Karssen Askew : Calgary AB REALTOR® - Call: 587-893-6274 : Blog

The How and Whys of Investing in Real Estate

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Karssen Askew

For many people, real estate investments are a key strategy to grow wealth and get set up for success. As I always say, there’s a reason why all of those millionaires and billionaires have strong real estate portfolios. There are many tax advantages, allowing you to keep more of your wealth, including the capital gains deferral and deducting of operating costs.

Real estate investments also diversify your investments to avoid having all of your wealth in one basket (AKA the stock market) so you can better weather turbulent economic times in the future. Real estate investments can also allow you to bring in passive income and get paid for doing basically no work.

Now to make all of those benefits a reality for you, you need to get into the “how” of real estate investments. When you think about investing in real estate, you likely go right to rental properties, which are a great starting point. Rental properties are pretty straightforward. You buy a property, give it a little TLC, and then rent it out for more than you pay on the mortgage/maintenance. As a result, you get to profit while building equity, which is a major way to build wealth!

You can also look at house flipping, where you buy a fixer-upper for cheap and then give it a makeover and sell it for a profit to buy the next home, fix it up, profit, and so on. This is a great way to take advantage of the capital gains tax deferral and really grow your wealth.

A new real estate investment method, called house hacking, has also started to take off in the past few years. House hacking is when you buy a home to live in while also renting out a room or a level to someone else. You take the rent and put that towards your mortgage payment, which allows you to basically live in the home for free. Then, once you save up enough for another down payment, you can do the whole thing again while keeping the first property as a rental.

Real estate investing comes with so many benefits, both long-term (investment diversification) and short-term (passive income). But the best part is that there are so many ways to get started from buying a rental property to house hacking.

If you want to talk more about real estate investments and how you can get started, just fill out the form below!

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I have sold a property at 1610 930 6 AVENUE SW in Calgary

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Downtown Commercial Core, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 1610 930 6 AVENUE SW in Calgary. See details here

LUXURY condo living at its finest. Welcome to this stunning 1 bed 1 bath SOUTH facing condo located on the 16th floor of the exclusive VOGUE building. This unit offers an amazing skyline view with an unbeatable location. With engineered HARDWOOD flooring, designer tile, GRANITE countertops, rich cabinets and high-end appliances this property offers elegance and functionality. The generous floorplan offers open concept living with over 560SF, 9ft ceilings, abundance of sunlight throughout and ensuite laundry. The living room has patio doors walking out to the large balcony. The primary bedroom features floor to ceiling windows and a walkthrough closet to the 4pc bathroom. Heated TITLED parking and a storage locker, with LOW condo fees this unit has it all. The Vogue features an upscaled and sophisticated lobby with daily concierge service, visitor parking, central AC, and 360 degree views from the 36th floor showcasing panoramic views of the city and mountains! AMENITIES include - rooftop gym, party room, sky lounge, yoga studio and a meeting room with numerous patios to soak up the breathtaking skyline! Steps away from the Bow River Pathway, Kensington, Eau Claire, 1 block to the LRT station, shopping restaurants, coffee shops and your downtown office. This location cannot be beat! Don’t miss your opportunity to own in one of the most elite buildings in Downtown Calgary.

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4 Benefits of Home Inspections

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Karssen Askew

1. A home inspection can eliminate any surprises. If you find a serious problem with the property during the inspection, you’ll know ahead of the appraisal and will be able to work with the seller to come to a favorable outcome.

2. A home inspection could you the upper hand in negotiations. Again, if your home inspector alerts you to some problems with the property, you’ll may be able to negotiate further with the seller. Your agent will guide you through this entire process and provide the advice you need to negotiate well.

3. A home inspection protects you as a buyer. Let’s say the worst happens and your inspector finds some huge problem with the property that you are not comfortable with. Including an inspection contingency in your offer to purchase, you’ll be able to get out of the deal rather than being stuck in a bad house.

4. A home inspection provides you with a understanding of the the condition of the property and how to maintain it. You should always take the opportunity to attend the home inspection, because you’ll learn so much about the house from the inspector. They’ll show you things you never even knew to ask about, and as a result, you’ll be able to better take care of one of your biggest investments.

Getting a home inspection has virtually no downsides—but comes with so many benefits. I highly recommend that buyers take full advantage of the opportunity to conduct an inspection. If you’re looking for some good inspectors in our area, I have a full list of partners I recommend to all my clients!

