Monday, 27 August 2012
Take Time
It is too quickly we jump back in the deep water of the rest of our year as summer days give way to fall. In the blink of an eye, we find ourselves back to full schedules, kids in school and racing to meet life’s high demands. Why is it that we only try to break the cycle when the sun is high, the weather hot and time too short? Let us make a resolution now, that fun should be an all-year-round proposition! Enjoy the moments, and the days and take the time and find the ways to bring laughter, adventure and togetherness into our lives. Life is meant to be celebrated! So throw your hands up, and enjoy the ride! As the summer fades, and the leaves will turn, I wish you and yours great blessings. Know that I am here for you as your neighborhood specialist, and I hope a friend as well. Take good care and have an amazing Aug.
S.E. (Sandra) Duncan BA, MBA
REALTOR®
Certified Condominium Specialist
CIR REALTY
168, 8060 Silver Springs Blvd. NW
Calgary AB
T3B 5K1
Ifax: 403-776-6064
Cell: 403-512-1939
Web Site: http://www.sandraduncan.ca/
Web Site: www.cirrealty.ca
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Understanding Capital Gains:
Understanding Capital Gains:
Capital Gains are calculated as the difference between what you paid for something (Stock or Real Estate for example) and what you sold it for.
How to Calculate Gain
(+) PURCHASE PRICE - Price paid for property
(+) COST OF PURCHASE - Transfer fees,
attorney fees, inspections
(+) COST OF SALE - Repairs, commissions,
attorney fees, inspections
(+) COST OF IMPROVEMENT - Room additions, deck,
for example, though not replacing existing
(=) ADJUSTED COST BASIS OF YOUR HOME
(-) AMOUNT YOU SELL YOUR HOME
(=) CAPITAL GAIN
A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains
Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
* You have lived in the home as your principal
residence for two out of the last five years.
* You have not sold or exchanged another home
during the two years preceding the sale.
NOTE: As of 2003, you may also qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls "unforeseen circumstances" such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.
Understanding Appraisal Value
For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on the market value - what the property could probably be sold for in the market today. This value is not a constant number and changes with market conditions which can often alter the appraised value. Lenders usually use either the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less, to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer to a borrower.
Always consult your Tax Advisor or CPA/CMA/CA regarding current tax law.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
SELLING YOUR HOME IN A CHANGING MARKET
In today’s rapidly changing economy, many homeowners wonder or worry about selling their home for the best price, and terms in the shortest period of time.
Here are 9 helpful hints if you are considering selling your home:
1. Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
Know your true bottom line for both price and time.
2. As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.
3. Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.
4. Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.
5. Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator.
Buyers will know your house is well cared for.
6. Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn
and shrubs are neatly trimmed.
7. Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.
8. Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.
9. Be sure to ask for a Merchandising Review before listing
your property.
For Your Free Merchandising Review Call
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS - 403-512-1939
Here are 9 helpful hints if you are considering selling your home:
1. Be realistic, and price your home right by using market comparisons.
Know your true bottom line for both price and time.
2. As the market shifts, be prepared to evaluate your price.
3. Advertising your property with yard signs, local MLS and newspapers.
4. Get rid of the clutter! It makes your house appear smaller.
5. Clean your walls, floors, baseboards, stove and refrigerator.
Buyers will know your house is well cared for.
6. Clean up outdoors! Remove tools, toys and be sure lawn
and shrubs are neatly trimmed.
7. Have the carpets cleaned to eliminate odors, smoke, and pet smells.
8. Make minor repairs such as leaky faucets, sticky doors, etc.
9. Be sure to ask for a Merchandising Review before listing
your property.
For Your Free Merchandising Review Call
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS - 403-512-1939
Monday, 30 July 2012
MOVING - GARAGE SALE TIPS
Planning a move? Many people hold a garage sale to get rid of items they no longer need or want. If you're planning a sale, here are some ideas to make your garage sale a success!
