Moving to Calgary – 23 Quick Moving Tips!

Are you planning on moving to Calgary anytime soon? Here are some quick tips to help make your relocation as smooth as possible!

If you have any ideas we missed, please leave us a comment and we’ll add them to the list!

Good Moving Practices

• 1 – Keep a schedule and progressively add to it as you get closer to moving day. This way you won’t be rushed to do everything at once. Here are 6 Things to Add to Your Moving to Do List.

• 2 – Determine if you want to rent or purchase a home in Calgary.

• 3 – If you want to buy, contact a relocation specialist realtor beforehand who will help smooth the relocation process and answer any questions you might have about moving to Calgary.

• 4 – If you want to rent, ask a relocation specialist realtor what neighbourhood would be a best fit for your wants and needs, or perhaps you can ask someone you know who is already living there.

• 5 – Moving can be expensive! Make a budget and try to set aside some extra funds for costs that might pop up along the way.

• 6 – Do thorough research on potential communities. Is it close enough to your possible job location? What about nearby amenities?

• 7 – Don’t let yourself be victim to a moving company scam. Protect yourself and read these 11 Ways to Avoid Moving Scams before moving to Calgary!

• 8 – Try and visit Calgary before hand to familiarize yourself with some of its areas.

• 9 – Let your kids know about the move long before the day comes. Here’s more at Moving to Calgary – Preparing Your Children.

• 10 – Make sure to label boxes when packing your things, it will go miles in quickening the unpacking process on the other end.

• 11 – Consider these tips when Moving to Calgary with Toddlers or Preschoolers.

• 12 – If you are moving some of your own belongings, consider packing them in a way so they won’t get damaged. Keep towels, pillows and blankets aside and maybe some bubble wrap if you have any.

• 13 – Also make sure to label where the box is supposed to go in your new home. This is especially useful if you are using movers.

• 14 – Do you love your plants? Instead of moving to Calgary with the whole planter, take a few seeds instead.

• 15 – Do a dump run before you move to get rid of any unsellable junk.

• 16 – Purge yourself of things you don’t use anymore that have some value. Craigslist and Kijiji are good places to start, you’ll want to post advertisements long before you plan on moving to Calgary because your stuff could take a very long time to sell.

• 17 – Fill a duffel bag with toiletries, blankets, prescriptions, a flash light, pillows, snacks, first aid kit and other things you might need at a moment’s notice.

• 18 – Answer all of these Common Moving Questions when Moving to Calgary.

• 19 – Keep a list of the names and numbers of your contacts, in this day and age most of us would put a list on the notepad or contacts in our smart phone (keep a charger handy!).

• 20 – Store all important documentation in a safe and secure place.

• 21 – Book appointments with service providers well before you move into your new home. This way you know you’ll have the essentials as soon as you move in.

• 22 – Consider providing some snacks and drinks throughout the day for those who are helping you, whether it is movers, friends or loved ones. Everyone appreciates a cold drink on a hot summer’s day!

• 23 – Use proper moving equipment and technique when lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees and keep your back straight upward. You don’t want to throw out your back. Gripped gloves are also very useful.

Questions about Moving to Calgary?

Call me anytime at 403-370-4180 or message me below. I am a born and raised Calgarian / Calgary REMAX Realtor and would love to answer any questions you have about the relocation process.

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While lower energy prices and stalled pipeline projects have created a level of uncertainty for the future of Alberta’s economy, it seems that home builders in the province aren’t following suit.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation there was 41,438 new Alberta housing starts in May 2013. This is the largest amount seen all year and the first time since the beginning of 2008 that there has been more than 40,000!

Over the past year housing starts have continually trended upwards. From May 2012 to May 2013 they increased 14.1 percent over the 12 month period before this one.

What’s Causing the 5 Year High?

Population growth! Even with a potential hit to Alberta’s economy looming in the distance, tens of thousands of inbound migrants are still arriving from other parts of Canada and around the world.

On June 7th the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada reported a surge in Alberta’s work force. The figure went up by 59,400, a 2.6 percent increase over the past 12 months.

High average incomes and low unemployment rates are two other contributing factors to the 5 year high. More Albertans can afford to buy a new home and feel secure in making that decision.

Construction Steps Up to the Plate

One unsuspecting figure from the Labour Force Survey is the rise in construction jobs in Alberta. While jobs in the manufacturing and energy sectors have slowed, employment growth in construction is providing tons of opportunities.

