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Posted in McKenzie Towne, Calgary Real Estate
I have sold a property at 1040 Prestwick CIRCLE SE in Calgary

I have sold a 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, with a massive garage and stunning patio setup, all within one of Calgary's most desirable neighbourhoods. 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. Composite decking completes the deck, perfect for the ZERO maintenance lifestyle! 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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The Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rental Investing

Investing in short-term rental properties has become a popular way to earn extra income, especially for those who don't want to be full-time landlords. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. In this blog post, we'll explore both sides of short-term rental investing so that you can make an informed choice.

Pros

More Money: One of the biggest advantages of short-term rentals is that they can often command higher prices than long-term rental properties, particularly if they're located in vacation hotspots. This means that you can earn more money from each guest than you would from a traditional rental property.

Passive Income: Another great benefit is the potential for passive income. Running short-term rentals can be pretty hands-off, especially if you hire a cleaning crew and property manager. Once everything is set up, you can sit back and let the rentals generate cash flow for you.

Tax Perks: Since the property is a business, you can write off a lot of the expenses on your tax returns. This includes things like furnishings, maintenance, and even travel expenses related to managing the property. These deductions can add up, reducing your taxable income and putting more money in your pocket.

Cons

Operating Costs: One of the biggest drawbacks of short-term rentals is the operating costs. Unlike traditional rentals, you'll need to furnish the property. It will also have to be cleaned between each visit, and toiletries and other important items need to remain stocked for all guests. These expenses can eat into your profits and require a lot of work to keep up with.

Financial Qualification: Another potential hurdle is the financial qualification. Loans for investment properties usually have stricter requirements than those for primary residences, including down payments, credit scores, and other financial factors. This can make it difficult for some investors to qualify for financing.

Potential Volatility: Finally, there's no guarantee your short-term rental will be booked constantly. Vacation demand may ebb and flow, particularly in more seasonal areas. This means that your income may be unpredictable and you'll need to have a buffer in place to cover any lulls in business.

Think a short-term rental could be a good investment opportunity for you? Get in touch today to begin your search.


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Diversify Your Portfolio: Investing in Real Estate


Looking for ways to invest your money and diversify your portfolio? Consider real estate. Not only does it offer long-term wealth-building opportunities, but it can also provide a reliable nest egg for retirement. However, with the many ways to invest in real estate, it can be tough to know which method is right for you. In this post, we’ll explore a few popular options and help you determine which one might be the best fit for your investment goals.

Raw Land

Investing in raw land can be a smart move if you find a great deal and plan to develop the land yourself. But be sure to research local zoning regulations and building codes to make sure you’re purchasing in an appropriate area. One potential benefit of raw land investment is that it can increase in value as the surrounding area develops. However, investing in raw land does require some patience, as it may take years before your investment sees significant returns.

Rental Properties

Investing in rental properties is a popular option for those who want to generate income from their real estate investments. Short-term rental properties like vacation homes or long-term rentals like apartments can both provide steady streams of income. However, owning and managing rental properties can be a lot of work. Before investing in rental properties, it’s important to consider whether you have the time and resources to manage tenants and handle maintenance and repairs.

Fix-and-Flip

If you’re handy and enjoy home improvement projects, fix-and-flip properties may be a good option. These properties typically need some work, but by investing your time and money into upgrades and repairs, you can resell them at a profit. One advantage of fix-and-flip properties is that you can invest in several at a time if you have the funds and the contacts needed to quickly complete renovations. However, this strategy does carry some risk, as it can be tough to accurately predict your returns on investment.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Finally, if you want to invest in real estate without the hassle of owning and managing properties, consider a real estate investment trust (REIT). A REIT is a company that owns and manages real estate properties, and investors can purchase shares of the company just like they would buy stocks. This strategy can offer diversification and steady income, but it can also be more vulnerable to market conditions.

Commercial Buildings

Commercial real estate may be something to consider, too, though it’s very different from residential. Strip malls, office buildings and warehouses fall under this umbrella.

Investing in real estate can be a great way to grow your wealth and diversify your portfolio. However, before diving in, it’s important to carefully consider your investment goals, resources, and risk tolerance. Whether you choose to invest in raw land, rental properties, fix-and-flip properties, REITs, or another method entirely, be sure to research the market thoroughly and work with a qualified professional to help guide your decisions. By making smart real estate investments, you can help secure your financial future and build wealth for years to come.


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Say Goodbye to Boring Outdoor Spaces: 2023 Landscape Trends to Consider

Are you tired of your dull, uninspiring outdoor space? Do you crave a change in color schemes and plant selections? As we look forward to the upcoming year, it's the perfect opportunity to revamp your backyard with the latest landscaping design trends. Whether you are aiming for a modern, chic or timeless look, the 2023 landscape trends offer plenty of options to choose from. In today's blog post, we are going to highlight four of the top trends to inspire and guide you towards your perfect outdoor oasis.

