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        <title>Calgary Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/tags/calgary-mls/</link>
        <description>Justin Havre's Calgary Real Estate Blog brings you the latest market news and property listings, as well as tips for buying or selling a home. </description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/tax-deductions-and-credits-for-homeowners.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/tax-deductions-and-credits-for-homeowners.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Tax Deductions and Credits for Homeowners</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 
Many taxpayers overpay their taxes simply because they fail to claim some of the common deductions and credits they are entitled to. As a homeowner, there are several home tax deductions and credits that you can claim.

Before you submit your next return, check the following list. It represents the most frequently over-looked tax breaks available to typical working Canadians.

First-time home buyers tax creditIf you are buying a home for the first time, you can claim a non-refundable tax credit of up to $750. This new non-refundable tax credit is based on a percentage of $5,000. You or your spouse or common-law partner can claim the home buyers tax credit.

GST/HST tax rebate (new housing rebate)If you buy a new home as your principal residence, and if its less than $450,000, you may be able to claim the GST/HST new housing rebate too. Ontario and B.C. residents may also claim the provincial portion of the HST if they buy, build or do a major renovation on their principal residence. Other home tax deductions exist for homes that are built by the owner as well as for residential rental properties.

Home Buyers PlanThe Home Buyers Plan allows you to withdraw up to $25,000 from your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to help with the purchase or construction of a home. Certain conditions apply. Submit a request by completing the T1036 tax form that is available. 

Medical expenses tax creditPersons with mobility impairments can claim renovation expenses to make their home more accessible under medical expenses deductions in Canada. The government provides an extensive list of eligible medical expenses as well as medical expenses that you cannot claim.&nbsp; 

Moving expensesIf you move within Canada, your moving expenses might be an allowable tax deductible. You must be employed, and your new location must be at least 40 kilometres closer to your place of work. Starting a business would qualify, as would moving away from home to take your first job. If the deductions are greater than earned income, they can be carried forward for one year to realize the full tax benefit.

Expenses that can be claimed include hiring movers or renting a van to move yourself, breaking a lease, furniture storage, meals and lodging for you and your family while traveling and legal fees and real estate commissions if you have to sell your home.

Work from home expensesIf you are using your house as part of your business &mdash; a home office for example &mdash; you can claim a deduction for that part of the home that is used to conduct business activities. If you are a homeowner you can claim a portion of your mortgage interest, property taxes and capital cost allowance. If you are a renter you can claim a portion of your monthly rent. You can include in your deduction a share of the utilities, insurance or home maintenance allotted to the area of the house set aside for business use. For each of these expenses you can claim a percentage equal to the percentage of your home that is reserved for business.

You cant use these items to create a loss that could be deducted against other sources of income, however. Of course, any expenses solely related to the business, such as supplies, travel and client entertainment, are fully deductible. CRA forms T2124 and T2032 contain a guide entitled &ldquo;Calculation of Business-Use-of-Home Expenses&rdquo; that will help you calculate your allowable claim.

Rental incomeIf you rent a property you own or that you have use of, use the T776 tax form to report rental income and claim allowable expenses such as advertising, insurance and interest on money you borrow to buy or improve the property.

Child care tax creditIn most cases, child care expenses for an eligible child must be claimed by the parent with the lower net income for tax purposes.&nbsp; If parents are separated and share custody, each parent may usually claim a portion of the child care costs.&nbsp; Where a medical doctor certifies in writing that the lower-income spouse is incapable of caring for the child due to a physical or mental infirmity, the costs may be claimed by the higher income spouse.

Eligible child care expenses include day-care centres and day nursery schools, some individuals providing child care services, day camps and day sports schools, educational institutions such as private schools (the portion of tuition costs relating to child care services), boarding schools, and overnight sports schools and camps.

