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        <title>Calgary Real Estate News Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Interested in getting the inside scoop on what's going on in Calgary and the Calgary real estate market? Come and check out Krista Kehoe's Calgary real estate blog!</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/space-maximization-tips-for-a-500-sq-ft-apartment-space.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/space-maximization-tips-for-a-500-sq-ft-apartment-space.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Space Maximization Tips for a 500 Sq. Ft. Apartment Space </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Space Maximization Tips for a 500 Sq. Ft. Apartment Space


If you're staying in the big city and you want to stay in an apartment all on your own, there's a good chance you'll end up with a 500-square foot space or something similar. This may sound daunting at first, but if you know how to maximize what little space you have, it might actually be just enough.


The key is to find the focal points in the apartment and making them your main rooms or hangout spaces.  Also take note of the permanent features and fixtures because you may need to decorate or remodel around them. You may be able to have them removed, but that's only if your lease contract allows you to. 


So, assuming that you do have that privilege, you can do the following to maximize space:




Remove any walls that run across the room. You have very little floor space as it is; don't cut it down further by installing walls. An open space will give you a continuous flow of vision and mobility, which makes the apartment to look and feel spacious.


Install sliding doors for your closet instead of swinging doors. They are more efficient, and therefore more appropriate for a very limited floor space.


If you really want to have a division between two rooms, consider using frosted glass walls with open archways instead of a solid, concrete wall with a door. You can do this to separate your sleeping area from the living and dining areas, for example.


Go for tall and wide windows, preferably reinforced glass with slim and sturdy frames if your apartment has air conditioning. If it doesn't, French windows would be great. Big windows let in natural light and also promote continuity of vision. These two are old-school tricks in making a small room look bigger inside. 








 A 500 sq. ft. room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo by Mirage floors at Flickr.com


Besides structural design, you need to get the right pieces of furniture and appliances for the apartment. 


Furnishings and accessories have the power to make spaces look either bigger or smaller regardless of the actual floor area. Your goal is to make a small room look spacious and not too crowded. Withthat in mind, here are some recommendations for furnishing a small apartment space:


 


Muted walls contrasted with green couch and accessories, low, compact furniture, glass end tables, and a wide window where natural light shines through.  Photo by urbaneapts at Flickr.com




 Avoid large, bulky pieces of furniture. They will eat up a lot of floor space and make the apartment look stuffy—and that is different from cozy. Instead, you can have low-height furniture to give the impression of a higher ceiling; a round, glass table instead of a bulky, square dining table; bar stools instead of formal dining chairs; and poufs and ottomans instead of armchairs.


Go for glass instead of thick, wooden furniture.


Use light colors on your walls, like white, mint, light yellow, and light pink. You can also go for muted wall colors like gray and black. Just don't make your walls all black because it will feel like the walls will close in on you anytime. 


Speaking of wall color, it would be best if you use just one, especially if you followed the tip above and maintained a one-room apartment. On the other hand, no one can stop you if you want to be creative with wall colors. If you want to use two or more colors, you can try these:






Paint in panels


Paint large, geometric shapes 


No fine patterns


Choose one background colorPaint different colors (that still complement each other) for each area of the apartment (etc. white in the living room, periwinkle in the dining area, and mint in the kitchen). 







You also need to match the colors of your furniture, appliances and other decorations with the color scheme of the apartment. Since you're already advised to use light hues, choose a dark color to contrast with the walls. For example, accessorize your white apartment with deep red throw pillows, lamps, and vases.  








 A stove that fits along the counter with a vent directly above; drawers, cabinets and cubbyholes; microwave sitting snugly beside the overhead cabinets; kitchen table with chairs, which can double as the dining area.  Photo by jimmyharris at Flickr.com




You can put a counter between your kitchen and living room if there's no room for a dining table. The counter can double as your eating area.


It would be great if you have pull-out kitchen appliances that are built-in to the cabinets and counter (ex: an electric stove with a cover that's flush with the surface of the counter, a vent that rolls out from the overhead cabinet above the stove).


