Support Mike Shaikh for Senate

for a Strong and Secure Alberta

http://mikeforsenate.ca

Senate Candidate Mike Shaikh on Intolerance and Leadership

Calgary (April 19, 2012)—Senate candidate Mike Shaikh issued the following statement today during a campaign stop in northeast Calgary:

Much has been said about race and religion in the past week, and I feel compelled to speak out.

Like many other community leaders and citizens across the province, now is the time for Albertans—including our political leaders—to stand up against intolerance.

In my roles as the chair of the Calgary Police Commission, as a businessman and as a Senate candidate, I have travelled all across this province. I am always struck by the tolerance and diversity of the Albertans I meet. These traits have helped make our province so strong and prosperous, and have attracted people from around the world to our cities, towns, workplaces and communities.

Like many people, I came to this province with the belief that any Albertan, based on their own merits, can succeed and lead.

Now is the time for the silent majority to stand up. I believe Alberta is, overwhelmingly, a place where people from all backgrounds are not just tolerated, but welcomed and respected.

Our province has a proud and enviable history of encouraging and accepting diversity: Albertans are progressive in their views, not regressive.

Yes, we need our political leaders to stand up against intolerance. But we also need voters to stand up against it. This is indeed a time to demonstrate and for vote for true leadership. I encourage people to look at the merits of their individual candidates and cast their ballots accordingly.

Your REALTOR’s Photos Could be Costing You Thousands!

by WYNN on April 11, 2012

Did you know quality property photos, those taken professionally or with correct lighting, could yield more money for you at closing?

According to a study by the Wall Street Journal and Redfin Corp, a Seattle-based brokerage, properties with professional-grade photos increase the likelihood of being sold.

So when you are considering which real etate agent to represent you, remember to ask if they offer complimentary professional photography as part of their marketing services to you.

Happy Easter Sunday

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. ~Charles M. Crowe

Giving Back:
I was honored to be inducted into the Rotary Club Calgary West on Friday, January 20, 2012. 

What would it take to change the world? 

Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service Above Self. 

In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, you'll find members volunteering in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

You can find out more information on how Rotarians contribute:  @ http://www.rotary.org/en/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Ball Gowns:  British Glamour Since 1950....

Once the preserve of high society glamour and royal circles, the ballgown is now the choice du jour in making an elegant entrance to a fancy do or red-carpet event, and now an exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is to trace the role and evolution of the ballgown over the past 60 years. Interested in reading more? Check it out @: http://www.arbuturian.com/2012/ballgowns-british-glamour

The Shoes Always Tell the Truth!

As the clouds disappear and winter retreats, the invitations for fabulous summer parties, romantic escapades and cocktail soirées begin to arrive. You’re wearing your gorgeous Prada print dress, have your new ‘do’ and perfectly manicured nails, yet for some bizarre reason you’ve decided to sport some seriously ugly footwear and a handbag that even granny wouldn’t collect her pension with. If anything, your accessories are even more important than your clothes and one should definitely invest here. A cheap handbag fraying at the seams is hideous and I imagine it does little for a woman’s confidence. Nothing gives you a boost quite like a luxurious accessory.  Interested in reading more...check it out @ http://www.arbuturian.com/2011/shoes-tell-the-truth

Calgary average house prices soar in last decade

The Calgary housing market has had its ups and downs since the boom a couple of years ago.

But one thing remains clear.

In the past decade, the average MLS sale price in the city has grown by a substantial amount.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average sale price for a single-family home in 2011 was $466,402 while it was $287,172 for a condo.

Rewind to 2001.

The average sale prices were $201,222 for a single-family home and $139,868 for a condo that year.

Quite a jump over the past decade.

The average prices peaked in 2007 at $472,041 (single-family) and $316,401 (condo) and dipped in 2009 to $442,329 and $283,356 before starting to climb again in 2010 and 2011.
 

A challenging year or not go out strong with a smile and scatter happiness!
 

JUST LISTED this Stunning Union Square Penthouse
List Price $2.1M

Stylish, Sophisticated, Modern, Luxurious

JUST SOLD this listing today at 32 Ranchridge - Buyer referral from repeat Client.

