Falling Behind On Your Mortgage?
Don’t Worry, You Have Options!

We know that you typically do whatever you can to pay your mortgage. But, falling on tough times can happen, which leaves you wondering how you are going to make your next payment. However, there are some great options to help you stay on top of your mortgage and avoid arrears and even foreclosure. 

Option #1: For an insured mortgage, you will want to contact your lender directly. Lenders can support clients by reaching out to the insurer and the solutions department will get to work offering options. It is important to know that the lender does have to approve this and is not obligated too. But, it is in their best interest to do so. 

Option #2: For an uninsured mortgage, you can take advantage of private lenders and short-term solutions. An example would be a private lender using the equity in the home to keep the first mortgage in perfect repayment. This is more for emergency situations and can be expensive, but cheaper and much less damaging than foreclosing on the home. 


  

Six decluttering tips

1    Commit to five mins of decluttering everyday. No less and no more! It will help you build momentum. 

2    Fill a bag to donate. Get a trash bag and fill it as fast as you can with donation items. Feel free to go to multiple rooms in order to fill a bag. 

3    Keep track of what you don’t wear and then donate it. Face your hangers the wrong way and only switch it back when you wear that item. After a few months, eliminate the items you never switched.  

4    The 12-12-12 challenge. Locate 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate and 12 items to put away. This works great with kids at a smaller denomination. 

5    Use a decluttering checklist. These are templated lists that can be found online and even be customized.

6    The four-bin method. Find a bin or box for each of the following labels; Trash, Donate, Keep, Relocate/Storage. For each room in your home, every single item needs to belong in one of those boxes, no matter how small or insignificant the item may seem. If it’s not a keep or seasonal storage/relocate item, consider it decluttered.

Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had this weather year-round? Alas, despite our collective wishes, the warm summer weather will soon give way to the cool winds of fall, and homeowners across Alberta will begin scrambling to complete their summer projects.

Maybe you’re a new homeowner building a deck or fence, or maybe you’re like me, replacing a 35-year-old fence that lost its last battle with that crazy June windstorm. No matter what your outdoor project might be, and no matter where you live – the suburbs, the city, or in a rural community – you need to plan your work and work your plan.

What does that mean? It means as you’re designing your outdoor improvement project, you’re going to identify where you’ll be digging. Once you’ve done that, you need to outline the perimeter of your project’s location with environmentally friendly white spray paint or stakes, and then go to ClickBeforeYouDig.com and select the province of Alberta. If you’re already in our system, you can simply log in but if not, you will need to register as a new user. Once you’ve logged in or registered as a new user, you can begin your locate request, a service free to you.

If you run into a snag while entering your locate request, hit the “CHAT” button and one of our knowledgeable Damage Prevention Agents will walk you through placing your request. It’s easy, available 24/7, and will take you less than 10 minutes! If you prefer to call in your locate request, you can do that too. Our Call Centre Agents are available weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm, but keep in mind we are closed for statutory holidays.

Once you’ve submitted your locate request, you’ll receive an automated reply from BeforeYouDigPartners. This is your local ticket and includes a unique auto-generated number beginning with the year (2022 in this case) and followed by seven digits. The ticket also identifies any registered buried utilities in the vicinity of your project. The utility owners receive the same notification as you and unless they require additional information, they will either respond via email or dispatch a representative to locate and mark their buried energy and utility assets in proximity to your project within five working days and provide you with information on how to dig safely.

If your project is near or crosses a federally or provincially regulated transmission pipeline right of way, you might have to secure a crossing or proximity agreement from the pipeline company. In those cases, the pipeline company will provide as much assistance to you as necessary so you can complete your project safely.

When you submit your locate request to Utility Safety Partners, you are initiating a damage prevention and safety process that will touch many utility industry people – all of whom are there to ensure your safety and the ongoing integrity of their buried energy and utility assets.

At the end of the day, it’s all about safety. Your safety, public safety, and community safety. 

How Important is a Septic Alarm

Septic alarms are our most recommended product when it comes to a septic system. A lot of systems we see, do not have a septic alarm. Doesn’t matter if you have a gravity system or a septic pump in your tank. A septic alarm will save your house and yard in case of a backup saving you tons of money and a large headache to clean up.