According to the Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, the amount of building permits in the first quarter of 2013 increased by 28 percent over the same time period last year. Residential permits are a leader in the figure with direct correlation to the 5 year high for housing starts in Alberta.

For more economic articles to do with Calgary, Alberta and Canada, be sure to check out our Canadian Economic Articles!

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Alberta has the highest level of economic freedom in North America in 2012 according to the Economic Freedom of the World – 2012 Annual Report by the Fraser Institute. Alberta was also at the top in North America in 2011!

How does the Fraser Institute determine levels of economic freedom?

Every level of government including Federal, Provincial (or State) and Municipal (or Local) are rated on a 10 point scale for how much (or how little) their restrictions affect the level of economic freedom in their society.

What factors are considered in the report?

The following indicators are evaluated for two categories. The first is all-government (all levels of government listed above), the second is subnational which includes only provincial / state and local / municipal.

• Rule of law

• Taxation

• Government Size

• Regulation

• Property Rights

Why is economic freedom important?

Economic freedom is an important part of prosperity. It gives people the freedom to take risks, come up with new ideas and engage in entrepreneurship.

This freedom can lead to a higher standard of living and in turn stimulate the economy, resulting in more taxable income which gives governments more tax revenues to provide necessary services and infrastructure for its people.

As a matter of fact, Calgary, Alberta ranked #2 on the Toronto Board of Trade’s annual Prosperity Scorecard for 2013!

Where we go from here…

According to the Conference Board of Canada, Alberta’s GDP is expected to grow well above the predicted national average of 1.8 percent in 2013 at a rate of 3.1 percent!

The challenge for the Albertan economy now becomes gaining access to proposed pipelines to deliver petroleum to the United States and other international markets. If this doesn’t happen over the next year its likely many investors will withdraw from the energy sector causing a major hit to Alberta’s economy.

For more information on current economic trends in Calgary, Alberta and Canada, be sure to check out our Canadian Economic Articles! Thanks for stopping in and hope to have you back soon!

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If you ask a local Calgarian where in downtown Calgary would be the best place for a drink, some eats, nightlife activities and perhaps to experience some of the city’s history, chances are they would suggest visiting Stephen Avenue Walk.

Also known as 8th Avenue SW (from 1st Street SE to 4th Street SW), Stephen Avenue Walk has long been known as one of the most vibrant areas of Calgary.

Today it is lined with boutique shops and galleries, a diversity of restaurants and is host to live performances, cultural activities such as festivals and more.

It has been this way for over a century as a matter of fact. In 1884 when Stephen Avenue Walk was named after the Canadian Pacific Railway’s first president George Stephen, it was also a well-known commercial avenue in Calgary where people would go for entertainment and other social activities.

A Sandstone Past…

If you walk along its streets today, you will see more than 30 restored buildings from Calgary’s “sandstone” past.

Sandstone buildings replaced much of the 70 wooden structures which burnt to the ground during the fire of 1886. What better material to use in their construction than fire-resilient sandstone quarried from the banks of the Bow River itself?

You see, Stephen Avenue Walk isn’t just a great place to go and enjoy yourself. It is way more than that, a historical place of extreme importance that shows not only Calgarians, but visitors also, some of the strife our city has experienced in the past and how the city came together to conquer these issues.

So if you’re looking to grasp what a historical and modern Calgary is all about, why not head down to Stephen Avenue Walk any day of the week and experience some of the best that Calgary has to offer!?

10 Calgary Activities at Stephen Avenue

• Eat at some of the best Calgary restaurants around – my favourites include Saltlik, Teatro, CHARCUT, Thomsons, Rose Garden Thai and Double Zero Pizza

• Indulge in some food and drink at any one of the restaurant patios – my favourites include Melrose, Earl’s, WEST and Mango Shiva

• Have fun at any one of the nightclub venues on 8th Avenue SW – my favourites include Flames Central, The Bank and WEST Nightclub

• Visit the lovely indoor Devonian Gardens, the ultimate escape from the urban noise of downtown Calgary

• Enjoy the sights and sounds of street buskers and live performers along 8th Avenue SW

• Stop in at The Core Shopping Mall and visit the likes of Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew

• After The Core, head over to Bankers Hall using the +15 network for even more shops and services

• See for yourself the boutique shops along Stephen Avenue Walk; you never know what you’ll find

• Check out the Glenbow Museum to learn about Western Canadian culture

• View the magnificent artwork at The Art Gallery of Calgary at 117 8th Avenue SW

Take a Stroll Down Stephen Avenue…

Have you been to Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary? If so, we would love to hear what your favourite activities and events are there. Please leave us a comment below!

