With its two biggest cities close together, Alberta is the perfect destination for almost every touring musician. For the people who live in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region this means that some of the world’s biggest musical acts are only a quick drive away. Here are five of the biggest concerts and live events coming to the Edmonton Area this October:

Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival

Edmonton’s big music fest, the Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival takes over the city during the Thanksgiving weekend. From October 10-12 the downtown area is transformed as multiple venues host a variety of independent musicians and artists. This year’s festival is headlined by The Constantines, Red Fang and Less Than Jake with new acts added every day.

Sarah McLachlan

October 29 is a big day in Edmonton as Canada’s own Sarah McLachlan arrives for a special performance during her Shine On Tour. The 21 time Juno Award nominee and founder of the Lilith Fair festival brings her hit songs Building a Mystery, Sweet Surrender, I Will Remember You and Adia to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.  News from TicketMaster:  a second show has been added for October 20.

The Pixies

Take a trip back to the 80s with one of the decade’s most influential bands, even if it took two decades for them to realize it. The Pixies disbanded in 1993 and didn’t reunite until 2004 to a very positive reaction from fans. On October 6 they will be at the Shaw Conference Centre to perform their unique sound to a mix of fans, both original ones and new ones, with Royal Blood as their opener.

Demi Lovato

If you have teen or tween daughters then there is a good chance you already have tickets to this event. If not, prepare for a lot of pleading and last minute ticket buying. The star of the Disney Channel show Sonny With a Chance will be making her visit to the Rexall Place on October 4 with a group of young artists to perform under her. Get your tickets soon because this one is destined to sell out.

Pure: A Night in White

The Edmonton area isn’t only home to conventional music, as the Pure: A Night in White dance festival makes its 5th consecutive visit to the city. While most music lovers will spend the Thanksgiving weekend at the Up + Down Music Festival, fans of EDM will dress in their best white outfit for this themed electronic dance fest, October 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Cities and towns like Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, and many others in the Edmonton area, have the benefit of being a quick drive away from the big city. This is one of the reasons the communities around Edmonton continue to grow. I have a lot of experience with these neighbourhoods and always make myself available to talk about new real estate opportunities. Please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Investing in real estate can boost the value of your financial portfolio in several ways while also giving you flexibility. People will always need housing, and depending on your goals, you may decide to use your second home as a rental property or simply renovate and flip it. There are lots of great homes in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying one as an investment property.

Housing Values Tend to Rise

Buying real estate is a good investment because the value of a property tends to appreciate over the long-term – sometimes at a rate of as high as 6 percent per year. In Edmonton, the total value of all property sold went up by 15.3 percent from June 2013 to June 2014, according to the REALTORS Association of Edmonton. Buying an investment property in Edmonton is a great way to take advantage of rising property values.

Diversify Within The Sector

Real estate can diversify your portfolio by putting money in something other than stocks or bonds. Even within your real estate portfolio, though, you can diversify even further.

When you start purchasing investment properties, you may decide to put part of your money toward single-family homes, part of your money toward duplexes, and part of your money toward acreages. Investing your money in different kinds of real estate means that if one market does poorly, you can still recover.

Hold the Property in a Trust

When real estate is held in a trust, it may be possible to hand that property down to future generations. This means that an investor’s children or grandchildren will be able to take advantage of a mature revenue stream to pay for college or other living expenses.

Property placed in a trust or a retirement account may also enable the property to grow in value while shielding those gains from some or all capital gains taxes. Over the course of many years or decades, this savings could be in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Someone Else Can Manage it for the Owner

Those who don’t have the time or skills to do repairs or otherwise manage a property can hire someone to do it for them. This can free up your time to focus on your investments, even if you don’t have a lot of experience maintaining homes or commercial property.

For those who may live in another part of the country, being able to have someone else oversee the upkeep of the property and manage tenant needs ensures that your responsibilities as a landlord are being met. If a tenant’s minimum needs are not met, that tenant may be able to leave the property without paying current or future rent. Having a caretaker or property manager means you get a great income stream without the hassle.

If you’re looking for a house that you can rent out to tenants, the Edmonton area is a great rental market where you can turn a profit. Buying an investment property can sometimes get complicated, but an experienced real estate agent can coach you through the process.

For more information about investing in real estate, or to find your next great investment property, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Golf lovers in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region rave about one of Alberta’s best golf courses: Stony Plain Golf Course. With 18 holes of professional level golfing, Stony Plain Golf Course has quickly become a go-to course for Albertans when the season rolls around. Here are five reasons to check it out before the cold weather interrupts.

