BEST FIREWOOD

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…

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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 always…

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Calgary Credit Scores

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…

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real estate closing costs

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…

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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. 

Kensington neighbourhood

~ 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

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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.

Reasons to move to Calgary

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 cheapest…

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Calgary Insurance

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…

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You've decided to sell your home. Many people will first turn to the internet to attempt to do the selling themselves. However, before long, most realize that they should be using a real estate agent. Why? 

Because at first, although sellers don't want to pay a real estate agent's listing fee to save money, they realize that not using a licensed realtor will end up costing them more in the long run.

So, what is a realtor listing fee, and is it worth the money? If you're new to Calgary real estate, our team has provided many answers to questions you're probably wondering.

How Much Are Real Estate Commissions?

When you hire a real estate agent, they will provide services. Services come at a cost, and one of the costs involves realtor listing…

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payitforwardyyc

Local Calgary Non Profit

Origin: May 1976 Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary Association for Senior Citizens  was established and registered as a non-profit entity in Alberta. While in 2015, the non profit  Updated their name and logo to "Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association"  Now, newly renamed in the summer of 2020, "Forward Housing"

This non profit organization grew, and was founded upon the incredibly hard working and dedicated, Roman Catholic community in Calgary that was setup to support the low income senior population around 40 years ago. In 2013, Forward Housing opened a new residence in Bridgeland called Columbus Place, and since then their spectrum of affordable housing solutions has truly grown with a highly anticipated…

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If you've recently been on the hunt for a date night that is a "throwback ode to the quintessential dining experience felt in New York City during the 1930's and 1940's" you've oddly and specifically found the right place. But in all seriousness, if great dining, incredible service, and Jazz music are something you've long desired, we have THE spot for you!

Westman Village Restaurant Review

Your Next Date Night in Mahogany. 

Alvin's Jazz Club in Westman Village

Often home owners in south east communities like Cranston or Auburn Bay think that a unique dining experience with live music means a long trek to Stephen Ave, 17th, or to trendy communities like Inglewood. Fortunately the recent development in Mahogany (and Seton as well) have seen a major increase in commercial…

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