calgary: Should You Invest In Real Estate? - 11/01/15 01:18 AM

Before I ventured into the world of real estate by becoming a realtor, I was a real estate investor first. My first dabble in real estate began as an investor, and over the years I never lost my passion for it. Right now, quite a bit of my business is in leasing and property management for investment real estate. My experiences as a seller, buyer, agent, landlord and property owner have allowed me to cultivate the type of experience that I enjoy passing on to my clients. While working with many of my clients, one question that I always seem to … (1 comments)

calgary: 3 Tips for Leveraging Halloween for Real Estate - 10/25/15 05:21 AM

It’s the beginning of a new season and you’ve decided to put your home on the market for sale. So why not leverage the new season, especially Halloween, as a real estate marketing opportunity? The spooky holiday could potentially bring hundreds of parents with their children to your front door and you never know who is considering the purchase of a new home…everyone is a prospective buyer. That being said, here are a few recommendations you should consider when marketing your home during the autumn and Halloween seasons.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the most important aspect when readying your house to … (5 comments)

calgary: Considering Purchasing an Investment Property? - 10/04/15 05:30 AM

One of the safest investments you can make is by owning and renting a residential property. Over time, home values will rise or fall, but an investment property will give you regular, steady income that you can put towards your own debt or even retirement. Real estate investing can be done on any scale and catered to the more conservative personality or someone who doesn’t mind taking a bit of a risk.
You can start with just one property or even ten, there is no one way to invest in real estate. Your ideal investment strategy depends on how much time and … (1 comments)

calgary: Understanding the Value of a Real Estate Agent - 06/28/15 02:26 AM

 
Whether you are shopping for a home or looking to sell your current home, you will need to consider all of your options. You can work with a real estate agent, or you can attempt to navigate the process on your own. Some people believe that a real estate agent is simply an overpaid person who tours you around neighborhoods, unlocks doors, and comments on paint colours. The reality is that my job is much more extensive than that.
 
Here are just a few value-added benefits of hiring a professional REALTOR:
 
Marketing and Matchmaking
 
When you put a house on the market, you need people to see … (71 comments)

calgary: What Does Dad Really Want for Father’s Day? - 06/15/15 06:05 AM

We are halfway through June, so that can only mean one thing – it’s time to celebrate Dad! The stores are stacked with BBQ utensils and beer mugs. But what do you get the guy who already has everything? How to do you say “Thanks for being awesome!” with a gift from the store? This year, that’s just not going to cut it. There are plenty of fun ways that you can make Father’s Day extra special.
 
Get him a “new” car. Ok, you don’t have to actually get him a new car, but you could get his detailed. Borrow his ride … (0 comments)

calgary: Real Estate Relationships That Last a Lifetime - 05/31/15 01:39 AM

Hiring a real estate agent isn’t just a one-time thing. At least, it doesn’t have to be. I have had the pleasure of helping many of my clients move from one home to another several times. I thoroughly enjoy being part of these important and exciting life changes.I pride myself in being a trusted source of real estate knowledge, and I always make an effort to stay in touch with the people I have worked with in the past.
During an uncertain economic period, it’s not uncommon to have plenty of questions. Is this a good time to list your home? If … (1 comments)

calgary: Top Three Excuses That Prevent Homeowners from Downsizing - 05/03/15 06:17 AM

 
Having recently helped a handful of clients moved to smaller homes, I know how difficult it can be. Downsizing usually offers a wide range of exciting benefits, and provides significant financial and lifestyle opportunities. Although it is a popular choice later in life, not everyone looks forward to it with optimism. Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself living somewhere else.  For many, it’s the actual move that make them reluctant. Here are the top three concerns that cause homeowners to think twice:
 
“I don’t want to move because I am sentimentally attached to my home.”  Truly, home is where the … (3 comments)

calgary: Mandatory Protection for New Homes - 03/29/15 04:33 AM

 
Buying new has its advantages, particularly in Alberta. Last year, the provincial government implemented the New Home Buyer Protection Act. This act is intended to improve the standard of residential construction and offers consumers a higher level of security. Single-family homes, condos and multi-family dwellings are all covered. This program provides the most comprehensive protection plan in Canada.
 
So which components of your new home are covered under the statute? The first year offers coverage for the cosmetic finishes in the home including defects in the paint, flooring, and trim. The second year safeguards against defects caused by … (3 comments)

calgary: Preparing to Buy a Home - 03/15/15 05:40 AM

Thinking of buying a home? It is an extremely exciting and rewarding experience, but there are a lot of things to remember and many important decisions to be made. This checklist will help you organize the process and carefully consider your options as you go.  Refer to this list as a guide to keep your home search on the right track:
Choose a Realtor to help you get started. Review and sign the Buyer’s Representation Agreement. Choose a mortgage professional to help you get your financing in order. Determine a purchase price that you are comfortable with, and calculate an … (0 comments)

calgary: Four Reasons Why Women Make Exceptional Real Estate Investors - 03/04/15 03:00 AM



 
According to a recent report by the Globe and Mail, over 75% of Canada’s newly self-employed workers are women. They are more educated than ever, and are rapidly rising to the top in many of the country’s largest corporations. They are proving that anything men can do, women can do better! Real estate is no exception. More and more women are acquiring financial stability and finding opportunities to build wealth as landlords, investors, and renovators.
 
