June 2019

Found 22 blog entries for June 2019.

3 Easy Cabinet UpgradesAll is not lost for homeowners who want to make an upgrade to their cabinetry but have a relatively small budget. A home loan is not needed for these simple upgrades to cabinets that can make a dramatic difference.

It is possible to improve the appearance and functionality of cabinets with some affordable updates. Explore a few ways to make old cabinetry more modern today.

Paint Cabinetry

It is entirely possible to makeover kitchen cabinets without laying out a significant amount of money. Rather than rip out old and dated cabinets, cabinetry with good bones may only need a new coat of paint. A semi-gloss enamel paint may work best for some types of cabinetry.

Resurface Cabinets

A homeowner may need to put in a little more elbow grease

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How to Choose Between a Bank and a Mortgage BrokerIf you're new to the world of purchasing a home and haven't taken out a mortgage before, you may be confused about the differences between a mortgage broker and a loan officer at the bank. Although they can both provide you with a mortgage, there are differences between them that you'll want to learn so that you can get end up getting the best mortgage possible that matches your personal financial situation.

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

Using a Mortgage Broker For Your Mortgage

This is a professional that specializes in mortgages and acts as a third-party to bring together borrowers and lenders. A broker can access a variety of lenders

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The Importance of Removing Smoke From Your Home Before SellingA new survey was conducted by Pfizer Canada that asked real estate brokers and agents in the province of Ontario about the price changes that could occur due to an owner smoking in their home. The survey showed that smoking could reduce a property's value by up to 29%. It's important to note, however, that Pfizer Canada is a pharmaceutical company that promotes a medication to help smokers quit the habit!

How Smoke Smell Affects Home Resale Value

During the course of the study it was found that 401 brokers and agents agreed that smoking does make selling a home more difficult when compared to one that is smoke-free. More than half of the professionals surveyed, 56% of them, said that the buyers they work with are less likely to buy a home where

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Where Are the Best Food Trucks in Calgary?The food scene in Calgary is diverse, with a number of different restaurants, cafes, and diners, but when you're in the mood for street food, there's nothing quite like a food truck. Here are our top three choices for the best food trucks in Calgary:

Alley Burger

Stocked with a number of award-winning chefs, Alley Burger is full of great gourmet burgers for just $5. This truck is perfect for a fast lunch or a great dinner. Whether you're looking for a burger with all types of toppings or you just want the best burger in town, the Alley Burger is the right place for you. Find out where they're located today online on their Facebook page.

Perogy Boyz

If you're not in the mood for a burger, another great food truck serving the Calgary area

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How to Redesign Your Home For Senior RetirementMost seniors are staying in their homes as long as possible to maintain their independence and remain in the familiar surroundings they are used to. This means that many seniors are remodeling their homes to make them fit their needs instead of moving out. The best time to consider the changes your home will need is before retirement.

Some of the modifications that can be made to a home to make it retirement-friendly include the following:

Living On One Floor

Stairs are great when you're younger and can appreciate the exercise they provide but once you're older they can become a problem. Planning to live on a single floor during your golden years is one of the best decisions you can make. This can involve either moving to a condo or a bungalow

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Debt-to-Income Ratio and Mortgage ApprovalWhen considering the possibility of financing a home, some may overlook a few important considerations for lenders. Those buying a home with cash have less need to be concerned about the debt carried when buying a home compared with other applying for a home mortgage loan. Though higher mortgage interest rates and high debt levels can make it difficult to qualify for conventional mortgage options. Learn more about the debt-to-income ratio and how it may impact the ability to buy a home.

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

Household Debt in Canada

According to a recent Angus Reid Institute survey, debt is the reason that 18 per cent of

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How to Save Money On Your Mortgage PayoffThere are a lot of people that are just happy making their mortgage payments every month knowing that their 25 year mortgage will be paid off some day. For others, it's a race to the finish line where getting the mortgage paid off as fast as possible is a priority. If you fall into the second category and can't wait for the day when you can finally set the mortgage papers burning, here are the 3 tips you need to know in order to make it happen.

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

Shop Around For The Best Mortgage Possible With Your Credit Score

When a mortgage company has a small overhead cost to stay in business it typically means that

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Visit the Calgary StampedeThe Calgary Stampede is just a few weeks away. This is one of the largest events throughout the year and one everybody should attend. It's known as the greatest outdoor show on earth and includes all types of events. There's something for everybody from music to incredible food. Here's what you can expect at Stampede 2013.

Stampede Events

A tournament-style rodeo is the main event. This is the richest tournament-style rodeo in the world with over $2 million given out to the winners. The rodeo takes place every day at 1:15pm throughout the Stampede. Some of the best rodeo athletes in the world will be in attendance with daily prizes up for grabs, along with the Wildcard Saturday and Showdown Sunday. The experience is amazing for both the

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The Best Amortization Period For Your MortgageAccording to The Bank of Canada's recent financial review, the number of people choosing amortization periods longer than 25 years rose by 10% in 2014-2015. Almost half of all uninsured mortgages in this country are now amortized over 30 years which is in direct correlation to high prices. Having your loan spread out over such a long period of time certainly keeps the monthly payments down. It is also helping to keep the rate of delinquent mortgages down as well. However, because the debt is being paid back at such a slow rate, it leads to a higher overall level of indebtedness in Canadian households. Whether buyers choose to spread out payments or are forced to, the 30-year amortization is becoming pretty stand.

For informational purposes

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Is a Fixed Rate Mortgage or Variable Rate Mortgage Better?If you're like most Albertans you prefer the fixed-rate mortgage. This is according to a recent survey conducted by CIBC showing that most residents in the province would select a mortgage with a fixed-rate over a variable rate.

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

What Are the Pros and Cons of Variable-Rate and Fixed-Rate Mortgages?

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has fluctuating payments based on the specific terms of the mortgage and a benchmark interest rate that is chosen by the lender. This can be beneficial for home buyers, especially for those who are expecting changes in the next few years and are not looking for long-term

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