1) Furnace Inspection:
• Have your furnace serviced and ducts cleaned (every 2 years)
• Stock up on furnace filters and change them frequently. It is good practice to write the date changed on the furnace filter for a reminder – Move the dial on your humidifier from Summer to Winter, make sure the humidifier filter is clean or replace it.

2) Check the Exterior, Doors, and Windows:
• Inspect externally for exposed entry points around windows, doors, pipes etc and seal them.
• Inspect and replace (if needed) weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home.

3) Prevent Plumbing Freezes:
• Winterize all external faucets and drain via the bleed valve, keep off until spring.
• Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. It is always good practice to turn off water when on vacation.
• Turn off the power and cover your air conditioner unit.
• Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.

4) Clean Gutters and Siding:
• Prevent "ice dams" - clean out gutters, remove all debris trapped in gutters.
• Pressure wash siding - use low pressure to avoid damage to paint and siding.

5) Leaving your home in winter:
• Turn off the main water supply to the home.
• Have a friend/fay member go into the home to check every 2/3 days or as per your insurance requirements.
• Keep the heating at a minimum of 16 degrees at all times.

5 Tips To Help Achieve Your Homeownership

(some creative planning and resourcefulness)

1. Reduce your overall debt load beforehand: Outstanding car loans, credit cards and lines of credit will reduce the mortgage amount you qualify for. Eliminating these debts first will increase the mortgage you are able to obtain.

2. Increase the amount of your down payment: The more money a borrower has available upfront, the less of a mortgage they need to qualify for.

3. Consider joint ownership: Buying a home with a trusted friend or family member who wants to invest in real estate or get into their own place can lessen the purchase burden. Two (or more) people with income on the application equates to a higher mortgage that you can qualify for.

4. Take in a roommate to prevent being house poor: If you qualify for the mortgage amount you need, but are concerned about ongoing maintenance costs, then income from a roommate(s) can provide a solid emergency fund. Set the rental income aside so that the money is available for upgrades or the inevitable repairs every homeowner faces

 5. Get rid of your car: If you want to own a home in the city, you can free up room in your budget by eliminating your vehicle costs. Owning a vehicle is a significant financial investment, consisting of much more than a monthly loan or lease payment. There are also the added costs for insurance, parking, maintenance and repairs.

These projects will infuse life into largely empty or under-utilized office buildings by converting empty office space to new residential units. It’s one way we’re moving beyond the traditional 9 to 5 business district towards a vibrant city centre people enjoy 24/7, with a balanced mix of residential, office, retail, entertainment, tourism and culture.

 Palliser One (125 9 Avenue SE)

The Palliser One project is a conversion of approximately 200,000 square feet of office space to 176 apartments, featuring a mix of one- and two-bedrooms. In addition, this project will include an amenity lounge located midway through the building, providing residents with a modern common floor featuring games areas, a workspace area, a kitchen/bar area, lounge seating, and an outdoor BBQ space, as well as a rooftop patio.

 205 9 Avenue SE

The 205 9 Avenue SE project is a conversion of an estimated 110,000 square feet of vacant office space, into a mixed-use residential tower. The building’s office space would be converted to 113 new homes, along with a full floor of amenities to serve the residential units.

 909 5 Avenue SW

The 909 5 Avenue SW project is a conversion of ~104,000 square feet of office space, into a mixed-use residential tower. The final building will include approximately 112 pet-friendly apartments across eight floors. The main floor will include retail and amenities for residents and the surrounding community, while the second floor will be built out into a coworking space for small businesses

During last year’s election campaign, the Liberal party proposed a ban on “blind bidding” for homes. In the current system used across the country, the buyer's offer are kept secret during the bidding process.

Blind bidding has been partly blamed for accelerating price gains in a hot market, with properties sometimes selling for hundreds of thousands over the asking price. Some argue that secret bidding forces each potential buyer to offer as much as they can.

The industry body for Canada's real estate agents has now backed away from its defence of the practice.

