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Jack & Matthew Wiebe
Phone:  (403) 585-1171
Email:  wiebegroup@shaw.ca
Website:  wiebegroup.net
  
 
 

Dear Jack,

Can you imagine a financial advisor getting you into an investment — say, a mutual fund — and telling you not to ask about it, or even check on its performance, for the next five years? You would likely balk at such a suggestion and insist that you’d be able to review your investment at least once a year, or even more frequently.

Now, we are not financial advisors, we a real estate agents. Yet, the same principles apply when owning a home. You don’t want to have five years go by — or even one year — without checking in on your “investment” and seeing how it’s doing for you.

Indeed, it’s important to regularly ask questions like:

  • Is our home still meeting our needs?”
  • “What is the current market value of our property?”
  • “Does our property and neighbourhood still fit well with the lifestyle we want?”
  • “What kind of new home do we qualify for?”

Getting answers to those questions is crucial to managing what may be your most valuable investment: your home.

How often should you do this?  We recommend a review once a year. 

And, the good news is, you don’t need to go through this process on your own. We can help. When it’s time to review your property investment, give us a call. We can give you the answers and advice you need using the latest market data and information.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!


 

Matthew Wiebe, Broker
Beacon Real Estate
wiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-585-1171

Certified Condo Specialist and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

 

Jack Wiebe, REALTOR®
Beacon Real Estate
jackwiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-680-6220


Seniors Real Estate Specialist®


wiebegroup.net


How to Decide if a Neighbourhood is Right for You

 
 
 
Say you’ve found a house for sale in an area that’s unfamiliar to you. How do you figure out if it’s going to be the ideal neighbourhood?
The first step is to take a walk. Stroll the neighbourhood and explore. If you get the chance, chat with homeowners and get their opinions of the area. Ask what they love about it. Also ask what they don’t like.

Next, determine how the neighbourhood is going to fit with your lifestyle. You’ll want to consider things like commuting routes, local amenities, schools, parks, shopping, etc. Google Maps is a great tool for this. Just turn on the satellite view and get a bird’s eye view of the area and its features.

Finally, get the latest data on neighbourhood characteristics such as noise, demographics, crime rates, and more. You’ll be surprised by how much data is available, and the valuable insights you can gain about what it’s going to be like to live there.

If the neighbourhood turns out to be a good fit, consider making an offer on that house!
 

When a Buyer Makes an Offer, What Happens Next?

 
 
 
Imagine you’re selling your home and an offer from a buyer comes in. You’re excited. Your home might soon be sold!

What happens next?

Typically, we will review the offer together. There will likely be several things about the offer that need to be carefully considered. The most common are:

  • The offer price.
  • Evidence the buyer is financially able to purchase the property.
  • Conditions on the offer, if any.

If the offer price is far less than you anticipated, there might be an opportunity to counter-offer at a higher price. This is part of the art of negotiation, which is an important step in selling your home successfully.

The buyer’s ability to afford your property is also important. Ideally, you’ll want to see a Pre-Arranged Mortgage Certificate from the buyer’s lender, or some other evidence that there won’t be any financial problems closing the transaction. The amount of the deposit is also key.

Finally, you’ll want to look at conditions. The most popular condition requires that your property pass a home inspection, but there may be others. Obviously, an offer with no conditions is ideal.

 

Considering Contractor Factors

 
 
 
At some point, every home needs to be upgraded to become more functional for the family members who live there – or for resale. However, a major renovation can be frustrating, unless you’re working with a reliable, knowledgeable general contractor. Here are some suggestions to help make your project go smoothly:
1. First, do your homework in advance. Identify needs and wants, such as design features and style, with an open mind about costs, timing and resale value.

2. Ask reliable sources for recommendations, but don’t make commitments without meeting a number of contractors. Ask about adherence to budget and timing as well as advice on expectations. Ensure each contractor is registered in good standing with your municipality, and can adhere to building codes, secure permits and provide liability protection.

3. Interview at least three qualified contractors. Find out about their choices for architectural drawings or plans, subcontractors, suppliers and materials. Confirm the product and labour warranties they provide. Once satisfied, request that these and other details be included in a quotation with costs, completion dates, payment schedules for workers and materials, plus allowances for changes.

