Why is the Canadian Real Estate Association trying to stop consumers from being able to choose the services they want to sell their homes?  THIS IS A MYTH that has gained momentum because of the Competition Bureau issue.  The MLS was created by CREA for its members to post their listings and share data.  Like with any competitive business landscape, there is an array of online advertising choices other than the MLS for independent home sellers, including social media sites, Craigslist and Kijiji.  As well, Canadians have always had the option to compare and negotiate real estate service fees offered by different business models.  Why Do Realtors charge so much commission for providing services taht I could just as easily do myself? REALTORS receive extensive training to be licensed to o... 03/29/2010

 Airdrie,  will start its first public bus service with Calgary this fall. The community of 38,000 will use the Intercity Express, with three $700,000 long buses Airdrie council has purchased. The provincial government's 2008 pledge of $2 billion toward regional buses or trains had Calgary and its neighbours plot a long-term transit system featuring express buses and eventually commuter trains. The province hasn't rolled out the transit money yet, but Airdrie had held off on its long-standing transit expansion plans long enough and decided to go it alone.  "We just really couldn't wait any longer -- we had to meet the needs of our communities," Mayor Linda Bruce said.  Airdrie residents have long ranked bus service to the big city to its south ( Calgary) as a key service that was lacki... 03/29/2010

Backyard Composting The BasicsThe microbiological process that creates compost is the natural process through which plants and other organic wastes are broken down. Doing the work of creating compost are worms, insects, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms that help to process dead materials. The Golden Rule of CompostingComposting is a natural process that will pretty much happen no matter what. There is no need to obsess over creating a rapid, robust compost because even a failed compost heap will eventually succeed. That said, a very effectively created compost heap will proceed to finished compost much, much more quickly (and can be a strangely rewarding accomplishment). The RequirementsFor the composting process to occur, oxygen, water, some warmth, and a good ratio of carbon... 03/27/2010

  When I moved to Airdrie Alberta in 1981, we had a population of 5000, a Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia and Alberta Treasury Branch, but alas, no Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) which I had dealt with for a decade in Calgary.  Now, finally after another almost 3 decades Airdrie will soon have a CIBC branch on Main Street, making the city home to all of Canada’s major banking institutions.  The 5,000-square-foot banking centre will be located just south of Centre Avenue.  The new branch will offer clients full-service banking and advice six days a week when it opens in late summer 2010.  “CIBC is committed to investing in Airdrie’s long-term growth and in offering our clients an exceptional banking experience,” said Mike Stevenson, CIBC’s senior vice-president of Re... 03/22/2010

 Two of the hottest travel destinations for Albertans are Arizona and Mexico.  Yes before you buy in either venue, check out the advice of the gurus.  Because like many good deals, the devil can be in the details.  Good news both places have attractions galore.  If your looking for heat and sunshine-they are your best bets. Due to the recent recession, sale opportunities are up and interest rates are down.  But you need to know why you are buying.  If you plan to become a snowbird and live in Arizona for extended wintertime periods, buying might be a good idea.  Property values are favorable and are expected to drop further over the short term.    But If you're planning to flip for a profit, you are in dangerous territory.  It could take years before the market recovers.  Remember to bu... 03/22/2010

CONDITION HEADS UP The Alberta Real Estate Association has brought this matter to our attention.  Some Lenders may be adding a lender's condition for review and approval of condo docs by the "insurer" before thy will finance the deal.  This is coming to light at the "instructions to solicitor" stage and in spite of any independent condo document review that the client may have as a condition, this is an additional requirement. REALTORS (Members) need to be alert to this fact and assist their clients to structure their offers accordingly. The best practice would be for your clients to receive, in writing, a letter from their lender stating clearly that there are no further lenders condition before they waive conditions.  AREA is aware that some deposits have been forfeited as a result o... 03/20/2010

I really love my career. I get to meet new people, help them find or sell a home.  Yes, it does face some challenges along the way...but what job doesn't? ONE peculiar piece of my job is "DID YOU KNOW"?  I love this, maybe its gossip or just bits of trivial information - But sometimes - I get some pretty darn useful pieces of information that can help me or my clients. Like for instants a developer selling the land to another land developer to build multi-family homes across the street from single family homes.  Or a local Fire Hall to be built right in a residential community.  Sure, some stuff I hear is just plain gossip.  Who's moving to town, who's leaving and what business is shutting their doors.  We are a small network of LOCAL Realtors that keep the information to help out each ... 03/18/2010