ADVERTISE: Many newspapers offer inexpensive ads for garage sales. Make a note of the location, the start and end times, and any special items that will be available, such as antiques or collectibles.
DISPLAY: Group items in large boxes and write a price (25¢, $1, etc.) on each box. Place items in the boxes according to what you think each is worth. Items such as clothes, toys, and collectibles sell quickly. Large pieces such as furniture and appliances should also do well.
BE PREPARED: Have small boxes and strong bags for purchases. An extension cord will allow you to prove that appliances work. Have an ample supply of cash so that you can make change, and a calculator to avoid any mistakes.
HAVE ASSISTANCE: Your kids can help by offering lemonade or cookies to people who are browsing through your items. Enlist friends or family members to staff the garage sale, and answer any questions your customers may have. Music is a nice touch and will often draw attention to your sale.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you're planning a move, give me a call! I have the experience and expertise to bring a sale quickly and easily. I'll provide a free Market Analysis showing how long it should take to sell your house, as well as the price it should bring.
If you're moving to another part of Calgary, or to another province, I can provide a list of homes that will fit your needs, from price, to location, to size.
Call me today for information on my full suite of services! Thank you.
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS
403-512-1939
ADVERTISE: Many newspapers offer inexpensive ads for garage sales. Make a note of the location, the start and end times, and any special items that will be available, such as antiques or collectibles.
DISPLAY: Group items in large boxes and write a price (25¢, $1, etc.) on each box. Place items in the boxes according to what you think each is worth. Items such as clothes, toys, and collectibles sell quickly. Large pieces such as furniture and appliances should also do well.
BE PREPARED: Have small boxes and strong bags for purchases. An extension cord will allow you to prove that appliances work. Have an ample supply of cash so that you can make change, and a calculator to avoid any mistakes.
HAVE ASSISTANCE: Your kids can help by offering lemonade or cookies to people who are browsing through your items. Enlist friends or family members to staff the garage sale, and answer any questions your customers may have. Music is a nice touch and will often draw attention to your sale.
MOST IMPORTANT: If you're planning a move, give me a call! I have the experience and expertise to bring a sale quickly and easily. I'll provide a free Market Analysis showing how long it should take to sell your house, as well as the price it should bring.
If you're moving to another part of Calgary, or to another province, I can provide a list of homes that will fit your needs, from price, to location, to size.
Call me today for information on my full suite of services! Thank you.
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS
403-512-1939
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Great Professional Condo
http://www.ca.open2view.com/tour/walkthrough/2257
Fantastic Royal Oak townhouse, perfect for the professional/entrepreneurial home owner. Dual master suites, each with their own 4pc ensuite and walk-in closet. Main and garage entrances are ceramic tiles that have in-floor heating. Two decks – morning sun on the front deck, which is off the kitchen/dining room and afternoon sun on the back deck, which is off the living area. The back deck has a gas outlet for the BBQ. Fantastic living area for entertaining has beautiful hardwood floors, one whole wall of huge windows and soaring ceilings. One flight up you will find a modern kitchen, which is open to the living area, complete with an eating bar, black appliances and beautiful lighting fixtures. There is also a half bath and conveniently, laundry on this floor. The basement is unfinished just waiting for your artistic touches. You are close to the Royal Oak Centre, transportation, growing marketing/shopping areas, schools and a fantastic community association. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.
