Kaitlyn Gottlieb Homes

Worlds Most Extravagant, Expensive & Excessive Items Purchased for Homes around the Globe

2011-06-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

World’s Most Expensive Aquarium

4.8 Million !

The most expensive aquarium in the world is the Aquavista Dinosaur Gold Edition Aquarium by Aquavista and luxury goods designer Stuart Hughes. This extravagant wall-mounted aquarium is made with around 150 lbs of gold and gets its name from the mammoth tusk side veneers with Tyrannosaurus Rex bone shaved in. The aquarium is available in various sizes from 5 feet to 10 feet wide and, best of all, includes a host of features like an automatic feeder, dual filtration system, heater, air pump, lighting and CO2 generator that reduce the necessary maintenance to a negligible fifteen minutes every month.

Only three of these handmade luxury aquariums will be produced and sold at the appropriately eye-popping price of $4.8 million.

World’s Most Expensive Televisions

Stuart Hughes’ PrestigeHD Supreme Rose Edition – $2.26 million
Luxury gadgeteer Stuart Hughes is at it again. After recently making a splash with the gold video game consoles, Hughes has tackled the common element that binds us all together–television. This 55″ PrestigeHD television, powered by Metz, is coated in 28 kilograms of 18k rose gold embellished with seventy-two round cut, flawless 1-carat diamonds. That’s not the end of the luxury materials used in its creation, however, as the most expensive television in the world features alligator skin hand sewn into the bezel.
For those whose wealth can support only slightly less epicurean lifestyles, the PrestigeHD Supreme Edition may be a more cost effective alternative to the Supreme Rose Edition. This one features only 19 kilograms of 22k yellow gold and the 48 brilliant round cut diamonds are only .75 carats apiece. It also features aventurine and topaz gems, all for $1.5 million.
Yalos Diamond – $140,000

From Italian company Keymat Industrie comes an expensive television studded with 160 real diamonds, totaling 20 carats. This expensive TV has no visible screws or welds, and the aesthetics are the work of Japanese designer Takahide Sano. This extravagant television can be purchased in sizes up to 46″.

Beovision 4-103 – $140,000
If you’re in the market for a television that’s priced for its technical merits, however, then you’ll want to take a look at the BeoVision 4-103. Featuring a 103”, 100 Hz plasma screen, this Bang & Olufsen television set acknowledges that size really does matter.
Its substantial viewing area isn’t its only feature, though, as the BeoVision 4-103 also features a motorized stand so that you can adjust the viewing angle on the fly. Auto Color Management and Auto Picture Control make sure that you always have the best possible picture, regardless of how much ambient light is in the room or how old the color elements

Most Expensive Pool Table

How much do you love the game of pool? Do you love it more than your car? More than your house? Well, thanks to Vincent Facquet, you now have the option to really vote with your wallet by buying the world’s most expensive pool table.
The Luxury Billiard is a 117-by-67-inch table with a 100-by-50-inch playing surface made of Iwan Simonis 860, the same cloth used on tables at any major billiards event. Surprisingly, the sights—a. k. a. “diamonds”—on the most expensive billiards table aren’t made with diamonds. You heard that right—someone actually managed to resist the urge to deck out an ultra-luxury item in precious gems. Instead, they’re inlayed with gold or platinum. Gold or platinum are also used in leaf-form to create the exquisite pattern on the table’s legs.
The Luxury Billiard is just as functional as it is beautiful. It features an automated drawer that can hold a set of pool cues and balls. Additionally, the triangle is built into the table so that you need only push on it—like the CD-ROM drive on a laptop—to eject it from the table.

The most expensive pool table in the world can be had for a mere $177,000. It comes in three models—Noblesse (18k gold), Majesté and Royal (platinum)—but custom configurations are available.

World’s Most Expensive Bathtubs
Nothing says luxury like lazing the hours away in a tub that costs more than a lot of houses. Those looking for such a tub, however, have a few more options than they used to. If you’re not happy with plain porcelain, you can purchase a tub made from fine materials or hi-tech gadgets.

Water Games Technologies’ Red Diamond bathtub – $47,200

(via bornrich.org)

Designed by Aldo Puglielli, this bright red tub is big enough for two people. That’s just the beginning of the tub’s laundry list of features, however. It also includes a console framed in gold—42 grams of 18-karat gold, to be exact—and Swarovski crystals. The console controls two waterproof HDTVs that remain hidden when not in use. Among the tub’s other features are a massage function, multicolored lighting, a hand-held shower unit, automatic disinfection and even a Swarovski-coated Champagne holder. At $47,200, however, the Red Diamond bathtub is not for the faint of wallet.
Kallista Archeo Copper Bathtub – $67,557
Made of solid copper, this tub is hand-crafted by the very people who refurbished Lady Liberty’s torch. Over five feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide, the tub is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate just about anyone. The fluted faucet and hand-held shower unit are designed with the same aesthetic quality as the rest of the tub, featuring a finely engraved starfish-on-seashell knob.
Baldi malachite bathtub – $222,000
This boat-shaped tub, designed by Luca Bojola is made from turqoise malachite that is perfectly complemented by its ornate, 24k gold-plated feet.
Baldi Rock Crystal bathtub – $790,310
Also designed by Luca Bojola, the first of these three-person bathtubs was created in 2008 and shown at that year’s Salone de Mobile. TThat tub was carved from a single piece of Amazonian rock crystal measuring over 8 feet in diameter and sold for over $850,000. This second tub was created for Harrods and, as the exteriors of both tubs were left rough, is as unique as the first. Baldi even offers a rock crystal basin to complement the exquisite bathtub.

World’s Most Expensive Hello Kitty Item

$15 million
Sanrio’s Hello Kitty, that adorable cartoon cat that comes to us from Japanese popular culture, has appeared on a host of commercial products from credit cards to the Hello Kitty Jet (an Airbus A330-220). The character, designed by Yuko Shimizu, debuted in 1974 as a decoration on a vinyl coin purse.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Hello Kitty in 2009, Sanrio partnered with crystal maker Swarovski and Japanese jeweler I.K. to create the Super Hello Kitty Jewel Doll. This 4-inch “doll” is made of solid platinum studded with thousands of precious gems, including 1,939 pieces of white topaz, 403 pink sapphires, a pair of black spinels for her eyes, a citrine for her nose and a 1.027-carat diamond on her signature bow.
The ultimate Hello Kitty doll was unveiled at Switzerland’s Baselworld watch and jewelry show and is valued at 15 mill

