Amongst all this angst, there were some positive developments though. A move to remote work has been widely seen as welcome by employers and employees alike and has resulted in a decrease in pollution. Extra time at home spent with loved ones has strengthened familial bonds. A rather glaring spotlight has been shone on the issues with long-term care facilities for seniors, and this has resulted in an increase in Canadians opting to age in place. Pet adoptions are up. Given all of this, it’s not surprising that the Canadian real estate market has benefitted greatly from this heightened focus on time spent at home, as these charts courtesy of the Canadian Real Estate Association demonstrate.

So, as the world begins a slow return to a pre-COVID normal, what are the experts predicting as far as impacts to the Canadian real estate market? Here we review some of the highlights from the RE/MAX 2022 Canadian Housing Market Outlook Report.

Real Estate is Expected to be one of the Strongest Investment Options for 2022
Good news for anyone who is planning to sell their home in the coming year – 95% of Canadian housing markets are expected to be seller’s markets. 49% of Canadians view real estate as one of the best investment options in the coming year. With an ever-increasing remote workforce, home office space and a larger housing footprint are highly desirable with buyers.

Atlantic Canada is Expected to Experience Significant Increases in Property Values
Atlantic Canada has experienced a spike in housing demand due to an influx of out-of-province buyers, meaning that all of their housing markets are seller’s markets. It is forecasted that the average sale price will increase by as much as 20% in 2022. Of the increase in out-of-province sales, many are coming from Ontario to take advantage of the greater affordability.

Atlantic Canada 2020 – 2021 residential sales numbers, as well as 2022 projections, are outlined in the chart below.

Rising house prices don’t seem to be scaring buyers off, however; 72% of survey respondents said increasing home prices did not impact their 2021 residential real estate purchasing decisions.

What About Mortgage Rates?

RE/MAX reports that 26% of Canadians have a desire to purchase a home while mortgage rates remain low. As of December 8, 2021, the Bank of Canada interest rate is 0.25% and they have indicated that it is likely to remain at this level until at least the second quarter of 2022. The rate has been set at this level since March 2020, giving Canadians access to some of the lowest mortgage rates in history.

For a better understanding of the history of Canadian interest rates and how interest rates impact home buyers, check out our blog Mortgage Rates: Yesterday and Today.

How is the Calgary Market Expected to Fare?
Specific to Calgary, RE/MAX reports the following projections:

• The average sale price in 2021 was $494,327, and the 2022 average sale price is expected to increase to $506,685;
• Calgary is expected to remain in a seller’s market situation in 2022;
• Interprovincial migration increased in 2021 and is expected to continue in 2022 (with strong migration numbers coming from BC and Ontario); and
• Sales are expected to increase by 4%.

Additional Interesting Insights:
Reviewlution shares several additional insights on the state of the Canadian real estate market:

• The average home price in 2021 was $678,091, up from $568,758 in 2020
• Two-thirds of Canadians are homeowners
• Saskatchewan experienced a 23.5% increase in home sales in 2020
• British Columbia homeowners put down the largest down payments (22.45%)

Canadian Real Estate By the Numbers
This chart shows key statistics on major Canadian residential markets.

Rosebud Theatre’s A Christmas Carol
Dates: November 12 – 14, November 17 – 21, November 24 – 28, December 1 – 5, December 8 – 12, December 15 – 19, December 22 & 23
Located in Rosebud, Alberta (approximately one hour and fifteen minutes from Calgary), Rosebud Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is a story about new beginnings, a fitting way to welcome their audiences back to the theatre

The Calgary Zoo’s Zoolights
Dates: November 19 – 27, November 29, December 1 & 2, December 4 – 24, December 26 – January 2
That Calgary Christmas staple, Zoolights, is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. Special features this year include a 25th-anniversary memory lane, the Nutcracker in the ENMAX Conservatory, the ‘Tunnel of Light’ tribute to Canada’s wetlands, a Christmas zoo market, skating rink, firepits, and axe throwing.

The East Village Hygge Hut
Dates: November 19 – 21, November 26 – 28, December 3 – 5, December 10 – 12, December 17 – 19,
The East Village is bringing cozy back with a Hygge Hun in C-Square at 4^th Street SE and 7^th Avenue SE. Inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge (which translates to a special kind of cozy well-being), this firepit is a gathering place to enjoy a warm drink and take in some of the festivities, including ice carving demonstrations, fireside storytime, wreath making, live musical performances, and more.

Mountaintop Christmas in Banff
Dates: November 20 & 21, November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, December 11 & 12, December 18 – 30
The Banff Gondola is transformed into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas season, complete with all sorts of delights including Santa’s workshop, ice sculptures, carolers, cookie decorating, sugar shack maple toffee, pictures with Santa, and more.

Jubilations Junior Dinner Theatre Production of Beauty and the Grinch
Dates: November 20, November 27, December 4, December 11, December 18, December 23, December 30, January 8
Live theatre in a kid-friendly environment. This production of Beauty and the Grinch combines Beauty and the Beast with The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Along with a three-course lunch and interactive character servers.

Sparkle, Sparkle at Telus Spark Science Centre
Dates: November 25 – 28, December 1 – 5, December 8 – 12, December 15 – 23, December 26 – 30, January 1 & 2. Brand new this year is Telus Spark’s Sparkle Sparkle event. The first floor of the Telus Spark Science Centre has been transformed into a magical celebration of lights in the evenings. Santa in his robot workshop, a giant LED fire, sweet treats, and glowing drinks are just some of the fun things in store.

Aspen Crossing’s Polar Express Train Ride
Dates: November 26 – 28, December 3 – 5, December 10 – 12, December 17 – 24
Recapture the magic of the classic Polar Express children’s tale at Mossleigh’s Aspen Crossing train ride. Dressed in their comfiest pajamas, families have been taking part in this annual train ride for years. The train ride is one hour long and includes cookies, hot chocolate, a ceramic collector’s mug, and a silver bell for those who believe (just like the movie).

Santa’s Holiday Homestead at the Calgary Farmer’s Market
Dates: November 26 – 28 and December 3 – 5
Held at the Calgary Farmers Market (near Blackfoot Trail and Heritage Drive), for two weekends visitors can get photos with Santa and also give his reindeer a pet before doing some holiday shopping at the market.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Dates: November 26 – 28 and December 3 – 5
This curated market of Christmas shopping delight is hosting over 200 businesses and artisans. The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market prides itself on a unique shopping experience in a winter wonderland guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

A Christmas to Remember at Granary Road
Dates: November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, December 11 & 12, December 18 & 19
Granary Road’s celebration of the season includes a Christmas market, Christmas music and lights, breakfast with Santa, a Jingle all the Way wagon ride, smore-making, and photos with alpacas.

Christmas in Kensington
Dates: November 27, December 4, December 11, December 18
The community of Kensington has it going on this Christmas season with their Christmas in Kensington, taking place every Saturday from now until just before Christmas. Live music, free hot chocolate, a wandering Santa Claus, sleigh rides, and Christmas shopping are just some of the things in store. And don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Calgary Veterans Food Bank.