We have several different alarm types, so you can choose the best option. We have an indoor and outdoor alarm that has an audible and visual alarm as well as a wifi alarm that will also alert you via text or email that there is an issue which is an excellent option for cabins, rental properties or vacation homes.

Create a Showcase Closet

Imagine a closet that is not just a closet, but a space that beautifully displays your most cherished items. According to design consultant Carolyn Musher, you only need to incorporate a few basic upgrades and accessories to achieve that boutique-worthy look. After that it is just a matter of maintaining the order you have created.

Incorporate Lighting 
Ceiling lighting is important for illuminating the whole space, but you’ll want to include other types as well to achieve that showcase look. Closet lighting within your shelves and lights that are strategically placed to highlight items will create a stunning display.

Include Specialized Closed Storage
Be sure to dedicate space for your non-showcase items and have them be organized yet out of sight. For instance, flip flops and sneakers can be stowed in baskets and workout clothes can be neatly folded into drawers. 

Keep Like Colours and Items Together
Once your closet is installed and you are ready to put your belongings back in, how you organize your clothing makes aesthetic difference. Arrange your clothing by type and by hue: All short-sleeved shirts should be put together, for instance, and then hung by colour within that grouping. Do the same for each category of clothing.

Stay Consistent with Your Hangers
What you hang your clothing on makes a huge difference when it comes to creating that boutique look. Be sure that all of your hangers match and your clothing is hung facing the same direction.

Do I Need A High Efficiency Furnace?

If you are thinking about switching your furnace to a high efficiency unit, you may have asked what a high efficiency unit really means.

Simply put the percentage efficiency rating tells you how efficient your particular unit is at turning fuel into heat. The more efficient the unit, the more heat it generates, and therefore less money is wasted in terms of heating dollars spent.

For instance, a 98 percent efficient furnace is turning 98 cents of every dollar spent on heat into actual heat, whereas 85 percent is wasting 15 cents per dollar spent in comparison to the first furnace. That can add up in the long term so if you are replacing your furnace you may want to consider a high efficiency model.

How to Save Thousands on Your Next Home Purchase

Use a REALTOR®! As members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA®), each Realtor adheres to a strict code of ethics and provides a wide variety of beneficial services for buyers and sellers.

Have your Realtor provide a detailed market value evaluation on the property you are considering purchasing. In other words, make sure that your Realtor compares the property you are purchasing with other homes in the area that have recently sold.

Get a home inspection. Many times, buyers will choose to purchase a home without having the home inspected by a qualified professional. Finding flaws can lead to a price reduction and save you from finding surprises down the road that can lead to costly repairs. 

Offer a good deposit. Often, buyers offer very little money down as a deposit when negotiating the purchase of a home; a larger deposit shows the buyer you are actually interested. 

Shop around for your mortgage financing. Buyers usually only think to approach their bank to apply for a mortgage, but a mortgage broker can source multiple lenders thus making it an easier process for you to explore all available options. It is important, as a purchaser, to ask if any of the costs for the loan can be eliminated or discounted. 

Insist the seller provide a Real Property Report (RPR) with municipal compliance. You want to ensure that the seller provides you with a RPR, a survey of the land and buildings you are purchasing, which reflects the current placement of structures on the parcel you are purchasing. 

Purchase title insurance. Discuss what coverage you need, in terms of title insurance, with your real estate lawyer. Ask your lawyer for advice as to whether you should purchase this type of coverage, as usually you can only purchase this type of insurance at the point of purchasing the property.

Take your time before you purchase. It is always a good idea to look at several homes before making a decision. Don’t feel as though you have to buy the first home you look at.

  

Design Mistakes to Avoid

Get Rid of Matchy-Matchy
In theory, matching furniture items sounds like a great way to create continuity in your space, but in reality, it makes your room look tasteless and uninteresting. To create visually appealing spaces, find variety in fabric and material textures.

Shopping at several stores will help you create a more dynamic look and feel. Don’t forget to carry paint and colour swatches with you. It sounds tedious, but you need to remember that designers spend hours poring over options and colour combinations for their clients.

