802, 281 Cougar Ridge Dr SW

This wide-open, top-floor stacked townhouse is absolutely perfect for a new start or as an income property. Kitchen boasts ample counter space and loads of storage including a pantry and maple cabinets. Bedroom has a walk-in closet with organizers. 9-foot ceilings enhance the large and airy atmosphere. Attached garage with extra parking on the driveway, as well as visitor parking right across the lane-way. Views to the west from the living room picture window and balcony. All the appliances are included, along with the washer/dryer. Situated close to a large green-space and a playground, and two blocks from the ski hill. Fast Possession is available.

To view more photos, floorplan and virtual tour visit my webpage.

# 1301 281 Cougar Ridge Dr SW

Bungalow-style main floor townhouse. Wide-open and functional floorplan. Two bedrooms, two full bathrooms. The bedrooms are on opposite sides on the unit, and the master has an ensuite. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, 9″ ceilings and neutral decor. The attached garage has private access directly from the unit. Located on the quiet back side of the complex on the greenway near a green space and extra street parking. The full basement awaits your development ideas or storage items.

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

There’s something special about the couple of weeks immediately following New Year’s Day: the Christmas season is over, company has returned from whence they came, and your home is starting to look like it did last fall. Opportunity and renewal is in the air; anything is possible. As you tidy up the decorations you might find a few bits of maintenance that need doing, or improvements that can be made. Rather than overwhelming, though, this list is inspiring, because it’s a new year, baby!

The trick, then, is to capitalize on this newfound optimism and actually accomplish something. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market this year – and judging by early indicators, this’ll be a great time to do so – make your New Year’s resolution to get your property market ready.

First and foremost, start decluttering your home. Haven’t used something in more than a year? Donate, sell, or toss it. Clear off the flat surfaces like desks and countertops, and resolve to keep them clear. Those who are really ambitious can use the ‘clean sweep’ method, taking absolutely everything out of a room, then only putting back those things that truly belong in that space; the rest has got to go.

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of things, though: packing rarely-used but still useful things in preparation for your move will both improve the roominess of your home and save you some time later.

Next, really put some effort into identifying all the areas where your home could use some maintenance, and make a plan for how and when you’ll get it all done. Then start looking at inexpensive improvements you could make to freshen up the place: maybe get all the supplies you need to paint your main floor, and the next time a chinook hits crack open the windows and get to it.

Now’s also a useful time to do some research, both of the types of neighbourhoods in which you might like to live, and on Realtors in your area who might be a good fit for you. January’s not generally the busiest month for Realtors, so call a few up to go for coffee in an informal interview (I’m available). The right agent can make your selling – and buying – experience a lot easier.

So those are a few tips to get you started. And because I’m still in the giving mood, how would you like 2-for-1 tickets to the Calgary Home and Garden Show, taking place at the end of next month? Just click here, and make sure to use the promo code NEWYEAR.

8508 Wentworth Dr SW

Upgraded townhouse in prestigious Wentworth. Over 1750 sq.ft. of developed space. Kitchen with walk-in pantry and a breakfast island, and stainless steel appliances. Bright open living room has large south-facing windows and a gas fireplace. Hardwood floors complete the main floor. Upstairs all three bedrooms are quite large. The master and the 2nd bedroom both boast deep walk-in closets. Family/media room in the builder-finished basement, along with the possibility of more development. Located 1/2 KM from public elementary school, and 1/3 KM from catholic school. Walking distance to numerous great food joints like Fergus & Bix, Vin Room, Mercato West, Ohh La La Patisserie, My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe as well as many shops, services, groceries, drug stores, banks, etc. Click the links for hi-res photos and floor plans. This one is a fantastic deal. Act fast!

To view more photos, full listing details and the floorplan visit my webpage.

What a year 2013 has been for Calgary’s real estate market. We saw a return to a sellers’ market, with multiple offers on hot properties (i.e. anything under $500,000), and well-appointed two-storeys selling in days. Prices hit record highs as inventories dropped, and predictions for 2014 are to see these trends continue, with more people looking to move up while interest rates remain low.

All of this has led to me having one of my busiest years ever, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of my clients who trusted me to help them find their prized new home. As I enjoy a bit of respite during the holidays, sharing meals and gifts with family and friends, I find I am looking forward to all of the new clients I’ll get to meet and work with in the coming months. Next year’s going to be a good one, I can feel it.

Take some time, amongst all of the season’s hustle and bustle, to reflect on your past year, the successes and learning opportunities, and to appreciate all that we have in this great province. I know I certainly have much to be thankful for, starting with my supportive, adorable family.