4. Meet on-site regularly, keep a journal and get receipts for purchases. Don’t pay cash, or hand over your credit card. If necessary, ask your bank to issue a new card with strict limitations. 
 

Notable, Quotable, Quotes!

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” 
Benjamin Franklin

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” 
Isabelle Laflèche

“One of the hardest things in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn.” 
David Russell

 

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

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I have sold a property at 237 1717 60 STREET SE in Calgary

I have sold a property at 237 1717 60 STREET SE in Calgary. See details here

Enjoy the Globalfest fireworks from your balcony in this second floor two-bedroom unit located across from Elliston Park. The kitchen is open to the dining room and living room which features a gas fireplace. Both bedrooms are a good sized with big windows and closets, and are located close to the 4-piece bathroom. The large south facing balcony is perfect for BBQ’s and has natural gas hookup. The unit is complete with good sized in-suite storage and laundry room and parking stall. The building is clean and has updated common areas and condo fees include your Heat, Electricity & Water/Sewer.

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New property listed in Red Carpet, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 237 1717 60 STREET SE in Calgary. See details here

Enjoy the Globalfest fireworks from your balcony in this second floor two-bedroom unit located across from Elliston Park. The kitchen is open to the dining room and living room which features a gas fireplace. Both bedrooms are a good sized with big windows and closets, and are located close to the 4-piece bathroom. The large south facing balcony is perfect for BBQ’s and has natural gas hookup. The unit is complete with good sized in-suite storage and laundry room and parking stall. The building is clean and has updated common areas and condo fees include your Heat, Electricity & Water/Sewer.

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Jack & Matthew Wiebe
Phone:  (403) 585-1171
Email:  wiebegroup@shaw.ca
Website:  wiebegroup.net
  
 
 

Hello Clients,

When you find a professional you trust, you want to get as much value from that person as possible. That is especially true if that professional provides excellent service.

That’s why you don’t get your lawncare done by a great contractor only once.

That’s why you don’t hire a fantastic investment advisor and use them for just one transaction.

That’s why you don’t see a wonderful dentist and never make another appointment.

And yet, when it comes to real estate, many people wonder what more they can expect from their real estate professional once their home has been sold and their move is done.

The answer is: plenty.

Indeed, we are huge believers in providing ongoing services to our clients in the months and years between their moves. Those services can include annual checkups, client appreciation events, being available when they have real estate questions, and, of course, these regular newsletters.

The bottom line: we are here for our clients. So, think of us as you would your favourite mechanic, investment advisor, dentist, or any other professional you count on. 

We would like you to think of the Wiebe Group as your favourite Realtors!



 

Matthew Wiebe, Broker
Beacon Real Estate
wiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-585-1171

Certified Condo Specialist and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

 

Jack Wiebe, REALTOR®
Beacon Real Estate
jackwiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-680-6220


Seniors Real Estate Specialist®


wiebegroup.net


Getting Family Members Enthusiastic about Moving

 
 
 
You may be excited about selling, but do your other family members share your enthusiasm? Kids can often be hesitant about, or even resistant to moving. That can make the selling process more stressful.

The good news is, there are ways to get everyone in the family keen on the idea.

One effective technique is to get everyone involved in the planning process, especially kids. Seek their input. Keep them informed. Include them in conversations. The less of a mystery the move is to them, the more comfortable they’ll feel about moving. 

When it comes to kids, another technique is to show them what their new neighbourhood is going to be like. (Or, if you haven’t purchased yet, show them the areas you’re targeting.) Point out schools, parks, and other neighbourhood features. That will build their anticipation.

For those family members who seem particularly troubled about moving, take the time to have a frank conversation with them. Let them relate their concerns. Sometimes having their concerns heard is all that’s needed to help them feel better about selling and moving.

Of course, there’s no perfect solution. But, these techniques can help get everyone in your family keen on the adventure.
 

Checklist for Selling your Home this Fall

 
 
 
If you’re thinking of selling this fall, this is the ideal time to start the process. The earlier you get ready, the more successful your sale will be. It will likely go a lot smoother, too.
So, with those benefits in mind, here is a quick checklist that will guide you in preparing to list this fall:

• Financials. Find out how much your home will likely sell for in the current market. That calculation is made by looking at what comparable homes in the area have sold for recently.

