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What to do when neighbors encroach on your property

When you own a property, you want to enjoy your personal space free from any disturbance or interference. Unfortunately, as much as we might want to avoid conflicts with our neighbors, it's not always possible, especially when it comes to property lines. Whether it's an overgrown tree, a fence on the wrong side, or any other encroachment, the situation can escalate quickly if not addressed early. In this blog post, we will discuss some solutions to handle property encroachment issues with neighbors.

Talk it out

The first and most amicable solution is to talk it out with your neighbor. Often, people might not know they are violating your property or could be doing it unintentionally. A calm and respectful conversation about your concern can save you from unnecessary conflicts. Show them your Real Property Report (RPR), if you have one, to clarify the boundaries. If your neighbor is receptive, you can jointly agree on a solution, such as trimming their tree branches or moving the fence.

Bring in a survey company

If your neighbor does not act towards the encroachment after the initial conversation, and you DON’T have an updated Real Property Report, It's time to involve a surveyor. If you do not have a copy of your RPR, a professional surveyor can resurvey and establish the exact boundary of your property. They will provide a map that shows your property's total size, shape, and any posts or landmarks that fall within its perimeter. Having this report can help solve any future disputes that might arise.  Note: An old RPR will still provide adequate guidance for property line disputes. 

Seek legal counsel

Sometimes, even after providing evidence of encroachment, your neighbor may refuse to rectify the situation. It is here where a real estate lawyer can help. Your lawyer will help you understand the legal facts and options available for you. They can draft a letter asking your neighbor to take corrective action, and if that fails, they can guide you on filing a lawsuit against your neighbor.

Prevention is better than cure

You never know when you may face an encroachment issue with your neighbor. Before purchasing your property, you should ensure that all documents, including legal descriptions, maps, and boundary plans, are in place. If you notice any issues with your neighbor, act promptly. The sooner you act, the better your chances of finding an amicable solution.

Property encroachment can be frustrating, especially if it affects your quality of life. However, dealing with the problem head-on can save you from headaches and more significant legal challenges later on. Hopefully, these solutions have given you a starting point to tackle any encroachment issues that may arise, and remember, prevention is always the best course of action.


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New property listed in McKenzie Towne, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 1040 Prestwick CIRCLE SE in Calgary. See details here

Welcome to your dream home, a haven of comfort and style perfect for first-time buyers and young families! This captivating abode offers more than 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully developed living space, set within a welcoming neighborhood. Upon entry, the open-concept design is immediately noticeable, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a showstopper, boasting elegant Bianca Antico granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, setting the stage for creating cherished family meals or hosting dinner parties with friends. This fantastic home presents an impressive 4 bedrooms, including 3 generously sized rooms upstairs, offering plenty of space for a growing family, home office, or guest rooms. Freshly painted walls throughout the house offer a contemporary aesthetic, ready for you to add your personal touch. But it doesn't stop at the interior! Step outside to your own private oasis - an entertainer's paradise. The backyard deck is outfitted with a unique stadium setup, ready for warm, cozy evenings around the fire table. It also comes with a designated hot tub space for your relaxation and a full concrete bar setup for endless fun. Here, your family barbecues, social gatherings, and peaceful Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee will be elevated to an entirely new level. For those who value their workspace or need room for their toys, the property features a massive, oversized 25x25 insulated garage. Ideal for a workshop, home gym, storage, or just protecting your vehicles from the elements. This is more than just a house; it's a home designed with love, functionality, and comfort in mind. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to create a lifetime of memories in a home that grows with you! Your dream living awaits.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, July 22, 2023 12:00PM - 3:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 1040 Prestwick CIRCLE SE in Calgary. See details here