Stage West for Kids Presents The 12 Days of Christmas
Dates: November 27, December 4, December 6, December 11, December 18, December 20, December 23 & 24
This is the junior version of Stage West, featuring kid-friendly buffet food (with kid favourites like pizza and ice cream) followed by a live child-oriented performance about siblings who are attempting to ‘out-gift’ each other. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner performances are available.

Camp Cadicasu Christmas
Date: November 28
Overnight Kananaskis Camp Cadicasu is getting into the spirit of Christmas this year with an all-day Christmas-in-the-mountains experience. The day includes lunch, snacks, hot beverages, ornament decorating, gingerbread house-making, and photos with Santa.

Holiday Wreath Workshop
Date: November 30
Lina’s Italian Market (in Brittania) is hosting a wreath-building workshop to get you ready for the Christmas season. Registration fees include pizza, wine, dessert, and a wreath-making lesson in which attendees will leave with a 16” gold hoop greens.

Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol
Dates: November 30 – December 5, December 8 – 12, December 14 – 19, December 21 – 24
Theatre Calgary presents Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, this year as a three-person cast production taking audiences through the inspiring journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Spirit of Christmas Past, the Spirit of Christmas Present, and the Spirit of Christmas Future.

Airdrie Festival of Lights
Dates: December 1 – 31
For the past 25 years, Airdrie’s Nose Creek Park has become home to thousands of Christmas lights every December. The Airdrie Festival of Lights holds the distinction of being Western Canada’s largest, free, outdoor walk-through Christmas light display. Miniature train rides, open bonfires, a kids-only shopping experience, and hot chocolate round out the experience.

Skate the Boulevard at Deerfoot City
Dates: December 1 – 31
Free outdoor skating along the Boulevard is just one of the many Christmas activities that Deerfoot City has in store this holiday season. Pre-registration is required for the 30 minute skating time slots, and skaters must bring their own skates and protective equipment as rentals will not be available.

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park
Dates: December 4 & 5, December 11 & 12, December 18 – 23
This holiday tradition is back! While the wagon rides are on hold this year, there is no shortage of things to see and do including take-home crafts, caroling, holiday performances, crackling fires, hot chocolate, and a kids’ only store. Buy or renew your annual membership prior to December 24^th, and receive a free express guest membership.

Northwestival 2021
Date: December 5
The University District is holding its fourth annual Northwestival, an outdoor festival full of roaming performers, kangaroo cuddles, maple taffy making, a frosty memories photo booth, a hot drink, and toppings station, winter workshops, live music, and more.

Christmas in Alberta Fundraiser
Date: December 6
This fundraiser, held in support of Heritage Park and the Rosebud Theatre, is taking place on Monday, December 6 at Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley Museum starting at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $195 per person or $1,560 for a table of eight. Festivities for this semi-formal event include a four-course dinner, entertainment by Rosebud Theatre, Christmas carolers, photos with Santa Claus, live auction, online auction, and a take-home gift.

Market Collective Holiday Markets
Dates: December 10 – 12, December 17 – 19
Market Collective Holidays Markets is back at the BMO Centre this year with live music, interactive workshops, snacks, beverages, and galleries. Support local this Christmas season with access to over 150 local vendors at the event.

Enjoy the holiday season, be safe and mindful, and all the best for a wonderful and prosperous 2022.

• Canadian home prices have jumped 21.4 percent since last year, survey finds
• Climate risk scores could reshape Canadian real estate markets, some experts say
• Cheap money, shortages, investors and crime: The making of Canada’s housing crisis

Here in Calgary, we have been fairly insulated from the double-digit home price increases that many other major Canadian cities have experienced. And while there are several factors attributing to this price jump (including supply and demand issues and foreign investment), interest rates hold a prominent place on this list.

A Historical Look at Canadian Interest Rates

It all starts with the Bank of Canada, a crown corporation and Canada’s central bank. Wowa gives this historical overview on the Bank of Canada:

It was chartered in 1934 under the Bank of Canada act and is responsible for formulating Canada’s monetary policy and regulating Canada’s financial systems. Its principal role is “to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada”. Led by a governing council, its main tool for conducting monetary policy is the target for the overnight rate, or the key policy rate. By changing this rate, it can influence the supply of money circulating within Canada’s economy. It is also solely responsible for the issuance and distribution of Canadian currency and regulation of foreign currency reserves.

Originally created in response to the Great Depression, the Bank of Canada’s rate was 2.5% in 1935. In 1994, Bank of Canada began reporting on their overnight rate as its key monetary policy instrument. The overnight rate is important as it influences the rates (including mortgage rates) that banks establish for lending purposes.

Here is the Coles notes version of how the Bank of Canada rate has fluctuated since 1935:

• As Canada emerged from the Great Depression and the economy strengthened as we headed into World War II, the rate hit 1.5% in 1945 which led to a surge in business investment in manufacturing and consumer investment in housing
• In 1955, the rate rose to 2.0%, which was the start of a slow rate rise through the 1960s and early 1970s
• The rate hit double-digits at 10.25% for the first time in 1978 – the global oil crisis and resulting recession was a factor in this increase
• The record high rate of 20.03% was reached in August 1981, in tandem with record high oil prices, and stayed high throughout the 1980s
• The post-recession 1990s saw the rate slowly begin to drop
• In 2009, the rate dropped below 1% for the first time ever (at 0.5%)

The Current State of Interest Rates in Canada

At the time of writing, the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate is 0.25% (as announced on September 8, 2021). Their rationale for maintaining the overnight rate at 0.25% is that despite the global economic recovery activity underway, there have been significant supply chain disruptions that continue to stymie progress in certain sectors and also due to rising COVID cases in many regions. Current Bank of Canada projections anticipates this rate staying low until at least Q2 2022.

What This Means for Today’s Home Buyer

For many Calgarians, their home is one of their primary assets and a major component of their retirement portfolio. It can also be a source of equity against which one can use their home as collateral to secure funding for alternate uses (this is typically done through a Home Equity Line of Credit).

In a low interest environment, like we are currently experiencing, mortgage payments are significantly more affordable than during periods of high interest rates.

Simply put: it’s a fantastic time to buy.

Mortgage rates at a few major lending institutions are currently as follows:

Let’s take a bit of a stroll down memory lane and see what Calgary housing prices and mortgage rates have looked like over the past twenty years (assuming a 25 year amortization):

Source: https://www.ratehub.ca/5-year-fixed-mortgage-rate-history
Source: https://creastats.crea.ca/mls/calg-median-price

And here is a chart depicting how today’s average 5-year rate of 2.79% translates to home purchases at a variety of price points. Note, these examples assume a 25-year amortization.

This current featured listing in the amazing community of Mahogany comes with lake access and is in close proximity to green spaces, pathways, transit, and shopping.

This home features top of the line stainless steel appliances, built-in lockers, air conditioning, 9’ ceilings on the main floor and much more.

The open and bright main floor features a great room, a two piece bathroom, a dining area, a kitchen that offers an island and access to the deck and backyard. Learn more about this listing.

Located on a large pie lot with a west facing backyard and access to green space, this current featured listing offers numerous upgrades and features which include: air conditioning, shingles done in 2020, upper bedrooms with ceiling fans, hot water on demand, a new kitchen in 2017, gas fireplace, a large two tier deck with gas line and gas firepit, top two floors painted 2020 except the bedrooms, new rear fence two years ago, deck and front porch stained two years ago, jetted tub, hardwood floors, large front drive way room for four cars and so much more.