Lighting, Lighting, Lighting 
Bad lighting can affect the mood of your home. If you have a dimly lit room, try using lamps, and having switched on dimmers allows you a wide range of options to create ambiance. 

Furniture Placement 
Do not place furniture against walls. Having furniture off of the walls helps create a more intimate space. Try pulling out your sofa and setting a sofa table against the wall and your couch. You can add a lamp, some books, and décor to allow the room to breathe while adding character. 

Purge –Too Much Furniture 
We are all guilty of feeling the need to have lots of seating for company, but finding ottomans and clever bench seating that can be tucked away or key for not overrunning your space with too much unnecessary furniture. 

Measure First 
This is a must. Measure the spaces you are looking to inhabit with art and furniture and find pieces that work with your existing setup.

If you want an address in Sirocco at Pine Creek, you are not alone!  This is a highly coveted south Calgary area for several good reasons.  Located just west of MacLeod Trail, residents can easily access schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops in the nearby communities of Legacy, Shawnessy, Silverado, and Walden.  The neighbourhood is perfect for anyone who wants to hit the links for a round of golf at Sirocco Golf Club or explore one of Calgary’s best natural areas, Fish Creek Park.  Homes in Sirocco at Pink Creek are built by Morrison, NuVista, Shane, Sterling, Trico, and Truman Homes.  Front drive and paired homes are available in a variety of architectural styles.  Pick a lot and start building your dream home!     

Walden

Literature lovers, did you know that Walden shares its name with the book by Henry David Thoreau?  Thoreau’s book reflects on living simply in natural surroundings and Walden is a great place to do just that.  Located at the south end of Calgary, this neighbourhood offers easy access to major roadways, established amenities, as well as beautiful parks and open spaces.  If you have your sights set on a home in Walden, come prepared to find your next home.  This area has a HUGE variety of home styles and price points!     

Rangeview

Do you dream of a cute little homestead but know you are not ready to give up city living?  Rangeview is the place for you!  This south Calgary neighbourhood is built on a promise; according to the community website, Rangeview will be a “vibrant gathering place for neighbours to connect, surrounded by amenity-rich residential living, community gardens, garden-to-table food celebrations and more.”  Brand new homes start in the mid $400s with paired, laned, and front drive lots available.  

Why Overpricing Your Home is a Terrible Decision

While it may be tempting to list your home for sale on the high side and ‘test the market’ or ‘negotiate down,’ overpricing your home will likely deter buyers, cause your home to stay on the market without much attention and eventually even expose you to getting a series of bad offers even lower than the price your home is actually worth.

Trying to price your home too high—because you paid a certain amount for it, or because you believe it has more value than it actually does (emotional attachment) will stall the successful sale of your property. Buyers don’t care about how much money you need from the sale because you are buying something elsewhere or for whatever other personal reasons you may have. All a buyer cares about is paying the fair market value. Overpricing a home is right at the top of the list for reasons why a home does not sell.

If it has been sitting on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, as a general rule, you’ll need to lower the asking price. As the number of days increases, so does the negotiating power for buyers’ agents to reduce the selling price. If there are homes on the market for more than 180 days, buyers begin to wonder why it has been available on the market for such a long time.

An overpriced home will reduce the chances to draw potential buyers to your house. Hence, it is considered the top home selling mistake by most experts. Trusting your REALTOR®’s professional evaluation based on their local experience and analysis of comparable properties is the only way to ensure your home is listed at the market value it needs to be at in order to sell.
 

Five Items to Never Store in Your Garage

To keep your home safe and pest- free and your belongings in good shape, don’t ever store these items in your garage.

Pet Food
Storing pet food in your garage is basically inviting pests into your home for a delicious snack. If you must keep pet food in the garage (or even when it’s inside your house), be sure that it’s inside a tightly sealed plastic or metal container. Rodents can easily chew through paper or cardboard packaging.

Firewood
While firewood may be an important year-round staple in your home or backyard, it’s also a magnet for pests that will happily make the jump into your house. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house—that includes the garage—and only bring in as much as is necessary.

Sleeping Bags
Fluctuating temperatures and humidity are not ideal conditions for storing fabric. It can get moldy, and rodents love to chew it. It’s tempting to stash sleeping bags with other non-fabric camping supplies in the garage, but don’t do it! Store sleeping bags, clothes and other fabric items inside your house.

