Using Your RRSPs to Purchase a Home

When looking at purchasing a home, one thing that many people are concerned about is the ability to put a down payment on the property. A 20% down payment of the purchase price of the home is typically required. If a 20% down payment is not doable, then a 5% option is available. However, you are then required to have mortgage insurance through CMHC to be able to qualify for the mortgage.

Regardless if it is a 5% or 20% down payment, the government of Canada allows home buyers to use their RRSPs to purchase a home without a penalty for withdrawing the RRSPs This is called Home Buyer’s Plan or HBP.

However, before you withdraw anything, the following conditions must be met:

1)     The maximum amount you can withdraw from your RRSPs per year is…

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Why Live in Airdrie? | 159 WINDFORD ST SW, AIRDRIE

City Of Airdrie |159 Windford Street SW | Airdrie 

There is definitely something about Airdrie, that only the people from Airdrie can understand, something that makes the city a great place to live & visit.

A stop at the Nose Creek Valley Museum might hint toward our history, where early settlers founded a stopping point for the steam trains to take on a drink of the fresh Nose Creek waters, or a historic connection to our sister city in Scotland might depict a king's naming over Airdries' high elevations. Whether you perceive it as a 'small-town feel' or 'small city attitude'; Airdrie is filled with rustic charm and authentic appeal, farm-fresh experiences, innovative technologies, urban design, neighborly sentiment and family-focused events…

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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If…

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Why Live In Legacy? | 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary

With 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary hitting the Real Estate Market, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live in Legacy, Calgary?

Legacy

Legacy is a residential neighborhood located in the SE of Calgary, Alberta. The community of Legacy has roughly 15 km of scenic pathways that pass serene ponds, wide open green spaces the ridge of the environmental reserve making Legacy a wonderful option for walk-ability. There is ample space to cycle, jog, stroll, enjoy a coffee or picnic wherever you choose. You can even walk from one end of the community to the other without ever leaving the pathways. Legacy is home to: All Saints High School, A future Public Junior High School, Separate K-9 School, Public Elementary School. Kids of all ages can go to…

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OPEN HOUSE: 59 Springbank Mews SW

Come and visit me at the Open House at: 59 Springbank Mews SW from 2 PM to 4 PM...BOTH Saturday, February 8th and Sunday February 9th 2020.

UPDATED HOME! Close to all amenities , schools and transportation as well as easy access out to mountains! This beautiful 4 bedroom , 2 story home boosts many upgrades, including NEW ROOF(40 yr shingles), CENTRAL AIR conditioning, tempered glass railing off exterior back deck and new shower glass in master bedroom. The main floor features hardwood floors, 3 year old stainless steal appliances with maple kitchen and GRANITE. The washer and dryer also replaced in 2014. The basement was developed with permits in 2010 and has the 4th bedroom and 4 pc bathroom with large bright windows. The upper floor has 3 bedrooms…

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Local Business Spotlight: XO Ice Cream & Waffles

It’s no longer necessary to head downtown for sensational, handcrafted ice cream: the bustling suburbs of Calgary’s S.E. are getting sweet love from XO Ice Cream & Waffles. Owners Darren and Melanie, who live in the S.E. with their two children, were longing for quality ice cream close by. Darren decided to leverage his background in restaurant management to make this dream come true.

"We were looking for a community outside of the core that was missing a niche place like this," Darren says. "Our goal is to help make the S.E. suburbs the best place to live in Calgary and to be truly part of a community.”

Located in Auburn Station, XO is a modern-day interpretation of the mom-and-pop shop – a place where families come after school, meet…

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Local Business Spotlight: XO Ice Cream & Waffles

It’s no longer necessary to head downtown for sensational, handcrafted ice cream: the bustling suburbs of Calgary’s S.E. are getting sweet love from XO Ice Cream & Waffles. Owners Darren and Melanie, who live in the S.E. with their two children, were longing for quality ice cream close by. Darren decided to leverage his background in restaurant management to make this dream come true.

"We were looking for a community outside of the core that was missing a niche place like this," Darren says. "Our goal is to help make the S.E. suburbs the best place to live in Calgary and to be truly part of a community.”

Located in Auburn Station, XO is a modern-day interpretation of the mom-and-pop shop – a place where families come after school, meet…

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Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for your Move

Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for your Move

As you can probably guess, when you're preparing to move, you'll need boxes and tape — and, perhaps some bubble-wrap or old newspapers to use as protective wrapping for delicate items.

But that may not be all you need. Take a look at this list and see if you'll want any of these on hand while you’re packing or on moving day.

• Colour markers for labelling boxes. (Tip: Colour coding boxes by room will make unpacking much easier.)
• Stretch wrap to protect larger items that can't fit into a box.
• Small plastic bags to store dis-assembled parts, such as sofa legs, cabinet hardware, etc. (You don't want to lose them!)
• Moving blankets to protect floors.
• A dolly or hand truck…

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Why Use a REALTOR®?

Industry know-how

To be honest, you won't see as many transactions as a REALTOR® does. An average family buys/sells Real Estate every 5 to 10 years. This is because when you buy a house, you're looking to create a home. You want your family to grow in it and you're only going to look to move from it if your family has outgrown it due to a baby on the way or kids growing up (upsizing) or the house has become too big due to the kids leaving for university or buying their own property (downsizing). This means that you probably don’t have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of real estate.  On the flip side of things, REALTORS® have the experience and education to get things done within the industry. They handle contracts and the real estate…

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6 Affordable Ways to Boost your Home's Curb Appeal

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider: 

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.
2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning.…

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