Buying a House – Needs vs Wants
When considering buying a new home it’s a good idea to make a list of your needs versus your wants. The features that best suit your family’s wants, needs and budget are important, as the type of home you choose to buy will depend on your resources.
Put things your new home must have at the top of your list, and put wants (things you’d like to have but don’t need) towards the bottom. Size, style and price all come into play, so share your list with your real estate agent to help them find listings in your price range that meet as many of your needs as possible.
Bill Brandsma will provide all the essential real estate advice you need. Read through Bill’s Home Buying Step-by-Step section of the site for some very helpful information.
Buying a home can be a challenging process. If you feel a little overwhelmed about how to go about prioritizing your needs vs. your wants list and would like some assistance, contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. He’d be delighted to be of service!
Calgary Real Estate Stats – June 2014
Housing Supply Improves in June
Condominium apartment benchmark price surpasses previous highs
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_June.pdf
For more information or details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Calgary Stampede July 4-13, 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?
“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.
Calgary Real Estate Stats – May 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
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
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
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
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!
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