Determining if you should buy a new home or fix up your current one isn’t easy. In fact, the decision can be steeped in so much drama they make reality TV shows about it!  So if you’re considering whether to move or improve, here are three things to consider. 

  1.  Will a renovation truly fix what you don’t like about your property?   If you’re tired of a small kitchen, for example, it might not be possible, given the layout, to make it any bigger. On the other hand, if you’re craving a spacious rec room with a cosy fireplace then a renovation could make that happen.  Of course, there are some things you may want that aren’t specific to your house, such as an easier commute or nearby park. Those are features you may only be able to get by moving. 
  2. …

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There are few things more beautiful than cut flowers in a vase. They instantly brighten any room. That is, of course, until they wilt and die. So how do you make cut flowers last as long as possible? Here are some ideas:

  • Cut the bottom of the stems before you put the flowers in the vase. An angled cut is best as this will enable the flower to draw in more water.
  • Add a fertilizer to the water. Most flower shops include a pouch with the order. Follow the directions carefully. Don’t use too much.
  • Make sure the vase is high enough to support the flowers. Too much strain on the stems will cause the flowers to die sooner.
  • After a couple of days, re-snip the stems. This will add an additional day or two to the life of the flowers.
  • Flowers last…

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Do you ever wonder how most people find the homes they eventually buy? You might imagine them driving by a “For Sale” sign or seeing a home for sale in the newspaper and then calling to inquire.

Of course, many buyers find out about listed properties that way.  But, according to research by the National Association of Realtors, there are many other — sometimes surprising — ways buyers find their next dream home. For example:
 

  • 88% of buyers find a home with the help of a real estate agent.
  • 90% of buyers search online as part of the home buying process. (Such as viewing a property’s profile on the agent’s website.)
  • 69% of buyers searching for a home using Google, use a specific local term, such as “Whitby-south homes for sale”.
  • 29-46% of…

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(Based on 30 days back) 

Active: 5766
Sold: 1180
Average List Price: $484,913
Average Sale Price: $469,133
Average Days on Market: 43 days

The absorption rate for the City of Calgary is at 4.88% meaning the city is still in a buyers market. 20% of homes on the market today are expected to sell within the next 30 days and sellers are receiving 97% of asking price. 

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What You Need to Know.  More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room. Those fires can be expensive; since even a minor incident, with no injuries, can result in significant damage. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest in fire prevention.  The most recent research tells us: 

  •  Never leave cooking food unattended. Doing so is the number one cause of kitchen fires.  
  •  Make sure cooking appliances, especially deep fryers, are safety certified by the appropriate government agency. 
  •  When using oil in a frying pan, always heat slowly at no more than a medium heat setting. 
  •  Always turn off stove burners and other cooking appliances immediately after cooking. 
  •  Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water. Use…

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(Based on 30 days back) 

Active: 384
Sold: 90
Average List Price: $415,271
Average Sale Price: $405,255
Average Days on Market: 48 days

The absorption rate for the City of Airdrie is at 4.26% meaning we are still in a buyers market. 23% of homes on the market today are expected to sell within the next 30 days and sellers are receiving 98% of asking price. 

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(Based on 30 days back)

Active: 5114

Sold: 773

Average List Price: $469,207

Average Sale Price: $452,034

Average Days on Market: 50 Days

 The absorption rate for the City of Calgary is at 6.62% meaning we are in a buyers market. 15% of homes on the market today are expected to sell within the next 30 days and sellers are receiving 97% of asking price. 

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 (Based on 30 days back)

Active: 336

Sold: 65

Average List Price: $375,918

Average Sale Price: $367,525

Average Days on Market: 59 Days

 The absorption rate for the City of Airdrie is at 5.17% meaning we are in a buyers market. 20% of homes on the market today are expected to sell within the next 30 days and sellers are receiving 98% of asking price. 

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As you’re probably aware, the list price you set for your property has an impact on how quickly it sells — and how much you earn on the sale.  What you may not realize is just how significant an impact it has. Consider the following examples. 

 Example 1: You price your property well above its current market value. As a result, many buyers don’t bother to see it because it’s outside of their price range. Those who do see it are confused by the high price tag, (and may even be suspicious.) They may wonder, “What’s going on?”   In this scenario, the home will likely languish on the market for weeks or even months. You might even have to lower the price dramatically to reignite interest.

 Example 2: You price your property just a couple of percentage…

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If you see a haze of condensation on your window, should you be concerned? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on a number of factors. 

First of all, an occasional build-up of condensation is normal and often the result of fluctuating humidity in the home. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about. If you’re using a humidifier, try adjusting the levels. If the humidity is being generated naturally, try placing a dehumidifier nearby. Also, remove any plants and firewood from the area, as they can release a surprising volume of moisture into the air. 

Do you see moisture in between the panes of glass that make up the window? If so, that means the seal has failed and moisture has crept in. Double and triple pane windows often contain a gas (argon, for example)…

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