World’s Most Expensive Beds
$6.3 Million
A person typically spends a third of their life sleeping, so why not make the most of that time by spending a ridiculous amount of money on an extravagant bed? Each supremely expensive bed is luxurious in its own way, and we’re certain almost anyone will find one of these beds most desirable.
Parnian Furniture bed – over $210,000
Furniture designer Abdolhay Parnian treats his furniture like works of art and it shows in the final product. It’s taken him two years to design this bed and I think you’ll agree that it was well worth the wait. It’s not only visually striking, with the eyelike headboard that will surely dominate any bedroom, but also equipped with features sure to intrigue even the most jaded of millionaires. The purchaser may choose from a variety of materials, including the ebony, sapele and curly maple in the pictured display model, as well as technological features such as iPad holders and charging stations, hidden compartments and pop-up swiveling televisions and computer monitors.
Jado Steel Style Gold Bed – $676,550
If you want to go all out with a bed that conveys wealth like no other, you can’t go wrong with the Gold Bed. As its name suggests, the luxurious waterbed is coated in 24k gold and features Swarovski crystals along the sideboard. It’s equipped with a DVD player and Bose sound system, Blu-ray player, Playstation 3, a foldaway plasma television coated in gold and can even be connected to the internet.
Magnetic Floating Bed – $1.6 million
The 2006 Millionaire Fair in Kortrijk, Belgium saw the debut of a magnetic floating bed that pretty much takes the cake for the coolest bed in the world—and the most expensive. Conventional beds and mattresses haven’t changed much over the years, and that’s where Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars comes in. The goal in his project was to make a usable piece of furniture that wasn’t constrained by the laws of gravity.
Ruijssenaars reportedly worked on the technology for six years in collaboration with Bakker Magnetics. Permanent opposing industrial-strength magnets allow the bed to float around 1.3 feet off the floor while holding almost 2,000 lbs. This aesthetically pleasing technology could also be applied to other areas in home furnishings like coffee tables, sofas, and Japanese dining tables. How cool would it be to eat sushi and drink sake off a floating table?
While the expensive bed will run you €1,200,000 (US $1.6 million), a smaller unit, one fifth of the full size, costs €115,000 (US $153,000). If you are a millionaire and simply must have this eye-catching bed, the people at Universe Architecture would be happy to make it happen for you.
Baldacchino Supreme – $6.3 million
After four years on the top, the magnetic floating bed has been unseated by luxury designer Stuart Hughes. whose collaboration with Italy’s Fratelli Basile has created nothing short of the most expensive bed in the world–the Baldacchino Supreme.
Fratelli Basile’s Hebanon furniture evokes the timeless qualities of 18th century furniture while making use of modern craftsmanship. This bed, with its chestnut structure and ash wood canopy, is no exception. The exterior is lacquered, patinated and decorated with 107 kg of 24k gold. The bed also features the finest Italian silk and cotton.

World’s Most Expensive Wallpaper
What kind of artist works with a hunting knife? Ask Mark Evans, the pioneer whose work has been called “leather sculpting.” That work will soon adorn the walls of one Russian billionaire’s mansion as the most expensive wallpaper in the world.
Evans works by etching the leather down to the suede with a number of bladed tools of different sizes, from a large hunting knife to several sculpting knives. The results are photorealistic depictions of animals, the crucifixion and even the celebrated “Fight of the Year” between Doug Jones and Muhammed Ali.
Evans’ leather etchings will cover the walls of two rooms in a mansion in Moscow. The unnamed billionaire’s wallpaper will cost $2.71 million, or around $23,675 per square meter.

World’s Most Expensive Video Game Consoles
Before the Playstation 3 debuted in November of 2006, it was already generating bad press for its $600 price tag. It wasn’t the first expensive console—the Atari 2500 cost $330 when it was released in 1982, just under $740 in today’s currency, and 3DO Interactive Multiplayer console cost $699.95 when it was launched in 1993. Today, however, the world’s most expensive consoles are unique pieces made with precious materials and superior craftsmanship.
Xbox 360 gold faceplate – $36,000+
This unique faceplate was auctioned on eBay in 2005. Made of 999.9 ounces of solid 24k gold, the faceplate was cast with access to all the ports and receivers necessary to enjoy your Xbox to the fullest extent. While not a console in and of itself, you can be sure that whatever Xbox this thing is attached to is officially the world’s most expensive Xbox.
Ps3 Supreme – $323,000
The most expensive Playstation 3 in the world sports a 22k gold exterior accented with flawless diamonds. Fifty-eight .5 carat diamonds decorate either side of the disc loader on the PS3 Supreme and over 1,600 grams of gold were used to create its shell. The entire process took twelve weeks from start to finish. If you want one, though, you’d better snap it up soon—the PS3 Supreme is limited to only three consoles.
Nintendo Wii Supreme – $481,250
Designed by Stuart Hughes of Goldstriker International, the most expensive video game console in the world is coated in 2.5 kilograms of 22k gold. That isn’t all—the front buttons are decorated with 78 quarter-cut diamonds weighing in at 19.5 carats. This luxury console took six months to produce—four fewer than Goldstriker’s similarly treated iPhone—and only three have been created.ion yen—about US $167,000!

World’s Most Expensive Toilet

5 Million !

Hang Fung Gold Toilet – around $5 million

This 24k gold toilet is a feature of Hang Fung jeweler’s solid gold bathroom in Hong Kong. The company had the toilet made when gold was merely $200 per ounce and planned to melt it down if gold ever reached $1,000 per ounce. When the price of gold neared the $1,000 mark in early 2008, however, the company stated that they would not have it melted down. One ton of the golden bathroom accessories surrounding the toilet would be melted down instead.

Most Expensive Chess Set

Renowned French artist and master of jewelry, Bernard Maquin created the Royal Diamond Chess set in 2005 bringing the game of chess to a whole new level. Noted for its abililty to combine fine art, jewelry, and the classic game of chess, this is one of the most expensive chess sets in the world.
Thirty craftsmen, under the direction of Maquin spent over 4500 hours creating the expensive chess set. The work was done all by hand and when it was completed, the artists used 1168.75 grams of 14 carat white gold, and approximately 9900 black and white diamonds, bringing the total weight to 186.09 carats and the total cost to $500,000.
More pictures at the Charles Hollander website.
This posh chess set is part of the Charles Hollander Collection, one of the most respected names in the diamond industry. And you just know you are looking at a piece from the Hollander collection when you see a game doubling as a diamond studded work of art.
But if you thought the Hollander set would make your chess game bling-bling, then you haven’t seen the most expensive chess set in the world yet. This label goes to the Jewel Royale Chess Set from Britain. Boodles, a British custom jewelry company commissioned its production.
Valued at over £5 million ($9.8m USD), this single chess set is the most expensive and exquisite game set of any kind in the world. Constructed of gold and platinum, it contains diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls and sapphires. The king piece alone weighs 165.2 grams of 18 carat yellow gold and has a spiraling mid-section graced by 73 rubies and 146 diamonds.
Interestingly, there will be a limited number of replica sets selling for about £20,000 ($26,700 USD).
Book and film script adaptations featuring The Jewel Royale Chess Set, with the title of “Checkmate”, are being worked on by an un-known, award winning British writer. Whether it’s a comedy or a thriller, promotional and merchandising opportunities are sure to be huge!
The production of the Jewel Royale is nearly complete, and when suitable sponsors are confirmed, a celebrity chess tournament is slated to happen using the most expensive chess set in the world. Find out more about the expensive chess set at the Jewel Royale website.

World’s Most Expensive Coat Hangers

by JEREMY on NOVEMBER 1, 2010 · COMMENTS (0)

For the fashionista whose designer coats are made drab by pedestrian hangers, there is a solution. The most expensive hangers in the world aren’t just pricey—they’re made specifically for those who are tuned in to the world of fashion.

These Cityscape Coat Hangers, designed by Christopher Jarratt, are made from high quality birch plywood and feature a water-based finish to make sure they last. While the range of designs has expanded since the line was introduced in 2004, the original Cityscape hangers depicted five of the world’s top fashion and design meccas—London, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Milan.