Until next time, be sure to check out more local Calgary activities and events and Do What the Locals Do!

The post Stephen Avenue Walk – Do What the Locals Do – Episode 18 appeared first on Best Calgary Homes.

It could be the most desirable area to live in the downtown Calgary core. The condo community of Eau Claire that is, which is home to an eclectic mix of both new and old condos including its newest development at Waterfront.

The newest addition to Waterfront downtown Calgary condos will be a 3rd tower called Outlook. Sales for the new condo begin on June 22nd, 2013!

If you have any questions about Waterfront downtown Calgary condos, call me anytime or message me below for a prompt response!

Waterfront Outlook Quick Facts

• Developed by Anthem Properties

• Studio to two bedroom condos starting from the $250`s to over $1 million

• Every unit comes with underground parking

• Closest to the Bow River of all the towers

• Built using more windows for better views and natural lighting

Location

Located in the heart of the highly desirable condo community of Eau Claire, right between the beautiful natural oasis of Princes Island Park and the vibrant downtown core, Waterfront condos offer all the luxury of downtown living without the hefty price tag.

Waterfront’s location gives residents the perfect balance between urban and natural settings while providing them with unsurpassed convenience of living just a few minutes away from countless shops, restaurants and other services, as well as activity and cultural hot spots such as Eau Claire Market and Chinatown.

Why Buy at Waterfront Outlook?

• New design building on the successes of the first two towers

• Developer with past success in high-rise concrete condominiums

• Outlook is the closest to the river of the three towers

• Affordable downtown Calgary condos

• An unbeatable location, walk ability at its finest

• Upscale condo features

• An Impressive list of in-house amenities

For more information please visit Waterfront New Downtown Calgary Condos.

Questions about Calgary Condos?

…from a Calgary condo expert today! I would love to help you accomplish your condo goals. Call me anytime at 403-370-4180 or message me below.

Also, be sure to check out our New Calgary Condos Insiders Guide for a complete list of tips when buying new!

The post Waterfront Downtown Calgary Condos – Tower 3 Coming Soon appeared first on Best Calgary Homes.

Elbow Valley West Calgary Luxury Homes

Approximately only 5 kilometres from the southwest end of Calgary is an exclusive neighbourhood unlike many others. Elbow Valley West it is called, a recently developed rural community host to some of the finest Calgary luxury homes around.

Those luxury buyers who are looking for more than the usual out of their home and neighbourhood, amid a beautiful rural setting not too far from the city but not too close either, should consider the Elbow Valley West Calgary luxury homes as a good place to begin their search.

Elbow Valley West Quick Facts

• Developed by Crystal Creek Homes

• 118 properties, completely sold

• Resale opportunities from $1 million and up

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the foothills and Rockies

Location

Imagine coming home to your castle at Elbow Valley West after a long day of work.

Driving west towards the foothills with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the distance; getting closer, and then closer, the sight alone providing the ultimate reprieve from a hectic day in the city. Here are some more benefits of living in a Calgary luxury home.

And getting there might not take as long as you think; it’s a very short drive on Highway 8 to the community, less than 10 minutes from where Glenmore and Sarcee Trail meet.

Amenities and Services

Residents of Elbow Valley West Calgary luxury homes have full access to an abundance of amenities and services found nearby at Westhills Shopping Centre. Westhills includes…

• RONA
• Best Buy
• CIBC, ATB Financial
• Earl’s
• Cineplex Odeon Theatres
• Safeway
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• UPS
• Health Services
• And much more…

Beside Westhills is Signal Hill Shopping Centre, together they are home to over 100 businesses. Only 10 minutes from Elbow Valley West, Signal Hill includes…

• TD Canada Trust, FIRST Calgary, RBC
• The Brick
• Sport Mart
• Second Cup
• Pier 1 Imports
• Indigo
• Calgary Public Library
• Bombay
• Reitmans
• And much more…

Besides quick access to a plethora of amenities and services, Elbow Valley West offers residents just as ample an opportunity to experience outdoor leisure and recreation.

