Interview with Shannon Valente, Owner of Shannon Valente Weddings, one of the best Wedding Planning in West Springs Cougar Ridge.
Interview conducted by George Byma

Describe your business.

I own a wedding planning and design studio.
 I offer full wedding planning, wedding day coordination and hourly consulting. Couples hire me if they are looking for someone to help plan their wedding, if they are just looking for some help along the way, or help on the actual day of the wedding. I also provide wedding rentals as well, so if people are looking
 for chair covers and other wedding accessories I can provide them.

What made you decide to open this business?

Part of it was my love of planning a good party. Any job that I have ever done, I always ended up being the “social event coordinator”, whether or not that was the job or not. Also my own wedding played a big role, I just really loved the process. So I got serious with it and took my certification from the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and started my business. It has grown from there over the years.

What was it like when you first started?

Calgary is a very welcoming city but in the beginning I found it quite intimidating being a newcomer to the business. But once I got a couple of weddings under my belt, people were really receptive. This gave me the confidence
to realize that I was actually quite good at what I was doing and really helped.

What has surprised you most when owning a business?

I think what has surprised me most is all the background work that goes into a business. When you're an entrepreneur, I think 
you end up wearing many hats, you are your own admin, sales, marketing and IT departments. There are so many different day to day tasks that you are required to do in the background to run the business on top of being an expert in your field. Over the years I have learned (the hard way) what to do yourself and what to source out.

What would your customers say they love most about your business?

I have been consistently told that my customer service is exceptional! I come from a customer service/sales background so I think that's definitely helped me over the years. I am often told by wedding guests, clients and their family members things like, 'You did a great job, it was beautiful, it was well run, and you did it all with a smile on your face!"
My attitude is 'you get more bees with honey' and customer service is key.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?

I have a lot of very memorable experiences. There are a few specific weddings that certainly stand out. When planning such an important day with people and sometimes working together for over a year or more, you become very close with them. I’m lucky to be involved in such a happy time in their lives.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?

Expansion. Over the years I've had many assistants working with me and I've slowly been building them up. A lot of them have started taking on their own weddings, so there will soon be a bigger Shannon Valente Weddings team and I am really excited about that.

What is something most people don't know about the business?

My business used to be called Frit Fru weddings and I changed it to Shannon Valente Weddings a few years ago.

Who are some of your business idols and role models? And why?

In business my father has been a big role model to me as well as my husband. Both come from a banking background. Their customer service, and dedication to their job and clients, has served me well. I also belong to an amazing group of wedding planners in Calgary who encourage, support and refer each other. Not always common among industries.

What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?

I like the flexibility and rewards that it offers. As many hard days as there are, there's many more great days. With everything you do you get to reap the benefits and see all of your hard work pay off. I’ve worked harder for myself than I ever have for anyone else.

Do you have any advice that you want to share with other entrepreneurs?

Continue learning. I like to take different seminars, classes and courses to improve myself and my business. Establishing a background
in business is useful. You can be great at making something or doing something, but if you don't have the business background to back it up you're going to struggle. The longer I am in business, every course that I take and every seminar that I attend, I learn more from it because I have experience I can relate back to it.

What do you love about this neighbourhood?

I love that it's expanding. I don't have to drive so far to go to a certain grocery store or a coffee shop or to buy a pair of jeans. I have lived in the Cougar Ridge area for 11 years now. When I first moved here, it was a good 20-30 minutes drive for anything you wanted to do. And now it's literally minutes from my doorstep which I am really, really enjoying.

What are your favourite places to go in the neighbourhood?

I love shopping at Apt 22, Frilly Lilly in Aspen Woods to get my nails or eyebrows done and Mama Massage is one of my favorite places, my kids love it too. They are fantastic and their customer service is amazing.

What are your favourite things to do in the neighbourhood?

My son is a really big soccer fan and participates in the local Rangers soccer. My family and I also enjoy going to the local restaurants for dinner.

Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?

