Three Home Automation Technologies That Will Increase the Resale Value of Your Edmonton Area House

June 20th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Three Home Automation Technologies That Will Increase the Resale Value of Your Edmonton Area House | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamIf you’re in the process of listing your Spruce Grove real estate, Parkland County real estate, Stony Plain real estate or other Edmonton real estate for sale, it is important to make property improvements that buyers are looking for and that will increase resale value. There is nothing worse than making a home modification or a property upgrade that will not offer you any return on your investment in the form of a larger offer. Some of the more popular upgrades to consider when you want a return involve modern home automation. Here are three home automation technologies that will bring your home into the 21st century while attracting buyers.

Appeal to a Buyer’s Desire for Safety with a Home Automation Security System

Home buyers who are looking to buy highly valued Parkland County acreages or other Edmonton acreages want to know that they will be safe and secure on their property. When you are selling a property, it is all about appealing to the buyer’s emotions, and all buyers want comfort and safety. The first home automation system all sellers should consider installing in their home is a security system. With the right home automation monitoring equipment, including alarms and security cameras, you can give all buyers setting foot on the property a feeling of relief as you show them how you can control, arm, disarm and view the property from a remote device installed with the home automation app.

More Dramatic and Efficient Lighting Systems

Selling your home or your acreage is all about making that first impression. Not only does your property need curb appeal, it needs to appeal to the growing market of energy efficient buyers that exists today. Home automation lighting systems are becoming the new craze, and these systems will offer you a return in two very different ways. The dramatic lighting dimming effects that you can dress your home with will set a mood to capture attention, and the energy efficient qualities of the system will reinforce just how great the home automation technology is.

Decluttering The Property With Whole Home Entertainment

More and more households are ditching the wires and the clutter of electronics and remote controls that once lined cabinets and cluttered tabletops. Cables have become eyesores and speakers needed in every room have become an unnecessary expense. If you are targeting a tech-savvy buyer who wants a whole-home automation entertainment system that allows them to ditch the wires and all of those remotes, this is a technology to add to your home. The speakers will be hidden in your ceiling, screens will be cleverly mounted, and buyers will pay attention to your tech-savvy listing.

Every seller wants to set a sales record and get the best offer on their home. To make this happen, you need to choose to invest in upgrades and updates that will bring your dated property into the 21st century while still ensuring it has character.

If you need help deciding which updates are best, I am always willing to help answer any home-related questions that you might have.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Looking for a Summer DIY Project? Building a Beautiful Wooden Fence in Seven Easy Steps

June 16th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Looking for a Summer DIY Project_ Building a Beautiful Wooden Fence in Seven Easy Steps | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry Twynam

 

Looking for an easy and fun way to add some sweat equity to your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region? Building a wooden fence is a great way to add beauty and value to any home. Here’s your DIY guide to building a wooden fence for your yard in seven easy steps.

Decide What Type of Wooden Fence You Want

There are many types of wooden fences to choose from, and each requires different building methods. The best way to make your decision is to focus on what the main purpose of your fence will be. If you simply want to add some character to your property, a white picket fence might be just the ticket, but if you’re concerned about keeping out street noise or keeping a large dog in your yard, you’ll want to consider building something much taller.

Make Sure Your Fence Complies With Local Bylaws

Before you start building your fence, it’s important to ensure that your fence complies with local government regulations. If you build a fence that’s declared illegal by the local government, your fence could be torn down. Many municipalities require that you apply for a permit before building anything along your property line. It’s also important to check with the local authorities to make sure you won’t be coming into contact with any water, gas, or electrical lines when you dig your post holes.

Find the Right Materials

Your choice of fence style should help you determine which materials you’ll want to use. Be sure to pick something strong as well as stylish, as you’ll want to ensure that your fence is able to stand up to just about anything Mother Nature can throw at it.

Find and Mark Your Corners and Support Posts

When it comes time to build your fence, the first thing to do is mark where your corner and middle posts will be. Stake your corners and use a square level to make sure your corners are 90 degrees. Then tie strings between your stakes and measure out where your support posts will be. Generally you’ll want your support posts to be 8 inches or less apart. Measure so that you have an equal distance between each support post and each corner post if possible.