• Decluttering. The more neat and spacious your home looks to buyers, the more appealing it will be to them. So, be relentless when decluttering.

• Fixing. If anything needs to be repaired or replaced, this is the best time to get that work done. You don’t want to have to scramble to find a contractor later on.

• Staging. Staging is the art and science of setting up a room so that it looks attractive to buyers. Well-staged homes tend to sell faster and for a higher amount. You can stage your home yourself or get professional assistance.

• Scheduling. When you list in the fall, you want to make it as convenient for buyers as possible to book appointments to see your home. So, make sure you have plenty of scheduling flexibility.

• Targeting. Are you also buying a new home? If so, then start the process now. Decide what type of home you’re looking for specifically and narrow your focus to those neighbourhoods you want to get into.

Starting the selling process now gives you a head start when you list this fall. So, begin working through this checklist today.
 

The Role of Carrying Costs when Buying a New Home

 
 
 
When searching for a new home, many buyers will focus only on the list price and what they may need to offer to get the property. For example, a buyer might think, “We can get this house for $XX. That’s within our price range!”
Of course, the selling price plays the pivotal role in whether or not you can afford a particular home. But, carrying costs should also be considered.

Carrying costs include any regular expenses related to the property. The obvious ones are gas, hydro, water, garbage, and taxes. But, there may be others. For example, a home may also have a subscription-based alarm system, high-speed internet, and hot water tank rental.

If there are common elements, such as a private street or some other neighbourhood feature, there may be an annual maintenance fee.

It’s also smart to factor in predicted maintenance and repair costs, especially when buying an older home. A property that hasn’t had its roof shingles replaced in 20 years may be due soon.

So, when you’re shopping for a new home, consider what the carrying costs will be. That will help you make a more informed decision.

That being said, stretching to pay a little more in monthly costs may be worth it, if you love the home and it, (as well as the neighbourhood) has everything you want.
 

Notable, Quotable, Quotes!

“Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities.” 
Robert H. Schuller

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.” 
Karen Lamb

“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.” 
Wayne Dyer

 

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.


Trusted Email Powered by IXACT Contact®

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I have sold a property at 25 Elmont VIEW SW in Calgary

I have sold a property at 25 Elmont VIEW SW in Calgary. See details here

Welcome to Elmont Green, one of the finest executive villa complexes located in all of Calgary. The villa lifestyle offers the ideal blend of everyday luxury living with the “lock and leave” convenience of a condominium. This bungalow style home is located on one of the most desirable lots in the complex and offers both privacy and yard space that is hard to find. When you walk through the front door you are greeted by the vaulted foyer leading to the bright and welcoming main floor featuring travertine flooring, a large living room with gas fireplace and built-in cabinetry which opens to the large formal dining room. The kitchen will appease even the most decerning chefs with Sub-Zero appliances, granite countertops, centre island and an abundance of storage. The master suite features a 5-piece ensuite with glass shower, jetted soaker tub, dual sinks, heated floors and walk-in closet. The private den makes for the ideal workspace, and the main floor is complete with a 2-piece guest bathroom and laundry room with extra counterspace, storage and sink. The lower area is fully finished and offers plenty of space for entertaining and guests with 2 additional bedrooms, 3-piece bathroom and large living area with gas fireplace and L-shaped granite wetbar. The lower flex room is perfect for a gym or craft/hobby space and the additional walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry is spacious enough for all your offseason fashions. The in-floor heated double garage offers space for all your toys with built-in storage and golf lockers. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping and gardens from your rear deck with plenty of shade from the electric awning. Other features of this premier property include central air conditioning, upgraded on-demand hot water & basement radiant heating boiler, radon mitigation system and central vacuum. This property is ideal for a variety of uncompromising buyers.

Read

 
  
Jack & Matthew Wiebe
Phone:  (403) 585-1171
Email:  wiebegroup@shaw.ca
Website:  wiebegroup.net
  
 
 

Dear Clients,

There’s no doubt about it. Uncertainty is everywhere – in food prices, economic outlooks, and of course, the real estate scene.

If you’re like most people, uncertainty can make you feel uneasy about the future.

