It's that time of year when Canadians retreat to the great outdoors to enjoy everyday activities like cooking, eating, and entertaining. Nowadays many homeowners are demanding more comfort and convenience when connecting with nature, and that's why "outdoor rooms" are growing in popularity. An outdoor room makes use of an exterior space such as a yard, deck, patio or balcony to extend the living area outside the home. Its purpose is to mix the luxury of indoor living with the fresh air, ambiance, and natural setting of the outdoors.
Whether you're creating a new outdoor room or simply updating an existing space, you may want to try and mirror your home's interior design, extending its comfort and aesthetic appeal to the outside. Think of the project as being two sides of the same door. A consistent design theme allows for a harmonious transition between the interior and exterior of your home and can even make your living space appear bigger. Achieve this flow by using similar colour schemes, flooring types, area rugs, and mats.
Heat, cooking facilities, seating, and lighting are just some of the indoor comforts you might consider bringing to your outdoor room. Start with a hearth product such as a fireplace, firepit or chimney as your focal point, and position your seating and cooking areas accordingly. For those who love to cook there are a variety of options available ranging from all season stainless steel BBQs to complete outdoor kitchens with dual burner cook top grills, refrigerator, and expansive counter space for food preparation. Check with your local municipality to determine what products are safe and allowable for your specific set-up.
When it comes to furniture and accessories, think outside the box. Instead of the standard table, umbrella, and patio chairs, consider things like coffee tables, settees, and sofas with stylish, stain and mildew-resistant fabrics. Many manufacturers build furniture and recreational products specifically designed to be used both inside and out, such as outdoor speakers, game tables, and cocktail bars. For added privacy and sound absorption use large potted plants, such as pyramidal cedars, to act as natural walls.
At the end of the day, your outdoor room will be more than a deck or patio; it will be a cozy, comfortable place to retreat, relax, and have fun. You'll never want to go inside again!
Exceptional recreational lake view lot on the 40 mile reservoir - NOT LEASED LAND - across the lake from 40 Mile Park. One of seven properties with electrical, gas and water services to the property line. Under development is a stocked pond complete with landscaping and dock for fishing and swimming. There is foot access to the lake and a boat launch nearby. Irrigation water provided will be metered and charged per usage whereas fresh water and septic tank and field will be the owners responsibility. Other covenants in place to preserve the lake view and some maintenance cost. Some trees and bushes will be provided. DIRECTIONS: HWY3 to Foremost turnoff (HWY879). Go South 15.2km. Go East 3km on TWP90. Go South 3km on RR112. Go East 1.6km on TWP84 and turn right into park.
Located on a quiet street in Park View this spacious and comfortable home has, on the main floor, extra wide hallways, formal dining, office, living room w/gas fireplace, kitchen/dining (w/island), 3 bedrooms, laundry room and direct access to the finished double garage. Garden doors open from the kitchen to a covered deck and yard complete with UGS (front and back), solidly built play center, RV parking and storage shed. The fully finished basement has 3 more bedrooms, large storage room and huge L-shaped family room which provides ample space for a home entertainment center with plenty of seating, pool table AND other games/hobby area. The Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club and Police Point Park with it's many footpaths are within easy walking distance. Measurements to be verified by buyer.
Very sound and solid 4-plex built in 1915 totally remodelled, with permits, to today's codes including: electrical, plumbing, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, roof and stucco. Three 1 bedroom units are rented out with the owner living in the 2 bedroom suite. Rents are presently $600/month for two units and $575/month for one. As an investment property, possession could be immediate with present owners renting on a month to month basis, otherwise possession is 45 days negotiable with only the 2 bedroom unit free for occupancy. Also included are: 4 fridges, 4 stoves, 3 washers, 3 dryers, 1 built-in dishwasher, 3 window air, all window coverings, alarm system (not activated), 1 shed, 4 hot water tanks (3 newer) and 4 furnaces (2 newer). Two 1 bedroom suites have usable basements although not of conforming height.
Looking back on the month of April, Medicine Hat and area real estate sales picked up a little as agents reported 110 residential units sold. This is up 12 from March's total of 97 residential units sold and down 81 from last year's April 2008 totals.
There was also an increase of 9 in new residential listings over last month, from 287 to 296, bringing the current total number of homes for sale to 852 compared to 745 in April 2008. This caused an increase in competition for buyers, which we can see reflected in the fact that 162 listings chose to lower their price in April.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me from my website at http://www.realtysales.ca/ or call (403) 866-9000.
IDEAL LOCATION kitty corner from the hospital in a mature, well treed area of town. This comfortable family home has 3 bedrooms on the main level and a den in the basement which could be easily converted into a fourth. Attractive hardwoods in the living and dining areas with lots of natural light. Bright kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and a breakfast nook. Also in the basement a second bathroom, summer kitchen, large family room, cold storage room and work shop. Fully landscaped large corner lot with cement block patio, trees and shrubs including lilacs. Besides the parking pad in front of the garage, there are also 2 street permits. (Measurements to be verified by buyer).
If you’re planning on buying and selling in a buyers’ market, an important point to remember is this:
You will sell for less, but also buy for less, so the truly significant number is the difference between the two. Another thought to keep in mind is that it may be wise to sell first - before going house shopping. Any offer accepted on your home can be made subject to a sellers’ condition of finding a home to buy within a specified time frame. Ask me for more details at (403) 866-9000 or e-mail me at dean@realtysales.ca.
Why Buy Now?
Why is a buyers’ market good for buyers?
• Since more homes are for sale, buyers have more to choose from and more negotiating power.
• Home prices have come down significantly.
• Interest rates are low.
Prepare Now to Buy
"About two years ago, you could have had a score of about 620 or so to get a lender's best rate on something. Now, lenders are really looking at a rate of 760 at the least” said Kelli Grant with SmartMoney.com.
How can we improve our credit score?
• By eliminating bad habits like not paying bills on time and maxing out credit cards.
• By keeping in mind that closing accounts can hurt our score, especially if we cancel the oldest one on record.
• By reviewing our credit reports from Equifax Canada, NCB Inc. and TransUnion Canada to catch errors, such as accounts that aren’t ours, duplicate entry items and inaccuracies. Request forms available on my site www.realtysales.ca (bottom of News & Reports page).
SOLD - Excellent updated bi-level. NEW (since 2006 - most in 2008): Shingles, garden doors, furnace, hot water tank, lighting, floor coverings, paint and totally refurbished deck. Good sized living room, dining room and kitchen, with lots of oak cupboards and plenty of counter space, including a built in writing desk as well as garden doors opening from the dining room to the deck make everyday living or entertaining a pleasure. Attractive colours, pleasant decor and the modern light fixtures contribute to the comfort of this home. The large family room provides enough space for home entertainment and exercise or office areas. A well maintained landscape, with flower beds that have many perennials, enhance the appearance and enjoyment of this fine property. Measurements to be verified by buyer.
SOLD - Excellent value for such a comfortable home - including lot - and one of the best locations in Tower Estates! Pride of ownership is evident in the attention to detail that can be seen in the 3 season sunroom, electric awning, electric fireplace and workshop/storage shed. Mature landscaping with raised garden beds. What a great yard for entertaining with the beautiful prairie and city view (check out last summers' pictures). This spacious home boasts an open floor plan with vaulted ceiling through the dining, kitchen and living rooms. The kitchen is not only huge but has a practical lunch bar as well. Attractive modern colours throughout the large rooms with many newer features (such as light fixtures & flooring). Measurements to be verified by buyer.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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