Dig Your Post Holes and Secure Your Posts

Once you’ve got your post positions marked you can start digging. You’ll want to bury at least one third of the length of each post underground, so you’ll need some fairly deep holes. Use instant concrete to hold your posts in place, and cover the remainder of the hole with dirt once the concrete has dried.

Build Your Fence Frame

Now you can attach horizontal support rails to your fence between each post. These are typically constructed using 2x4s. Depending on the size of your fence, you’ll probably want at least two or three support rails per section.

Add and Treat Your Privacy Boards

The final step is to add your vertical wooden strips or “privacy boards.” These boards are what will give your fence its final look. Choose a style that suits your property and pick a colour or stain that you think will complement the look of the fence.

There you have it! A brand new fence in seven simple steps. Of course you’ll want to do some careful measuring and planning before getting too carried away, and you might want to talk to a builder or property expert if you’ve never built a fence before.

If you’re wondering about what type of fence would best enhance the value of your property, or if you’d like to know anything else about Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, Parkland County real estate, Edmonton real estate, Parkland County acreages, or Edmonton acreages, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

The First Time Landlord Guide: The Five-Minute Rundown of Your Obligations and Rights

June 9th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

The First Time Landlord Guide- The Five-Minute Rundown of Your Obligations and Rights | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamIf you’re about to become a landlord in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, it’s important to get your ducks in a row. Under the law, landlords and tenants both have certain rights that must be respected and certain responsibilities that need to be fulfilled. Not knowing or understanding the laws that affect you as a landlord can bring legal problems down the road. It doesn’t matter if you own Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, or Edmonton acreages—knowing your rights and responsibilities as a landlord is vital. Here’s what you need to know about the laws that influence landlord-tenant relationships.

Landlords’ Obligations Toward Tenants: Privacy, Prompt Repairs, and Eviction Notices

If you are the landlord of a rental unit in the province of Alberta, you have certain obligations toward your tenants that you must fulfill. Though you own the rental unit, you must give your tenants their privacy. You may enter your rental unit uninvited if you give your tenants 24 hours notice, and if you have a valid reason for being in the rental unit. Valid reasons include inspection, repairs, and showing the unit to potential new tenants if your current tenants are moving out. You may enter the unit between 8 AM and 8 PM, but not on holidays or on a day the tenant considers a religious day of worship.

You must also keep the rental unit in good condition. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to repair anything that breaks as a result of normal use or wear and tear. You are also responsible for any plumbing and heating repairs that are needed during a tenancy. You must make sure that your rental unit’s heater can keep the unit at a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius at all times.

If you decide to evict your tenant, you must give your tenant early notice. Notices of eviction or rent increases must be given to tenants in writing. When you serve an eviction notice, you must serve it either in person, by certified or registered mail, or (if the tenant is avoiding you) by posting the notice somewhere the tenant is highly likely to see it.

Landlords’ Rights in Tenancy Agreements: Timely Rent Payments, Respectful Tenants, and the Right of Eviction

As a landlord, you have several rights in dealing with tenants. You have the right to receive rent payments on time. You also have the right to rent your suite to tenants who act respectfully toward you, who do not cause damage, and who do not create noise issues. If your tenants fall behind on the rent, you can evict them with a 14-day notice; there is no required grace period for late rent. You can also use a 14-day notice to evict tenants who are causing noise problems. If your tenant has caused significant damage to the rental unit or has attacked you, you may evict them with a 24-hour notice. You are allowed to evict tenants during the winter months.

Consequences for Failing to Meet Expectations

If you fail to meet your expectations under the law, your tenant may take you to provincial court or open a case with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service. The RTDRS is a faster and less expensive option than filing a lawsuit, and it can award amounts up to $25,000. As the RTDRS is a provincial government branch, any decision that is made in dispute resolution is legally binding. Your tenant may complain to the Alberta Ministry of Health or a government health inspector if you do not take care of bug problems, heat outages, and other health threats once you become aware of them. Your tenant can also complain to Alberta Health Services if they find you are using (or have used) the rental unit for illegal drug production.

If you’re looking to rent Parkland County real estate or a property in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, or Edmonton, it’s important that you know your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Being informed is the best way to make sure that you follow the law and avoid the problems that come with violation of tenancy rights.

