It's almost that time of year again, 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.

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 decay-resistant and should avoid warping and splitting.

Exotic wood choices are the most durable but also more expensive. Most exotic options are environmentally-friendly as well.

CHOOSING THE FINISH

Clear water sealer  is a transparent finish that provides dampness protection for the…

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Calgary's real estate market was driven by sellers for the first quarter of the year, and all indications point to that trend continuing for the remainder of spring as well. If you're looking to take advantage of the seller's market, here's some tips and tricks.

Learn more about Northwest Calgary Real Estate.

 

1. 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 storage.

2. Hide your pets: not everyone is a lover of pets, so having evidence of your pets around (or having them there at all) can sway some buyers to look elsewhere. And in a lot of cases, buyers assume that with pets comes home and…

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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 live to live where they can work, shop and play. 

Shopping

West Hillhurst is truly a community that has it all. Located only minutes to both the trendy Kensington shopping district and North Hill Mall, residents have everything at their fingertips. Home Depot is also located nearby on the North side of 16th Avenue.

Recreation

With it's close proximity to the Bow River path system, West Hillhurst is the perfect choice for runners, cyclists and those who like to walk. There are also a number of nearby gyms and recreation facilities, such as yoga studios and…

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Varsity Acres is the oldest part of the community that consists of Varsity Estates, Varsity Village and Varsity Acres. The neighbourhood has much to offer with great schools, mature trees and tons of shopping. Varsity Acres is also minutes to the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club and Market Mall.

Commuting to downtown Calgary from Varsity Acres is relatively headache-free with easy access to both Shaganappi Trail and Crowfoot Trail. For cyclists who prefer an environmental friendly approach, access to the Bow River path system within the community, leads right into the city core. Close proximity to both the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Foothills Hospital make Varsity a popular choice for the medical community.

Learn more about other…

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The Northwest community of Hawkwood features stunning views of Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. It was established in 1981 and was actually named after its original landowners, John and Joseph Hawkwood. 

Hawkwood was developed by Melcor Developments in the early 1980s and quickly established itself as a popular choice for families. The gentle slope of the community gives many homes wonderful views of the mountains, and there are a number of playgrounds, parks & playing fields spread throughout the community. 

2013 Real Estate in Hawkwood:

• There were 125 single-family homes sold 
• The average price for a single-family home was $489,492
• The average days on the market for a single-family home was 32
• There were 26 condos sold
• The average price…

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Containing Calgary's highest geographical feature, Rocky Ridge Ranch is an established newer community of newer homes nestled on a natural rolling landscape in Calgary's Northwest corner. An abundance of green space and wetland areas, and close proximity to transit and shopping, makes this neighbourhood a popular choice for families.

The community of Rocky Ridge Ranch was established in 1998 and at 1,275m above sea-level, is Calgary's highest geographical feature. Rocky Ridge Ranch is comprised mostly of single-family homes, but has something for every homebuyer, including first-time buyers and baby boomers. 

Learn more about other Northwest Calgary Real Estate.

2013 Real Estate in Rocky Ridge Ranch:

• There were 122 single-family homes sold
•…

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The Hamptons is one of Northwest Calgary's premier golf communities. This highly sought after, affluent community is well-suited for executive lifestyles. The prestigious Country Club of The Hamptons is a championship 18-hole golf course that winds through this exclusive estate community offering picturesque fairways, immaculate greens, sparkling ponds and an abundance of wildlife.

2013 Real Estate in The Hamptons

• There were 97 homes sold
• The average price of a home was $707,669
• The average days on the market for a home was 31 days
• The were 15 condos sold
• The average price of a condo was $401,366
• The average days on the market for a condo was 39 

You can find out more about the landscape, recreation opportunities, schools, etc. in The…

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Citadel is a well established family-oriented community in Northwest Calgary. It is beautifully maintained throughout the year and offers a plethora of pathways, parks, playgrounds and recreational spaces. Many of the homes in Citadel offer stunning mountain and ravine views. Citadel was one of the first communities in Northwest Calgary to adopt a Home Owner Association (HOA) fee, and has a busy community association run entirely by volunteers. 

2013 Real Estate in Citadel

• 159 single-family homes sold
• The average single-family sale price was $435,845
• The average days on market for single-family homes was 26
• 49 condos were sold
• The average condo sale price was $282,469
• The average days on the market for condos was 29

You can find out more…

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Arbour Lake is Northwest Calgary's only lake community, featuring a trout stocked, 10 acre lake, mountain views, and a plethora of parks and walkways. Located in the community is the brand new state of the art public high school, Robert Thirsk. At the heart of the community is the Arbour Lake Community Centre which runs several programs throughout the winter and summer.

2013 Real Estate in Arbour Lake

• 136 single-family homes sold
• Average sale price was $512,037
• Average days on the market was 32 days
• 70 condos sold
• Average sale price of condos was $289,094
• Average days on the market was 41 

To find out about current listings in Arbour Lake, as well as average prices in the area right now, check out our website.

 


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Your home represents a big investment, and also the place you spend a lot of your time. So keeping your home in good repair is not just important for your peace of mind, but also safety and value of your home. There are three main things to keep in mind when caring for your home:

Safety

• Fire: faulty heating and electrical can be a fire hazard in your home
• Structural: damaged foundation or rotting floors, etc
• Indoor air quality: moisture trouble, or fuel-burning appliances which can cause carbon monoxide. Both issues can cause serious health problems, or even death.
• Occupational: loose railings, stairs, etc.

Preventing/Fixing Wear and Tear

• Leaky faucets, upgrades to floors and walls, etc.
• Broken fixtures, chipped paint, etc.

Improving…

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