If you feel like the views of your walls are getting old, or that they are starting to close in around you, it might be time to get outside and experience Alberta's great wilderness, and if your family is new to hiking, you've found the right spot! 

Grassi Lakes

First up on our list is one of the most popular hikes and it's located in Canmore! This beautiful trail path is well maintained and heavily traversed making it easy for families of all ages to take on (stroller friendly when the snows melted) and if you've ever been on a good hike, you know one of the most rewarding feelings is getting to your destination and experiencing the views and sights to see! The Grassi Lakes trail will not disappoint! Once at the top, you'll find…

Buying a home is certainly a dream come true for many Calgarian's. But for many young first time home buyers it's often their first run at tackling the maintenance that comes with home ownership. In Canada, as of 2019, about 50% of the surveyed homeowners spent up to $2000 dollars on house maintenance, and roughly 5% spent over $20,000 dollars on renovations and fixes. 

While many readers may not be jumping into major renovation projects, or always going the DIY route, there are still tons of scenarios and situations where being a little handy can go a long way in saving you time and money.

Ten Tools We Recommend

1. Stop. Hammer... Time! 
2. Measuring Tape
3. Screwdriver Set
4. Pliers
5. Stud Finder
6. Utility Knife
7. Hex /…

In todays times where technology has become a normal and accepted part of our lives, a logical progression is the adoption of using it for more and more purposes around our homes.

Reports online indicate that over 47% of US millennials do have a smart device for their homes, which sheds some light on how the smart home market is on the rise. The introduction of smart technology has really changed how we spend our lives around the house – and to some, makes it better and more productive.

In this article, we’ll be discussing some popular smart technology options that could prove beneficial in your resale if you have them in your home. 

1. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats let you control HVAC components like your air…

Cozy winter nights, sweet Christmas treats, and the aroma of a beautiful wood burning fire place describe some of our favorite moments in the winter season. While there are many Calgary home owners who prefer gas fireplaces (for convenience) to natural wood burning, it’s still hard to match the rustic and natural feel of a wood burning fireplace. 

There are many choices for firewood for homes, such as hardwoods or softwoods, fruits or nuts, and heat energy limit, high smoke or less smokey, and even the color of fire. Different firewood will bring out specific aroma, heat, smoke, and will have shorter or longer burning times. 

If you live in Canada, it’s difficult not to have your fireplace running throughout the winter season, we’ve got a…

 The question many homebuyers ask is whether they should get a newly constructed building or a resale property. Today we're digging into buyers who are seeking a new build home for sale in Calgary.

Buying a new house can be quite the experience for home buyers and is often described by many of our buyers early on as "nerve-racking". You want the best, you want to work with a trusted builder, and you want a good deal as well, right?

Below are a few things you should know when purchasing new construction in Calgary, there are both advantages and disadvantages of buying new homes and we unwrap these in detail below starting with the benefits.

Advantages of buying a newly constructed home

Customization is almost…

Oftentimes, as we move through the mortgage pre approval process with our clients, they end up confused about their credit score.  They check the score themselves using one of their banking apps or Credit Karma and the score reads 780, but when we pull their beacon score, they are so frustrated that often their score is lower.

Here are the straight goods:  Every credit information provider has a different algorithm for calculating credit scores.  They all scrape information from the internet in different ways and they all come up with a different number in the end.  It’s also super important to remember that credit scores fluctuate monthly.  My personal credit score can land between 750 and 850 depending on the month.  If I’ve had…

Buying a home can feel like an epic adventure, full of ups and downs. From working with a real estate agent to viewing Calgary homes for sale to organizing open houses, it can be stressful. 

So, when closing day approaches, buyers are overjoyed and relieved that part of the journey is over. However, while finding the home of your dreams and closing the sale are major accomplishments, before you crack open the bubbly, you'll need to pay some administrative fees, otherwise known as closing costs.

What are closing costs in Alberta? Our experts will explain.

Closing Costs: The Breakdown

Closing costs are fees or expenses that the buyer owes before or on closing day. Homebuyers should budget 1.5%-4% of the property's purchase price in…

One of Calgary's most popular destinations, Kensington features a large collection of trendy businesses including boutique shops, incredible restaurants, pubs with outdoor patios, some great coffee spots, very similar to Inglewood with it's own style and flavour. 

~ Image Description: Much like every other trendy and emerging neighbourhood in North America, Kensington features some incredible street art. ~

Our neighbourhood guide is built to give you an idea of this revitalization zone, which primarily runs along 10th Street Northwest and throughout Kensington Road. 

Kensington Neighbourhood Guide

1. Kensington Introduction
2. Real Estate in Kensington
3. Lifestyle and Living in Kensington
4. Schools in Kensington
5. Events in Kensington
…

You can expect great things if you’re considering moving to Calgary. With a population of 1.4 million people, it is one of Canada’s largest city, rich with culture and entertainment. Not only that, but according to The Global Liveability Index 2019, Calgary is the world’s fifth most livable city – and for good reasons. With a relatively low crime rate, excellent sanitation, and a diverse social scene to partake in, Calgary is a place anyone can happily call home.

Here are the top reasons to move to Calgary. 

1. Low Cost of Living
2. Close To Other Attractive Destinations
3. Affordable Real Estate
4. Excellent Job Opportunities
5. Always Plenty To Do
6. A Sense Of Community

Low Cost of Living

Calgary is one of North America’s…

How Does Fault Work in Calgary Home Insurance?

Please note, while we have done extensive research for this article, we are not licensed to provide any professional advice for any insurance matter, we believe this information to be reliable, but always recommend that you consult a professional insurance advisor who is licensed to trade in insurance, for any and all matters or advice on insurance.

For many consumers, the concept of auto insurance fault is pretty clear.

For example, if a driver runs a stop sign and gets in an accident, they're likely to be deemed at fault for running the stop sign. Fortunately your insurance covers this mistake, and both parties will typically be covered by the at fault parties insurance. In most…