Some of Alberta’s Best Golfing

The 18 championship holes at Stony Plain Golf Course are some of the best in Alberta. People travel from around the province to compete in tournaments held at the course. There is a driving range and practice areas for both short game and putting and official leagues for different ages and talent levels. They have made it easy for both locals and visitors to compete and enjoy everything the course has to offer.

A Free Junior Course for Young Golfers

A 4-hole loop is offered free of charge for anybody under the age of 10 to enjoy. With oversized holes and small to medium length fairways, the course doesn’t rush the kids or make it too hard on them. This gives kids the chance to learn the basics of the sport with their friends while their parents use the rest of the course.

Revenue is Used to Help Stony Plain Residents

Even though the entire course is owned and operated by the town of Stony Plain, no public money is used to fund it. The course is so successful that over $100,000 a year is taken from the money they make and put directly into the Stony Plain Tax Levy Stabilization Fund. This means that every resident will benefit from the money brought in by all the tournaments and rounds of golf played at the course.

Fully Equipped For More Than Golfing

The course has more than just golfing. There is a full pro shop and a restaurant and lounge that is open all year round, even when the course is closed. There is a meeting facility and banquet hall that can fit up to 160 people and can be used for many different events or parties.

Offers Great Tournament Services

The Stony Plain Golf Course is able to organize tournaments for groups as small as 12 or as large as 144. Their package includes everything a group would need to put on their own golfing tournament. Not only are professional tournaments held here regularly but also many small tournaments, for nothing more than bragging rights, often take place between friends and co-workers. This is a perfect idea for a unique birthday gift or bachelor party.

The Stony Plain Golf Course is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great services for residents. I’m always available to talk about the benefits of living in Stony Plain to anybody interested in getting more information on the community. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, you may have come across a common question, which leads to a big decision: Should I purchase a brand new or used home? This is a common question that virtually all homebuyers have, but it leads to two processes that are significantly different. When making this decision for yourself, be sure to consider these key differences in the purchasing process when it comes to buying brand new versus used real estate.

The Presale Process: Buying New Before Completion

One of the key differences when it comes to looking at brand new properties across Edmonton’s sought-after neighbourhoods, such as Parkland County acreages and Edmonton acreages, boils down to one thing: options.

Many times when searching for a brand new home you will find that you have many options to purchase a home in a development or subdivision that is not yet complete. This is referred to as purchasing a “presale” because you are buying the home before it is actually complete. Benefits to this purchasing decision are that the buyer often has more control over the finishes and customization of the home’s interior and gets to be the first owner of the home, while some drawbacks revolve around the legalities of the contract with the developer, as well as how much work you as the new owner will have to do (e.g., finishing a basement or adding landscape features, such as a deck, driveway, fence, trees, etc.). Often the completion date of unfinished developments is delayed significantly due to a number of factors, and market conditions can shift drastically during this time.

Brand New Versus Used: Consider the Taxes

Another key factor to keep in mind when looking for brand new Spruce Grove real estate is that taxes are applicable. Sometimes the sales price quoted to you from the builder or developer will include the GST, but just be sure to confirm this with them, and get the bottom line. Also be sure to consider your applicable tax rebate; most homebuyers purchasing a brand new home qualify for a rebate of 36% of the GST for a purchase price of up to $350,000, with a sliding scale between $350,000 and $450,000. An advantage of used homes is that there is no GST.

Maintenance on New Versus Used

When comparing your Stony Plain real estate with your Parkland County real estate, and considering new versus used homes, you should also consider the upkeep and maintenance of each. Under Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act, all new construction comes with a warranty that covers the labour and materials of the home for one year, the plumbing and electrical for two years, and the building envelope for five years. Warranty won’t be one of the benefits of buying a used home, but a comprehensive understanding of the home’s general upkeep over a longer range of time might be one benefit unseen in buying brand new.

Keeping in mind the various benefits and drawbacks of each of the options, you should be able to make an educated decision on what route fits you best. Once you’ve made your choice between new and used, you’ll simply have to choose your area, and get shopping!

I am always happy to answer your Edmonton real estate purchasing questions, and can certainly help you clarify the new versus used buying process. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re selling your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton region, it’s important to ensure that you make it look appealing to buyers. Increasing your home’s appeal will make buyers more likely to put down an offer – and can even boost the final selling price. Even something as simple as lighting can increase your home’s resale value. Take advantage of these lighting tips to make your home sale quick and profitable.

Outdoor Lighting: It’s All About Curb Appeal

Use outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s appearance and create an alluring atmosphere. Adding lighting to landscaped areas creates interesting contrasts of light and shadow that will catch your buyers’ eyes. You can add emphasis to landscaping by using uplighting for trees and shrubbery. Adding mood lighting to a patio area makes it appear more welcoming. Lighting dark areas of your property is also a good security measure, and it may prevent someone from slipping or falling. Individual solar lights can be installed along a walkway for safety and to improve the appearance of the property.

