If you’re living in a house and especially if you have a garden with a large beautiful tree then you must know how great it can be to just sit outside and relax. This is one of the greatest advantages of owning a house. You can relax in the garden and you can even build a swing which is fun for both children and adults. Building a swing is not difficult. Here are a few ideas that could help. more...

262016 W Eden Park
Gracious Executive Estate

This executive estate exudes graciousness and charm with 12,000 square feet of developed space. You will appreciate the generously sized rooms, the gourmet & prep kitchens, amazing entertainment facilities and sumptuous master bedroom retreat. Host the most elegant parties starting outdoors in your beautifully landscaped yard complete with water feature and elevated terrace with mountain views... more information ›

Luxury Portfolio International® is the luxury face of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest global network of premier locally branded companies dominated by many of the world's most powerful independent luxury brokerages.
CIR REALTY is the only member of Luxury Portfolio in Alberta.

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is this EXCLUSIVE WATERFRONT LOT IN SARASOTA.

Click here to see it.

Decorating with funky, retro flavor is easy and a lot of fun. If you love vintage-inspired pieces and playful nostalgic throwbacks the creating a kitchen dressed in some retro attire may be right up your alley. Fun color combinations, a bit of checkered patterns and maybe even a bit of nooks or crannies dipped in diner wear are all pieces that can come together and make the perfect retro kitchen. Take a look this our quick how-to from our friends at Homedit: click here

Buyer brokerage agreements are becoming more popular. Some real estate offices have mandated them for all their real estate agents to start using. Although this date has been pushed back already, it looks like all realtors will start using buyer brokerage agreements in the near future.

How do Real Estate Commissions Get Paid?

Click here for more...

If you live in a two-story house, stairs are inevitable. But they sure do take up a lot of space — and what to do with that wedge-shaped no-man's-land underneath? A lot of houses have closets in this area, but if you want to go for something a little more creative, Apartment Therapy has some ideas. 

Click here for more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is the GRIFFITH BROOK BARNHOUSE IN VERMONT.

Click here to see it

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is a GORGEOUS LOG STYLE HOME - EDWARDS COLORADO.

Click here to see it

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is an EXQUISITE CUSTOM BUILT HOME in the Ravines of Aspen Estates, Calgary AB.

Click here to see it

Hornung and Jacobi Architecture completed the Hafner House, located in Büschelhof, Germany, in 2012.
The modern home stands in contrast with the verdant countryside that surrounds it, though at the same time it welcomes it by the use of wide glass walls to let natural light indoors.

Click here for more

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is the AUTHENTIC ADOBE HACIENDA, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, USA.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide

The Zone is a professional location studio in London, England.
Covered in glossy white, the space is the perfect blank palette for the carefully chosen color elements that are found in it.

Click here for more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is The Premier Charleston Residence in Charleston, South Carolina USA.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide

Sorry - just had to share these!

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Congratulation to the buyers on their awesome purchase: Raised bungalow on fenced and nicely landscaped corner lot. Front and rear covered decks. Double attached garage and room to park in rear yard  if needed. Very usable open plan with vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light.3 bedrooms up and one down with 3 pc ensuite bath. Lower den can also make a 5th bedroom.Many recent upgrades that include tile flooring,new tile around upstairs fire place,new fireplace down,upper ensuite all redone in tile,new flooring in family room,newer appliances,toilets,water softener, water filter, front stairs, and much more.Basement family room re-done and has huge windows for lots of natural light. Huge back yard with fire-pit and big deck. Insulation in the attic was recently upgraded with blow in insulation. Nice family home on big corner lot. 

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is a French Country Manor in Rocky View, Alberta.

Click here to see it.

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is a Magnificent Mayfair Mansion in London, England.

Click here to see it.