I think it's important to shop local because the more you support the local businesses, the more they're going to grow and more is
 going to be offered here. I'm from a small town and I think it's the same mentality. If you don't shop local, then people are going to have to close their doors and then you are not going to have it available when you want or need it. I'm a big believer in keeping things local and as easy as possible.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonvalenteweddings

Twitter: https://twitter.com/svweddings

Website: http://shannonvalenteweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonvalenteweddings/

Website: http://www.acediner.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/acecoffeediner

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acecoffeediner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acecoffeediner/

Describe your business.

We are a combination coffee shop and diner where we focus on breakfast, really good coffee, and creating an inviting social atmosphere for people to enjoy with their friends, co-workers, or families. Our diverse setting is used widely from hosting business meetings to family friendly moms and kids.

Why did you decide to work here?

I was brought on board early before we opened and I was really excited to be involved with a small local restaurant who wants to make an impact that is family owned, oriented and operated. I wanted to be part of a business who really wants to be a part of their community and who wants to focus on people, whether that be the staff or the customers. I'm a big proponent of taking care of people and so being involved with a place that makes this their focus is really exciting to me.

What has surprised you most while working here?

I've been in the restaurant industry for most of my life and being involved with starting something brand new from the ground up is new and has definitely been very rewarding and interesting. Many times the unknown challenges have turned into the most positive triumphs.

What was it like when you first started?

We have been open now for 3 months and we are steadily interested in finding out what our local customers like and how we can engage with people more to meet their wants and needs. We are still planning our official grand opening that will likely be in March and we will certainly want to engage with the local community when we do. Please keep posted for more details to follow soon.

What do customers say they love most about the business?

Customers love the space and atmosphere. The layout is open and really modern but it still has that cozy diner feel at the same time. Customers love the booths and benches. There are outlets in every seat in the house. Customers love that they can sit and plug in their computer, have a local business meeting or quietly work on a weekday afternoon, or come in with their families on a Saturday morning to enjoy our fantastic breakfast menu.

Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?

I think it's very important to support a business that is small and independent, that is supporting their local community. It creates a a sense of reciprocity between business owners and builds a positive network based on mutual respect, interests and support.

What do you love about this neighbourhood?

People who don't live in the neighbourhood may think it's out of the way. When you get here you realize how vibrant, thriving, and growing the community is. West Springs is a dynamic mixture of young families, couples and singles. There's so many amazing and unique pubs, restaurants and really cool shops. Everything you need is in this area.

What are your favourite places to go in the neighbourhood?

I like the Vin Room across the way from us and I often look forward to the afternoons I can spend all to myself while enjoying a glass of vino.

One of the reasons that I decided to sponsor the Parkbench’s Neighbourhood Sites for West Springs, Cougar Ridge, Aspen Woods, Springbank Hill, Discovery Ridge, and the West Hills, Calgary was because of all the great information they have for people who are interested in learning about the neighbourhood. I think one of the most valuable features on these Neighbourhood Sites is the school information available to families living in the community.

Not only do each of these neighbourhood sties have a full list of the schools servicing that community, they also provide residents with the ability to write tips and reviews about the local West Calgary schools. One of the very first things that a parent considers when moving to a new home are the schools that they’ll be within reach of.

You can help these parents to decide which neighbourhood is best suited for them by leaving a short note about your child’s experience at a certain school in West Calgary and what that school has to offer. It’s as simple as selecting your neighbourhood, clicking on the “Schools” tab, and choosing either the “Write a Review” or “Leave a Tip” button. Check out the links to the schools below:

For all of the school listings in the West Springs and Cougar Ridge neighbourhood, click here. You’ll also notice that the list features pre-schools as well.

Click here to read my article Cougar Ridge, Calgary real estate: A homebuyer’s guide to this West Calgary neighbourhood.

For all of the school listings in the Aspen Woods, Calgary neighbourhood, including the prestigious Rundle College and Weber Academy, click here.

Click here to read my article Living in Aspen Woods, Calgary: A brief guide to this West Calgary neighbourhood.

For all of the school listings in the Discovery Ridge and Springbank Hill, Calgary neighbourhods, including Ernest Manning High School, click here.

Click here to read my article 3 selling points for your Discovery Ridge, Calgary home.

And lastly, there aren’t many but for all of the schools in the West Hills, Calgary neighbourhood, click here.

Click here to read my article Living in West Hills, Calgary: A guide to this West Calgary neighbourhood.

