Mike Holmes Advice for Calgary



Mike Holmes - photo courtesy holmesspot.blog

Mike Holmes Advice for Calgary

This year’s flooding in Calgary could be less than last year. That’s good. In 2012, mountain snow was a lot thicker than it is now. Plus last year there was the torrential dump of rain from mid-May to mid-July. This caused much flooding. There’s now way to predict the rain but last year’s advice from Mike Holmes was to, “Have patience.”

Wait until You Have all the Information

People don't realize, Mike Holmes cautioned back then, closing up their houses when they are soaking wet is not a good plan. If people come back later and suck all that water out then rip everything down there they may be forgetting about hydronic pressure. If this pressure leans against the foundation of your home, saturated with water, the foundation could cave in. “So, again, moving too fast is a really bad thing,” he stated.

People Begged for Help

Last year, Mike Holmes and his crew were filming the Calgary flood. He advised people that had water above the first floor to have patience. He said that he understood how devastated they were. “They don't know what to do. They've got mortgage payments, they've got rental payments…they’re moving to somewhere else.” He quipped that there may be a storm after the storm.

Everyone's Running in the Wrong Direction

After the aftermath of all that, and people moving in the wrong direction for example closing up their houses, they soon came to realize that they had nothing but problems. They couldn’t sell their homes. And again, why? Mike Holmes advice again was, “If you don't have patience, you're going to have a problem.” It’s best to get good advice from the experts and follow the plan. That’s how to make it right.

The Latest News on Calgary Flooding

City Officials, this year are keeping a closer eye on all the factors that could lead to overland flooding. In a briefing recently they stated that there are areas of potential concern especially if spring runoff occurs too quickly. They did stop short of sounding alarm bells at this point in time.

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Huge Appetite for Calgary’s Best Homes



Appetite for Luxury Homes

Huge Appetite for Calgary’s Best Homes

It’s No Secret

A lot has been written in recent news about the ‘hot market’ in Real Estate for the Calgary area. What is still surprising is that luxury homes remains the strongest on the market again. The record monthly transaction level has been the third highest ever for April.

Total Sales Up Again

According to CREB statistics total MLS sales for April 2013 is 2,377 and April of 2014 is 2,545. That’s a 7.70 percent increase. Also interesting is increase in new listings up from April 2013, 3,475 to April 2014 3,754. That’s a whopping 8.3 percent increase in more homes on the market.

Setting a New Peak

What is a stunning new fact is that a new peak for luxury homes is set. During the month of April, according to associate broker with First Place Realty, Mike Fotiou, there have been 79 MLS sales in Calgary of $1 million or more!

Wow! Shorter Time on the Market

According to the recent CREB report, Days on the Market, is down. The average home listing that appeared on the market lasted 33 days in April of 2013 and for the month of April 2014, only 26 days! That is getting close to a 25 percent decrease in days on the market for the average home.

Even Condos Selling in the Luxury Price Category

There were a few condos that sold at the luxury price of $319,615 compared to last years April average of $299,536. In April, 75 single-family homes sold in the luxury price category. This represents a 23.4 per cent hike in sales from a year ago.

Luxury Homes are in Demand

Luxury homes sales are up by 12.8 percent from the same time last year which was also a record breaker. The River condo project in Mission had the most expensive property sold in April, for $3.19 million. Other areas of luxury home sales include Pump Hill, Altadore/River Park, Elbow Park/Glencoe, Springbank Hill, West Hillhurst, West Springs, Discovery Ridge and McKenzie Lake.

Call Chris 403-680-4479

e-mail Chris at: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

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You May Be Shocked! Hidden Costs When Buying Your First Home.

You May Be Shocked! Hidden Costs When Buying Your First Home.



Hidden Costs!

Take Time to Educate Yourself

These costs outlined below aren’t hidden on purpose. You simply may not know about them. As you enter into perhaps, the single biggest purchase of your life, take time to educate yourself.

Lender Appraisal and Survey Fee

In order for the lender (the bank) to assess whether or not you are over-paying for your home they will need an appraisal done. A survey is also required to verify the property's boundaries and whether or not there have been any encroachments onto adjacent properties.

