Karen Jardine
Email:
Looking to buy or sell? Or just want info on the market, your home, how to maintain something in your home. I am there for you for ALL stages of your real estate life. I am your real estate agent for life -- there are no questions too big or small to ask.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 - Secondary Suites Info -- How to & Code Requirements
Wondering how the City views your secondary suite? Check out the details and decide for yourself. Guidelines to creating a legal secondary suite. Do you report an exisitng suite? Read on... http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_104_0_0_35/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Development+and+Building+Approvals+and+Land+Use+Planning+and+Policy/Home+Building+and+Renovations/I+Want+to+Build/Basement+Suite/Secondary+Suites.htm
posted in General at Wed, 05 May 2010 17:00:12 +0000
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Interest Rates
Expect antoehr hike tomorrow, according to our TD rep's today. These hike are expected sevrral more times.
GET PRE-APPROVED NOW--hold the rate in case you find the right property!
posted in Make you Think NEWS at Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:11:03 +0000
Monday, April 19, 2010 - Sunshine Coast Property for Sale!
http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyID=9314518
posted in Listings at Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:38:56 +0000
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - MID APRIL Mortgage Change DEADLINE--GET Pre-Approved TODAY!!
Hi Karen,
I hope you are having a great day. As per our discussion, here is the big changes that are coming for the mortgage insurers (CMHC and Genworth):
1. Rental properties. First and foremost, these will now require a 20% down-payment. Also, how rental income is used for income qualification has changed. Whereas before many lenders would allow 80% of rental income to be used for income qualification, that number will drop to 50%.2. Self-employed/stated income. For both Genworth and CMHC, ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:37:27 +0000
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - Mortgage Changes are A Comin' !!
MORTGAGE INSURANCE RULES ANNOUNCEMENT
Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced prudent changes to mortgage insurance rules intended to come into force on April 19, 2010. CAAMP was actively engaged in the discussions around these changes which are as follows:1. All borrowers must meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term;2. The maximum amount one can withdraw in refinancing their mortgage will be ...
posted in General at Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:31:42 +0000
Monday, March 15, 2010 - Linked In Anyoe?
http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/karen-jardine/1b/545/234
posted in General at Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:18:11 +0000
Friday, March 5, 2010 - Statistics
Love Statistics? Do you want to know what's happening in Calgary & across Canada? Check out CREA's statistics across our country. (CREA = Canadian Real Estate Association) http://www.crea.ca/public/news_stats/statistics.htm#
posted in General at Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:53:20 +0000
Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Property on Pender Island--BC
I have a client with property listed on Pender Island, BC. Its priced way below assessed value. Check it out!CLICK HERE:http://www.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyID=9135406
posted in Listings at Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:14:59 +0000
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 - The Informed Buyer/Seller
For your monthly online e-newsletter, please CLICK HERE:http://morrisontheweb.com/InformedHomeBuyer/Informed%20Home%20Buyer%20Mar%2010.pdf
posted in General at Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:24:55 +0000
Friday, February 19, 2010 - CIR Market Watch
August 14-09Are you a numbers client? GET IT: My CIR Market Watch has the details--if not, there is a graph for those visual people out there, too. Want to receive it? Just drop me a line at karenjardine@shaw.ca and I will add you to the e-list to receive those monthly numbers.Summary for July 2009: average prices fell in July, though our market is surprisingly strong in sales for this time of year.August already has strong sales: 788 sales vs. 680 in the same time period last year (that?s 16% ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:38:02 +0000
Friday, February 19, 2010 - Vancouver Olympics 2010
www.vancouver2010.com
posted in General at Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:35:27 +0000
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - The Informed Buyer/Seller Newsletter
http://morrisontheweb.com/InformedHomeBuyer/Informed%20Home%20Buyer%20Feb%2010.pdf
posted in General at Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:14:35 +0000
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - Over $1300 for Condo Docs???????????????
YES.
The next time you receive correspondence from the Condo Board about anything: KEEP IT. Throw it in a binder, though if not that--keep it in a plastic bag, a box, a folder. Just DON'T THROW IT AWAY.
If you are buying a condo...Please....SAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS!!