I hope that you found this article useful. I’d really appreciate it if you took a moment of your time to head on over to Parkbench.com, select your neighbourhood, and write a review about any of the schools in your neighbourhood that you have experience with today. If you need to get in touch to discuss West Calgary real estate, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca 

Direct:  (403) 690-2020

As someone who makes their home in west Calgary, I’ve had many opportunities to familiarize myself with all of the great stores and restaurants in the area. Among all of the restaurants in West Calgary, I tend to frequent a few the local pubs and lounges quite regularly. Whether I’m visiting with my family, friends, or clients, it’s always a good time. I want to be able to share my top 3 pubs in West Calgary with you so that if you’re in the neighbourhood, you won’t have to think twice about where to go. They are Fergus & Bix, Original Joe’s, and 722 World Bier House and you can read all about them out below:

1)    Fergus & Bix – Restaurant and Beer Market

Fergus & Bix is one of Calgary’s premier craft beer markets. Located in West Springs Village at 873 85th Street SW, this restaurant has been described as “the type of neighbourhood pub that every community should have (Source.)” The Fergus & Bix menu features steadfast classics like the famed F&B burger and an appetizing weekend brunch menu, but the pub boasts an incomparable selection of microbrews and craft beer that’s bound to impress even the most seasoned beer drinkers.

Click here to view Fergus & Bix profile on the neighbourhood website for West Springs, Calgary and write a review today.

2)    722 World Bier Haus – Restaurant and Lounge

722 World Bier Haus is an upscale restaurant and lounge that has earned a solid reputation for their made from scratch cuisine and their wide selection of both local and international beers. Their website features a section called “Bier University” where 722 World Bier Haus’s resident beer expert will keep you posted on the latest facts, trends, and so much more. The newly built West Calgary location is a great place for everything and anything from afternoon client meetings to date night.

3)    Original Joe’s – Restaurant and Bar

Original Joe’s is another one of West Calgary’s more popular restaurant chains. Located at #112, 318 Aspen Glen Landing SW in the Aspen Landing shopping Centre, Original Joe’s menu features something for every taste. This pub is a great place to come and share some appetizers over one of their Original Joe’s in-house brews or enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends.

Click here to view Original Joe’s profile on the neighbourhood website for Aspen Woods, Calgary and write a review today.

I hope you enjoyed my list of the top 3 pubs in West Calgary. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an awesome new contest I will be hosting alongside these fine establishments. If you have any further questions about my picks for an evening out, or care to learn more about West Calgary real estate, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca

Direct: (403) 690-2020

As Parkbench’s Neighbourhood Sponsor for West Springs and Cougar Ridge, Calgary, one of the main reasons I was so excited to bring this innovative new platform to our community was all of the potential that it held for local business owners. Did you know that as a local business owner, you’re able to create a totally free profile on http://Parkbench.com/westsprings and begin marketing your products or services to the community? Well, you can, and in my latest article I’m quickly going to explain 5 ways that your business can benefit from claiming your free profile on Parkbench.

1)    Gives you another venue to list your business information

When people are looking for a specific product or service, most of their searches will begin online. Parkbench automatically pulls all of the business listings in a neighbourhood and organizes them by name and category on the corresponding Neighbourhood Site. If you own a business in the neighbourhood, there’s a good chance that it’s already been listed on Parkbench. It’s then as simple as heading over to your neighbourhood’s and claiming your business page.

Once you claim your business’s page, you’re able to flesh it out with a picture of your storefront, relevant contact information, and links to your company website or relevant social media channels. This is all done with the hope of people in the neighbourhood finding out about you and your business!

2)    Make announcements

West Springs and Cougar Ridge’s Neighbourhood Site has a news feed that’s unique to the neighbourhood. The feed is populated by different deals being offered by businesses, news articles that are relevant to the neighbourhood, and different events taking place in the community. But, once you’ve claimed your free business profile on Parkbench, you’re able to make announcements that will ensure that your business remains at the top of the neighbourhood newsfeed, and top of mind for potential customers. 

3)    Offer deals and coupons

Parkbench gives businesses who have claimed their free business profile with a few different ways to offer deals and specials to customers—and the best part is that they don’t take a cut!

