Monday, 17 September 2012

Multiple Offers On Your Home!

Dealing with multiple offers

You may think that having to deal with multiple offers on your home is a wonderful problem. After all, there are so many buyers clamoring to purchase your property!

The challenge, however, is picking the best offer – and that isn't always the one with the highest price.

Most offers come with conditions, such as "conditional on securing appropriate financing" or "conditional on the sale of our current property." You have to consider both the price and the conditions when choosing
which offer to accept.

There are other considerations, too. What if someone makes a great offer on your home, but they don't have a pre-approved mortgage and they haven’t put their current home on the market? That kind of offer is risky
because it is more likely than an unconditional offer to fall through. So there's a lot to think about when you're in the seemingly enviable position of dealing with multiple offers.

How do you select the right one? The answer is to have a good REALTOR® by your side to help you make the right decision!

Want more tips on finding and buying your next dream home? Call today.


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Friday, 14 September 2012

How to Hire a Good Interior Designer

                                  How to Hire a Good Interior Designer



What is interior design? As the name implies, it's all about designing a living
area – such as a bathroom or basement – while taking into account your
needs, tastes, and budget, as well as the characteristics of the space itself.
If you've ever sketched out an idea for a renovation – to add a wall, install
hardwood floors, or paint – then you've done interior design, as least at an
amateur level. Home improvement contractors, when they make
suggestions about how to renovate a room, are also acting as interior
designers.

According to the Association of Registered Interior Designers, "Interior
Designers will analyze your needs and budget, prepare and present
conceptual solutions and then manage the implementation of the project."
Although hiring an interior designer may seem like a luxury for many
homeowners, it can actually be quite affordable. Plus, consider that your
interior designer can manage your project from concept and design all the
way through to a finished renovation – including managing the renovation
work itself.

How do you find a good interior designer?
In Canada, check out Interior Designers of Canada at www.IDCanada.org.
  • In the U.S., visit the American Society of Interior Designers at www.asid.org.
    Both websites have search tools to find qualified registered interior designers in your area.
  • A REALTOR® who is an expert in the local market can also give you a
    recommendation.
When reviewing possible interior designers, take a close look at their
portfolios, which are usually in the form of pictures of completed projects.
Consider the style of work they've done for other clients, as it is likely that’s
what you can expect for yours.

According to an article in The Epoch Times by Lloyd Princeton, it's also
important that you get along with the interior designer. You'll be working
closely with that person. If you have a gut feeling that you're not going to
like him or her, then you won't be satisfied with the result – even if the
design is actually good.

Give me a call or shoot me an email to receive client referred deals with some of the best Interior Designers in the City! :)


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


Cell: 403-354-3777




Friday, 7 September 2012

Want to Buy A New Build?!



Alright, so did you know that you can & should use your favourite Realtor to help you in your NEW BUILD/HOME purchase?! 

Whether you're looking for a piece of land, or a home builder that has pre-built homes....or you see a home that is half built & want to know if it's sold yet and would like to choose the finishings.... Your Realtor can help! We have lists of community builders. Realtors know what to look for and ask for when purchasing a newly built home & are there to work in your best interest when communicating, negotiating & purchasing a home from a builder. In most cases the sales associates try to sell you their homes for the highest & best price without offering you the extras! Remember they are working for the SELLERS - - you want someone working on behalf of YOU so that YOU are taken care of in every way possible!! 

Call to learn more about fantastic new builds, become educated with the companies that build stand-up homes, who have the experience & pay attention to detail. 
Get the extras, know exactly what you're buying! 
USE A REALTOR! - - it doesn't cost you an extra penny!


  • Chas will act as a mediator between you and the Builders sales representative and get you the answers to very important questions.
  • She will also review your contract and ensure that your rights and interests are being protected.
  • Most importantly she is there to look out for you and be sure you have a full understanding of the processes, costs and time lines involved in purchasing a brand new home.
So before you start visiting builder sites be sure that your rights and interests are being protected by calling Chas Zemluk today!




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777
W: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Question Clients have Asked + Answers!

Questions from Clients & Answers from Myself!




Q: "It says on the listing that there is a tenant - Will the tenant move out if I were to buy?"
A: Yes, it only states there is a currently a tenant living there so that you are aware that you may need 24hr notice before viewing the property & at least a 30 day possession. Also, tenants may not be the "neatest" people living in the house so don't expect to walk into a prestine clean home, as they do not care whether or not the home sells (for the most part) - - When you buy the property the tenant leaves - - OR you can negotiate terms & a new lease to stay if you were buying the property as a Revenue property for yourself!