The biggest bed size you can go is a double. Save the king-sized bed for your future, bigger house.


Build floor-to-ceiling shelves with sliding doors instead of buying dressers and wardrobes.




All these tips will give your apartment a more spacious feel. 


 


 


TinaMadsen is a design enthusiast who brings her passion for modern décor and writing to her role as the NowModern.comblogger. She also specializes in turning small living areas into spacious social hubs with bar stools and counter stools.



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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 18:22:19 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/calgary-comic-entertainment-expo.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/calgary-comic-entertainment-expo.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Calgary Comic &amp; Entertainment Expo</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Slap on a pair of Vulcan ears and head on down to the Calgary Comic &amp; Entertainment Expo, happening April 26th, 27th and 28th, 2013 at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. This annual exhibition has been celebrating all things pop culture since 2006. Get your sci-fi, fantasy and horror fix while visiting over 600 exhibitors and guests from film, TV, comic books, gaming and animation. They’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet with your favourite stars, along with other industry leaders including movie studios, writers, make-up artists, cosplay specialists and magazine and comic publishers. 


Guests and exhibitors from a variety of different industries will be at the expo, from classic favourites such as Richard Dean Anderson, also known as MacGyver, and Carrie Fisher, Star War’s Princess Leia. Ian McDiarmid, also from the Star Wars franchise, will make a rare appearance, while Star Trek’s Walter Koenig and John Rhys-Davis, who played Gimli in The Lord of the Rings will also be present. Anime fans will be thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Veronica Taylor, the voice of Pokemon’s Ash Ketchum, while Tom Felton, who plays Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy, will also visit Calgary for this world-class festival. 


This expo features plenty of fantastic special events. Be part of history in the making when you sign up to participate in the Pow! Parade of Wonders! This year will be the first ever Calgary Expo parade and it’s taking place at Olympic Plaza. Make sure you pre-register so you can show off your costume to the entire city!


Do you like to get “weird”? If the answer is yes, then you’ll definitely want to pick up tickets for the Weird Al concert. The concert takes place on Friday night and is guaranteed to be a good time. If you’re more of a Game of Thrones fan, then perhaps you’d prefer to spend your Friday evening schmoozing with Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey, at the Fairmont Palliser hotel. Don’t miss out on your chance to chat with these stars and snap a few pictures; this engagement is limited to only 200 guests.


This event has an expected attendance of over 60,000 fans over the weekend, so make sure you get your tickets early! This is sure to be a memorable experience for pop culture fans young and old, and a great way to spend the weekend, whether you go with friends or family.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:18:13 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/real-estate-in-high-demand-in-calgarys-inner-city.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/real-estate-in-high-demand-in-calgarys-inner-city.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Real Estate in High Demand in Calgary's Inner City</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
“A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.” –Gustavo Petro, Mayor of Bogota


A recent study by Real Estate Investment Network found that one of the key factors when determining the value of residential property is the proximity and ease of access to amenities. Homebuyers are placing more and more value on a community’s “walkability”, opting for a lifestyle that is not car dependent. 


With potential homebuyers being more attracted to a car-light lifestyle, the price of homes has grown tremendously in the city’s core neighbourhoods, such as Victoria Park and Connaught, in Calgary’s Beltline region. Home values in these inner-city communities increased anywhere from 205% to 265%, the most of any area in the city. In addition to being very pedestrian friendly and having access to downtown and the network of public transit, many of these areas have been undergoing aggressive revitalization. Several new businesses and residential properties, particularly condos, are being developed and older buildings are being completely refurbished. 


So just how well does Calgary rank for walkability? According to the American company Walk Score, Calgary ranks last out of the top 10 biggest cities in Canada. However, we may not have to wait long to see this standing improve; city council has recently approved new programs, RouteAhead and Next City - two urban design strategies with the goal of making residents of Calgary less dependent on their cars. RouteAhead will see the city developing more high-density residences as well as retail and office space at existing LRT stations. Meanwhile, Next City plans for a complete shift in the city’s neighbourhood planning process, opting for new layouts for new communities and upgrades for existing ones, straying away from the typical large cul-de-sac communities that were once favoured in the suburbs. 