Provincial creditsManitoba homeowners benefit from two other home tax credits: the Education Property tax credit and the School Tax Credit for homeowners. In Ontario, homeowners can apply for the Ontario property tax credit and the Senior Homeowners Property tax credit.&nbsp; For more information, please consult the CRA websitehttp://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/ncm-tx/rtrn/cmpltng/ddctns/prvncl-frms-eng.html

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            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:13:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/canadian-house-hunting-goes-mobile.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/canadian-house-hunting-goes-mobile.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Canadian House Hunting Goes Mobile </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 
The Canadian real estate market is always at the forefront in adopting new technologies. Recently, the Canada Real Estate Association (CREA) issued a press release highlighting its latest home buying and selling innovation&mdash;a new Mobile App. 

REALTOR.ca is the most visited real estate website in Canada, listing, on average, approximately 350,000 properties at any time. The new Mobile App brings this feature-rich website to the mobile world. 

CREA had announced earlier in November the release of this App for Windows mobile phones. However, that announcement was taken lightly as the &ldquo;Windows Phone&rdquo; operating system just arrived in Canada a few weeks before, so unfortunately almost nobody has Windows based mobile phones. 

Over 95% of smart phones in Canada are Android, iPhone or Blackberry devices. The introduction of the new REALTOR.ca Mobile App for the iPhone and Blackberry platforms shows that CREA mean business.

&nbsp;&ldquo;This free application brings Apple iPhone users the features and functionality of the REALTOR.ca website, as well as some interesting device-specific features,&rdquo; said CREA president Georges Pahud. &ldquo;Consumers today expect portable information and REALTORS across Canada are happy to be providing this service.&rdquo;

The free REALTOR.ca App is provided at no cost to consumers by Canadas 100,000 REALTORS and more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations.

The App provides users with the features and functionality of the REALTOR.ca website and takes advantage of Apple iPhone device features, such as using the handhelds GPS technology for the following features: 


Properties Near Me  get up-to-date property information, photos and driving directions 

New Listings Near Me  recent listings in the area youre visiting 

Open Houses Near Me  find open houses near your present location 

My Agent  Contact either your agent(s), or the listing agent for more information about a specific property 

Property Search  search for houses and properties across Canada, and connect with REALTORS to view, buy or sell a property 

Personalized settings  set default language, unit of measure, how properties are displayed, and search radius for &ldquo;Near Me&rdquo; searches 

Interactive BING mapping  embedded to allow focus on specific neighbourhoods.&nbsp; 

Scheduled Open Houses can be added to the devices calendar.


&ldquo;When considering one of lifes biggest financial transactions, easily accessible, detailed information about homes and neighbourhoods, as well as access to REALTORS, helps people make well-informed decisions,&rdquo; stated Pahud.

With the addition of the Apple iPhone App, REALTOR.ca is now available for two of the most popular handheld device operating systems, as the Windows Phone 7 version was released in November. A BlackBerry App will be released soon.

How do I install this real estate App? Simply search for &ldquo;realtor.ca&rdquo; from the App Store in your phone. Download the App and follow the instructions.


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            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:10:23 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/free-ways-to-enjoy-the-holiday-season-with-your-family.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/free-ways-to-enjoy-the-holiday-season-with-your-family.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Free Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Season with Your Family</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 
Fun family activities during the holiday season do not have to have a high price tag. Many families find that they prefer a more simple approach to the holidays and throughout the year. By doing a little research and pre-planning, many families can enjoy free or inexpensive kid-friendly entertainment during the holidays that can create lasting cherished memories. 

Here are a few ideas:

Take your kids to Holiday ParadesNearly every city has an annual holiday parade. They typically take place sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Local parades are a source of free fun that can turn into a yearly tradition. Many times, free entertainment takes place before the actual parade as well. Adults and children alike enjoy watching decorated floats, marching bands, horses, Santa, and everything else that makes up a typical parade. If you and your family absolutely love parades, you can watch the ones in neighbouring cities as well.