Unlike websites like Groupon, Parkbench offers a brand new way for you to offer savings to new customers, and guarantee returning customers. Deal websites, like Groupon, are notorious for offering crazy deals that prompt new customers to drive across the city to claim a deal one time—but the trouble for small business owners is that once those new customers have claimed the coupon, they never come back to the store. And that’s in addition to the fact that they take a cut of the business’ profit. As you know, all businesses strive towards creating repeat business.

But, as a business owner on Parkbench, you’re able to offer:

-       Coupons to first time customers to attract some new clientele.

-       Advertise current in-store specials.

-       Offer flash deals that only take place during a certain time of day.

-       Grant deals to customers who have visited your business and have written a review about it on Parkbench.

4)     Have reviews written about your business

When people are deciding on which restaurant they want to eat at, or which service provider they should call, they’ll want to hear what other people have to say about it first. Parkbench gives local business owners in West Springs and Cougar Ridge, Calgary a way for them to have reviews written about their business, reply to them, and offer coupons to the customer for having a review written about their business. It’s a win-win because in addition to having people spread the word about what makes your business great, you’re also guaranteeing a returning customer.

5)    Create events

Once you’ve created your Parkbench business profile, you’re able to use your account to create new event listings in the community. By clicking on the “Events” tab of the Neighbourhood Site, you’re given the option of adding an event. Say for example your clothing store is hosting a sidewalk sale, or your restaurant is holding a wine tasting event, you’re able to upload the event details straight to your Neighbourhood Site and give friends of the community yet another place to get the information that they need to know.

Check out these videos below to learn more about how Parkbench benefits small businesses:

If you care to learn more about the benefits that come with claiming your free profile on Parkbench’s West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca

Direct: (403) 690-2020

I chose to sponsor the West Springs-Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site on Parkbench.com because I’m always looking for ways to help connect locals to their neighbourhood. This West Springs-Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site gives locals a whole new way to learn about everything going on in the neighbourhood. For the sake of this article, I’m going to talk about some specific ways that Cougar Ridge and West Springs, Calgary residents can utilize the Parkbench neighbourhood website to connect to their community. Check out these 7 ways you can use Parkbench:

1)    Find local news in West Springs and Cougar Ridge

By heading to West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site and clicking on the “News” button, you’ll gain access to loads of great news articles that are related to the community. Parkbench’s technology is capable of aggregating all of these news articles from leading sources across the web and placing them in the corresponding Neighbourhood Site.

By clicking on the “Blogs” button, you’re able to read original blog articles about the neighbourhood that were written by the Parkbench Team.

And lastly, the West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site features a “Crime and Safety” tab.

2)    Find local events in West Springs and Cougar Ridge

The same technology that applies to news articles works for events in the neighbourhood as well! Simply clicking on the “Events” will take you to a list of events from sources like Eventbrite, Ticketfly, and Meet-up—and the best part is that these are all events taking place in the community. By creating a free account on Parkbench, you’re also able to post your own events too!

3)    Find deals in West Springs and Cougar Ridge

The “Deals” tab on the West Springs and Cougar Ridge website is a great place to check out the different kinds of deals being offered by local businesses. If you yourself are a local business owner, or know any, let them know that they’re able to claim a free profile on Parkbench and offer different types of coupons and specials to the community.

There are also a number of “Classifieds” that have been listed on the West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site. There are plenty of ways to save!

4)    Write reviews on the West Springs and Cougar Ridge neighbourhood and the businesses within it

As a person living in West Springs and Cougar Ridge, you know the area very well! We want you to share what you love about your neighbourhood by signing up for a free profile on the West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site and writing a review about it. If you’re a fan of a certain business in the neighbourhood—you can review them too! Some businesses even offer coupons to customers who have reviewed them on Parkbench, so keep an eye out for these neat ways to save some money.

5)    Read about the local services and amenities in the West Springs and Cougar Ridge neighbourhood

Parkbench’s technology has been able to aggregate a number of local services and amenities for your convenience. You’re able to check out all of the schools, business listings, and even demographics information—all from the West Springs and Cougar Ridge Neighbourhood Site landing page.