All the best to you and yours throughout this holiday season, and I wish nothing but good fortune for you in the New Year. Stay safe, take care, and I’ll hope to see you in 2014.

Acadia is a southeast community that a little over 10,000 people call home. The 53 year-old neighbourhood – voted Calgary’s second-best (after Arbour Lake) by Avenue magazine in 2013 – is served by a long list of schools, businesses, and recreational facilities, including the community hall and curling rink. With quick access to the Bow River, walkers and cyclists have plenty of opportunities to get out and about, while the close proximity to Macleod Trail and Heritage Drive means commutes are pretty straightforward.

Avenue Magazine cited the nine schools, rec centre (including a pool), and multiple nearby services as reasons for this to be the city’s second-best place in which to live.

Acadia is a growing community, with its population going up nearly one percent year-over-year, and a little over half the homes are owner-occupied.

To see homes available in Acadia, do a Quick Search.

To get a complete market report on Acadia, or any other neighbourhood you are interested in, use our quick and easy market report request.

It’s that time of year again, when homeowners wait for a relatively mild weekend to climb ladders and engineer elaborate plug-in management, all in the name of putting on a light show for neighbours and passerby. It’s one of my favourite parts of the season: even in the most blustery snowstorm, colourfully lit houses shine through as beacons of Christmas cheer.

Here are a few tips to help make your light-stringing a little bit safer, easier, and less expensive.

• Make a plan for where you want lights, and how you want to install them, so that you can use the right equipment for the job.

• Make sure you choose extension cords rated for outdoor use – indoor ones are less insulated and generally too wimpy to put up with mother nature.

• Check for frayed or broken wires, and discard strings of lights where these are found.

• Test your lights before you hang them.

• As you replace or add to your lighting package, choose LED lights over standard bulbs. While more expensive up-front, LEDs use just a fraction of the power and last for years.

• Use a timer to turn your lights on and off, for both convenience and power savings.

• Use an A-frame stepladder, or have someone hold the ladder as you install lights up high.

• Don’t plug too many strings together – check the packaging on your lights for recommended maximums.

• Think about the entire exterior of your house, not just the eavestroughs and railings – trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features are great places to decorate too.

• Let the kids help! While many of your decorations will end up three feet off the ground, the good memories will outlast the season.

Whether you’re going for elaborate, Griswold-esque designs that force your neighbours to pull down the blinds, or a tasteful holiday accent to your home’s decor, plan your design, execute it safely, and celebrate with an eggnog afterward.

Interesting article in the Calgary Herald recently posits that the now-moving-ahead southwest portion of the ring road could dramatically increase property values in nearby neighbourhoods. Especially encouraging, from a homeowner’s standpoint, is the fact that much of the land being discussed is already developed, meaning it’s owners themselves – not developers – who’ll see the profit.

It all comes down to accessibility. Commuting in Calgary’s not bad at all compared to other major markets, and thoroughfares like the ring road just make getting to work from the burbs that much easier. Anytime you can combine efficient access to services and workplaces with the quiet suburban lifestyle available near our city’s limits, you’re going to see values increase.

Of course, it’ll be years before the ring road is finished. I’ll be interested to see how many people build and buy in areas that will eventually be near the completed freeway in a short term pain, long term gain strategy.

4108 Marbank Dr NE

Need lots of space? This home offers a total of 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths in almost 1400 Sq.Ft of developed space; and a large double-car garage. Updated kitchen, fresh flooring, and recently painted through-out. Within walking distance of the C-Train and the new Walmart Supercenter. Quick possession is available.

To view more photos, full listing details and the floorplan visit my webpage.

1518 18 Av Nw

What a great price for a solid home in a great area! Just minutes from all that Capitol Hill has to offer, including shopping, groceries, golf, SAIT, multiple restaurants, Confederation Park, and much more. Just close enough to the C-Train without being too close, and a very short commute to downtown via transit, bike, or car. Super-clean 2 story detached home in perfectly livable condition, with a double garage to boot. Yes, the price is correct. Awesome front living-room with bay windows to let the sun shine in. Large rear family room with a brick fireplace and a French door that leads to a large new deck and an easy-to-maintain yard that also boasts a brick patio. This family-friendly floor-plan is great for entertaining. Upstairs, there is a big master with 4-piece ensuite with dual sinks. Also up: laundry, two more bedrooms and a 5-piece main bath with dual sinks and a tub & commode lock-off; great for room-mates or kids. The unspoiled basement awaits your storage items or development ideas.

To view more photos, full listing details and the floorplan visit my webpage.