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I have sold a property at 107 Deermont ROAD SE in Calgary

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Deer Ridge, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 107 Deermont ROAD SE in Calgary. See details here

Check out the virtual tour for a more in depth look! Private lot with EAST/WEST exposure, this charming 5 bdrm +3.5 bath home has a fabulous location in the heart of the family-oriented community of Deer Run. The Updated open kitchen features granite countertops, walk-in pantry, and island with eat-in breakfast bar and prep sink. Beautiful custom cabinetry, gas cook top and stainless steel appliances make this fantastic focal point for the home. There's also a large dining area, a family room with cozy wood burning fireplace, bright formal living room with vaulted ceilings and a convenient half-bath. The unique design of the main level also offers a bedroom/office and spacious mudroom connecting to the double car garage. Upstairs, a fantastic master bedroom awaits with amazing space, custom walk-in closet and updated 3pc bath. Two more bedrooms and a great 4-piece bath complete the upper floor. Meantime, the fully finished basement with new flooring and paint is ideal for a TV area or family gathering spot, workout or play area. A very functional fourth bedroom with egress window and double closets along with 4pc bath is perfect for a growing family or comfortable guest accommodations. Enjoy Summer barbecues, an evening drink or simply sit and relax on the west-facing deck - which connects to a large yard with storage shed and dog run. Walk right out your front door and connect to the pathway leading you to the nearby Yellow Slide Park. Walking distance to nearby schools, Fish Creek Park or grab a coffee at McDonalds or groceries at CO-OP, all within minutes. Additional features; All living area windows have been replaced, furnace, hot water tank and roof are in great shape, there is a lawn irrigation system, home was tested for radon and asbestos and both are negative. This property has a LOT to offer and has been well maintained.

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STAGING SECRETS TO BOOST YOUR SALE PRICE

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Karssen Askew

STAGING SECRETS TO BOOST YOUR SALE PRICE

Are you the kind of seller who thinks that staging is just another added cost as part of the process of getting your home ready for sale? If you are, you’re definitely going to want to read this.

Staging is the process of styling and furnishing your home to show off its best features and help buyers feel like they could see themselves living in the property. Studies have shown that staging can increase the price that your home sells for. Instead of being just another cost, staging can make you back all the money you spend on it and then some.

According to a quarter of real estate agents, staging your home can increase the dollar amount of the offers you receive from buyers by 1 - 5%. When we’re talking about the prices of homes right now, that could be a lot of money. That’s not all: other real estate agents say that staging can increase those buyer offers by 6 - 10%!

If your home is worth around $300,000, simply staging your home could kick your offers up an extra $3,000–$30,000! Staging is starting to sound worth that small upfront cost, right?

Even better, there are a million different ways to stage your home. You can DIY your staging by decluttering your rooms, pulling some furniture out, and showing off the best parts of your home. Or, if you don’t have the time or the interior design skills to do that, you can hire staging out to a professional stager who will know exactly how to highlight your home’s best features.

Overall, staging can make a big difference in the sale price of your home and can increase the amount that goes back into your pocket as the seller. That makes staging definitely worth it for any seller, especially for the small upfront cost it poses.

If you’re looking for more information on staging or want to know who I recommend for professional staging help, lets chat!

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I have sold a property at 30 2400 15 STREET SW in Calgary

Posted on August 20, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Bankview, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 30 2400 15 STREET SW in Calgary.

See details here

Beautiful inner-city townhouse located in the heart of Bankview! This spacious two storey condo features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with an open concept floor plan ideal for hosting or entertainment. The galley style kitchen offers laminate countertops and plenty of cabinets for storage. Leading you through your LARGE dining room and into the living room you will find a 2-sided FIREPLACE to cozy up to in the winter or enjoy a cold drink in the summer on your private SOUTH facing patio. Heading upstairs you will find 2 generous sized bedrooms, in-suite laundry and an updated 4pc bathroom with a custom vanity with marble countertop, new fixtures and fully-tiled shower. The unit is pet & smoke free, comes with a LARGE storage unit and has TWO UNDERGROUND (tandem) parking stalls! Condo fees include heat, water and snow removal.This property is nestled in a quiet complex just minutes to 17th ave & the trendy community of Marda Loop. You do not want to miss this fantastic opportunity to get into the market or add to your investment portfolio! Call to book your showing today.

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New property listed in Bankview, Calgary

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Bankview, Calgary Real Estate

New property listed in Bankview, Calgary

I have listed a new property at 30 2400 15 STREET SW in Calgary.

