Calgary Stampede July 4-13, 2014

Published July 2, 2014

Celebrating 102 years of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Join us at the parade Friday July 4th, 2014 with this year’s Grand Marshal William Shatner. The parade is the annual kick-off to the Calgary Stampede. It begins at 8:55 am, but head down to the parade route early to ensure you get a great spot!

For 10 days it’s a citywide celebration of true western hospitality in a party atmosphere!

So much to see and do…

The Calgary Stampede has grown into one of the world’s richest rodeos, one of Canada’s largest festivals and a significant tourist attraction for the city.

The Stampede attracts over one million visitors per year and features an exciting parade, thrilling rodeos, the midway, concerts, stage shows, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, First Nations exhibitions and so much more…

Don’t miss out! Head downtown to the parade Friday morning and on to the Stampede grounds for some foot-stomping, heart-pounding action and a truly memorable experience.

For event information visit http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events

How are Mortgage Rates Set?

Published June 23, 2014

“As with all financial transactions, mortgages are driven by supply and demand, and underlying economic factors.”

To get a better understanding of the differences between variable and fixed mortgage rates, and how mortgage rates are set, read the following article. Knowledge is power and when you’re familiar with your options it will be much easier to find the mortgage that’s most suitable for you.

How Mortgage Rates are Set by Idriss Bouhmouch

For more information contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, serving Calgary & the Surrounding Area.

Buying a Home?

Published June 17, 2014

Buying a home is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll ever make! Many factors will impact your decision. Bill Brandsma has over 23 years sales experience and will handle all your needs in the professional manner today’s market demands.

If you’re currently considering buying a home, Bill Brandsma will guide you smoothly through a step-by-step real estate process with honesty, efficiency, knowledge and genuine care.

Step 1

Determining Your Housing Requirements

We will provide helpful information to assist you in determining your precise requirements in a home and in choosing your desired location.

Step 2

Understanding Your Local Housing Market

Everything that happens in the housing market can have an impact on your home purchase. We help you track trends in mortgage rates, local housing prices and other key indicators to assist you in determining the best time to buy.

Step 3

Calculate Your Costs

We will help you determine if you can afford the type of home you have chosen.

Step 4

Choosing Your Team

There are a lot of people involved when you buy a home. We provide work sheets to help you choose the right people to meet your home buying needs.

Step 5

Arranging Your Mortgage

How do you get the best mortgage for you and at the best rates? Learn more about the range of mortgage options before you make your final decision.

Step 6

Preparing an Offer

Before making your final offer, we will advise you what to include in your Offer to Purchase and what to expect once an offer has been made.

Step 7

Closing the Deal and Moving

There are many small steps when it’s time to close the deal. We will help make sure nothing falls through the cracks and provide tips to make moving day a smooth experience.

If you’re ready to buy Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!

Calgary Real Estate Stats – May 2014

Published June 7, 2014

Sales Improve as Consumers Have More Choice

City-wide price gains and better weather support year-over-year gains in new listings

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market, click here for an excellent overview:

http://www.creb.com/public/documents/statistics/2014/package/res-stats-2014_May.pdf

For more information or details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-253-5678.

Sales Tip

Published May 31, 2014

If you’re planning to sell your house this spring, flooring is a smart place to invest some of your renovation budget. Attractive floors add value. From hardwood and tile, to carpet and luxury vinyl, there’s a spectrum of styles, colours, textures and patterns to choose from these days. Upgrading your out-dated flooring is a sure-fire way to see a return on your investment.

For more tips from those who deal with home sales every day give us a call at 403-253-5678.

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

FREE Home & Property Evaluation

Published May 23, 2014

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
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.

Household Tip of the Month

Published May 11, 2014

Check Your Smoke/Fire Alarms

Only a working smoke alarm can save your life.

These are your family’s first line of defense/warning in the event of a fire/smoke emergency. Your fire department reminds you to test your smoke alarms each month by pushing the alarm test button. If your smoke/fire alarm is not hard-wired, change the batteries at least annually. It’s a good idea to mark it on your calendar so that you have a regular date when all are checked each year.

Check back next month for more household tips!

If you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!

Calgary Real Estate Stats – April 2014

Published May 4, 2014

PRICE GAINS ENCOURAGING NEW LISTINGS

New listings improve for all product types in the city

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market, click here for an excellent overview:

http://www.creb.com/public/documents/statistics/2014/package/res-stats-2014_April.pdf

For more information or details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-253-5678.

Curbside Tip!

Published April 28, 2014

lushlawn Spring’s arrived and it’s time to start thinking about the exterior of your home again!

For a beautiful lush lawn this season, check with your local garden store and mark the calendar for the best times to weed and feed your yard.

For more tips, contact Bill!

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

Here are three home maintenance tips to think about addressing now that the gorgeous spring, actually almost summer, weather has arrived!

Wash Your Windows

The one thing that it is easy to neglect (or purposely avoid!) is cleaning your windows. After all the recent rainy weather they really are going to need it. If ladders are not your thing spend the extra few dollars to call in a professional window washing company to do those tricky second story windows. There’s nothing like the sun shining through sparkling windows to lift your spirits!

Power Wash the Exterior

Power washing is one of most efficient and cost-effective ways to clean off the dirt that’s built up on your home’s exterior after being exposed to the elements over the messy winter and spring months. Most surfaces from stucco, vinyl siding, wood and brick, to patios, porches and walkways can benefit from a good power washing and overall, give your home a quick facelift!

Check the Roof, Gutters & Downspouts

Checking the roof, gutters and downspouts is an easy job to put off. Kind of ‘out of sight, out of mind’! It’s important to repair any loose or missing shingles to avoid leakage and damage to the interior ceiling of your home, and critical to clean leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts as build up and cause damage and prevent the water from draining properly.

– See more at: http://blog.kenrichter.com/category/monthly-household-tip/#sthash.ICMM33ob.dpuf

Time to Freshen Up!

Published April 21, 2014

Here are a couple of home maintenance tips to think about addressing now that the gorgeous spring weather is almost upon us!

Wash Your Windows

The one thing that it is easy to neglect (or purposely avoid!) is cleaning your windows. After all the recent wet weather they really are going to need it. If ladders are not your thing spend the extra few dollars to call in a professional window washing company to do those tricky second storey windows. There’s nothing like the sun shining through sparkling windows to lift your spirits!

Power Wash the Exterior