Kevin Baldwin's Blog

CREB joins business coalition in support of secondary suites

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:58:03 -0700

In an effort to urge Calgary’s city council to permit secondary suites in all residential areas, Calgary Real Estate Board joined forces with Calgary Chamber of Commerce and other leading business organizations. However, certain conditions need to be met for the permission to be granted and they are:

· Owner occupancy requirements in single family neighborhoods
· Adequate parking is available or waived near transit
· Maximum occupancy limit with 2 bedrooms and five people
· Building codes and health and safety standards are met

Currently, secondary suites are permitted only in select land use districts. Allowing secondary suites in all residential units will help solve a lot of problems as more people will be able to find affordable rental units. There are added social and economic benefits like seniors being able to stay in their homes longer and being able to provide accommodation to their live-in care takers at the same time.

Plus, permitting secondary suites in all residential neighborhoods would also be a “green” step as this would reduce ecological footprint. There are several secondary suites remaining vacant in Calgary owing to the permit not being available for secondary suites in all residential areas. On top of that, there are many people who are interested in homes with secondary suites.

To sum it all up, secondary suite is the solution to today’s problems related to residence and permitting secondary suites in all residential areas would increase the overall life standard of the people in Calgary. It is not that The City of Calgary has paid a deaf ear to secondary suites. Back in the year 2009, it had launched a Secondary Suite Grant Program that had the provision of offering a grant of up to $25,000 to cover up to 70% of the costs of developing or upgrading a legitimate secondary suit. However, the fate of the permission for secondary suites in all residential areas is yet to seen.

Interested in learning more about Strathmore Real Estate? Contact me today.

Strathmore to shut down irrigation system to homes

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:52:31 -0700

I was reading an article by Kirsten Mundy from the Strathmore Standard today on our town council's decision to shut down Strathmore's irrigation system. What does this mean for home owners in Strathmore? Basically, you are responsible now for watering your own grass and flowers. Strathmore's irrigation system will not be servicing homes in Strathmore starting this year. Only a handful of Strathmore residents rely on the irrigation system provided by the town. Only 650 users of the system that cost the town of Strathmore just over $150,000 to operate. A new committee has been struck up to review the entire system and we will see what comes out of it. CMHC has a great website full of tips for watering your lawn.

Strathmore Rural Fire Department Adds New Member

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:50:41 -0700

Residents of Strathmore and throughout Wheatland County have a new member of their fire department. The SRFD took delivery of their new fire truck, Tender 2 came into service on May 29th right here in Strathmore. This means that many of us in the Strathmore area have a new weapon to fire grass fires and other types of blazes that hit Wheatland County. The new truck also comes with four additional firefighters and can hold up to 6. This allows for additional forces to combat fires and can keep resources available to fight other fires. Hosting a portable tank that can be removed and deployed when a grass fire occurs, the new fire truck will provide our community a great safety net. We hope to see this fire truck as part of our community for the next 25 years. Looking for a home in Strathmore...check out our Strathmore Real Estate website for homes that work for you.

3 Dog's 1 to many

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:53:42 -0700

Town by-laws only allowed 2 dogs per households.

Town By-laws only 3 bag of garbage per household.

Town by-laws on parking RV's in town limits not even on your drive way.

Town by-laws on smokeing in public places.

Town by- laws on sign's allowed on the grass to promote business.

(these are the signs 12inches x 12 inches ) And on private property.

What will they think of NEXT

NO FOR SALE SIGN'S on private property.

What happened to common scents.

Strathmore Making It Happen

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:24:18 -0700

Liveing in Strathmore Alberta for almost 13 years. The people moving to this small community came because they could get a bigger lot .As the town grew the prices of lots got more and more expensive. So the prices of houses got higher. In 2001 you could buy a house for $129,000

Still cheaper than all the competing community

That same house in 2007 went to $389,900 as of 2010 that same house is selling for $265.000, can you see the pattern. But the developers sold Lot's for $90,000 in 2007 now the price in 2010 is $138.000.