The main floor features a two-piece bath, laundry, living room, dining room, and a great room with a gas fireplace. The kitchen offers a pantry, island, and nook that has access to the west facing two tier deck and large pie lot. The upper floor features a four-piece bathroom and three good size bedrooms. The primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet and full ensuite with jetted tub, The lower level features a three-piece bathroom, bedroom, family room, great room and storage/utility room. Close to green spaces, schools, shopping, bus, and easy access to Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail. Learn more about this listing.

This current featured listing is a brand new three bedroom infill in North Glenmore Park, and is loaded with upgraded features. These features include: 9’ceilings on all three levels, 2.5 bathrooms. electric fireplace, top of the line stainless steel appliances, upscale finishing throughout, modern galley style kitchen, quartz counters throughout, LVP, tile and carpet flooring, white flat slab cabinetry, luxury five-piece ensuite bathroom, 22 X 20 detached garage, 17’6″ X 10′ deck, gas line to deck and so much more.

The bright open main floor features a great room with electric fireplace, a two-piece bathroom, a galley kitchen with plenty of counter space, island with eating bar and a dining area that has access to the deck and yard.

The upper floor features a four-piece bathroom, laundry and three spacious bedrooms, The master bedroom features a walk in closet and full ensuite with soaker tub & separate shower.

Located across the street from green space with a playground, this home is close to schools, bus, shopping, and all other amenities. Learn more about this listing.

This six-month-old, original owner stunning home, a current featured listing, has over 3700 square feet of developed living space, including seven bedrooms and five full bathrooms.

Backing on to a pond in the community of Carrington, additional features include:

9’ ceilings, top of the line stainless steel appliances which includes two gas stoves, quartz counters, cabinets by Kingswood cabinets, custom window coverings, upgraded lighting throughout, wet bar, laundry on upper and lower floor, air conditioning, separate entrance on side to access lower level, over sized lot, upgraded front door, oversized double attached garage, over sized windows in basement, garburator rough-in, energy efficient air conditioning with two separate controls, and a vaulted bonus room. Learn more about this listing.

If you’d like to discuss any of the featured listing here, or see what else we have available in your price point, please reach out.

The best way to stay on top of things during these busy times is to plan ahead and be prepared. And so, we’re pleased to provide you with the ultimate fall planning guide for busy Calgarians.

Thanksgiving Planning Done Right

Canadian Thanksgiving is a relatively young holiday, having only been declared a national holiday in 1957. This year it falls on October 11, 2021.

Canadian Thanksgiving is definitely a more scaled down version than that of our neighbours to the south, what with their parades, football games, four-day weekend, and of course, Black Friday (more on that later). In addition to taking the time to express gratitude for all that one has (especially important during these trying times when so many have suffered), Canadian Thanksgiving is pretty much all about the food. So, let’s explore some options for getting that turkey (or tofurky) in your belly.

Cooking from scratch

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year? And doing the cooking yourself? Expect to spend hours in the kitchen from start to finish. The staples of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner include:

• Roast turkey
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Mashed potatoes
• Buns and butter
• Cranberry sauce
• Creamed corn
• Carrots
• Green bean casserole
• Pumpkin pie
• Pecan pie

Looking to deviate a bit from the standard Thanksgiving fare? Here Global Calgary reporters share some of their favourite Thanksgiving recipes, including slow cooker mushrooms, cheesy scalloped potatoes, tomato aspic, stovetop chocolate cake, and peanut butter and banana pancakes.

Ordering in

Even if you are the host with the most or the hostest with the mostest this year, it doesn’t mean you are necessarily relegated to kitchen duty. Ordering in for Thanksgiving dinner is a perfectly acceptable (and delicious) option, and several Calgary restaurants are on deck to help you out.

• Hawthorn Dining Room (at the Palliser Hotel) has two turkey-to-go options available (one that serves eight and one that serves fifteen), with the option to add on a bottle of Chandon Brut Classic (yes please!)
• Sunterra Market has you covered with a variety of Thanksgiving meal kits (including some alternatives to the standard turkey options like turducken, porchetta, and stuffed pork loin)
• The Westin’s Reserve a Bird menu includes a 15 lb turkey (intended to feed 10 to 12 people) and a 22 lb bird (for 20 – 22 people) along with some mighty tasty sounding sides
• Order a pick-up dinner from One18 Empire for you and your crew, which includes a delightful sounding sticky toffee pudding for dessert

Eating out

Or, you could simply bypass the hosting altogether, and simply grab your Thanksgiving dinner a la carte.

• THE Restaurant, at the Carriage House, has four seating times available on Sunday as well as Monday. Meal includes a kids’ option for the ‘little turkeys’
• Heritage Park can always be counted on for a lovely Thanksgiving meal, which typically marks the end of their standard season
• The Calgary Zoo has their fall harvest dinner running again this year, in support of wildlife conservation initiatives

Making it a Halloween to Remember

Halloween this year falls on a Sunday. You know what that means, don’t you? A whole weekend during which you can be dressing up and partaking in Halloween activities! Here are a few ways to get out and celebrate Halloween 2021 in Calgary:

• Screamfest – kicking off on October 8^th and running every weekend through to Halloween weekend, Screamfest is a scary mish mash of all those things that go bump in the night. Calgary’s largest Halloween event, this year’s activities include a Clown Town haunted house (shudder), a coffin ride, axe throwing, and carnival games
• Pumpkins After Dark – taking place at Canada Olympic Park, Pumpkins After Dark is coming to Calgary for the first time this year, and features over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and displays, guaranteed to deliver jack o’ lantern carving inspiration
• Harvest Pumpkin Fest – orange gourds with a side of barnyard animals! Butterfield Acres’ Harvest Pumpkin Fest kicks off on October 2^nd, and promises to be a family-friendly, costume-wearing, pumpkin-picking great time!

Take Time to Remember on November 11^th

Over 2,300,000 Canadians have served to protect Canada during times of war and conflict. And over 118,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. On November 11^th its important to take the time to remember and honour these sacrifices. Here are a few ways to do so.

Field of Crosses

The Field of Crosses is made up of over 3,500 white crosses that are erected along Memorial Drive in tribute to every soldier from Southern Alberta who has died during active duty serving our country. From November 1 to November 10^th every year, sunrise and sunset ceremonies are held every day, followed by a Remembrance Day ceremony on the 11^th.

The Military Museums

Calgary’s Military Museum is the second largest Military Museum in the country. The Military Museum is dedicated to preserving the memories and traditions of the countless Canadians who proudly served their country through numerous wars and conflicts by their selfless dedication, commitment, and courage. Every year a Remembrance Day ceremony is held on November 11^th.

CP Rail Remembrance Day

In 2019, CP Rail unveiled five specially painted locomotives in tribute to Remembrance Day and Veterans Day in the United States. As a leading employer of veterans, they now hold a Remembrance Day service every year.