But, there’s good news. Uncertainty becomes a lot less worrisome when you have the right professionals by your side. That’s especially true when you have professionals who work in your best interests and are just a call or email away. For example, you might have a doctor you can count on, or a trusted financial advisor who works hard for you.

Well, when it comes to real estate, we want you to consider us that kind of professional.

We are a team you can rely on — for information, insights, advice, and, when needed, hands-on real estate services. And, we will always keep your best interests first and foremost. So, when you have questions or concerns about what’s happening in the real estate scene, or need hands-on real estate services, feel free to give us a call.

You can always count on us.

We hope knowing that helps you manage uncertainty with… well… more certainty!

We hope your first month of summer is going well and just so you know, anytime of the year there is always a Wiebe Group member there for you!

 
 

Matthew Wiebe, Broker
Beacon Real Estate
wiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-585-1171

Certified Condo Specialist and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

 

Jack Wiebe, REALTOR®
Beacon Real Estate
jackwiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-680-6220

 
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
 

wiebegroup.net

 

Buying the Faraway Home

 
 
 
 
Shopping for a new home in a distant town, city or neighbourhood can be a challenge. It’s especially difficult if getting there requires a very long drive or flight. So, if you’re thinking of moving out-of-town, here are some home shopping tips to consider:
  • Schedule a longer than normal viewing appointment. Make sure the seller is aware that you’ll need more time to see and evaluate the home, so they don’t book another appointment too soon after yours.
  • Spend extra time in the neighbourhood and surrounding area. Drive the streets. Go for a walk. If possible, chat with neighbours you run into.
  • Get all the facts you can about the home and surrounding area. You’ll want to take a close look at crime statistics, property turnover, demographics, etc.
  • Don’t rush your travel plans when going to see a listed home. Try to arrive for the viewing relaxed and energized (rather than stressed and fatigued), so you can see the property in an unhurried manner.

Following these simple tips can bring you a lot closer to finding your faraway dream home.

 

The Cure for Cabinet Clutter

 
 
 
 
When a buyer opens a cabinet door in your kitchen, it’s not an invasion of privacy. The buyer simply wants to get a sense of the available space. So, you can expect some buyers to explore cabinet space, especially in your kitchen and bathrooms.

That’s why making sure cabinet space looks clean, organized and spacious is so important. Consider these tips:

  • If you store a lot of items inside a cabinet, make liberal use of storage bins, baskets, and small plastic containers. Clutter doesn’t look like clutter when it’s organized!
  • Go through each cabinet and get rid of as many items as possible. Pay particular attention to expired products. If you haven’t used an item for a while, question whether you need to keep it anymore.
  • Consider storing some items somewhere else in your home. For example, pack up less used items and store them in a larger closet or other storage space.
  • Thoroughly clean cabinets that are prone to odours, such as the ones under the kitchen sink or used for storing food.

Buyers will only give a cabinet space a quick glance, yet they’ll form a lasting impression. Make sure it’s a good one!

 

Monitoring Devices for Seniors

 
 
 
 
The 2020s may become known as the decade in which we re-evaluated our homes, and found ways to make them better serve our needs. Part of that assessment has already begun, especially amongst seniors who desire greater independence and want to continue to enjoy comfortable, productive lives in their own homes. Enabling their wishes in as safe an environment as possible often requires support from other family members and/or caregivers. It’s a big responsibility that may be eased somewhat by increased confidence in the latest electronic monitoring devices.
Thanks to improved portability and tracking capabilities, the latest models of these devices are less restrictive and require less input from users. Some types monitor vital statistics such as heart rate or blood pressure. Others track movement from room to room, or doors unlocking, while some even monitor medication schedules or facilitate live one-on-one conversations. With so much technology available to help seniors live in ways they prefer, it’s important to consider all aspects of electronic supervision, and have frank conversations about the costs and benefits of the various options.
 

Notable, Quotable, Quotes!

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” 
William Shakespeare

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” 
Shannon L. Alder

“One of the hardest things in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn.” 
David Russell

 
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click unsubscribe.


