“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...

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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JUST LISTED! - this bright, spacious, and very well cared for two story attached Cedarglen built home in soft neutral colors throughout!

Open concept plan with plenty of natural light and a spacious carpeted living room with gorgeous gas fireplace; great for entertaining guests or quiet cozy evenings.

The sunny kitchen features an over-sized island and lots of cupboard space, complete with black appliances. Linoleum flooring throughout the open kitchen and large dining area. Kitchen overlooks the south facing backyard. Main floor powder room off the kitchen.

Upper level offers 3 good sized bedrooms with large, bright windows. The spacious master has a walk-in closet and a full city view.

The large basement is ready for your personal touch and has roughed in plumbing for a future bathroom!

Great sunny south facing yard, spacious wood deck off the back and stone patio with raised garden beds; perfect for those summer BBQ's with friends and family. Backyard fully fenced with gravel parking pad.

This home is a real gem conveniently located on a low traffic street, close to shopping, dining, entertainment, schools and transit. Easy access to Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail.

Welcome home !

Click for Slideshow 

Just uploaded my commercial listings to LoopNet

Trans Canada Retail Commercial Development Site
 

Two adjacent lots approximately 0.82 Acres in total, with 326 feet of frontage, depths of 105 feet at the West end and 117 feet at the East end. The proprty is currently zoned R-1 and R-2, however is now designated Highway Commercial in the official community plan. The sale can be made subject to the landlord obtaining commercial zoning. Sewer lines to be put in by the municipality some times in 2010. There is an older single wide manufactured home on the property. These lands are located on the highway gateway to Sicamous and the objective according to the "District of Sicamous Official Community Plan" (DCP) is to ensure that new development contributes to a positive first impression of the community by maintaining a high development standard. Business along the highway will serve both the residents of Sicamous and the travelling public.

Located in the heart of Sicamous with tremendous exposure to traffic moving East and West in this area of Shuswap. Business along the highway will serve both the residents of Sicamous and the travelling public.
 

Klick Here for the listing website

European Delicatessen

Profitable, well established and very well kept European Delicatessen, Bakery & Imports Store with large selection of cold-cuts, salamis, sausages & bratwurst, home-cooked meals, salads, baking & catering. Sales have been constant with continuous growth over the years of operation. Owner will provide 4 weeks training. Looking for a great family business? This is The One! - Seller is retiring.

Excellent business opportunity in busy Shopping Plaza in SW Calgary. Very well maintained, steady business with excellent clients. This business has been serving its customers for over twenty-three years, four years in current location
and two years now with convenient adjacent restaurant business. All equipment is included in the asking price. Ample parking in shopping plaza. There is a good lease in place until 2011 with a five year renewal option. Option to also purchase adjacent restaurant business at cost of inventory and lease improvements.

Klick Here for the listing website
 

The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) just launched the "Go Green Challenge". a 12-month pilot program, running through June 2011, designed to get REALTORS®, consumers, and corporate partners working together to reduce the ecological impacts of Calgary homes.

Why join the challenge?

• Save money now on rising utility costs by making your home more energy efficient.
• Make more money later with the help of your good EnerGuide rating.
• Help to lessen the environmental impact homes have on our community.
   

How can you get involved?

Step 1:
Contact one of our participating REALTORS® if you are looking to buy or sell a home. Click here to view the REALTOR® directory.

Step 2:
Your REALTOR® will guide you through the process of buying or selling a home. They will also be glad to answer any questions you have about CREB®'s Go Green Challenge.

Step 3:
Obtain an EnerGuide rating for your home through a CREB® Go Green Challenge recognized energy evaluator.

Learn more here
 

Traffic Updates

Below is a quick update published by the Springbank Hill Community Association (SHCA) about some high-impact traffic reconfigurations taking place this weekend as part of the West LRT construction process:

1) From Thursday April 1 to Monday April 5 (inclusive), eastbound 9th Ave SW will be reduced to one lane only in the downtown corridor to accomodate utility relocations. This reconfiguration is not expected to last beyond the long-weekend, however major delays are expected by this restriction. Drivers are encouraged to enter the downtown area via Memorial Drive or 17 Ave.