Legal Fees and Expenses

A lawyer will make sure your documents are in order, for example, title search and purchase agreement. They also need confirmation that insurance has been arranged. Based on the percentage of your down payment, 20 per cent down payment or less, you are required to pay mortgage insurance.

Buying a Home without a Home Inspection. Never!

Use a reputable home inspector to check for the condition of the foundation for signs of moisture seepage, the heating and cooling systems, electrical service, roof, plumbing and structural factors. With an inspector’s report you should have an outline of repair and/or replacement costs upfront.

Adjustment Costs and Service Fees

The new home buyer must reimburse the seller for any pre-paid costs like property taxes and utility bills. This may amount to several months of fees. There are typically hook-up fees when you move in to your new home for utilities, telephone, electricity, cable, internet and home heating.

Moving Costs

It is wise to get at least two estimates for the packing and moving of your stuff.  One to three months before the move may be a good time to declutter to keep moving costs low.

Surprise! No Appliances. No Light Fixtures. No Curtains. No Furniture

Some first-time home buyers can negotiate with the seller to leave some of these items behind. Allow for costs for refinishing floors and painting etc…and things you may need to buy: lawn mower, shovel, rake, garden tools, barbecue, lawn furniture, hose and ladder, just to name a few.

Any questions? Call Chris for more information at 403-680-4479

e-mail Chris at: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

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Big Decks and Big Patios = Good Return on Investment

Outdoor Space

Big Decks and Big Patios = Good Return on Investment

It All About the Great Outdoors

Now it’s all about outdoor living space. This is the latest recommendation for good return on investment, ROI in any home renovation project. Remember that Calgary is the sunniest of Canada's large cities. We enjoy an average of 2,396 hours of sun each year.

Hey Calgary! Go Big!

A bigger deck or patio is the way to go even if it means tearing up some lawn. A prospective buyer will never know that the grass is gone. Besides, if he or she sees a sweet way to enjoy expanded living options they may be more inclined to make an offer.

Better than 80% Return

According to a recent report by Remodelling magazine, the ROI for outdoor living space is as high as 81%. When the potential buyer sees a big deck or big patio they may start to see stars in their eyes. Big parties, big barbecues and big-time entertainment. It is way more fun than cutting the lawn.

Outdoor Furniture is selling Big-Time

Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman, the deputy home editor at Consumer Reports, says that decks appeal to today’s thrift-conscious consumers. They are looking to save money by spending more time at home. That can explain why, Easy Analytic Software Inc. data shows that outdoor furniture sales are expected to increase by 21.4% by 2016.

Warning about Hot Tubs

Inheriting someone else’s hot tub is usually a turn-off.  Many potential buyers find them to be a little gross. Once a hot tub is installed, it's not that easy to remove from a deck or backyard.

Remember the Curb Appeal

Although a deck or patio is good ROI, a soon-to-be owner doesn’t want dirt and grime. Think about pressure washing an older deck or patio to make it look like new. While you are at it, the driveway, house façade and outdoor furniture may also need a cleaning. It makes sense to get rid of algae, mould, mildew stain, grease and road film to get your property ready for the market.

For more ideas on ROI call Chris Ashby 403-480-4479.

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Watch Out for Flooding, Calgary!

Calgary Flooded 2013

Watch Out for Flooding, Calgary!

Last Year was a Disaster

Last year, in June, the Calgary area experienced heavy rainfall that triggered catastrophic flooding. The provincial government declared it the worst in Alberta’s history. Now, once again there is cause for alarm. Officials have issued flood watches for many areas in north and central Alberta.

Rivers are Overflowing!

Officials have said that a much higher than average snow pack has caused creeks in the Kneehills County to rise rapidly. Water levels in the Paddle Basin have also overflowed into the fields. Runoff into Nose Creek has swollen the waterway well beyond its banks in Airdrie. Rocky View County already has a number of roads declared closed as a result of flooding.

