161 CHAPARRAL CM SE

Tucked away in a quiet street in Lake Chaparral, just a couple of blocks from the entrance to the beach. Bright, open great room plan with a front flex room. Central A/C and 9 ft ceilings are just a few of the many upgrades found here. The cook’s kitchen has granite throughout, plus an abundance of cabinets, S/S appliances including a double-oven stove with a gas cooktop, and a large, flat center island. Tile and newer carpet on the main floor that features a full height river rock fireplace for cozy comfort. The bonus room makes the perfect studio, play room, or family room. Large master bedroom with a walk in closet and a full bathroom that includes a separate soaker tub. 2 more bedrooms and another full bath complete the upper level. Main floor laundry. Lower level is fully finished with rec room, a third full bathroom, and a den with a closet. Out back you’ll find an awesome covered deck, plus nice, tidy landscaping with multiple mature trees and concrete curb edging, plus a shed matched to the house.

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

153 WENTWORTH PT SW

Stunning town home with many recent upgrades. The home is located in a cul de sac and backs on to a ravine with a pond which is home to many ducks and geese. Even deer come to visit! The complex grounds are lush with flowering trees, grass and walkways. The upper level of this home has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The master is extra large and there is more than enough room for a king sized bed plus accessories. The walk in closet is filled with built ins for all your needs. The ensuite is an aquatic entertainment centre with a soaker tub and shower. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with a wine rack, pantry and granite breakfast bar. The dining room is spacious and is great for family gatherings or dinner parties. Living room has a fireplace surrounded by large windows that offer great views of the grounds and the area to the west. Lower level has a media room with a fireplace and full bathroom. The home is also wired for audio. This beautiful property must be seen and is a great place to live!

To view more photos, full listing details and floor plan visit my web page.

91 EVERGREEN TC SW

Fantastic home in a fabulous location in Evergreen Estates. With lots to offer, this 2-storey split boasts a great formal floorplan with a front living room overlooking a grand 2 storey enrance. Many recent detailed renovations including a stunning kitchen with white laquer cabinets, full tile backsplash and stone countertops. The main floor also features new harwood flooring, new doors and hardware, new light fixtures and new knock-down stipple ceilings as well as a new fireplace. New windows have been installed throughout most of the home. The walkout basement is fully finished. You can also access the rear yard from the newly-installed spiral staircase from the main-floor deck. The master ensuite is also fully renovated to a high-standard. This home has been well-maintained, including the installation of a new furnace and air conditioning two years ago. Walk to Fish Creek Park! Also near is the LRT and schools. There is tremendous value here! Outdoor play structure is included.

To view more photos, full listing details and the floor plan visit my web page.

3329 77 ST SW

Enjoy spectacular panoramic mountain views from almost every room of this superbly finished 4 bedroom 2 story walk-out executive home in Calgary’s West Side. Over 5000 sf of luxurious living space and over 1600 sf of deck and patio space. The main floor features a double island gourmet kitchen with dinette, a beautiful formal dining room and a large mud room. The living room features a 14’ coffered ceiling and shares a fireplace with the adjoining study. The lower level has heated floors, a large family/games room, stunning wet bar, wine room, a bedroom with en-suite, an exercise room/5th bedroom, and walks out to a professionally landscaped yard. The upper level master bedroom is a true retreat with abundant built-ins, large walk in closet, heated floors in the en-suite, and shares a fireplace with a relaxing sitting area. The upper level also features two additional large bedrooms and a full bath. The over-sized double garage is insulated, finished and heated. This home is well kept and move-in ready.

To view more photos, floor plan, virtual tour and full listing details visit my webpage.

1746 6 AV NW

Stunning Executive Infill in Hillhurst on a 135′ deep lot! Located on a low-traffic front road across from a park, and 1/2 block from Bowview pool / splash park, West Hillhurst Community Centre and 4 blocks from Riley Park. Main floor is bright and open with a formal front living room / dinning room. The chef’s kitchen boasts a gas stove and loads of counter-space that faces the family room with a gas fireplace. Here you will also find a functional mud-room to the large rear deck, yard and double garage. Upstairs there’s multiple skylights including the master en-suite to let light flood in. The master bedroom has vaulted ceilings, built-ins, and a large walk-in closet that has a window; plus a large en-suite with separate tub, dual sinks, and make-up counter. 2 more good-sized bedrooms, laundry, and a second full bath complete the upper floor. In the professionally developed basement you’ll find a large rec room, a 4th bedroom, 4-piece bathroom. Size would be 1903 SqFt if measured like a detached home

To view more photos, full listing details and floor plan visit my web page.