Are lots prices are higher than any other community.

At a lot price of $138.000 you have to sell your new house Between $450. -$500 can you see the problem.

3 homes priced over $400.000 have sold so far this year.

Through great wisdom they are now thinking of makeing the lots small so the can drop the price of the lots.

The only one going to make money will be the developers because the small lots will sell for $120.000 not much of a saving.But the developers will get more lots out of there sub division.

The Developers payed to much for the land and the Town is going to help them get out of their mess.By changing the lot sizes Will it slow down the growth and i guess time will tell.

The only way makeing the lot sizes smaller to help grow the town the prices of lots SHOULD be Between $45000-$55,000. We know that won't happen because the developers won't make a killing.

The Town is always talking about affordable accommodation.How about opening a mobile home site where the you can buy a lot for $50,000 and buy a modeler for $100,000. total cost $150.000 that would sure make it a lot affordable for a lot off people. But that is to simple and the RICH CAN'T make any money on that idea.....

How would you promote your Town..

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:18:41 -0700

Town's way of trying to get more familys to move to Strathmore. And Then there is my way

4bedroom 3 washrooms

All for $334.000

Looking for Sheep Or Looking for a place to live.

What Would You Do///////

Alberta and Natural Gas

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:05:02 -0700

What happened to the Natural Gas vehicles, In Europe they use them .Why are all government vehicles run on gas and not Natural Gas it seems it would be a lot cheaper to run.With the high prices of gas wouldn't it make scents to go to Natural Gas. Wouldn't it be a cheaper way for are government to save tax payers money. It would also be cleaner air for are environment.

Your Thought..

Strathmore V/S Airdrie

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:14:08 -0700

Two Great little Towns Out Side of Calgary Either town a great place to bring up you kids.But when you break it down to Qulity of life sorry to say Strathmore beat's Airdrie.

1st Reason Strathmore has a Hospital.

2nd Reason The #1 highway is always cleared first.

Driveing home from Calgary you would get home to Strathmore Faster.

more time to spend in your back yard BBQ. Oh what a life....

3rd The sun is at your back going to work in the morning and it is at your back when you come home in the evening.

4th Small town atmosphere very friendly people.BBQ and haveing a beer with neighbors

5th Many Schools and many churches

6th 1/3 the size of Airdrie

7th House lots are bigger.

Lot more to mention but come to see for your self and you will end up staying..

How to save money to buy your first home.

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:22:50 -0700

The majority of first time buyers spend a great deal of time trying to save their down payment.Here is a very easy way to do it but only 1% will try just like 1% of people ever succeed in becomeing rich. Location location location heard that many times just like get out of debt.

1st When you live in an apartment or a rental unit who's mortgage are you paying.

2nd Do you live on the inside out side of your rented unit.

3rd Can you control who the owner rent's too.

You Have No Choice

Well starting right now you have a choice.

Based in Strathmore Alberta LOWEST price units

Buying a Condo For $250,000. 3 bedroom Mortgage would run $1350.00 mth

Condo fees $250.00 mth increase when need

All utilities plus taxes $650.00 mth increase when needed

YOU DON"T OWN THE LAND

Buying a house For $300,000 3 bedroom Mortgage $1650.00 mth

All utilities plus taxes $950.00mth

BEST DEAL IN STRATHMORE FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

In Brentwood in Strathmore LESS THAN RENTING

Moduler on own Lot $ 189.000 3 bedroom Mortage $950.00 mnth

All Utilites plus Taxes $650.00

You own the Land If you take care of it will make you money when you sell it and best part you can use the profit to buy your first House. It's like a saveing account.

But if you don't like a moduler then let your landlord get richer.

PS>> It has to be on it's own lot to in order for you to make money.

Just think if you live there 5 years The Value would be more and your money you owed to the bank would be less. And there is saveing.