Fantastic Royal Oak townhouse, perfect for the professional/entrepreneurial home owner. Dual master suites, each with their own 4pc ensuite and walk-in closet. Main and garage entrances are ceramic tiles that have in-floor heating. Two decks – morning sun on the front deck, which is off the kitchen/dining room and afternoon sun on the back deck, which is off the living area. The back deck has a gas outlet for the BBQ. Fantastic living area for entertaining has beautiful hardwood floors, one whole wall of huge windows and soaring ceilings. One flight up you will find a modern kitchen, which is open to the living area, complete with an eating bar, black appliances and beautiful lighting fixtures. There is also a half bath and conveniently, laundry on this floor. The basement is unfinished just waiting for your artistic touches. You are close to the Royal Oak Centre, transportation, growing marketing/shopping areas, schools and a fantastic community association. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME
How to sell your home without using an agent
It may surprise you to learn that even as a real estate professional, I believe there are some instances when a person can sell their home without utilizing the services of a real estate agent! I have prepared this free report to help people, who like yourself, are considering selling their home and possibly doing so without using the services of a real estate agent. In it, you'll find detailed information that will help you sell your home. Naturally, should you decide at some point to take advantage of the expertise of a professional real estate agent, I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. Thank you.
Factors you need to consider when selling your home
Most homeowners who are considering selling their home are interested in three basic things:
1. Obtaining the most amount of money
2. The shortest possible time
3. The least amount of trouble and inconvenience
Unfortunately, there is much more involved. For example: timing, terms, condition, accessibility, advertising, marketing, and merchandising all play a roll in whether or not your home will sell at all, and for how much. Let's start with the basics.
Arriving at a realistic price to ask for your home
When determining the price to ask for your home, you'll need to know how other comparable homes in your area are priced, what comparable homes have actually sold for, and what homes were on the market, but did not sell.
You may want to order an appraisal to help you obtain this information. Generally they run between $300.00 and $500.00 and will give you a good idea of what comparable homes are selling for in your area. Should you decide to list your home for sale with an agent, the agent you choose will provide you with a "Competitive Marketing Analysis" gathered from information he or she can obtain through the Multiple Listing Service and his or her own experience. Either way, you can get a reliable price structure for your home by compiling this information.
What you need to know about the condition of your home
Essentially, when you put your home on the market, it becomes a "product," and like any other product, the better the condition, the more money you'll receive from a buyer. There is an old saying in real estate that paint is worth $15.00 in the can, or $1,500.00 on the wall. You should take an objective walk through your house, placing yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer, and determine for yourself what you think needs to be upgraded, cleaned up, remodeled, refurbished, etc. I can provide you with a checklist of items you'll need to review. If you'd like one, please feel free to call.
Terms are also important
Flexible financing is also an important factor in selling your home. Basically, the more avenues of financing you can provide, the quicker the house will sell. When showing your home to prospective buyers, you will need to qualify them to determine what kind of financing they can obtain, how much down payment they can afford, how much monthly payment they can afford, and so on. While this is often uncomfortable, it is a necessary step in the sales process and must be addressed. Failing to properly qualify your buyers could lead to your home being tied up for several months, only to have the sale fall through later.
How and where to advertise your home
You must understand that people selling their homes as a "For Sale By Owner" and real estate companies, both compete for buyers from the same pool. It goes without saying that real estate companies have the bigger advertising budget.
Since you will be competing with real estate companies for the attention of potential buyers, you'll need to plan on spending enough money on advertising. Should you decide to list with an agent, the advertising costs are funded by the listing agent and/or the real estate company.
Local newspaper classifieds are a good place to advertise your home. Once your ad appears in the paper, you will need to stay close to the telephone. It has been proven that many prospective buyers will not leave their name and number on a recording machine or voice mail.
You'll want your ad to be as descriptive as possible, as it will be competing with many other ads. Also be aware that many buyers who call a "For Sale By Owner" advertisement do so believing that because the house is not listed with an agent, the price will be lower. Like you, they are interested in saving the commission, so be prepared to negotiate.
How to Merchandise Your Home
To a person selling their own home "For Sale By Owner," merchandising often means simply showing the home. To an agent, it means much more, including creating feature flyers, making other agents in the area aware that your home is on the market, holding open houses, and generally doing a host of different marketing activities to help promote the sale of your home.
You might consider doing some of these things yourself. For example, create and design a feature flyer so buyers looking at your home will have something to take with them after they look. You could hold your own open house. I can give you some tips on how to hold a successful open house, as well as other ideas for successfully merchandising your home. If you'd like that information, feel free to give me a call.