6)    Share photos you’ve taken in the West Springs and Cougar Ridge neighbourhood

The West Springs and Cougar Ridge “Photo Gallery” gives Parkbench users a unique way to picture life in the neighbourhood. The Photo Gallery page collects photos from Instagram featuring hashtags that are related to the neighbourhood.

To have your photos featured in the West Springs and Cougar Ridge neighbourhood Photo Gallery, simple use the hashtag: #CougarRidge, #WestSprings, #West85th, or #Wentworth.

7)    Connect with your local REALTOR® in West Springs and Cougar Ridge

As the title sponsor for West Springs and Cougar Ridge, I’ve helped to ensure that our neighbourhood will always have access to this wonderful community resource. For those who care to learn more about what makes this community great, or are thinking about moving to or from West Springs and Cougar Ridge, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca

Direct: (403) 690-2020

Springbank Hill, Calgary is a choice neighbourhood just west of the city. It represents one of the most affluent communities in the entire Calgary region. The real estate in Springbank Hill tends to cost a pretty penny but there are so many reasons that have contributed to their market value. Many would agree that buying a home is an investment that you don’t want to skimp out on, so if you’re considering investing in property here, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting what you pay for; a beautiful home in a well-heeled neighbourhood that’s stones throw away from the Calgary city centre. Read more about the benefits of purchasing Springbank Hill real estate below.

Springbank Hill properties

Homes in Springbank Hill tend to be valued over a million dollars. In fact, the average sale price of a single-family home here is in the neighbourhood of $1.5 million. While there are a number of homes in Springbank Hill that qualify as mid-range, the homes attracting the most attention are the estate properties.  There are also a number of townhomes and condos that are slightly more affordable and still give homebuyers an opportunity to become a part of this esteemed community.

The estate properties in this community give families a lot of flexibility in terms of what they can do with all of that space—in some cases acres. Some families have opted to install tennis courts and the like in their backyards.

The area in that Springbank Hill is located is teeming with green space. Community features like small ponds and walking trails are interspersed throughout it and are regularly enjoyed by residents. Springbank Hill is famous for standing at the crossroads of the Rocky Mountains and the Calgary city centre and as such, it enjoys the benefits of being conveniently close to both.

Springbank Hill amenities

Springbank Hill residents are fortunate to be located very close to a handful of local attractions and amenities. The people living in this southwest Calgary neighbourhood are only minutes away from the Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, a recently built commercial district. It was designed with the hopes of bringing a shopping experience reminiscent of the downtown Calgary commercial district to the suburbs.

And in the event that residents aren’t able to find what they need in at Aspen Landing or any of the other local shops and service providers, downtown Calgary is just a little more than 20 minutes away by car. Alternatively, the 69 Street Southwest C-Train Station can carry residents straight into the city centre. The addition of this public transit hub has transformed Springbank Hill homes into an excellent option for commuters too.

As for schools in Springbank Hill, you can click here to learn more about some of the private schools serving the community. Families with young children tend to be drawn to the neighbourhood because of its inclusion of these highly ranked schools.

Springbank Hill home for sale

I’d like to call attention to a particular home for sale in Springbank Hill. Valued at $1.8 million, this stunning property is built to impress one and all. For a virtual tour of the home, see below:

Click here for full details on the listing.

To reach me directly and learn more about life in Springbank Hill, Calgary or if you’re interested in getting a closer look at this one-of-a-kind home, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/
Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca
Direct: (403) 690-2020

Springbank Hill, Calgary is a southwest Calgary neighbourhood that’s recognized throughout the city for being an upscale community. There are several factors that play a part in earning it this reputation—but, the particular factor that I’ll be focusing on are the private schools that make their home in Springbank Hill. They are: Rundle College, Ambrose University College, and the Webber Academy.

In my latest article, Select Properties and Schools in Springbank Hill, Calgary, Alberta, I’m going to give you a closer at what makes each of these prestigious educational institutions unique and how they help provide families living in Springbank Hill with one of the best settings in which to raise their children.

Rundle College

Located at 7375 17 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, and on the border between Springbank Hill and Aspen Woods, Rundle College is a private school that seeks to provide students with a higher standard for education. The school is divided in to two separate campuses: Rundle Academy and Rundle College Jr. Sr. High. The latter is located in Springbank Hill, Calgary.

