The great DIY fiasco!

How many times have you watched a TV show where a homeowner has tried his hand at renovating his kitchen or basement and ended up with a big disaster? Probably quite a few. There are in fact, so many would-be amateur renovators that networks like HGTV broadcast a variety of how-to shows with a focus on home improvement and renos gone bad!

Before you take on something as extensive as a kitchen make-over or basement renovation why not stop and ask yourself…have I ever done this before?…do I have the right tools?…what permits do I need? how much time will it take? will I need to sub-contract some of the work? etc.

Making a mistake by trying to tackle a home renovation on your own can cost you a ton of time and money. Not only that, discouragement may set in and you may even end up leaving your project unfinished for years to come.

If you’re a homeowner considering a renovation, keep in mind that updating your space has increasing value and can be considered an investment when you do decide to list your property.

If you get horrendous butterflies or that feeling of dread when considering those questions above, maybe it’s time to consider hiring an expert instead of embarking on that distressing DIY project!

Bill Brandsma Real Estate  – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-932-4433.

Household Tip

Maximize your energy savings (lower monthly bills!) without sacrificing comfort. Install a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically turn heat on and off. Lower the temperature at night or while you’re at school/work and return it to the desired setting before you wake or arrive home. They’re easy to install. All you need is a few simple tools and about 20 minutes!

For more household tips or if you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area, contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-932-4433. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!

Calgary Homexpo

Mark your calendars for the 2016 Calgary Homexpo January 15 – 17 in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park!

Quality Exhibits – Featured Speakers  – Pro Seminars

250 Quality Exhibits in Dozens of Industries

Experts from all areas of home renovation, home décor or home buying will be on hand to showcase their companies, their services and their products.

Featured Speakers

This year’s guest presentations are by well-known designers and television personalities Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe.

Pro Seminars

This year’s topics include: Condominium Living and the Law, Home Buying 101 and Get It In Writing!

You can purchase tickets online and they will be available at the on-site Box Office on the show dates. For more detailed information see Homexpo.ca

Low borrowing costs boost spending on renos

Happy New Year!

The impact of Calgary’s economic downturn and the weak Canadian dollar isn’t all bad. Homeowners often turn to renovations in a tough real estate market, choosing to update and improve their existing home vs. purchasing/moving to a new one.

The upside is that with continued low borrowing costs, due to record low interest rates, it is a great time to start renovation projects. Not only that, in this market you have good quality tradespeople available to you.

According to Peter Norman, chief economist and general manager of the real estate research company, Altus Group:

“Renovations remain a growth area with $1.40 spent in renovation for every dollar invested in new homes. Renovations generated $70 billion in activity this year (2015) and will generate a projected $72 billion next year (2016).”

Now if that’s not the most encouraging piece of news I’ve heard in a while, I don’t know what is!

If you’re a homeowner considering a renovation, keep in mind that updating your space has increasing value and can be considered an investment when you do decide to list your property.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate  – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-932-4433.

To read more of Peter Kenter’s article cited above see Housing forecast so stable it’s eerie: Altus Group GM. It’s highly uplifting in the doom-and-gloom housing market environment of late!

December 2015 Calgary Real Estate Stats

“Slow housing demand & elevated supply levels in Calgary market…”

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market so that you can make informed decisions, click the link below for an excellent overview of CREB’s summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:

http://www.creb.com/~/media/Public/CREBcom/Statistics_Package/2015/December_2015.pdf

For more information about the current market or for details about the December Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-932-4433.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

72 Glamorgan Drive SW, Calgary, Alberta

This spacious Glamorgan home boasts a contemporary industrial design. It is located close to Mount Royal University with easy access to Glenmore Trail.

Features include a spectacular open kitchen, cove ceilings in the living room with a designer fireplace and large main floor den, a huge dining area with patio doors to a large front deck, hardwood floors, 5 bedrooms on the upper level plus 1 in the lower, 3.5 bathrooms, and so much more. A great home for large family. Definitely a must-see!

View slideshow at https://billbrandsma.com/listings-2/60-72-glamorgan-drive-sw/

For more details call 403-932-4433.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate  – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Calgary’s ZOOLIGHTS is back again!

Head down to the Calgary Zoo this weekend for some family fun…it’s the perfect way to jump-start the holiday season!

At ZOOLIGHTS you and your kids and friends will be delighted to see over 1.5 million lights in an amazing light display flashing to music.

Calgary’s ZOOLIGHTS has become a favourite holiday tradition and a great way to kick off the holiday season for kids of all ages!

Dress up warm and join us at the Zoo by the fire pits for a hot chocolate and enjoy many other Christmas season activities like  caroling, skating, snow bowling, and even building your own igloo, to name a few!

Event Details

November 27 – January 2
6 pm – 9 pm nightly

General Admission (16+): $14
Children: $11

Calgary’s ZOOLIGHTS – A Family Tradition

Bring the whole family and your holiday guests to experience ZOOLIGHTS 2015!

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