Paint
Extreme heat and extreme cold can alter paint formulas. So if the temperature in your garage is a rollercoaster throughout the year, it’s not an ideal place for storing your leftover paint. Check the paint can label for recommended storage temperatures. But if your paint happens to freeze during the winter, it’s not necessarily ruined.

Canned Food
Contrary to what you may think, canned foods are not spoil-proof and should be stored at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees. Humidity in a garage can also cause cans and metal lids on glass jars to rust, potentially causing a chemical reaction with the food inside.

Energy Savings Tips

Lighting can account for up to 10 per cent of your electricity costs, and it’s easy to overlook, especially during the longer nights of winter. So, taking that extra step to turn off lights when not in use can make a real difference.

Energy savings can add up in more significant ways with three simple changes to your laundry routine: running the washer on cold, hanging your laundry on a drying rack or throwing a dry towel in the dryer to help your clothes dry faster.

EnergyStar® certified LED bulbs use 90 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. As old bulbs burn out, replace them with LEDs, which, in addition to using less power, also last 15x longer than incandescent bulbs.

Standby power can add up to 5 to 10 per cent of an average home’s electricity use. Unplug electronics when not in use and you can translate that 10 per cent to savings you can use for something else.

Turn off the heat dry function on your dishwasher and let your dishes air dry. At the end of the wash cycle, open the dishwasher door and you’ll be surprised by how fast the moisture evaporates. Doing this can cut dishwasher energy use 15 to 50 per cent.

Natural Gas Savings Tips

Over time, any home will develop gaps that let cold air in and warm air escape. Sealing up obvious areas around windows, or adding weather-stripping around exterior doors, can help save up to 30 per cent on your heating use.

Heating accounts for 63 per cent of home energy use—and even a difference of two degrees (from 20 to 22) can add up. On cold days, it might be tempting to set your thermostat high, but your home won’t heat up quicker. 

Make the sun work for you in winter by opening your blinds and curtains during the day. This will allow the sun’s energy to help heat your home and take some of the load off your furnace.

Even though it can increase your electricity use, selective use of a space heater is a better way than heating your whole home if you’re only typically in one room.

Take a look around your house and make sure that furniture, rugs or other items have not been placed over your vents. Air flow is one key for heating efficiency.

Too much humidity can actually make you feel colder because the moisture draws heat away from your body. If you use a humidifier, keep humidity between 30 to 40 per cent, which should keep you comfortable.

Content Courtesy of ENMAX

 

Pack your moving boxes, grab your golf clubs, and get settled into your new home in Wolf Willow.  This SE Calgary neighbourhood is every golf lover’s dream.  It is minutes from your driveway to several popular Calgary golf courses, including Blue Devil, McKenzie Meadows, and Heritage Pointe.  Located off 194 Avenue SE, this area is close to Fish Creek Park and numerous established amenities.  Buyers looking for an already built home will need to pounce as soon as one hits the market because they don’t last long!  There are laned lots available from reputable Calgary builders for buyers who want to build a new home.  Phases that include front garage homes will be released soon. 

Belmont

Located in SW Calgary, Belmont prides itself on being one of the best-connected communities in the city.  Arterial roads including 194 Avenue, 210 Avenue, and Sheriff King Street connect the area to Stoney and Macleod Trails.  Although this area is only a few years old, there is already a fantastic playground and plans for additional parks and pathways to connect the entire neighbourhood.  There are also plans for a future City of Calgary recreation centre and two schools.  Home styles include townhomes, laned, paired, and front garage homes from a big selection of Calgary builders.  Prices start in the $300,000 range.     

Pine Creek

Pine Creek is thoughtfully designed with pathways that take you through the neighbourhood, past ponds, and into surrounding communities and parks.  Located on the southern edge of the city, it is minutes from a ton of shopping, services, schools, and restaurants.  It is a short drive to outdoor recreation opportunities like golf and hiking.  This neighbourhood is close to Granary Road Market, Leighton Arts Center, and the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation area.  This is a wonderful neighbourhood for anyone considering a paired or front garage home with a budget starting in the $400,000s.       