Make your own decorationsDecorating your house for the holidays can be expensive both purchasing the items and on your electric bill. The easiest way to save money is make your decorating simple. Do not hang as many lights as you have in previous years.&nbsp; Put a timer on your lighting fixtures so that they are turned off during the day so electricity is not wasted.

To decorate your tree, there is nothing sweeter than homemade decorations. Have the children gather around to make decorations for the tree: popcorn strings, cranberry strands and paper chains. Your tree will look beautiful and you will have not spent a lot of money.

People who are out of work may find that they can use the extra time to make handmade gifts and ornaments, bake special treats, learn to play holiday music on an instrument, enjoy the beauty of nature in a season that is usually rushed and frantic, and have one-on-one time with their children.

Enjoy holiday decorations in other peoples yardsPack the kids in the car, tune the radio to a station playing holiday music, and let the neighbours foot the light bill. Many people have simple to elaborate holiday decorations in their yards. Sometimes an entire community will put on a light show. Let the kids vote on their favourite light show or take turns picking the route. Kids can even work on skills such as counting and navigation along the way.

Look for free local holiday activitiesChurches and local businesses usually run some kind of functions during the holidays. These events are almost always free of charge. Holiday church functions range from plays, to musicals, to live nativities. They usually love to have the public attend these events. You can find out about various church functions in your local newspaper. 

Public libraries often have a great selection of holiday books, music, activities, and more. These may be enjoyed by the entire family during special times at home. Schools may have holiday-related programs open to the general public as well.

Many families discover that they enjoy helping others during the holidays. Check local shelters, Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc., for volunteer opportunities.

Shopping mallsShopping malls are usually beautifully decorated for the holidays, and it can be a treat in itself to visit them and admire the decorations. Walking around, window shopping, and enjoying light refreshments can make for a very pleasant evening. If you keep an eye on the shopping centre's website, you will probably notice some free activities they will have around the holiday as well. Some of these free activities will likely be things like concerts, tree lighting, indoor parades, visits from Santa, and free horse drawn carriage rides.

Host a potluck dinnerIf your family hosts a dinner for family and friends, make it a pot-luck dinner. Ask each family to make their favourites dish or drink to bring to the dinner.&nbsp; As the host of the party, you will provide the main course.&nbsp; This will help take the burden off your budget and still enjoy a wonderful holiday dinner. It will also allow others to showcase their signature dishes.

The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones. This does not imply you should spend more money than you have. A celebration should be enjoyed by all. Celebrating it with family and friends is all that is required to enjoy your holidays.


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            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:58:06 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/bank-of-canada-raises-key-rate-despite-slow-growth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/bank-of-canada-raises-key-rate-despite-slow-growth.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Bank of Canada Raises Key Rate Despite Slow Growth</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 
Ottawa, September 8, 2010 - The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter of a percent today, for the third consecutive time this year. 

The Bank noted in its announcement that it &ldquo;now expects the economic recovery in Canada to be slightly more gradual&rdquo; than it predicted at the time of its last rate hike in July, citing weaker economic activity in the U.S.&nbsp; However, the Bank also stated today that consumption growth in Canada &ldquo;is expected to remain solid and business investment to rise strongly&rdquo; supported by &ldquo;accommodative credit conditions, which have eased in recent weeks mainly owing to sharp declines in global bond yields.&rdquo;

The countrys major commercial banks quickly followed suit, also raising their prime lending rates by a quarter-point to 3%.

Economists interpretations of the central banks statement were varied, with some suggesting it signaled a long pause ahead. Others warned of another rate hike as soon as October. However, the majority of analysts surveyed think rates will remain on hold for the rest of this year.

Pricing on many fixed mortgages for new borrowers has been edging down in recent weeks.&nbsp; A competitive rate for a five-year fixed mortgage is now available at 3.89% for qualified borrowers. A competitive variable rate mortgage is available to qualified borrowers at 2.35% (prime of 3% minus 0.65%), factoring in the Banks rate increase today.