Open House on Saturday, July 22, 2023 12:00PM - 3:00PM

Welcome to your dream home, a haven of comfort and style perfect for first-time buyers and young families! This captivating abode offers more than 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully developed living space, set within a welcoming neighborhood. Upon entry, the open-concept design is immediately noticeable, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a showstopper, boasting elegant Bianca Antico granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, setting the stage for creating cherished family meals or hosting dinner parties with friends. This fantastic home presents an impressive 4 bedrooms, including 3 generously sized rooms upstairs, offering plenty of space for a growing family, home office, or guest rooms. Freshly painted walls throughout the house offer a contemporary aesthetic, ready for you to add your personal touch. But it doesn't stop at the interior! Step outside to your own private oasis - an entertainer's paradise. The backyard deck is outfitted with a unique stadium setup, ready for warm, cozy evenings around the fire table. It also comes with a designated hot tub space for your relaxation and a full concrete bar setup for endless fun. Here, your family barbecues, social gatherings, and peaceful Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee will be elevated to an entirely new level. For those who value their workspace or need room for their toys, the property features a massive, oversized 25x25 insulated garage. Ideal for a workshop, home gym, storage, or just protecting your vehicles from the elements. This is more than just a house; it's a home designed with love, functionality, and comfort in mind. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to create a lifetime of memories in a home that grows with you! Your dream living awaits.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, July 23, 2023 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Please visit our Open House at 1040 Prestwick CIRCLE SE in Calgary. See details here

Open House on Sunday, July 23, 2023 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to your dream home, a haven of comfort and style perfect for first-time buyers and young families! This captivating abode offers more than 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully developed living space, set within a welcoming neighborhood. Upon entry, the open-concept design is immediately noticeable, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a showstopper, boasting elegant Bianca Antico granite countertops and state-of-the-art appliances, setting the stage for creating cherished family meals or hosting dinner parties with friends. This fantastic home presents an impressive 4 bedrooms, including 3 generously sized rooms upstairs, offering plenty of space for a growing family, home office, or guest rooms. Freshly painted walls throughout the house offer a contemporary aesthetic, ready for you to add your personal touch. But it doesn't stop at the interior! Step outside to your own private oasis - an entertainer's paradise. The backyard deck is outfitted with a unique stadium setup, ready for warm, cozy evenings around the fire table. It also comes with a designated hot tub space for your relaxation and a full concrete bar setup for endless fun. Here, your family barbecues, social gatherings, and peaceful Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee will be elevated to an entirely new level. For those who value their workspace or need room for their toys, the property features a massive, oversized 25x25 insulated garage. Ideal for a workshop, home gym, storage, or just protecting your vehicles from the elements. This is more than just a house; it's a home designed with love, functionality, and comfort in mind. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to create a lifetime of memories in a home that grows with you! Your dream living awaits.

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Exciting News: Alberta Showings on the Rise!

Get ready, Alberta! Showings are booming following the July long weekend. Compared to last year, we're seeing a staggering 40% increase in showings for this time of year. And that's not all - compared to 2021, the number is up by an impressive 22%!

While sales activity in the province has dipped by 9.6% compared to last month, the decrease in listing inventory by 23.8% is the main culprit. But here's the takeaway: the surge in showings clearly demonstrates the demand for more listings. If we had more properties on the market, the sales volume would surely have increased.

If you've been considering listing, don't miss out on this opportunity - now is the perfect time to list your property in Alberta. Contact us today to take advantage of the high demand and maximize your sales potential.

 

Exciting news about CIR Realty's showings!

We've recently seen a surge in activity across all price ranges, except for the $300,000 - $400,000 and $800,000 - $900,000 range. In fact, last week had the third-highest percentage of showings to sales this year. On average, we convert 17.1% of showings into sales, but last week that number jumped to 21.6%. This means that the buyers currently shopping are extremely motivated, and the demand for properties is still going strong. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

 

We don't anticipate the summer slow down that normally comes as long as new listings keep coming to market. As previously discussed, we do not have an inventory shortage problem, we have a time on market problem so buyers need to be prepared to make quick decisions on homes that are properly priced.

