“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890) http://www.vangoghgallery.com/ Artists take risks. They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt. When the world tells them “it’s not safe,” they listen to their own voice de ... Full Article...

Living next door to someone doesn’t make you a neighbour. It makes you an adjacent homeowner. One of the great opportunities we have in our communities is the chance to build real, meaningful relationships with the people who live closest to us. While I understand the desire for privacy, I think it’s important we realize that regular, helpful communication with our neighbours makes us both safer and paves a smooth road for difficult conversations we might face with our neighbours in ... Full Article...

Just sold this listing: "OPEN HOUSE Sat. Oct.22, 2-4 pm. With 2,500 sqft one of the largest homes in this price range in the prestigious neighbourhood of Summit of Montreux! This Home has a wonderful open floor plan. Upper level offers 3 spacious bedrooms & a large, private bonus room with Mountain View. The master retreat with Ravine View features a luxurious 5 pc ensuite spa & oversized walk-in closet. 2 more bedrooms and a large 4pcs guest bathroom make this a very functional family home! En ... Full Article...

Just added this listing: "Profitable, well established & very well kept European Sausage, Delicatessen & Meat Store with full Sausage Kitchen c/w Commercial Smoke House for Home Made Meat Products. Well Established Turn Key Business in high traffic Shopping Plaza in SW Calgary. - Meticulously maintained & steady business with loyal clients. This business has been serving its customers for over twenty-three years in the same location & is well regarded for their Service and Quality of Product. G ... Full Article...

Will your home age gracefully with you, or will it turn out to be a burden through your “golden years?” Here are some helpful tips to determine if your home and neighborhood will still serve you as you reach retirement age.

I often hear from clients who are worried about their parents (or themselves) when it comes to living in their home through their retirement years. There are lots of reasons why a dream home can become a retirement nightmare as we age. From safety issues to neighborhood concerns, there are numerous factors which impact whether or not a home is ideal as we get older. Consider:

1. Falling / slipping hazards. Are bathrooms designed with mobility challenges in mind? Are the surfaces we once loved (hardwood, tile, concrete) now slipping hazards?

2. Accessibility. Is a second story practical? Will stairs become a painful hassle in years ahead?

3. Entrapment. Could locks in the house be inadvertently engaged, trapping a resident in a back bedroom or bathroom without access to medicine or lines of communication?

4. Right-sizing. Is the home still appropriate for the number of residents? Will it be a maintenance or upkeep hassle now that kids or spouses may no longer be in the house?

5. Neighborhood safety. How as a neighborhood improved or declined in recent years? What’s projected to happen in the next 10? 20?

6. Walkability. Are you planning to keep and drive a car as you age? How close are grocery stores, drug stores, hospitals, entertainment venues, and restaurants? Are you in a relatively isolated area? How close do you want your neighbors to be?

This is but a fraction of the full list, but a good place to begin thinking about the years ahead. I love helping home owners evaluate properties with an eye on getting the most out of retirement.

If you’re interested in a free consultation with these issues (and more!) in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact me today at info@mynewecohome.com .

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