Turn on the television or scroll through Facebook, and chances are you’ll see at least one advertisement for a group or “guru” who promises to teach you how to “get rich quick” through real estate investing. The truth is, much of what they’re selling are high-risk tactics that aren’t a good fit for the average investor. However, there is a way to make steady, predictable, low-risk income through real estate investing. In this blog post, we’ll examine the tried-and-true tactics that can be used to increase your income, pay off debt … even fund your retirement!
WHY INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
One of the basic principles of real estate investment lies in this fact: everyone needs a place to live. But there are other reasons why real estate
Our Calgary real estate team frequently get questions from clients who are taking on decorating and remodeling projects and want to ensure their dollars are invested wisely. Which looks will last for years to come, and which ones will feel dated quickly? What colors and styles are most popular among buyers in our area? How can I add the most value to my home? So we’ve rounded up some of the hottest trends in home design to help guide you through the process. Whether you’ve planned a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, making smart and informed design choices will help you maximize your return on investment … and minimize the chance of “remodeler’s remorse” down the road.
New West Custom & Luxury Homes and Kevin Leung - CIR Realty, Calgary's Custom Infill Builder, is the builder of choice for you. Along with being a award winning Calgary Realtor, Kevin is also Area Sales Manager with New West combining the best of both worlds so we can offer our clients a one stop shop; from beginning to end our team can help with everything starting with land/lot acquisition, architectural planning and design, City of Calgary permitting, help sell your existing home if needed, interior design, financing and construction. For those who are investors who are looking to sell their Calgary Infill, Kevin Leung Real Estate Team can also help with the marketing and sales of the properties.
Selling your property and buying a new home can be a potentially intimidating experience... so much so that these jitters may even prevent some people from making a move!
It doesn't have to be that way.
A big part of the stress of selling and buying comes from not understanding the process or having unanswered questions. You might worry about how the state of the market will affect the value of your purchase over the long term or what you would do if you found your dream home before receiving any offers on your current property.
That's where a good REALTOR® comes in. He or she can explain the process to you, answer all your questions, and show you how to make your move go smoothly.
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 be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you're away during the day.
How do you select the best moving company for your needs?
Ask for recommendations from friends other professionals in the local real estate industry.
Beware of fly-by-night operations. They may seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for.
Does the company provide you with a written estimate and contract? (Beware of movers that just give you a price over the phone.)
Ask if they are covered by insurance, and what their policy is regarding lost or broken items. Make sure you receive a copy of their insurance certificate.
Finally, always ask what circumstances would result in extra charges being applied. The number one complaint received about movers by the Better Business Bureau is unexpected extra charges.
Something has just spilled on your favourite rug or carpet. There's a stain forming. You're worried. Will you be able to remove it? Will the stain set and stay forever?
Luckily, there's a good chance you can completely lift just about any kind of stain – if you follow a few guidelines.
The first rule of stain removal is: act fast. The fresher the stain, the easier it is to lift. So when you notice a stain of any kind, start to work on it right away. Don't wait.
Begin by trying to dry blot the stain. Avoid the temptation of using a wet cloth or detergent, at least at this stage of the game. Blot the stain gently with a clean, dry cloth or absorbent paper towel. Be patient. It may take several minutes before you see any results.
Here is the January 2015 Calgary Real Estate Market Newsletter. There is also a full version of the newsletter with much more information. All you need to do is click here to subscribe and it is only 1 newsletter sent out once a month!
Subscribe to Monthly Calgary Market Update Newsletter or contact us for any real estate questions.
Are you looking for Calgary Market trends in a easy to read format? Here it is!!!
There is also a full version of the newsletter with much more information. All you need to do is click here to subscribe and it is only 1 newsletter sent out once a month! Here is the full December Calgary Real Estate Market Newsletter.
Subscribe to Monthly Calgary Market Update Newsletter or contact us for any real estate questions.
You could get upgraded insulation installed in all the walls of your home, or buy a new high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner. These improvements would certainly reduce your energy costs – but they each require a significant investment.
What if you don't have the budget?
There are a lot of little things you can do to make a big difference in your heating or cooling bill. Here are just a few examples:
Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees in winter. (And turn it up a few notches in summer.) Chances are, you'll hardly notice the difference in comfort, and you'll cut your heating/cooling costs by about 5%.
Do you need the air conditioner on all the time during the summer months? Consider turning it way up, or completely off, at night