Taking the Stress Out of Christmas

Many families spent Christmas 2020 apart due to COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions, so it could be easy to go overboard in the planning this year. But a harried and stress-filled Christmas isn’t a fun one. For anyone. Here is how to stress less and enjoy more this holiday season.

Make time to help others

Unfortunately, the Christmas season isn’t magical for everyone. Consider ways that you can help spread the joy to the less fortunate this season. There is no shortage of ways to give back, and carving out time to do some volunteering is a great family activity and a way to be reminded of your blessings. The Magic of Christmas, Calgary Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, Operation Christmas Child, and the Calgary Drop-in Centre are just a handful of the organizations who would be grateful for your support this holiday season.

Support local this Black Friday

The economic impacts from COVID-19 have been widely felt in Calgary, as we have witnessed stores and restaurants across the city shut their doors for good. For those businesses who have persevered, a robust Christmas season could be the difference between staying open and contributing to our greater economy, or joining the ranks of those companies who have shut down permanently. Plan to support local as much as possible this holiday season. Look for the sign above to identify locally owned businesses, or check out this list of 350 local organizations.

Get active, winter-style

One of the best ways to combat stress? Breaking a sweat. Fortunately, there are a ton of ways to do just that this season:

• Skiing or snowboarding – hit up Winsport, or for something more challenging, Nakiska, Norquay, Sunshine, and Lake Louise are all within a couple of hours of driving distance
• Ice skating – the stuff of Christmas movies! Bowness Park Lagoon, Olympic Plaza, the University of Calgary Olympic Oval, and The Pond in Canmore are all great places to lace up and go
• Tobogganing – grab your sled, throw on a helmet, and hit up one of Calgary’s 22 sanctioned tobogganing hills
• Snowshoeing – snowshoeing can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. Wow! Plus it’s fun, to boot (er, shoe?) Explore Magazine shares 10 great local trails

Schedule in time for fun

There is so much to see and do in Calgary during the Christmas season. Don’t try to see and do it all, that will just add to your stress-load. But definitely carve out time for a couple of experiences that will enhance the season. Here are some tried-and-true to consider:

• The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market – running this year November 26-28 and December 3-5
• A Christmas Carol – this year’s version, courtesy of Theatre Calgary, will feature a three-person cast production
• All I Want for Christmas – Lunchbox Theatre returns to live productions this December with this comedy full of slapstick humour and heart
• Build the ultimate gingerbread house – at Cakeify Studio, learn from their team of baked goods decorating experts and skip the clean-up

And one final tip: simply embrace the season. Cleaning and organizing your home is the perfect way to start the season on the right foot. Autumn decorations – including leaves, fall-themed wreaths, and pumpkins – provide a cozy atmosphere in the house. Break out the blankets, warm sweaters, and scarves, and revel in the coziness.

Best wishes for a wonderful, and stress-free, fall. If a move or home sale is in the cards for you this fall, reach out and discover how real estate agent Richard Fleming can make it as seamless, and lucrative, as possible.

Do Follow Trends

You don’t have to do extensive research on real estate photography to identify trends. We recommend that you search for “Homes for sale in Calgary” and look at the photos. Go through listings on your own and save any that appeal to you. Don’t worry about budget or anything here, you’re just looking at the photos to get an idea of what you’d like your listing to look like. Once you’ve done that, you can sit down with your realtor to figure out what you need to do to achieve the look. Hiring a professional home stager or an interior designer can also help with this step, especially if you don’t know how to stage a home. They’ll already have an idea of what the market looks like, so you won’t have to worry about what will and won’t work for your home.

Don’t Rely on Yourself for Photos 

If this is your first time selling a house, taking the cheapest route might sound like a good idea at the time, but it can cause a lot of headaches down the road — especially if you’ve never done it. This especially goes for taking your own photos. Hiring a professional is going to save you time, and possibly money, from the beginning. You’ll have good quality photos the first time around, and you’ll know you can trust the person taking them instead of figuring things out as you go on your own. More than 90% of home buyers search for homes online, and 85% of buyers say it’s the photos that are the most important factor in deciding which homes to view, according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s important to take your listing photos seriously.

Do Emphasize Natural Lighting

If you go with a professional, they’re likely to give you lighting tips before the time comes to take photos of your home. However, you should know the advantages of natural lighting beforehand, and you should understand the overall effect it can have on your home listing. You should also know which direction your house faces before any photos are taken so you can schedule a good time to have the photos taken. If parts of your home have harsh lighting during certain times of the day, it’s best to avoid photographing at those times so the pictures come out nicely. However, if you have natural lighting, do everything in your power to play it up. Leave curtains open if you can. Let all the light flood in whenever these photos are being taken so the buyer knows how bright your home is at any given moment.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

Don’t forget to put down the toilet seat before your photos are taken. Make sure any extra mail is picked up and the cat is out of the way. Get your pets out of the house completely if you can, and definitely get rid of clutter before the time arrives to have the photos taken. You might think it’s cute and quirky to have these things in your photos but having everything as clean and put together as possible is really the best way to go about doing things. 

Do Depersonalize

This does hand in hand with decluttering. Make sure any personal touches, like family photos or particularly personal art pieces, are out of your home listing photos. Again, you might like these things, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is going to. It’s best to leave yourself out of the home listing altogether. This makes it easier for people to imagine themselves in the space rather than feeling like they’re walking into someone else’s home. This is important. You want potential homebuyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home. Not only is this going to make it easier to sell your home, but it’s also going to allow them a more personal experience whenever they’re viewing. Think about it. When you’re looking for a new space, do you want to be able to see everything the homeowner had before you? Or do you want to be able to stake your own claim on the space and make it yours?

Don’t Get Artistic

Taking home listing photos should be straightforward and the process for obtaining perfect real estate pictures does not have to be a drawn-out one. Usually, keeping things simple is a safe bet.  Fill up the room enough during the staging process to make the space look lived in, but don’t feel the need to have everything look fancy and filled up. Often, doing this can feel like too much in the photos and your listing might turn out looking messy. Keep things simple and neutral enough to appease any homebuyer viewing your listing.

Ready to Be the Best Among Staged Homes?

Following these tips is guaranteed to help your listing become the best. Like we’ve already covered, you don’t have to be a professional to have a good listing, but it helps to have someone on your side. If you’re not confident with yourself through any part of the process, it can help to just drop everything and hire a professional you trust — especially if you’re a first-time buyer curious about the importance of staged homes.

Starting with a good realtor can make all the difference. Check out our pre-listing guide today, and contact us to get started.

Are you interested in fun things to do in Calgary that are off the beaten track? Whether you are a local Calgarian, or you are planning to visit, we’ve compiled a guide for new and exciting things to do in Calgary!

1. Telus Spark Science Centre

Embark on an intergalactic journey through space at Spark Science Centre. Did you know, one day on Venus lasts longer than an entire year? With interactive environments and installations, this extraterrestrial tour is must-see in Calgary.

Be sure to double-check your camera battery so you can capture the fascinating elements of this walk-through experience. Guests can walk through 6 different habitats that recreate what life would be like on Venus. From living pods to sleeping quarters, don’t miss out on this Instagram-worthy excursion.

