Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you'll learn how responsive - and organized - its members are. You'll also be alerted to potential problems with the property.1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can't rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for y... 02/12/2010

AIRDRIE, ALBERTA - The City of Airdrie saw $201 million in construction value in 2009 compared to $184 million in 2008. Permit levels increased the second half of 2009, from the same period in 2008 with the busiest month being November 2009.   "The numbers are looking good, even with a slight slowdown in the first half of 2009," says an optimistic Darryl Poburan, Building Inspections Team Leader, City of Airdrie. "Airdrie builders seem confident that the market is continuing to keep up a positive pace." The home-building industry also showed signs of improvement, with residential construction permits up from 2008 at 816 permits recorded by the end of December. Residential statistics break down includes: 2009: 650 houses, 67 apartments units and 99 townhouses 2008: 526 houses, 14 duplex ... 02/10/2010

Airdries' own Zack Boychuk, age 20, was recalled to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, and earned assists in each of the team’s two games during his recall.   The Airdrie, Alberta ., native now has three assists in 11 NHL games this season.  He ranks second among River Rats  skaters this season, with 27 points and he's third on the team with 12 goals.   Drafted in the first round, 14th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Zack totaled 110 goals and 161 assists (271 points) in 237 career Western Hockey League (WHL) games for Lethbridge .  02/10/2010

So I take my clients to look at NEW homes under construction - shoes - not appropriate.  Okay so Really it wasn't that bad, I had my work shoes on.  Not steel toed but good for the job at hand. AIRDRIE features some pretty nice NEW HOME deals out there.  WE saw a 2515 square foot two storey with a walk-out basement backing onto the creek for $549,900.00 (house,lot,GST included)  Granite, hardwood, fireplace, den, large island & big windows.  All the bedrooms are of generous size.  Another home we saw was 2300 square foot two storey with 4 bedrooms again of generous size - large pie shaped yard with park behind and on the side of the home.  Granite, hardwood, tile floors, Walk-out basement!!  $499,900.00 Keeping on the NEW HOME side of this - another builder is offering up 1932 square f... 02/09/2010

  I Get this great email from a Mortgage Specialist with The ALBERTA TREASURY BRANCH.  Not only does she send me some great articles to read, Vonnie Bosch also gives me the latest updates on interest rates for Alberta Home Buyers. Please take some time to read what is happening in our Economic World.  At least its a good read over a cup of coffee. You may contact Vonnie ~ Tell her Terri Sent you Vonnie Bosch  Mobile Mortgage Specialist Cell: (403) 701-8407 Fax: (403) 934-5591 Email: vbosch@atb.com 02/08/2010

INCOME & PURCHASING POWER!   Income that the banks use to qualify you to buy a home is generally based on taxed income.  If you have a job with bonus or commission the bank will use a two year average of line 150 on your Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada.  There are a lots of exceptions to this general rule so before you write and offer - check with a mortgage professional.  Also keep in mind, buying power is directly related to credit history and other debt obligations.  As a local Airdrie Realtor, I have access to several Mortgage Professionals who would be willing to sit down and go over the possibilites of buying a home. There is no cost, and it doesn't take too long either.  Getting this done prior to looking for a home, makes every ones job easier - and less stressful for ... 02/06/2010

1) MORTGAGE: a legal document that places a lien against a property as security for a loan. 2) FIXED RATE MORTGAGE: for a specified term, 1-10 years, most commonly 5, the mortgage payment and interest rate is guaranteed 3) ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE OR ARM: a mortgage in which the interest rate and payments fluctuate with the prime lending rate in Canada. 4) OPEN MORTGAGE:  a mortgage with NO penalty to repay-interest rate may be higher than a closed mortgage 5) AMORTIZATION:  the amount of time to repay a mortgage loan if no more than the agreed monthly payments are made - generally 25-35 years 6) CMHC:  Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp: mortgage insurers for most lenders for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. This insurance is not for the purchaser, it is for the bank in case of ... 02/06/2010

Well I woke up the other day and saw a new Facebook Home Page - Here are a few of the changes. Just snoop around, you'll get the hang of it.   02/06/2010

It is still early in the year and the market is active with the far majority of sales under the $500,000 price range. This combined with the continuing low interest rates shows it is still a good time to buy. The only draw back would be a slightly lower inventory then hoped for but with spring approaching this may be remedied. Airdrie is still on the slow side compared to previous years with about 300 active listings. New homes are following suit and waiting like most people for a full recovery from the recession and renewed demand by consumers. All -in all this should be a good year. Thanks for stopping by, John 02/05/2010

 Click on Photo for Link Are you heating your home with wood?   Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation can provide you with a free guide to heating your home with wood. TOPICS include:  Proper wood selection - Chimneys that draw well - Woodstove Insallation and more! There is an array of topics from on the CMHC site, and its worth taking a look at as a Canadian Home OWNER.                                                 TERRI YOUR AIRDRIE REAL ESTATE RESOURCE CENTRE                                                          www.AIRDRIEREALESTATE.NET   02/04/2010

Click on Photo to link to city site We have a great number of sport facilities in AIRDRIE.  Both indoor and outdoor.  GENESIS PLACE our offers an indoor pool, indoor running track, exercise equipment, indoor sports fields and more.  We have several walk in clinics in Airdrie, with the newest clinic is opeing up soon.  Several family Doctors, Alternative Medicine Clinics, Chriopractors, Massage Therapists... we HAVE it all HERE in AIRDRIE. Visit my website for more local information - also consider me your resource centre for all your HOME needs.   02/04/2010

