Dean's Blog

Real Estate e-newsletter

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:16:58 -0500

Stay informed - read my real estate e-newsletter!

Inside-Out: Creating a Great Outdoor Room with an Interior Sensibility

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:11:28 -0500

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!

$199,900 Recreational lakeview property for sale by Forty Mile Reservoir

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:16:06 -0500

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.

$499,500 House for sale in Parkview, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:07:41 -0500

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.

$447,900 Fourplex for sale in Medicine Hat Alberta

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:06:16 -0500

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.

Medicine Hat real estate: Month in review (April 2009)

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:36:26 -0500

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.

House for sale in Medicine Hat $229,500

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:42:11 -0500

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).

Planning to Buy This Year?

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:01:30 -0500

Buying a House This Year?

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 - Home for sale in Southridge, Medicine Hat, AB for $237,900

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:17:25 -0600

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 - Homes for sale on SW Hill in Medicine Hat, Alberta $184,900

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:02:16 -0600

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.

For more details & photos see www.realtysales.ca!

$217,900 Homes for Sale in Redcliff, Alberta

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:27:16 -0600

Excellent family home with 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Over 3,300 sq ft of developed living space provide plenty of room for dining and entertaining. The main floor and full basement were completely renovated with quality construction and finishing. Lots of natural light is evident throughout. Please note, if you suffer from allergies, this home is pet and smoke free! The spacious oak kitchen with breakfast island, dinette and formal dining has plenty of counter space and cupboards. Enjoy comfortable living with a sitting room off the kitchen/dining plus additional games and family rooms downstairs. To meet the family's needs there are 2 hot water tanks, a wraparound deck accessible from the hallway and the master bedroom plus a laundry room with attached cold storage. Measurements to be verified by buyer.

For more details & photos see www.realtysales.ca!

Hot, Not Bothered: Inexpensive Home Heating Tips

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:41:37 -0500

The dramatically rising cost of home heating is a bothersome concern for most Canadians. Heating your home efficiently this winter will be the key to keeping your energy costs under control. Here are some quick, easy, and most importantly, inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize impact to your pocketbook:

- Adjust Your Personal Thermostat: Wear a sweater and dress warmly around the house. When you're stationary - such as when watching television, using the computer or reading - you're most susceptible to a chill, so snuggle under a throw or blanket. Since hot air rises, change the direction of ceiling fans to blow warmer air back down to you. Counteract the icy influence of cooler floors with thick socks and slippers or possibly area rugs.

- Adjust Your Home Thermostat: It goes without saying that the less energy you use, the lower your heating bills will be. Set your thermostat at 21°C when you're home awake, 18°C when you're sleeping and 15°C when you're out of the house. Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 per cent.

- Let the Sun Shine In: During daylight hours, keep your curtains open and let the sun help heat your home naturally. To prevent this solar heat from escaping, insulate your windows with plastic film to reduce heat loss by 50 per cent. Also consider purchasing insulating curtains, which are curtains that have a foam thermal backing. They are more expensive, but pay for themselves within 7 years.

- Seal the Leaks: Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doorframes, baseboards, ducting and electrical outlets to save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill. Remember to close your fireplace flue when you're not enjoying a fire. Install a door sweep to resist against under-the-door drafts. Turn off the heat supply and close the door to unused rooms, such as a guest bedroom. Close interior doors leading to hallways or stairways to keep the heat where it's needed most.

$310,000, 3br, Homes for Sale in Cypress County, Alberta $310,000

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:55:55 -0500

DRASTICALLY REDUCED PRICE $310,000!

Great family home on 5 acres in a cul-de-sac within 10 minutes of town. Pleasant deck view of rolling hills to river off dining and kitchen. Good quality moved on home updated with garden doors to 2 decks, oak cupboards, pantry, extra large living room with high vaulted ceilings and full concrete basement with roughed in bathroom ready for development. Double attached garage is finished and heated. Property is fenced with corrals, pasture, newly planted trees, 3 sheds and dog run. Measurements to be verified by buyer.

For more photos & details see www.realtysales.ca!

Range Road 40 at #1 Highway E, T0J 1A0

10 Digit Phone Numbers

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:35:47 -0500

Are you ready to remember more numbers when calling within Alberta? As of September 12th, 2008, 10-digit local dialing will replace the current 7 number format. The decision was made in response to the Canadian Number Administrator’s forecast that the (403) and (780) area codes will run out of phone numbers by March 2009 and October 2009 respectively. As you’ve likely noticed, the 10-digit requirement was gradually introduced beginning June 23rd, 2008. A new area code (587) will be introduced for new phone numbers. More information on the changes is available at www.crtc.gc.ca.

Ideas for Defining Your Outdoor Space

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:22:02 -0500

Good fences make good neighbours – and the right fence can really make your yard. These ideas can help you find a style that works for your space. Choose your style:

- Private. A solid-board fence blocks an unattractive view completely, but it also cuts out light and breezes and can make you feel boxed in.

- Semi-private. This style, which can have subtle spacing, louvers or lattice to let in light, is friendly, comfortable, and makes your yard feel bigger.

- Open. Great if you want to enclose your property but don’t want to block it off visually.

Chain-link. Definitely the most cost-effective choice, but not necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing. It’s good for defining boundaries, keeping kids and pets in, and maintaining a sense of openness. If you’ve got a big yard and a small budget, this is the way to go.

Wood. Styles range from split rail and picket fences to board-on-board styles that look great on both sides and offer privacy, yet let in air and light. The downside to wood? It needs regular maintenance to look good over time.

PVC/vinyl. Vinyl fencing looks just like painted wood, but you’ll never need to paint it – all you have to do is clean it once a year.