These luxury coat hangers are priced at $460

World’s Most Expensive Barbie Dolls

The first Barbie dolls were introduced by Mattel, Inc. in 1959. Produced in Japan, their clothing was hand-stitched by home workers. Creator Ruth Handler based them on a German doll called Bild Lilli, which was itself based on a comic strip character. Since then, of course, the Barbie doll has become a household name. Having been around that long, Barbie’s been through quite a few editions.
Check out the most expensive Barbie dolls in the world:
Barbie No. 1 – $8,000
For those who prefer the nostalgia factor to the bling factor, this expensive classic Barbie is naturally the very first—Barbie No. 1. Featuring a ponytail and zebra-striped bathing suit, the vintage Barbie doll is truly a historic artifact.
De Beers 40th Anniversary Barbie – $85.000
On her 40th birthday, we were introduced to the most expensive Barbie doll of the time. Created by jeweler De Beers, this unique Barbie’s dress is covered in diamonds—160 of them, to be exact. She also wears 18k white gold jewelry. Perhaps most interestingly, this Barbie is not the iconic blonde but rather a raven-haired beauty.
Barbie and the Diamond Castlepromotional Barbie – $95,361
This doll, introduced in Mexico City, was created to promote a new Barbie movie, Barbie and the Diamond Castle. According to Giancarlo Melloni, Barbie’s brand manager in Mexico, the film has themes near and dear to the hearts of young women—“friendship, music and shiny jewels.”
Mr. Melloni is clearly breaking new ground there.
The doll was not created for sale but has been valued at 1 million pesos. It features a total of 318 diamonds weighing in at 20.66 carats. Forty-four of the gems decorate her dress while the rest adorn her white gold accessories.
Canturi Barbie – $540,780
To celebrate the new Barbie Basics Collection–a line of urban socialite dolls, each with a different hairstyle and skintone and wearing her own unique Little Black Dress–Mattel commissioned this stunning doll with accessories by renowned jewelry designer Stefan Canturi.
The necklace features 3 carats of white diamonds arranged in a Cubist style and surrounding a rare pink diamond from Australia’s Argyle mine. The centerpiece is emerald cut and weighs in at 1 carat. A ring adorned with another diamond decorates Barbie’s right hand.

World’s Most Expensive Movie Posters

A movie poster collection may be anything from an extension of another hobby to a sign of serious passion for film history. One buyer may be willing to pay $10 or $20 for an original “Fellowship of the Ring” one-sheet while another pays $47,000 for one of the few remaining “Grand Hotel” posters. With the latter type of collector in mind, we turn to the most expensive movie posters in the world.

“Metropolis” – $690,000

A private collector acquired this expensive movie poster at auction from the Austrian National Library in Vienna in 2005. Only three other copies of the poster are known to have survived to the current day—one in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, another in a private collection and a second copy in the Austrian National Library. The expensive poster was created to promote Fritz Lang’s 1927 science fiction masterpiece, “Metropolis.”

The German film, set in the year 2026, dealt with the schism between two societal castes in the film’s titular city—the wealthy thinkers and planners, and the underground working class. The film cost roughly $14 million to make, adjusted for inflation, and was the most expensive silent movie at the time of its release. Sadly, much of the original footage has been lost and it cannot be viewed in its intended form.

“The Bride of Frankenstein” – estimated at $700,000

Heritage Auctions expects to sell this teaser one-sheet, the only surviving poster of its kind, at their Beverly Hills Signature Movie Poster Auction in November, 2010. The poster comes from the Collection of Todd Feiertag, likely the largest collection of vintage horror movie posters of all time.

“The Bride of Frankenstein” is the sequel to the original 1931 “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster. In the film, the monster coerces his humbled creator into creating another monster to serve as his mate. The film cost just under $400,000 to produce, or around $6 million in today’s currency.

World’s Most Expensive Playhouses

What better way is there to give your kids an early start on life than to get them their own kid-sized home? Sure it doesn’t come with a mortgage or monthly utility bills, but this Tudor House by Flights of Fantasy has a price to match some adult-sized houses.

The handcrafted two-storey playhouse is just over 10 feet tall. Made primarily of moisture-resistant marine plywood, the home features oak floors and stairs as well as hardwood trim and doors. The Tudor House is built to last—the pictured playhouse was built in 1987.

Selling for £25,500.01 (US $36,036) at Hamleys, and shipping only to the UK mainland, this is the most expensive playhouse on the market—but what about custom jobs for millionaires?

Well, Flights of Fantasy does that, too.

The Wendy playhouse, commissioned by a Swiss millionaire as a magnificent Christmas surprise for his children, is modeled after the father’s chalet in the foothills of the Alps. Not only that, but it’s specifically suited to the climate in Switzerland, as Flights of Fantasy’s Russell Bowlby visited the country to study the weather conditions.

The Wendy playhouse features underfloor heating, an LED-lit chimney, a well-appointed kitchen and a large living room.

The most expensive playhouse in the world cost $155,000 to manufacture, including materials and 2,000 man hours, and another $95,000 to ship from Norfolk to Switzerland.

World’s Most Expensive Stove

5 Million !

The vast majority of the pricey items featured on this site are made with costly materials such as gold or diamonds, and the most expensive stove in the world is no exception. Unlike many of those goods, however, this stove was a work of art before it received the gold treatment.

Whether you’re heating your soup or heating your home, a wood-burning stove like the Iron Dog 05 Huraxdax can be of service. The word Huraxdax is Bavarian for “decampment of joy” and you’ll certainly feel that joy has broken camp on its way to see you as the Iron Dog 05 begins to heat up to nearly 1,000 square feet of your humble abode. Best of all, the stove’s degree of efficiency is rated at 82%.

The stove is two-and-a-half feet tall and was designed by sculptor Joseph Michael Neustifter, an artist whose traditional Bavarian works grace the walls of over 80 churches. Each stove takes approximately two months to produce.

The Huraxdax stove is available in cast iron, silver and gold. The gold version of the stove weighs in at 260 kilograms and is priced in excess of $4 million.

Most Expensive Mr. Potato Head

Originally released in 1952 as a collection of body parts and accessories that could be attached to a real potato (or many other fruits and vegetables), Mr. Potato Head has become one of the most widely recognized toy brands in the US. It was more than ten years before a plastic potato body was added and almost another ten years before the size of the toy was doubled in order to comply with new US toy regulations. Of course, there’ve been a number of themed Mr. Potato Head sets such as Darth Tater, Optimash Prime and Taters of the Lost Ark. One set in particular has the distinction of being the most expensive Mr. Potato Head in the world.

These sparkling Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head sets were created and signed by Jay Strongwater. Available in only a limited number, these expensive toys were hand-jeweled with over 50,000 Swarovski crystals in seventeen different colors. That includes everything from the potato body to the plastic ears.

The world’s most expensive Mr. Potato Head was featured in the Neiman Marcus catalogue in 2004 and sold for $8,000 apiece.

World’s Most Expensive Mattresses

People have been tirelessly searching for the best and most comfortable mattress for years. Tempur-Pedic, Kingsdown, Select Comfort, and Healthsmart by Simmons are some of the most recognizable names in mattresses, and some of the best sellers too. Beds with these brand names are known for their hypoallergenic components and control switches. What’s funny about the expensive bed market is that there are no conclusive studies about what surface is better for the most productive sleep, it simply has to do with individual preference.