Mortgage holders or potential borrowers should contact their real estate agent or a mortgage professional to discuss interest rate trends and the impact on affordability, and which mortgage strategy fits their needs.&nbsp; 


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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:26:14 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/mortgage-terms-explained.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/mortgage-terms-explained.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Mortgage Terms Explained</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Closed, open, fixed, variable? Do these terms sound Greek to you? Dont worry you are not alone. &nbsp;There are a lot of options available to you when you are thinking about a mortgage and part of my job as a mortgage planner is educating clients on everything that their mortgage has to offer. Here is a list of basic mortgage terms to help you better understand your current mortgage or the mortgage you will be getting in the future. &nbsp;1. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Term - The number of months or years you will pay a specified rate. Terms generally range from 6 months to 10 years.2. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization - The number of years it will take to pay back the loan based on a set of fixed payments. Each payment consists of both principal and interest.3. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Open Mortgage  This type of mortgage can be paid out at any time without penalty. 4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Closed Mortgage  This type of mortgage cannot be paid out without incurring a payout penalty. 5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Payout Penalty  Charged by the bank when a client pays out their mortgage before the term is up, generally calculated on either and interest rate differential (IRD) or 3 months interest, which ever is greatest.6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed rate mortgage  This is a mortgage where your interest rate is set for the full term of the mortgage loan. 7. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Variable or Adjustable Rate Mortgage  This type of mortgage rate fluctuates with the prime rate and is sometimes offered at a discount off prime i.e. prime -.508. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Home Equity Line of Credit  This is a mortgage where part or the entire amount is held in a line of credit. These are allowed for financing up to 80%. They are often re-advanceable so as you pay down the mortgage you can then borrow it back. 9. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime rate  The lowest rate at which the bank lends money. 10. Payment frequency  The frequency at which you pay your mortgage back. These can be monthly (one per month), semi monthly (twice per month), biweekly (every two weeks) or weekly &nbsp;(every week).11. Conventional mortgage  A mortgage up to 80% of the purchase price or value. 12. High Ratio mortgage  A mortgage that exceeds 80% of the purchase price, or value of the home. This type of mortgage requires mortgage insurance.13. Mortgage Insurance  Required on mortgages with less than 20% down as they are considered higher risk. This insurance protects the banks and lenders against default.Those are the basics when it comes to mortgages and should help you better understand your financing options. &nbsp;If you have any questions at all please dont hesitate to drop me a line. My job is to make the financing portion of your purchase fun and easy and I enjoy helping people better understand the ins and outs of what might be the biggest purchase of their lives. King Regards,Jen Mikla, AMPMortgage PlannerMortgage ArchitectsP: 403.863.9770F: 403.398.1360E: jen@mortgagewithjen.comhttp://mortgagewithjen.comhttp://twitter.com/JenMiklahttp://facebook.com/mortgagewithjen ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:05:29 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/you-can-now-search-calgary-real-estate-listings-with-google-street-view.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/you-can-now-search-calgary-real-estate-listings-with-google-street-view.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>You can now Search Calgary Real Estate Listings with Google Street View</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We have added another new feature on our Calgary Real Estate Website www.JustinHavre.com&nbsp; The latest feature is Google's Street View. This feature is part of Google maps and it allows web surfers on a street level journey with images that have been captured by Google cameras&nbsp;during the earlier part of 2009 through out Calgary. 

The feature, which offers a 360-view of all the streets in Calgary. You may now click on the &quot;Street View&quot; tap above the property image in the Property Details page of all Calgary MLS Listings that you are searching on this site. 



&nbsp;Please note that you may want to click on the arrows to navigate up and down the street as Google's Street View will not always start at the right property. I suggest you go down the street until you find the home that matches the Exterior front image. This will give you a great idea of what the street is like at the comfort of your own home. 

We hope you enjoy this new feature while you are doing your Calgary Real Estate Search. 