1411 LAKE ONTARIO RD SE

Excellent curb appeal in a great location on a quiet street. Facing a green-space that includes a playground out a ways across the field, but still within view. The community centre (and its ice rink) are nearby. This is a court-ordered sale (not a foreclosure). The occupant currently living in the house is not allowing showings at this time. The listing agent has not viewed the interior; only the exterior from the front street and rear lane. No interior measurements are available nor are accurate details of the interior lay out and condition. The home is believed to have at least 3 bedrooms and at least one full bathroom. The basement is listed as being undeveloped (even though it may be). City records state the size as 1,042 square feet. There is no historical MLS information available for this property (first time offered for sale on MLS). You are welcome to view the property from the front street and rear lane but please make no attempt to enter the yard.

To view more photos and full listing details visit my web page.

23 Wentworth Circle SW

Fully renovated and upgraded to a high standard! Luxurious kitchen with charcoal cabinets that reach all the way up to the 9′ ceilings. Built-in Wolf and Subzero appliances. Granite counters. Walk-through butler’s pantry to the large mudroom. Reclaimed hardwood flooring and travertine tile. South back yard with stamped concrete patio and concrete walks along both sides of the home. Spacious bonus room upstairs along with 3 large bedrooms. 4th bedroom in the recently professionally developed basement that includes a full bathroom and a recroom and hobby or gym alcove and finished storage areas. Newer high-efficiency furnace with a high-grade filter system. Brand new roof. Central air conditioning. In a quiet neighbourhood with friendly neighbours and multiple ravine pathways. 2 blocks from Catholic K-9 school and within the walk-zone for CBE K-4 & 5-9 schools. Many charter and private schools nearby. Multiple groceries, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques are within walking distance, or 2 min via car.

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my webpage.

32 EVERRIDGE WY SW

Gorgeous 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom home situated on quiet family street; half a block from the brand new Marshal Springs 4-9 school in the desirable community of Evergreen. Fresh paint and recent updates including new carpet. The elegant front entrance welcomes you into the spacious living room with 12 ft ceilings and built-in theatre speakers for surround sound. Upper level consists of large master bedroom with deck access, maple kitchen featuring large island and pantry, plus a breakfast nook leading to the covered BBQ deck and then down to the sun deck. Second bedroom currently in use as home office. The lower level consists of a large rec room with a cozy stone-faced gas fireplace, 4-piece bath & ample storage under living room level. The large back yard receives lots of sun, perfect for the vegetable garden!

To view more photos, floor plan and full listing details visit my web page.

First launched in 2008 in San Francisco, California, AirBNB virtually invented a business category with its online listings for short term rental opportunities, a way for everyday property owners to let their homes make money for them while they were out of town. While the idea of renting one’s house out to strangers for a few days or weeks at a time seemed bizarre and risky to many at first blush, the practice has become mainstream in recent years, prompting competitors like VRBO to pop up. Despite the occasional scary story, the vast majority of patrons of these services – renters and landlords alike – have positive experiences; indeed, many entrepreneurs have found success listing several properties and acting as a full time landlord to short term tenants. Renting a room, basement suite, or entire home from one of these services can be a cost effective way to travel to many parts of the world whether alone or with a family, enjoying familiar creature comforts and taking advantage of kitchen access to avoid eating every meal in restaurants. Backed by stringent security measures, a transparent ratings system, and, in the case of AirBNB, a $1,000,000 insurance policy for landlords, most would agree that these kind of rentals are safe and attractive.

With summer vacation season approaching, you may be tempted to list your own property on one of these services – what could be better than having your home pay for your vacation while you’re away? Depending on size and amenities, some properties can earn hundreds of dollars a day, of which a small percentage is taken off the top by the booking service. Sounds like major profit with minor effort, but there are some things to keep in mind before making your listing:

Consider the tenant’s perspective

If you were renting a property for a week-long family vacation, what would you expect to see when you opened the door? Probably the basics would be impeccable cleanliness, an above-average level of upkeep, new-looking sheets on the bed, well stocked consumables like toiletries, and so on. All these things represent an investment you should make before becoming a landlord. A shoddy-looking property in a poor state of repair will certainly garner lousy reviews right off the bat, and those don’t go away – every tenant’s review stays with the landlord’s profile, so first impressions matter.

