Real Estate Agent - A Fraud- 'Poser' Goes to Jail

Derek Johnson Sentenced to Jail

Real Estate Agent 'Poser' Goes to Jail

A former Calgary man who has been dealing in real estate and mortgages without a license is going to jail. Even though he failed to appear in court, Derek Johnson has been sentenced to two months in jail and has been fined more than $100,000 in administrative penalties.

Derek Johnson Found in Contempt of Court – But Beware of Others!

This week some are learning about the man described as a scam artist preying on vulnerable people. His business partner Kevin Kumar and others involved including Johnson's wife, Allyson continue to broker real estate deals despite an explicit order to stop. Beware of websites such as those advertising real estate on kijiji.ca and ads similar in nature.

Court Orders Have Been Given

"Contemptuous conduct," and "deliberate disobedience of court orders," is what Justice Sheilah Martin expressed in light of Johnson and Kumar's attitude and on-going charges. Jail time is the only penalty that will demonstrate the authority of the court, she explained and went on to state, "I consider it to be my duty to punish them by a period of incarceration."

But…Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud Continues

The court action was initiated by The Real Estate Council of Alberta and although pleased with the court's decision regarding the serious nature of Johnson's actions RECA has appeared in Court before. They have not yet stopped the circle of deceit described as, "a complex ring of internet-based real estate and mortgage fraud spanning from B.C. to Manitoba."

Question: Who do You Trust? Answer: An Authorized Real Estate Agent.

In order to become a REALTOR® in Alberta you must first obtain your real estate license and associated authorization to trade in real estate in the province. This is in accordance to the REALTOR® official website. REALTORS® have met the same education requirements as set out by the regulator and adhere to the REALTOR® code of ethics.

Learn more: Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) & Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA)

Chris Ashby is your legitimate REALTOR®
At: REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS http://www.liveinokotoks.com/

Mobile: 403-680-4479 Office: 403-253-5305
Follow all his Blogs: http://www.yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.ca/
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

Photo courtesy Pho Hoai

Hey Calgary! Okotoks has Great Food! Try Five Best

Do You Love Pho? There are Over 10 Restaurants to Try.
Do you love authentic Vietnamese food? You must try the Pho Hoai Vietnamese Beef House at 153 Riverside Dr. It has a 'Google' 5-Star rating. People say that it's the, "Best soup in town." Also in Okotoks is the Saigon Sun Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine at 200 Southridge Dr. People say that they, "Love the food…service is always great!!"

Do You Love Sushi?
Try Yoko Zuna Sushi Bar and Grill at 200 Southridge Dr #249. Some people have eaten there over 20 times and say, "Always fresh - Service great." At 235 Milligan Dr #407 you will find the Ikoi Sushi & Grill where people say that it is, "Oh so good! Fresh, friendly and fantastic!"

Do You Crave Barbecue?
Rylie's Cattle Barn BBQ House at 200 Southridge Dr #263 is old-fashioned barbecue where people say, "Rylies has some of the best beef ribs I have ever had," and "The blueberry bourbon sauce was soooo good." The restaurant is also kid-friendly.

Do You Love Indian Cuisine?
ChaCha John 's is a new restaurant in Okotoks at 100 Stockton Ave. - Unit 155. According to Trip Advisor some people say, "Best samosas I've ever eaten and the curry was extremely flavourful and was the perfect level of spice."

Do You Scream for Ice Cream?

"Step Back to a Happier Time!" That's the motto for Marv's Classic Soda Shop. It's a 50s Diner with an authentic soda fountain. You can get, ice cream cones made with their new Marvello Carbonated Ice Cream. Also try the shakes and delicious, frosty malts. The kids and the kid in you will love a cruise through the nostalgic Candy Store.

If you like to eat in Okotoks, you may want to live in Okotoks.
Give Christopher Ashby a call.
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
Mobile: 403-680-4479
Office: 403-253-5305
Follow all my Blogs: http://www.yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.ca/
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com
Website: http://www.liveinokotoks.com/

Wild Fires Change Calgary House Prices

Wild Fires Change Calgary House Prices

As the smoke lifts we learn that much of Fort McMurray remains standing. Although the impact of the raging fires could have been worse things are still shaky in the oil industry. Oil production has been affected by a temporary hit of one million barrels a day. At least 12 operations have been closed. People need jobs and they may look to Calgary.