Q: "What is an RPR?"
A: An RPR is a Real Property Report or a Survey of your property. A Real Property Report is a legal document that clearly illustrates the location of significant visible improvements relative to property boundaries. With a Real Property report, owners are aware of any boundary problems. They know whether their new home is too close to the property line, or part of their garage is on their neighbour’s land, or vice versa.

Q: "What does possession day mean?"
A: The day in which the money is transferred & you are allowed to move into your new home!

Q: "What happens if I buy a unit in a condo building & that condo building reaches its Age of Life?"
A: As a condo share holder, every owner in that condo building would come to an agreement as to what would be done with the building/land & be paid out their shares. example)building is ready to be demolished and/or have the land bought by a developer or sub-divided,etc.





I will continue to add questions & answers as they come my way! Feel free to ask me a questions via email, facebook, blog or call or text!! It never hurts to ask!




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

Ph: 403-354-3777

Monday, 20 August 2012

Construction & Remodelling Estimates




Here are a few Residential Construction and Remodelling Estimates in and around Calgary Alberta. This is a short list I've picked out, feel free to send me an email if you have any questions on anything further that may not be on my short list! I work with an array of trusted contractors that I can refer you to as well! czemluk@cirrealty.ca


GUTTERS
gutter cleaning: $150

GARAGE/DRIVEWAY/WALKWAY
removal of existing garage: $1500+

DRIVEWAY
asphalt paving (new base): $4.50-$7/sq.ft

DECK
pressure treated/cedar: $15-$25/sq.ft

FENCE
chain link (4ft): $10-$15/lin.ft.
wood - cedar (5ft): $15-$25/lin.ft.
wood - pressure treated: (5ft) $10-$20/lin.ft.

FLOOR
carpet - clean: $100/room
hardwood: $5-$10sq.ft.

DOORS
french: $1000

ELECTRICAL
attic ventilator-mechanical: $300
ceiling fan: $250



LIFE EXPECTANCY

wood shingle 10-20 years
asphalt standard shingle 12-15 years
asphalt premium shingle 15-30 years

forced air furnace 10-25 years
central air 10-15 years
hot water heater 5-15 years

septic/sewer pump 5-10 years
well pump 10 years

dishwasher 5-12 years
dryer 10-25 years
oven/range 15-20 years
washing machine 5-15 years





Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com




Thursday, 16 August 2012

Simplifying Your Home Life


Let's face it. Life can get complicated, complex and stressful very easily. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to simplify your life, especially at home.

Here are some tips from the experts:

- Don't accumulate stuff you don't want or
need. Give those things away.


- Simplify your cleaning by dividing tasks into
ten minute chunks (such as vacuuming the
living room.) Then fit those tasks in here and
there whenever you have ten minutes.

- To avoid clutter, adopt the "touch it once"
rule, which simply means putting things
where they belong right away.


- Think of the home-related chore you hate
doing most. Can you outsource that to a
local company, or a neighbour looking for
some work?


READ THE FULL PDF PRINT FRIENDLY ARTICLE HERE:



Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777

Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com
Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

TIP: Snap Summer Photos

HURRY! TAKE PHOTOS THIS MONTH!


For anyone possibly planning on listing their property this winter/spring here is an August 2012 Tip For You!

Please take some time this month to call your Realtor or grab your own personal camera to take as many "Summer" photos of your property. I am a true believer in beautiful fall and winter photos showing off certain properties fabulously, but why not show the buyer how amazing your property can look year round! 

Be sure to include photos showcasing the following:

Your House (front and back)
Your Flower Beds
Your Fence condition
Your Driveway condition
Your Garden
Your View

If you live on a farm or acreage consider getting Aerial photos taken before the snow falls.
Flightpath Aerial Photography



Complimentary Offer:
I would be more than happy to stop by if you live in Calgary and snap your summer & fall photos. Just Give me a Call! :)



Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777
Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca
Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com 


Monday, 30 July 2012

How Will The New Mortgage Regulations Affect Me?


How will the new mortgage regulations from July 9th affect me?

Monthly Payment:

With the July 9 change in mortgage regulations, insured mortgages (less than 20% down payment).are now subject to a maximum amortization of 25 years. This is a reduction of 5 years from the previous 30 year amortization.