The Vividus—made by Hastens—is the most expensive bed in the world. Its name is Latin for “Full of Life.” Sleeping on the Swedish designed Vividus bed has been described as “sleeping on a cloud.” All that sounds pretty appealing until you see the price tag of $59,750.

Most Expensive Teddy Bear

The German teddy bear company, Steiff is responsible for the production many expensive collectible bears and also the most expensive teddy bear ever made. The Steiff company claims to have made the world’s first teddy bear and is has made this golden bear to commemorate its 125th anniversary.

The expensive bear has a mouth made of solid gold and fur made from gold thread. Topping off the teddy bear are jeweled eyes featuring sapphire pupils with diamond irises.

If you or your spoiled daughter simply “must have” the world’s most expensive teddy bear, you might have to search hard for the purchase. Only 125 of the collectible edition bears were produced, making them not just hard to afford, but also hard to find. These bears came with a price tag of 62,446 Euros (about $84,000 USD). But you don’t have to empty your bank account just yet, Steiff toys makes a wide variety of teddy bears that are more affordable than anniversary edition and will still make you feel like a teddy bear connoisseur.

Video of products here!

Darling I love you, will you mar..ahem.. Buy a home with me ?

2011-05-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

10 Foolproof Tips to remember to keep the Harmony while your House Hunting

Lets be honest. In this day and age, it it's more of a rarity for couples NOT to move in together before swapping vows..

So if your buying a home with your honey, not your hubby - here's a few tips to get you started.

1.If you're getting a new place together, make sure it's big enough to hold both of your things. You don't want to suddenly discover you can't fit his large bed and your favorite dresser with prized shoe collection in one place.

2.Figure out what goes and what stays. Based on your space constraints, it's important sort out the necessities and get rid of duplicates, so make a clear list of what furniture the two of you will use. Don't wait until you have moved all your stuff in before decided your sofa needs to go in storage and put away anything you don't want him to see. Maybe you have some embarrassing photos of old boyfriends, photos of your awkward teenage moments with braces etc, get rid of them or box them up before you move in together, if you dont want to see them, why keep them ?

3.Clean out your closets! No, it won't destroy your relationship if you don't do this, but moving in with someone is a great time to go through and get rid of stuff you never use.

4.Talk about pets. If you or he has animals, you'll want to discuss what you're going to do with them, especially if pets are not allowed in your new place. That cute furry friend is not something you want to end up fighting about!

5.Sit down to run the numbers together & discuss finances! Who will pay what, and how much can you afford etc. How much do you want to spend on furnishing & entertainment? Figuring all of this out before moving in together will make your moving in much smoother and your wallet feeling fuller.

6.Talk about decorating. You'll want to add your touch to his place, or add his touch to your place, but you don't want to step on each others toes or create a home that isn't visually appealing.

7.Work out a routine. Talk about chores, cleaning, friends dropping in your house or apartment, family coming to visit etc.

8.Get pre-approved, both of you! If getting pre-approved is important for a solo homebuyer, it’s doubly critical for a couple buying together! Work out any mortgage gliches before looking at homes and be honest if your credit historys, let-s say- a bit spotty.

What happens if you move in together and one person is supporting the other, be it grad school, a lull in the career, etc ? Usually its safe to say, if you don't feel completely comfortable supporting your loved one, then you probably shouldn’t start.

9.Do a pre-house hunting together online and at open houses to narrow the gaps. Each of you pick a few favorites and check them out together so you can compromise and find a place you are both happy with!

Lastly, always, always, always…

10.Make sure you're both on the same page before you move in together. If one party believes that it's "taking the relationship to the next level" and the other party thinks it's a great way to save money, try to remember a down payment isn’t always the preceding step to that Tiffany ring, but if you are both on the same page then shacking up should be a sinch.

The Ultimate Bachelor Pad

2011-02-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Bachelor Pad

Ultimate Bachelor Pad yours for $18.9 Million ! click to watch video

2011-02-08T23:33:00.001-08:00

Esquire Magazine Does it Big

Guide to the Ultimate Bachelor Pad

2011-01-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

Guide to the Ultimate Bachelor Pad

Kaitlyn Gottlieb Homes 2011

Whether your leaving the nest, skipping away from an unsuccessful relationship, or deciding it’s time to adopt a new lifestyle, there’s only one place a guy really wants to start – his very own Bachelor Pad.

But what is the true definition of a ‘Bachelor Pad’? How can you really define something so immense with just a simple phrase? I’m not sure it’s possible, but with a few simple steps, a little bit of space, stocked fridge, spots memorabilia, a ridiculous amount of electronics & a few guys friends… your bachelor pad can be complete in no time.

Space – Whether you have a lot of space or not, it’s really not that important. Because whether you have 700 square feet or 2,000, you’re going to invite the same amount of people to your parties anyway.

Entertainment – This is where it gets good, where the ‘Pad’ earns its name. Guys like entertainment and entertainment likes them back. Televisions, computers, radios, Blu-Ray players, DVDs, cell phones, iPod tuners, PS3’s, and cameras, are just a few of the necessities you’ll find around a true Bachelors place. And this becomes entertaining within itself: just to see if a man’s television cost him more than every bit of furniture that makes up the rest of the house. Usually. But how great does that Lakers’ game look on that 50” HD?

Friends – You may experience some temporary loneliness in the early days of living at the Pad. But no need to worry, this changes rather quickly. Suddenly your friends are your best friends and your best friends are your new roommates. Neighbors will begin asking to borrow spices that you can’t even pronounce, all in an attempt to attend the next shindig on Saturday. And hey, if you don’t have friends now (and you want some)…get your own place.

Food – You only need the essentials, nothing more.

1.Peanut butter and jelly is an absolute must. PBJ can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late night snack.
2.You should probably have some chicken breast in the house. Whether it’s frozen or fresh, chicken is a safe and rather healthy meat to keep handy.
3.Ramen Noodles continues to be the most commonly consumed food on Earth. At ten cents per pack; can you really afford not to buy it?
4. Condiments are necessary because they can turn any single dish from nothing to something. Try barbeque sauce over all the rest but ketchup, mustard, relish, and random salad dressings will work as well.
5. Chips and/or snacks are always nice to have lying around. Try Cheesies and Goldfish but the numerous styles of potato chips does a body good (not really).

Drinks – You can probably guess these pretty easily. Beer, soda, some kind of sugar drink, and beer. Having something on hand like Coke or Diet Coke is usually beneficial because it can be drank by itself or as a mixer with alcohol. And finally, the sugary drink is something like Vitamin Water, Gatorade, or Kool Aid. I know that includes a wide range of juicy-type stuff, but you get what I mean.

Furniture – It’s really not a big deal. As long as you have a bed to sleep in and a couch to sit on, you’re golden. Lights? I guess you could have them just in case, but the illumination from the hundreds of electronics should be more than enough. And you’ll notice, right before you move out, everyone and their mother wants to get rid of furniture that looks like it’s out of a movie from the 1960’s. Feeling retro?

So there you have it – the simple bare necessities of a Bachelor Pad. I’m sure there are a few things I forgot, I mean I didn’t even get into kitchen appliances, but this list can get the party started.

The Man Cave . . .
Not Ready for your full out Bachelor Pad yet or decided to move in with you girlfriend and still need your own space? Say hello to the next best thing, your very own Man Cave.

Man caves can be equipped with accessories such as refrigerators, vending machines, giant TVs, musical instruments, pool tables, and entertainment centers….