Have any Thought's on that.

Rain Barrel To save or not to save

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:35:39 -0700

More and more Communities are promoting the Rain Barrel. And these are some of the reasoning.

Lawn and Garden watering can make up a good portion of total household water use during the summer months even in Wheatland County. Home owners can collect water from their rooftop runoff and effectively store it for when you need it most, during the hot summer months by utilizing rain barrels .

The only problem is if there is water restriction the water you collect in the rain barrel can't be used to water your grass. You can only use it if the rest of the town has water to water the grass. Yes it's a by Law in the Town of Strathmore if caught using the water from the rain barrel when there is a water restriction you can get a fine.So you can conserve water only with certain restriction's.

But these are the benfits the Town promotes in order to sell their rain barrels.

Rainwater collection and its reuse is not only a financial benefit to home owners but also for the environment because stored water would otherwise run off into the storm sewers where the environmental benefit could be minimal. This run off water can be safe to use when watering plants, flower pots, gardens, trees, lawns or cleaning your walk ways

With benefits like the few i mentioned everyone should get a rain barrel ..

The missing piece Aquatic Centre -

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:32:42 -0700

It has been a long wait but.It is evident that construction for the Aquatic Centre addition is well underway. If you would like to donate towards the expansion of this facility, donations will be accepted at the Town Office. A tax receipt will be issued for any donation received. Once the structural component of the building is complete, crews will begin the installation of the rough mechanical and concrete structures for the leisure pool, hot pool and the water slide. Inside the Aquatic Centre two multi purpose rooms above the Strathmore Ag Society office and the Chuck Mercer room are being constructed.

Aquatic Centre a great place to try out a person swimming skills or maybe learn a few more.

Calgary and Area 2010 Forecast Report

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:32:06 -0700

During my years as a Strathmore Realtor focused in Calgary, Chestermere, Strathmore and surrounding areas I have seen my ups and downs in the market. The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) released its 2010 housing forecast report on January 20, 2010 during the organization's annual conference and tradeshow. The forecast looks good especially after coming out of a downturn in the market.

From the CREB report

"According to the report, the Calgary market will continue to build momentum in 2010 as the year progresses, while affordability and low interest rates will support a balanced housing market. Single family homes will show modest price increases, while the condominium price growth will lag. The condo market will be slower to respond, particularly in the downtown apartment segment. Smaller single family homes and lower priced segments will lead in sales and price growth."

What does this mean for the average Alberta family?

Download the complete CREB report

How to tell when your client is paying attention to you.

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:58:12 -0700

If you can tell which one off these are paying attention to you and the one that doesn't care and the one sitting on the fence.Knowing your client can save alot of time and money.

Strathmore your choice 1,2,3,or all 4

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:42:36 -0700

With Greats Tenants Buy any unit or Take them all and start your investment.$209,900.The interest rates are still great. In the town of STRATHMORE Close to schools and easy access to the #1.All units have walkout basement.2 bedroom up plus 1 bedroom down. and still room for basement development. Back yard room to build a garage and still room for play area.

Strathmore has a popolation of 11000. with many stores.

WalMart/TimHortons/McDonalds/Canadian Tire to mane a few

Strathmore Hospital

Strathmore Arena

Strathmore High School

Strathmore just out side Calgary Blog

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:36:21 -0700

Cambridge Glen, South East corner of Strathmore

Cambridge Glen . On the Calgary MLS® system as well as www.kevinbaldwin.ca Resident Realtor Selling in Strathmore since 1999.

Check www.GOOGLEMAP for directions

Walking distance to Strathmore High ,Junior High Elementry,Strathmore Hospital and the arena .A community of 11200 population.And only 30 minutes East of Calgary on the #1 High Way.