2) Beginning Friday April 2, westbound Bow Trail (between 24th Street and 33rd Street) will be restricted to two lanes only, 24 hours per day. This restriction is expected to remain in effect until Fall 2011. Major traffic delays are expected in the afternoon commute.

Full details of the delays and other LRT construction-related news are available on www.westlrt.ca

REAP Down to Earth Week (April 6 - 11) is a celebration of sustainable living. Join us for events around Calgary that showcase the best in local food, responsible business and healthy homes.

Our free Business Lecture Series, which is co-hosted by Calgary Public Library and presented by First Calgary Savings, takes place April 6-9 each day at noon.

On April 7 Dr. David Korten will speak on his most recent book "Agenda for a New Economy: From Phantom Wealth to Real Wealth". Tickets are $10 and Calgary Dollars are accepted. Presented in partnership with The Arusha Centre, Thrive, University of Calgary, Parkland Institute and Public Interest Alberta.

Join us April 10 for a free event to launch Calgary's first "Healthy Families, Healthy Planet" report, presented through an interactive panel discussion. Learn about the top 10 ways to ensure the wellness of your children and the environment and get answers to all of your questions about detoxifying your home. Exhibits will provide information, products and services to make going green easy. Presented in partnership with Babes In Arms.

On April 11, enjoy the best organic and sustainable foods Alberta has to offer and meet the farmers and chefs behind it at Food For Thought. Sit back for a screening of "Food Fight" and listen to live music by Chris Velan in the Marquee Room afterward. Tickets are $15. Presented in partnership with Earth Day Canada, Calgary Food Policy Council and Community Natural Foods.

Local feature menus will be available throughout the week at: Community Natural Foods Market Cafe, Dairy Lane, Open Range, River Cafe, The Coup, The District, Velvet and Wild Rose Brewery & Taproom. Enjoy the best in locally sourced food, derived from sustainable practices that provide us with a high quality, healthy, affordable and secure food supply.

REAP Down to Earth Week 2010 is brought to you by REAP Business Association in partnership with Bullfrog Power, Calgary Herald, The City of Calgary's Office of Sustainability, Calgary Public Library, and First Calgary Savings.

For details and tickets visit www.reapcalgary.com/earthweek.

 

Open House
Sunday, March 7, 3-5 pm

307 DOUGLAS GLEN BV SE

Enjoy the comforts of a LARGE corner lot in this amazing bi-level home in the desirable Douglas Glen Community. 

Spacious, Open and Bright floor plan with the convenience of a fully developed basement all substantially updated and freshly painted with modern colours. 

This home features a main floor including master bedroom with en-suite/walk-in closet, another bedroom, family room, Kitchen and dining area, vaulted ceilings, and large windows that will give you adequate sunshine even in the dark winter months. 

The fully finished basement offers two more bedrooms with walk-in closet, den, a second family room with a fireplace, bar/entertainment plus a full bathroom. 

Enjoy your evening either in the family room accented with GAS FIREPLACE in the basement, the living area in the main floor or out on your LARGE COZY DECK in the hot-tub off the dining area.

There is a well kept backyard with swing sets for your family and friends to enjoy.  Close to parks, walking paths and shopping are just minutes away.  

LP: $ 394,000

info@mynewecohome.com

Charming Corner Lot 2-Storey 3BR House in Hidden Valley NW - click here

Springbank Hill Community Association (SHCA) February 2010 Newsletter

Here is the February issue of the Federation of Calgary Communities monthly newsletter, "Get Engaged!".

You may have been a little shocked by the low assessed value of your home, after reading last month's property assessment notice.   The property tax assessment was based on the market value of the property as of June 2009, following the market collapse and a very depressed housing market. This property tax assessment has no direct correlation with the current market value for your home.    Call or e-mail me if you would like an updated of your home's current market value.   email: info@mynewe ... Full Article...

The Lesley family just arrived from Saskatoon to take posession of their new Cochrane home.....Welcome to Alberta!