See details here

Beautiful inner-city townhouse located in the heart of Bankview! This spacious two storey condo features 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with an open concept floor plan ideal for hosting or entertainment. The galley style kitchen offers laminate countertops and plenty of cabinets for storage. Leading you through your LARGE dining room and into the living room you will find a 2-sided FIREPLACE to cozy up to in the winter or enjoy a cold drink in the summer on your private SOUTH facing patio. Heading upstairs you will find 2 generous sized bedrooms, in-suite laundry and an updated 4pc bathroom with a custom vanity with marble countertop, new fixtures and fully-tiled shower. The unit is pet & smoke free, comes with a LARGE storage unit and has TWO UNDERGROUND (tandem) parking stalls! Condo fees include heat, water and snow removal.This property is nestled in a quiet complex just minutes to 17th ave & the trendy community of Marda Loop. You do not want to miss this fantastic opportunity to get into the market or add to your investment portfolio! Call to book your showing today.

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I have sold a property at 52 Legacy VIEW SE in Calgary

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Legacy, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 52 Legacy VIEW SE in Calgary.

See details here

Welcome home! This stunning semi-detached property, with no condo fee, is located in the heart of Legacy. Thoughtfully designed with over 2,000sf this property features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a charming front porch, and a DOUBLE car garage. Features 9-foot ceilings, french doors to the main floor office with laminate flooring throughout the main floor. The open concept living dining is perfect for a growing family or hosting guests. The kitchen comes fully equipped with stone countertops, a glass tile backsplash, a corner pantry, stainless steel appliances, and a large kitchen island for additional seating. A large living room that comfortably fits the whole family, a 1/2 bath, and a separate entrance with a mudroom complete this level. The bright east-facing primary bedroom has a large walk-in closet and a 4pc ensuite with a soaker tub & stone countertops. 2 additional good size bedrooms, another full bathroom with tub, and upper laundry. Heading downstairs to the fully finished basement you are greeted by a huge family or games room with a large bedroom & a 4pc bathroom that is the perfect space for guests or a growing family. South/Southeast facing backyard this house comes with AC for those warm summer nights. Close to walking paths, schools, parks, and all amenities just steps away. This is one property you do not want to miss!

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I have sold a property at 52 Walcrest VIEW SE in Calgary

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Walden, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 52 Walcrest VIEW SE in Calgary.

See details here

With OVER 2843 SQ.FT above grade, you will absolutely love the SPACIOUS floorplan that this newly built (December 2020) home offers! Welcome to 52 Walcrest View; an exclusive 4 BEDROOM ridge lot estate home overlooking the valley and river below. Head inside where you'll be greeted by the coffered ceilings in the spacious front foyer, a large coat closet, and a great walk-in front entry closet. As you head down the hallway, you'll first find an expansive flex room that could be used as a family room, home office, or formal dining room. Directly adjacent to the flex room is a beautiful main floor full 4piece bathroom. The STUNNING picture-perfect KITCHEN offers an OVERSIZED 9-foot island, high-end QUARTZ countertops, Upgraded S/S Appliances, Kitchen Kraft cabinets, a 36" Gas Cooktop, MARBLE backsplashes throughout, and best of all a Separate Kitchen and Butler's Pantry! The dining area and great room will provide plenty of space for the entire family. 9 FT CEILINGS on ALL LEVELS with extra tall doors on the main. You'll appreciate the amount of NATURAL LIGHT coming in through the windows as the main living areas, the back of the home & the backyard are SOUTH FACING. Head upstairs with over 1600 SQ.FT of upper living space, you will find the MASSIVE Master Retreat including a large 10' x 11' master retreat seating area w/Juliette Balcony. The master retreat faces south and is over 25' x 15' in total with INCREDIBLE VIEWS (both River Valley and Mountain). The 5 PC master ensuite has quartz countertops, a marble backsplash, double sinks, a soaker tub and a walk-in shower, plus a huge walk-in closet. At the front of the home, you will find two more ample-sized bedrooms, a 4piece bathroom also with double sinks, quartz counters, and a 4th BEDROOM or BONUS ROOM complete with a closet. Lovely city views from the panoramic front windows. An upstairs laundry, a 19' x 25' oversized double attached garage with an exposed aggregate driveway, an all Hardie board exterior, oversized and, full transom windows complete this lovely home. A SEPARATE SIDE ENTRANCE to the expansive 1215 SQ.FT unfinished basement featuring 9' plus ceilings, provides several options for future development including legal basement suite rent potential as the lot is zoned for this use. With two furnaces, an extra-large hot water tank, rough-in plumbing, and multi-floor HRV, this sunny basement is fully insulated and entirely prewired for two full bedrooms complete with oversized egress windows and plans for a full bath and rec room. Surrounded by million dollar plus homes, fully landscaped and almost next to new, this home and location are unbeatable with an easy walk to the BOW RIVER, environmental reserve, and Fish Creek Park below. Best value four bedroom two story of this size in Calgary. Very close to the NEW High School (less than 5 mins away) and tons of AMENITIES located within walking distance such as shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and playgrounds... Book your Showing today!