It’s not just inner-city neighbourhoods that are striving for a walkable community; one SE neighbourhood that’s being praised for its walkability is Cranston. Shane Byciuk, President of the Cranston Community Association, says that many residents choose this neighbourhood because it is easy to get around without having to use a car. Cranston was thoughtfully designed with a network of pathways connecting neighbourhoods to one another, and amenities located conveniently in the middle of the subdivision. 


Now, at the forefront of every new development and revitalization project in Calgary, from the suburbs to the downtown core, an increased emphasis will be placed on accessibility to shops, services, restaurants, parks and transit stations. You can bank on the fact that homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for houses and condos in walkable neighbourhoods, which now represent one of the city’s greatest real estate investments. 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:29:05 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/at-last-poppy-plaza-scheduled-to-open-this-spring.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/at-last-poppy-plaza-scheduled-to-open-this-spring.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>At Last! Poppy Plaza Scheduled to Open this Spring</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
What seemed to be a never ending “work-in-progress” is finally nearing completion: Calgary’s Poppy Plaza is scheduled to open within a month. The park, originally budgeted to cost $11 million, is currently undergoing the finishing touches before opening. Poppy Plaza is part of the larger Landscape of Memory project, and is found at 10th St and Memorial Drive, along the Bow River. 


A plethora of delays including weather and labour issues and even a contract dispute that is now being settled in court kept pushing the project back from its original completion date of 2011. 


But now, despite the delays, everyone is looking forward to next month’s grand opening of Poppy Plaza, created to honour Canada’s veterans and remind the citizens of one of Canada’s most affluent cities of the sacrifices made by our heroes, who play a large role in the life that we are privileged to lead today. 


A Park to Be Proud Of


Poppy Park features 86,000 square feet of dynamic public space, and includes a wooden deck built surrounding a magnificent heritage tree. The centrepiece in the park’s design is a weathering steel wall that doesn’t need to be treated, but rather naturally tarnishes to become dark brown in colour. What are perhaps the most moving elements to this plaza are the narratives on the wall, backlit, playing on the nearby water’s reflections. Those close to the project insist that this park is something to be experienced and enjoyed year-round. 


Poppy Plaza is yet another example of the revitalization that the city is committed to along Memorial Drive and other inner-city neighbourhoods. Once complete, the park will certainly provide a tranquil environment to reflect, and be a great family destination to celebrate our Canadian veterans and military members. 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:57:29 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/hot-cold-and-neutral-the-three-temperatures-of-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/hot-cold-and-neutral-the-three-temperatures-of-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Hot, Cold, and Neutral: The Three Temperatures of Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you're buying, selling, or otherwise generally interested in Calgary real estate, you've no doubt heard that Calgary's market is "hot, hot, hot". But what does that really mean? Let us help you walk through these terms, so you're not thinking of Goldilocks' porridge every time you hear them!


You can also describe a hot market as a seller's market. Lots of buyers are out looking for a home, but there are not very many on the market. This allows sellers to drive up prices, and forces buyers to spend more than they bargain for. This is the prime climate for bidding wars, which often happen when more than one buyer is seriously interested in a property. This drives the final purchase price above the listed price and can also give a seller particularly favourable closing terms.


A "cold" market is one in which the market is flooded with inventory. Another way to look at it is that there are too few buyers for the number of listings on the market. It could be argued that this is a hot market for buyers, given the great deals they can find. The scarcity of willing buyers means that many sellers are willing to provide cash move-in incentives, severely lowered prices, interior design/landscaping packages, and many other concessions to close a sale.


So, hot and cold markets are easy to identify, but what about a relatively equal market? Signs of a neutral market include: relatively similar numbers of sellers to buyers, sale prices that are close to closing prices, and listings are on the market for about a month-a month and a half. In a neutral market, there are also about three to six months of inventory available.