Trusted Email Powered by IXACT Contact®

 
    
 


Read

New property listed in Springbank Hill, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 25 Elmont VIEW SW in Calgary. See details here

Welcome to Elmont Green, one of the finest executive villa complexes located in all of Calgary. The villa lifestyle offers the ideal blend of everyday luxury living with the “lock and leave” convenience of a condominium. This bungalow style home is located on one of the most desirable lots in the complex and offers both privacy and yard space that is hard to find. When you walk through the front door you are greeted by the vaulted foyer leading to the bright and welcoming main floor featuring travertine flooring, a large living room with gas fireplace and built-in cabinetry which opens to the large formal dining room. The kitchen will appease even the most decerning chefs with Sub-Zero appliances, granite countertops, centre island and an abundance of storage. The master suite features a 5-piece ensuite with glass shower, jetted soaker tub, dual sinks and walk-in closet. The private den makes for the ideal workspace, and the main floor is complete with a 2-piece guest bathroom and laundry room with extra counterspace, storage and sink. The lower area is fully finished and offers plenty of space for entertaining and guests with 2 additional bedrooms, 3-piece bathroom and large living area with gas fireplace and L-shaped granite wetbar. The lower flex room is perfect for a gym or craft/hobby space and the additional walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry is spacious enough for all your offseason fashions. The in-floor heated double garage offers space for all your toys with built-in storage and golf lockers. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping and gardens from your rear deck with plenty of shade from the electric awning. Other features of this premier property include central air conditioning, upgraded on-demand hot water & basement radiant heating boiler, radon mitigation system and central vacuum. This property is ideal for a variety of uncompromising buyers.

Read

  
Jack & Matthew Wiebe
Phone:  (403) 585-1171
Email:  wiebegroup@shaw.ca
Website:  wiebegroup.net
  
 
 

Dear Clients,

No one likes being confused. Everyone likes clarity. That’s a principle that,  we expect, no one would dispute. When you have clarity, you can make the best decisions. When you’re confused, you’re stuck.

That principle is especially evident when it comes to real estate. It can seem baffling to those who are not involved in it day to day. There are so many perplexing terms and issues: inventory, buyer’s and seller’s markets, comparables, etc.

The list goes on and on.

The good news is, you don’t need to be confused.

One of the many things we do for our clients and the communities in which we are active is demystify the real estate market — especially your local real estate scene. These regular email updates are one of the ways we do that. Another way we help is simply by being available anytime you have questions.

For example, if you’re curious about what your home would sell for in today’s market, feel free to give us a call. We can do a market analysis for you.

We understand the value of having a professional you can reach out to so you can get the answers you need. That’s why we make ourselves available to you in this way.

Just call us your real estate confusion-busters!


 

Matthew Wiebe, Broker
Beacon Real Estate
wiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-585-1171

Certified Condo Specialist and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

 

Jack Wiebe, REALTOR®
Beacon Real Estate
jackwiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-680-6220


Seniors Real Estate Specialist®


wiebegroup.net


Setting Emotions Aside When Selling

 
 
 
Imagine shopping for a used car. You find one that you like and while negotiating the price, the seller gets sentimental. He shares happy memories of family picnics, his kids’ soccer games and other adventures with the vehicle. Then he demands a higher price. After all, he couldn’t possibly part with it for anything less.
Are you likely to pay for his sentimental value? Probably not. Yet the same thing often happens when selling a home.

It’s normal for homeowners to form an emotional attachment to their property. It can be very difficult to watch their home being treated as a product with a price tag, and watch buyers stand in the living room discussing furniture arrangements. Emotions can get in the way of a sale. It can even cause some sellers to stay firm on a high price, when a reasonable offer within market value is received.

After all, as they say, ‘Home is where the heart is.’ So, when it’s time to sell your property, think about all the ways you will take your happy memories with you. Then, focus on selling for the best price within the current market conditions.
 

Is it the Right Time to Sell?

 
 
 
If you’re entertaining the idea of selling your home, especially within the next year, one question you might be grappling with is, “Should I sell now, or wait until market conditions are more favourable?”
The answer is simple. Your decision to sell should be guided by your own needs and desires and not by what you think the market will be like months from now.

First of all, it’s nearly impossible to predict the future in the real estate market. Months from now, it could be a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, a quiet market, or even a frenzied market! Who knows? It’s like trying to predict what the weather will be like on this day next year.