Entryway Lighting: First Impressions Count

The first impression anyone has of your home is when they walk through the front door. One of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and add to its appeal is by making simple cosmetic changes to the interior. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give your home a fresh, new look. A chandelier in a large foyer makes a dramatic impression. It can be simple or elaborate, depending on your decor. An entryway table with a decorative lamp and soft lighting is also a nice touch.

Kitchen Lighting: Practicality is Key

Kitchens usually have plenty of overhead lighting, but not enough light for specific tasks like cutting or washing food. Direct lighting in specific areas makes it easier to see when preparing food, which makes your kitchen more functional. Fluorescent lighting is easy to install underneath kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen the practical lighting it needs.

Ceiling Fans: Lighting With Style

Ceiling fans with installed light fixtures can be placed in any room and are easy to install. The vast array of styles makes it easy to find ceiling fans that complement your home’s decor. Not only do they provide more light, but they also increase the airflow through your home.

Lighting Living Spaces: Use Full Spectrum Bulbs for a Richer Environment

The living room or family room is where families spend a lot of their leisure time. Overhead lighting is a good choice for entertaining, but if you want an atmosphere that’s more relaxing, you can use lamps containing full spectrum bulbs. Full spectrum light bulbs are bulbs that mimic the appearance of natural light. Dimmer switches in the living areas are perfect for times when a lot of light isn’t necessary. When selling your home, show it off to its advantage by taking advantage of natural light, especially if you have a nice view.

Lighting for Dark Areas: Soft Lights Add Nuance

If you don’t already have them, install dimmer switches in your bedrooms to achieve a comforting, relaxing appearance. Use soft lighting in bedside lamps. Softer lights can make dark areas of your home feel more cozy and inviting. You can buy decorative night lights to add atmosphere to a darkened hallway.

The proper lighting has the ability to transform any living space and make it more appealing. With the right lighting in every room, you can make your home more appealing to buyers – and you might even sell it for a higher price.

I am always available to answer questions you may have about enhancing the resale value of your home.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re a resident of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, you should know that there are many opportunities to get involved in the local community and have some fun. Edmonton’s Community League Day is coming this September, and it’s not an event you want to miss. On September 20th, come out to Community League Day and find out why your local Edmonton community league is “Where Neighbours Meet & Great Things Happen.”

About the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues sponsors this city-wide event, which is held every year on the third Saturday of September. Edmonton’s community leagues are the oldest and most active in Canada. The EFCL was founded in 1921 with one neighbourhood group, and has expanded over the years. Today, there are 147 chapters of community leagues all over Edmonton.

The leagues are all volunteer organizations that focus on creating recreation opportunities in Edmonton. They’ve been responsible for sports fields, community activity halls, and ice skating rinks. Some of the most popular organizations in Edmonton, including the Community Police Radio Network, School Patrols, and Neighbourhood Watch, began with the Edmonton Community Leagues.

League Sponsored Family Events

The biggest event of the year for the EFCL is the Community League Day, although various community leagues throughout the city sponsor family events all year-round. Family days and winter carnivals are fun activities for families and include curling, hockey, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Participants are treated to hot dogs, chili, and hot chocolate around a fire pit, followed by fireworks.

Community League Day on September 20

The annual Community League Day on  Saturday, September 20, promises to be fun and exciting for the entire family. Check with the community league in your neighbourhood to find a schedule of the day’s events. You can expect Edmonton to celebrate this day with lots of fun family activities, like Fall festivals, car shows, street dances, bike rodeos, corn roasts, beer gardens, barbecues, pancake breakfasts, and much more.

The Edmonton Annual Community League Day gives families the opportunity to participate in all the celebrations throughout the city, but it also give residents a chance to celebrate Canada’s multicultural heritage with lots of cultural activities.

What to Expect at Community League Day

Community League Day is set to host lots of great fun like live entertainment, balloon animals, face painting, dog agility demonstrations, dancing, horse-drawn wagon rides, and lots of games for the kids. The annual event has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned fall festival. The 2014 celebration kicks off at 9:00 AM, and ends at 11:45 PM on September 20. Make sure to come early to enjoy all the day’s festivities in your neighbourhood. There’s sure to be plenty of fun activities, music, live entertainment, and great street food to enjoy.

Edmonton’s 2014 Community League Day is sure to be good, wholesome fun. You can join the festivities at one location or plan to visit several around the city.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about events in our region.  For more information about Community League Day or any of the other events Edmonton hosts, please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.