For more expert advice or to list your property, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Nextfest 2014: Your Guide to Edmonton’s Next Generation Arts Festival June 5-15, 2014

May 30th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Nextfest 2014 Your Guide to Edmonton's Next Generation Arts Festival June 5-15, 2014 | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamAs a resident of Parkland County, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove or the Edmonton area, you surely have an exciting and nature-filled lifestyle full of plenty of opportunities to enjoy your surroundings. With beautiful areas like Parkland County acreages and Edmonton acreages just waiting to be explored, the opportunities are endless, and with NextFest Art Festival just around the corner, this assertion couldn’t be more true! Here’s your guide to Edmonton’s Next Generation 2014 Arts Festival, happening from June 5 to 15 this year.

What Is NextFest?

From June 5 to 15 this year, ramp up for one of the most fun and exciting arts festival you’ve ever seen. Over 11 days, you can visit the creative works of over 500 artists and over 50 art-related events. With daring and engaging artwork from the realms of visual art, dance, film, music, and theatre, you’ll get the chance to meet and interact with emerging local artists while enjoying the entertainment their artwork provides.

Where Is NextFest?

NextFest will take Edmonton by storm during its 11-day run in a variety of different locations and venues. With the confirmed schedule still pending, some of the venues you can expect to visit during NextFest to get a first glance of the visual art, music, dance, and theatre performances include Atomic Zombie Art Gallery, The Roxy Theatre, The Artery, and Garneau Theatre in Edmonton.  Visit the NextFest website for the most current information.

Who Are the NextFest Artists?

If you’re wondering what type of talent and emerging artists you can expect to come across at NextFest, you’ll be surprised at the range of artists you’ll find. From graduates and current students of the University of Alberta to professionals in their specific field of art, you’ll find a range of expertise and talent at NextFest. While the majority of the artists are local to Edmonton (born and raised), some of the talent group hails from the West coast and other parts of Canada.

What Are the Events at NextFest?

The art-world events are nearly limitless at NextFest, with opportunities for everyone to enjoy, both the artistically inclined as well as the art enthusiasts. NextFest NiteClubs, a series of events at The Artery, are just a few of the options, offering multi-disciplinary performance parties in the themes of a political revolution, fright night, and risqué cabaret evening. Poetry readings, award ceremonies, and theatre performances are a few more of the exciting opportunities at NextFest this year.

Regardless of which area of Edmonton you live in, from Edmonton acreages to Parkland County acreages and surrounding cities and towns, you shouldn’t miss NextFest this year. As a perfect way to kick start your summer and inspire your inner art enthusiast, NextFest brings with it all of the artistically inclined opportunities you’ve been waiting for.

For more information and specific questions about Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, or Parkland County real estate, feel free to call me! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

“How much money should I plan to spend on home maintenance?”

May 28th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

“How much money should I plan to spend on home maintenance?” | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamWhether you own your Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or Edmonton area home for months or decades, there will come a time when you will need to sell it. Wise home owners know that the value in their property, and their enjoyment of their home, can slide in a hurry if maintenance and repairs are neglected. What’s more, failing to deal with problems as they occur may result in much bigger, more expensive and more urgent repairs later on. That little patch of damp showing up on the ceiling today could lead to a major and expensive whole roof re-do in a few months.

Home maintenance and repair falls into two categories:

Minor ongoing repairs: Basic everyday upkeep includes replacing burnt-out light bulbs, oiling squeaky hinges on doors, tightening loose cabinet handles, repairing leaky faucets or slow drains, changing the furnace filter, patching the driveway, and a long list of things that need to be done to keep your property in show home condition. These pesky things are easy to ignore, but potential buyers will be unlikely to offer top dollar for a property with many small but visible faults.

Major once in a while repairs: The second kind of repair is needed when essential systems break down or wear out, sometimes without warning and at inconvenient times: the furnace quits, the sewer backs up, the hot water tank leaks, roof shingles wear out and no longer keep water from entering the house, wooden window frames rot out, the springs in your automatic garage door give out, and so on. If you live in your home long enough, you will probably experience all of these situations and others, and these items are often expensive to fix.

So, how do you go about budgeting for everything that will eventually need to be repaired or replaced in, on or around your home?

There are several methods to do this, but all involve setting aside a certain amount of money every year.

1. The 1% Rule. Reserve each year one per cent of the purchase price of your home (or the appraised value of your home as per your annual property tax assessment). Home valued at $350,000? Budget for maintenance costs of $3,500 annually. Maybe you won’t need to spend that much every year, but you’ll be glad you saved the excess year over year when the big catastrophic expenses hit.

