All the updates are done, just move in!

2707 49 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta

This completely renovated bungalow is located in the heart of Glenbrook. Features include an open concept layout with a bright living room/dining room, and new hardwood floors throughout the main level. The entire house has been freshly painted and the kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, an island and stainless appliances. Fully landscaped with a fenced yard and a double detached garage.

Great location backing onto Calgary Christian School, steps to Optimist Park and transit. Learn more https://billbrandsma.com/listings-2/63-2707-49-st-sw/

Get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-932-4433 – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

International Day of Peace

Monday September 21, 2015 is International Peace Day.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. It is sometimes unofficially known as World Peace Day. The day was first celebrated on Tuesday 21 September 1982. The theme of the first International Day of Peace was the Right to peace of all people.

International Peace Day is dedicated to world peace, and The United Nations “invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day.”

As individuals we can take a moment on Monday to do a random act of kindness, simply something to brighten someone’s day. Speaking a kind word, writing a note of gratitude to someone you love, holding a door open for someone, lighting a candle, buying a coffee for the person in the vehicle behind you at your local cafe drive-thru, or simply acknowledging someone with a smile, are things we’re all capable of. The smallest act of nurturing inner peace can change the world one person at a time.

http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/

Live in a quiet retreat full time or on weekends

16 Upper Ridgeland Estates, Mountain View County, Alberta

Located 2 miles west of Water Valley in the Upper Ridgelands is where you will find this quiet 3.27 acre retreat.  Nestled in the spruce trees is this 1400 sq. ft. one and a half storey walkout cedar home.  Features of this home include large kitchen with eating area, cozy living room with wood burning fireplace and built in book shelves, small sun room area with lots of windows to the west….

Great value for this property…learn more https://billbrandsma.com/listings-2/64-16-upper-ridgeland-estates-wat/

August 2015 Calgary Real Estate Stats

Higher inventories in some segments

“…resale housing market recorded decrease in sales activity…”

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/CREBcomOld/Statistics_Package/2015/August_2015.pdf

For more information about the current market or for details about the August Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678.

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

Is your home exterior looking a little tired these days?

Freshen it up with a “siding” facelift!

Siding allows you to change both the colour and texture providing an instant and dramatic change that will take years off your home’s appearance while adding new personality to its exterior.

Vinyl siding offers a variety of benefits making it the perfect option for home exteriors:

  • it is available in a diverse selection of colours, textures and profiles, i.e. you can choose a grainy texture and colour to look just like wood
  • it is extremely flexible and durable and has the ability to withstand elements such as high winds, intense sunshine, rain and snow
  • it is lightweight and one of the easiest exterior claddings to install
  • it is cost effective – available in different styles designed to fit different budgets
  • it is very easy to maintain – in fact, almost maintenance free! – hose it down every now and again to keep it clean

If your home is looking a little weathered and worn these days, or you feel it just needs an updated look, consider revitalizing it with quality lifetime siding. It’s beauty and aesthetic benefits will breathe new life into your home while providing great curb appeal!

For more tips to improve your home’s market value, feel free to contact Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678.

FREE Home & Property Evaluation

Bill Brandsma knows property values!

By utilizing the right tools, Bill can assess what your property is valued at today and provide you with the most accurate home evaluation.

Some of the issues that Bill will advise you on with your FREE Home & Property Evaluation are:

  • How to sell your home for maximum dollar in today’s market
  • Current financing options
  • About building inspections
  • Financing questions like whether you should refinance or get a new mortgage
  • Tips that will help you save thousands buying a home
  • Low cost repairs that could instantly increase the value of your home
  • Additional fees to keep in mind when selling

Now’s the perfect time to find out what your property’s worth. Save yourself time and money by using this FREE service!

Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-253-5678 today.

Struggling to understand today’s housing market?

As always in uncertain times there is much speculation about the economy, employment rates, and the housing market, to name a few. With oil prices taking a beating in 2015 this has certainly been the case in Alberta, and specifically the Calgary real estate market. Despite the many doomsayers during challenging times, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. The following excerpts from credible sources in their respective areas of expertise indicate that yes, we’re feeling the pinch, but prices still haven’t crashed and it’s not the end of times, as some would have you believe!

Of interest…

  • “Calgary’s housing market continues to withstand the slowdown in the oil patch, with home prices rising 0.14 per cent from last July. Calgary prices sit 0.7-per-cent lower than their peak in November, but have rebounded slightly after bottoming out in April.” Tamsin McMahon – Real Estate Reporter with Globe and Mail
  • According to the BMO Economics research note released yesterday (August 14, 2015) ”Calgary home prices “are effectively flat lining, not correcting more sharply as some feared.”
  • An RBC Economics Report states in a Monthly Housing Market Update for August 14, 2015 states:”A gradual recovery in oil sensitive markets became more evident in July with home resales rising relative to June in Calgary and Edmonton (after pausing in Calgary and taking a step back in Edmonton in the previous month). A jump in new listings in both regions accompanied the sales advance, helping to ease the demand-supply conditions, notably for Calgary, where market conditions remain tilted in favour of sellers. Down-ward price pressures still remained contained in Calgary with the MLS HPI remaining unchanged on a month-to-month basis; however, annual price growth slowed to only 0.1% from 0.5% in June.”
  • “Sales (demand) so far in August are below historical averages, but then again, so are new listings (inventory). It’s very much a subdued but balanced market.” Calgary Real Estate Review – Mike Fotiou, Associate Broker with First Place Realty

If you’re looking to buy or sell but are feeling confused an uncertain about the Calgary real estate market, call Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678. He’s experienced, knowledgeable, committed, and ready to answer any questions you may have.

GlobalFest August 20 – 29, 2015 | Elliston Park | Calgary, AB

GlobalFest is an annual cultural celebration in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The festival has been held every August since 2003 and thousands of people, local and tourists of different cultures come together to celebrate the cultural diversity within Calgary’s communities.

Within GlobalFest is the OneWorld Festival, the Night Market and the Firework’s Festival.

The OneWorld Festival consists of cultural pavilions showcasing the heritage dress, cultural music and performances, as well as many ethnic food kiosks.

The Night Market features vendors who share and sell their authentic arts and keepsakes.

The International Fireworks Festival includes pyromusical shows produced by world-renowned pyromusical artists hailing from China, the Philippines, Spain and the USA – and of course, GlobalFest’s own spectacular Finale presentation.

2015 Fireworks Festival Dates:

CHINA
Thursday, August 20

PHILIPPINES
Saturday, August 22

SPAIN
Tuesday, August 25

USA
Thursday, August 27

FINALE
Saturday, August 29

Both the GlobalFest OneWorld and Trico Homes International Fireworks Festivals will  be held at Elliston Park in Southeast Calgary located in the Forest Lawn district. The park is open from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm each evening of the festival.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit GlobalFest’s official site. Come on out and join us in celebration of cultural diversity.

July 2015 Calgary Real Estate Stats

Stable inventories…market remains balanced

“…no change to the month-over-month price…”

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/CREBcomOld/Statistics_Package/2015/July_2015.pdf

For more information about the current market or for details about the July Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-253-5678.

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

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