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

"Renovating a home, a change in residence, or even the beginning of a new calendar year — these are usually the times when we're seeking a fresh start and end up rushing out to buy just the right little thing to bring our home to the next level. I'm all for the idea of fresh start, but I think sometimes we don't put much thought into these purchases, often buying on a whim, simply because they aren't our expensive, big-ticket items. Here are some thoughts on when to save — and what it's okay to splurge on."

more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is a World Class Home in Sandton, South Africa.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

From a fireplace in the bathroom to a chandelier above the tub, here are 10 cool and creative designs to transform any ordinary space.

more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is THE CASTLE AT WILLOW BROOK FARM - PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

Dining rooms that have a contemporary design are as popular as ever. Modern and chic areas for entertaining guests will probably never lose their appeal. The modern look does change over time and you need to keep up in order to maintain a contemporary style. Nevertheless, there are some consistent style rules that have been around for while which you should follow, along with the more recent trends. Get your dining room looking right by blending the ultra-fashionable with the more established rules of clean lines and simplicity.

More...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is in BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

It’s amazing to me that the colour blue is so versatile. It can be paired neatly with nearly any colour, it can stand alone, it can read as juvenile or ultra-sophisticated and anywhere in between, it can be harsh or the ultimate comfort. Below are some examples of successful colour combinations that involve the colour blue…probably successful because the pairings have been around in nature forever!

more...

This year add some sparkle to your holiday season with our fav finds for the most fabulous gifts bedecked in brilliant crystal, radiant gold, jewels and more. After all, it's all about bling. And while many of the items in this year's Luxury Portfolio Gift Guide represent true indulgence, really, what better time of year is there to indulge? So check out these iced-out goodies sure to make your holiday list is the talk of the town.

click here for more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio Dream Home of the Week is a palatial mansion in Tenerife.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

If you're tired of the traditional holiday colour palette, check out these modern, festive pieces in a variety of unexpected shades.

read more

This week's Luxury Portfolio dream home is another local one - this time in Calgary, Alberta.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

When it comes to choosing décor for your home, it’s often the simplest choices that end up being the most difficult. A coffee table may seem to be nothing more than a standard piece of furniture – an after-thought once the sofas, chairs and other pieces have been selected. However, after taking into account the many other factors you’ll need to consider, it may become a much bigger job than you’ve anticipated.

Click here to read more.

This week's Luxury Portfolio dream home is a local property, near De Winton, Alberta. 

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

They say bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, so before you consider that bathroom reno, make sure you're doing the right things.

more...

This week's Luxury Portfolio dream home is in San Anselmo, California. Truly a one-of-a-kind property.

Click here to see it

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

Power strips are always a mess. Even with the best cord-control gear, your power strip is probably still something you want to hide away behind the desk or TV stand. But what about by your bedside? Get the best of both worlds — tons of outlets for charging all your gear and the benefits of not having to look at it — by dropping the power strip into your nightstand's top drawer.

More...

The latest LuxeTrends newsletter is available to view right here:

This week's Luxury Portfolio dream home is in La Jolla, California. Take a look & dream away!

Click here

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio International, an exclusive portal of luxury listings worldwide.

The latest edition of the Luxury Portfolio International™ Magazine is now online.

See the latest in luxury living, design trends, architecture, celebrity homes and more!
Enjoy nearly 150 pages of content, beautiful photos and information about the most extraordinary luxury properties in the world.

Read it here

CIR REALTY is a member of Luxury Portfolio & Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Through this affiliation, remember that I can assist you with property purchases or sales virtually anywhere in the world. Just ask, and I'll explain!

The latest edition of the LuxeTrends eNewsletter is now available:

Click here to read it

If you'd like to receive this by mail or email on a regular basis, please contact me and let me know.

OPEN HOUSE TODAY, 1-4pm

27 WESTMOUNT WAY, OKOTOKS

Click here for details of this stunning walkout home

Want to create an outdoor oasis? This article from Luxury Porfolio (the Luxury homes arm of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, of which CIR REALTY is a member) gives some great ideas and links.

Click here: LuxTrends

Amazing new price of $409,900 on this clean, bright, ready to move in family home, steps away from Nose Hill Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and North America.

Check out the details here: http://www.neilstopher.com/listing_detail-7128687.html

Thanks to my clients who helped me get on the Top Producer list for February!

Just sold to my Buyer clients - congratulations!

ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL HOME IN FANTASTIC CONDITION FEATURING SPACIOUS ENTRY LEADING TO FORMAL LIVING/DINING AREAS. WARM AND INVITING KITCHEN WITH UPGRADED STAINLESS APPLIANCES, NEW TRAVERTINE TILE FLOORING AND OPENING INTO THE GREAT ROOM OFFERING OAK BUILT-IN SHELVES SURROUNDING THE FIREPLACE.  UPSTAIRS OFFERS 3 GOOD SIZED BEDROOMS WITH THE MASTER FEATURING A WALK-IN CLOSET AND 5-PCE ENSUITE. THE LOWER LEVEL HAS BEEN FULLY DEVELOPED WITH A BEDROOM, BATH AND HUGE REC ROOM AREA.  OVERSIZED DOUBLE GARAGE IS ATTACHED.  THIS HOME IS ON A HUGE PIE-LOT SUPERBLY LANDSCAPED, FENCED AND BACKING ONTO GREENSPACE.

According to figures released this week by CREB®, 2011 sales finished higher than 2010 for both single family homes and condos in the Calgary area.

Single family home sales for the year totalled 13,186, up 9% on 2010, while condo sales ended the year at 5,382, up 4%. Average sale prices remained fairly stable when compared to 2010, with single family home prices up 1%, at $466,402, and condo prices slipping 1% to $287,172.

Okotoks

In Okotoks, single family sales saw a really positive revival, reaching 438 for the year, up a massive 26% on 2010, while condo sales rose by 4% on the year to total 86. Average sales prices for 2011 came in lower than 2010, with the single family average down 2.5% at $412,429 and condos down 1.4% at $232,003.

Here's looking forward to an even better 2012!

I had a great year in 2011, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of my clients, friends, family and fellow professionals who made it such a great year.

I am always open to helping new clients (and existing ones!) investigate their options in the real estate market. If you have any questions at all (or know of someone that does), please don't hesitate to get in touch.

429 Kanell Drive

Now reduced to $19,500 - check it out by clicking here!

105 Heritage Drive

Now reduced to $42,500 - check it out by clicking here! 

According to figures released this week by CREB®, year to date sales are up for both single family homes and condos in the Calgary area. Single family home sales for the year to date are at 11,503, up 9.9% on the same period last year, while condo sales are at 4,681, up 2.9%. Average sale prices are more stable, with single family home prices up 0.8% year to date to $466,844, and condo prices slipping slightly 0.7% to $288,736.

In Okotoks, single family sales so far in 2011 are at 381, up 10% on the same period last year, although condos are not enjoying the same revival just yet - sales in this category are down 12% for the year to date. Average sales prices are continuing lower than a year ago, with the year to date single family average down 2.1% at $413,875 and condos down 4.1% at $225,773.

If you asked a CIR Realtor what makes CIR Realty different, the answer would be a great corporate culture and access to the most advanced technology in the industry.

The CIR team strives to deliver a great consumer experience by consistently staying one step ahead of industry trends in order to provide efficient and valuable service.

That effort has been recognized by Calgary Herald Readers' Choice voters, making CIR Realty a winner in the Real Estate category.

Read more: Calgary Herald

Buying a home is a huge financial decision. With the average cost of a single family home in Calgary sitting at $468,000 (CIR REALTY Market Statistics, as of 2:40pm October 7th), finding ways to save money on the purchase of a new home is extremely important for the average consumer.

In speaking with Russ Austin, the Office Manager of CIR REALTY’s Northwest Office, I learned that despite the many ways that one may go about trying to save money, there is a widely known, yet often poorly communicated strategy that can save people $25,000 or more on their home purchase.

Let’s say you are looking at purchasing a $300,000 mortgage. You do what most people do and pick a monthly payment plan that works for you and choose a 25 year amortization. On a $300,000 mortgage, your monthly payment works out to $1,578.06 per month. Over the course of 25 years, that means you will end up paying a total of $473,418 on your house.

