LUXURY & STYLE

THIS CALGARY HOME FEATURES A DREAMY ENSUITE YOU'LL WANT FOR YOURSELF

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design meets open-concept living in this prairie home.

The first step in making a house a home is curating a space that exudes serenity, balance and, of course, privacy. Your home is your retreat from the outside world: a place to recharge and connect with family and friends. Wouldn’t it be nice if the design of the house itself reflected these values?

Brookfield’s exciting development, Artesia at Heritage Pointe, does just that. A quiet estate-only community located only minutes away from the heart of the bustling Seton Urban District, Artesia features homes that have been designed with both style and livability in mind. From…

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ARE YOU A CUSTOMER OR CLIENT?

How a customer differs from a client in the real estate market:

I’m in the market to purchase a townhome. I’ve been asked by real estate brokerages if I’m looking to sign with them as a client or as a customer. What’s the difference?

In our daily lives, we tend to use the terms “client” and “customer” interchangeably. But in real estate transactions, there’s a big difference between the services you will receive, depending on which kind of contract you sign. Considering your confidence level, knowledge of real estate and comfort in making decisions without counsel from an expert in the field, you may choose to contract with the brokerage as a customer. If you are new to buying and selling properties, or…

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Changes to the mortgage stress test

Ottawa, ON, February 18, 2020 – Earlier today, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau announced changes to the mortgage stress test.

The new benchmark rate used to determine the minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages, coming into effect on April 6, 2020, will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications, plus 2 per cent.

Recently, the gap between the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate and borrowers’ actual contract rates has been widening, suggesting the benchmark rate has become less responsive to changes in the market.

In October 2016, Finance Canada introduced a stress test for insured mortgages. In 2017, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) issued…

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WHAT is International Woman's Day?

What is it?

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. We have some of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial women in our offices and we want to showcase our support for gender equality. Read More about the history and values of International women's day

What is the #EachForEqual pose?

Get a group together with arms out front at right angle to the body, elbows bent and palms down to make an equal sign to show that you are committing to being "each for equal" and that you will challenge the status quo and help forge women's equality. One or more of the group holds the Selfie Cards. Someone takes a picture. Post on social media using #IWD2020 #EachforEqual…

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Using Your RRSPs to Purchase a Home

When looking at purchasing a home, one thing that many people are concerned about is the ability to put a down payment on the property. A 20% down payment of the purchase price of the home is typically required. If a 20% down payment is not doable, then a 5% option is available. However, you are then required to have mortgage insurance through CMHC to be able to qualify for the mortgage.

Regardless if it is a 5% or 20% down payment, the government of Canada allows home buyers to use their RRSPs to purchase a home without a penalty for withdrawing the RRSPs This is called Home Buyer’s Plan or HBP.

However, before you withdraw anything, the following conditions must be met:

1)     The maximum amount you can withdraw from your RRSPs per year is…

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Why Live in Airdrie? | 159 WINDFORD ST SW, AIRDRIE

City Of Airdrie |159 Windford Street SW | Airdrie 

There is definitely something about Airdrie, that only the people from Airdrie can understand, something that makes the city a great place to live & visit.

A stop at the Nose Creek Valley Museum might hint toward our history, where early settlers founded a stopping point for the steam trains to take on a drink of the fresh Nose Creek waters, or a historic connection to our sister city in Scotland might depict a king's naming over Airdries' high elevations. Whether you perceive it as a 'small-town feel' or 'small city attitude'; Airdrie is filled with rustic charm and authentic appeal, farm-fresh experiences, innovative technologies, urban design, neighborly sentiment and family-focused events…

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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If…

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Why Live In Legacy? | 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary

With 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary hitting the Real Estate Market, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live in Legacy, Calgary?

Legacy

Legacy is a residential neighborhood located in the SE of Calgary, Alberta. The community of Legacy has roughly 15 km of scenic pathways that pass serene ponds, wide open green spaces the ridge of the environmental reserve making Legacy a wonderful option for walk-ability. There is ample space to cycle, jog, stroll, enjoy a coffee or picnic wherever you choose. You can even walk from one end of the community to the other without ever leaving the pathways. Legacy is home to: All Saints High School, A future Public Junior High School, Separate K-9 School, Public Elementary School. Kids of all ages can go to…

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OPEN HOUSE: 59 Springbank Mews SW

Come and visit me at the Open House at: 59 Springbank Mews SW from 2 PM to 4 PM...BOTH Saturday, February 8th and Sunday February 9th 2020.

UPDATED HOME! Close to all amenities , schools and transportation as well as easy access out to mountains! This beautiful 4 bedroom , 2 story home boosts many upgrades, including NEW ROOF(40 yr shingles), CENTRAL AIR conditioning, tempered glass railing off exterior back deck and new shower glass in master bedroom. The main floor features hardwood floors, 3 year old stainless steal appliances with maple kitchen and GRANITE. The washer and dryer also replaced in 2014. The basement was developed with permits in 2010 and has the 4th bedroom and 4 pc bathroom with large bright windows. The upper floor has 3 bedrooms…

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Local Business Spotlight: XO Ice Cream & Waffles

It’s no longer necessary to head downtown for sensational, handcrafted ice cream: the bustling suburbs of Calgary’s S.E. are getting sweet love from XO Ice Cream & Waffles. Owners Darren and Melanie, who live in the S.E. with their two children, were longing for quality ice cream close by. Darren decided to leverage his background in restaurant management to make this dream come true.

"We were looking for a community outside of the core that was missing a niche place like this," Darren says. "Our goal is to help make the S.E. suburbs the best place to live in Calgary and to be truly part of a community.”

Located in Auburn Station, XO is a modern-day interpretation of the mom-and-pop shop – a place where families come after school, meet…

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