While you are visiting the science centre, you can also catch a glimpse of Calgary’s new Digital Immersive Experience. The 6,000 square-foot gallery takes viewers on an immersive digital projection experience. The current exhibit is called ‘Every Second,’ narrated by Isabella Rossellini, takes the viewer on a journey of moments through life.

You’ll be telling friends and family about your visit for years to come. Both, the ‘One Day on Venus’ exhibition and the ‘digital immersive gallery’ are included with admission.

2. Kayak or Raft Along Calgary’s Skyline

Calgary is home to plenty of green space, natural parks, and river valley pathways all within an admirable skyscraper backdrop.

What better way to see the beautiful city skyline than floating down the Bow River? With options to kayak or raft, a friendly local expert can take you on a guided adventure. They will accompany you through the heart of downtown Calgary while you enjoy the view.

The experience begins at 11 am where you’ll meet at Calgary Zoo. You can catch the train to the pickup location which is a 9-minute walk from the train station. You’ll go to the starting point and receive your kayak and a safety briefing from your tour guide.

The kayaks are safe and easy to paddle, all you need to bring is a water bottle and some sunscreen! The kayak experience is for participants aged 16 and over and booking is available throughout August.

If you would like a little more flexibility, then perhaps you might want to try The Lazy Day Experience. Glide through Calgary at your own pace and take a full day to float down the river. You can take a picnic, go for a swim, or stop at some of your favourite spots along the way. Rentals include full use of safety equipment, rafts, and life jackets.

3. Segway Adventures via River Valley Adventure Co.

If kayaking or rafting isn’t your thing, why not try a Segway adventure? Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the river valley like never before! The certified Segway trainers will teach you everything you need to know before you begin your adventure.

Each adventure lasts 60 minutes, but if you are having fun you can upgrade to a 90-minute ride! Just let your instructor know you’d like to upgrade during the adventure.

Once you have completed your adventure, you’ll be presented with a Segway Operator’s License which will allow you to skip the training session on future adventures. Most of the adventures are available for ages 14+, however, you can book a specific kids adventure for the younger ones. All participating children must be over 60lbs and have a parent or guardian sign a waiver.

Advanced riders can also book an early morning or sunset adventure once they have passed the training stage.

4. Downhill Karting at Winsport Canada Olympic Park

Step into the driving seat and wind your way down 1.8km of downhill track at Calgary’s number one outdoor attraction! Skyline’s Downhill Karting adventure is a unique gravity fuelled ride. It provides guests with control over their descent on a purpose-built track. The speed is completely down to you! You control the steering and braking system. Climb aboard your luge cart for over 50 twists and turns. When you’ve tried it once you’ll realize why once is never enough!

This exciting adventure is fun for all the family. Children can ride in the luge with an adult, or children over the age of 6 can ride by themselves. You can even save money by purchasing a family pass for your group.

Downhill Karting is open 7 days a week from 10 am until 7 pm.

5. Market Nights at Heritage Park

Enjoy an evening under the stars sampling delicious local produce at Heritage Park’s Market Nights this August and September. Take a walk through the wide selection of artisan booths and plaza shops for a delightful evening shopping experience. Choose tasty treats from the special Market Night’s menu at Harvey’s Confectionary, the Railway Cafe or Selkirk Patio.

You can also enter Heritage Park’s expansive antique car museum – Gasoline Alley – to enhance your evening even further at a special rate of only $10 per person.

6. Jubilations Dinner Theatre

Do you enjoy dinner and a show? Why not combine the two with Jubilations Dinner Theatre! Enjoy the best of pop culture and musical theatre whilst you tuck into a three-course meal. Immerse yourself in a unique experience that will create long-lasting memories. Sit back as the cast serve your meal before performing hilarious parodies of your favourite movies, TV and music.

Described by visitors as a “fun and lively experience”, Jubilations Dinner Theatre combines traditional Canadian culinary favourites with the best that showbusiness has to offer. Be sure to have your camera ready as the cast might even invite you up on stage!

The dinner is always a set three-course meal consisting of a set soup and salad, a choice of 3 dinner entrees and 2 desserts options. You can even upgrade your meal to include prime rib when booking your tickets!

Their current show for August is ‘Rockin’ The Jukebox’ which is about a bunch of teenagers who find a jukebox in an old boarded-up diner. Once they plug it in the show begins!

You can book tickets for their upcoming show ‘Rockin’ The Jukebox’. The show is running all through July and up until August 14th 2021.

7. Global Fest International Firework Festival

Coming to Elliston Park this August is the sensational International Firework Festival hosted by not-for-profit organization ‘Globalfest’. Showcasing some of Calgary’s cultural heritage, fashion and food, the One World Festival and International Firework Festival are Alberta’s most explosive festivals to attend this August!

Featuring four different stages with performances from around the world and a multitude of food booths, the International Firework Festival is bound to bring out your festival spirit! This year’s theme is ‘Pearls of the Orient’ which will be showcased on all five nights of the performances. To allow for social distancing measures, a new area will be opened up for spectators on the South side of the hill.

The International Firework Festival takes place from August 19th to August 28th. The festival performances will illuminate the sky with pyro-musical performances from China, the Philippines, India and Japan. Tickets are available to purchase throughout July for this sensational community experience.

8. Indigenous-Led Hike Through the Mountains

If you love the great outdoors, then this is one for you. Specializing in “Indigescapes”, Buffalo Stone Woman is a new guided tour company offering adventurous, indigenous-led hikes through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The mountains are home to many indigenous people. Explore their unique culture while enjoying the crystal-clear lakes and towering peaks of the mountains.

Natural-born adventurist, Heather Black, leads the tours. Heather enjoys sharing the beauty of the mountains and connecting to the land and animals. What makes each hike so special is being able to share her indigenous culture and stories of resilience.

Buffalo Stone Woman Indigescapes are the perfect way to get active outdoors. Their tours are suitable for any skill level and are level 1 and level 2 terrain. A typical hike will begin in the morning around 10 am and finish in the afternoon between 3 pm and 4 pm. A safety briefing is at the beginning of each hike.

9. Sushi House Restaurant in Banff Village

Japanese barbeque and sushi – what more could you ask for from a restaurant? Sip on a bubble tea whilst you watch the Japanese chefs prepare your delicious meal!

Sushi House Banff is in the majestic, snow-capped surroundings of Banff village. Banff boasts extended daylight hours, warm summer days and cool evenings. In the summer, Banff is perfect for every outdoor activity imaginable! You could spend the day working up an appetite by rock climbing, river rafting or wildlife watching. Later, retire for the evening at the sensational sushi restaurant – Sushi House Banff.

There is an offering for everyone from traditional sushi to delicious rice bowls plus an exceptional drinks menu. The restaurant is a “Kaiten” style sushi bar using a model Canadian Pacific train you can select dishes from as it circles the room. Sushi House is the only conveyor-style sushi restaurant in the Rocky Mountains!

With a wide range of activities available day and night, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can even catch a round of golf before your meal at The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course.

Create Exciting New Memories

There are so many unique and memorable experiences to choose from in and around Calgary this August. Whether you choose from fine dining experiences or thrill-seeking adventures, there is plenty to add to your itinerary! Be sure to check back often as we continue to watch for Polar Bears coming to the Calgary Zoo!

