Looking for a spine-tingling way to spend the weekend before Halloween? Calgary’s ghost tours have you covered!
Explore haunted spots in Inglewood, where mischievous ghosts roam, hear the eerie tales of Firehouse 1 Downtown, or uncover the spirits lurking in Kensington.
With chilling stories and haunted history, it’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit before the big night. Dare to join? 👻
Book here: https://www.calgaryghostwalks.com/
I have listed a new property at 27 Cornwallis DRIVE NW in Calgary. See details here
Welcome to this stunning, newer five-level split home in the desirable community of Cambrian Heights. Nestled on a gently sloping lot, the NE-facing frontage is beautifully framed by low-maintenance landscaping. Numerous windows flood the space with natural light! This craftsman-style residence features inviting stone walkways, lovely balustrades, and a welcoming veranda. As you enter the grand foyer, you’ll be greeted by rich wood cabinetry, providing ample all-season storage for outerwear. Step into the expansive living room and gourmet kitchen, where you'll enjoy stunning skyline views and added privacy on this elevated level. The exceptional kitchen is designed for families, featuring extensive countertops, an in-island gas stove with a water tap, and bar seating for your guests, with views of the beautifully landscaped rear gardens. Your dining table is conveniently positioned between the kitchen and living room, with patio doors leading to the private side yard and BBQ area. This home includes three bedrooms and the potential for a private suite or expansive family room. One level-up guest bedroom offers privacy, spectacular views over the city to the north, a large walk-in closet, and easy access to a stunning four-piece bath with a tub and glass shower. The primary suite provides a lush retreat with a gas fireplace and windows overlooking the serene rear gardens, surrounded by mature trees for added privacy. This room is spacious enough for an office and cozy library, with ample space for a sofa for relaxing evenings. The bathroom is a must-see, featuring a slipper tub, a large glass and tile shower, double sinks and thoughtfully planned storage. The laundry area is conveniently located in the walk-in closet. A charming secondary bedroom is also found on this floor, ideal for young children. A few steps down from the kitchen, you’ll discover a bright entryway from the rear gardens and a spacious room perfect for a gym or home office. This home presents a unique development opportunity! The lower level is undeveloped, allowing you to create your dream entertainment space, game room, or additional bedrooms. With its own entry and potential for a separate secondary suite (subject to city permitting), the possibilities are endless. Outside, the enchanting rear gardens provide spaces for relaxation and privacy - a true secret garden with mature plants and trees, plus a magical gathering area accessed by sweeping stone stairways. The fenced property includes lane access with a levelled area designated for a future triple garage. This home is equipped with A/C and a custom water softener and is ready for in-floor heating on the lower level. A short to Confederation Park, Nose Hill Park, and the Calgary Winter Club. It is a ten-minute drive to downtown and under fifteen minutes to the Calgary Airport. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this dream home your own!
Moving can be chaotic, but here's a tip: as you pack, take time to inventory your belongings and label each box with its contents. You'll thank yourself later when searching for items amidst a sea of boxes.
Plus, having a detailed inventory can be a lifesaver in case of unforeseen accidents, like fire or damage, giving you peace of mind and helping with insurance claims.
Being organized now can save you a lot of stress in the long run!
Thank you for a five star review Tim! I have enjoyed working for you and your family these past few months and I wish you all the best in your new home.
On this Thanksgiving day, we reflect on the importance of home, community, and gratitude. In Calgary, where the beauty of fall surrounds us, we are reminded of the warmth that a home provides, not just as a physical space but as a place where memories are made.
This season, we are especially thankful for our clients, who trust us in helping them find their perfect homes. From our team to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, peace, and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations, Severin and Sue, on purchasing this stunning home in Renfrew! This is an exciting milestone, and I couldn't be happier for you both.
I wish you all the best as you prepare for move-in day and embark on this new chapter in your lives!
Also, congratulations on your recent marriage—such an exciting time!
While sales in the upper price brackets have increased, overall sales for September dipped 17% from last year’s record high, coming in at 2,003 transactions.