Maybe take up a game of golf across Highway 8 at the Glencoe Golf and Country Club or perhaps enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors while traversing across the communities paved pathways and in nearby natural areas. These are only a few of the possibilities!!

Questions about Calgary Luxury Homes?

…from a well experienced Calgary REMAX Realtor today! Call or text me direct at 403-370-4180 or message me below. I am looking forward to helping you accomplish your real estate plans!

Also be sure to check out these FAQ’s for Buying a Luxury Home in Calgary today!

Search Elbow Valley West MLS Listings

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• Population 1923 – 64,000

• Population 2013 – 1.25 million

1923 was the dawn of a new era for the History of Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.

Guy Weadick, the founder of the greatest outdoor show on Earth, recruited farmers to compete against one another in an all out chuck wagon battle. The competition was a first for the Calgary Stampede and was the beginning of what we know today as the Rangeland Dirby.

During the competition the city encouraged downtown business owners to get into the “western” spirit by decorating their store fronts, while it was also suggested that locals and visitors do the same by dressing for the part.

But these weren’t the only two firsts that made 1923 a monumental year…

In 1923 the Calgary Industrial Exhibition and the Calgary Stampede merged to become the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. It was the first time the show would be considered as an annual event.

During this time Guy Weadick moved to Calgary and came up with inventive ideas such as the chuck wagons mentioned above as well as other downtown attractions and activities that are still trademark of the Calgary Stampede today.

A Huge Success

1923 was a huge success for what would become the greatest outdoor show on Earth. Attendance was the largest for any event in the history of Calgary and profits soared at approximately $20,000 dollars.

This success was the beginning of an event that would attract over 1 million visitors and pour hundreds of millions of dollars into the local and provincial economy every year!!

*Sourced from the Calgary Stampede

The Stampede is just around the corner! Why not do what the locals do this year and have some fun at the Calgary Stampede?

For more fun facts on Calgary, be sure to check out these Calgary Facts and Infographics!

The post History of Calgary – Then & Now – 1923 appeared first on Best Calgary Homes.

Have you tried Andaro’s pizza?! If not this is one pizza parlor in Cougar Ridge Calgary you have got to try!

We recently tried their new “Tropical Heat” pizza, and man oh man was it good! My mouth is watering even now when I am thinking of how to describe this succulent pizza to you and do it the justice it deserves.

Well here’s a start… nothing but AMAZING!! This unique pizza combined chicken, banana peppers and pineapples on a whole wheat thin crust and was one of the best Calgary pizza’s I’ve had in a long time!

Andaro’s offers it all when it comes to delicious pizzas; from your traditionally built pepperoni and Hawaiian to more explorative combinations such as the Island Twist and Mighty Zeus, there’s a little bit of something for everything at Andaro’s.

5 Pizza’s You (and me) Have to Try at Andaro’s…

1.      Super Special – Ham, pepperoni, Italian sausage, green peppers, onions, black olives, mushrooms and feta cheese

2.     Smokehouse Chicken – Chicken, ham, bacon, onions, BBQ sauce, mozza and cheddar cheese mix

3.     Taco Grande – Beef, jalapeno’s, refried beans, onions, fresh lettuce / tomatoes, mozza and cheddar cheese mix, sour cream

4.     Tandoori Chicken – Chicken, tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, ginger, cilantro and spicy tandoori sauce

5.     Al Capone – Chicken breast, red peppers, pesto sauce, sundried tomatoes and mozza cheese

Andaro’s Pizza is truly a great neighborhood eatery with over 40 different pizza combinations and all kinds of other great menu items.

Also offered by Andaro’s pizza is whole wheat and gluten free menu items sure to impress even the most discerning pizza connoisseur.

If you haven’t been we highly recommend that you do, oh we should also mention its walking distance from almost anywhere in Cougar Ridge Calgary!! As their website itself warns “It’s addictive”!!

Even if you aren’t living in Cougar Ridge and are looking for some of the best pizza around, try heading over to Andaro’s Pizza located in a strip mall on the corner of Cougar Ridge Drive and Old Banff Coach Road SW. It’s just that good!

Andaro’s Pizza

Address – 677 Cougar Ridge Drive SW, Calgary, AB

Phone Number – 403-699-0009

The post Andaro’s Pizza Review Cougar Ridge Calgary appeared first on Best Calgary Homes.