What does that mean, exactly? Well, you can calculate how many months of inventory are on the market by doing some simple math. This will also help to determine whether you're in a buyer/seller's market. Find the total number of sold/closed listings in the last month and the total number of active listings over the last month. Divide total listings by total sales and you'll find the number of remaining months of inventory. For example, if there were 25 sold/closed listings in the last month and 100 active listings, that means there are four months of inventory on the market.


To recap, knowing the difference between a hot/cold/neutral market will help you decide what move you should think about making next with your real estate investments. You'll also impress your REALTOR®. Plus, you'll be a hit at any cocktail party you go to if you can whip out the formula for calculating how many months of inventory are currently on the market at a moment's notice. Ok, maybe not, but it's still good to know!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:51:55 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/get-ready-for-spring-showers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/get-ready-for-spring-showers.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Get Ready for Spring Showers!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ever heard of rainwater harvesting? A well-known practice in coastal areas known for abundant rain, rainwater harvesting is also becoming popular amongst Calgary homeowners. Saving rain and snow run off can save you money, because you'll have stored up water for our dry and sunny summer weather. Rainwater collection is a great idea for those with large lawns or gardens, even in Calgary. Some people even manage to collect enough rainwater that they can divert it for household use, although this usage isn't currently approved in Alberta. Another benefit of this is that, theoretically, the more people collect rainwater for their own use, the lower the cost will be when they do use city water.


Environmentally, collecting rainwater is a great idea, especially in our flood-prone province. Collecting snow melt from your roof and rainwater helps to slow the accumulation of moisture on the ground, which is mostly paved nowadays. The impermeable nature of our streets and sidewalks means that water pools faster than it should. Collecting rainwater for gradual redistribution during dry periods helps to slow down this process. It also means that there is less water to pick up and distribute contaminants to bodies of water like the Bow and Elbow Rivers.


What are the rules and regulations? Residents in the province of Alberta are entitled to use rainwater for flushing toilets and irrigation. If your neighbourhood has bylaws for aesthetics and/or curb-appeal, there may be restrictions on where you place your rain barrels, so check with your HOA.


So, how does one get and install a rainwater collection barrel in Calgary? A quick Google search will turn up many different tutorials for tackling the project yourself. There are also plenty of places to buy tanks with spigots pre-installed, and they are available in multiple styles and sizes. One great place to buy a rain barrel is local non-profit Green Calgary. They hold a fundraiser every year at various locations around the city, selling rainwater barrels and composters at a reasonable price. Check them out to find out when and where they'll be plying their wares!
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            <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:42:18 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/treat-yourself-for-a-great-cause.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/treat-yourself-for-a-great-cause.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Treat Yourself for a Great Cause</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the mood for a little something to help you warm up on a chilly February day in Calgary? You're in luck! The second annual Calgary's Best Hot Chocolate competition is still going strong. With tons of competitors vying for the honour of winning, you're sure to find a fantastic cup of hot chocolate near you. 


A portion of the proceeds generated by the purchase of hot chocolates created by Calgary's best chefs, baristas, and chocolatiers go to support Calgary Meals on Wheels. Talk about a sweet treat. To seek out a vendor near you, check out YYCHotChocolate.com and let the sugar rush begin, but hurry, the competition is over at the end of February!
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            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:52:48 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/residents-rage-regarding-wrongly-released-rabbits-running-rampant.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/residents-rage-regarding-wrongly-released-rabbits-running-rampant.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Residents Rage Regarding Wrongly Released Rabbits Running Rampant</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Easter's coming in a month or so; is your rabbit laying eggs? That might make the overpopulation problems in Calgary and surrounding areas easier to control! Unfortunately, many Calgarians are having to contend with cute bunnies destroying their gardens, landscaping, and in some extreme cases, even the foundations of their homes! Rabbit problems in residential areas are common across Canada and they're usually caused by irresponsible pet owners releasing their un-spayed/un-neutred domesticated bunnies into the wild when they no longer want to take care of them.