A man cave may also be fitted out with a bar and sports memorabilia. Upscale sports-themed furnishings are also available to outfit a man cave. These rooms are also often decorated by the male, with little-to-no female influence

The man cave is strictly a male-only space to retreat to, watch sports, play pool or play video games. You can’t tell me that doesn’t sound appealing, and believe it or not even psychologists even claim that a man cave not only provides refuge from stressful situations but also is beneficial to relationships and marriages.. hello big screen, good-bye couples therapy.

History of the Bachelor Pad

During the 1950s and 60s, the bachelor pad was considered one of the ultimate possessions for a young career-minded man. In this space, he was able to decorate his apartment with style to fit his tastes. In the 1950s, men's attitudes about marriage changed this point, and the thought of being single was welcomed, and most men felt comfortable to court a number of women freely.

The bachelor pad then became a symbol of the 1950s cosmopolitan male, and a typical "pad" included: a bar, an array of artwork, furniture (usually designed by a well-known architect), minimal décor, and a Hi-fi system for entertaining. It reflected his awareness of culture and the arts, while at the same time it acted as a lure for potential female visitors-, which meant it was usually clean. Keep that in mind Bachelors…

To find your very own Bachelor Pad in Calgary

www.kaitlyngottlieb.com

Ever Wondered what type of Home $1,000,000.00 can Buy around the World ?

2010-12-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Ever Wondered what a Million Dollars Can Buy Around the World ?

Check out these homes around the globe! An 8 bedroom mansion in Johannesburg versus a 794sqft. New York apartment, to a 6,000 foot sprawling home in New Orleans…

How would you chose to spend $1,000,000 for your home ?

San Francisco

$989,000

In addition to its trendy location, this one-bedroom converted loft offers stylish ebony floors, high ceilings and professional grade appliances. And thanks to its concrete columns and industrial warehouse-style windows, it hasn’t lost its historic appeal. What’s more, the property features both a roof deck and a one-car garage.

Rome

$1 million

Boasting beamed wooden ceilings, a living room, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this restored apartment is on the third floor of the medieval building, pictured, in Via San Cosimato, which is close to the Piazza San Maria in Trastevere.

Johannesburg, South Africa

$1 million

This contemporary masterpiece boasts four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, as well as a massive chef’s kitchen and expansive, covered patio for outdoor entertaining. Health nuts will find much to keep them occupied in the gym room while the busy executive can hunker down in the home office.

Sydney

$1.15 million

Designed to take advantage of its position on Sydney Harbor, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment has expansive views from its north-facing balcony. Set in the Jacksons Landing waterfront, the apartment has a gourmet kitchen with marble floors and stainless steel appliances, two parking spaces, walk-in closets in all bedrooms and access to tennis courts, a pool, a gym and nearby harborside parks.

Tokyo

$1.1 million

This 1,700-square-foot, four-bedroom home is located in the Megoro-Ku section of the city, which offers fine dining and shopping, as well as quiet residential areas. It has parking for two cars and a traditional Tatami, or meditation, room.

Toronto

$1.2 million

A two-bedroom, three-bathroom condo is one of 45 custom-designed apartment in this elegant building that offers residents an indoor pool and fitness center, formal gardens, a billiards room and a library that can be used for entertaining.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

$975,000

Located just a few minutes from Georgetown in the South Sound area, this punchy, 3,500-square-foot property offers four bedrooms and bathrooms, hard-wood floors, custom cabinetry and a separate, two-car garage with guest room. There is also a deck for entertaining guests and an in-ground, stone-walled pool for staying cool.

New York

$1.05 million

Though only 794 square feet, this midtown apartment has sweeping views of downtown Manhattan, the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom space is in the Orion building, which has a health club, 60-foot lap pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, a screening room, onsite concierge service and free breakfast for residents.

New Orleans

$995,000

Tucked away under centuries-old live oaks, the Neo-classical, seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home boasts two parlors, a formal dining room, den and kitchen with ornate plaster moldings and hardwood floors throughout. There is almost 6,000 square feet of living space, and an additional 4,728 square feet of exterior property.

Atlanta

$1.05 million

A million dollars will get you far in Atlanta. This two-story brick manse has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, three fireplaces and a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The interior boasts 10-foot ceilings, and the master bathroom includes both a garden tub and whirlpool. Outside, the property rests on a third of an acre and has a three-car garage and a backyard deck.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

$1.1 million

This 7,500-square-foot home on just over one-half acre features four bedrooms, including a master suite with a dressing room and a bathroom with a whirlpool tub. The garden boasts a large veranda, in-ground pool and covered barbeque area.

Chicago

$1.095 million

Located in the historic Lakewood/Balmoral neighborhood of Chicago, this recently renovated townhome includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The large downstairs family room opens to a cedar deck and backyard with a gas barbeque hookup and a two-car garage. The kitchen has professional appliances and the entire first floor has been outfitted with radiant heat to offset those cold Windy City winters

San Jose de Pinilla, Costa Rica

$1 million

This Spanish Colonial-inspired home sits on a half-acre within the Reserva de Golf beach community in the Guanacaste region of the country. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a solarium and spacious kitchen as well as maid’s and guest rooms and an outdoor pool.

Dublin

$995,000

Close to the villages of Dundrum and Clonskeagh, as well as the University College Dublin, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a cul-de-sac in Dublin 14 gets plenty of sunlight and boasts a backyard garden. The kitchen is washing machine and dishwasher-ready and features oak cabinetry.

Bermuda

$975,000

Since most real estate on this Atlantic Ocean island is reserved for native Bermudans, property is a very limited commodity. But for about a million dollars, non-natives can get this 1,200-square-foot one-story house with a separate apartment in the city of Hamilton. Situated on a hill, it offers panoramic overland views of the island, which can be enjoyed from the landscaped yard or front patio.

London

$1 million

The dollar may be weak compared with the pound, but with a million of them, you can buy a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, second-floor apartment in this stately Victorian building in Belsize Village, a neighborhood filled with restaurants and shops just northwest of downtown London.

Los Angeles

$1.07 million

Built in 1891, this Queen Anne Victorian is a California historical cultural landmark dubbed the Ernest Wood House. Three stories, with wood-carved stairway railings, the 2,880-square-foot home has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, hardwood floors, a formal dining room and five fireplaces. Outside, a covered wrap-around porch looks out on the landscaped yards and gardens of this 13,000-square-foot lot, which includes a backyard gazebo.

Paris

$1 million

Located in the 20th arrondissement of Nation, this three-level townhouse on a quiet lane features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, living and dining rooms and a study, which faces a 260-square-foot private garden. There is also a wine cellar for oenophiles to store their Loire Valley bottles.

Calgary

$1 million

Located just outside of Calgary in Cochrane Lakes, this 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom home backing directly onto the lake, features a custom kitchen complete with granite, custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances as well as a walkout basement featuring a theatre room, exercise room, entertainment area and roughed in wet bar.

Hardwood floors throughout the main level & up the feature set of stairs, leads you into the spectacular oversized home office overlooking the lake and mountains from the second story.

For sale now by appointment, 403 970 5397.

Ever Wondered what type of Home $1,000,000.00 can Buy around the World ?

2010-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Ever Wondered what a Million Dollars Can Buy Around the World ?