Working on finalizing purchase for Buyer referral on 32 Ranchlands Road NW.

Conditionally sold condo to my Buyers at The Acqua, the Leed Platinum Building of the Bridges....Listed at $379,900

Just Listed:  606, 1110 - 11th Street SW, Calgary

Just Listed: Fully furnished (down to the pots and pans) 2 bedroom condo in Stylish Stella - all you need to do is bring your suitcase. Check out the details @ http://www.wynnrealestate.com/listing_detail-5964823.
 

Check out this ASPEN Beauty!

8 Aspen Ridge TC SW

Check it out at:  http://www.calgarycondos.net/listing_detail-5272881.html.  For more information or to schedule a viewing please contact Wynn Alex Carr
Re/Max First listing courtesy of Wynn Alex Carr.
 

Ultimate Urban Style!

 

Captivating view of the Bow River and City Lights...for people who love the city, sophistication and upscale design.

# 2401 1078 6 AV SW - $899,500

Check it out at:  http://www.calgarycondos.net/listing_detail-5195231.html  VIEW INCLUDED! For more information or to schedule a viewing please contact Wynn Alex Carr.  Re/Max First listing courtesy of Wynn Alex Carr.
 

Integrity!

“A building has integrity just like a man. And just as seldom” – Ayn Rand.

I am not as cynical as Ayn Rand, perhaps because I am more of a dreamer…..

But I am too often disappointed by the lack of integrity shown by too many people.

Integrity is a priceless attribute in real estate (and life).

Having integrity is smart business.

Yes, integrity is often put to the test because of a short-term benefit,

But long-term thinking should always trump short-term gain.

Some “smart buyers” lose integrity when it comes to closing a deal.

I’ve been to too many contract signings where the purchaser changes terms – after they were agreed upon, because they have the “seller over a barrel”.

No integrity – but also the last time these people will transact together.

Some “smart sellers” lose integrity when it comes to honoring a deal.

When the market favors their interests, they become penny-wise and pound-foolish by abandoning their agreed deal looking for the last penny from the highest bidder.

No integrity – often resulting in no deal at all.

Some “clever agents” lose integrity when they have a listing that “sells itself”.

They are unresponsive to co-brokers when the request comes, waiting for the full commission that a direct deal may pay.

No integrity – but co-brokers have memories when the tables are turned.

Just this past week, I had someone renege on a prior agreement.

We had a handshake, and an email clarification – which is all one should really need,

(If the person you are dealing with has integrity).

He lost his integrity – and now a bridge has been burned.

Integrity is contagious though, and dealing with people who honor this value is a joy

Source:  Shaun Oscher, Core Real Estate - Selling New York

Italian Feast

Let the Evening Unwind with a Plate of Pasta
and Sides Fit for Sharing

I adore the ease of an Italian supper. A plate of no-frills pasta, a generous pour of wine, and some sides for sharing create an utterly simple tableau that somehow becomes so much greater than the sum of its parts......I hope you enjoy this article!

http://www.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_FEB_11_03/61163/index.html

New Mortgage Lending Rules
Take Effect March 18th, 2011

The new changes to rules regarding the mortgage industry sound big but have a very small impact on the average Canadian. Here is the short version with a longer explanation below.

• Amortization period capped at 30 years for High Ratio Mortgages ( only those over 80% loan to value or with less than 20% down)

• Reduction of government backing for home equity lines of credit (will make it slightly harder to qualify for lines of credit as fewer banks will offer them)

• Maximum refinancing reduced to 85% from 90% LTV (makes people keep more equity in their home)

These rules are for insured mortgages only this does not affect any of the alternative lending sources.

•Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent. This will significantly reduce the total interest payments Canadian families make on their mortgages, allow Canadian families to build up equity in their homes more quickly, and help Canadians pay off their mortgages before they retire.

•Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of the value of their homes. This will promote saving through home ownership and limit the repackaging of consumer debt into mortgages guaranteed by taxpayers.

•Withdraw government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. This will ensure that risks associated with consumer debt products used to borrow funds unrelated to house purchases are managed by the financial institutions and not borne by taxpayers. 

Source: Colin Ward, AMP