The Canadian Real Estate Association announced a pilot project to display offers in real time on properties listed on its own listing website, realtor.ca.

“Multiple-offer scenarios have become an increasingly commonplace in today’s real estate environment,” Michael Bourque, the association’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Canadian property buyers and sellers seek greater confidence in the process.” The press recently announced that the pilot test will begin in select markets in the summer of 2022.

What the future holds for blind-bidding in this country, we are still unsure. But Canada could soon adopt a new way on the way we buy and sell real estate.

Alpine Park - SW

This community's new urbanist design was built around a dynamic mix of housing choices that put people first and encourages neighbourliness. Located off Stoney Trail and west of Evergreen.

Ambleton - NW

Nestled in the heart of northwest Calgary and within walking distance to the already established community of Evanston, this brand-new community will have everything you will need. Stay awhile and enjoy the views.

Belvedere - SE

In a premium location adjacent to the East Hill Shopping Centre and only 15 minutes from downtown, Belvedere is destined to become one of Calgary’s most sought after communities.

Glacier Ridge - NW

Find the perfect balance between urban lifestyle and wild frontier – fulfilling Calgary’s namesake as the “Gateway to the Rockies”. Follow Shaganappi Trail north to 144th Avenue, turn left, and follow 144th Avenue west until you reach 69th.

Homestead - NE

Discover Calgary's new northeast, with easy access to major roadways like Stoney Trail and Metis Trail - This community is located just east of Taradale.

Rangeview - SE

Rangeview will be a vibrant gathering place for neighbours to connect, surrounded by amenity-rich residential living, community gardens, and so much more. This new development is south of Mahogany.

Rockland Park - NW

Rockland Park has an exciting story to tell – one that celebrates connections to the land, to nature, to history, to family, and to four seasons. Rockland Park will be place to connect with nature and each other. This scenic community is located in the upper NW near Tuscany.

What are Condo Fees?

Condo fees refers to a levy paid by every property owner in a condominium complex to cover ongoing maintenance cost. The fee is often based on the size of the condo unit, the amenities that the building offers, and any anticipated annual expenses. Oftentimes buyers look for the property with the lowest condo fees, however, if that low fee is not covering the expenses and required savings for future repairs and upgrades, then a special assessment is inevitable. Good financial stewardship is very important to the health of a condominium corporation.

What do Condo Fees Cover?

Condo fees typically cover utilities (water, heat, garbage collection), building insurance, contribution to the reserve fund, regular maintenance and improvements to the common areas (gym, hallways, social rooms, parkade), and services for the condominium (concierge, security, cleaners, gardeners, management).

Clarity on Condominiums:

One of the biggest misconceptions about condominiums is what exactly a condominium is. Many consumers believe a condominium is an apartment-style property in a complex which offers amenities for its residence. Although this may be accurate, it is not the whole story, as a condominium can be almost anything from an apartment or townhouse to the lot under a single-family detached home or a 10-acre parcel of rural land. The reason for this is that a "condominium" is a type of corporate ownership of a project, rather than simply owning a piece of real estate.

5 Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing A Home

[Avoid these common pitfalls]

1) Not getting pre-qualified before making an offer.

Make time to talk with your bank or mortgage professionals to learn your lending options. Their questions about income, debt and other factors helps determine how much you can borrow for your dream home.

2) Limiting your home search.

The homes you find online or in magazines may already be sold. Rely on your real estate professional to provide you with the most up- to-date information on what’s out there.

3) Not knowing all the costs.

Get an estimate of the closing costs from your agent or lender early in the process. Don’t forget to ask about homeowner’s association fees and insurance! Examine your settlement statement carefully before closing.

4) Thinking there is only one perfect home.

Remember, buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New homes hit the market daily, so consult your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis that shows properties for sale that are similar to your dream home.

5) Skipping home inspection.

Trying to save money today could end up costing you tomorrow if you forgo a home inspection. Get a qualified inspector to detect issues you may have overlooked, so you know what to expect.