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Stories Tagged - How To
News
Feb. 20, 2019 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Multipurpose rooms and furniture help make the most of small spaces
As the name suggests, when people downsize their home, they usually find themselves dealing with less square footage.
That's where multipurpose furniture can help, such as a storage ottoman with a seat that flips over to become a side table, or an entryway bench to use while putting on shoes, with shelves underneath for footwear and a built-in rack above for hanging winter jackets.
That's where multipurpose furniture can help, such as a storage ottoman with a seat that flips over to become a side table, or an entryway bench to use while putting on shoes, with shelves underneath for footwear and a built-in rack above for hanging winter jackets.
News
Jan. 03, 2019 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Fee formula: demystifying condo fees
We've probably all heard someone say they'd love to buy a condominium, but they don't like the idea of paying condo fees.
"We see that $500 condo fee and ask, 'what do I get?' " said Bernice Winter, CEO of Condo Check, a Calgary company that provides condominium services, including document reviews.
"We see that $500 condo fee and ask, 'what do I get?' " said Bernice Winter, CEO of Condo Check, a Calgary company that provides condominium services, including document reviews.
News
Jan. 09, 2019 | Geoff Geddes
Four cheap and easy DIY renos for the aspiring handyman
Some tasks, like open heart surgery, don't scream "do it yourself." Fortunately, there are many home renovation projects that are perfectly suited to a hands-on approach.
News
Jan. 03, 2019 | Barb Livingstone
Built from scratch: important advice for new-build homebuyers
Be prepared to invest your time along with your money. Be patient. Do your homework.
There are a lot of boxes to tick when buying a new-build home, but following the advice of industry professionals can make it easier.
There are a lot of boxes to tick when buying a new-build home, but following the advice of industry professionals can make it easier.
News
Jan. 09, 2019 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Four common renovation nightmares and how to avoid them
Making sure your dream renovation doesn't turn into a nightmare means doing some due diligence before signing on the dotted line.
News
Jan. 03, 2019 | Karen Durrie
Five tips for first-time homebuyers
The financing, the finagling, the legwork and the looking – buying your first home is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also be one of the most intimidating and stressful things you'll ever do.
An experienced REALTOR® can help guide you through every step, negotiate on your behalf and streamline the entire purchase process.
An experienced REALTOR® can help guide you through every step, negotiate on your behalf and streamline the entire purchase process.
News
Jan. 16, 2019 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Everything to consider before buying a winter vacation property
Owning a winter vacation home means spending time with family and friends skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or just sitting together around a warm fireplace.
But as with any real estate purchase, the first step is deciding if buying a winter vacation home makes sense for you.
But as with any real estate purchase, the first step is deciding if buying a winter vacation home makes sense for you.
News
Jan. 16, 2019 | Tyler Difley
How to turn your home into a short-term rental property
As the number of properties listed through short-term rental services like Airbnb and VRBO continues to grow, it's natural for homeowners to wonder if they, too, can extract additional value from their home. Have an extra bedroom, guesthouse or vacation property that sits vacant most of the time? Want to rent out your condo a few weekends a year to make a bit of extra cash? No matter your specific circumstances, here are some important dos and don'ts.
News
Dec. 12, 2018 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Three tips for selling your home in a buyer's market
Selling your home in Calgary's present real estate market can be a challenge, but some common-sense decisions can help improve the odds.
John Hripko, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Benchmark, says he's recently noticed basic things that some sellers are not doing – things that, if done right, could make a difference when selling in a down market.
John Hripko, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Benchmark, says he's recently noticed basic things that some sellers are not doing – things that, if done right, could make a difference when selling in a down market.
News
Dec. 05, 2018 | Gerald Vander Pyl
The pros and cons of buying a business franchise
Franchise businesses in Canada contribute almost $100 billion annually to the economy and generate jobs for 1.8 million people, according to the Canadian Franchise Association.
Owning a franchise can also be a solid investment, provided a person does their due diligence before signing on the dotted line.
Owning a franchise can also be a solid investment, provided a person does their due diligence before signing on the dotted line.