Check out these homes around the globe! An 8 bedroom mansion in Johannesburg versus a 794sqft. New York apartment, to a 6,000 foot sprawling home in New Orleans…

How would you chose to spend $1,000,000 for your home ?

San Francisco

$989,000

Rome

$1 million

Johannesburg, South Africa

$1 million

Sydney

$1.15 million

Tokyo

$1.1 million

Toronto

$1.2 million

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

$975,000

New York

$1.05 million

New Orleans

$995,000

Atlanta

$1.05 million

Buenos Aires, Argentina

$1.1 million

Chicago

$1.095 million

San Jose de Pinilla, Costa Rica

$1 million

Dublin

$995,000

Bermuda

$975,000

London

$1 million

Los Angeles

$1.07 million

Paris

$1 million

Calgary

$1 million

Hardwood floors throughout the main level & up the feature set of stairs, leads you into the spectacular oversized home office overlooking the lake and mountains from the second story.

For sale now by appointment, 403 970 5397.

Dreaming of a White Christmas ? Create your own Winter Wonderland in your Home!

2010-11-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

Decorating your home using a white theme can be dazzling, elegant and sophisticated.

Everyone loves a white Christmas, but the sparkle and beauty doesn’t have to be confined to the outdoors!

I like to warm up the winter look with touches of red, but touches of gold also adds just the right amount of warmth to a winter wonderland. Using only white and possibly blue may leave you cold and disappointed.

Let’s start with the Christmas tree.

Spray the tree with snow. The amount depends upon your own personal taste. You can give it a light dusting or make it look like a heavy snowfall.

Use clear lights. Use a combination of standard steady glowing lights along with twinkling lights.

Adorn the tree with clear, white and silver ornaments, snowflakes and glass ornament icicles.There are many beautiful Christmas ornaments available that have an elegant frosty look including fruit, berries, birdhouses and even flowers.  

You can use white glittery fern sprays and anything that captures the beauty and sparkle of fresh winter snow. 

Use garlands or curls of white or sliver ribbon nestled in the tree. A very pale aqua blue ribbon can also be used to emulate the subtle blues of a snowy landscape.

Drape the tree with clear beads.

Use sprays of red berries throughout the tree to add excitement to the winter theme. There’s nothing more beautiful than red berries peeking through the glistening snow.

As a finishing touch, place white doves, red cardinals and any other little birds and perhaps bird nests among the branches. (You might want to check out my unique secret for Christmas tree decorating with birds and beads.)

I checked out one of my favorite sites to find out what they might have to offer that would complement this theme.

Your White Christmas table decorations will look elegant and classic. Here are some tips and suggestions to get your creative juices flowing

-Use a white tablecloth.

-Decide on a theme. Use one to three decorations to be repeated throughout your table decoration.

-You could use white doves, white and silver flowers and berries, little snowmen, white glittery pinecones, snowflakes, silver bells, angels, etc.

-Differing shades of blue, aqua and purple Christmas ornaments can also be used

-Use white or silver candles in candelabras for a formal look or in small candleholders for a less formal look

-Hurricane lamps can also be used. If hurricane lamps are used, tie white and silver ribbons around the base to dress them up

-The lamps can also be sprayed with Crystal Frost, which replicates the beautiful look of frost crystals on glass

-Use greenery sprayed with snow. The greenery can be placed down the length of the table or it can be made into a candle wreath to be used in the center of the table

-Decorate the greenery with your theme decorations. Add touches of elegant, white glittery ribbon to complete the look

-If placed lengthwise down the center of the table, it should be placed around the candles, but beware of fire hazards. Do not let the candles burn too low or come in contact with the greenery or decorations.

I hope these ideas will help you get started in creating your own winter wonderland. You don’t have to dream

about a “White Christmas”. You can create your own <3

Halloween Decor for Haunted Houses !

2010-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Decor for haunted houses

How to create a satisfyingly scary experience for kids

This house in Vancouver is decorated for Halloween with an astonishing assortment of carved pumpkins.

Photograph by: Steve Bosch, Vancouver Sun

You may be too old to trick-or-treat, but you can still enjoy Halloween.

One great way is by setting up a haunted house.

It can be simple or elaborate, mildly frightening or intense enough to send people running for the door. Just know your audience and don't overdo it, especially with little kids. In fact, creating your own haunted house lets you take your children's scare-o-meter into consideration.

The first step: Find a location. We suggest a basement or garage. A basement has more rooms to work with. A garage can be opened to the street, and sectioned off by hanging sheets of black fabric or plastic. (That fabric also comes in handy in a basement, hiding the regular decor. A guy dressed like the Grim Reaper is going to look a little ludicrous lurking between the laundry appliances.)

Decide what your haunted house will include and where each set piece will go. Which corner is best for the casket? Where can Dracula hide? Where will lights be set up? Be sure to have an easily accessible exit (a frightened visitor may want to sprint for the door).

Then the nuts and bolts. If there are props to be built, get started. If you're going to rent a special effect -- say, a fog machine -- get it reserved.

At this point, things can get overwhelming, so recruit help. Friends, neighbours, family are all fair game. Remember, it takes a village to frighten a kid.

Get your helpers to brainstorm and build things, of course, but their greatest value may be as living props. Have them get costumed, slather on makeup, splash themselves with fake blood (do-it-yourself directions at chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/ht/fakeblood.htm or wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Blood). They can jump out and yell "boo!" at unsuspecting visitors -- especially effective if your setup is partitioned into rooms -- or march zombielike around the layout. For a minimalist approach, they can stand in a corner, motionless, staring blankly ahead.

Now you have to pull it all together. Some other ideas:

Good grave-y: A graveyard out front gets visitors in the right mood even before they enter the haunted house. Dot your lawn with tombstones made of heavy cardboard or Styrofoam. If you want to keep the neighbours talking for months, build an animated tombstone. It takes a little effort, but the results are worth it. Go to instructables.com and do a search for "creepy tombstone." For the ultimate graveyard twist, dig a grave-size hole, just deep enough for a colleague to lie in. Cover him or her and the surrounding area with leaves or straw, and at the appropriate time have your co-conspirator spring from the grave. You'll be surprised how fast little kids can run.

Set a mood: Nothing says spooky like fog, whether it's from a fog machine -- you can buy a cheap one for less than $100 or rent one for even less -- or a dry ice do-it-yourself version. A word of warning: Dry ice is dangerous and needs to be handled carefully by a responsible adult.

Music: At this time of year, even supermarkets sell recordings of Halloween-themed music and sound effects. Get something on the gentle side to give the little ones the willies, then climb the ladder to recordings of moaning, demented laughter, crackling thunder and chain-rattling that older kids can roll their eyes at. If it's drama you want, buy Verne Langdon's Music for Magicians from amazon.com. Save your sanity and avoid recordings of endless screaming. A little of that goes a long way.

Lighting: Spotlights and black lights can make the difference in a haunted house. A judiciously placed red bulb can transform a display from pedestrian to scary. Remember, it's important that visitors be able to navigate your haunted house safely, so make sure there is enough light. It's also smart to have your helpers carry flashlights to guide the little ones.

A science lab: Set up a laboratory -- workbench, creepy lighting, large jars containing body parts (doll heads, arms or legs, mannequin parts, etc.). A lab coat and a fright wig turn a helper into a mad doctor, especially with the right spiel. Have the good doctor pull out a tape measure so the little ones can be fitted for the right-size jar. There'll be no sleeping that night.