However, this number still shows a 16% rise compared to the average sales for September. It appears the market is undergoing some changes, yet there’s still significant movement, particularly in the higher segments!
Contact me anytime to discuss how fluctuations in the market may change how you want to navigate your own real estate needs and wants.
If your new home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), be sure to reach out to them to update your information.
You’ll likely need to complete some transfer paperwork to record the new ownership. Even if the HOA is well-managed, handling their paperwork and rules can be tricky. It’s important to understand the HOA’s bylaws and neighbourhood restrictions to avoid any issues with your new neighbours.
Getting familiar with how the association works will help you start off on the right foot.
Are you considering relocating from Alberta to another province or moving to Alberta from elsewhere? I often receive inquiries about this topic, and many potential buyers and sellers are curious about the tax implications involved. While I recommend consulting with a real estate accountant before making any decisions, here’s a brief overview of what to anticipate regarding tax laws in various jurisdictions across our beautiful and diverse country.
Understanding Property Taxation in Canada: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Canada’s real estate landscape is as diverse as its provinces, and so are the tax structures that govern property transactions. Whether you are an individual purchasing your first home or an experienced investor looking to sell a property, understanding how taxes apply during these transactions can significantly impact your financial planning. Let’s break down the taxation processes in Canada, focusing on provincial regulations and cross-provincial transactions.
Property Taxation in Canadian Provinces
Property transactions in Canada usually involve two significant types of taxes: the Provincial Land Transfer Tax (PLTT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), depending on the province.
1. Provincial Land Transfer Tax
Most provinces charge a Land Transfer Tax (LTT) on the purchase of real estate. The rate and structure may vary, but it typically operates on a tiered percentage system based on the property’s value. Here’s a brief overview of how a few of the provinces impose this tax:
Ontario: The Land Transfer Tax rates range from 0.5% to 2.0% based on the purchase price thresholds. For first-time homebuyers, there are certain rebates available.
British Columbia: The Property Transfer Tax is calculated at a rate of 1% on the first $200,000, 2% on the next $1.8 million, and 3% on amounts over $2 million, with additional rates for foreign buyers.
Quebec: The welcome tax (the land transfer tax) varies based on the purchase price but starts at 0.5% and reaches up to 1.5% for higher-value homes.
Alberta: Unlike most provinces, Alberta's land transfer tax is generally much lower. It is calculated at a flat rate of $50 for properties up to $200,000 and a percentage on values above that threshold.
Nova Scotia: The provincial tax is set at 1.5% of the property’s purchase price, applicable to the whole amount.
2. Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
In addition to the LTT, some transactions may be subject to GST or HST, particularly for new residential properties. The federal government charges GST at 5%, whereas HST blends federal and provincial sales taxes in certain provinces.
Ontario and New Brunswick primarily charge HST, taxing new property purchases at around 13%.
British Columbia applies GST on new homes but does have exemptions and rebates for certain first-time homebuyers.
Tax Implications for Buyers and Sellers Outside Their Province of Residence
The real estate market in Canada is dynamic, leading many buyers and sellers to consider properties outside their home province. When engaging in interprovincial property transactions, knowing the tax obligations in both the buyer's and seller's provinces is essential.
1. Buyers Purchasing in Another Province
When buying property outside of your home province, you are subject to the provincial taxes on the property's location. For example, if a resident of Alberta buys a home in Ontario, they would need to pay Ontario’s Land Transfer Tax and the applicable GST/HST on the transaction.
2. Sellers Operating in Another Province
Sellers must consider the tax implications for the province where their property is transacted. For capital gains tax purposes, any realized gains from the sale of a property, regardless of the province where the sale occurs, must be reported on their income tax return. Non-residents selling Canadian property may be subject to withholding tax and other regulatory requirements.
Navigating the complex landscape of property taxes in Canada, especially when buying or selling across provincial lines, requires careful consideration and planning. Buyers and sellers must familiarize themselves with both their home province's tax obligations and those in the province where the property is located. Engaging with a knowledgeable real estate agent and consulting tax professionals can provide clarity and ensure compliance, ultimately leading to a smoother transaction process in Canada's diverse and multi-faceted property market.