2. The Square Foot Rule. Every year set aside $1 per square foot of finished space in your home. 1,200 square foot bungalow with finished basement? Budget for about $2,000 to $2,500 per year. You may also want to take into account the square footage of a garage, garden shed and the like.

3. The Systems Approach. More complicated but possibly more accurate than the previous two suggestions, this method is based on the 7 systems found in each home: outside structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), drainage/landscaping. Consider all the minor maintenance and major repairs that could be done on each system and calculate an annualized amount for each. Luckily, this work has already been done by Romana King in her article “The Ultimate Home Maintenance Guide”, published in the magazine Money Sense. Her conclusion is that, depending on the size and age of your home, you should plan to budget $900 to $2,500 per year for basic maintenance, and an additional $3,500 to $7,300 for big items. This means annual cost of upkeep could range from $4,500 to $10,000 per year.

No matter how you calculate it, looking after your home can be costly. If you take care of minor repairs as they’re needed and plan ahead for the inevitable replacement of systems, costs will be spread out throughout the time you own your home. You’ll be able to enjoy your lovely home without worrying that the roof will, literally, fall in, and when it comes time to sell, your well-maintained home will return a good price.

Whether you’re looking to buy a pristine new home with nothing to do but move in, or you’re a handyman looking for a fixer-upper, I can help! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Budgeting Tips to Help You Save for Your First Home in Stony Plain

May 22nd, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Budgeting Tips to Help You Save for Your First Home in Stony Plain | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamNow is the perfect time to be looking for property in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region! Particularly in Spruce Grove real estate and Stony Plain real estate, the housing market is looking positive and there is a lot of inventory for first time homebuyers looking to get that perfect home in a small city. If you really want to take advantage of the Stony Plain real estate market right now and get the keys to your very first home, there are a few quick budgeting adjustments you can make that will get you into a house that you own. Here are a few great money-saving tips to help you save up that down payment.

Make Your Own Lunches

Many people don’t realize this, but you could free up a lot of your money by making your own lunches and at-work snacks at home rather than buying them during the workday. A ten dollar lunch and a five dollar a day coffee habit add up to $300 over the course of a month. Train yourself to make your lunch at home the night before and keep it in the fridge. You can also consider bringing leftovers to work for lunch. Bring lots of snacks for the morning and late afternoon so that you don’t feel the need to go out and buy more food. Once you get into the habit of making your own food, you’ll love how your savings steadily increase.

Make Small Trips Instead of Big, Expensive Ones

Travel is a big expense and one that people who are saving for a house usually cut. People are often slow to cut down on travel because they somehow get the idea that there is nowhere amazing to go near Stony Plain or Parkland County real estate. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Use this time to explore smaller places near Parkland County acreages that are off the beaten trail. Athabasca and Wabamun are both within an hour from Stony Plain, and are great places to go camping if you’re the outdoor type. If you want something a bit more adventurous, try heading to Jasper for a night, or road tripping to Kelowna, where you can easily find a low-cost hostel for a few nights.

Track Your Expenses: There’s an App for That

One of the best ways to watch your budget is to track your expenses with a money management app. Mint is a great budget app and website that will let you manage all of your accounts and credit cards in one place. Mint is one of the web’s most popular personal finance tools, and it has many great features that you can use to stick to your budget. The app will send you weekly reminders of your goals and the progress you are making. Financial goals are always easier to meet when you pay close attention to them, and this website can help you do just that.

Now is a great time to buy a place in Stony Plain. Even if you think you’re not quite ready to buy a home, if you begin to budget you may notice that you’re actually not that far away. Starting a few healthy habits and tracking your progress is critical in meeting your financial goals.

For more great home buying advice, or for information on Edmonton real estate or Edmonton acreages, feel free to call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Summer Fun from the Spruce Grove Ag Society

May 16th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Summer Fun from the Spruce Grove Ag Society | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamOur short summers in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton area make for a couple of very busy months for most of us, as we cram in all the fun that we can!

Even if you already have a long list of things to do this summer, you’ll want to take part in these three events sponsored by the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society.

  • Flapjacks at the Tracks – Pancake Breakfast:  Saturday, July 19, 8-11 AM.  Come out to the Grain Elevator and be served a delicious breakfast by local dignitaries.
  • Farm and Heritage Carnival:  Saturday, August 16, noon – 4 PM.  Bring the kids for corn on the cob, hotdogs and hamburgers, together with a ton of old-fashioned fun in various contests and competitions.
  • Harvest Fair:  Saturday, September 20, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.  Celebrate important aspects of our local agricultural industry at the Grain Elevator site which will be transformed into a farm and old-fashioned playground.

These events not only add to the culture and entertainment in our city, but they raise funds for the Ag Society’s projects.  These projects include maintenance of the Grain Elevator and the restored Water Tower, allowing the Society to keep alive our local history and agricultural heritage.  Future projects include constructing a building which resembles a period train station that will house the Spruce Grove Archives, the Museum, a café, a gift shop and a conference room.

Hosting friends and relatives this summer in our local area?  In 2013 over 4000 visitors from around the world visited the Grain Elevator Museum and Archives.  Show off some of what our city has to offer by bringing your guests to participate in the Ag Society’s events!

If you’d like to learn more about the many things happening all year round in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Edmonton Real Estate 101: the Most Common FAQ’s About Secondary Suites

May 13th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Edmonton Real Estate 101- the Most Common FAQs About Secondary Suites | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamIn the hunt for a new home so far you’ve covered Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, Parkland County real estate, Edmonton real estate, Parkland County acreages and Edmonton acreages. That’s quite a bit of land to cover, but for good reason. There’s one feature in particular you’re looking for in your new home: a secondary suite.

What Is a Secondary Suite?

A secondary suite is a section of a single detached house that contains all of the features of an apartment, like a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom and a living space that remains separated from the main house. Basement apartments are a common example of this type of living space.

What Size Should It Be?

According to Edmonton bylaws, a secondary suite should be at least 30 m² (about 325 square feet) and no more than 70 m² (about 750 square feet). In total, the main house and the secondary suite should be at least 360 m² (3875 square feet).

What Are the Advantages to Owning a Home With a Secondary Suite?

The biggest advantage of purchasing a home with a secondary suite is being able to rent out the unit. Depending on how the space has been divided, most suites can accommodate one or two people. The rent collected on the suite can serve as additional income for homeowners, which is a fantastic way to supplement mortgage payments. Adding a secondary suite can also be beneficial when it comes time to sell your home. Houses with secondary suites usually have a higher property value compared to other houses of a similar size. With a secondary suite, you’ll earn more on the sale.

Are There Any Restrictions to Be Aware Of?

As with most major renovations, zoning restrictions and certain bylaws act as guidelines for building and maintaining a legally sound secondary suite. Check zoning policies for your location to determine how they will impact your situation. In general, there are a few standard rules with which a secondary suite should comply. First, only single detached homes may contain a secondary suite. Second, the suite must fulfill all fire code regulations upon inspection.

Does Owning a Secondary Suite Impact My Taxes?

The short answer is, yes, it does. If you chose to rent out the suite and take on tenants, the rent money collected must be documented with the CRA as earned income when it comes time to file your income taxes for the year.

Is City Funding Available for Suite Renovations?

There are certain grants and funding options available for homeowners seeking to either add a secondary suite to their home or renovate an existing suite. Upon receiving approval and funding, renovated suites will be subject to inspection by city officials to confirm that fire code and building code regulations are met.

Secondary suites are the next wave in creating affordable housing solutions for homeowners and renters.

Have more questions about secondary suites that need answering? Bring them to me! I would be more than happy to discuss any issues related to home ownership and Alberta real estate. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

 

Citizen Canine: Off-Leash Dog Parks in Spruce Grove

May 5th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Citizen Canine- Off-Leash Dog Parks in Spruce Grove | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamDo you own Spruce Grove real estate, Stony Plain real estate, Parkland County real estate, Edmonton real estate, or one of the many Parkland County acreages or Edmonton acreages, or other real estate in the Edmonton area? Are you looking for a great place to let your dog off-leash in one of those areas? Well, below is a summary of Spruce Grove’s off-leash dog parks to get you started. The Spruce Grove off-leash parks are easily accessible from all of the above areas. Your little four- legged friend will surely thank you for the wide opens space to run around!