And, if you’re also buying a new home, then market conditions play a less important role. After all, if you sell in a seller’s market and get a high price for your home, you’ll also be paying a seller’s market price for your new home.

In most situations, the “right” time to sell is when you’re ready to make a move.
 

Savvy Negotiation Helps Win the Deal

 
 
 
Purchasing a home is not the same as buying a product off the shelf. You don’t simply pay the price on the tag and know it’s yours. You can’t just see a home for sale and say, “I’ll take it!”, especially if the market is competitive. You need to make an enticing offer.
That offer, of course, would include the price you propose to pay. That price may or may not be the “price tag” or the asking price. In order for your offer to be successful, it needs other ingredients too. For example, winning offers often include evidence that appropriate financing has been arranged. This gives the seller confidence that you can afford the home and that the deal won’t fall through due to an issue with the mortgage.

Also, you may need to put conditions on your offer, such as making it conditional on selling your current home. You’ll need to be careful here. Adding a condition or two may be necessary to protect your best interests, but may also dissuade the seller from accepting your offer.

Negotiation is perhaps the most important part of the buying process. Even if there are no competing offers, there will likely be back-and-forth discussions about price, conditions, closing dates, and more. Savvy negotiating is critical, not only to ensure you get the home, but also that you get it for the lowest price and best terms possible.

Real estate negotiation is not for the timid. It requires in-depth knowledge of the local market, hard-won negotiating skills, and experience. If you’re selling your home, buying a new home, or both, keep in mind the important role that negotiation has in getting you what you want.
 

Notable, Quotable, Quotes!

“There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” 
Victor Hugo

“Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” 
Napoleon Hill

“You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.” 
Roy T. Bennett

 
Read

I have sold a property at 1009 16 Varsity Estates CIRCLE NW in Calgary

I have sold a property at 1009 16 Varsity Estates CIRCLE NW in Calgary. See details here

SEE NEW PHOTOS and VIRTUAL TOUR - NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING installed after seller moved out.. Condominium living at its best in Varsity Estates. This is a unique opportunity to move into this spectacular high rise apartment condo. 1042 sq feet of upscale finishing in this spacious, very bright home. As you enter this unit the living room is straight ahead with large windows to the south. Being on the 10th floor provides lots of light and unobscured views. The dining room is on your right and to the right of that is the kitchen. The kitchen has lots of counter space and high-end appliances. The counter/breakfast bar opens into the dining room making kitchen duties most pleasurable. The Primary bedroom has a 5 pce ensuite with tub and separate shower. The second bedroom has a murphy bed so can double as guest room or den or craft room…very versatile! Both rooms have amazing views! Next to the second bedroom is a 3-piece main bath with a step-in shower. There is one titled underground parking stall and an assigned storage locker. The Property Manager is on site and together with the Condo Board of Directors keep the building in wonderful condition. The main entry/mailroom is very attractive and comfy. The gym is fully equipped, there is a sauna, a meeting area, and common bbq area on the rooftop patio with a spectacular view. The buildings are interconnected through the underground parking. The neighbourhood favourite Euphoria Cafe, a pharmacy, medical offices and restaurants are just outside the door. The Dalhousie Train station and Shopping are a short walk away as is the strip mall just west of this building. This would be a wonderful setting to call home. Check out our virtual tour and call your favourite Realtor to view this spectacular condo.

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I have sold a property at 8323 47 AVENUE NW in Calgary

I have sold a property at 8323 47 AVENUE NW in Calgary. See details here

Are you an active family looking for a modern property located on the doorstep of nature? Then this is your new home! Located in the historic neighbourhood of Bowness this location can’t be beat and is within walking distance to some of the best parks and natural areas Calgary has to offer; Bowness Park, Bowmont Natural Environment Park, Baker Park & the Bow River pathway system are all just a short walk away! The open-concept main floor features kitchen with granite countertops, central island with raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and loads of pantry and cupboard space. The large dining room overlooks the living room which is complete with natural gas fireplace and large windows. The large front flex room has many options including playroom, TV room, or the perfect work from home office/den. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms including the primary which includes 5-piece ensuite w/jetted soaker tub and huge walk-in closet w/built-in cabinetry, as well as the conveniently located laundry room. The basement is fully-finished and includes a 4th bedroom, 4-piece bathroom, family room and huge storage space for all your gear. The private backyard and double-detached garage complete the package. This home is located just blocks away from Belvedere Parkway School, Bowness High School and within the zone for École du Nouveau-Monde francophone school or Varsity Acres french immersion school. Call your agent today and come see what this amazing area has to offer.