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

From home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to refinancing your mortgage, there are several unique ways you can leverage your home and reach your financial goals. Even as you get older, you can use your home to help support your retirement.

While you can tap into the income provided by your RRSP, Canadian Pension Plan, and Old Age Security pension, these might not be enough to fund the life you want to live. A reverse mortgage can help manage some of these costs just by utilizing the value of your home.

In the simplest terms, a reverse mortgage is a loan you can get based on the value of your home. In some cases, you can borrow up to 55% of your home’s value! Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 55 years and older, and the amount you receive is based on:
Your home’s appraised value
Your age
Your lender

If your reverse mortgage application is accepted, you may choose to receive your loan as one lump sum or in periodic payments. From here, you can use this money however you see fit, and you won’t have to pay back or make any payments on the reverse mortgage until:
You sell the home
You move out of the home
The last borrower passes away
You default on the loan

Questions? This article is Courtesy of Mortgage Connection—contact them for more details.

  

Condensation on the Inside of Windows

Because glass surfaces are usually some of the coldest parts of your home, condensation appears on windows first. This is generally in the form of water droplets or frost on the interior of your window. As interior air becomes drier or as the glass surface becomes warmer, condensation begins to evaporate.


What causes interior window condensation?
Condensation on the interior of windows and doors occurs when warm air comes into contact with cool glass. This is especially common in colder months, when indoor air is warmer and more humid and outdoor air tends to be cold and dry. Even if you aren’t running a humidifier, everyday activities like bathing, cooking and even breathing all contribute to the humidity in your home.

Replacing drafty windows and doors or installing a new roof or siding reduces air infiltration into your home, making a tighter seal. This tighter seal is great news for your energy costs, but a tightly-sealed home also retains more humidity, which means condensation on colder surfaces in the winter.

How can I reduce interior window condensation?
There are a number of ways you can cut down on the humidity you create in your home. Some ways to reduce air moisture include using a portable dehumidifier or installing a whole-home dehumidifier. When you’re cooking, cover pots and pans in an effort to keep excess humidity contained and be sure to run the kitchen exhaust fan while cooking. The same goes for bathroom fans. Leaving the bathroom fan on during and after a shower will help circulate humid air out of your home. Lastly, leaving interior doors open will help allow good air circulation, so humidity doesn’t build up in one space.

Are you having trouble deciding between an area in NE Calgary or NW Calgary?  Well, Livingstone offers a little bit of both!  Located in North Calgary, this neighbourhood is close to Stoney Trail, several established areas, and all the amenities you will ever need!  You can build your dream home or move into an already constructed and landscaped home, starting from the low $300,000 price point.  Homes in the area are thoughtfully designed and masterfully built by builders include Homes by Avi, Morrison Homes, Cedarglen Homes, Brookfield Homes, and Excel Homes.  At the centre of the neighbourhood is the Hub.  This space is an award-winning community feature designed to be inclusive and accessible.  There are rinks, playgrounds, tennis courts, pathways, community programs, as well as employment and volunteer opportunities.  This area puts the “living” into “Livingstone” by creating a home and community that you will never want to leave.  

Legacy

Let’s head south!  No, not on vacation but to south Calgary and the community of Legacy.  This master-planned community does make it feel like you are away from the city, even though everything you need is close by.  Aside from gorgeous homes at various styles and price points, Legacy also has a high school, plans for future schools, a shopping center, and a 300-acre environmental reserve.  You can move into Legacy for under $200,000 and enjoy a plethora of options to grow into a different home as your needs, lifestyle, and budget evolve.  One of the things I love most about this area is the annual Legacy Christmas Lights Parade.

Cornerstone

Sometimes, someone DOES put Baby in a corner, and there are no complaints as long as it is the NE Calgary community of Cornerstone!  Cornerstone is Calgary’s largest community, so you know there will be something here that you will love.  This area is over 1,100 acres and has many amenities to enjoy today and plans for even more in the future.  Stores, services, playgrounds, schools, access to transit, wetlands, pathways, and more will be a part of your life in Cornerstone.  Built to appeal to anyone ready to be a homeowner, Cornerstone has move-in ready homes, options across a range of price points, and lots available to build your dream home from the ground up.  