OPEN HOUSE - Sunday, January 24, 3-5 pm Air conditioned with a fully finished basement. Gleaming refinished hardwood floors greet you in a generous foyer which opens to a central living room with contemporary stone & drywall finished fireplace. Thru to the eat in kitchen with more lovely hardwood are cinnamon finished cabinets with heavy crown & soffit moulding accented with stunning black gloss subway tile. Granite counter & black appliances complete this center for entertaining. Off the kitch ... Full Article...

Here is the January issue of the Federation of Calgary Communities monthly newsletter, "Get Engaged!".

Here at Prudential Toole Peete Real Estate, we believe that the best part of our job is the people we meet, and that many have enjoyed the holidays in homes we have been privileged to help them move in to.  All the best wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Decade! Happy New Year! Dorothea Sautter P. S. : My New Year’s Present to You:  

Here is the December issue of Get Engaged (Federation of Calgary Communities) with new interesting and useful information. Click here.  This month’s newsletter contains information on: -Cell phone Towers, Low Density Residential Issues, etc -Funding Questions... -Audits and Internal Controls -Profile of a Community Fundraiser -and much, much more... Enjoy!

Of course they do! - There is a joint U.S.-Canadian evaluation program called Maximum Performance (or MaP) that uses soybean paste encased in latex to see just how well these low-flow toilets work. And most of them work very well. Test results are easily accessible on the Internet.  Todays Low-flow toilets don’t use any more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush. High-efficiency toilets use even less water than standard low-flow models, some as little as 1.1 gallons.  Dual-flush toilets, ... Full Article...

Here is the November issue of Get Engaged (Federation of Calgary Communities) with new interesting and useful information. Click here. In this issue you will find...  Communities Unite to Fight Hunger A list of upcoming Federation of Calgary Communities Workshops and Events and much, much more. Enjoy!

The latest quality advances in green home building are providing choices that your parents could only dream of. Today’s houses are less expensive to heat and cool, are more comfortable, and tread more lightly on the environment than any generation of houses before.  If you hope to benefit from these innovations, it is vital to connect with a green builder who understands your needs and has the skills to meet them. You cannot just add some green products to a house and expect it to perform ... Full Article...

Getting your home energy audit done is a good way to find out what upgrades would make sense for your home. Such assessments are offered by "energy advisers" certified by Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency. Having an assessment is a necessary step in qualifying for federal and provincial grant money that helps cover the costs of improvements. The energy adviser will take a comprehensive assessment of your house, which includes taking a look at insulation levels throu ... Full Article...

Before the cold weather arrives, it's a good idea to have your furnace inspected and serviced by a licensed  gas fitter who has all the tools to actually check the furnace. Cleaning allone doesn't do the job. Cleaning companies don't necessarily check blower amperage or heat exchangers. Checking the filter to make sure it's clean should be done on a monthly bases during the heating season. Most no-heat calls service companies get are from people who haven't cleaned their furnace filter and the ... Full Article...

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) basement developments provide 50 to 75 per cent return on investment. CMHC advises homeowners ready to transform their basements to do a bit of preplanning and management to save time and money, including talking to friends and neighbours who've renovated because they are sure to have a number of time-saving tips and words of advice. Homeowners should also inspect their basements for signs of moisture or mould or cracks in the walls or ... Full Article...

Do you want to take advantage of the $1,350 home renovation tax credit? - Then you will need to get your renovation done before February 1, 2010! Are you thinking of selling your home soon? The right improvements will boost the value of your home. So before you choose a renovation project - consider what the impact will be on the appraised value of your home. The Appraisal Institute of Canada can show you which renovation projects can maximize the value of your home – and which ones just ... Full Article...

The Government of Alberta, in cooperation with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Calgary Region, invite you to attend the Alberta Green Technologies Symposium, a two-day conference and trade show taking place December 8th and 9th at the BMO Centre, Calgary Stampede Grounds.  Day one of the Symposium will focus on the latest information regarding green building practices and design, cutting edge technology, high performance systems and how companies can best market & sell to their c ... Full Article...

