Just added this listing: "RENOVATED CHARACTER HOME. Live in this sought-after INNER CITY location of Richmond Park near Marda Loop.Totally RENOVATED with over $175,000 of upgrades.Kitchen is a cook's DREAM with spacious QUARTZ countertops, pot lights,raised breakfast bar,STAINLESS STEEL appliances, including GAS STOVE, sweeper plates under cupboards for easier clean up and large window overlooking your SPACIOUS BACKYARD. You also have a gas line on your back deck. LARGE Dining Room open to kitc ... Full Article...

I have recently had to tell a homeowner that the renovation they put time and money into, hasn’t increased their home’s value as much as they thought. The client’s home was in a SE Calgary community and although their renovations were beautiful, the amount of money spent exceeded what homes are selling for in that area.

It’s best to give me a call before you decide on a significant renovation (even if you are not thinking of selling).

Most neighbourhoods have a maximum selling price so you don’t want to out price the area making it harder to sell one day. Expensive kitchen and bathroom renovations or over specializing a room may be great for you, but someone else may not see the value. Some renovations will add more value to your home than others. It might not be what you think....

Call me before you renovate.

Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example: Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.

• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:

• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
   
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So beextra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you're away during the day.
   
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
   
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.
   
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
   
• Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike parkednext to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
   
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so,make some changes.
   
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your door.

Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call.

Just sold this listing: "Build your DREAM HOME in the prestigeous PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY of the The SLOPES. This lot has UNOBSTRUCTED stunning panoramic VIEWS of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS. In addition to almost 1/2 ACRE in size, this lot on a CUL-DE-SAC has one of the BEST positions in the handful of undeveloped land in this PREMIER community. The Slopes is located within the boundaries of the City of Calgary. Close to Webber Academy(#1 Rank school according to Fraser Institute for Alberta for 2010- ... Full Article...

Just added this listing: "Build your DREAM HOME in the prestigeous PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY of the The SLOPES. This lot has UNOBSTRUCTED stunning panoramic VIEWS of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS. In addition to almost 1/2 ACRE in size, this lot on a CUL-DE-SAC has one of the BEST positions in the handful of undeveloped land in this PREMIER community. The Slopes is located within the boundaries of the City of Calgary. Close to Webber Academy(#1 Rank school according to Fraser Institute for Alberta for 2010 ... Full Article...