Iron, aluminum or steel. Use it if you want an open, formal look. Aluminum, which looks like wrought iron but is less expensive, is the most budget-friendly choice. If cost isn’t an issue, custom ironwork is an excellent way to incorporate a fence or gate that’s completely unique.

Natural “fencing.” Hedges and shrubs reduce noise and dust better than a fence, are less expensive, and look lush and beautiful. You’ll just have to be patient while your “fence” grows in.

Be nice to your neighbours. Talk to them before you do anything. Choose a design that looks good from both sides, and make sure you know exactly where your property lines are.

Think outside the box. You may not need to surround your whole yard to get the privacy you want. Consider using a fence to screen in a sitting area or create an outdoor room.

A great-looking fence adds tremendous value to your home – whether it’s resale value or your own enjoyment of it. Think carefully about your needs and your personal style, then go ahead and build a fence you’ll love for years to come.

www.realtysales.ca

Outdoor Water Usage Tips

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:31:48 -0500

With spring in the air and warmer weather fast approaching, I thought it was a great time to talk about lowering our outdoor water usage. Here are some tips that will make a huge impact on both the environment and our pocketbooks!

Avoid over-watering, since this can result in shallower roots and weaker plants. Don’t follow a fixed watering schedule – water only when grass or plants show signs of needing it.
Don’t cut the grass too short. Longer grass helps shade the soil and keep its moisture.
Wood chip or bark mulches in your flower beds can help reduce evaporation as well as suppress weed growth.
Plant drought resistant varieties of trees and shrubs, especially native varieties. They will require less water and will be hardier.
Minimize or eliminate fertilizing, since fertilizers contain salts which intensify drought conditions for your plants. One good alternative would be to top dress the soil with compost, which helps to hold in the soils’ moisture.
Water in the early morning or evening to prevent water loss through evaporation.

Overview of Medicine Hat, Alberta

Dean Littlechilds (Royal LePage Community Realty) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:37:09 -0500

So you've never heard of Medicine Hat, Alberta? Let me extend a warm southern Alberta welcome to you all. As you start to discover Medicine Hat... you'll find that you want to stay!

What attracts new residents to our region? Being the sunniest city in Canada with mild winters certainly helps! (We receive an average of 2,513 hours of sunshine per year according to Environment Canada). Besides that favourite feature, it's the friendly atmosphere, beautiful outdoors and big city conveniences with small town quality of life that make "the Hat" a sought after location. Of course other reasons such as low property taxes, natural gas and electricity rates that are well below the North American average, reasonable housing costs, no provincial sales tax and the lowest income taxes in the country are attractive too!

Our little city has grown to be Alberta's fifth largest, with a population of 60,426 (2008). We are located approximately 293 km (183 miles) to the southeast of Calgary, Alberta, 60 km (36 miles) to the Saskatchewan border and 160 km (99 miles) from the United States Wildhorse border crossing.

If you love the great outdoors, then Medicine Hat is the city for you.... our community boasts more than 92 km (57 miles) of hiking and biking trails and 250 hectares of parks, not counting six first class golf courses, plus three private campgrounds and one municipally operated campground. We also have three indoor and four outdoor pools, six indoor ice arenas, indoor and outdoor waterslides, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a skateboard park – activities for every season and for every member of your family!

Medicine Hat is a manufacturer’s haven. This strong sector of our economy produces a variety of goods such as tires for cars and heavy equipment, anhydrous ammonia and granulated urea for fertilizers, clay brick and refractories, thermal carbon black, catalyst compounds for gasoline production, compressors, furniture, playground equipment, flour, cereals and feeds, business forms and commercial printing, dairy products, vertical blinds, modular housing, marble and onyx products, ceramic insulators, storage tanks, pipeline equipment, mining equipment and drills, pressure vessels, metal fabricated products, potting soil and concrete.

Another large contributor to the areas’ economy is agriculture. As you can imagine, with the most sunny days in the country we have the longest growing season too. Our region produces a variety of crops such as wheat, flax, barley and oats and specialty crops including corn, carrots, safflower, sunflowers and beans. The cattle industry and food processing are also important components of this sector.

If you head 56 km (35 miles) northwest of the Hat you can see the Canadian Forces Base Suffield. It is a military training area that is shared with BATUS, the British Army Training Unit.

Local manufacturing, agriculture and military sectors contribute about $120 million every year to our economy, thus providing many opportunities for employment as well as a great climate for new businesses to thrive.

When it comes to education, there are several options available to you here. The Medicine Hat School District #76 has thirteen elementary schools and three secondary schools to choose from. Also available from them are French Immersion, virtual learning, learning assistance and outreach programs. The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education has six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school, which offer a comprehensive religious education program. There are three private schools here: the Cornerstone Christian School, the Medicine Hat Christian School and the Montessori Elementary Institute of South-eastern Alberta. The Centre for Academic and Personal Excellence School is a chartered school and L’Ecole les Cypress rounds out the education resources for our young ones as a public francophone school.

For post secondary education, we have the Medicine Hat College that provides pre-employment trades training, apprenticeship and upgrading programs. Over 40 full-time certificate and diploma programs in business, technology, early childhood development, travel and tourism, rehabilitation services, nursing, police, security and visual communications to university transfer programs are offered.

Here concludes your short tour of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Whether you are planning a visit or relocation, I invite you to come experience the Hat – a community with so much to offer!

For a gorgeous view of Medicine Hat, check out this photo gallery from City Hall's website:

http://www.medicinehat.ca/Visitors/About%20Medicine%20Hat/Photo%20Gallery/index.asp