Insured (less than 20% down payment) : The biggest change will be the loss of 30 year amortization. If you are putting less than 20% down on your home for down payment, the MAXIMUM you can amortize your mortgage is now 25 years.  This means that if you put down 5% on a $400,000 purchase price, your payment would go from approx $1637/m (30 yr amortization) to approx $1836/m(25 yr amortization)*.  The difference would be apprx $199/m or $99.50 bi weekly. 

Conventional (20% down payment or greater):  You still have access to the 30 year amortization and can put down as little as 5% on the purchase of your new primary residence.


As you can see, there is not a significant change in the monthly payments.  Rates have never been lower and the market continues to remain aggressive.  There has never been a better time to buy!


Trevor Yerema
Manager, Residential Mortgages
TD Canada Trust
Prairie Region
Phone: 403-466-6654





Friday, 27 July 2012

Buyers Not Using A Realtor...They Think They'll Get A Deal?

One of the most common things I've seen in the past couple months are buyers calling the listing Realtors to view the condo unit or house without using their own designated Realtor who will work in their BEST INTEREST. The reasoning I get for this "I think we'll get a better deal if we cut one Realtor out of the sale"


I am going to be strait up with you. You WILL NOT get a better deal on your purchase, and you WILL NOT have anybody looking out for your best interest, you WILL NOT have an agent making sure YOU get the best price & are taken care of on the buying end of the transaction. By using 1 Realtor for the entire transaction, you are paying that Realtor double commissions & entering yourself into transactional brokerage which means:


In transaction brokerage, the agent (industry member) will now act as a transaction facilitator and provide facilitation services to assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Facilitation services means services by which the interests of the buyer and seller are met in an even-handed, objective and impartial manner without providing confidential advice, advocating on behalf of either the buyer or seller, or using discretion or judgement that benefits the buyer or seller to the prejudice of the other, and may include:
  • providing real estate statistics and information on property including comparable property information available through listing services or other local databases;
  • providing standard form agreements of purchase and sale, lease and other relevant documents, and preparing these document sin accordance with the instructions of the client(s);
  • presenting in a timely manner, all offers and counter-offers to and from the client(s);
  • conveying to the client(s) in a timely manner all information that either wishes to have communicated to the other; and,
  • keeping the client(s) informed regarding the progress of the transaction.
Finally, as a transaction facilitator, the agent will fulfil all other facilitation services to both parties as far as they are consistent with the terms of their respective agreements.

Now let's re-cap, you are reaching a "mutually acceptable agreement" not getting A DEAL. As professionals, we are trained to negotiate and read body language, eye contact, hesitations in voices, etc.... so we know when we can push for a better deal for YOU the BUYER. You will get NO advice in a transactional brokerage agreement & no one negotiating for you.

It's amazing how many people do not appreciate the training and education we get to provide our designated clients top notch, professional advice & negotiation skills. We read people everyday, we communicate and interact with people everyday, we know people & we know this industry.

Don't you want someone working for, looking out for & helping you get the best price in one of the biggest purchases of your life?

I never understood why a BUYER would not use a Realtor when the sellers are paying the commissions? ......... so I asked ......... and the answers were all the same.........
 "I think we'll get a better deal if we cut one Realtor out of the sale"

Now, go back & read my post again, and think twice. And realise that I am not gaining anything by telling you this. I'm actually losing a double end sale by telling you this. Call me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding this topic :)
 


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777

http://www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com/



Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Making Your Home A LUCKY sale!


In Chinese, a number is considered lucky or unlucky based on how it sounds when pronounced. A good example is the number 4. A number 4 is considered the unluckiest number of all because it sounds like the Cantonese word for death or to die. The number 8 is considered a very lucky number since it sounds like the word for prosper when it is pronounced. In addition to the number 8, other numbers considered lucky or auspicious in the belief system of the Chinese culture, are:
  • 9 is associated with longevity and dragons
  • 6 is pronounced like the word for deer that symbolizes longevity
  • 7 sounds similar to the number 8 when pronounced and is considered lucky in certain instances but unlucky in others
  • 1 is considered lucky when it comes before the number 8


When it comes to selling a house, the following information is helpful when answering the question, "What are the Chinese lucky numbers to sell my house?" In China, the luckiest number to use is 8. Other lucky numbers are 9 and 6, but the number 8 is considered the most lucky of all. When 1 precedes the number 8, you're guaranteed prosperity.