Four People were Confirmed Dead

Alas, as a result of the flooding people died. Over 100,000 people were displaced. The aftermath resulted in the need for a massive cleanup. This year could be better. Why? Experts are better equipped to keep an eye on snow pack and river conditions, including their tributaries.

New Technology

The Alberta Forecasting Centre says that they have new tools and technology at their disposal for monitoring flood waters. They’ve also installed automatic rainfall intensity alarms in the eastern slopes. Evan Friesenhan, with the Centre says, “We pursued and added those same types of alarms…further up in the foothills and that can potentially give some extra warning time.” The Centre Officials say that they are also working on a mobile app to help residents stay up to speed on current conditions with regards to rivers and streams.

Situation is Calm

At the moment they say that there has been little risk to homes or any infrastructure. Residents, however, need to be cautious as the situation can change quickly, depending on the runoff coming down from the mountains.

Communities Come Together. Well done Calgary!

As with last year, the coverage of the flooding quickly spread throughout social media sites for example, facebook and Twitter. People will reach out, open their homes and offer whatever support they can. Good for you Calgary!

For information regarding your home purchasing decisions call Chris 403-680-4479

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Worried about Climate Change? Okotoks is Canada’s Greenest Place to Live!

Okotoks is Chris Ashby's Specialty

Worried about Climate Change? Okotoks is Canada’s Greenest Place to Live!

Taking the Lead

The good people of Okotoks make daily decisions about how important the environment is in their community. Okotoks was one of the first municipalities in the world to establish growth targets as far back as 1998. Since the town is dependant on the Sheep River for its water Okotoks made the choice to live within its limits.  

Famous Quote from Prime Minister Stephen Harper

At an environmental conference in Montreal in 2007, Stephen Harper said, “Not far from my hometown of Calgary, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there is a beautiful little town called Okotoks. About 10 years ago, the folks there decided they were going to live within their local environmental means.”

Dealing with Population Growth First

A key feature of Okotoks' development path is their population cap. Since the licensed limits of the Sheep River aquifer (approx. 30,000) became prevalent they needed to do something fast and effective.

Okotoks: The Rock

The town's name is derived from "ohkotok", the Blackfoot First Nation word for "rock" and according to Wikipedia, it perhaps refers to the largest known glacial erratic. Erratic means a rock transported from its place of origin by glacial ice. Okotoks is about 18 km (11 mi) south of the City of Calgary and the rock is about 7 km (4.3 mi) west of the town.

Transportation: Buses Rule

Undertaking their own initiative, the Council of Okotoks makes progress towards local and inter-municipal transit services. They intend to further assess the demand and viability of both a local and inter-city transit service. A key component of the plan includes an integrated Okotoks with Calgary Transit Service to allow for a seamless transfer for users between the different jurisdictions.

The Best Place to Live

Last year, Money Sense magazine ranked Okotoks as both the 36th best city overall to live and the 18th best small city to live in Canada.

Okotoks is Chris Ashby’s specialty. Why not give him a call 403-680-4479

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Experience Counts

Experience Counts

Family is Chris Ashby’s Passion; Chris has been told he has the million dollar family, one daughter one son and a beautiful wife, he keeps looking in the mailbox for the cheque! Until the cheque comes his second passion is Real Estate, with an enthusiasm that will make you smile every time you meet him. Always happy and easy going, Chris loves to make the people around him happy and comfortable. With more jokes and funny stuff on the top of his mind than hair Chris will help take the stress away from what can be one of the most stressful decisions and situations. Chris has a two and a half year old Daughter named Meah who is the light in any room, and a brand new baby boy still minus one month old, due in the middle of December. He loves to talk about the funny things his daughter does and is always open to hear about your family too! You will see his eyes light up if you start talking about Computers or Games, he is a bit of a technology Geek always eager to chat about the newest Phones or Computer gadgets. Easy to talk to you might find yourself telling him your whole life story, and be careful he might tell you his story too! Treating his Clients like his friends right from the first time they meet, Chris truly is a genuine nice guy!
Why not give him a call #403-680-4479
Visit: http://www.liveinokotoks.com/
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