Eight tips to prepare your home for listing photos

There are many dramatic changes you can make when preparing a home for photos. Renovating a bathroom or kitchen can reap big resale rewards, while a fresh coat of paint or new siding can add serious curb appeal. But for those working with a limited budget or on a shorter timeline, there are more subtle changes that can have your house looking its best prior to an open house or having photos taken.

Fire safety tips to protect your home

In Calgary, a recent string of house fires has people thinking about fire safety in the home.

Carol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department, says kitchen fires are the most common residential call for the fire department, "and often it's because people leave their cooking unattended."

Eighteen questions you should ask a Realtor before hiring

Buying or selling a home is likely the biggest transaction people will make in their lives.

For example, the average MLS® System sale price in Calgary, as of the end of April, was close to half a million dollars.

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, finding the right REALTOR® can be a daunting task. There are many to choose from; CREB® has more than 5,400 registered Realtors serving Calgary and surrounding areas. It's important to select a Realtor who can meet your needs, especially when you consider the stakes.

How much home can you afford?

Shopping for the home of your dreams requires knowing how much you can afford to spend, which for most buyers ties directly into a mortgage.

Financial institutions in Canada look at a buyer's Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to help determine how much mortgage to approve, and therefore, how much home a person can afford.

Proper pricing is a crucial part of selling your home

If you want to sell your home, it is critical to have it priced correctly. If it's priced too high, it will be passed over in the sea of listings at this busy time of year. If it's priced too low, you risk the chance of leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Carbon monoxide safety measures for homeowners

Recent, heart-wrenching news stories about deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning, including a young boy in Airdrie, have people thinking about CO safety in their homes.

"Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-irritating gas that is poisonous," said Carol Henke, public information officer with the Calgary Fire Department.

Tips for safe and warm winter cycling

When winter arrives, many Calgarians store their bicycles away until springtime.

But not everyone.

A growing number of people cycle year round, including during their daily commute. And in the winter, that requires some additional preparation.

Tips and tricks for DIY room painting

Before running a paint roller over any wall in your home, Ryan Tantzen, manager at Anilin Decorating Centre, says you should first "figure out your needs for the project."

"Whether you're looking to sell your home, or stay in it, will dictate those needs," he said.

The general rule of thumb? If you're looking to sell a house, it's advisable to use a light colour.