Selling Price of Your Home

Many real estate sales have been lost simply because the perspective buyer considered the asking price to be unlucky. For example, if your asking price is $399,144 there are certain buyers that would never consider buying your house because the 4 is considered a very unlucky number to people of China, Korea and Japan as mentioned before. The number 1 preceding the 4 sounds like the word forguaranteed, so the selling price is considered as guaranteeing an unfortunate future for potential buyers. If you change the selling price to $399,188, then the same buyers would find the selling price to be very lucky. This is because the number 8 is considered the luckiest number. With the 1 before it, the number means guaranteed prosperity.

Tips: Chinese Lucky Numbers To Sell a House

  • If you are in the market to sell your house, you may want to consider making your asking price a number that contains Chinese lucky numbers.
  • If you are holding an open house to show your house to perspective buyers, schedule the event on a date that is made up of lucky numbers.
  • If the total of the digits for the selling price add up to an auspicious number, it is considered lucky.
  • The auspiciousness of a number can vary based on the Chinese dialect being spoken
  • According to Taoist traditions, every number is either yin or yang. The odd numbers are said to be yin and are made up of male energy. The even numbers are yang and are made up of female energy.





--FENG SHUI- -
Feng Shui can help people bring energy, luck, health and wealth into their life. Today, lots of corporations hire Feng Shui consultants to help them earn more money from their business by adopting the Feng Shui advice. It's very expensive to ask a Feng Shui expert to your house today.


**FENG SHUI TIP**
You should make your lucky places clean and beautiful to keep and improve your luck, since the god of luck never likes a dirty place. You should also spend more time in the lucky places everyday.


 The front door of your house represents your mouth, and it’s also where the lucky Chi energy can enter. Make sure that the approach isn’t overgrown, and keep the front of your house tidy. Avoid putting rubbish or thorny plants near the front door as this dissipates the amount of good energy entering your home.




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


403-354-3777
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com 

Monday, 14 May 2012

Kijiji Tips!

101


BUYING:

1) Don't always assume the asking price is the fair price & always make an offer!
2) Don't assume the item is SOLD if it's been up for a long time or on the 10th + page
3) If you're really interested, IMMEDIATELY go view the item, (especially if it was just posted!) don't let someone grab the deal before you! 
4) When you go view the item, bring cash, only pull out the amount you will pay
8) NEVER transfer money over the Internet (at least I don't recommend this)
9) Pictures can be deceitful - -  Go take a look!
10) CALL before Emailing if your really interested

SELLING:

1) When Selling something, consider meeting the potential buyer somewhere other than your house (safety reason)
2) Remember to delete your Ad when your item has sold. 
3) Copy & Paste to Re-Post your Ad every week for FREE & get more hits/viewers/fresh buyers who are not looking at Page 10 Ads :)
4) ALWAYS post at least one picture with your Ad
5) Never give up your motive for selling!



Did You Know?

  • Many staging companies and/or Realtors buy furniture to stage homes - - After light use and approx 3 months the furniture is put up on Kijiji for re-sale at a smokin' discount price!

  • Most people do not re post their Ad...so even though clicking through 10 pages is time consuming maybe you will find the diamond in the rough that has not sold yet!





Tips & Tricks Personally written by: 

Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777

W: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com
E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca



Monday, 23 April 2012

Things To Do Outdoors in & around Calgary!









Its amazing the energy, revitalisation & happiness you gain from being outside, in the heat of summer or in the snowbanks! As a child I was always outside, my parents bought their first home that sat on a large backyard where they built my brother and I a playhouse off our deck with a slide down and a sandbox underneath.... the home I grew up in also backed a spray-pool park which also had a soccer field, baseball field a large hill for tobogganing down and yet another park play area! Having been only 3 blocks from  school, I realise now looking back the opportunities I had all around me to allow me & my brother to stay busy outside and NOT inside on our Nintendo, TV or Computer! 


I sit here on my deck in Calgary squinting at my computer screen typing... (I'm trying to incorporate work & being outside now that I'm older with responsibilities haha) I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to be outside in this beautiful weather! This past winter my husband and I took advantage of the mountains more than we ever have (I learnt how to Snowboard!....after many falls, and a few tears! Such an amazing feeling to learn something that was sooo frustrating for me!) it was revitalising, exciting, calming & relaxing. For us, this is living! I'd like to challenge everyone to make this summer the BEST most adventurous summer yet! 