Tangled webs: You can't go wrong with spider webs. The store-bought stuff works; just don't scrimp. Little ones will get a kick out of a giant spider web you make yourself with yarn. For older kids and gullible adults, skip the webs and hang lengths of the yarn from the ceiling in dark areas of the basement/garage. As they walk through, the yarn brushes across their faces. Increase the creepiness by wetting the yarn.

Touch this: Set up several small boxes with holes cut in the side, into which visitors reach and feel "body parts." Two jumbo stuffed green olives can serve as eyeballs; cold and squishy cooked elbow macaroni or spaghetti can pass for brains; a large soup bone can be delightfully gross. Nothing feels as liverlike as liver, so include a hunk to increase the ewwwwwww factor. For the last box, cut a second hole on the side opposite the first. Have the helper who is supervising the display surreptitiously reach his or her hand in to touch the hand of the visitor.

Just disturbing: A life-size latex or plastic skeleton can be had for less than $100. Department stores sell them or check novelty and dollar stores for an array of choices, including skeletons that light up. Get three -- yes, it's a bit of an investment, but it is guaranteed to make you a neighborhood legend -- and position them so they appear to be scaling your house.

Check out examples at instructables.com, itsapartypalooza.com and halloweenpropmaster.com.

Simple yet scary.

Happppppy Halloween !!!

Wrap your home in Fall Colors

2010-10-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wrap your home in fall colours

Evolution And Ethanol burning fi replace by Bioflame, C2 paints exclusive to Walls Alive, Rustic Wood Table Lamp from Country Living Furnishings, Hollow Tree Trunk Stool from Country Living Furnishings,Blissliving Home Corina duvet from Home Evolution, The original Buddha Bowl, from Home Evolution, Le Creuset's cast-iron round french oven, in Cassis.

When the outside temperature starts to drop, it's natural to want to curl up and hibernate.

And by hibernate, we mean wrapping ourselves in wool throws, cocooning in luxurious, high-thread-count bedding sheets and gorging on the hardiest cuisine that fall has to offer.

In the world of home decor, this is all good news for those ready to get comfortable. Interior decor choices are trending toward the rustic side this time of year, with an abundance of natural materials such as iron, natural wood and wool.

For paint directions for fall 2010, look no further than cues from Mother Nature herself.

"Warm greys create a feeling of luxury and can add depth and interest to a room, thereby making it a popular choice. For accents, mustard, rich blues and, of course, deep plum and mauve aren't losing steam any time soon," explains Jocelyn Verweire of Walls Alive, who recommends their C2 paint, a line that Greg Stebbe, owner of Walls Alive, along with a few independent paint dealers, introduced to the North American market with much fanfare.

It has all the qualities that designers and do-it-yourselfers demand, including durability, great coverage, and a colour palette that is reflective of current tastes.

"We track trends within the fashion industry, but also within our customer base. Colours that don't sell don't make the cut, so the choices are very consumer-driven," adds Verweire.

So, while the paint dries, slap on a pair of sunglasses and head out into the sunshine for these last few days of bliss (it's cool today, but the forecast is looking good). After all, it's only a matter of weeks before falling snowflakes will replace falling leaves, the ultimate time to get cosy.

10 Reasons to Care About Affordable Housing

2010-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Even if you can afford your own housing, the lack of affordable housing in the city affects you. Here’s how...

• Without enough affordable housing, those in the non-profit sector, education, healthcare, childcare and the arts become the working poor.

“High prices lock out teachers, nurses, mechanics, social workers and many others who are essential to a successful, vibrant city,” says Sharon McCormick, executive director of Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation.

• High housing prices make entrepreneurs risk-averse — taking away from innovation and competition in our small businesses.

Any successful entrepreneur is aware of the financial challenges associated with getting a business up and off the ground, says Carolyn Davis, associated manager of development at Momentum, a local organization working with Calgarians to develop productive futures.

“Without affordable housing options, many of these would-be entrepreneurs are forced to stick to safe choices,” she says. “And that means we miss out on the tremendous economic value that would be created over time. Because rent is so high, making ends meet today is too much of a burden, so [those businesses] never happen.”

• Without affordable housing, newcomers are deterred from coming to Calgary.

“[Housing costs] impact our ability to attract people from different parts of the country, as well as people from other parts of the world,” says Elsbeth Mehrer, manager of Workforce Development with Calgary Economic Development. “If we have people looking to settle here, we want to make sure that there is a continuum of housing available.” The goal is to ensure that there is housing in the city that is affordable at all the available wages offered.

• When housing prices are too high, society’s most vulnerable are forced to choose between basic necessities like food, security, shelter and transportation.

“When housing is expensive, it takes a higher percentage of income or earnings and, as a result, people are left with really tough choices,” says Dan Meades, executive director of Vibrant Communities Calgary. “Because they are spending so much on housing, they can’t afford all basic needs and, as a result, face some unfair choices between, for example, food for the kids and transportation to work.”

• An insufficient amount of affordable housing encourages people to accumulate debt, which can spiral quickly out of control.

Davis relates this point to the bigger issue of financial literacy. “Consumer debt levels are at a record high, but the majority of Albertans don’t have a budget,” she says. “When the bumps in the road arrive, families are not equipped with the skills to budget and refinance … And that puts our entire population potentially at risk for homelessness.”

• Without affordable housing options across the city, people are further from social resources, community support and work.

While some areas of the city are more affordable than others, not having affordable housing options across the city means that the cost is shifted from shelter to transportation — which is both expensive and time-consuming.

“You want to have that mix within communities so people have an opportunity to live and work in the same community. Or, so that someone who may be renting now and has developed support and social networks can remain in or near that community when they purchase a home,” says McCormick.

• Without access to affordable housing, women in abusive relationships are forced to stay in them for shelter.

“The lack of affordable housing or housing options for women is a huge barrier,” says Cynthia Wild, associate director of quality assurance at the YWCA of Calgary. “Women get paid less than men and many women, those who are not working, or those who are immigrants and who are maybe sponsored … they’re just so economically vulnerable that they do return [to abusive relationships] for shelter.”

While emergency shelters provide some time for women to get their feet under them, often it is not enough time and there is not enough room. The YWCA Mary Dover House is an 86-bed facility that provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for women and children. Last year, it served 339 women, but turned away 778 because there wasn’t enough space. If they can’t stay at shelters, women will couch-surf with friends and family until they aren’t welcome any more. Without a network of friends and family they will then choose to stay in or return to an abusive relationship because they have nowhere else to go.

• Without affordable housing, low-income earners are one paycheck away from being homeless.

“People are getting by, but because their housing is eating up such a large part of their income, they are not able to save for a rainy day,” says Michael Classens, strategy lead for the Poverty Reduction Coalition with the United Way. “Basically, it’s difficult to build stability and resiliency against their brushes with poverty.”

• The cost to society for affordable housing is less than the cost of homelessness.

“If we are making the choice of having a family move from being in stable housing to being homeless, the cost of that to society is huge. The other side of that coin is families that are living in safe, stable housing are much better able to contribute to society,” says Davis. In addition, the average homeless person uses $135,000 of public and private funding in health care and judicial and correctional services, while the average housed person uses $2,571 of health care and very little if any judicial or correctional services.