Tragedy of Fort McMurray Will Affect Calgary Housing Market

Things aren't as bad as they could've been but over 88,000 people have been displaced. For the people of Fort McMurray, there will be long-term disruption of business operations, lost wages and lost incomes. Where will the evacuees go? This type of environmental misfortune, like the Calgary floods of 2013 is hard to take but like their fellow Albertans, the people of Fort McMurray will no doubt show resilience and recover. However, if they don't get their jobs back soon many will think about moving south. After months of lagging house prices in Calgary we could see them jump.

Economic Landscape Different Now

The wildfire is merely the latest wound to be inflicted on the oil sands economy. Since the drop in oil prices there has also been a shift in thinking about the future of oil in general. As residents of Fort McMurray keep hope that soon, things will return to normal, other influences may make that impossible. Some will still continue to work there but undoubtedly many of them will want homes in Calgary and this could drive up prices.

New Influences in Industry

Concerns are mounting. Continued depressed global outlook for oil prices and obstacles facing the industry, like the debate over more pipeline construction, may mean less work. The people of Fort McMurray may not be able to or may not even want to go back to the old jobs. As doubts remain high, families may choose a more stable job market and Calgary is not far away.

Do you think it is time to buy in Calgary? Should you wait to sell?

Give Chris a call to get more details on the housing market. Tel # 403-680-4479
E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com

 

Fort McMurray – Help is on the Way!

(photo courtesy of Cole Burston/AFP/Getty Images)

Fort McMurray – Help is on the Way!

We are deeply saddened by the loss and devastation forest fires have caused to the people of Fort McMurray. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Many Organizations Helping

From Airbnb helping to coordinate free emergency homes for Fort McMurray evacuees, to Red Cross humanitarian efforts to Radio-thons many are trying to help the victims of this tragedy. Other organizations are offering housing to those who were forced to leave their homes, many of whom escaped the raging fires with just the clothes on their backs. Reports claim that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is saying that 7,000 cots have been provided for Fort McMurray evacuees in emergency shelters, with 13,000 more coming soon.

How Can You Help?

Here are some ideas: When you text the word FIRES to 45678 you can donate $10 dollars or if you text the word REDCROSS to 30333 a $5 donation will be added to your wireless bill and if you text the word REDCROSS to 45678 a $10 donation will be added to your wireless bill.

Governments Matching Donations

To make your donation go twice as far, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the federal government will be joining with Alberta to match individual donations made for Fort McMurray disaster relief. According to news reports by CBC the Canadian Red Cross has received more than $30 million in donations.

About Canadian Red Cross Donations

For more information about how to help and for a larger donation and general inquiries, visit their list of Frequently Asked Questions, contact WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111. If you have been affected by the wildfires go directly to their website to register: http://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/how-we-help-canadians/red-cross-services/northern-alberta-wildfires-registration

 

 

Calgary Chinese Fight Back Development



Chinatown Vancouver - Courtesy Westbank Corp

Calgary Chinese Fight Back Development

The Chinese community came out to protest. Many in the area are against plans for a 27-storey development in Calgary's Chinatown. The area has one of the largest vacant lots existing. Terry Wong, spokesman for Chinatown’s recently founded Business Revitalization Zone stated publicly that, "Policy documents like this should be reviewed every five years."  He added, “…so it’s 25 years overdue."

Local Architect Caused the Uproar!

The developer has asked for the removal of Chinatown’s 15-storey height restriction including rezoning for two-thirds commercial usage when the limit is currently 50 per cent. Mr. Chugh, the architect, says the intention is, "to contribute to the revitalization of Chinatown by developing a significant parcel of land which has been empty for more than 20 years." Mr. Chugh says he’s been "a bit surprised" by the scale of the reaction.

Development Challenges 3 Zoning Regulations

According to Wong, "They’ve requested a land-use change to allow them a broader variety of commercial use than the land is currently zoned for." With the recent public protest the application’s progress at City Hall has been stalled - now deferred until December, 2016.

Needs to Feel Like China Town

Concerned business owners and residents explain that the development poses too great a risk. According to Wong, "They [the developers] haven’t provided the answers we’re looking for. We’re not concerned with the process; we’re concerned with the intention." Ensuring the neighbourhood, "feels like Chinatown," remains one of Mr. Wong’s top priorities for Calgary.