Habitat project will go ahead . . . After much battling and posturing by Airdrie Alberta's west side residents, Airdrie's city council voted 3-2 in favour of the re-designation of 2.37 acres of  land beside Monklands Soccer Park Monday from P-1 to R-4 allowing the construction of Townhouse and Apartment style condominiums. This piece of land has been used as overflow parking for the past 19 Years and will now be home of Habitat for Humanity's new affordable housing project.  After discussing his project with may Airdrie residents the consensus seems to be that it's a worth project but no one wants it in their backyard. 02/03/2010

Welcome to Airdrie! Airdrie, Alberta is a friendly, vibrant and family oriented community. A large portion of Airdrie's citizens are under the ages of 25 years.  Airdrie has all the conveniences of a city, with the feeling of small town. Airdrie offers excellent schools, shopping, recreational facilities, live theatre, museum and a great public library. The Airdrie Public Library opens its doors to a new month of activity starting this Friday night (February 8th, 2010).  Christina Waldner of the local branch says the evening is limited to the first 40 participants. The film this month is in keeping with the Vancouver Olympics opening in a mere 10 days - it's 'Cool Runnings' starring John Candy and the Jamaican bobsled team who compete at the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988. 'Teens A... 02/02/2010

MORTGAGE RATES FOR HOUSES Please note rates are dropping... great rate on 3year @ 3.40%, 4year 3.89%, 5 year 3.79%. Our 1year special which can be changed to a locked in term at anytime is 2.49%. Variable below Prime!Scotiabank is offering preapprovals in writing! Please encourage your clients to get a rate guaranteed today and secure term, rates and amortization.Don't forget about our Free Down Payment Mortgage. 5.39% for 5years and we supply the down payment, which DOES NOT get repaid or financed!!! I figure the other banks will soon be on the bandwagon dropping their rates.  Each lender has their own program to help out clients who are looking to buy. Mortgage Specialist also have access to different products.  As a Realtor we can give you some up to date information on rates from o... 02/01/2010

The Canals of Airdrie designed to collect and distribute naturally occuring ground waters, and provide storm-surge protection, the Canals in Airdrie eventually flow into Nose Creek where the waters are naturally disbursed.     An added benefit of the canals is the ability to control flow rates thus minimizing erosion to the  delicate environments downstream.   Interspersed with water falls and other water features the canals are in constant motion ensuring they do not become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the like, but still remain a friendly environment for migratory birds and other visiting critters.   Imagine, enjoying your morning cup of coffee while strolling along the quiet waters edge, removed from the hustle and bustle of typical city morning life. No worries. There’s ple... 01/30/2010

AIRDRIE GETS IT'S OWN TORCH   The City of Airdrie will have quite the memento from the Olympic Torch Run that recently came through town. During the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay celebration at Genesis Place, Airdrie Mayor Linda Bruce was presented with an Olympic torch that the city will get to keep and put on display. The torch was lit and was used during the relay when it ran through town. For now, the torch will stay at city hall and will be available for viewing on an appointment only basis. Following the Olympic Games, it's expected that Airdrie's torch will then be moved to Genesis Place where it will be put on permanent display.   01/28/2010

I've been looking at NEW HOMES with some buyers recently.  MY Gosh, there are some really good deals out there.  Now if you can wait 8 to 10 months to build, take advantage of the low interest rates and builder incentives before they are gone.  Woweee. I've been asked why, take a Realtor with me when looking at new homes?  Why, not?  Take an expert in Real Estate with you.  Would you go to court without a lawyer?  Builders don't charge you more to bring a Realtor with you, and they pay us commission.  It varies, but all in all, we are welcomed with open arms.  I keep in touch with the builder on your behalf, ensure all your concerns or questions are answered.  I've spent many years building my relationships with local builders and show home people. NOW for some ideas:  1847 square foot ... 01/28/2010

WE all LOVE our pets.  I have 3 cats and 1 bird.  HOWEVER when moving into a condo - in Alberta we have to be MINDFUL of PETS. Many CONDO boards have PET restrictions and SIZE restrictions.   Cats - no more than 2 Dogs- small to medium size (20 lbs max.)  SO THE HORSE you see here in the photo would not be allowed.  Each Condominium Board has their set of bylaws.  Yes, I know of people who bought brand new townhouses had a HUGE dog and live there.  BUT when they go to SELL and the next owner will have to follow the bylaws. WHEN buying a condo - THINK - Board Meeting Minutes, PETS, Special Assesments, Parking   01/28/2010

Winter, spring, summer and fall - each has a personality, and the one you like best says a lot about how your mind works. Just find the season that gets you smiling to learn more about yourself. If you prefer: Winter: You're a blues proof nurturer. Confident and independent, you have a rare sense of self. Spring: You're a diligent optimist. Vibrant and outgoing you epitomize the effervescence of spring. Summer: You're an adaptable extrovert. With its extra dose of daylight, summer is a true mood-booster. The get up and go spirit the sun sends your way fuels your energistic personality. Fall: You're a multifaceted multitasker. With the crisp fall air comes a brisk and busy schedule, and your ability to adapt and thrive during this transition makes you a true doer, comfortable juggling l... 01/28/2010

MARK your CALENDARS - APRIL 24 & 25 - is AIRDRIE'S ANNUAL GARDEN FAIR & TRADE SHOW. Last night registration for the booths was held at Airdrie's Woodside Golf Course Clubhouse from 6pm to 9pm. It went smoothly - with only 20 booths left for the event.  So if you're interested in joining in the fun event its not too late.  (click on the flower for details) APRIL 24 & 25 - Genesis Place - AIRDRIE - (east lake recreational centre)   TRADE SHOW IS SOLD OUT!!!!!   See you there...  APRIL 24  &  25 01/26/2010