Natural tones and lighting can have a significant impact on the atmosphere and overall feel of a bedroom. Here are a few reasons why they are important:

Creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere: Natural tones such as soft greens, blues, and neutral colors can help create a soothing and calming environment. These colors have been shown to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.

Enhances natural light: Natural light is a vital component of good bedroom design. It can make the room feel brighter and more spacious, and it can also help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. By using light, airy window treatments and keeping furniture away from windows, you can make the most of natural light.

Provides a neutral backdrop: Natural tones can also provide a neutral backdrop for other decorative elements in the room, such as artwork or bedding. By keeping the walls and furniture neutral, you can create a cohesive look that is both elegant and timeless.

Helps to reduce distractions: Too much color or harsh lighting can be overstimulating and make it difficult to relax or sleep. By using natural tones and lighting, you can help minimize distractions and create a more peaceful atmosphere in the bedroom.

Overall, incorporating natural tones and lighting into bedroom design can help create a calming and relaxing environment that promotes restful sleep and a sense of well-being.

What do you think? Do you prioritized natural tones and lighting in the bedroom?

Translucent doors, which are doors made from materials that allow light to pass through but are not completely transparent, can offer several benefits in a home:

Privacy: Translucent doors can provide a level of privacy while still allowing natural light to flow through. They can be a great option for spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms where privacy is important but you still want to allow light to enter the room.

Style: Translucent doors can add a unique and stylish touch to a home. They come in a variety of materials, such as frosted glass or acrylic, which can add an interesting texture to a room.

Sound insulation: Depending on the material used, translucent doors can also provide some sound insulation. This can be helpful in reducing noise from adjacent rooms or outside.

Space-saving: Sliding or pocket translucent doors can be a great space-saving option in smaller homes or apartments, as they do not require the swing space that traditional doors do.

Energy efficiency: Similar to see-through doors, translucent doors can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home by allowing natural light to enter, which can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting.

Overall, translucent doors can be a great option for homeowners looking to add privacy, style, and functionality to their home.

What do you think? Are you into the translucent doors?

Having a top-notch garden can provide a variety of benefits, including enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space, providing fresh produce or herbs for your meals, and improving your mental health through the calming effects of gardening. However, achieving a top-notch garden requires effort and attention to detail, including defining the space, plucking the weeds, spreading mulch, remembering to water, and ensuring enough sun exposure.

Defining the space of your garden can help create a clear and organized layout, making it easier to plant and maintain your garden. This can be done by creating borders with fences, hedges, or other types of physical barriers. Defining your garden space can also help keep unwanted plants or pests out, preventing them from damaging your plants.

Weeds can compete with your plants for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can lead to stunted growth or even death of your plants. Plucking weeds regularly is crucial to prevent them from taking over your garden, and this can be done manually or with the help of herbicides.

Mulching can help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, which can improve plant growth and reduce water usage. Mulch can also suppress weed growth and prevent soil erosion. Choosing the right type of mulch for your garden, such as organic mulch like shredded leaves or pine needles, can also improve soil quality over time.

Watering your plants regularly is essential to ensure they have the necessary hydration to grow and thrive. However, it's important to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. The amount of water your plants need depends on the type of plant, soil type, and climate, so it's important to research the specific needs of each plant in your garden.

Finally, ensuring your plants have enough sunlight is crucial to their growth and health. Different types of plants have different light requirements, so it's important to select plants that are appropriate for the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Monitoring your garden throughout the day can help you determine the best spots for different types of plants.

Creating a top-notch garden requires attention to detail and regular maintenance, but the benefits can be well worth the effort. A beautiful and productive garden can improve the overall appearance of your home, provide fresh produce, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

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Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by making it more visually appealing to potential buyers. It involves decluttering, depersonalizing, and decorating a home to showcase its best features and help buyers envision themselves living there. Here are some tips for a successful home staging:

Declutter: Remove all clutter and personal items from the home, including furniture, decorations, and personal photographs. This will help potential buyers focus on the space and visualize themselves living in it.