Did you find this article helpful? Calgary has plenty of amazing experiences to offer in the winter season too! For more tips and ideas for things to do in our great city, read more of our blog!

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Richard is a born-and-raised Albertan, who has over 30 years of experience in the real estate market. If you have questions about buying or selling your Calgary home, get in touch by calling (403) 651-4400.

Why Start Saving Now?
It’s never too early to start saving for a deposit. The more available cash you have to spend on your property, the easier it becomes to end up with the home you want.

As well as saving for a deposit, it is also important to keep your level of debt to a minimum. Servicing debt uses up income that could otherwise service a mortgage. In general, a mortgage should take up no more than 32% of your income.

Remember that you will also need to set some savings aside, in case of unexpected events that may require emergency funding.

Why Look at Different Financial Products?
Mortgages (also known as home loans), are available in a wide range of formats. Products available include:

• • Traditional mortgages
  • Variable-rate mortgages
  • Closed mortgages
  • Capped rate mortgages
  • Convertible mortgages
  • Open mortgages

There are also opportunities to take on customized mortgages that are geared to your individual circumstances.

In the first instance, use an online mortgage calculator such as this one to work out how much you can afford to borrow.

Why Check for Other Sources of Funding?
Depending on your individual circumstances, you could be eligible for FREE money to put towards your first home!

Being a first-time buyer puts you in an enviable position when it comes to obtaining additional sources of money to put towards your new home.  The government’s first-home buyer incentive scheme, for example. Provided you meet the necessary criteria, this can be a good way to obtain additional funding that can enhance your purchasing power.

In addition, if you can access the incentive scheme, it can potentially widen the choice of properties available to you.

There are also a number of helpful online resources that offer impartial advice on how best to finance your new home.

Other options to consider include borrowing from family members or buying a property with friends. Opting for a co-ownership arrangement could increase your purchasing power. It may also reduce the amount of capital you’ll need to save before you can consider a property purchase.

Although any type of co-ownership requires careful consideration as well as a suitable type of legal document in place to formalize the arrangement, for many first-time buyers it’s an excellent solution.

Why Finalize Your Budget?
Once you are clear on what money is going to be available for your first home purchase, it’s time to finalize the budget. Remember that it’s not just the initial purchase price of the property to consider, there are also a number of other costs that need to be factored into your final budget figure. These include:

• • The costs of purchase, including legal support, surveys, escrow services and removal costs.
  • Monthly mortgage repayments.
  • On-going service charges related to the property.
  • Money to pay for the upkeep of your property.
  • Money for long-term improvements and larger maintenance projects.

How much can you afford? It can be discouraging to find that your salary won’t stretch as far as the home you want to own. However, sacrificing a huge part of your income just to pay the mortgage can very quickly make homeownership a burden rather than a point of pride.

It’s better to buy a modest home now and look at purchasing your “dream home” in a few years.

Use our mortgage calculator to work out how much borrowing you can afford.

When you have decided on your budget, stick with it! Particularly when you start viewing properties, it’s all too easy to let emotion get in the way of common sense. A good start is to tell your real estate agent your budget and let them recommend the properties that offer the best value for your resources.

Why use a Good Estate Agent?
The right estate agent is one who is always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure you end up with the property that’s right for you.

As Richard Fleming says, “I’ll be happy to prepare the paperwork and go through it with you before submitting it. Remember, the seller may reject or counter your offer, so even at this late date, avoid setting your heart on the home you hope to own. You’ll probably have to write a deposit check to the seller’s broker that proves the seriousness of your offer.”

Why Get all Necessary Surveys Completed?
We recommend that you get all the necessary inspections done. A home inspector will check for signs of harmful materials like asbestos, lead paint, and mold. They will also check for evidence of pests, faulty wiring, and leaks. This is a crucial part of the home purchase.

Not getting an inspection done means that you could be stuck in a home with a bad case of black mold and no recourse other than to pay for its removal. Inspections will cost a few hundred dollars, but again, this is more than worth it in the end.

For older properties, you may wish to consider specialist surveys, such as an asbestos survey, an electrical survey and/or a drain inspection. If the results of the surveys show that something is amiss, the information can be used to assist in potentially negotiating for a reduced purchase price.

Remember that once you’ve purchased the property, you’ll inherit any problems and defects that go with it. For this reason, it’s important to find out as much as you can about the condition of the house before you go ahead with buying it.

Even before you engage a professional to complete a home inspection, there are a number of checks you can complete yourself when you take a tour through the property. Some of these include:

Interior

• Check the kitchen and bathroom for signs of water leaks (discolouration or warping, for example).
• In the kitchen, check that the extractor fan works correctly.
• Check kitchen surfaces, cupboards and drawers for cracks, chips, difficulty in opening or any other faults.
• Check walls for cracks, unevenness, mold, and signs of damp.
• Check floors for unevenness and “give”, which could be a sign of instability.
• Check for the smell of damp, particularly in the basement.
• Do the doors and windows open and shut easily? Stiff doors may be a sign that the property has subsided over the years.
• Check that the sinks, baths, showers, and toilets have a good flow of water and drain away swiftly.
• Check the attic for signs of damp and/or structural damage.
• Ceilings – look for flaking plaster and/or discoloration.

Exterior

• Is the roof-line straight?
• Are there any mossy areas on the roof (which may be indicative of damp).
• What sort of condition is the brickwork in?
• Are there any tiles missing on the roof?
• What sort of condition is the guttering in?

If you spot anything amiss during your visit to the property, make a note of it so that the professional home inspector can take a closer look as part of their inspection.

Why Accept Home-buying Takes Time?
Frustrating though it may be at times, the reality is that home-buying can take many months to complete. Given the importance of the purchase, it is essential to ensure each part of the process is completed correctly and thoroughly. Cutting corners can leave you out-of-pocket, or with a home that is not suitable for your requirements.

Taking the time to choose your new home wisely and having the patience to deal with the inevitable delays and issues that the purchasing process will entail, ultimately results in a better long-term outcome.

Richard Fleming is skilled at solving many of the problems that would-be purchasers experience. This means the purchasing process proceeds smoothly and as quickly as possible.

Why Use Your First Home Buyer Advantage?
Being a first home buyer puts you in a strong market position, which you can capitalize on. Unlike current homeowners, you won’t have a property to sell, meaning the sale can be completed rapidly.

It also means that you know how much money you have got available from the outset. In contrast, existing homeowners will not know how much they have available to buy a fresh property until their existing one has been sold.

These advantages make first-time buyers an attractive proposition to sellers. By capitalizing on this advantage, it is often possible to get a property for less than you might think, simply because the sellers want to sell quickly.

Richard Fleming provides a seasoned, professional, and friendly estate agent service that is ideal for first-time buyers. He has a strategic alliance within his team that offers legal services, mortgage services, home inspection, property appraisal, and real property reports.

Get in touch with Richard to find out more, and to search for homes in the area.

Calgary Zoo

If your dad is also a grandpa, consider organizing a family trip to the Calgary Zoo. A zoo trip is a great way for your family to spend time together outdoors. The zoo exhibits attract people of all ages. Your father and kids can spend time with the apes, big cats, and an amazing new “Bugtopia” exhibit that’s filled with all manner of crawly things. The zoo features on-site dining venues but there are many restaurants near the zoo for you to check out for lunch or dinner, including Rouge, Inglewood Drive-In, and Gorilla Whale.