One of Rundle College’s central tenets is that they provide students with small class sizes where they can receive the individual attention needed foster personal and academic growth. A fine balance between academia, athletics, and creativity are central to the school’s beliefs and is one of their key differentiators.

Find out why Rundle College has consistent ranked highly in the Fraser Report with the video below: 

Ambrose University College

Since 1921, the Ambrose University has been providing post-secondary students with a means of obtaining a faith-based liberal arts education. The school cycled through several names and locations; however, in 2007, Ambrose University settled at 150 Ambrose Cir SW in southwest Calgary where many of Springbank Hill’s residents have opted to further their education.

As mentioned, Ambrose University is a faith-based private school. The faculty provides programs that offer select liberal arts and science undergraduate degrees. Ambrose University is also home to a seminary school where students can gain the knowledge and credentials necessary to take on leadership roles in the greater Christian community. 

Webber Academy Calgary

Webber Academy Calgary is a private school located just a few minutes north of Springbank Hill at 1515 93 St SW. This school provides classes for students from kindergarten all the way up to senior high school. Many Springbank Hill families who aren’t particularly fond of the public school system have enrolled their children in this school with the hopes of preparing them to thrive in university and beyond.

This private school prides itself in their Performing Arts Centre. This well kept venue has also hosted many professional musical and theatrical acts. The Webber Academy website describes it as a “two multi-purpose studios for drama and dance instruction, as well as dedicated classrooms for choir, band, and music instruction.”

Opportunities to live in Springbank Hill

As a real estate agent whose main focus is the southwest Calgary area and the neighbourhoods within it, I strive to connect the right families with the right home. If your family is considering moving to southwest Calgary, and you’re keen on providing your children with the absolute highest degree of education, I’d like to encourage you to consider this stunning Springbank Hill home. Living here means that you’ll be within minutes of the exceptional schools mentioned above. Check out the listing below: 

For more information about this Springbank Hill home for sale, click here.

To learn more about the private schools in Springbank Hill, or to take a closer look at the above property, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/
Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca
Direct: (403) 690-2020

As someone who lives in the west Calgary area, and consequently, does a lot of business there, I’ve been given the opportunity to get to know the area very well. One of the neighbourhoods that I’ve really enjoyed spending time in is Aspen Woods, Calgary. The area is rich with creature comforts that are conducive to family life, and in my latest article, Living in Aspen Woods, Calgary: A brief guide to this west Calgary neighbourhood, I’m going to focus on what makes this thriving community tick. 

Exceptional properties in Aspen Woods, Calgary

Aspen Woods, Calgary is a newer residential development. The very first construction dates back to early 2001. The neighbourhood was designed with the goal of becoming a high-end luxury community and if you’ve ever considered purchasing property here you’ll know that the homes for sale in Aspen Woods fit the bill.

Homebuilders in Aspen Woods, Calgary have focused on exclusively building single-family homes and acreage estates. The spacious lots have given rise to upscale homes, which in turn have lent to an affluent community. The average price for a home in Aspen Woods, Calgary is nearly $1.5 million, some of the acreage estates boast more that 5,000 sq. feet of living space, and the lot sizes themselves can be as big as half an acre.

There are still several homebuilders in Aspen Woods that are laying the groundwork for pre-sale homes. For those interested in purchasing property in Aspen Woods, they’re able to work with the builders to design their own custom home.

Amenities in Aspen Woods, Calgary

Aspen Landing, Calgary’s newest shopping destination is situated on the southwest corner of the Aspen Woods neighbourhood. Prior to its construction there very few options for retailers and service providers in the area but the addition of Aspen Landing, is serving to bring a downtown-like shopping experience to the suburbs of west Calgary.

Some of the shops and services at Aspen Landing include: Aspen Landing Dental, Diner Deluxe, and a number of specialty stores that can all be found here on their website.

To learn more about Aspen Landing and its mixed-use village type concept, check out the video below: 

The Westside Recreation Centre, located across the street from the Ernest Manning High School, regularly features a number of family friendly activities and fun things to do all year round. Since 2000, the Westside Recreation Centre has hosted one of the city’s most prized places for swimming, rock climbing, and a fully furnished gym.

