This month I am sharing some ideas on eco-friendly ways you can enhance and enjoy your outdoor living spaces this summer. I have some tips on environmentally-sound practices to share, as well as ones for maintenance and decor.

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

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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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Persistent sellers’ market conditions placed further upward pressure on home prices. After 4 months of gains, the total unadjusted benchmark price reached $550,800, nearly 2% higher than last month and a new monthly record high for the city.

In April, sales reached 2,690 units compared to the 3,133 new listings. With a sales to-new-listings ratio of 86%, inventories declined by 34% compared to last year and are over 45% below long-term averages for April.

While sales have eased by 21% compared to last year, the steep decline in supply has caused the months of supply to ease to just over one month. This reflects tighter market conditions than earlier in the year and compared to conditions reported last April.

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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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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Ultimately, taking risks can be a powerful way to push beyond our comfort zones and achieve great things. By approaching risk-taking with a thoughtful and calculated mindset, we can increase our chances of success and minimize the potential downsides.

So if you feel like there's something you want to try or accomplish like owning a home, up-sizing or downsizing, don't be afraid to take that leap of faith and see where it takes you. I'll be right beside you guiding you along the way!

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.

Earth Day is an important global event that promotes awareness and encourages actions to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Here are some reasons why Earth Day is important:

Environmental Awareness: Earth Day brings attention to environmental issues and helps people understand the impact of their actions on the planet. By raising awareness about environmental challenges such as climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, and wildlife extinction, people are encouraged to take actions to address these problems.

Conservation: Earth Day promotes conservation efforts and encourages people to take action to preserve natural resources such as clean water, air, and soil. This can include reducing waste, using energy-efficient appliances, conserving water, and adopting sustainable practices.

Education: Earth Day provides an opportunity for education and learning about environmental issues. It's a time when schools, colleges, and universities organize events and activities to educate students and the wider community about the importance of protecting the planet.

Overall, Earth Day is important because it reminds us that we are all responsible for the health of our planet, and that we must take action to protect it. How are you being proactive in protecting the Earth?

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.

Here are some tips on how to have a stress-free move. I encourage you to keep this handy for when you have a move coming up yourself or you know someone who has one planned. I also have a link to a website where you can check to see if your mover is registered or if they have any complaints lodged against them. 

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

The Bank of Canada has decided to maintain its target for the overnight rate at 4.5%, with the Bank Rate at 4.75% and the deposit rate at 4.5%. The bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

Inflation in many countries is easing, but measures of core inflation in advanced economies suggest persistent price pressures, especially for services. Global economic growth has been stronger than anticipated, but is expected to weaken as tighter monetary policy continues to feed through those economies.

In Canada, demand is still exceeding supply and the labour market remains tight. Economic growth in the first quarter looks to be stronger than projected in January, but consumption is expected to moderate this year.

CPI inflation is expected to fall quickly to around 3% in the middle of this year and then decline more gradually to the 2% target by the end of 2024. The Bank remains prepared to raise the policy rate further if needed to return inflation to the 2% target.

Don't hesitate to contact me with Q's or for a referral to an amazing mortgage broker! Let's make your real estate dreams a reality.

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

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Sales and new listings have improved over the levels reported at the beginning of the year. As a result, the spread between sales and new listings supported some expected monthly inventory level gains.
However, the 3,233 available units reflected the lowest March inventory levels since 2006 and left the months of supply just above one month, firmly in the seller’s territory.

While conditions are not as tight as last March, low inventory levels leave purchasers with limited choice, once again driving up home prices. Total unadjusted residential home prices reached $541,800 in March, a 2% gain over last month and nearly 1% higher than prices reported last year.

While prices remain below the May 2022 high of $546,000, the pace of price growth over the first quarter has been stronger than expected due to the persistent seller’s market conditions. March recorded 3,318 new listings compared to the 2,432 sales, leaving the sales-to-new listings ratio relatively high at 73%. However, both sales and new listings have eased by 40% compared to levels reported last March.

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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Read Full CREB Market Stats Package 

Have peace of mind during a busy time and enjoy a smooth, enjoyable customer experience. My Referral Network of skilled professionals are your trusted advisors before, during, and after the transaction. Our expert negotiations and effective communication get you the results you’re looking for.

We’ll serve you at the highest level to earn your repeat and referral business and consistently provide you with value along the way.

Whether you’re moving within the city, within the province or across the country, I’m connected to better serve you. Reach out today, I love to help!

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.

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are two different steps in the mortgage application process.

Pre-qualification is the initial step in the process, in which a lender will ask you for basic information about your income, debt, and assets. Based on this information, the lender will give you an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow. Pre-qualification is typically done online or over the phone and is a relatively quick process.

Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more detailed process that involves submitting documentation to the lender to verify your income, assets, and creditworthiness. This typically involves filling out an application and providing documentation such as T-4's, tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs. The lender will then review your application and credit history to determine how much they are willing to lend you and at what interest rate.

Pre-approval is more thorough than pre-qualification and provides a more accurate estimate of how much you can borrow. It also gives you a better idea of what your interest rate and monthly mortgage payment might be. Because pre-approval requires more documentation and a more detailed review by the lender, it typically takes longer than pre-qualification.

In summary, pre-qualification is a quick estimate of how much you might be able to borrow, while pre-approval is a more thorough process that provides a more accurate estimate of how much you can borrow and at what interest rate.

Reach out with your questions and if you need a mortgage broker, I can connect you to a like-minded individual.

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

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Source: Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualifying For a Mortgage | Greater Calgary Real Estate | Feb 24th, 2023 

I am sharing with you highlights of some of the hottest home design trends experts are seeing this year. I also offer information on the ways some homeowners are incorporating colour and natural materials to create a warm and relaxed luxe environment in their home.

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