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I have sold a property at 3317 99 Copperstone PARK SE in Calgary

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Copperfield, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 3317 99 Copperstone PARK SE in Calgary.

See details here

Welcome to Copperfield Park III - another successful project brought to the community of Copperfield in SE Calgary by Brad Remington Homes. Located in a quiet community, this 802 sq ft of beautiful living space offers 2 GREAT-sized bedrooms, 2 luxurious full bathrooms, and an open concept Kitchen, Dining & Living floorplan that is suitable for those who are now looking to purchase their first home, investment property, or for anyone looking to downsize. What's more, this unit is located on the 3rd Floor of the building. Let's start the tour! Entering this fine condo unit, owners will be amazed by the openness, bright and airy space coupled with designer modern features including sleek & well-kept kitchen cabinetries complete with stainless steel appliances, premium QUARTZ countertops, and a center kitchen island - great for a quick meal or entertaining! The large open space also features a WALK-OUT with sliding glass doors to your own PATIO & BBQ space. Moving along this fine home is a shared upgraded 4-piece main bathroom and a great-sized 2nd bedroom or potential for a WORK-FROM-HOME office, home gym area, or hobby room. Across from the 2nd bedroom is the master bedroom that features a walk-in closet, a luxurious upgraded 4-piece ensuite. Lastly, this unit also features your very own washer and dryer that is located in the main bathroom for your convenience. Main Bathroom also has cheater door to enter into second bedroom makes it convenient for guests/roommates. The unit also comes with one TITLED underground parking stall and one assigned storage locker. The community of Copperfield in SE Calgary is located close to Stoney Trail & Deerfoot Trail and has a variety of shops, restaurants, groceries, and amenities within its community plus the South Trail Crossing shopping mall is just a short drive away on 130 Avenue SE. Don't miss out on this great opportunity - just in time for SPRING & SUMMER! CALL TODAY to book your PRIVATE TOUR! Virtual Tour is Available.

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I have sold a property at 281 Sundown WAY SE in Calgary

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Sundance, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 281 Sundown WAY SE in Calgary.

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Welcome to the lake community life of Sundance. The lifestyle of living in a lake community will keep you smiling for years. With over 3400 sq ft of developed living space, The beautiful home has some renovations and upgrades done in the past several years. Painting 2021, fridge and stove 2020, furnace and hot water tank 2017, washer and dryer 2017, hardwood flooring 2015, granite countertops 2015, central vacuum 2015, doors 2015, baseboards 2015, roof 2012.Each bedroom with separate temperature control. The basement was developed with a city permit. Great location close to Crain, all level schools, YMCA and shopping. Do not miss out! Call to book your viewing today!

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I have sold a property at 203 610 17 AVENUE SW in Calgary

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Karssen Askew

Posted in Beltline, Calgary Real Estate

I have sold a property at 203 610 17 AVENUE SW in Calgary.

See details here

Welcome to #203 610 17th Avenue (The Lofts on 17th), offering the best of downtown living. This unique unit offers over 730 square feet of functional bright living space. You would be the proud owner of over 250 square feet of private outdoor patio space, perfect for the summer with friends, pets, or plants. #203 is fully lined with large windows which truly allow you to appreciate the perks of indoor, outdoor living, downtown Calgary. The unique, eclectic vibe will have friends excited to see this one-of-a-kind property. Featuring Quartz Countertops, A large Jetted Soaking Tub, Chefs Kitchen, Gas Fireplace, Vinyl Windows, Vinyl Floors, Exposed Ductwork, mechanicals, and High Ceilings. During the winter you will enjoy a secured underground parking stall (Assigned). You need to see this one in person! The building is located within walking distance from some of the city’s trendiest restaurants, shopping, and businesses. #203 faces toward the back of the building which gives you the best of 17th with reduced noise and more privacy. The buildings condo fees include Heating, Gas, Garbage, Sewer, Insurance and best of all Electricity. Know exactly what you will pay month to month in one convenient payment. The building is well managed, well-funded, well maintained and the owners truly care about their unique property. Reach out to your favourite Realtor® to book your private tour!

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