On a national level, Albertans are the most likely, 13 per cent, to say they are very likely to buy a home within the next two years, and among those looking to buy, they are also most likely, 40 per cent, to say they will buy within the next year.  An Interesting Snippet from Our Real Estate Board I read recently. I like reading positive comments - as we are overwhelmed by media saying exactly the opposite.  GUESS what sells NEWS.  Not Mary & John bought a wonderful home and are happy as two peas in a pod.  They love their Realtor and are so happy. NO INSTEAD we only hear the worst stories from the NEWS outlets.  Mary & John think the house they paid WAY TOO MUCH For is falling apart, they have a lawsuit against their Realtor and are now taking anti-depressants.  At least ALBERTANS are... 03/17/2010

So recenlty I've taken in several movies...almost catching up to the mainstream of the movie goers out there.  At least I know what everyone is talking about. Avatar was very good, and I love the lush plants.  Now if I could only get my plants in my yard to grow and glow at night. The Hurt Locker made me never want my son to go to war.  All the struggles, and what the soldiers have to go through is simply amazing. I commend this movie and the story.  No wonder it WON best movie. The Hangover - just a silly good laugh, and just what the heck DO people do in Vegas.  Yikes Precious I would have never have imagined how great those women are, the acting was super.  RAW, and emotional and peeling back the layers of each persons character.  Great movie.  I'm pretty much up to speed now, and l... 03/16/2010

According to industry estimates, losses from mortgage fraud in Canada range into the hundreds of millions of dollars annually.  Here's one of the SHAMS that are being pulled on registered title owners by organized crime.  The perpetrators gain access the Land Titles Registry and look for properties with large amounts of equity, properties that have little or no mortgage on them.  Then by either transfer the Title into their alias for very little money or pose as the owners of the home with professionally counterfeited credentials they simply apply for a mortgage against that home, possibly your home and now it will cost you thousands to get your property cleared of that mortgage and possibly thousands in Lawyers fees to get out of repaying the mortgage.  Here's another SHAM pulled on Ma... 03/16/2010

New Housing starts are up this year.  743 new housing starts as of February 2010, over double of last years numbers.  This indicates a good year for New Home Sales, and also shows a rebound in consumer confidence in the economy.  On a side note, having New Home Sale experience, this would also indicate an increase in prices in the not too distant future in New Homes.  * when the times get better they builders go with price increases.  This offsets the price increases coming from the trades as the negotiate contracts. The Real Estate Market has also seen an uptick of activity.  Making the Calgary and surrounding areas a good market to buy a home in. IF you were waiting for the bottom of the market to happen....you missed it.   Its on the rise, if ever so slightly.                       ... 03/09/2010

  Does your Tax assessment tell you what your house is worth in todays market?   The quick answer is NO, but let me explain this bit further.  The market value of your home today is based on calculations done today, not based on the market values at last years tax cut off day.   On average the market evaluations real estate agents are doing now will be higher than your local tax assessment for 2010, at least in the City of Airdrie.  Now there are a few exceptions such as the community of Reunion that saw a significant increase due to more expensive homes being built in the area.   Here in a nut shell is what has happened with the Airdrie City real estate tax assessments;  Residential property value assessments fell -5.74 per cent and saw an average price drop from $363,400 to $345,900 f... 03/07/2010

Airdrie Alberta has some pretty Great Schools from two different Divisions the Rocky View School Division and the Calgary Catholic School Board.  The kids that attend these schools are absolutely amazing, not only do they contribute to the community by erasing graphitti  off community fences as Bert Church High School  students did this past year but they also consider the impact of poverty and disaster world wide.  A good example of this is St. Martin de Porres High School, the students banded together to raise funds for those affected by the Haiti earthquake.  Some of  St. Martin de Porres High School, Students, Staffers and Teachers spent the month of February fundraising foe a 24-hour famine they held on February 26th to raise money for Haiti.   When the final numbers were calculat... 03/06/2010

I attended a Social Media Seminar yesterday in Calgary, Alberta.  Our speaker was Tod Maffin.  He kept it fairly simple for the large group of Realtors in attendance. He spoke about Facebook, and making friends with everyone.  He compared it to a BEE SWARM, as you want to be in the middle of it and lead the group from time to time.   He mentioned setting up groups for your friends, potential clients, and past clients.  Set up perhaps a first time buyers group and only send them out listings or information that pertains to them.  That way you're not overwhelming others with stuff they don't want or need. Do up a FAN PAGE, and use your name or area...DON'T TITLE IT REALTOR....that's the mistake everyone does.  You don't stand out...whatsoever. Craigslist is another venue to use for your l... 03/06/2010