Treat it as a business

By renting out your property, you are effectively becoming a small business owner, with all that that entails. You may need licensing (check with your city’s information desk), and you certainly need to claim and pay tax on income that you make; those earning over $30,000 in a year need to collect and remit GST as well, just like any other business. On the flip side, expenses incurred by the business may act as write-offs against your income. To be successful, you’ll need to keep receipts, track income, and otherwise follow good accounting practises.

Call your insurance company

While the listing service likely offers a form of insurance coverage during your rental, you should have a chat with your insurance broker to ensure you are covered for all possibilities at appropriate levels, and that renting out your property doesn’t invalidate some clause in your policy. You’re absolutely better off knowing these things before a problem arises.

Do your research

Are there many properties listed in your area? What are they priced at, and what does that include? If you want to be really thorough, consider renting a comparable property for a night or two with a well-regarded landlord, and make notes about the experience. Use this information to maximize your guests’ experience.

Consider hiring a professional

Many property management companies will do all the heavy lifting for you, pricing and promoting your property, for a piece of the profits. If you don’t have time to focus on your listing, and you really want to make a go of it, this may we well worth the investment.

Make yourself available

Prompt communication is key to making your tenants feel safe and looked after, so only consider joining one of these services if you’ll be able to respond to both those looking to book and those staying at your property. Most successful listers guarantee responses to inquiries within 24 hours – with some boasting a 1 hour turnaround, no matter the time of day – and either meet tenants personally on the beginning of their stay or have a trusted family member/friend do so. The personal part of the transaction is part of the appeal for some, so don’t neglect this element.

Property rental services like AirBNB are just going to continue to get more popular in this increasingly connected world, and that’s great news for industrious sorts looking to make some income on the side. With careful forethought and some hard work at the outset, you too could be successful in this endeavour.

Want to talk about my experiences with AirBNB? Contact me today!

Summertime brings to mind rest and relaxation, sunny patios and cold drinks. If you have a few home renovation projects on your list, it can also be the best time to get cracking. There are myriad reasons why this is the ideal season for upgrading your home: the nice weather means mud and snow don’t get tracked into your home by contractors; your heating system’s usually sitting idle, so changing out an old furnace (and maybe adding an air conditioner) couldn’t be more convenient; your home’s exterior and landscaping are uncovered, making it easy to spot and remedy problems; and vacation time is often more easy to come by in the summer months, meaning you can be around to supervise work and answer questions.

So what sort of things can you tackle right now? Here are a few popular projects:

Upgrade the windows

New windows can have a substantial impact on energy efficiency and home comfort, especially if your property is more than ten years old. Modern window technology can keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter for a one time cost that may pay for itself with the reduction in furnace use.

Add an air conditioner

While this might seem like an extravagance in a city like Calgary, where summers aren’t usually excruciatingly hot, incorporating an air conditioner into your home’s heating system may not be as expensive as you think, and the improvement in your sleep and overall comfort throughout the summer may well be worth it. When selling your home, an integrated AC system can also be very attractive.

Redo your deck

Spending a weekend stripping and re-staining your deck, accompanied by a few beers and a stereo, can be a surprisingly enjoyable summertime project; doing this regularly will vastly extend the life of your deck, too. Just make sure there’s no rain in the forecast, as having an unexpected shower lift your stain right after you finish is a real bummer.

Update the landscaping

Most of us, at the very least, plant some annuals and tidy up the yard. But if you have a vision of a more substantive overhaul – which can boost curb appeal and just make you smile when you come up the driveway – summer’s the time to do it. Hiring a trusted landscape contractor, with good references and a solid portfolio, can save you time, money, and aggravation in the long term.

Power wash the house

A winter’s worth of grime can make your home’s exterior dull and uninviting: an hour with a power washer can rectify this, making your property look like new again. Depending on how thick the dirt is, power washing can even keep your home cooler, as lighter colours reflect the sun’s rays more efficiently.

Organize the garage

For most of us, the garage can quickly become a repository for stuff we don’t want to deal with, and throughout the winter it’s hardly an inviting environment in which to spend a few hours organizing. So do it in the summer! Raise the garage door, put on some tunes, and get your space clean and itemized so you can find what you need when you need it. Then call the charity of your choice to pick up all the things you discovered you haven’t needed in the past year.

Those are just a few ideas of summertime improvement projects. Have some that I missed? Mention them in the comments! Want to talk to an expert on the best places to put your time and money to make your home sale-ready for the fall? Contact me today!