In the event of Aspen Woods residents needing more than these community fixtures has to offer, they can count on the fact that they’re only a short trip from the downtown Calgary area and all that it holds.

Click here for a virtual tour of an Aspen Woods, Calgary, Alberta home.

Click here for more details regarding this fantastic Aspen Woods listing.

So if you and the family happen to be looking for a new home in west Calgary, know that the Aspen Woods are can cater to your needs. Whether it’s the luxury homes or the local amenities that catch your eye, Aspen Woods homes for sale have an undeniable appeal. To get in touch with me personally and learn more about Aspen Woods real estate, I can be reached at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/
Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca
Direct: (403) 690-2020

There are a million and one reasons to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy in west Calgary. The factors range from your stage in life (i.e. your age and marital status) to more defined factors like your net income. But whatever the factors affecting your next move are, it can be plain tough when deciding whether renting or buying is going to benefit you and your family in the long run. In my latest article “To rent or buy in west Calgary?” I’m going to talk about some of the pros and cons of renting versus buying your new home.  

Points for renting

Everyone would like to own a home, but that’s not in the cards for everyone—at least not at first. There are a bunch of reasons why renting can be advantageous.

If you have a job that requires you to travel often, it is very beneficial to rent your home. By purchasing a property in Calgary, you’re locking yourself into a commitment with far reaching implications that can undoubtedly affect your financial stability down the road.

Some landlords give tenants the ability to rent to own in Calgary. What this means is that if you initially don’t have enough money for a down payment but you can afford rent, the homeowner will allow rent payments to go towards the down payment on that home. This is a great option for people who don’t have either the cash for a down payment or good enough credit history to be approved for a loan. And to further that point, renting is one means of improving your credit score.

Renting a home in West Calgary has the potential to save you some money. By renting, you’re liberating from various fees associated with the actual property itself and the maintenance of it. For example, if you’re renting a home and the central heating gives out on you in the dead of the winter—it’s the landlord’s responsibility to get that fixed for you as soon as possible.

Points for buying

No matter how you slice it, buying a home in west Calgary is going to be a large, if not the largest, purchase that you’ve ever made. Investing in west Calgary is a dream of many; however, that doesn’t mean that many possess the means to do it. Albeit, for those that do there are quite a few advantages to buying a home in Calgary.

Houses for sale in west Calgary have a relatively high price point. There are many reasons why west Calgary homes are as expensive as they are, such as: their proximity to the downtown area, the abundance of amenities and recreational space found in the area, and the large lot sizes.

Certain pockets of west Calgary housing are located as little at 20 minutes away from the downtown Calgary area. The simple fact that much of the west Calgary natural space has been deemed a conversation area means that there is a limit to the amount of new developments that will be springing up in the area. The restraints imposed upon new developments suggest that current west Calgary homes will only appreciate in value.

West Calgary neighbourhoods feature many attractions and amenities that are conducive to the family lifestyle. As a family living in west Calgary, it’s uncommon that you’ll need to travel beyond your neighbourhood. That said, buying a home in west Calgary guarantees that you’re never far from what you need.

Select neighbourhoods in west Calgary feature homes that are nothing short of mansions. Estate homes in Calgary tend to lend to an affluent community where you won’t find as many renters as you will homeowners. Examples of which can be found in Aspen Woods, Springbank Hill, and Wentworth, Calgary.

Click here to read my article “Living in Wentworth, Calgary: 5 reasons to invest in this luxury neighbourhood.”

You may have heard that the Calgary real estate market is in a period of transition. Homebuyers across the city are taking advantage of the situation and using it as an opportunity to enter the market. If you’re one of these people, or are curious about renting in west Calgary, you can reach me at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca 

Direct:  (403) 690-2020

West Calgary real estate is decidedly more expensive than other areas in the city. Cougar Ridge however features many mid-range properties that are ideal for growing families who are looking to upsize their current homes.