Given how quickly bunnies multiply, it doesn't look like it will be very easy to bring down the rabbit population. So, in the meantime, how do those of us who enjoy gardening (and want to preserve our home's curb appeal) deal with these pesky things pulling up our prized petunias? There are ways, and the bonus is that these tactics also help safeguard your landscaping against other pests, too.


The first method of defense is to create a physical barrier against bunnies. Because these rodents are known for their digging and jumping skills, it's important to remember several key points:





A rabbit's greatest skill is chewing, so you can bet that it will chew through just any material other than metal. Chicken wire is a popular choice for rabbit barriers.


Fences and barriers need to be of a small enough gauge that rabbits can't squeeze through. Choose a grid that is no larger than 1.5" x 1.5".


Digging is a time-honoured tradition for bunnies. Bury your fence to a depth of 6" and forming an L shape so that there are 8" of fencing laying horizontally on the ground, away from the gardening.


The most effective barriers use a back-up method to keep rabbits out, usually an off-putting scent.




Of course, erecting a fence or barrier to keep bunnies out is sometimes not an option. They can be visually off-putting, expensive, and/or take a lot of time to build. If that's the case for you, here are eight perennial plants that are attractive and naturally rabbit-resistant, as well as some information about growing them:





Veronica (AKA Speedwell): Grows to 25cm and produces very attractive purple/blue flowers in the summer.


Echinacea: This plant, with its daisy-like flower comes in purple and yellow hues and can grow up to 1.5 metres.


Bee Balm (AKA Bergamot): The flowers of this plant can be quite showy (often a beautiful deep crimson), and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Size ranges from 70-150cm in height and diameter.


Salvia: With various scents (pinapple being the most exotic), this plant also has a wide range of flower colours. It can be found in many different sizes.


Daylily: Beautiful daylilies are easy to care for and can grow into large mounds. They make great cut flowers


Siberian Iris: Can grow up to 120cm tall and has a wide variety of colours and shapes of flower. Generally flowers from late spring to early summer.


Anise Hyssop: This plant is a member of the mint family and can grow quite large. Pretty purple flowers attract insects and birds, while leaves produce a light anise scent.


Allium: The allium grows from a bulb with a distinct onion flavour that is thoroughly unappealing to rabbits. This plant produces very unique-looking globes made of tiny (usually) purple flowers.




Calgary hasn't experienced an all-out plague of rabbits, yet, although the residents of areas including Erlton and Bridgeland might argue otherwise. Keep these pests out of your garden and keep your home looking its best by using the techniques we've outlined above. Domesticated rabbits belong with a family to take care of them. Besides, it's a well-known fact that the Easter Bunny despises having competition!
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            <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:34:59 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/sick-buildings-how-to-avoid-them.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/sick-buildings-how-to-avoid-them.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Sick Buildings &amp; How To Avoid Them</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The CBC recently reported on the increase in demand for Calgary cleaning companies in offices and other public places. Yes, it's flu season again in our city and everyone seems to be affected somehow, whether or not they've caught the bug. But do you really have the flu, and what does this have to do with a real estate blog? More than you might think, actually.


Sometimes it's hard to tell if you have the flu, or if your symptoms are being triggered by issues in the building(s) you spend a lot of time in, especially since issues arising from air quality at home or at work can be very seasonal. Sick building syndrome (or SBS) is a range of disorders triggered by various elements in one's work or home environment. Symptoms stem from environmental hazards and can include chronic headaches, respiratory ailments, sensitivity of the throat, eyes, and nose, and/or a generally weakened immune system.


There are many variables that can have an effect on the air quality at your home or work. One such variable is the level of VOCs in the space. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals released from many paints, plastics, bonding agents, and even new furnishings and decor. They can be off-gas when a building is painted (no surprise there), when new flooring is laid down, especially carpet, when ceiling tiles and plastics are installed (for example, plastic/vinyl baseboards), and in many other situations.