I have a current document list request form from a local Calgary management company. They will charge you incredible amounts to PHOTOCOPY what is already yours. A complete set of condo documents can be DOUBLE your legal fees. This ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:54:16 +0000
Monday, February 1, 2010 - Virtual Tour of Thorncliffe Townhouse--Afforable AND Renovated (=Move-In Ready)
posted in Listings at Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:49:41 +0000
Friday, January 29, 2010 - City of Calgary, Secondary Suites Guidelines
www.calgary.ca/secondarysuites
posted in General at Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:23:27 +0000
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - Mortgage News
http://www.kelowna.com/2010/01/25/the-doomsday-view-of-of-the-mortgage-market
posted in Make you Think NEWS at Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:27:23 +0000
Thursday, January 21, 2010 - CREB Forecast Breakfast Report
CREB Forecast: ~3% increase in rural properties, ~4% in condos, ~6% residential. Sounds promising. Economists noted the first part of the year will be better than the latter half & recovery is still slow. 2011 to realize more of the 'recovery'.
Our economists panel predict a 2% increase in the Bank of Canada rate late 2010 into 2011. Remember we are at an 'emergency' rate of 0.25% & they are expecting to move ahead in the recovery process to move us to 'low' interest rates.
Economist Adam Legge ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:44:08 +0000
Saturday, January 16, 2010 - Canada may require larger downpayments: report
http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE5BK2FU20091221
posted in General at Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:22:53 +0000
Friday, January 15, 2010 - Informed Buyer/Seller
http://morrisontheweb.com/InformedHomeBuyer/Informed%20Home%20Buyer%20Jan%2010.pdf
posted in General at Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:00:54 +0000
Friday, January 15, 2010 - Listing Count
3630 total Calgary listings, 2312 Single Family only (SF)
posted in General at Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:25:13 +0000
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - Fun Vote
Vote for Calgary at www.monopolyvote.va . They are creating a Monopoly game & the cities going on the board game are to be chosen by voting. I think it must be advertised in Quebec as the most remote Quebec cities are listed as top cities. Right now Edmonton is beating Calgary, so I have bookmarked to vote. 3 votes a day, each has to be a different city. Vote!
posted in General at Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:46:58 +0000
Thursday, January 7, 2010 - Calgary Inventory
Currently Calgary Housing Inventories are low. We have 3362 Calgary listings, 2132 single family homes & 1230 Condo Listings. Historically, the listing count at the end of the year has been as follows:Dec 31, 2009 - 3258 listings (2054 SF, 1204 Condos)Dec 31, 2008 ? 5723 listings (3860 SF, 1863 Condos)Dec 31, 2007 ? 4899 listings (3364 SF, 1535 Condos)Dec 31, 2006 ? 3614 listings (2623 SF, 991 Condos)Dec 31, 2005 ? 1972 listings (1446 SF, 526 Condos)* spring ?06 was the real estate ...
posted in Listings at Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:43:47 +0000
Friday, November 27, 2009 - Cochrane Virtual Tour
posted in Listings at Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:30:24 +0000
Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 'Illegal' Suites
Are you looking to increase your revenue by adding a suite to your basement? Or your next home you would like a ready made suite to balance your books at months end?There are MANY considerations.June 2008 - new Land Use Bylaw is passed: secondary suites became legal. IF..- created before 1970, it could be non-conforming use- 1970-1983 it could have a kitchen though no stove, no 220V wiring, etc.- 1983 requires full compliance: fire separation wall, separate heating systems, separate entrance, ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Thu, 28 May 2009 18:14:35 +0000
Friday, May 22, 2009 - Months of Inventory/Absorption Rate Update
Dec-08 - 8.8 months of inventory of single family & condos within Calgary's city limitsJan-09 - 7.7 months of inventoryFeb-09 - 5.5 months of inventoryMar-09 - 4.2 months of inventoryApr-09 - 3.3 months of inventoryToday, May-22, we currently have 2.9 months of inventory. Our inventory is shrinking ever so slightly (less than 1%), though sales have increased (~13% over April's numbers). A balanced market is typically 2.5-3.5 months of inventory here in Calgary. We are currently considered in ...
Full Article...
posted in Listings at Fri, 22 May 2009 19:44:00 +0000
Friday, May 22, 2009 - OPEN HOUSE
FYI - Open House this Sunday May 24-09 at my listing at 62 Springbluff Blvd SW. Former showhome, its got it all! Come see for yourself.2-4pmSundayMay 24-0962 Springbluff Blvd SW
posted in Listings at Fri, 22 May 2009 18:40:07 +0000
Friday, May 22, 2009 - OPEN HOUSE
FYI - Open House this Sunday May 24-09 at my listing at 62 Springbluff Blvd SW. Former showhome, its got it all! Come see for yourself.2-4pmSundayMay 24-0962 Springbluff Blvd SW
posted in Listings at Fri, 22 May 2009 18:40:07 +0000
Sunday, May 3, 2009 - West LRT Animation
I was at an open house today & terrifically interesting couple were in. They had seen the West LRT Animation & graciously forwarded it to me. If you want to get a better feel of where the new C Train will go on the west side of the City, please click on the link below:http://www.westlrt.ca/contentabout/route_animation.cfm
posted in General at Sun, 03 May 2009 23:52:36 +0000
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - Did you know that homeowners are 70 times wealthier than renters?