We engaged Cody as a buyer’s representative and we would recommend him without hesitation.

We were searching for a rental property in the inner city and found Cody to be very knowledgeable about both rental properties and the inner city housing market.

The top 5 things about Cody that set him apart from other realtors is:

1.     Cody is very responsive – he will get back to you instantaneously (at any hour of the day/night, even though it wasn’t expected).

2.    Cody provides plenty of helpful insight and advice on the buying process and the real estate market.  He even provided us with plenty of useful advice on renting the property.

3.    Cody has very high quality connections required to complete the transaction, such as: home inspections, condo document review, legal services, mortgage brokers, etc.

4.    Cody brings the right mix of enthusiasm for helping you meet your goals, while showing patience to work with you to find the right place and never pressuring you to make a decision you aren’t comfortable with.

5.    Cody is a likeable individual that demonstrates a lot of passion toward his work, and his community.  Cody gives back to the community.

If you are looking for a realtor that is knowledgeable, patient, professional, responsive, and easy to work with, we would definitely recommend Cody Battershill!

- Shirley & Dave

Questions about Calgary Real Estate Investments?

Call me anytime at 403-370-4180 or message me below for answers!

I am 100% committed to helping you find the best property that meets your investment goals while providing you with only the best level of service in the industry, guaranteed!

For more investment tips, be sure to check out the following…

• Calgary Real Estate Investments – Property Managers

• Condo Investments in Canada

Thanks, and hope to chat with you soon!

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Lake Bonavista is a well-established Calgary lake community in the southeast quadrant. Founded in 1967, the original area was flat prairie with no appealing landscape; therefore a man-made lake was built central to the community in 1968 to increase its desirability. And it worked!

Today, Lake Bonavista has an ideal location close to an abundance of amenities and services at Macleod Trail, Canyon Meadows Drive, Southcentre Mall, Chinook Mall and various strip malls all just minutes away from any home, while downtown Calgary is only about a 20 minute drive.

Let’s not forget about the amazing recreational opportunities provided by the Fish Creek Provincial Park which borders Lake Bonavista to the south. 19 kilometres of pure outdoor bliss provides residents with only the best when it comes to outdoor leisure and recreation in the City of Calgary.

Are you beginning to see why Lake Bonavista is a popular choice for many families when it comes to Calgary lake communities? Well, there’s more!

Location

One of Calgary’s Best Neighbourhoods

Lake Bonavista has continually been named as one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods to live in. As a matter of fact, Lake Bonavista ranked…

• #14th best neighbourhood in 2010

• #28th best neighbourhood in 2011

• #6th best neighbourhood in 2012

…by Calgary’s Avenue Magazine. Exclusive access to water recreation such as swimming, canoeing and even ice hockey in the winter, as well as an amazing location close to every thinkable amenity there is makes it hard for some potential buyers to look past.

This is especially true for those who desire an urban lake lifestyle without living on the far reaches of town, like in Auburn Bay for example, one of the newest Calgary lake communities.

Check out these relevant statistics for the popular southeast neighbourhood…

Lake Bonavista Statistics (Alberta Government Census)

• Population under 24 (2011) – 26.3%

• Population between ages 24 – 54 (2011) – 36.6%

• Population over 54 (2011) – 34.2%

• Average household income (2005) – $101,025

• Residents with high school diploma or higher (2006) – 87.3%

• Residents who own (2006) – 89.1%

• Residents who rent (2006) – 10.9%

An Exclusive Calgary Lake Community

Lake Bonavista’s Home Owners Association (HOA) is diligent about making sure the lake is exclusively used by members only. This includes registered home owners, children living at home or a widowed mother or father living with a home owner.

Visitors are also allowed to enjoy the pleasures of Lake Bonavista. Each member can sign them in with a limit of up to 5 visitors a day on their account, just in case residents would like to bring along some loved ones or friends.

It’s all made possible when living in Lake Bonavista. Are you ready to enjoy the luxuries offered by this highly regarded family oriented community?

Also be sure to see Mahogany, another new Calgary lake community in the southeast.

Questions about Lake Bonavista Calgary?

Please call me anytime at 403-370-4180 or message me below. I am looking forward to helping you accomplish your real estate plans!

Search Lake Bonavista Listings

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