All Blog Entries by Justin Havre

When people begin to prepare their home for sale, they often start by making property improvements in hopes of enticing buyers. One of the many improvements that some people consider when they're trying to sell their home is installation of solar panels. If you're a homeowner thinking about selling your property in the next few months and you'd like to install solar panels, it's important to know whether or not this is a valuable addition to your property and what you can do to maximize the ROI from the installation.

The Value Of Solar Panels

Solar panels can vary in their value, depending on the positioning of the house, the amount of shade on the property and the amount of energy the household consumes. In general, it is believed that solar

A person's credit history is a complicated record of their experience with debt. When people try to buy a home, they often use their credit report and score to qualify for a mortgage to pay for the sale. With these tips, potential borrowers will understand how credit reports and scores affect the home buying process.

Credit Report vs Credit Score

Although lenders usually look at a person's detailed credit history as well as their credit scores, there is a practical reason to understand the difference. A credit report is a listing of a person's current and recent debts and payments to various creditors. Credit reports may also contain information about unpaid accounts that went to collections, or other uncommon forms of debt. The credit score

The many styles of architecture in Canada may sometimes seem like a hodgepodge to the untrained eye. However, home buyers can learn about their options so they can make a smarter decision. Those who may not be sure what kind of house they want should keep the following facts in mind before they start putting in their bids.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

A Ranch style home in Canada refer to any single story home, usually with an attached patio or deck space. The original idea behind the ranch style was to link the homeowner as closely as possible to the landscape. If there was an emergency with the cattle in the middle of the night, a

Hiring a real estate agent is one of the best things someone can do when it comes to selling a home or buying a new one, but with how many agents are available to hire, it can seem overwhelming when trying to find a place to start. Here are five different types of real estate agents all buyers and sellers should keep an eye out for when searching for someone to work with to buy a home in North Calgary or elsewhere.

1. The Realistic Visionary

When it comes to selling a home, it's vital to have a good idea of what it's worth, and when talking to potential real estate agents to hire, asking for their opinion on the home's value is essential. One agent may say the home can fetch $200,000, and another may say $205,000. But if a third says they can

The dangers of mould are all too real for today's homeowners and their families. This often invisible and silent threat can cause serious damage to a home's structural integrity and source numerous health issues to humans and pets. Mould in the home isn't always readily apparent to the eye, but the body may realize it sooner rather than later. Individuals with mould sensitivity or allergies are likely to experience increased asthmatic symptoms, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing, sore throat and/or headaches. While leaving mould untreated will cause structural damage, too, the health risks of mould to humans are reason enough to act fast with a mould inspection and remediation if necessary.

Structural Signs of Mould in the Home

Septic systems are common in rural areas and less so in cities and towns like Calgary. Many people who move to the country from a larger community know little about septic systems and what to expect.

If you’re thinking about moving into a home with a septic tank, it’s important to understand how a septic system works and what kind of maintenance is involved.

Septic Systems Vs. Sewers

A sewer is an underground channel that connects your home to your community’s water treatment facility. Homeowners who use sewers are only responsible for maintaining the sewer line that runs beneath their own property, and most sewers need little to no regular maintenance.

A septic tank is an underground tank connected to a drain field. All waste water

Employing a drone to sell a home can be a fantastic way to show off the extent and condition of a property. Instead of just photographing the koi pond in the backyard, homeowners can now display aerial footage so home buyers can see how that pond fits into the rest of the land. As the cost of the technology drops, drones have become useful for more than just showcasing million-dollar homes. Learn more about how homeowners can use a drone to their advantage to attract serious buyers.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Assessing Your Property

Single-family homes are usually discouraged from using drones because they may not sell for

Food trucks have taken Calgary AB by storm, and it seems there's always a new street food dish to try. These meals make the ideal option for lunch breaks, but they also are a great choice for those who want a quick meal while they are out and about with their friends. Food trucks often feature eclectic and flavorful meals that can't be found in a typical restaurant. 

Mouth-watering ingredients and on-site chefs are delivering delicious meals from their food trucks. These are the best food trucks in Calgary that are sure to delight anyone's taste buds.

The Jamaican Jerk

Calgary AB certainly isn't known for its warm breezes and ocean surf, but The Jamaican Jerk brings the beauty and flavor of the Caribbean to town. This food truck

When kitchen cabinets begin looking dated or Southeast Calgary homeowners simply tire of the style of color, it is a great time to consider cabinet refinishing or cabinet replacement. Here are the differences between these two course of action, so that owners can make an informed choice concerning this costly investment.

The Process of Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing can be a challenging process, even if using an all-in-one kit. The process begins by removing the cabinet's facing and drawers and then removing any hardware present. Refinishing involves removing old stain or paint and sanding the surfaces thoroughly. This is followed by a good cleaning before applying primer, a new color or non-toxic wood stain, and then sealing them.

Buying a home is a large, long-term investment that deserves protection. Home insurance has many benefits and limitations, and can be somewhat difficult for people to understand. With the answers to these questions, buyers will have a better idea of what to expect when they go shopping for home insurance.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

People who have homeowners insurance need to know what is typically covered by their policies, and how those aspects of the home are covered. Typically, a policy will provide for compensation based on actual cash value or replacement value of an item that is stolen or destroyed due to a covered event. Actual cash value takes into consideration the natural depreciation of possessions like furniture or