What are you waiting for? Call me today! 403.874.2712
posted in General at Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:47:09 +0000
Saturday, April 18, 2009 - Months of Inventory?
Absorption rates in Richmond Hill: 2.8 months of inventory. That's a balanced market. Is there change in the air? The last 3 weeks there has been!
posted in General at Sat, 18 Apr 2009 06:02:26 +0000
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - Energy Efficiency Rebates Link
Did you know the details from the Government of Alberta for energy efficiency rebates? Check out the following website:http://alberta.ca/acn/200904/256878B7BE08A-F45B-8F41-B19FDA5DB0C37E21.html...up to $10,000 rebate for an EnerGuide efficiency rating of 80 or more. Check it out!
posted in General at Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:10:13 +0000
Monday, April 13, 2009 - Spring things for your Home and Garden
Compliments of HomeCrafters Home Inspection Services: Spring Tips for your Home and Garden We've all had the winter blues at one time or another. Thankfully, that horrible feeling of being confined indoors and wondering if you're destined to a life of hot chocolate and flannel pajamas has a cure. A dose of spring is on the way, as you peek out the window and see that the piles of snow are finally melting and the birds are starting to return from their trip down south. Soon it will be time to ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:23:53 +0000
Thursday, April 9, 2009 - New Springbank Hill Listing Virtual Tour
posted in Listings at Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:55 +0000
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - Odds of Selling
What are your chances of selling your home or condo? It really differs from community to community, though here are some overall chances in the city. Remember to price it right, stage it up, fix concerns, keep it clean, neat & listen to any other advice from your realtor--we are out there & know what works to sell your home!March 28-09All City of Calgary Only, Single Family & Condo's100%
6 months
56.5%
3 months
29.3%
1 month
posted in General at Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:26:53 +0000
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - Active Listings Occupancy
March 19-09: Seller Occupied
62%
Vacant
22%
New
8%
Tenant Occupied
7%
Showhome
1%
posted in General at Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:09:11 +0000
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - Market Indicator
ABSORPTION RATE: It is the rate that buyers are buying up inventory, measured in months.
Balanced Market is 2.5 - 4 months
Dec 08 - 8.8 monthsJan 09 - 7.7 monthsFeb 09 - 5.5 monthsMar 09 - 4.2 monthsApril 3, 2009 - 3.1 monthsToday: April 6-09 - 2.9 months! The market is improving for sellers--more of a balanced market. If you are thinking of buying--give me a call!
posted in Listings at Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:30:03 +0000
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Virtual Tour - Country Hills Condo
WWOW--I have a fabulous new listing in Country Hills Village. Check out my latest virtual tour:
posted in Listings at Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:41:46 +0000
Saturday, March 7, 2009 - Virtual Tours
I can now add a virtual tour to my list of extra servcices provided to all my clients. Check out my first video:
posted in General at Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:04:45 +0000
Friday, March 6, 2009 - The Financial Post
An interesting article for you:Single women are keen to buy and now is the perfect time, survey saysHelen Morris, National PostPublished: Thursday, March 05, 2009http://www.financialpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=1357790
posted in Make you Think NEWS at Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:20:41 +0000
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - The REALTOR Commitment
The REALTOR® commitmentYou?re trusting a REALTOR® with your most valuable possession, your home. REALTORS® take this responsibility very seriously. Here?s what we promise you:Your REALTOR® is highly trainedREALTOR® training is so rigorous that a large portion of our candidates fail the pre-registration Courses. Those who do pass must master a long, diverse list of subjects ranging from housing construction to family law.Your REALTOR® is continuously trainedWe keep pace with the times. All ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:45:52 +0000
Saturday, February 28, 2009 - Payout Penalty Pt 2
Continued....How do you find out what your payout penalty is? You can call your bank, give them your mortgage number and/or details & request payout penalty information. Your Realtor could request a mortgage verification form from you so they can find send to the bank to discover your mortgage details. You may allow your mortgage to be assumed, especially in today's economic climate as buyers have to fully qualify for your mortgage. Sellers are no longer responsible for that mortgage--the ...
posted in Listings at Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:15:09 +0000
Thursday, February 26, 2009 - Mortgage Assumption? Part 1
Do you have to sell in this market? Did you buy in the last 2-3 years & are looking at a break even or negative cash flow scenario? If you bought before this time, you will probably do just fine when you sell your home. Those buying in recent years are facing new challenges.Firstly: Check your payout penalty on your mortgage! Is is only 3 months? It could be IRD (interst rate differential)--and this could be significantly higher than a 3 month payout. Know what your costs of selling are--don't ...