New Victorian: This trend is an ode to the past and a nod to the present. With a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, you can create a garden that's both timeless and trendy. The New Victorian landscape is characterized by rolling hills, maze-like stone pathways, and plenty of green spaces. This look often features a varied color palette, romantic accents like white fences, bird baths, or vintage hanging baskets. To achieve this look in your outdoor space, start by adding classic flowers such as lilacs, roses, and hollyhocks. The New Victorian design trend is all about ease and delicacy, so make sure to keep it simple and clutter-free.

Maximalism: For those who want to make a statement with their garden this trend is for you. Maximalism is all about using bold colors, textured walls, and playful decor accents that are sure to be the center of attention. Imagine vibrant hues, patterned tiles, and large outdoor art installations. When designing a maximalist garden, the key is to create a harmonious combination of colors, materials, and patterns. To achieve maximalism in your landscaping, start with a cohesive color scheme, then gradually add in bold textures, and decorative elements that will create a unique, eye-catching space.

Dedicated Entertaining Spaces: Outdoor entertaining is becoming more popular than ever. Homeowners are looking to extend their living spaces and create the ultimate outdoor oasis for their friends and family. This trend is all about dedicated outdoor spaces that allow for comfortable gatherings and entertainment. From outdoor kitchens and dining areas to cozy seating around a fire pit, there are plenty of ways to make your outdoor areas more functional and entertaining. When planning a dedicated entertaining space, think about how you use your outdoor space most frequently. Do you love grilling? Or do you prefer a cozy seating area? Once you have an idea of how you want your outdoor space to function, it's easy to plan your dream backyard retreat.

Native Planting: With a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, native planting is an ever-increasing trend in landscaping. Native plants are those that are indigenous to the region and ecosystem in which you live, have adapted well to the local weather and do not need an excess of care and water. Not only do they require less maintenance, but native plants also provide a natural habitat for wildlife and help to support the local ecosystem. To achieve this look, start by researching which plants are native to your area, then add in local flora to highlight the beauty of your landscape and boost its ecological value.

A well-designed outdoor space should reflect your style, personality, and taste. With these 2023 landscape trends, you'll be able to create an outdoor oasis that is stylish, functional, and sustainable. Whether you want to go bold with maximalism or timeless with the New Victorian trend, the key is to choose elements that speak to you and your unique taste. So, go ahead and experiment with different designs, and explore different options before settling on the final look. Remember, with the right combination of colors, plants, and decor elements, your backyard retreat will be the envy of all your neighbors.




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How to Make Rental Properties More Profitable?

Investing in rental properties can be an excellent way to build wealth and generate passive income. However, keeping your properties full and profitable is not always easy. To succeed as a property owner, you need to have a solid plan in place and the right strategies. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips to help you make your rental properties more profitable and ensure that you have tenants that allow you to keep your vacancies few and far between.

Know your audience: The first step to making your rental properties more profitable is to know your audience. Are you targeting college students, families, or pet owners? Understanding your target demographic will help you prepare and market your property appropriately. For example, if you are targeting college students, you might want to focus on proximity to campus, affordability, and flexible lease terms.

Have a dedicated online presence: In today’s digital age, most renters start their search online. Ensure your company has a dedicated online presence, including a website and social media profile for each property. Make sure that each listing includes detailed information, photos, floor plans, and contact details to make it easy for potential tenants to reach out.

Be upfront about amenities or unique features: Emphasize your property’s unique features that might help it stand out from others in the community. Consider what each property has to offer, such as a garage, ample storage, great views, or updated flooring. Highlighting these features in your marketing and advertising can help attract potential tenants and command higher rents.

Hire professionals to help you: To maximize your rental property’s earning potential, it’s important to call in the pros. A skilled stager can help showcase your property’s full potential, while a top-notch photographer can create visually compelling images to use in your online listings. A knowledgeable agent who understands the local market can help guide you through the entire rental process and negotiate the best possible terms.

Maintain your property: Keeping your rental properties well-maintained is critical to attracting and retaining good tenants. Regular upkeep of the property, including painting, flooring, and landscaping, can make a big difference in the appeal of the property to potential tenants.

In conclusion, investing in rental properties can be lucrative if you have the right strategies in place. Knowing your target audience, having a dedicated online presence, emphasizing unique features, hiring professionals, and maintaining your property are key to maximizing your rental property earning potential. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to increasing your profits and ensuring that you have tenants that allow you to keep your vacancies few and far between. For more help with your rental properties, contact us 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.