Why Getting an Annual Real Estate Review is Important

Your Real Estate investment is likely the biggest single expenditure in your lifetime so why not keep a pulse on its value? Life can happen fast and keeping a relationship with your trusted REALTOR® can benefit you in many ways.

1) You will learn the real time value of your highest valued asset.

2) Realtors can give you the real scoop on what is happening in your neighbourhood or for properties like yours. Unfortunately, newspapers and media often report the biggest headlines to sell papers or get website traffic. Their reporting is broad, covering the whole market in as few words as possible. Not only is this misleading to the common homeowner but if you believe the reporting word for word, you could be limiting your own financial growth in real estate.

3) Perhaps it is time to move up or move down, build, or time a purchase or sale that will maximise your position. We can assist you in solving this puzzle and protect your best interests. 

4) Thinking of renovating with the thought of moving sooner than later? Why not bounce your renovation ideas off your agent. We know what improvements will maximise your selling value and save you from over renovating your home!

Please do contact me for your complimentary review so we can ensure you have the information you need to make informed long-term decisions about your home.

  

Looking to be a US Snowbird?  Here’s what you need to know!

How Long Can a Canadian Stay in the United States?
The period of time a Canadian can stay in the US is based on your unique case and whether you are entering on a visa or not. A Canadian can stay in the US for six months from the date of entry, BUT any exit and reentry reset the clock.

Extending Your Stay in the US
If you need to stay in the US longer than six months as a Canadian, you have the option to extend your stay. You can do this by filing a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorised stay expires through the USCIS.

Canadians Paying Taxes in the US
Canadians need to keep in mind US tax laws. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has guidelines in place that Canadians must comply with. If you do stay for an extended period, you may have to file tax forms to the IRS, beyond six months. 

US Tax Treaty Exemption
You can also claim exemption under the Canada–US Tax Treaty. You can refer to the Treaty tiebreaker rules to claim that you’re still a Canadian citizen after staying in the US for over 182 days.

How Long Can a Canadian Snowbird Keep Their Provincial Health Insurance?
When staying in the United States as a Canadian, you also need to make sure you aren’t absent from your province for too long. Staying outside of your Canadian province for too long can affect your provincial health care coverage. All provinces, except Ontario and Newfoundland, require you to actually live in your home province for at least six months plus a day (183 days in most years) in order to be considered a permanent resident of that province, and therefore qualified for provincial health insurance benefits. 

Why CIR REALTY?

REALTORS® face a constantly evolving environment. This includes changes to industry requirements, to the market and economy, new consumer expectations and behaviours and a realm of additional factors that challenge our business and potentially our ability to serve our clients. This is why choosing a real estate brokerage with a strong local history and the power to implement systems and solutions based on what is happening in our own backyard is crucial. CIR REALTY’s journey began in 1983 and today we lay claim to the largest market share in Calgary, as well as a strong claim in many other markets all over Central and Southern Alberta. Our recent expansion into Edmonton and Kelowna (our first office outside of Alberta) proves the need for strong local brokerages and well educated Realtors is high.

I am proud to belong to one of Canada’s largest and most dominant real estate brokerages and as a result, can offer you the highest level of service, support and results. Thank you for trusting me as your real estate advisor.

Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights Outside

One of the most enjoyable Christmas projects is stringing colourful outdoor holiday lights. But planning and hanging a Santa-worthy display can take some time. Bring bright, holiday cheer to your family and passers with these tips to hanging Christmas lights outside. Here are a few holiday safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose waterproof, outdoor lighting. Don’t use indoor Christmas lights outside. Outdoor lights should have a UL tag (underwriter’s laboratory). This means your light set meets national standards for product quality and safety. Also, check the box to make sure the light set is rated for outdoor use.

2. Plugin the lights to make sure all bulbs light up before you begin. When hanging lights above, use a good quality ladder set firmly on a flat surface. Don’t add lights to trees that are near power lines and turn off all outdoor lighting at night. One pro tip is to purchase an outdoor outlet timer so your lights automatically turn on and off at the same time each night!

3. Tidying extension cords—only use outdoor rated—extension cords. Keep connections dry by wrapping them in electrical tape. Avoid tripping hazards when hanging Christmas lights by taping down cords near walkways, and choosing a cord just long enough to reach the lights.

