September 2018

A home's roof will naturally wear down over time, and depending on what it's made out of, it may have a lifetime of 20-30 years or longer before needing to be replaced. Replacing a roof is a big job that homeowners want to do as little as possible, and picking the right material can help a roof last a long time. But what are the different types of roofing materials available? Here are some of the best roofing material options and what makes them good choices for a homeowner looking for new roofing materials.

Roofing Materials Overview

There are plenty of roofing materials to choose from, but some are definitely going to give you more value for the money than others. Throughout the years there has been a wide variety of newer roofing products put

When you are in the market to buy or sell your home you'll need to find a truly professional Calgary real estate agent that you can work with. This is one of the biggest financial decisions that you will probably ever make in your life and you need someone experienced and dedicated by your side. There is only one type of real estate agent that you need and that is a true professional.

What to Know About Selecting a Professional Real Estate Agent

You see, a lot of real estate agents only work part-time and are not dedicated to their career. They look at it as a way to make extra money on the side and don't have a lot of time to devote to your needs. Only by working with a professional agent will you receive the time and the energy that you

The lighting in an Okotoks home can often do more than homeowners realize to set the mood of each room. Harsher lighting may make sense in a bathroom when everyone wants to look their best, but it can be off-putting when trying to relax in the morning with a cup of coffee. Before putting the final touches on your lighting decor, take into account how each shadow and glow works in the many rooms of the home. Many people don’t put much thought into how to light a house, but spending a little extra time picking out the right house lighting can go a long way. Here are some invaluable tips for how to light your home.

Liven Up the Living Room

Lighting the living rooms is especially important because most people spend a lot of time in their living

Home owners who want to put their house on the market often struggle with the decision to make home improvements before listing the property. Roof upgrades in particular can be a difficult decision because roof improvements and repairs can be costly and best done by a professional. Knowing the signs that a roof needs to be replaced and understanding the expectations of the home buyers can help the homeowner decide whether or not a roof should be repaired or replaced before selling the house.

How Long Roofs Last

Because there is such a wide variety of different roofing materials, there’s no one answer for how long a roof will last. Different kinds of roofing materials are expected to last for different lengths of time. For example:

• Asphalt

With the growing green revolution taking place across Canada and here in Calgary, potential buyers and homeowners are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. This includes the willingness to pay a higher price for a home with longer-term sustainability and green features.

The Calgary green trend is driving forward at critical speed and Calgary's not prepared to be left in the dust. As the nation's energy city, Calgary still needs to do its part in greening up the country and fortunately Calgarians are stepping up to the task at hand.

Here are some of the best high-ROI energy-efficient home renovations that are practical, will save you money and will help to add value to your home.

The Benefit of

Calgary is located close enough to the Rocky Mountains to provide plenty of fun just a little ways away. Sometimes, you can find interesting fun that doesn't happen every weekend. Whether you enjoy skiing, skating, curling or even speed dating, you might just find it in the mountains. If you find yourself in a position where you need a little relaxation, consider enjoying some mountain activities – they can really help you.

Go on a Hike

When it comes to mountain activities, it just makes sense that hiking would be on the list. Obviously, this would be an activity for someone who is a little on the physically fit side. You need to stop and ask yourself whether going on a hike is going to relax you or if it is going to stress you out more.

While the condominium lifestyle is a dream for many homeowners, certain individuals may discover that living amid a condo community isn't exactly their cup of tea. Of course, there are pros and cons of buying a Calgary condo, just like there are in any community. So, before signing on the dotted line here are five considerations before buying a condo.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1. Privacy Preferences

Individuals who prefer a great deal of privacy may find condo living challenging to their senses. After all, most condominium communities have dozens or even hundreds of units, usually joined by common walls. This means means that

In today's tech-based society, a large number of potential home buyers begin their ‘shopping' experience online perusing MLS database to see what's out there before scheduling a showing. The first photo on the listing should be a photo of the front of the home from a curb-side view, which means that boosting curb appeal should be a priority. After all, surveys report at more than 60 percent of buyers only plan to tour homes they found appealing online. Here are six curb appeal tips for sellers.

1. Step Into the Buyer's Shoes

Step out onto the curb and take a long hard look at the exterior of the Chaparral home as a buyer would (and will be doing online). Does everything in sight look attractive, clean and appealing? Chances are, there will be