Full Article...
posted in Listings at Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:06:21 +0000
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - Home Renovation Tax Credit Link
Check out the below links: A few websites of interest for possible tax credits, planning, etc.Home Renovation Tax Credit:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.htmlFirst Time Home Buyers Tax Credit:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhbtc-eng.htmlHome Buyers Plan:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmbyrspln-eng.html
posted in Make you Think NEWS at Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:39:33 +0000
Thursday, January 15, 2009 - Stats
Some basic statistical informaiton:192 have Sold in Calgary so far, a further 244 are Pending or Conditionally Sold. Current listings are 6015. Warm weather here we come! Looking forward to getting out there & not slogging through the -30C weather.Our Chinook is around the corner--get out there & get busy!
posted in Listings at Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:34:48 +0000
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - Happy New Year Calgary!
Cheers 2009!I see I haven't blogged for quite some time & I am setting up a regular time to blog. Especially since our reno's are nearing completion. New windows in the lower level next week. I've got a great window referral for those looking for new windows.Cheers to 2009!Wishing everyone all the best for this upcoming year.
posted in General at Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:33:09 +0000
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - Renovations - Hardwood
We are renovating our new property. The hardwood has been sanded & has what appears to be a single coat of satin varnish. I thought we should add more coats to protect the hardwood. Call Alberta Hardwood for advice! I used a roller which left little bubbles in it. Then I went back over the wet varnish with a brush to get the bubbles out. It has dried nicely. I keep telling myself I am building equity, building equity. To avoid renovations, call me to get a NEW home today!
posted in General at Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:53:19 +0000
Monday, November 24, 2008 -
Looking to move up in the market? Now is the time to buy that dream home!
posted in General at Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:50:21 +0000
Thursday, November 6, 2008 - A Buyer's Market
Prospective buyers who were priced out of the market in the last few years that now is the best time to buy in the last few years. Lots to choose from, prices are down, sellers are willing to negotiate & our Canadian real estate market is secure.
posted in General at Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:47:02 +0000
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Fall Tips
? Apply fall fertilizer to your lawn? Store your lawn mower properly: run the tank dry or decant the gas, remove the spark plug(s) and clean the machine of grass & debris.? Caulking & weather stripping: inspect the perimeter of your home & apply caulking or weather stripping wherever necessary (ie. Dryer vents, hose bibs, windows, doors, etc.)? Inspect your roof: roofing cement can be used to fasten down a loose tile & prevent further damage. Check the gaps around the fireplace exhaust & around ...
Full Article...
posted in General at Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:30:18 +0000
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Employment to population ratios
? 60% of the population was employed in 1998? 63% of the population is employed in 2008
posted in General at Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:22:24 +0000
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - New USA President
Barack Obama is now the 44th USA president.What will this mean for Calgary?s economy?Will confidence be restored--Our economy is strong.
posted in General at Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:19:05 +0000
Thursday, October 23, 2008 - Warren Buffet Quote
"We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful."(It's a great time to buy.)
posted in General at Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:48:09 +0000
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - New Links Added!
I have copied some useful links for buying & selling in Calgary's real estate market as well as out & about Calgary. Check out my new links!
posted in General at Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:46:49 +0000
Monday, October 20, 2008 - CMHC Forecasting
We had a presenter from CMHC at our CIR Monday morning meeting to talk to us about Calgary?s real estate & 3 new CHMC products. She also gave us the forecast summary for Calgary that was published in the spring of this year (2008). I think there are some interesting predictions.CMHC predicts there will be a 2.9% increase in MLS sales in 2009, a decrease by 9.7% of new listings and that the average MLS price will increase by 4.9% in 2009.CHMC is also forecasting that new home starts of single ...
Full Article...
posted in Make you Think NEWS at Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:31:05 +0000
Monday, October 20, 2008 - Calgary Sales September 2008
Calgary real estate sales were up in September & are a bit down so far in October, compared to last year. There are some great deals out there!
posted in General at Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:21:48 +0000
Saturday, October 18, 2008 - A New Property!
We bought a bungalow in Fairview! It is a buyers market--we wanted to get into the market before we miss the upswing in pricing. It's a great time to buy.
posted in General at Sat, 18 Oct 2008 04:12:53 +0000
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - The New Website!
Today marks the first day of the new website. The new site offers a wealth of fresh industry information that's constantly being updated. Have a great time checking it out!
posted in General at Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:31:59 +0000
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