Clean: A clean home is essential for successful home staging. Clean every corner of the home, including carpets, windows, and appliances. Make sure the home smells fresh and inviting.

Depersonalize: Remove any personal items that may distract potential buyers, such as family photographs, personal memorabilia, or unusual decor. Keep the decor neutral and appeal to a broad audience.

Create Space: Remove any oversized furniture or items that make rooms feel cramped. Create a spacious and inviting environment that makes potential buyers feel at home.

Highlight Key Features: Identify the key features of the home and highlight them. This may include highlighting a fireplace or highlighting a newly renovated kitchen.

Add Some Greenery: Adding greenery or plants can help to add life and freshness to the home. Plants can also be used to accentuate key features of the home.

Hire a Professional: Consider hiring a professional home staging company or a real estate agent who specializes in home staging. They can provide expert advice and help create a successful home staging strategy.

In conclusion, home staging is an essential step in preparing a home for sale. By following these tips, sellers can create a visually appealing environment that will help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home. A successful home staging can ultimately lead to a quicker sale and higher selling price.

Reach out if you need a referral to an AMAZING home stager!

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Point McKay is a residential neighbourhood located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Here are some things that are great about living in Point McKay:

Location: Point McKay is conveniently located near downtown Calgary, which means residents have easy access to all the amenities and services the city has to offer.

Proximity to the Bow River: Point McKay is situated along the Bow River, which offers beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and biking.

Quiet and peaceful: Point McKay is a relatively quiet neighbourhood, which makes it a great place to live for those who enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed lifestyle.

Community spirit: Point McKay is known for its strong community spirit, with residents coming together to organize events and activities throughout the year.

Amenities: Point McKay has a range of amenities, including parks, schools, shopping centers, and restaurants, making it a convenient place to live.

Point McKay offers a great balance of urban convenience and outdoor recreation, making it an attractive place to live for those looking for a quieter, yet still vibrant community.

What do you love about living in Point McKay?

Open kitchen shelves have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why open kitchen shelves are considered great:

Easy to Access: With open shelves, everything is in plain sight, making it easy to find what you need without having to dig through cabinets or drawers.

Aesthetically Pleasing: Open shelves provide an opportunity to showcase beautiful dishes, glassware, and other kitchen items, creating an attractive and visually appealing display.

Creates a Sense of Space: By removing the visual barriers of cabinets, open shelves can create an illusion of more space and light, making a small kitchen feel larger and more open

Budget-Friendly: Open shelves are often less expensive than cabinets, making them an affordable way to update your kitchen and give it a fresh look.

Easy to Install: Open shelves are relatively easy to install and can be a DIY project for those with basic carpentry skills.

However, it is important to note that open shelves may not be the best choice for everyone. Since they don't have doors, they require more maintenance to keep items dust-free, organized, and looking neat. Open shelves also require a bit of planning to ensure that they are functional and don't become cluttered.

Nonetheless, for those who appreciate the benefits of open shelving, they can be a great addition to any kitchen. What do you think? Are you into open shelving?

Outdoor home improvements can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your property, and Spring is an excellent time to undertake them. Here are a few reasons why these particular improvements are important:

Front Door Makeover: Your front door is the entryway to your home and the first thing guests see when they arrive. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or even a new door can make a big difference in improving your home's curb appeal. This can create a positive first impression and even increase the value of your property.

Sprucing up Windows: Clean and well-maintained windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also allow natural light to come in, which can make your home brighter and more inviting. This is particularly important during the spring months when natural light is abundant, and you want to enjoy it as much as possible.

Resealing the Driveway: Winter can be harsh on your driveway, causing cracks, potholes, and other damages. Resealing your driveway in the spring can prevent further damage and improve the overall look of your property. It can also extend the life of your driveway and save you money in the long run.