Why Most "For Sale By Owners" Eventually List with an Agent
Selling your home without using a real estate agent is, at least initially, an appealing proposition. Nobody wants to pay a real estate commission. And yet, it would only make sense to ask yourself, "Why do so many people use a real estate agent to sell their home?" The answer is really very simple. Selling your home "For Sale By Owner" is typically an extremely costly and laborious task. It is time consuming, frustrating, and often ineffective.
Many studies have been conducted by both independent consumer groups and real estate industry trade organizations over the years that convincingly indicate that selling a home "For Sale By Owner," in the vast majority of instances, takes longer and costs more.
The choice is certainly yours, and I hope I've been able to provide you with some ideas that will help. If you feel you would be open to discussing your alternatives in person, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS
CIR REALTY
168, 8060 Silver Springs Blvd. NW
Calgary, AB T3B 5K1
403-512-1939
It may surprise you to learn that even as a real estate professional, I believe there are some instances when a person can sell their home without utilizing the services of a real estate agent! I have prepared this free report to help people, who like yourself, are considering selling their home and possibly doing so without using the services of a real estate agent. In it, you'll find detailed information that will help you sell your home. Naturally, should you decide at some point to take advantage of the expertise of a professional real estate agent, I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. Thank you.
Factors you need to consider when selling your home
Most homeowners who are considering selling their home are interested in three basic things:
1. Obtaining the most amount of money
2. The shortest possible time
3. The least amount of trouble and inconvenience
Unfortunately, there is much more involved. For example: timing, terms, condition, accessibility, advertising, marketing, and merchandising all play a roll in whether or not your home will sell at all, and for how much. Let's start with the basics.
Arriving at a realistic price to ask for your home
When determining the price to ask for your home, you'll need to know how other comparable homes in your area are priced, what comparable homes have actually sold for, and what homes were on the market, but did not sell.
You may want to order an appraisal to help you obtain this information. Generally they run between $300.00 and $500.00 and will give you a good idea of what comparable homes are selling for in your area. Should you decide to list your home for sale with an agent, the agent you choose will provide you with a "Competitive Marketing Analysis" gathered from information he or she can obtain through the Multiple Listing Service and his or her own experience. Either way, you can get a reliable price structure for your home by compiling this information.
What you need to know about the condition of your home
Essentially, when you put your home on the market, it becomes a "product," and like any other product, the better the condition, the more money you'll receive from a buyer. There is an old saying in real estate that paint is worth $15.00 in the can, or $1,500.00 on the wall. You should take an objective walk through your house, placing yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer, and determine for yourself what you think needs to be upgraded, cleaned up, remodeled, refurbished, etc. I can provide you with a checklist of items you'll need to review. If you'd like one, please feel free to call.
Terms are also important
Flexible financing is also an important factor in selling your home. Basically, the more avenues of financing you can provide, the quicker the house will sell. When showing your home to prospective buyers, you will need to qualify them to determine what kind of financing they can obtain, how much down payment they can afford, how much monthly payment they can afford, and so on. While this is often uncomfortable, it is a necessary step in the sales process and must be addressed. Failing to properly qualify your buyers could lead to your home being tied up for several months, only to have the sale fall through later.
How and where to advertise your home
You must understand that people selling their homes as a "For Sale By Owner" and real estate companies, both compete for buyers from the same pool. It goes without saying that real estate companies have the bigger advertising budget.
Since you will be competing with real estate companies for the attention of potential buyers, you'll need to plan on spending enough money on advertising. Should you decide to list with an agent, the advertising costs are funded by the listing agent and/or the real estate company.
Local newspaper classifieds are a good place to advertise your home. Once your ad appears in the paper, you will need to stay close to the telephone. It has been proven that many prospective buyers will not leave their name and number on a recording machine or voice mail.
