The three most important factors are your income, debts and down payment. Any one of these can greatly impact the amount of mortgage you qualify for. Lenders are primarily concerned that housing expenses not exceed a certain percentage (28% - 32%) of the homeowner's gross monthly income. Housing expenses include monthly mortgage principal, interest payments, property taxes, condo fees, utilities and homeowner’s insurance.

Below we have listed the most common obstacles to qualifying for Northwest Calgary homes for sale and possible solutions to each.

EXCESSIVE LONG-TERM DEBT
  • Consolidate your debts by taking out one loan and paying off your bills with the money.
  • Pay off long-term debts by using some of your cash and making a lower…

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We’ve all seen those signs around town and perhaps in our own neighborhood. If you’re thinking about selling your Calgary home in the near future you might be thinking this is a great way to save some money -- but is it really?

While keeping those commission dollars in your pocket instead of a Real Estate Agent's is definitely tempting, not all homeowners are up to the challenge of selling their own home. Even if it’s a straightforward transaction, there is plenty of legal paperwork as well as advertising and marketing challenges to take care of. For most people these three items alone are a deterrent to selling your own home. A home is a financial investment so it makes sense to use a professional Calgary Real Estate Agent.

Access to MLS®

…

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The temperatures in Calgary are (slowly) dropping, and Fall is the time to really take on your fireplace maintenance, so that you're ready for the winter weather when it arrives. Regular maintenance on your fireplace each year will ensure it's always working properly, and save you money from future repairs.

Wood Burning

  • Clean the chimney, creosote and ash can be fire hazards when you go to light it.
  • Replace any broken or deteriorated lining. 

Gas Burning

  • Have the appliance serviced by a qualified technician, this will prevent permanent damages from occurring so it's worth the cost. 
  • The airways of both the pilot and main burners should be regularly cleaned.
“The seal that goes around this glass door is your only defense…

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Colder temperatures can mean big changes for your home, so this time of year is perfect to tackle some of those home maintenance chores early. We came across a great checklist in Better Homes and Gardens recently, and there were some great tips in there like this one: 

Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house's exterior and foundation walls. That's why it is so important to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also more prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.

If you don't have time to read the full…

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Owning a home may be your dream, but in order for the purchase to be the happy and satisfying experience it was meant to be, you need to ensure that you are financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.

ARE YOU READY TO BUY?

Owning your own home is about more than just being able to decorate any way you like; it's about being prepared to maintain your home over the years, realizing that part of your income and time will go towards repairs and maintenance. It's about being willing to take the risks of home ownership with a realistic expectation of the rewards.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?

It can be discouraging to find that your salary won't stretch as far as the home you want to own. However, sacrificing a huge part…

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Calgary's northwest is one of the largest quadrants in the City of Calgary with approximately 300,000 residents. It is known for its proximity to the mountains, hilly terrain, beautiful golf courses and suburban living.  It is also home to the University of Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic, and the Alberta College of Art, making it a great choice for those pursuing academic studies. But also a close distance to a ton of amenities, shopping centres, hospitals and a number of other schools. 

But one of the more unspoken benefits to living in northwest Calgary, is the amazing scenery and nature surrounding the areas there. 

Parks

Northwest Calgary is home to Nose Hill Park, considered one of the largest municipal parks located in Canada. Nose Hill Park is…

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No matter where you live, diligence when it comes to your security should be on your top priority. Here are a few tips to make your home more secure:

Change all the locks when you move to a new home

For you to avoid someone you don’t know from having access to your home, you should change all of the exterior locks whenever you move into a new home or if you lose your keys.

Install locks on all exterior entrances

Choose deadbolts with the highest quality to ensure the highest standards for your security. There are many quality deadbolts available in the market. Quality deadbolts should be installed on all exterior doors. Also keep in mind to look windows. Statistics show that 33.2% of home robbery are not forced entries meaning over 154,000…

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Most agree that house staging – preparing a house for sale using cost-effective and non-invasive methods – is part of their selling and buying criteria. The following list of house staging tips:

Clean: Look at your home as though you’re seeing it for the first time. Is every room neat, spotlessly clean, dusted and uncluttered? Steam clean carpets and wax floors. Wash walls, heating and A/C vents and light fixtures. Pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen - make sure that tile grout is mildew free and baseboards scrubbed. Clean the refrigerator and stove as well as the washer and dryer (inside and out).

De-clutter: Have a yard sale or take old furniture, clothing and knick-knacks to Goodwill. Organize shelves, put away items and purge your…

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Selling your home and planning a move? Thorough planning is the key to an easy move. Experience tells us most moves take 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish, so start early. Here's your 8-week guide:

8 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
  • Call for estimates from professional movers
  • Draw a floorplan of your new home. Use decorating charts and a grid to place furniture to scale in each room and decide which furniture to move, and which to dispose of, replace or add.
6 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
  • Inventory all possessions. Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity.
  • Complete Canada Post change of address forms, mail to media, stores, organization.
  • Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records.
  • Make…

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Regardless the community you live in, home security should always be top of mind. You want to protect one of the biggest investments you've made, your home, and the valuables inside. Here are some easy tips for a safer home: 

Change all the locks when you move to a new home

When you move to a new home, or when you lose your keys, be sure to change the locks. You don't want anyone else to have access to your home. 

Don’t leave hidden keys outside your home

While it might seem convenient when you forget your keys, leaving a spare set of keys outside your door is a gift to burglars. Never leave keys under floor mats or under rugs, etc. 

Install exterior security lighting

Most home entrances lack proper lighting. If you’re home entrance is…

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