Illuminating Landscaping: Adding lighting to your outdoor space can create an inviting and safe environment, particularly during the darker months of the year. Illuminating landscaping features such as trees, shrubs, and pathways can create a visually appealing outdoor space and make it easier to navigate in the dark.

Upgrading Front Walkway: The front walkway is another area that can significantly impact your home's curb appeal. Upgrading the walkway by replacing old pavers, installing new ones, or adding decorative elements can add character and charm to your home.

Overall, these outdoor home improvements can improve your home's curb appeal, make your property more inviting, and increase its overall value. So, if you're looking to make a positive change to your property this spring, these improvements are an excellent place to start.

Reach out if you need a referral to a great contractor, electrician or landscaper!

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The bedroom calls for warmth from the decor to the lighting in order to create an ambiance that is calm, cozy, and full of character. Here are 10 minimalist bedroom design ideas to help you create a calming space.

Neutral color palette: A minimalist bedroom design often features a neutral color palette that creates a calm and soothing ambiance. Shades of white, cream, beige, and gray can be used to create a serene environment.

Simple bed: A minimalist bedroom should have a simple and comfortable bed that doesn't take up too much space. A platform bed with clean lines and neutral bedding can create a calming effect.

Limited decor: Limiting the amount of decor in a minimalist bedroom is important. One or two pieces of art or a small plant can add character to the space without overwhelming it.

Natural materials: Using natural materials in the bedroom, such as wood or cotton, can add warmth and texture to the space. Incorporate these materials in the bed frame, nightstand, and rug.

Soft lighting: Soft and warm lighting can create a cozy atmosphere in a minimalist bedroom. Consider using table lamps or wall sconces instead of bright overhead lighting.

Hidden storage: Clutter can quickly ruin a minimalist bedroom design. Consider using hidden storage solutions such as under-bed storage or built-in closet organizers.

Simple window treatments: Simple window treatments such as sheer curtains or roman shades can create privacy while letting in natural light.

Minimalist furniture: Choose furniture with clean lines and simple designs. Avoid furniture with too many details or ornate designs that can overwhelm the space.

Decluttered surfaces: Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free. Limit the number of items on your nightstand or dresser to create a peaceful environment.

Personal touches: Add personal touches to the bedroom with a few carefully chosen items such as a favorite book or a family photo. But keep in mind to avoid cluttering the space.

Minimalism is a lifestyle with an emphasizes on improvement through simplification. The kitchen is a space that really benefits from this simple design. Here are some guidelines to help you design a minimalist kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing:

Declutter: Begin by eliminating any unnecessary items from your kitchen. Get rid of appliances, tools, and utensils that you never use. Keep only the essentials.

Simplify the color scheme: A minimalist kitchen should have a simple color palette, usually consisting of neutral tones such as white, black, grey, or beige. This will create a clean and cohesive look.

Choose clean lines: Minimalist kitchens tend to feature clean and simple lines. Avoid ornate or decorative elements that can make the space feel cluttered.

Opt for open shelving: Consider open shelving rather than traditional cabinets. This will make your kitchen feel more spacious and give you an opportunity to showcase your most beautiful kitchenware.

Invest in quality materials: Quality materials will last longer and require less maintenance. Consider investing in solid wood, stainless steel, or natural stone countertops.

Use lighting effectively: Lighting is essential in a minimalist kitchen. Use natural light as much as possible, and supplement with overhead and under-cabinet lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Keep it functional: A minimalist kitchen should be functional and efficient. Make sure you have enough counter space and storage to keep all your essential items within reach.

By following these guidelines, you can create a minimalist kitchen that is both beautiful and functional. Remember, simplicity is key.

Entryways have the ability to be an impressive statement and give a home a luxurious finish and feel. If you’re looking to make your entryway more impressive or simply want to spruce it up, here are a few unique ways to turn heads.

Grand Lighting: Install a statement chandelier or pendant light to add a touch of glamour and drama to your entryway. The right lighting fixture can instantly make your entryway look luxurious and elegant.