Fears from Young and Old Alike

Older members of the community are concerned about the new development destroying their heritage. Young Chinese Calgarians are also showing their support. They have formed a group called I Love YYC Chinatown to raise awareness. Sylvia Leong, one of the founding members believes the development challenge is one being faced by all North American Chinatowns.  "There’s a need to evolve but also a need to maintain links to the past." https://www.facebook.com/SaveCalgaryChinatown/photos/a.

This prompted a comment from one of the news followers, "Why do the Chinese people have a problem with integration?"

Do you feel the same? Do you think preserving heritage is important? Are you interested in buying or selling property in Chinatown? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479

Flames Arena Project Costs Big – Billions Likely

If you own near Ninth Ave. and 16^th St. West, your property value may go up soon. A Calgary city report says a proposal to bring a new NHL and CFL stadium to the city would likely cost much more than originally anticipated.

What Do Taxpayers Get?

The CalgaryNEXT project would span several blocks near the Bow River. It would include a 20,000-seat arena for hockey including an event centre for concerts, a 400-metre indoor track and a regulation CFL field, with seats for 30,000 football fans.

The Mayor is 'Cool'

The report released recently states that a CalgaryNEXT arena-and-stadium project could reach a price tag of $1.8 billion — with $1.3 on taxpayers' shoulders. Is that fair? Everyone is weighing in on the decision. Calgary's Mayor Nenshi is cool about it saying, "It's just an idea."

In a statement, he said that they need to wait for the full report. It will provide council with a better grasp on how to remediate creosote contamination in the West Village area before proceeding with redevelopment. "Public money must be used for public benefit."

The Other Argument

Many people are in favour of the new sports complex arguing that both McMahon Stadium (built 1960's) and the Saddledome (built 1980's) are long past their best-before dates. Many entertainment acts are giving Calgary a pass since they can't fit their tech equipment under the Saddledome's slumping roof.

Calgary Flames President is 'Warm'

Brian Burke, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations likes the project saying, "There's absolutely no reason we should watch a new building going up in Edmonton and we've got to play in a 1988 building here."

What do you think? Is this public money being spent for public benefit? Should the billion-dollar decision be put to the people? Do you want to live near the new stadium? Give Chris a call #403-680-4479

E-mail: chris@yourhomeinalberta.com
Website: http://www.YourHomeInAlberta.com Website: http://www.liveinokotoks.com/

 

Need Cash? Basement Apartment in 5 Easy Steps

Need Cash? Basement Apartment in 5 Easy Steps

Wish that Your Unfinished Basement was ready for Apartment Rental?

View these steps in Slide Share from:

http://www.slideshare.net/Liveinokotoks/calgary-basement-apartments-in-5-easy-steps

 

1.  Research and plan and understand what you want to achieve. Don't forget safety and comfort. Add storage wherever you can. The laundry room can be a bathroom since the plumbing is already there. Stackable washer/dryer combinations are meant for small spaces. A second entrance? Expensive but worth it. Have your tenant come and go independently.

 2.   Do it Right. Make sure the by-laws in your area allow for a rental space.

Also a building permit is required for a basement suite. Plan on required inspections throughout the process.  City of Calgary's building inspectors are there to help if you have questions. Don't expect same-day approval and depending on the complexity of the renovations it could take weeks. Changes you make to your home must follow code. This is especially important for the re-sale value of your home.

3.      Hire professionals.

You may do some easy tasks like framing a wall or even dry-walling but leave the plumbing and electrical work to the experts. Don't forget to get quotes in writing and a signed contract. Ask about clean up. Who pays for taking debris to the landfill?

4.      Expect problems and delays.

Not every home is perfect and each professional works according to their style. Prepare to adapt. Your tired old house may have cracks, crooked walls, tiles that won't line up and doors that won't close. Buy durable and reliable. Do it right so that your tenant won't be calling every week with a problem.

5.     Start Early - Biggest Return on Your Real Estate Investment!

A renovation on your home, if done right, is never a waste of money. Having a rental suite works in any economy and every market. A renovation that costs $24,000 sounds pricey but if you get $1,000 per month it's paid off in two years.

Need more advice from a Real Estate professional? Call Chris 403-680-4479

Visit: chris@Liveinokotoks.com Follow all the Blogs at: http://www.yourhomeinalberta.blogspot.ca/

Need professional renovation experts? EdraPro is the new way to go. Visit: http://edrapro.ca/ Check out the Platinum Package for the best deal on renovations.