4. Hanging or taking down lights from above can be difficult. To make the job easier create a handy pole extension hook from a broom handle and a length of heavy gauge wire. This DIY extension hook also works great for hanging ornaments on trees. 

Trinity Hills is located on the west end of Calgary and can be accessed via Highway 1.  After a day at work, you can easily zip out to Kananaskis or simply enjoy the amenities just beyond your front door.  Trinity Hills is part of one of Calgary’s newest communities called Medicine Hill.  Trinity Hills is slated to have a wide offering of services and amenities including Save-On-Food, PetSmart, Bulk Barn, and a Good Life Gym.  Residents have quick and easy access to WinSport.  There is a 160-acre environmental reserve as well as almost 20 kilometers of hiking and biking trails.  This is a wonderful area for anyone who enjoys year-round outdoor recreation!  The housing here includes luxury apartments, townhomes, and housing for seniors.  Homes are modern and thoughtfully designed.  If your budget starts in the mid to high $400,000 range, then you might find your dream home in Trinity Hills.       

East Hills Crossing

Head over to the east end of Calgary and check out the aptly-named East Hills Crossing.  If ease of access to amenities and other areas of the city is a key priority for you, then East Hills Crossing might be where you buy your next home.  Even though this is a newer neighbourhood, there are already services, stores, and amenities galore within the community!  Travelling to different parts of Calgary for work and play is easy thanks to quick access to Stoney Trail as well as via public transportation.  Elliston Park, Chestermere, Cobbs Adventure Park, Calgary Soccer Center, and Heatherglen Golf course are minutes from here.  This area will feature predominantly brand new townhomes.

Skyview Ranch

Skyview Ranch is a great community to consider if you want to be close to the airport, many large employers in NE Calgary, Airdrie, or CrossIron Mills Shopping area.  From your new home in Skyview Ranch, it is quick and easy to get to Stoney Trail, Deerfoot Trail, Métis Trail, and Country Hills Boulevard.  When your family is visiting they can stay close by (but not too close!) at one of the many nearby hotels.  Skyview Ranch has a great selection of home styles including apartment condominiums, townhomes, and single-family homes.  This is another wonderful area to check out if you are torn between building new or buying an existing home as there are many options for both.  Homes start in the mid $200,000 range and increase in price to over $800,000.       

Ambleton is another NW Calgary gem!  This newer community is designed for being outside.  There are natural areas, play areas, and a system of local and regional pathway networks to enjoy.  Ambleton is situated adjacent to Evanston which means residents have access to schools, stores, restaurants, and more.  Future development plans for this community include commercial development and a high school.  Quick access to Stoney Trail helps you easily get to work and recreation activities.  What I like about Ambleton is the mix of housing options that invite a wide range of buyers.  Empty nesters can downsize here while growing families can choose a larger single-family home.  You can settle right into an established home or build to suit with one of the many reputable home builders that have lots available in this area.     

Alpine Park

If you love to be outdoors, you are going to want to check out Alpine Park!  This ambitiously designed community includes tree-lined streets perfect for after dinner strolls, six parks and natural playgrounds within walking distance, and a central hub of amenities and services.  Alpine Park is focused on creating connections between residents.  If you have dreamed of walking to the local coffee shop, watching kids play in front yards, or waving at neighbours as you sip tea on your front porch, then Alpine Park is worth checking out.  Located in SW Calgary, this area is right near Stoney Trail, which allows you to get to any part of the city quickly and easily!  Home styles in Alpine Park include town, laned, and single-family homes. 

Greenwich

Are you looking for a newer community that is nestled amongst established areas?  Let me introduce you to Greenwich!  Located in NW Calgary, this community is close to Highway 1 and Stoney Trail.  You can hop across the highway to ski at Canada Olympic Park or drive a few minutes to the Bownesian Grocer to get what you need to make dinner.  One thing I love about this neighbourhood is that it will be home to the NW location of the Calgary Farmers’ Market!  You can build new here from the low $200’s and up.  Greenwich was designed to be reminiscent of its New York counterpart so be prepared to be wowed by elements including brick front homes as well as contemporary and industrial design elements.

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