The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the building is another element that should be taken under consideration to ensure air quality and avoid SBS. Systems should be regularly maintained, with an emphasis on the purification system. The ventilation system needs to be designed so that there are around 8.4 exchanges of air over any 24 hour period. If you're thinking about purchasing and one of your priorities is excellent health for the occupants, the air quality of a home or office should be one of your primary concerns.


Here are some tips to avoid sick building syndrome, from a real estate perspective, if you're in the market for a commercial or residential space:




Pay attention to the air quality when you do a walk-through. Does it smell musty or like chemicals?


Ask about the HVAC system. How recently was it serviced? What issues have they experienced?


What kind of purifier does the HVAC system have, if any? UV-C is a commonly used and reliable method for de-contaminating the air.


How recently was the interior updated, including flooring, paint, etc.? The answer to this question will give you an idea about potential off-gassing issues.


Look for signs of water damage include stained ceiling tiles. Moisture often leads to mold growth, which causes and exacerbates respiratory problems.




Your REALTOR® will be able to refer you to an excellent home inspector so that you can get an expert opinion about the potential health hazards a listing presents. Qualified and experienced inspectors can go over your concerns with you before they tour the home or commercial space, keeping an eye out for any issues you'd like to focus on. Of course, your residence or office might not put you at risk for SBS at all. Most new homes and commercial buildings, constructed with these concerns in mind and upheld to rigorous health and safety inspections by the City of Calgary, should be safe. You might really just have the flu, and if you do, our condolences. Get better soon!
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            <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:36:44 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-3-basic-steps.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.calgaryrealestatealliance.com/blog/buying-a-new-home-3-basic-steps.html</link>
            <author>kristakehoe@shaw.ca (Krista Kehoe)</author>
            <title>Buying a New Home: 3 Basic Steps</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 




With the economy picking up in so many areas of the country  currently, more and more people are looking into buying their first home. It’s  understandable that this is a great exciting endeavor, but it’s a good idea to  not get so overwhelmed by the idea of home buying that you jump into the  experience without planning ahead. 


There are some pretty basic steps to home buying that’ll let  you maintain some great excitement while hopefully helping you to avoid making  some pretty disappointing mistakes. 


First, before you  do anything else, talk to a mortgage expert. Whether you choose to go through  your bank or decide to use a mortgage broker instead, you will need to know  exactly what you can afford to buy before you go looking at homes.  Also, don’t be misguided into thinking that a  pre-qualification for a loan is enough; you will want to be pre-approved for a  mortgage before you start looking. 


Secondly, you  should go about hiring a buyer’s agent in a logical way. Don’t just use an  agent because they happen to be the listing agent for a home; hire someone who  is going to look out for YOUR best interests. Get referrals from friends and  family and then talk to the agents that you think would be best for you. Make  sure before you hire a REALTOR® to represent you that they suit your needs; if  you’re looking at buying a particular type of specialty property, they should  have a specialty or experience in that.


Next, sit down  and plan out what your needs are. Would your needs be best met by a condo in  the city, a single family home in the suburbs, or acreage in a rural area? Make  a list of “must have” elements that you require in a home as well as a list of  optional things that you’d like to have. Make sure that you take into account  any likely life changes that you’ll have in the next few years that might affect  what you’ll need in a home. For example, if there’s a good chance that in the  next few years you’ll be getting married, have a child, or invite an elderly  relative to live with you, then your housing needs might be quite different  than they are now. Go over this list with the buyer’s agent that you’ve hired  so that they’re aware of what you need. 


Once you’ve gone through these steps, you’re ready to look  at homes. Being knowledgeable about what you can afford and what you need will  make the searching process much easier and can help you feel happier about your  real estate purchase when you do buy. Breaking the process up into small,  logical steps will reduce the stress out of home buying for you and help ensure  that the endeavor goes smoothly.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:14:05 -0600</pubDate>
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