• Affordable housing is a major piece of the complex jigsaw puzzle of poverty

“Affordable housing is one piece of this really big thing,” says Meades. “Poverty is really a complex problem that naturally requires a complex solution. Our efforts will never be completely successful unless we’re looking at solving the whole puzzle, of which housing is one among many pieces.”

Avenue Calgary Magazine

Calgarys Top 5 Best Neighbourhoods For Resale Value

2010-10-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Calgary Real Estate: Where to Buy Now

Calgary's Top 5 Neighbourhoods for Resale Value

There’s no doubt about it: Calgarians love to talk about real estate.

In fact, property investment is a city-wide sport, with somebody being heard at almost every cocktail party telling a tale of their spectacular success. But in the current climate real estate is not necessarily a sure thing, so are there still areas in the city that are a slam-dunk when it comes to making money on real estate investment? Or, better yet, what neighbourhoods in the past few years have had the highest resale value?

To answer that question, Avenue turned to Leger Marketing to crunch some serious numbers. It looked at the median tax assessment increase for condos and single-family homes in every Calgary community from 2008 to 2009, then weighted those with the largest number of properties whose value increased against Avenue’s city-wide survey that asked residents to rate the resale potential and value in their neighbourhoods. The end result from that mind-boggling mathematical equation was a shortlist of five neighbourhoods that stood out as money-makers.

“When it come to our methodology, it’s about as close as you can get,” says Leger Marketing associate vice-president Barry Davis. “What we’re saying is there is recent momentum on property value in these areas.”

Here are the top five.

1. McKenzie Lake

McKenzie Lake stands alone, bucking the trend as the only community in Avenue’s list of top neighbourhoods for resale value that isn’t located smack-dab in the inner city.

“It’s probably one of the best lake neighbourhoods in Calgary,” says Lina Horner, a realtor with Re/Max House of Real Estate. “Its amenities are incredible.”

Indeed, McKenzie Lake is just east of Fish Creek Provincial Park, giving residents access to a wooded area of parks and pathways three times the size of Vancouver’s Stanley Park. It’s also next to McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, and has a man-made lake and island in the centre of the community that are hotspots for fishing and swimming, with a beach that gives the entire area a lake country vibe.

McKenzie Lake is bordered by Deerfoot Trail to the east and Highway 22X to the south, which you’d think would keep people away, fearing the nasty commute that comes from being on the outskirts of the city. But the Shawnessy C-Train station is only a short drive away, along with the accompanying Park and Ride lot, which has 206 parking stalls. That means residents who work in the core can chill out and read the paper as they travel to and from work everyday. “You can be on the C-Train in a matter of 10 minutes,” Horner says.

Top that off with a killer view of the mountains and the Bow River and it’s easy to see why McKenzie Lake is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Calgary for resale value.

2. Elboya

Elboya has the best of both worlds: it’s close to the hustle and bustle of the inner city, while maintaining a quiet community feeling.

Elbow Drive — one of the community’s main traffic arteries — ushers residents to and from the downtown within 10 minutes.

“It’s a fun street,” says Jim Sparrow, a realtor with Royal LePage. “There’s a lot of traffic, but it’s still only two lanes either way and most people don’t abuse it, speed-wise — and certainly nobody is cutting through Elboya to get anywhere.”

That’s because Macleod Trail, which forms Elboya’s eastern boundary, siphons away most of the traffic, leaving residents in the community with a neighbourhood that is quiet, yet close to the core. That unique street setup has also made Elboya a popular spot for families, who in the past few years have targeted the area as a place where they can buy and renovate the 1950s-style homes that dominate the area to suit their needs.

“Elboya is a mature, older neighbourhood, but a lot of younger families are moving in, which has seen them renovating all of these older homes,” says Michael O’Hara, president of the Elboya Community Association.

3. Lower Mount Royal

Even today, Lower Mount Royal’s historical roots as one of Calgary’s most exclusive residential neighbourhoods can be felt throughout the community.
In the early 1900s, when Calgary was just starting off as a city, the area carved out a name for itself as one of the ideal places for wealthy businessmen to put down roots — it was, after all, close to the downtown. Today, that legacy continues — albeit, in a different way — with a new generation of downtown workers calling the area home, thanks to the number of high-density condos and townhouses.

“It’s mostly a place for younger people,” says Sparrow, referring to the fact 42 percent of the residents in the area are ages 20 to 29. (Other neighbourhoods throughout Calgary average 20 percent in this age range.) But with more than 200 locally owned boutiques and 435 total shops only a short walk away on 17th Avenue, it’s easy to see why Lower Mount Royal is a bustling hub of activity.

“You’re close to all the action. You’ve got all the amenities. It’s just a great place to be,” says Sparrow.

4. Mission

Mission has a message for other communities in Calgary: size doesn’t matter.

As the smallest community on Avenue’s list of neighbourhoods with the highest resale value, Mission stretches only 13 blocks at its outmost boundary, which starts at 17th Avenue and ends when you head south and hit the Elbow River. At the centre of this neighbourhood is 4th Street S.W., a street lined on either side with more than 35 restaurants, as well as a number of trendy pubs, clothing boutiques and specialty retailers.

“For young professionals who work downtown, there’s simply no better place to be,” says Sparrow. “Most people don’t like to work and live in the same area, yet Mission is far enough away, but still close enough to the downtown that you can walk to work, while also being able to enjoy all the shops and boutiques along 4th Street on your off time.”

For this reason, Mission is a haven for condo development, which appeal to upwardly mobile, 30-something urbanites. “The properties in Mission tend to be more expensive than what most first-time buyers can afford to pick up,” Sparrow says.

5. Elbow Park

Elbow Park is home to Calgary’s well heeled, with most homes in the area fetching between the high six-figures to more than $10 million. At that price it’s not an area for property flipping. but if you’ve got the capital it’s a great investment.

“It’s a gorgeous neighbourhood,” says Sparrow. “You’ve got some really spectacular, newer homes and, as the city continues to grow, it’s an area that’s going to become nothing but more desirable.”

Just three kilometres from downtown, and nuzzled between the banks of the Elbow River and 14th Street S.W., it’s easy to see why Elbow Park is a hotspot for high-end property. Heritage homes line the banks of the river, seven parks are smattered throughout the community and the trendy shops and restaurants of nearby Mission are only a leisurely walk away.

But perhaps the greatest quality of Elbow Park is that it’s close to downtown, but still manages to maintain a quiet, forest-like feeling, thanks in part to the 100-year-old trees the line the neighbourhood’s streets.

“That mature vegetation is everywhere, which is something a lot of communities are totally lacking,” Sparrow says.

Sound advice for property investors

For Don Campbell, author of the best-selling book, Real Estate Investment in Canada, property investment comes down to scouring the market for areas with the perfect combination of economic fundamentals. Here’s what he looks for:

Target areas where migration, jobs and income will be strong
When you buy an investment property, you need people to move in and pay down the mortgage until you’re ready to sell. An area known for long-term job and migration growth will give you what you need: renters and buyers.
Look for areas with transportation upgrades
Transportation changes often pay off, big time. If you buy within 800 metres of a new LRT line, you’ll traditionally see a 10 to 15 percent increase in value over the rest of the market.
Take a long-term view
Never look at an investment from under the lens of a microscope, which means you’re emotionally responding to every headline you read every single day. Instead, you have to look at it through the lens of a telescope — with a five-to-10-year window before you expect to get a return.

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