Bike Riding at Prince’s Island Park

Beautiful Prince’s Island Park may be one of Calgary’s most popular tourist attractions, but it’s certainly loved by residents too. Visitors to the park enjoy bike riding, which features special bike paths that offer views of the Bow River. During the warm season, the park hosts concerts and special events like Shakespeare in the Park and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Procure some tickets for an extra special gift for your dad. Treat Dad to lunch at the celebrated River Cafe after your bike ride.

Rent A Harley Davidson

If Dad prefers a motorized ride as opposed to pedaling, consider signing up for Harley Davidson Rentals for the weekend or even the week if you and your dad can spare the time to go riding. Calgary Harley Davidson features authorized rentals. You can even prepay for food and choose your model. Rent Dad an Ultra Limited or Street Glide Special. Cycling around the outskirts of Calgary is a great way to enjoy spending quality time with your father. Harley Davidson rentals are available from one day to seven with options for longer term rentals.

Kayak the Bow River

Enjoy spending time with your dad out on the water with a kayak rental. Paddle Station features rentals of kayaks and rafts. Paddle Station features everything you need in terms of equipment and life vests. Simply make your reservations and show up. It’s that easy to book a fun afternoon for you, your dad, and anyone else in the family who’d like to come along.

Military Museums

The second-largest military museum in Canada, the Calgary Military Museums celebrates the country’s armed forces. It brings together three separate military museums under one installation. If your father is a veteran or has an interest in Canada’s military, a visit here is sure to be an exciting one. The venue hosts a wide range of special events and exhibits related to Canada’s service men and women and history. Check out the museum’s calendar of events and reserve spots for you and your dad to attend a lecture. Educational programs are also available.

Fishing Adventure

There are plenty of places for great fishing in and near Calgary. If your dad prefers trophy trout, plan for a morning on the Bow River. You’ll need a permit, but you can drop your lines in the river within the city limits or head further afield to get away from it all. If you prefer angling, consider driving about an hour and a half out of town to the walleye and pike-filled Pine Coulee Reservoir. Don’t panic if you don’t have all the necessary gear for a fun fishing experience. Various organizations like Foot & Chain Fly Fishing Exchange host fishing excursions and provide guests with everything they need for a day of fishing.

Canada Olympic Park

The Canada Olympic Park is open year round. During the summer, there are lots of activities for families to enjoy. If your dad isn’t up for zip-lining through the park, he might prefer the summer bhttps://www.winsport.ca/obsleigh rides or mountain biking. Mini golf is popular at the park during summer as well. For active dads, this park offers a diverse range of fun activities. Remind Dad to set some time for visiting the park with you in winter too. Popular winter activities at the Canada Olympic Park include skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Father’s Day Run and Walk

Whether your dad is an avid runner or enjoys a brisk walk, the Father’s Day Run and Walk is a great way to get outdoors with other families who are also celebrating Father’s Day too. The event begins at 7 AM and ends by 11 AM and takes place at Heritage Park. Free parking is available at the Upper Parking Lot of the park. After the run, enjoy lunch on a nearby restaurant patio with your family.

Golf

Calgary boasts many fine golf courses and clubs where you can spend time on the green with your dad. The Links of GlenEagles is an attractive course that’s just outside of Calgary and is revered for its dazzling mountain scenery. Why not plan a weekend golf getaway, however, and head an hour out of town for a stay at the Coyote Creek Golf and RV Resort. Enjoy a day of golf and an evening around the campfire. Be sure to book soon to procure a spot. Lots of dads enjoy visiting Coyote Creek at this time of year.

Spruce Meadows

If your dad is a horse lover, head to Spruce Meadows. Open year-round, this internationally renowned equestrian center features popular stable tours as well as exciting dressage tournaments. Watch champions in training and check out the show jumping. The grounds are beautiful and there are also accommodations and restaurants nearby. Because of COVID, you’ll want to check out the current safety measures as it gets closer to your visit. Spending time in small groups outdoors is part of the Phase II plan.

Bridgeland Distillery

Treat your dad to a visit to Bridgeland Distillery to taste its traditional spirits such as brandy and whiskey. The distillery features a wide selection of spirits to sample in its tasting room. You can even pick your dad up a bottle of whichever spirit he prefers best. The staff is friendly and the spirits routinely garner excellent reviews. You can take Dad out to dinner nearby as an added treat.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center

If your father is a wildlife enthusiast, he may enjoy spending time together with his kids or grandkids at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Center. If you’re still concerned about COVID, as so many people are, visiting an outdoor destination may be the ideal way to celebrate Father’s Day this year. More than 270 species of birds visit the sanctuary’s beautiful grounds, but other wildlife may be viewed there too. Stroll the grounds to enjoy the scenery and top your visit offer with a special brunch or lunch.

Shop for Vinyl

Is Dad a music lover? Treat him to lunch and hit Hot Wax Records. Founded in 1978, this famed music store has something for everyone. Locally run, the store proudly buys and sells vinyl, many rarities, along with cassettes and CDs. If your dad can’t find what he’s looking for, the store’s staff will make it a quest to procure it for him. After shopping for records, enjoy a meal at Indie Counterculture, Bodega, or the Street Eatery. There are many places in the area that offer comfortable outdoor dining.

Backyard BBQ and Games

Sometimes, Dad’s favorite place to be is right at home. Consider bringing the festivities to him or invite him to your home for a backyard barbecue and bean bag tournament. When you host a small gathering at home, you can prepare Dad’s favorite lunch or dinner on the grill. A relaxing day in the yard allows everybody to kick back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. June is the ideal time of year to host a backyard gathering. If Dad isn’t into bean bags, consider having a serious card game or outdoor movies.

Choose from this diverse listing of experiential Father’s Day activities to celebrate what your dad means to you. You can still give dad a tie or a new drill, but spending time together is sure to make this day even more special. Be sure to keep COVID reopening Phase II regulations in mind as you make your Father’s Day plans.

Lina’s Italian Market Mother’s Day Specials
Lina’s Italian Market has a few special Mother’s Day packages available to order for a mother or grandmother that can be delivered straight to your home or another as a special surprise. The packages can be pre-ordered now from the website, and include options like a Tea for Two kit complete with tea, pastries, croissants, and other treats, as well as Mamma’s Charcuterie, which comes with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, spreads and more. They also have a special Nonna’s Basket for grandmothers, as well as a Breakfast in Bed kit, Mamma’s Basket (with a variety of chocolates and beauty products) and the option to order a flower arrangement or bouquet.

Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk & Ride
Get outside and get active with mom! Sport Check’s annual Mother’s Day Run, Walk and Ride is virtual this year and open to everyone to participate from their own home. Participants will get to choose where and how far they run, walk, or ride and complete the event at their own pace. The event will take place over the Mother’s Day weekend from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9, giving everyone three days to complete the race. In support of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and Calgary Health Foundation – Foothills NICU, participants will also receive swag bags, prizes, and other “surprises” throughout the event period. Registration for the event is still open online for people to reserve their spot before the race weekend begins.

