As you probably know, it's easy to lower the costs of a renovation. Just hire an inexpensive, fly-by-night contractor — and hope for the best!

Chances are, you won't want to take that risk. So how do you ensure you get quality work while keeping your budget in check?

Here are some tips:

• Get estimates from at least three contractors. Often prices can vary widely, even amongst contractors with similar reputations and experience.

• Narrow the project focus. If you're getting a bathroom renovated, for example, decide whether you need the contractor to paint the new walls. Can you do that yourself?

• Shop around for the building materials. Yes, contractors often have access to wholesale prices. Still, you might be able to find a bathtub…

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You've heard of the term "curb appeal". It refers to the initial impression buyers get when they first see your property from the street. If the impression is a good one, it sets the right tone for the rest of the home viewing.

How do you boost curb appeal? Here are some proven ideas that you can get done in an hour or so:

• Wash both the inside and outside of the front windows. You'll be amazed at the difference that can make.

• Sweep the walkway leading up to the front entrance. Add a new welcome mat. Also, wash down the front door.

• If possible, remove cars from the driveway. Let buyers imagine their own cars parked there!

• Mow the lawn. Lightly trim the hedges. Weed flower beds.

• Remove anything from inside windowsills that…

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Outdoor lighting has come a long way from the days of patio lanterns and strings of lightbulbs. These days, there's an exhaustive array of options available to illuminate your outdoor space, and make it more appealing and comfortable, particularly in the evenings.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Solar garden lights. These lights are on stakes that can be easily inserted throughout the garden. Powered by the sun, they generate enough energy to cast a soft, pleasant glow along walkways or in flower beds in the evenings.

• Deck post lights. These are easy to install because they're designed to sit on top of a standard 4x4 wood deck post. Most are solar powered.

• Street-style lamps. As the name implies, these look similar to old-fashioned…

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If it’s been a while since you last moved, you might be wondering how much you'll need to spend on your next home. That's an important question to answer, even if you're just at the "thinking about it" stage and haven't decided whether or not you'll look for a new property.

After all, knowing your budget might influence your decision.

How should you determine your budget?

The first step is to calculate the maximum you can spend. This involves adding the money you'll get from the sale of your current property after repaying your outstanding mortgage, to any other funds you have available to invest plus the maximum amount of mortgage you qualify to receive.

Of course, just because you may qualify for a large mortgage doesn't mean you want…

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NEW LISTING ALERT

282731 Symons Valley Rd, Rocky View County

For Full Listing, Click Here:https://tinyurl.com/282731symonsvalley

Call/text Yasin @ 403-681-0319 for more info or to book your showing!

Fantastic, in floor heated walkout bungalow on 4.6 acres in a private location just NW of Airdrie on pavement. Mature trees, private setting & a great place to raise your family! Huge 36x49 heated, insulated & drywalled shop + a 3 car heated garage. Over 1900 sq ft up+1711 sq ft dev down. Main floor features inviting, spacious entry with curved staircase to lower level, large windows, hardwood flooring, vaulted ceilings & gas fireplace. Great open floor plan lends itself to a welcoming entertaining space w/roomy kitchen that has gas cook top,…

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Open House Sunday 12-2 PM - 67 Cranleigh Common SE, Calgary

For Full Listing, Visit Here: https://tinyurl.com/cranleigh67

Call/text Yasin @ 403-681-0319 for more info or to book your showing!

Gorgeous fully developed home in Cranston Estates w/2875 sq ft of living space just steps from park on a quiet, mature street. Soaring foyer w/adjacent flex rm that is perfect for home office or dining rm. Kitchen is spacious w/custom granite counters, spacious nook, family rm w/gas fireplace & build in. So many upgrades/updates in this home-in ceiling speakers on main & in basement, newer carpet, paint, re-finished hardwood, central A/C & vac, water softener, irrigation, stamped concrete patio, prof landscaped yard, BBQ gas line, upgraded appliances…

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City of Calgary, October 1, 2019 – For the third consecutive month, sales activity improved over last year’s figures, and year-over-year new listings and inventories eased. This trend will help support more stability in the housing market.

“Price declines have likely brought some buyers back into the market,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, noting improvements in the market continue to be driven by homes priced below $500,000.

In the condominium apartment market, sales improved by 16 per cent this month. This represents the segment’s best September since 2015.  Year-to-date growth in both the attached and apartment sector were enough to offset the modest decline in the detached sector resulting in year-to-date sales growth of nearly…

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