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I have sold a property at 218 Auburn Bay Cove SE in Calgary

I have sold a property at 218 Auburn Bay Cove SE in Calgary. See details here

Welcome to Auburn Bay! A beautiful LAKE COMMUNITY with LAKE ACCESS right across from ALL AMENITIES and the SOUTH HEALTH CAMPUS! Enjoy the perfect location in the heart of new South Calgary! This meticulously maintained and upgraded 2 story front drive garage home is beautifully landscaped and has an oversized fully landscaped PIE LOT! This home has a finished 3211 sqft including basement development, 4 bedrooms, 2 office spaces! The main floor is wide open and has a clear flow the adds to the bright and airy view out the back with oversized windows that gives you a perfect view to the whole back yard and mature trees! The dining room has impressive, coffered ceilings that complement the gorgeous bright dining space. To go with the great main floor space the home has all new flooring to the main and upper levels! New paint throughout the whole house! Brand new UPGRADED appliances in the kitchen including executive fridge, induction stove, dishwasher, and microwave. The home also comes with new LG tower washer and dryer, new garburator, new water heater, new window coverings. The property also has full irrigation system to the back yard! Enjoy the established back oasis and the full rear deck while entertaining guests and family! The home is fully wired for audio and the basement is fully set up games and recreation. The impressive basement development home theatre system is fully negotiable. Come see this fully developed, complete, and functionable home in Auburn Bay today!

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RED FLAGS FOR BUYING A HOUSE

Are you in the market for a new home? It's an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. That's why it's important to have a team of trusted professionals by your side to help guide you through the process. However, even with the best experts on your team, there are some red flags that you should keep an eye out for when buying a house.

*Current Owner Assumed Their Mortgage: While assumable mortgages can be a legitimate way to purchase a home, they can also be used by unscrupulous buyers who want to avoid going through a bank.

*Low Down Assumable Offered: If the terms of the mortgage seem too good to be true, they might be. Additionally, an overpriced home may have a low down payment option that could leave you with a mortgage that's higher than the home's value

*Stained Basement Items: Water stains on any item in the basement should be questioned, as they could be a sign of past or ongoing water issues.

*Newly Finished Basement: This is a common way to hide past problems, especially concerning water penetration. Be sure to ask about any past water issues and request documentation of any repairs that were made.

*Odd Smell: Mold, mildew, water issues, or even a past drug operation could be the cause of an odd smell in the home.

*Exterior Cracking: Any unsealed opening on the exterior can cause water entry, which can lead to serious damage and costly repairs.

Slope Toward the House: The grade of the yard should move water away from the house, not toward it. Poor drainage can cause water damage and other problems.

*Attached Homes Without Condo Fees: If you're considering an attached home without condo fees, be aware that you may be responsible for shared repairs and maintenance costs. It's important to know who is responsible for what before you buy.

*Hot Water Tank Damage: Any sign of wear and tear on a hot water tank should be addressed quickly, as it could be an indication of imminent failure.

*Dirty Furnace Filter: If the furnace filter is dirty, it may be working overtime to heat the home. Be sure to inquire about any other maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

*Cold Spots: Poor insulation or improper construction could lead to cold spots in the home, which could be a sign of more serious problems.

*Swellings Around Windows and Wall Seams: These could be a sign of water entry and should be investigated further.

*Water Staining: Water stains are a clear indication of past or present water issues that will need to be addressed.

*Restrictive Covenants on Title: These could limit your use of the property or restrict what you can build in the future. Be sure to review any restrictive covenants on the title before you buy.

*No RPR or Survey: The Real Property Report (RPR) or survey is your only protection against a home being built in the wrong location or on a smaller lot than advertised.

*Newly Built Deck or Fence: It's important to ensure that any new construction on the property has been done legally and has the proper permits.

*Soft Shower Walls: Rotten shower walls from long-term water leaks could be a sign of larger water issues in the home.

*House Feels Small: The square footage listed may not be accurate. Be sure to measure the home yourself to confirm the square footage.

*One Agent Represents Both the Seller and the Buyer: This is a conflict of interest, as it's impossible for an agent to get the seller the highest price possible while also getting the buyer the lowest price possible.

Remember, when it comes to buying a home, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Ask lots of questions and be sure to get accurate information from your team of professionals. With their help, you can find the home of your dreams without any unpleasant surprises.

Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.