If you are a person that gets paid every two weeks, you are in a very good position to cut that total cost down by $25,547. How? If you take your monthly payment and divide it by two, you get $789.00. If you pay this amount every two weeks you end up making 26 payments over the course of a year rather than 24 payments. By making these extra two payments a year, you end up paying off your 25 year, $473,418 mortgage in 21 years and 11 ½ months for a cost of only $448,871.00 – a total savings of $25,547. And remember, the higher the interest rate and the larger the mortgage equates to even more money saved using this payment plan.

If you do not get paid every two weeks but twice a month or monthly, in order to achieve the same results, you will have to find a way to make those two extra monthly payments. This can be a money managing issue for some as it means that twice a year, you will have two payments come out in the same pay period. Another way around this would be to add a little bit more onto your monthly payment each month. For example, take the original payment of $1,578.06. In order to achieve a $25,000 savings at the end of your mortgage, you would have to bump up your monthly cost by $135 to $1,713. In addition to the savings, by doing this, your mortgage would be paid off in 22 years. Another option is that most mortgages come with pre payment privileges and people will often have the opportunity to make a lump sum payment at the beginning of each year. Even just making one extra payment of $1,578.06 will knock off some of the compounding interest.

When you are discussing your financial options, your REALTOR should guide you to sit down with your mortgage broker or banker and discuss the different opportunities you have available to you. Although many people purchase at the top end of their budget, having a bit of financial flexibility can often save you thousands of dollars and will grant you a few years where you can turn your mortgage payments into a holiday fund!

Thanks to:

Kirsten Bartlett – CIR REALTY
Marketing Manager

Calgary Herald

Thanks Luke for this testimonial. It was great working with you too!

I really liked his demeanour – the way he presented himself and his bright attitude. He took time, he was committed to me personally and he went the extra mile, even after the deal was complete. Great guy to work with. I really think Neil did everything well and will definitely use him again and refer him.

I had a great experience with you and you didn’t once disappoint me or let me down. I will refer people to you with confidence and I will use you again. I am very impressed and very appreciative of your sincere help and interest in my situation. Of course this is your living and you need to make money but it was clear to me that you weren’t interested in just making a sale to make a buck. You wanted to be sure I would be happy with my home and the price I (paid) for it. I appreciate your input and advice. Thanks VERY much Neil. I look forward to doing business with you again.

More testimonials available here.
 

Just sold this property: This Opportunity to own a home on one of the most prestigious streets in Beautiful Okotoks... Located across from Okotoks Community Rec Center(2 indoor rinks, one outdoor rink,swimming pool, curling rink, Water Park and more), Short walk to Schools.. This home features large Living room and Bright Open Kitchen over looking Dining area with cozy Wood burning fireplace...3 bedrooms up + 1 bedroom, den, rec room with wet bar, full bath in this fully developed lower level...Extensive Renovations in 1995-96..New furnace and hot water tank 1993..recently Stucco Exterior..Underground Sprinklers for easy yard maintenance ... Huge west facing back yard,OVERSIZED DOUBLE DETACHED GARAGE, HEATED/220 VOLT with additional attached Car Port and Alley access...Great location for the ACTIVE FAMILY!...

CREB has just released their housing market update for the rest of 2011:

Following steep declines in 2010 sales, the Calgary residential resale market is on the path to recovery. Single family sales will lead the growth with an anticipated 8 per cent increase in sales. Prices are expected to record a moderate increase, mostly due to an increase in higher-end sales and consumer appetite for somewhat discounted higher-end homes. The improved selection of homes in all price ranges will continue to contribute to the balanced conditions in Calgary’s housing market.

On the condominium side, gains in the market have been slower, due to ramped up supply in the new condominium market and improved selection of single family homes in a wider price distribution. Condominium sales in the second half of 2011 will not be enough to compensate for the declines in the first half of the year, and sales will still be marginally lower than levels recorded in 2010. Average condominium prices will remain steady, matching 2010 levels.