Women have top-notch intuition.
There are no guarantees in real estate. There are trends and sales histories, predictions and strong opinions, … (0 comments)

calgary: How Do You Know if it’s Time to Sell Your Home? - 02/17/15 11:00 PM

 
As a Realtor, I get asked one question all the time – “Is this a good time for me to sell my home?” There is no easy yes or no answer. However, there are a few different questions you can ask yourself to help you make the right decision.

Will the current market work in my favour?

There is no doubt that there is a lot going on right now, both in Calgary’s real estate market and in the economy as a whole. While real estate inventory is on the rise, and buyers are demonstrating a little bit of … (2 comments)

calgary: Looking Forward to 2015 - 02/11/15 11:42 PM

Last year was an exciting and record-setting time in the Calgary real estate market. Demand was high, prices increased and many sellers found themselves sorting through multiple offers on their home. Calgary’s growth was big news across the country and many outside developers staked their claim in our city’s active market. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average price for a home rose by nearly 6% last year.
If the last twelve months were any indication of the type of year we are in for, we have a lot to look forward to. Increasing prices and low interest … (0 comments)

calgary: Buying Old vs. Buying New - 02/01/15 03:29 AM

What does your perfect home look like?  Is it a brand new house with gleaming floors and flawless finishes, or a sprawling family home in an established neighbourhood waiting for some TLC and your personal touch?  Every buyer has something different in mind, and whether you choose to buy brand new or a re-sale, both have their own advantages.  It's up to you to determine where your priorities lie.
Buying a Home in an Established Neighbourhood Advantages - Older neighbourhoods offer mature streets, larger properties and more privacy.  In most cases, the yard is already landscaped, and there is plenty … (3 comments)

calgary: Selling Your Home in the Country - 12/14/14 02:19 AM
Are you thinking of listing your country home? Selling an acreage property is a little different than listing a home in the city. Generally, it’s a different type of market, and buyers may be conducting their home search with slightly different expectations. Here are five smart tips on how to sell your country home: 
Showcase the features that drew you to your home. Was it the stunning views or the classic country charm? Think about the features that you first noticed when you saw your home, and try to draw attention to them again for potential buyers. Country homes are often … (1 comments)

calgary: How Did the High River Flood Impact Sales? - 08/08/13 08:32 AM
August 8, 2013
Wondering how the flood impacteded sales in High River and Okotoks? The graph to the left compares the number of sales (single family and condo) in each of the small towns south of Calgary for the month of July. It appears that the flood didn't prevent buyers from buying homes in the small towns but  it did  change which small town buyers chose to move to. I know that at least 2 of the homes I sold in Okotoks last month were bought by High Riverites. The overall  number of sales (year over year) increased by about 15% … (0 comments)

calgary: SAM Awards- What's All the Fuss? - 04/25/13 10:58 PM
 
 

 
April 26, 2013
What a great night!! As many of you know, my husband Paul Salmon works for PHBI which is part of Alberta New Home Warranty Program . PHBI was a platinum sponsor this year at the SAMs so we were fortunate enough to be able to attend.
The SAM Awards (Sales And Marketing) recognize builders and other industry members for their achievements over the last year. As a real estate agent who often helps buyers purchase a new home, it is important to have an idea as to which builders are continually recoqnized by their peers ( you don't "win" these … (3 comments)

calgary: SOLD at 628 Seymour Ave SW Calgary - 06/21/12 02:28 AM

Bring your suitcase and leave the tool box behind- this home is in move-in condition! All the important parts of this home have been updated or replaced- furnace, shingles, windows, flooring, basement- the list goes on. The living is bright with a large south facing window and vaulted ceiling. Galley style kitchen has newer appliances including a gas stove. One of the bedrooms has been opened up to the kitchen for use as a dining room (that opens out onto the rear patio.) Main floor bathroom has been fully renovated featuring trendy tile. Basement has been nicely finished with a … (0 comments)

calgary: SOLD 155 Panora Close NW Calgary - 02/10/12 05:11 AM
Cute and Charming are two words to describe this home. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned home owner, you will fall in love with the layout, and the location of this home.  Panorama Hills is an established community with everything you would want close by, including resteraunts, shopping, a theatre, and a fantastic community center.  Not to mention how close you are to Stoney Trail!  www.155PanoraClose.com
(3 comments)

calgary: SOLD 4975-130 Ave SE in McKenzie Towne in Calgary - 02/10/12 04:05 AM

Lowest price 2 bedroom 2 bath in McKenzie Towne, you definitely want to come check it out! Walking distance to shopping centre.  It's a lovely unit, well cared for by owner.  Good size balcony that doesn't face a busy road, so you don't have lots of noise.  The bedrooms are layed out so that you have privacy, plus the master has an ensuite!  
(4 comments)