Bold Colors: Consider using a bold color on your front door or accent wall to make a statement. Rich, deep colors like emerald green or navy blue can create a sense of luxury and sophistication.

Ornate Mirrors: Hang a large, ornate mirror in your entryway to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. A well-chosen mirror can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your space.

Statement Art: Consider hanging a large piece of statement art in your entryway to make a bold statement. Choose a piece that speaks to your personal style and complements the rest of your home's decor.

Luxe Materials: Incorporate luxurious materials like marble, brass, or velvet into your entryway design. A marble entryway floor, brass light fixtures, or a velvet bench can instantly elevate the look and feel of your space.

Unique Accessories: Incorporate unique accessories like a vintage umbrella stand, a statement vase, or a sculptural side table to add interest and personality to your entryway. These small touches can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space.

Customized Door: Consider installing a custom-made door with intricate carvings or detailed glasswork to create a grand entrance that's unique to your home. A custom door is an investment that can make a big impact on the look and value of your home.

Inflation typically means that the overall cost of goods and services in an economy is increasing. In the real estate market, this can lead to higher home prices as the cost of building materials, labor, and other expenses associated with buying and selling homes increases.

Additionally, if inflation is coupled with a strong economy, demand for housing may also increase, further driving up prices. However, it's important to note that inflation alone does not determine real estate prices, it is a complex market that is influenced by various factors.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

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Source: What Does Inflation Mean For A Real Estate Market? | Greater Calgary Real Estate | Jan 27th, 2023

The real estate market has changed so much over the past 2 years and continues to do so! This month I am sharing details on some of the interesting trends we are seeing for 2023.

If you have any questions on these or any other real estate-related concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I’ll be happy to help you out!

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠ 

The level of new listings in January fell to the lowest levels seen since the late 90s. Sales activity slowed compared to the high levels reported last year but remained consistent with long-term trends. Detached homes only comprised 47% of all sales.

With 2,451 units available in inventory, levels remain 43% lower than long-term trends for the month. Homes priced under $500,000 reported year over-year inventory declines of nearly 30% while inventory levels improved for homes prices above that level.

The benchmark price reached $520,900, 5% higher than last January, but still well below the May 2022 high of $546,000.

If you or someone you know have questions about how this may impact your home selling or buying decision, send me a message!

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

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Effective January 1, 2023

Anti Flipping Tax  - Profits from properties held for less than 12 months are fully taxed with certain exceptions for unexpected life events like death or divorce. This ensures investors pay their share and are an active role in lowering home prices. 

Speculation Tax – Effective May 7^th, 2022, The Goods and Services Tax/ Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) will be applied to all assignment sales of new construction or substantially renovated residential housing. Note, an assignment sale is when a property is resold before it’s been built or lived in.

Vacant Home Tax – Foreign-owned underused housing will have a 1% annual vacant homes tax to help make more homes available, the market more affordable and to ensure non-resident owners of Canadian housing pay their share. 

Foreign Buyers Ban – Foreign purchasing will be halted for 2 years effective January 1^st, 2023 ensuring housing is used as Canadian homes and not as financial assets for foreign investors.

Benefits for Buyers in 2023 - The First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit doubled to $1,500 in direct support to home buyers to offset the increasing costing costs involved in the home buying process. January 1^st, 2023 saw the introduction of a refundable Multigeneration Home Renovation Tax Credit which provides $7,500 to support the construction of secondary suites for senior family members or other adults with needs like disability.  

Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) If you contribute $8,000 per year to buy a home, it’s the equivalent of the government offering you a non-taxable gift. Unlike the HBP, you don’t need to pay back the amount, even if the withdrawals are not used on a down payment for a home. However, those withdrawals will be taxable.