Calling on ALL of my Friends - The deadline for the Calgary Herald Readers Choice awards is July 31st - please click the link below and vote for CIR REALTY for best real estate brokerage. Thank you for your support! www.calgaryherald.com/readerschoice

Just sold this property: "Fantastic acreage property, conveniently close to Okotoks. Exquisite custom home features top quality and workmanship. Rich hardwood, granite, high ceilings, in-floor heating, 2-way fireplace, and more. Deluxe gourmet kitchen, great room, dining room, sun room, and 3 bedrooms on main level. Enormous master bedroom features deluxe ensuite with steam shower. Upper bonus room is ideal for office, or guest area. Triple attached garage, plus detached shop. Landscaped, paved driveway."

Just sold this property: "***BRAND NEW CONDO, NEVER LIVED IN !!! Now is your opportunity to own this NEW two bedroom condo. Master bedroom has a large walkin closet and four piece ensuite. With two full bathrooms, makes it ideal for roommate or guest. All major appliances are included. It has a good size in-suite storage room and of course the much needed heated underground parking. Priced for a quick sale. Call today for your private viewing."

Okotoks turned CIR blue today for the annual Parade, thanks to approximately 1000 CIR Realty balloons!

Click here to see a short video clip of the sight.

"Over 1200 sq ft backing west onto the park. Large South facing yard with 2 decks, fully fenced with a large storage shed. This well maintained unit has 3 beds, 2 baths, lots of closet space, large living room, kitchen / diner, bright and light. Some significant improvements made in 2010, including NEW roof, NEW laundry appliances, NEW living room flooring, NEW alarm system (contract can be assumed). Parking pad for 2 vehicles. Monthly lease includes water, sewer, garbage and basic cable."

Calgary’s own CIR REALTY has just been reported the number one leader in residential home sales in all of Calgary as well as the number one independent brokerage for sales for all of Canada in the new REAL Trends Report released this week.

With 4,317 transactions closed in 2010, locally owned and independent CIR REALTY beat out all other city brokerages. Other competing Calgary brokerages that made the list of REAL Trends top 200 that followed close behind include Re/Max Central, Royal LePage Foothills, Re/Max House and Re/Max House Mountainview.

Ray Stader, Co-Owner and Manager of IT and Finance at CIR REALTY attribute the brokerage’s commitment to technological innovation, 24 hour REALTOR® support and an unsurpassed professional development program to this accomplishment.

“CIR REALTY has positioned itself as a high-tech, high-touch company that prides itself on developing highly educated REALTORS® and giving them the support they need to do their business from wherever it is they are located. Client’s appreciate the efficiency in which our REALTORS® are able to move through the different stages in the estate transaction process, giving them ease of mind and a great experience.”

Stader was fortunate to attend the REAL Trends Conference in Denver last month and is thrilled that as an industry leader, REAL Trends continues to provide the most trusted and accurate residential brokerage research in the business.

“The information that REAL Trends is able to provide regarding the residential real estate industry across North America is crucial to the continual growth and improvement of CIR REALTY and other brokerages,” Stader says.

CIR REALTY has over 700 REALTORS®, staff and management spread over four Calgary offices and 11 satellite offices outside of the City. The brokerage has been family owned and operated since 1983.

I've just added testimonials from some more of my wonderful clients. Check them out here!

Just sold this property:

FABULOUS HOME SET ON 5 ACRES WITH AWESOME MOUNTAIN VIEWS & LARGE WORKSHOP. This home has lovely upgrades throughout. The high end kitchen with tonnes of cabinet space, pot drawers, undercounter lights, central island & exquisite tilework, doors lead onto the large deck with fabulous country views. The living room has gorgeous mountain views & is a great place to relax! The large master has walk through closet & ensuite with lovely soaker tub. The other 2 bedrooms on this level are a good size & have hardwood floors. There is also a spacious dining area, den & bathroom on this level. In the walkout basement there is a huge family/games room,a 4th bedroom,4 piece bathroom & large laundry room with sink. There is also an attached triple heated garage. The 1200 sq ft SHOP IS AMAZING WITH INFLOOR HEATING, OFFICE AND BATHROOM. It has airlines, fixed benches & cabinets & is a handyman's dream! Conveniently located between Okotoks & Black Diamond - must view to appreciate this great home!