Strathmore just out side Calgary Blog

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:19:51 -0700

Strathaven North East corner of Strathmore

1st time home buyers in Strathmore Affordable homes available in Strathaven . On the Calgary MLS® system as well as www.kevinbaldwin.ca Selling in Strathmore since 1999.

Check www.GOOGLEMAP for directions

So close to Strathmore Golf Course ,High schools,Junior High , Elementry,arena, public pool as well as the Strathmore Hospital. A community of 11200 population.And only 30 minutes East of Calgary on the #1 High Way.

On a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains. And with the New Ring Road easy access ather parts of Calgary .

Strathmore just out side Calgary Blog

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:59:46 -0700

Hillview North West corner of Strathmore

Beautiful homes in Hillview close to Strathmore Golf Course available on the Calgary MLS® system as well as www.kevinbaldwin.ca Selling in Strathmore since 1999.

Check www.GOOGLEMAP for directions

So close to schools ,arena public pool as well as the Strathmore Hospital. A community of 11200 population.And only 30 minutes East of Calgary on the #1 High Way.

On a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains. And with the New Ring Road easy access ather parts of Calgary

Manipulateing The Ecomony !!!!!

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:22:25 -0800

The rich gets richer while the middle class and lower income get wiped out.All the economists and media are talking about where the US ecomony is Going. When i listen Peter Shiff,Glen Beck and all of the rest of the predictions it is all doom and gloom .But when the government want's to keep it quiet you hear nothing about the topic. So why is there so much on the internet.Are they trying to keep your mind off the great Deception.

The US is getting deeper in Debt but the rich are getting alot richer.Lets take a close look at what is going on. These are my Thoughts...

There is lot on news about buying gold because gold will be worth $5000.00 an ounce and get out of US dollars. But all the company that are giveing bonus are doing it in dollars. If the dollar goes under all the country's holding US dollars would be worthless. But wait a second if the new currency was bought in at 1 new for 5 old ones then the middle class and lower class who didn't get the bonuses would get wiped out,and so will the countrys the US owed money to.IF the US makes there new curreny worth more than the EURO then they once again become the currency of choice.I know what you are thinking but if the new currency is backed by gold then why won't it be currency of choice.

Where will the US get all that gold.Well what happened to all the gold under the Twin Towers And how much was down there.

any thoughts....

Strathmore just out side Calgary

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:00:32 -0800

With the sun at your back ,going to work in the morning and the sun on your back on the way home . Makes it a very relaxing trip to and from work. It seems the #1 highway in the winter has the snow removed 1st before any other roads are cleaned .No bumper to bumper traffic either way. Not like when I lived in SW Calgary(Deer Run) it always took me just over 45 minutes to get to NE now it only takes me 20-25 minutes,just think of the time i save not to mention my gas and the ware on my car .And now i get a relaxing drive home and avoid of bumper to bumper traffic.

You can get to Calgary by 1 Glenmore Trail

2 The #1 highway

3 Country Hills Road

A comparison for people moving to Calgary from Toronto or Montreal

I also lived at one time Montreal on the South Shore the distance would be like traveling from St Bruno to St Lambert

I also lived just out side of Toronto in a little town of Ajax The distance would be Pickering to Oshawa.

Because Strathmore is out side Calgary you get the small community with all the great convenience like WalMart, McDonalds yes 2 Tim Horton's.And you are a hop skip and jump to Calgary .And now with the Ring Road you get to the other side of Calgary without haveing to go through Calgary you save alot of time .If you want to go To Bannf.

There are many small business owned by people who live in the town.The people are very friendly an helpful. Great schools with the best Teachers that help students .

THe population is just under 12000 And the prices of homes are still very good , the lot sizes bigger than Calgary 50x100 foot lots, for single famliy. 5 minute out side of Strathmore you can get an acerage.

So before you Buy your home come check out Strathmore real estate.Or go to my web site at www.kevinbaldwin.ca I won"t contact you unless you ask first.