Reach out with any questions! It would be a privilege to serve as your Realtor.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

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Source: Housing Taxes and Benefits for 2023 | Greater Calgary Real Estate | November 26th, 2022

“Elevated lending rates are expected to weigh on sales in 2023, bringing levels down from the record-high in 2022 but with forecasted sales of 25,921, levels are still expected to be higher than the activity reported before the pandemic. Recent growth in migration and employment is expected to help offset the impact of higher lending rates, keeping annual sales activity higher than levels achieved throughout the 2015 to 2019 period. The growth in new listings in 2022 was not enough to offset the gains in sales and supply levels have remained low, especially for lower-priced product. The higher lending rates are also expected to weigh on listings growth in 2023 as it has become more challenging for a move up buyer. While improved starts are expected to help support supply growth, thanks to the strong migration levels, supply levels are not expected to report significant gains.

The low starting point and limited upward pressure on supply in 2023 is expected to prevent any significant downward pressure on prices as demand normalizes. However, conditions are expected to vary depending on price range and property type. Higher-priced homes are expected to see some downward price pressure as that segment of the market is not experiencing the same supply constraints.Meanwhile, supply declines relative to sales for lower priced properties are expected to continue to support modest price growth. Declines in the upper end of the market are expected to offset gains in the lower end of the market as total residential prices in Calgary are expected to stabilize in 2023.”

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

Read More | CREB Forecast Calgary & Region Yearly Outlook Report

The real estate market can be significantly impacted by interest rates. When they’re low, it’s more affordable to borrow money to purchase a home which increases the demand and raises prices. When interest rates are high, it’s more difficult and less affordable to purchase a home which decreases demand and lowers prices.

Any change in interest rates can impact existing mortgage and the value of homes. They are crucial in understanding the overall health of the real estate market. If you have any questions about buying or selling, connect anytime! It would be a privilege to serve as your Realtor.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

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Source: How Do Interest Rates Affect Our Real Estate Market | Greater Calgary Real Estate | Jan 27^th, 2023

"Across Canada, monthly average housing prices have tumbled almost 20% from their peak levels last year as several negative forces have touched down, including a series of interest rate hikes and a slowing economy. During the same period, housing prices in the Prairies dipped by an average of 6%. In Alberta, prices will decline 5.6% - averaging about $418,000."

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca

Read More | Outperforming The Market-Home Prices Faring Better in Prairies | Calgary Herald

The target for the overnight rate increased to 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.5%. Quantitative tightening will continue. Inflation remains high and broadly based globally, but is trending down in several countries, reflecting lower energy prices and improvements to supply chains.

In the US and Europe, slowing economies are proving to be more resilient than at the time of the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). China’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions revised the growth forecast and poses an upside risk to commodity prices. Russia’s war on Ukraine is still a source of uncertainty and financial conditions remain restrictive. The Canadian dollar has been relatively stable against the US dollar.

It’s estimated that the global economy grew about 3.5% in 2022, but will slow to about 2% in 2023 and then grow to 2.5% in 2024. Economic growth in Canada is stronger and the economy remains in excess demand. The labour market is tight as the unemployment rate is near historic lows. Businesses, however, are reporting ongoing difficulty finding workers.

There’s evidence that the restrictive monetary policy is slowing activity, especially household spending. Services and business investments are expected too slow in addition to weaker foreign demand helping to allow supply to catch up with demand.

It’s estimated that Canada’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2022 but is expected to stall through to the middle of 2023, and then picking up again later in the year. GDP is expected to grow 1% in 2023 and 2% in 2024. Inflation has declined from 8.1% in June to 6.3% in December, reflecting lower gasoline prices and durable goods.

Canadians are still feeling the hardship of high inflation in their essential household expenses, with persistent price increases for food and shelter. Short-term inflation is expected to remain elevated but inflation is projected to come down significantly this year.

Governing Council decided to increase the policy interest rate by a further 25 basis points. Governing Council is prepared to increase the policy rate further if needed to return inflation to the 2% target, and remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

Reach out with your questions in regards to how this impacts your home buying or selling decision.

Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jstriech@shaw.ca⁠

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