies in the fact that radon is undetectable by human senses, making it crucial for homeowners to actively test for its presence.

Homeowners can easily test for radon using radon test kits, available at most home improvement stores, Amazon or through professional radon testing services (google or see below for links). Short-term tests typically last between 2 to 7 days, providing a snapshot of radon levels, while long-term tests offer a more comprehensive view over a period of several months (long term is ideal). Testing should be conducted in the lowest livable area of the home, such as the basement or ground floor, where radon concentrations are likely to be highest.

If test results reveal elevated radon levels, it's essential to take prompt action to mitigate the risk. Radon mitigation involves installing systems that prevent radon from entering the home or that redirect the gas away from living spaces. 


Find out more:

www.canada.ca/radon

www.radoncare.ca

www.greatwestradon.com

https://www.radonwest.com/

https://www.arpis.com/indoor-air/radon/

https://www.calgary.ca/environment/programs/radon.html

https://www.airthings.com/resources

https://www.ucalgary.ca/risk/environment-health-safety/environment/radon

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.