Heritage Park Mother’s Day Meal Kits (Curbside)
Heritage Park’s Selkirk restaurant is offering a special curbside Mother’s Day menu available for people to pick-up on Saturday, May 8 from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. This way, you’ll have everything you’ll need to treat mom to one of their special offers – a Mother’s Day Tea Kit or Mother’s Day Brunch. The Tea Kit, available for $52, is enough to serve two people and includes everything you need for an afternoon tea like mini sandwiches, scones, danishes, macarons, and of course, tea. Brunch can be purchased for two people at $55 or four people at $105 and is made to be easily re-heated at home on Sunday or whenever you are celebrating. The Brunch kit includes a variety of dishes with the Selkirk’s unique touches, like the sauteed kale, leek and forest mushroom quiche with gruyere cheese and the sugar waffles with fruit compote – plus many more! Both kits are available to pre-order online for pick-up.

Aspen Crossing Mother’s Day Hanging Basket Sale
While Aspen Crossing may be better known for its railway adventures, this Mother’s Day it is hosting a 2 for 1 Hanging Basket Sale on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9. Visitors can stop by the garden centre from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with mom to pick out the perfect gift to adorn the yard or patio for summer. A wide selection of baskets and flowers will be available, but there is a maximum of six hanging baskets per customer. In addition to the hanging baskets, the garden centre also has a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and other gardening supplies.

Calgary Opera Mother’s Day Brunch and Concert
If you’re looking for a little something extra to do over a Mother’s Day Brunch, the Calgary Opera is streaming a special performance hosted by Mark Morash with special guests Neil Craighead and Aviva Fortunata on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9. The concert is pre-recorded and will be available to watch on demand on the day, so people will need to ensure they have access to high-speed internet and a device to watch. Brunch will be delivered to your home or the specified address between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on the Sunday and are created to be easily re-heated in an oven or microwave whenever you’re ready to start the show. The Brunch box is available for $59 and includes two different options of dishes (as well as some vegan and gluten free options) and can be pre-ordered online here.

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Did you know that Richard Fleming has over 30 years of experience and he is one of Calgary’s Top Realtors? Ask about his Guaranteed Sale Program or call for your Complimentary Market Evaluation today at 403-651-4400.

With the assistance of a real estate professional, you can successfully market and sell your home and move onto your new dream home. A real estate professional will work with you to:

• Provide a free home evaluation: A home that is priced right means more competition and a higher final sale price. A free home evaluation will analyze other home prices in the same area as your home and give you an accurate picture of the current market and suggested price of your home.
• Develop a successful marketing plan: The real estate professional will help you make sure your home is visible to any interested buyers and looking its best for any public and private viewings.
• Stay up-to-date on the market: Use the search tool on this website here to stay updated on other homes for sale in your area.
• Let your realtor help you: The real estate professional can answer any questions you have and let you know what is happening on the market.

As trusted real estate professionals, you can trust us to help you every step of the way. Before you get ready to sell though, it’s important to consider a few important factors about the selling process to make sure this is the right time and the right decision for you.

How Properties Are Priced

Market trends play a very important role in the pricing of your property. When markets are falling, you don’t want your place to be overpriced. However, there are some instances, like if you’re located in a high price area or the market is rising, where overpricing may be to your benefit. The cost of the property (including any capital improvements made), the price you hope to sell for, the value the buyer is willing to pay and the market value – or the final agreed upon selling price – are all important indicators that also represent your property.

What Affects the Marketability of Your Property

The marketability of your property is influenced by many factors, some that are within your control and others that aren’t. For example, the physical features of your home, the current market, and competition are beyond your influence. However, the listing price and its terms, the condition of the property and your promotional strategy can all be adapted to benefit the sale.

Renovate or Sell?

Many people struggle with determining whether or not it is best to sell or renovate their existing home. The answer varies with each individual looking for more from their current property. While renovations can sometimes be more expensive and time consuming to undertake, they can also give you what you want in your home and add value. Consider this carefully and visit our pre-listing guide for more help.

What You Can Expect

From day one we start working quickly to get everything ready to put your home on the market. Once your listing is taken, we work to get photos of your property so we can start promotion. We’ll load the property MLS information to the Calgary Real Estate Board, and work with you to gather all necessary documentation and information need to expedite the sale. The for sale sign will go up on your yard and everything will move forward from there.

After everything is set-up, we’ll check in with you weekly to provide updates and feedback on the showings. We’ll also work with you to regularly review the marketing plan and price of the property to respond to any changes in the market or competition. All offers received will be presented with you and we’ll work throughout the process to promote your property in any way we can.

To learn more about our pre-listing process, check out our guide here.

For any home on the market, first impressions are the most important. However, you don’t have to undertake a major renovation project to get your home ready to be photographed for listings or seen by home buyers. Homes that are clean and well-maintained can go a long way to making a lasting impression on a buyer. To make sure your home is ready for broker viewings, open houses and buyer showings, here are some simple and cost-effective improvements you can make:

• Spruce up each room: Go through each room and take out any pieces of furniture that aren’t necessary and are taking up too much space. Decluttering furniture and other household items can give each room a more open feel.
• Clean the appliances: Give your kitchen appliances a good clean so they are gleaming – everything from the stove to the microwave and dishwasher. This also extends to other major appliances in your home like furnaces, hot water tanks and humidifiers. Change out the filter and give them a good dusting to show they have been well maintained.
• Tidy the bedrooms: If there was ever a time to make the bed, this would be it! Make sure the beds are nicely put together, and that any closest or dressers are tidy and organized. Remember, less clutter means the rooms look bigger and more appealing to buyers.
• Polish the bathrooms: Just like the kitchen, the bathroom should be gleaming. Make sure to clean out every nook and cranny, especially any spots that may be dusty or discoloured.
• Vacuum the floors: Don’t forget to make sure that all the floors are clean to! Give the carpet a good clean with the vacuum, and make sure any tile, hardwood or vinyl flooring has also been thoroughly cleaned.
• Don’t forget the outside: Depending on the time of year, you may need to clear off the sidewalks, driveway and front porch of any snow, or mow the lawns to give the outdoor space a tidy and maintained feel.
• Secure your valuables: Any important jewelry, cash, medication or other items should be securely stored out of the way of any potential home buyers.
• Clean up after your pets: Gather up any toys or accessories from your pets and put them out of the way before the showing. Make sure any spaces used by your pet have also been cleared up.
• Prepare for the showing: Right before your house is ready to be shown, take a few extra steps to make sure your home is looking its best:
  • Open up the blinds and drapes and turn on necessary lights to make it feel bright and welcoming.
  • Make sure all the TVs are off. However, soft music can be left on in the background.
  • Enjoy a night out! It is strongly recommended that you and any family or pets do not remain in the home during the showing. Take the time to go for a walk, run some errands, or participate in a fun activity. Your trusted real estate professional can show your property to its best advantage.

When you work with us, you don’t just have our trusted real estate experience to rely on. Our team includes a strategic alliance of professionals in a variety of sectors, including legal services, mortgage services, home inspections, property appraisal, real property report and property maintenance.

Get your home ready to sell by calling us for a complimentary market evaluation today at 403-651-4400.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels