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Real Estate in CalgaryFebruary, 2010
In this issue:
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Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) Update
AFFORDABILITY DRIVES CALGARY’S HOUSING MARKET
With rising interest rates on the horizon buyers will see 2010 as the year to take advantage of low mortgage rates The number of single family homes sold in January 2010 in the city of Calgary was up 39 per cent from the same time a year ago, while condominiums sales saw an increase of 67 per cent from the same time a year ago.... [Read More]
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Myths of Green Building
LEED CANADA (CaGBC) certified builders offer assurances to homebuyers. Their home will be healthy and comfortable; energy and water efficient, durable and high performing; and will save money and retain value. But making a choice to build, or buy green, isn’t always easy. Here are a few common MYTHS: GREEN BUILDING COSTS MORE – Building green or sustainable doesn’t have to be expensive. When building a Karovation Home, you will be provided a guaranteed budget and we’ll have your home built in as little as 3 months. As well, we offer ENERGY STAR appliances that will save you 30 – 35% in natural gas and electricity. GREEN DESIGNS LOOK STRANGE – Principles of green building can be applied to any design. A Karovation home design can be customized to your wish-list or you can select from a variety of our mainstream modern designs that integrate seamlessly in to inner city Calgary communities. GREEN BUILDING IS A PASSING FAD – In the days of our grandparents, they called it ‘common sense’; no materials go to waste; position the house to take advantage of natural light and heat; build only what you need! The Karoleena systems built, modular designs keep it simple. Open concepts, natural lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances, and all built in a controlled environment that deletes waste and premature aging of your new home. So call it green, call it sustainable, call it common sense; Karoleena Custom Homes offers it all!
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Healthy Home Improvements
January, 2010 - Almost everyone’s thoughts turn towards wellness at the start of a new year—and even your home can be part of your plans for a healthier lifestyle. The connection between your health and the building you live in has been extensively studied since the 1980s. Even though most homes don’t suffer from “sick building syndrome,” many homeowners feel better making improvements that promote the family’s health. Here are a few popular health-related home upgrades: Whole-House Air Filter Because we spend up to 90 percent of our time inside our home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports dust, molds, pet dander, pests and second-hand smoke can trigger asthma in family members or visitors. In addition to regularly cleaning furniture and bedding, you may also consider cleaning the air through your forced-air heating or central air-conditioning system. Types of filters include disposable HEPA filters, electronic “ionizing” filters and UV filters that kill airborne bacteria. Household Water Filter Many people want extra-clean drinking water, while others simply don’t like the taste of tap water. In any case, filtration can remove chlorine and other unwanted substances from your water. Installed under the sink, a plumbed-in water filtration system connects directly to an existing water pipe. Such a system offers convenience, though you may still need to change the filter cartridge regularly. Low-Emission Paint Are you thinking about repainting a room? Many paints and household finishes still contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, heavy metals such as mercury, or other toxins. Using paints and other finishes with low or no VOCs can help people with allergies and sensitivities breathe more easily. If you add these health-promoting features to your home, remember to call attention to them when you decide to sell. Your “healthy” home may stand out from the competition so you receive a higher price
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January, 2010 - Green building is a proactive approach to designing and constructing buildings to decrease their impact on the environment. Organizations such as