Experience Cpl. Jim Galloway Memorial Off Leash Area

If you’ve been around Spruce Grove for a while you might remember this park by its former name “Century Off-Leash Park.” You can find this park at 51 Century Close. One of the special things about this park is the creative layout that includes a specific area of the park for smaller dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your little puppy being intimidated by all the big pooches! The facility features a double-gated entryway perfect for leashing and unleashing your dog. The off-leash area is about 8.6 acres big, with 1 km of gravel trails for you and your furry friend to take advantage of. Dotted throughout the park are benches and other seating areas, and the park is totally fenced.

For an Unfenced Park Try Marlboro

South of Marlboro Drive, near Heritage Grove Park, lies this nice little unfenced park where you can take your canine friend for some activity and fun. The park is accessible via the Heritage Grove trail system or via a pathway off Marlboro drive. Remember that the area is unfenced, so make sure your dog is appropriately trained before you try this park.

Observe Park Etiquette

When you go, remember to observe some basic off-leash park etiquette tips. Pick up after your dog (there are receptacles around the park where you can dispose of waste), and keep your dog leashed until you arrive at the specific off-leash area. Also important to remember is not to bring your dog if he or she is sick, to be in control of your dog at all times (if they need some more training before they are ready for the off-leash park then do that before bringing them out), and remember not to get too busy visiting with all the friends you will surely meet and make at the park that you forget to keep an eye on your dog and what he may be up to! Sometimes with so many canines in one place they can interact in unusual ways that need to be monitored.

Off-leash parks are a great way to enjoy the city and get out and about. They give you the opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature, spend time with your dog, and meet new people. Get out and enjoy one or both of Spruce Grove’s off-leash parks this summer.

If you’d like more information about Spruce Grove real estate, whether you’re looking to buy or sell, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here

 

Get Running for a Good Cause: the 11th Annual Kidney Walk and Run Is On

April 30th, 2014 by Barry Twynam

Get Running for a Good Cause- the 11th Annual Kidney Walk and Run Is On | Spruce Grove Stony Plain Parkland County Real Estate | Barry TwynamYou’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region for quite some time. A sign of a good neighbourhood is how community-minded its residents are. It should interest you to know that the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run is about to take place in Edmonton. Whether or not you’ve looked into Spruce Grove real estate, this event for kidney health is as good a cause as you can find anywhere. Here is all you need to know about the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run.

What’s Involved in the Event?

Participants in the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run can expect to donate their time to a good cause as well as engage in some extremely healthy exercise. It’s literally a win-win proposition. People who want to take part in this kidney health fundraiser will be expected to collect their pledges, so that they can participate in either the 5K or 10K run or the 2K walk. It’s entirely up to the participants to choose what they want to do: run or walk, as Edmonton real estate passes by in the background. This is a family-friendly event that is meant for people of all ages and fitness levels. Wheelchair-accessible trails are also present at the site.

 What Do the Funds Raised Go To?

The money raised at the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run will be put to good use to help fellow Canadians, whether they’re looking at Parkland County real estate or not, who are enduring kidney issues. The money goes to a variety of services that make life easier for kidney patients and their families, who may also work in Edmonton real estate. For example, the funds will go towards the transportation of kidney patients to dialysis as much as three times in a week, screenings that work to identify people who are at a high risk of getting kidney disease, sophisticated research that will work towards discovering more advancements in kidney care, and funding spots for local children who want to attend a kidney summer camp.

When and Where Does the Event Take Place?

The 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run is approaching fast, so it’s best to circle the date on your calendars and buy tickets in advance, even if you’ve made plans to view Parkland County acreages. This event will take place on Sunday, May 4 at 9 am. It will be held at the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. The address is 9999 Grierson Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta. Tickets for the event are also available online. It’s best to buy tickets sooner rather than later, as they are going fast.

Events like the 11th annual Kidney Walk and Run are important to many Canadians, not just those who own Edmonton acreages. Kidney disease affects so many Canadians every year. For instance, according to the event’s Facebook page, 80% of Canadians on the organ donation waiting list are waiting for a kidney. That comes out to almost 4,000 Canadians. Unfortunately, 250 Canadians die every year because they don’t get a transplant quickly enough.

I’m always available to answer any real estate questions you have! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca,  or contact me here.

Barry Twynam, Century 21 Leading
#1 14 McLeod Avenue, Spruce Grove, Alberta, T7X 3X3
Tel: 780-910-9669 Cell: 780-910-9669 Fax: 780-962-9699
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