COMPARE AND SAVE (a great FAMILY COMMUNITY )

Changeing marketing

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:56:26 -0800

This is the year of change. Have you noticed more and more people have being going to the internet to get information.So I decided to get advice from Robert at Internet Brokers to see if they could help me move up a few more notches in my marketing. Talking with Robert I am quite convinced his knowledge and his knowledgeable team will be able to help me accomplishment what I need to be top of mind.It is amazeing talking with Robert and noticeing that he understands my concerns.

InternetBorkers were not the only company I talked to But they were the only company that didn't try to nickel and dime you to death.Also they were more interested in trying to solve MY problem and not try to stick it to me.The way Robert explained to me what his company can do for me truly impressed me. I am looking forward to working with his company.

Exclusive Listing

I have a beautiful Log home on 3 acres only 15 minutes east of Calgary.Walkout basement suited with 3bedroom mobile on the land that can be rented out .Great income property 0down with approved credit.. $499.900 not on MLS yet but will pay commission..

The 2010 The Year of Change

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:30:10 -0800

This is the year of change .Getting ready for it by doing the 100 day challenge and takeing along look at my business. I have been selling Real Estate in Strathmore since 1999 . All that time not keeping a data base. And with my marketing expense of approxmately $7000.00 a month .I saw a big change the way business was being done just by watching the response on all my advertiseing, since august 2009.I new I had to do something differently if i was going to increase sales.

Watching how certain friends were so into their Iphones and blackberry always talking about FACE BOOK.Right then i knew I was falling behind.So I went out and got a iphone that was 2 weeks ago and started to learn the applications . At the same time reinvented my web site.Installed a goolge transalator so clients from any country can have information on any listing . And also with so many clients looking to buy in the US. I had a US information connection put on my site . I also started my data base and haveing a market watch e-mailed to my data base every month. Also haveing www.strathmoreforclosure.info pointed to my main site www.kevinbaldwin.ca so investors can check out foreclosures with out haveing to go through the whole MLS. Just got onto ACTIVERAIN ,FACEBOOK next step is to figure out the other social networks.

Real Estate is changeing very fast just like the economy in 2010 the Real Estate in Strathmore and the rest of Calgary will be good .2009 was the year of correcting itself .Since the begining of the year, Real Estate is starting of at a good pace.Also alot of people are going straight to internet useing their BlackBerry Or IPHONE .The internet is replaceing print media .My marketing budget is going to $2500.00 a month promoting my web site www.kevinbaldwin.ca .And very little print ad just till I have my social media is up and running.

Being out of your comfort zone.

Kevin Baldwin (CIR REALTY) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:49:58 -0800

Writeing a blog for the first time is right out of my comfort zone. But then again I am so ecstatic and yet with so many question's . Almost as spending 4 minutes trying to spell the word ecstatic not knowing how to use spell check.

Deep down I can understand what must be going on in a clients mind ,who are buying their first home.So many questions to ask and so excited to get the process started and yet they don't know where to start. It's so important for me to answer all their questions through the whole process with out makeing them feel uncomfortable.

Putting their best interest first I tell them to go on my web site www.kevinbaldwin.ca let me know which properties they would like to see,Single family,condo's,1/2 duplex,mobile's.or acerage and let me know what price range. I don't waste their time on showing an acerage a couple of miles out of town when they want to live in town so their kids can walk to school.

Listening to the clients and answering all their questions if I don't know the answer ,I let them know that I don't know and I will find out .Selling Real Estate in Strathmore Being honest and helpfull has payed off with great referrals. Dealing with clients who want personaland trusted service makes the whole transaction alot easyer. The unique part of the whole process I use the same concept from 1st time buyers through to the investors .Yes and some of my first time buyer become investors.

To changethe subject .It's really cold out side with icey roads and snow, make's me want to stay home.A different comfort zone we'll talk about some other time. But another referral so i have to leave the comfort of my house and meet a new client ,so another day has just started.