Read

New property listed in Bowness, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 8323 47 AVENUE NW in Calgary. See details here

Are you an active family looking for a modern property located on the doorstep of nature? Then this is your new home! Located in the historic neighbourhood of Bowness this location can’t be beat and is within walking distance to some of the best parks and natural areas Calgary has to offer; Bowness Park, Bowmont Natural Environment Park, Baker Park & the Bow River pathway system are all just a short walk away! The open-concept main floor features kitchen with granite countertops, central island with raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and loads of pantry and cupboard space. The large dining room overlooks the living room which is complete with natural gas fireplace and large windows. The large front flex room has many options including playroom, TV room, or the perfect work from home office/den. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms including the primary which includes 5-piece ensuite w/jetted soaker tub and huge walk-in closet w/built-in cabinetry, as well as the conveniently located laundry room. The basement is fully-finished and includes a 4th bedroom, 4-piece bathroom, family room and huge storage space for all your gear. The private backyard and double-detached garage complete the package. This home is located just blocks away from Belvedere Parkway School, Bowness High School and within the zone for École du Nouveau-Monde francophone school or Varsity Acres french immersion school. Call your agent today and come see what this amazing area has to offer.

Read

Hello Clients,

Did you know that major customer review sites get hundreds of millions of views each month?

It’s hardly surprising when you think about it.

After all, when most people are looking to buy something, or hire someone, they tend to trust a recommendation more than an advertisement. That’s true whether you’re shopping for a car, restaurant, dentist, or… real estate agent.

In fact, referrals from valued clients are one of the main ways we build our business.

They are something we take very seriously.  We work hard to be “referral worthy” by providing excellent service and continuing support — not just during a client’s move, but in the years afterward. This e-newsletter is just one of the many ways we do that.

So, the next time you come across a neighbour or friend looking for great real estate agents, we hope you will feel confident giving them our names.

We would really appreciate it!

And, please allow us to return the favour. The next time you’re looking for a real estate-related professional — such as a contractor or tradespeople — reach out to us for a referral from our network. We are always happy to help.


 

Matthew Wiebe, Broker
Beacon Real Estate
wiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-585-1171

Certified Condo Specialist and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

 

Jack Wiebe, REALTOR®
Beacon Real Estate
jackwiebegroup@shaw.ca
403-680-6220


Seniors Real Estate Specialist®


wiebegroup.net


Calgary Real Estate Board Update

 
 
 

Calgary House Market Report

Sales activity has behaved as expected through the start of 2023 and slowed by 43 per cent over last year’s all-time record-high performance in the first quarter . The steeper decline in the first quarter was expected, given the surge in sales last year, as purchasers were eager to enter the market ahead of expected rate gains . While no further rate gains have occurred so far this year, the higher lending rates and limited supply choice are contributing to some of the pullbacks in sales . Nevertheless, despite the decline, sales activity has remained well above pre-pandemic levels thanks to recent gains in migration coupled with a stronger employment market . The most notable challenge in the market has been related to supply levels . New listings were expected to ease as higher lending rates would make it more difficult for the move-up buyer . However, the pace of decline in new listings has exceeded expectations . New listings in the first quarter declined by 40 per cent, preventing any significant shift in the supply levels given the relatively strong sales . Inventory levels in the city averaged 2,814 units in the first quarter, 21 per cent lower than last year’s levels and over 42 per cent below long-term trends for the first quarter . With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 71 per cent and a months of supply of under two months in the first quarter, conditions continue to favour the seller . Exceptionally tight market conditions early last year drove significant price gains throughout the 2022 spring market, peaking at $544,733 in the second quarter . While supply demand balances remained tight throughout 2022, prices did trend down over the third and fourth quarters, somewhat adjusting for the rapid rise earlier in the year . Further tightening in the supply-demand balance in the first quarter was enough to stop the downward price trend as the quarterly benchmark price rose over two per cent in the fourth quarter to $531,200 but remained below the Q2 high . Some of the fluctuations in price were expected this year, given what happened last year . However, price growth to date has been stronger than expected . Given the limited supply currently on the market, we could expect to see some stronger price growth through spring, potentially supporting a modest annual gain in 2023 .