From time to time, I like to write about local business in Airdrie.  Having lived here over 13 years, I always like to add a personal touch. If you're thinking of moving to Airdrie with your family.  I found another avenue to experience your crafty side.  Yes, Airdrie has everything to offer - and all within a matter of minutes from your doorstep. I recently attened a glass pendant making class with a friend.  For two hours we attempted to make wonderful creations that would adore our necks.  Haven't seen them, yet...hoping the turn out. The Pendant Making class allowed us to make up to 12 pendants!!!  YES, 12. This is a gift store - with glassware - made by very talented hands.  From window stainglass, to garden whimsy creations.  You can also purchase materials for your own projects. ... 02/26/2010

Everyone thinks their own home is a mansion, has the best of the best upgrades, features and is worth a whole ton of money. Realistically, the home is of average size, quality and features.  The buyer isn't going to go GA GA for a newer deck, they kind of expect a deck.  The buyer isn't going to pay for your new stamped concrete patio, that you paid way too much for to being with. I was on Realtor Tour Tuesdays - YES, in AIRDRIE we do a weekly tour of new listings in our city.  Its a few hours of our time to visit new listing and meet our fellow agents along the way.  I happened across a home that was to say the least, almost $100K over price.  Who does that benefit.  NOT THE SELLER, and well the agent doesn't look in any better position either.  The neighbors are all in a tizzy, how c... 02/24/2010

 Our backyard before we started our landscaping etc. This is going back about 6 years now.  When buying a new home and its just a bare piece of dirt, one has to have an imagination to transform it into something that resembles a backyard oasis.  This is the same vacant lot a few years later and a lot of hours of love put into plantings and design.  A welcome to our backyard, invites friends and family into our little bit of paradise in our own backyard. Now it the time a year to look forward to getting your plans in order for your backyard, even if its just a matter of cleaning up after the winter season. I honestly think front yard curb appeal is very important, but so is the backyard to potential buyers.  No one wants to see a pile of junk or the leavings of Fido all over the yard.  C... 02/24/2010

Ok, some of us are probably guilty of this.   OLD photo's on our business cards.  I've seen them. I know of a few agents who have HAIR in their photo....and they are BALD in person.  I hate to admit it...age.... I've seen some photo's that are at least 10 plus years old...that when you meet the agent...YOU have to do a double take. Ok, so here are some of my photo's over the years....  I'm now on my SIXTH business card...mostly hair changes...color, length...  I want a card that the photo changes in different light....reflecting me in different hair colors!!!  ha ha   Big Hair...and really into pink  Serious and straight hair Dark and fluffy  Short and sassy Of course you can see my photo of me now...Keep on changing....but at least Its current. I may be bald soon with all the color cha... 02/23/2010

We sat around our morning sales meeting, with the topic at hand of "FUNNY REALTOR STORIES" One agent recently had a buyer looking at a home, and didn't want to go upstairs - she felt a strange...Like perhaps a spirit or ghost was up there.  So both the realtor and buyer hand in hand went upstairs to see the rest of the home.  Talk about a Haunted House Another Realtor mentioned he had gone to a home to do an evaluation.  Only to notice when he walked into the home and was removing his shoes - they were of different colour.  One black, One brown.  Wonder if his socks matched? Another female realtor many years ago, slipped on two different shoes and arrived at our office for a meeting.  Both shoes were similar in color, but the heel height was VERY different!  Wonder....didn't she notice ... 02/23/2010

A bit of history to our ANNUAL Airdrie Home & Garden Fair BOOTHS SOLD ON REGISTRATION NIGHT: 2004 - 59                 sold out March 31 2005- 59                  sold out March 04 2006-71                   sold out March 21 2007-77                   sold out March 19 2008-68                   sold out March 25 2009-89                   sold out Feb.  20 2010-121                 sold out Jan.  27  Our Garden Fair SOLD OUT this year in one day!!!   Mark April 24 & 25 - 800 East Lake Blvd.  Airdrie, Alberta   Sat:   9am to 5pm / Sun:  9am to 4pm Genesis Place - Airdrie's Recreational Centre 02/23/2010