Here are Some Outdoor Activity Ideas - - 
Some are Priceless & require little to no money!
I will continue adding ideas as they are presented to me or I think them up! :) 
(copy & paste links I've included into your search browser)


Enjoy Life. Live it to its Fullest!



  1. Camp: Find Camp Grounds Around Calgary Here: (http://www.campingaroundcalgary.com/)
  2. Go to the lake (Ghost Lake, Lake Invermere, Sylvan Lake, Pine Lake, Sicome Lake)
  3. Go quading/4 wheeling (Mclean creek, Indian Graves, Dutch Creek, Wipouras, Burnt timber, Caroline, Rocky Mtn House, Prairie creek, Nordegg, Ram River)
  4. Boating (see #2 Lakes)
  5. Fish in the Bow river off shore
  6. Walk the trails in Calgary: Maps of Pathways & Bikeways Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Calgary-pathways-and-bikeways-map.aspx)
  7. Hang out at Stanley Park or Bowness Park, etc: Parks of Calgary Here:(http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/)
  8. Go rafting in the Bow River or Sheep River in Okotoks: Rentals Here (http://www.lazydayraftrentals.com/)
  9. Go Rollerblading
  10. Go Biking
  11. Have a campfire in your backyard in a Chiminea
  12. Go hiking: See Canmore & Kananaskis Hiking Here: (http://www.kananaskis.com/canmore-hiking-trails.htm)
  13. Go to an outdoor pool: Outdoor Pools in Calgary Here: (http://www.calgaryoutdoorpools.ca/)
  14. Experience Calaway Park (http://www.calawaypark.com/)
  15. Head to the Zoo (http://www.calgaryzoo.org)
  16. Drink your morning coffee on your deck
  17. Grow your own garden or a few herbs 
  18. Take your dog out for a walk: Calgary Off-Leash Dog Parks Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Dog-off-leash-areas-in-parks.aspx?redirect=/offleash)
  19. Take your kids to the playground: 15 of Calgary's BEST Playgrounds Here: (http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/2011/08/15-of-calgarys-best-playgrounds.html)
  20. Let your kids run through the sprinklers and let loose and run through the sprinklers too!
  21. Grab a drink with friends at an outdoor patio
  22. Stroll down 17th or 10th Avenue and shop instead of being inside of the mall for hours
  23. Book a Shuswaps trip on a houseboat: Rent A Houseboat Here: (http://www.waterwayhouseboats.com/)
  24. Slurp a milkshake at Peter's Drive-In (http://www.petersdrivein.com/)
  25. Mow the lawn or the lawn of your elderly neighbour
  26. Play catch with your spouse or friend at the nearest green space
  27. Join a slow pitch team/soccer/football/beach volleyball etc: Calgary Sport & Social Club Here: (http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/main/index.shtml)
  28. Read a book on your deck or on a bench downtown or at the park etc
  29. Simply go watch a baseball or soccer game if you see one being played (take a bag of spitz!)
  30. Sun tan on your deck or in your back yard!
  31. Attend an outdoor festival: Find Outdoor Festivals Here: (http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/Events/Festivals/)
  32. Go to an outdoor concert
  33. Enjoy a Rodeo, Exhibition or the Calgary Stampede!: Alberta Fairs & Exhibition dates Here:(http://www.discoveralberta.com/Events/FairsExhibitions/)
Canadian Pro Rodeo Dates Here: (http://www.rodeocanada.com/rodeo_schedule.htm
Check out Calgary Outdoor Club for Outdoor Fun this Summer 2012!!
http://www.calgaryoutdoorclub.com/events/)


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777

www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com
Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca


Sunday, 22 April 2012

Favourite Cajun Shrimp!



  • CAJUN SHRIMP!

  • THIS RECIPE IS JUST A TREAT! 
  • It's quick, easy and if you like spicy...I would recommend using 1 full teaspoon of Cayenne :) Let me know what you think! -Chas-


  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined






Directions
  1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the paprika, thyme, salt, nutmeg, garlic powder and cayenne in oil for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add shrimp; saute for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally.






                                                       Compliments of Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


403-354-3777
czemluk@cirrealty.ca
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com