Real Estate Blog

For every similarity that rural and urban homes have in the home buying process, there are a handful of important differences to be aware of. Rural areas offer a lot of benefits, but you have to be prepared for the lifestyle and challenges that come with rural living.

These four questions can help you to quickly establish the nature of the rural homes you may want to buy.

What are the Limits on Construction?

In many cases, buying rural property means that you have fewer limits on what you can do with the space. Without a homeowners association or even neighbours nearby, you may be able to get more creative in building up your home.

However, you should still look at the zoning and ordinances of the area. If you plan to keep horses or

The end of summer and beginning of fall is a time when many outdoor pests start looking for a winter home. Mice and rats in particular are a common problem for homeowners at this time of year. This is especially true for homeowners in rural areas, where outdoor pests are abundant. At this time of year, homeowners must do what they can to fortify their home and keep pests out.

Seal Holes in the Home Exterior

Many pests enter the house through foundation cracks, open vents, pipes and other holes into the house. Sealing these holes is very important. Use wire screen to cover vents, to allow air to flow to continue. Use caulk to seal cracks. Homeowners can find the holes that need to be covered up by walking around the house from the outside and

Home renovation projects are not all created equal when it comes to your end resale value. Learn more about which projects pay off and which may set you back.

Renovating a home is always going to be an exciting prospect for an owner who wants to make a positive change in their household. However, there are some projects that offer better returns than others when it comes to resale value. While there are no guarantees as to how much your project will pay off, there are averages a homeowner can use to prioritize their remodeling plans. The average cost of a home remodel is close to 65%, but many projects net much less.

Bathroom Additions

According to many studies, bathroom additions tend to recoup around 56% of the cost to install. While there's

Home inspections are a common part of home buying. But are they really necessary? In almost all cases, the answer is yes. Sometimes your lender will insist upon it. Your home is an investment to them, and they don't want any surprises that will lower the value of that investment. Insurance companies also sometimes require inspections to locate problems which might be a big enough threat to the home their policy is protecting.

But beyond that, house inspections are just incredibly useful, potentially saving you huge repair bills and the headaches that go with them. And, overall, it's really a drop in the bucket in comparison to what you're paying for your new North Calgary home.

What a Home Inspection Is

What is a home inspection? What does a

Buying a home that needs some work is a good way to save money, but it can also hide unexpected costs or complications. It's possible to get a wonderful home, or to go broke making unanticipated repairs. These tips can serve as basic guidelines to assess the potential value in a fixer-upper before buying it.

Consider the Neighbourhood

Keep in mind that one person’s version of paradise is another’s fixer-upper. The view depends entirely on the buyer, and the buyer’s view relies a lot on the neighbourhood. Take the time to look around the area and see how owners take care of their properties. If the neighbourhood is trending upscale with the most expensive upgrades in every aspect of the home, they will probably have to pay more to maintain

Winter weather can wreak havoc on a home. Preparation could make the difference between a comfortable season and a nightmare. These tips help homeowners know what they will need to do before it gets too cold.

Sprinklers and Irrigation

One of the simplest things that homeowners can do is to shut down any unnecessary systems that carry water. The irrigation system for the yard is a good example. Pipes left with water in them can freeze and burst if they are not properly drained. Once they are no longer needed for the fall, homeowners should shut off and drain pipes and hoses. Hoses need to be disconnected, emptied and put away.

Indoor Plumbing

Frozen pipes could be a source of significant hassle and damage for homeowners, if they

Before undertaking a decking installation, there are several things that homeowners need to be aware of to ensure that their deck is legal, stable, meets their specific needs and will be a worthwhile project that adds value and enjoyment to the home. Here are some home deck considerations and tips to keep in mind when considering installing a new patio or deck.

Investigate Local Building Codes and Permit Requirements

Each province or township in Canada has its own set of regulations and restrictions concerning building codes and the need to obtain construction permits. Homeowners or their construction contractor will need to look into any specific code requirements and restrictions prior to moving forward with a decking installation, as they

Those who are searching for a steakhouse that offers more than just a great cut of meat and instead provides a dining experience will find no shortage of options in Calgary. The steakhouses in Calgary are known for their simmering steaks that are bursting with flavor as well as their comfortably elegant ambiance.

These are the best steakhouses in Calgary to consider:

The Cattle Baron

The Cattle Baron is a steakhouse in Calgary that has two locations — one at the airport on the north side of the city, and another on the south side off of Sun Valley Boulevard. This restaurants strives to provide the perfect blend between a fine dining meal and a casual, relaxed restaurant. Diners at The Cattle Baron will enjoy premier cuts of local Alberta

Buying a home for a family can be a challenge. To meet the needs of a growing, changing family, a home must be flexible in its layout, large enough for many generations, and safe for everyone from children to older adults. 

Home Amenities That Benefit Families With Children

Open Floor Plan

In a typical open floor plan, public spaces like the living room, dining room and kitchen are open and connected, with few or no walls in between. For parents of small children, there are many advantages to open floor plans. Adults at work in the kitchen can oversee children playing in the living room, dining room and beyond. In addition, open floor plans allow families to spend time together as they work on separate activities in separate spaces. For

Home technology is a modern amenity. Time, energy and labour-saving devices are becoming mainstream, in the office, at home and in the automobile. It's impossible to escape it—and why would anyone want to?

Smart technology has changed, and will continue to alter the way Canadians look at the world, and the way we live in our homes.

There is a difference between home automation and smart home features, however. In a sense, it is one of degree: Home automation is one aspect of smart home technology. It is the modern smart home that has become the model for the future. Smart home technology allows integration of a host of features from a single, centrally located wireless hub. It keeps the homeowner in control, whether from the next room or