Kirby Cox's Calgary Real Estate Blog

Tips for Building Your Own Deck

It's patio season—that time of year when your backyard becomes another living space. A lot of people will be building decks this over the next few months, so here are some helpful tips we came across to help you pick the right materials for the job.

Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a pro, the key to success is factoring in all the critical design issues, picking the right material for your budget, climate, and lifestyle, and building a structure that will stand the test of time. [This Old House]

CHOOSING THE WOOD 

• Cedar resists moisture, rot and insect infestations.
• Douglas fir is very strong, and handles to power tools well. It is also decay, mold and insect repellant.
• Redwood is easy to work with, naturally…

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Feature Condo: The Groves of Varsity

Varsity Estates Circle NW

Tucked into the well established community of Varsity, The Groves of Varsity offers luxurious maintenance free living in a concrete and steel high-rise.   Named the #1 Calgary Neighbourhood by Avenue Magazine in 2012, many residents of Varsity Acres, Varsity Estates and Varsity Village have chosen The Groves for their retirement years, allowing them to stay in the vibrant community they love so dearly.

The area features a variety of amenities including Market Mall, stylish shops and restaurants at Dalhousie Station, and easy access to buses and the CTrain.  Those who live an active lifestyle appreciate the bike lanes and quick access to the Bow River Pathway.  Varsity is also home to the prestigious Silver Springs Golf and…

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5 Simple Tricks for Selling Your Home Fast

Calgary's market has been primarily favouring buyers for the last little while, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't sell your home right now, or that you couldn't sell your home right now. By utilizing some easy tactics and working with the right professionals, you can sell your home quickly and for the right price.

In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home’s attractiveness besides lowering the asking price. [Forbes]

• Keep the closets half-empty: every buyer is looking for storage, and the more storage the better. Making your rooms and closets look emptier and decluttered will give the illusion of more space and…

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March is Community Association Membership Month

Did you know March is "Community Association Membership Month" in Calgary? It's the perfect time to learn about your community's association and all the great work it does for your neighbourhood, perhaps even getting more involved.

We're lucky in Calgary, that most communities in our city have community associations. Knowing about your community association and where it is located, can offer you a ton of opportunity to get involved in the neighbourhood you live.

What is a community association?

Community associations are neighbourhood-based volunteer organizations providing support, and opportunities in recreation, education and social life. In Calgary, nearly 150 community associations even operate facilities and/or halls. The Federation of…

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A Look at "The Hills" in Northwest Calgary

Calgary is one of the most livable cities in the world, and is known for having numerous suburban residential neighbourhoods that are perfect for families, especially in the Northwest Calgary real estate market. We are going to discuss 5 of these hilly residential neighbourhoods in the northern part of Calgary:

• Panorama Hills
• Harvest Hills
• Country Hills
• Coventry Hills
• Huntington Hills

Elevated Living

Elevated living doesn't just refer to the actual elevation of these communities, which are located atop hills and above much of the city. We are also referring to the vast benefits of living in these areas, such as endless amenities, high-quality of life and amazing resale value. In regards to specific elevation: 

• Country…

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Feature Condo: The Montana

817 - 15 Avenue SW

One of the finest high rises in Calgary has also one of the best locations. Nestled up against Mount Royal Village on 15th Avenue, the Montana was finished in 2009 and is the younger, more refined sibling of the Emerald Stone. The standard issue for all of the 190 units were granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and full solid wood doors and trim.  You can view Montana listings for sale here.

The entrance of the Montana is perhaps the finest anywhere. There is a full-time concierge to greet you as you make your way up the ramp or stairs through the walnut entrenched foyer. The windows in the building are all Visionwall - used in Airports and commercial buildings to keep noise out and the inside temperature in. The…

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2016 Spotlight: NW Community of West Hillhurst

West Hillhurst is a vibrant, dynamic community located just North of the Bow River and Downtown Calgary. Located next to trendy Kensington Village, it is the perfect choice for those who want to live where they can work, shop and play. The land that makes up the West Hillhurst community was originally owned by the Riley family, a prominent pioneer family. This eclectic community is comprised of a mixture of older homes built for soldiers returning from WWII, new infills, and condos & townhouses. Residents have easy access to SAIT, the Alberta College of Art and the University of Calgary as well as quick access to the river pathways.

Recreation

With it's close proximity to the Bow River path system, West Hillhurst is the perfect choice for runners,…

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2016 Spotlight: NW Community of Charleswood

Charleswood is located at the base of one of the largest urban parks in North America, Nose Hill Park. This established community is centrally located with great access to downtown, the University of Calgary and SAIT Polytechnic. Established in 1959, this mature and quiet neighbourhood is located in NW Calgary. Charleswood is blessed with its prime location close to the University of Calgary and major shopping destinations such as Market, Northland Village and Brentwood Malls.

Recreation

Recreation opportunities abound in Tuscany with its beautiful ravines, walking paths, and easy access to Canada Olympic Park and the Rocky Mountains. The Tuscany Club is a private community centre complete with tennis and basketball courts, play and picnic areas, a…

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2016 Spotlight: NW Community of Tuscany

Tuscany was recently ranked 11th by Avenue Magazine as one of Calgary's Best Neighborhoods. This upscale Northwest neighborhood boasts scenic mountain views, a 170-acre natural ravine system, and a first class private community centre. Tuscany is a diverse community featuring everything from single-family homes to condo complexes to senior’s homes; Tuscany is truly a neighborhood that has it all. Tuscany has been one of Calgary’s best-selling MLS neighborhoods for many years. As the developer, Carma, is in the final phase of completion of this outstanding neighborhood, it is sure to continue to be one of Calgary’s most desirable communities.

Recreation

Recreation opportunities abound in Tuscany with it's beautiful ravines, walking paths, and easy…

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Feature Condo: Blue Sky at Rocky Ridge

164 Rockyledge View NW

Blue Sky at Rocky Ridge . . . the name says it all!!

This “Streetside Development”, located at the S.W. corner of Rocky Ridge Ranch in N.W. Calgary has been a “Mecca” for the Investment-Savvy condo buyer since its inception in 2003. With 232 residential units encompassed within 16 stacked townhomes buildings, there is a mix of bungalow style and two storey units. Virtually every property at Blue Sky takes advantage of its breathtaking mountain and valley views. With its unique terraced location, this popular condo complex invites the views into each home adding to the allure and quality of living.

Blue Sky’s resort-style design provides for private entrances (some with attached garages), front patio models and perched…

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