Calgary Real Estate Blog

Why Should You Love Living Near Riley Park

Riley Park is in the northeast part of Hillhurst in Calgary, and it separates the rest of the neighbourhood from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. The Hillhurst and Sunnyside areas are now considered some of Calgary's most beautiful and walkable communities. The streets and sidewalks are clean and well-kept, and new streetlights and benches have been added in the last two decades. Dozens of locally owned shops and restaurants are just a short walk from most homes for sale in Hillhurst. Residents are also close to many great parks and other outdoor amenities, including Calgary's East Village RiverWalk. Here are some of the perks of living near Riley Park.

Stroll to One of Calgary's Best Wading Pools & Playgrounds

Calgary gets some hot

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Best Restaurants in Kensington Village

As a pedestrian-friendly part of Calgary, Kensington Village's restaurant scene is booming. Visitors can stroll from their Hillhurst homes in the evening and find world-class dining or just a quick bite for lunch in minutes. From international flavours to down-home Canadian favourites, there's a little something to satisfy every appetite. Here are some of the best restaurants locals can walk to in Kensington Village.

Niko's Bistro

Niko, the owner of Niko's Bistro, came to Calgary after Croatia's War of Independence and learned English while washing dishes, busing tables, and becoming a head chef. He opened this restaurant in 2006, and it's been growing in popularity ever since.

Niko's Bistro is perfect for a quick business lunch or a more

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Perks to Living Near Pearce Estate Park

If your Calgary home-buying wishlist includes proximity to a world-renowned park, Inglewood should be at the top of your list. Pearce Estate Park is located within Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood, a unique part of the city with a variety of quirky shops, flavourful restaurants and fantastic art galleries. Living near the park has numerous benefits, and there are stylish condos and a number of new construction homes within walking distance of this natural respite in an urban city. Here, we'll explore the rich history and some of the perks of buying one of Inglewood's homes for sale near Pearce Estate Park.

Calgary History in Your Backyard

Pearce Estate Park is one of the community's most prized areas and was once owned by William Pearce. This

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Is January the Best Time to Apply For a Mortgage?Buying a home is the project of a lifetime for many people. It pays to be well-prepared and well-coordinated in terms of timing. Of course, you are free to start this process whenever you want, but some times are better than others to get a home loan. In this article, learn why January and the beginning of winter months are great times to apply and qualify for a mortgage.

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

January Is One of the Best Months to Apply For a Mortgage

Generally speaking, winter months represent a valuable opportunity for real estate buyers. Real estate is a seasonal industry, and the market tends to slow down during

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Why Should You Love Living Near the Calgary RiverWalk

The Jack and Jean Leslie RiverWalk is a vibrant, exciting part of Calgary, offering year-round recreation—especially for people who live in the nearby Downtown East Village area. Those moving to Calgary are easily drawn to this picturesque area. Located in Calgary's Rivers District, East Village is a lively modern neighbourhood that includes Fort Calgary, the oldest part of the city. Reasons to love living on the Calgary RiverWalk include access to parks and the city's centre, and the homes for sale in East Village are an excellent place to start your search around the RiverWalk.

You're Always Connected to the Heart of the City

In many areas, locals often have to choose between the convenience of living downtown and the open space of suburban and

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Best Restaurants on 1 Ave

Calgary was once known as Cowtown, and the dining scene here once reflected that nickname. Today, the restaurant industry is much more international in its offerings, and depending on your neighbourhood, a short walk is all it takes to access them. A great steak is still available in many restaurants, but Calgary residents can also choose from Japanese, Italian, Canadian, and many other cuisine options. 1 Avenue NE in the Bridgeland-Riverside neighbourhood is an excellent example of an area with various restaurants within walking distance. It's a fun, quiet street to walk down and do some sightseeing, with its elegant brick buildings and its share of Calgary townhouses for sale.

If walkable dining options are high on your home-buying wish list, the

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Easy Ways to Increase Home SecurityNo matter what, everyone can use a little extra security at home. Regardless of whether you lease, own, or manage a rental property, improving your security can help you protect your most valuable assets. Choosing the right type of home security system is usually the first step. Still, additional items like doors, windows, and even your Wi-Fi network can pose additional vulnerabilities. Here are a few easy tips to help you keep your home as safe as possible.

Selecting the Right Door Lock

Many burglaries could be prevented if the homeowner had just locked the front door. Fortunately, it's one of the easiest places to secure.

First of all, your doors should have a reliable appearance. Keep in mind that if you can spot any weakness in them, so

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Five Things to Know About Calgary Real Estate

For Immediate Release
September 7, 2022

I'm a Calgary real estate advisor: Here are the 5 things I'm telling home sellers right now.

Calgary, AB -- Alberta is a pretty great place to live right now. And a great place to be a home seller. High employment growth, lower taxes, a strong energy sector, back-in-the-market buyers inside and out-of-province, affordable housing and housing starts are some of the reasons why the Alberta government’s #albertaiscalling campaign is wooing skilled workers from Toronto and Vancouver.

The national real estate headlines don’t tell the whole story. Calgary is stable and undramatic.

I’m often asked if we’re just catching up to other major Canadian cities in slow motion, or if Calgary real estate really is in

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What to Know About Going SolarCanadian homeowners are increasingly looking into clean energy to power their homes—and solar energy ticks that box as a good solution to save money, increase energy efficiency, and reduce your carbon footprint. Professionals can install panels on a rooftop or on a property to provide an additional source of power to a residence or replace more traditional forms of energy. Here are some things homeowners should know about solar energy in Canada.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

The process of converting sunlight into electricity is called photovoltaics, or PV for short. PV cells make up the main structure of the solar panel. Some light is absorbed when the sun shines on PV cells, creating electrons. These electrons flow through wires and create

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How Does Lenders Mortgage Insurance Work?You know that you need a down payment for a home when you're applying for a mortgage. But did you know that a small down payment may mean you need to purchase lenders mortgage insurance (LMI)? Learn what LMI is, how it works, and who needs it.

What is LMI?

Mortgage insurance protects your lender if you default on your mortgage. Home buyers who are putting down less than 20 percent will be required to purchase this insurance. If you own a home and you decide to refinance, you may need to purchase LMI if your established home equity is under 20 percent.

You'll pay a one-time premium for LMI, which is expressed as a percentage ranging from 0.6 to 4.5 percent of your mortgage. This premium can be paid upfront to keep your interest down, or added

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