The Government of Alberta has released a new survey for public consultation on increasing Energy Efficiency in the Alberta Building Code. Once the Provincial Government has gathered the responses to this survey, they will prepare proposed changes to the Alberta Building Code in co-operation with the Safety Codes Council. Stakeholders and the public will have the opportunity to comment on these proposed changes in 2010. The brief survey on Energy Efficiency in the Alberta Building Code asks the ... Full Article...

CMHS's new Residential Wood Heating Guide Learn how to prevent smoke and smell and how to maintain your wood heating system. Topics include: Proper wood selection Chimneys that draw well Woodstove installation, accessories, and more!

Here is the October issue of Get Engaged (Federation of Calgary Communities) with tons of interesting and useful information. To view please copy the following link into your browser.  In this issue you will find... Wildwood Litt le Tyke sale A list of upcoming Federation of Calgary Communities Workshops and Events and much, much more. Enjoy!

Setting the listing price can be like a combination of art and science. It requires a deep understanding of the market as it is today and a where it is headingin the near future. This means a deep sensitivity to what buyers want and can afford. And it means having the ability to create the perfect strategy for each home. Most sellers have a tendency to overvalue their homes. They don’t want to see today’s market realities. Understanding the market and setting the perfect listing p ... Full Article...

The federal government has an Ecoenergy Retrofit Program that offers grants up to $5,000 per household. Climate Change Central is running the alberta government’s energy-efficiency rebate programs, which includes grants up to $10,000 for new homes, $100 for clothes washers, $200 for home energy audits, $3,000 for insulation, $300 for domestic water heater and $600 for furnace/boilers. some of these grants tie into the federal ecoenergy retrofit Program.  The City of Calgary offers a reb ... Full Article...

For 2009 and subsequent years, the federal government has introduced a new non-refundable tax credit, based on an amount of $5,000, for certain home buyers that acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009 (i.e., closing after this date). The HBTC is calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2009) by $5,000. For 2009, the credit will be $750. Who is eligible for the HBTC? An individual will qualify for the HBTC if: they acquire a qualifying home; a ... Full Article...

The Home Renovation Tax Credit (only available for the 2009 tax year) is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to eligible purchases made after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010. The HRTC applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 &minus $1,000) × 15%]. ... Full Article...

Deciding whether or not to buy a home is as much about the current market as it is about your personal circumstances. The question is not “Is it the right time to buy” but rather “Is it the right time to buy for me?” Once you have done some research into the state of the real estate market, I recommend that you consult with a financial planner and a real estate professional who can recommend a solution based on your personal circumstances. There is no universal answer w ... Full Article...

After December 31, 2009, mid-efficient forced air furnaces - with an efficiency of less than 90% AFUE - will no longer be available. When your old furnace needs to be replaced after this deadline, it can not just be replaced with a high-efficient unit of the same size. Your existing furnace is probably a "standard size" furnace, operating with a 50 C (90 F) temperature rise, with a "standard size" duct system. Modern high-efficiency furnaces operate with a temperature rise around 30 C (50 F) a ... Full Article...

Now that summer has ended, the kids have gone back to school and the days have started to get shorter, it's time to think about getting your house ready for winter.   It is important to maintain your home not only as a way to show you care about your residence but also as a way to keep costs down by avoiding major maintenance problems later:  – Have your furnace and heating system serviced by a qualified technician.  – Check venting systems of all of your equipment to ensure there ... Full Article...

Just coming back from a visit to Germany I have some interesting information to share: Clouds cover the skies for about two-thirds of all daylight hours in Germany. Yet the country has managed to become the world's leading solar power generator: Besides large scale solar power stations across the country, there are now photovoltaic – and solar hot water systems on the majority of roofs in Germany. They are owned by legions of homeowners, farmers and small businesses who are capitalizing ... Full Article...

In today's market people sometimes wondered if renting might be an alternative to selling their existing house, especially when there is any kind of relocation need, like having found a new job in a far away city.  Before you start looking for a tenant for your existing house or looking for for a new home to buy at the new location however, you need to check first with your mortgage company to make sure that will work.  With a mortgage already in place for your existing house, your income to ... Full Article...