Feel free to contact me at any time through CIR Realty at 403-294-1500 or via this website www.JustinHavre.com 

Justin Havre
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            <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:09:37 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/new-features-added-to-enhance-your-calgary-real-estate-search-on-this-site.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/new-features-added-to-enhance-your-calgary-real-estate-search-on-this-site.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>New Features added to enhance your Calgary Real Estate Search on this site</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We have been working hard on this site over the past few months to make it the most user-friendly website for Calgary Real Estate listings. We are always adding new features and content to ensure that this is the most up-to-date website for you to use as often as you wish.

This week we added some new tools to the Property Details pages. We added Bird's Eye View and Google Directions to enhance your experience and to help you in your Calgary home search.

Bird's Eye View



Bird's Eye View allows you to view the street that property is on at 2 elevations, 50 and 100 yards above ground. This will give you a good idea of what the street looks like and how the houses are situated. The&nbsp;property is marked but it is not 100% accurate&nbsp;but is is usually with in 3-6 houses of the mark.

Google Directions



Google Directions is another feature we added. This option is also available on the Property Details pages through out this site. This feature is great if you need to find out how to get to the home you are interested in. Once you have scheduled an appointment with us to view the property, you may simply enter your current address and click on &quot;Get Directions&quot; and you will be provided with the directions on how to find your next home. 

What features would you like to see us add next to this site? We are always open for feedback and suggestions as we want this site to be every one's&nbsp;choice for their Calgary Real Estate Needs.

Justin Havre is a Top Producing Realtor with CIR Realty and if you have any questions about this website or any real estate related questions, you may contact me through my Calgary Real Estate Website or call me at the office at 403.294.1500
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            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:45:54 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/a-great-opportunity-in-panorama-hills.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/a-great-opportunity-in-panorama-hills.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>A Great Opportunity in Panorama Hills</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 


Just Listed 99 Panatella Blvd NW - NW Calgary Real Estate

Here is a great opportunity to get into this stunning Walk Out Bungalow located in the community of Panorama Hills. This 2 bedroom home has 1677sqft of living space above grade plus an unfinished walkout basement ready for development.

&nbsp;

View additional information, photos, virtual tours &amp; interactive floor plans HERE

This NW Calgary community has great appeal as it offers acres of green space, rolling hills, golf course, bike paths, parks and play grounds. All this, only 15 minutes from downtown Calgary. Visit my Panorama Hills Real Estate page for additional properties available.

Contact me if you would like to view this property or any other property in Calgary. 

Justin Havre is a Top Producing Realtor for the current market&nbsp;in Calgary with CIR Realty and specializes in NW &amp; SW Calgary Real Estate. You may visit our Calgary Real Estate website to start your home search today or you may contact me through the office at 403.294.1500
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            <pubDate>Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:38:21 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/tuscany-market-update-for-the-first-15-days-of-may-2009.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/tuscany-market-update-for-the-first-15-days-of-may-2009.html</link>
            <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre)</author>
            <title>Tuscany Market Update for the first 15 days of May, 2009</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The community of Tuscany in NW Calgary continues to have some strong market activity. As of May 16th, 2009 there are 100 Active MLS Listings in this vibrant community that is very sought after. There are currently 12 properties that are under contract and there has been 27 Sales recorded so far this month.


The average Tuscany Home that is for sale is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,944 sqft 2 storey for $529,702. 

The Average Tuscany House that has sold in so far in May is a 1,750 sqft 2 Storey with a selling price of $441,847.

The average Home has spent 36 days on the market in Tuscany before it is Sold.

The highest recorded MLS Sale in Tuscany is $690,000

The Average Tuscany Condo for sale is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,269 sqft Townhouse for $366,854

There has been 9 Condos that have Sold in Tuscany so far this month for an average selling price of $297,944.


If you wish to view all Tuscany Properties for Sale, check out my Tuscany Real Estate web page. 

You may also use our online Home Evaluation Tool to get an idea of what your Tuscany Home is worth in the current market.

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2009 16:28:45 -0600</pubDate>
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