Surrounding Area


 

Creating the “Wow” Effect in Buyers

 
 
 
It’s incredible how quickly people form first impressions. According to some studies, people can develop lasting opinions within seconds of seeing someone, something, or someplace new. 

That’s why, when preparing your property for sale, it’s important to do everything you can to make sure it looks attractive to buyers.

Nowhere does this first impression phenomenon play out more than when a buyer first enters your home. The moment they walk through your front door, they’ll look around, take in the scene and form an impression.

Ideally, you want that crucial first impression to be, “Wow. This place looks great! I can hardly wait to check out the rest of this home.”

So how do you ensure that happens?

One way is to play the role of a buyer yourself. Walk through your front door as if you’ve never been inside your home before. Pretend you’re a buyer and look around. What do you see? What impresses you most from that perspective? What do you notice that concerns you?

Pay attention to anything distracting: walls in need of painting, cluttered furniture arrangements, too much or too little lighting. This exercise will give you immediate ideas for improving — or Home Staging, as it’s called in real estate — the view from the front door foyer. For example, you might discover that a weekend painting project along with some decluttering, would make a big difference in how your home looks from this vantage point.

Typically, it doesn’t take much work to make these types of changes and improvements. But, when you do, your home is likely to look more impressive to buyers as they walk through your front door. That’s an impression that’s likely to linger as they view the rest of your property.

 

Cleaning Tips for Instantly Improving Curb Appeal

 
 
 
As you may know, curb appeal refers to how your property looks from the street, where potential buyers first see it. Your home’s curb appeal can have a big impact on the sale of your property.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for a buyer to drive by a listing, rather than stop, because they don’t like what they see.

So, how can you improve your home’s curb appeal quickly? One way is to do some outside cleaning.

Start with the main entryway. Wash down the front door and sweep (or power wash) the front steps. It only takes a few minutes, but you’d be surprised by the impact it can have. Sweep or power wash your walkway too and you’ll improve the overall look of your home — sometimes dramatically.

Clean your front windows to brighten the look of your home’s facade. It doesn’t have to be an arduous chore. In fact, there are washing products available that attach to your garden hose. You don’t even need a ladder! Ask your local home improvement retailer for recommendations.

If you have hedges and shrubs, give them a trim. To keep your trimming level, use a wide board, or even a piece of cardboard, then cut to the desired height. Pull off any dead leaves or branches. Of course, also mow the lawn!

Finally, inspect your property from the street. Can you see anything else you can do to quickly improve the look? Do you notice anything that is unsightly or distracting, such as garbage bins that could be relocated?
 

How to Deal with a Competitive Disadvantage

 
 
 
If you’re selling your home and there are other listings in your area, buyers will naturally compare your property to those other listings.
Is there something about your home that you’re concerned will be seen as a competitive disadvantage? For example, do you have a small kitchen or fewer bedrooms than most other homes in the neighbourhood?

There are a few things you can do to compensate for such disadvantages.

First, highlight the advantageous features of your home. Chances are, there are characteristics that make it stand out. For example, the look and style of your home may be cozy and enchanting. Or, you might have a desired feature, such as a terrific view.

Next, do everything you can to ensure your home makes the best impression possible to buyers. Remember, most buyers will only see your property once. So, pull out all the stops. That means decluttering, cleaning, painting, getting any needed repairs done, and staging effectively.

Finally, make sure you set the asking price strategically. That doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be low. But, it does mean that the price should reflect the market value of your home.
 

Notable, Quotable, Quotes!

“Whatever fear I have inside of me, my desire to win is always stronger.” 
Serena Williams

“Spend time thinking of what you want, rather than what you don’t want.” 
Sanaya Roman

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” 
Dolly Parton

 

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
IXACT Contact Solutions Inc.

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.