You'll want your ad to be as descriptive as possible, as it will be competing with many other ads. Also be aware that many buyers who call a "For Sale By Owner" advertisement do so believing that because the house is not listed with an agent, the price will be lower. Like you, they are interested in saving the commission, so be prepared to negotiate.
How to Merchandise Your Home
To a person selling their own home "For Sale By Owner," merchandising often means simply showing the home. To an agent, it means much more, including creating feature flyers, making other agents in the area aware that your home is on the market, holding open houses, and generally doing a host of different marketing activities to help promote the sale of your home.
You might consider doing some of these things yourself. For example, create and design a feature flyer so buyers looking at your home will have something to take with them after they look. You could hold your own open house. I can give you some tips on how to hold a successful open house, as well as other ideas for successfully merchandising your home. If you'd like that information, feel free to give me a call.
Why Most "For Sale By Owners" Eventually List with an Agent
Selling your home without using a real estate agent is, at least initially, an appealing proposition. Nobody wants to pay a real estate commission. And yet, it would only make sense to ask yourself, "Why do so many people use a real estate agent to sell their home?" The answer is really very simple. Selling your home "For Sale By Owner" is typically an extremely costly and laborious task. It is time consuming, frustrating, and often ineffective.
Many studies have been conducted by both independent consumer groups and real estate industry trade organizations over the years that convincingly indicate that selling a home "For Sale By Owner," in the vast majority of instances, takes longer and costs more.
The choice is certainly yours, and I hope I've been able to provide you with some ideas that will help. If you feel you would be open to discussing your alternatives in person, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sandra Duncan, REALTOR®, CCS
CIR REALTY
168, 8060 Silver Springs Blvd. NW
Calgary, AB T3B 5K1
403-512-1939
Monday, 9 July 2012
KEEPING YOUR COOL
Global warming, fuel prices and the ever-rising cost of electricity can mean money saved or quickly lost, depending on the efficiency of your home’s cooling system. Taking a few simple steps now will increase your chances of staying cool… and keeping your cool when the utility bill arrives this summer!
Have your system checked by a professional. Whatever costs you incur can quickly be regained by ensuring that your system is well maintained and energy efficient.
Keep filters clean and free of debris to allow maximum air flow and decrease stress on your system. Filters should be replaced monthly.
Consider a programmable thermostat. This great tool automatically controls the temperature of
your home, even when you are away.
Keep window treatments closed to prevent the sun's heat from permeating your living area. This also reduces the sun's fading effects on your carpet and furniture.
Use ceiling fans. Fans make you feel cooler by creating a “wind chill effect” and only use roughly as
much power as a 100-watt light bulb.
Run your clothes dryer at night, or line-dry your clothes. The heat from your dryer is more easily
dispelled during the evening hours, when your system is not working at maximum capacity just to
counter the heat of the day. You also might want to consider upgrading to any number of today's
more energy-efficient models.
These are just a few ideas for keeping your cool this summer season! Check with your local electric company for more money-saving options in your area!
Have your system checked by a professional. Whatever costs you incur can quickly be regained by ensuring that your system is well maintained and energy efficient.
Keep filters clean and free of debris to allow maximum air flow and decrease stress on your system. Filters should be replaced monthly.
Consider a programmable thermostat. This great tool automatically controls the temperature of
your home, even when you are away.
Keep window treatments closed to prevent the sun's heat from permeating your living area. This also reduces the sun's fading effects on your carpet and furniture.
Use ceiling fans. Fans make you feel cooler by creating a “wind chill effect” and only use roughly as
much power as a 100-watt light bulb.
Run your clothes dryer at night, or line-dry your clothes. The heat from your dryer is more easily
dispelled during the evening hours, when your system is not working at maximum capacity just to
counter the heat of the day. You also might want to consider upgrading to any number of today's
more energy-efficient models.
These are just a few ideas for keeping your cool this summer season! Check with your local electric company for more money-saving options in your area!
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