West Calgary homes are cherished for their proximity to the city, their large lot sizes, and for purveying a prestigious lifestyle that’s coveted by many. In my latest article, Cougar Ridge real estate: A homebuyer’s guide to this west Calgary neighbourhood, I would like to shed some light on what makes investing in Cougar Ridge real estate a smart move.

Homes for every lifestyle

West Calgary neighbourhoods, specifically Cougar Ridge, have much more to offer than luxury homes. While they definitely have a distinct presence in the area, Cougar Ridge still offers homes for every lifestyle.

Cougar Ridge has a high volume of mid-range houses that are ideal for young families who are in the market for a new home. The generous lot sizes and access to both green space and amenities make it nearly impossible to deny the inherent value present in these properties.

There are also a handful of multi-family residences for sale in Cougar Ridge, Calgary. For example, the Landings at Cougar Ridge is a luxury development featuring varied properties. From row houses to luxury villas, these cozier properties present an opportunity to become a part of the Cougar Ridge community. These homes are treasured for their nearness to a wealth of west Calgary attractions, and of course the city itself.

Cougar Ridge real estate successfully blends the quiet of the suburbs with the convenience of the city. 

West Calgary attractions

West Calgary homes are known for offering residents the best of both worlds. On one hand, there’s a ton of green space surrounding the neighbourhood. Much of it is home to archaeological dig sites, which give the community a cultural and historical significance. The areas are preserved and will remain protected so that locals can enjoy them.

Click here to access my article on 10 fun things to do when living in SW Calgary.

On the other hand, the neighbourhood borders directly on the Canada Olympic Park, a gathering place for the active folks in the community. There are a wide range of shopping centres and local amenities where Cougar Ridge, Calgary community members can find everything they need to make life simpler. Some examples of the many West Calgary amenities are: West Market Square, Strathcona Square, and the widely known Mount Royal University.

A growing community

A sure sign of properties that will appreciate in value is the amount of new construction in the area. The Landings at Cougar Ridge are nearing completion and the addition of this new upscale development is guaranteed to usher new life into the community. The new homes and the residents they are attracting will actively bolster the area’s tax base and increase property values across the board.

The fact that preserved areas and permanent fixtures like the Canada Olympic Park surround the community means that while the demand for these homes may increase but the supply of them will remain fixed—so, for homebuyers who are looking to become a part of a growing community such as this, I recommend getting in on the ground floor!

As always, if you have any further questions about Cougar Ridge, Calgary real estate, I can be reached anytime at:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/

Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca 

Direct:  (403) 690-2020

Have you noticed the growing number of Calgary open houses in your neighbourhood? The Calgary housing market is in the midst of a transition and as such, more and more people are deciding to list their homes. That may be fine and dandy for homebuyers because now they’ve got the ability to shop around--but, as a Calgary home seller, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that your home isn’t the only one that prospective buyers will be checking out.

In order for your house to stand out from the rest, you’ve got to make a lasting impression. A great way to do this is by holding an open house. That said, I present my latest article, 5 tips for how to hold the best Calgary open house ever.

1)    Curb appeal

It’s said that first impressions are made within one tenth of a second. In the case of your home, potential homebuyers are going to be making judgments before they even put their car in park. That’s why it’s important to step up your curb appeal and ensure a good first impression.

Some simple tips for improving your curb appeal are: a well kept yard during the warmer months, ensuring there’s no garbage or receptacles in the front yard, and sprucing it up with some nice potted plants. 

2)    Treats and goodies

When you’re showing your home, it doesn’t hurt to have some snacks floating around. The idea of the Calgary open house is to give potential homebuyers an idea of what it’d be like to live there. And when people are at home, they’re accustomed to having treats and goodies on hand. Take a step in the right direction by being ready to dish out the snacks—the tastier the better!

3)    Create an ambiance

Your home has the ability to convey a range of emotions, but the feelings you want to evoke are bright, warm, and welcoming. You can easily do this by taking a minute to improve the scent, sights, and sound of your home.

An idea for improving the scent of your home is purchasing a few Glade PlugIns® and placing them in different rooms throughout your home. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to bake some cookies on the day of your open house. You’ll be filling your home with that delicious aroma that we all find so hard to resist—plus more snacks are never a bad thing. 

Improve the sights in your home by opening all of your blinds and flooding the rooms with natural lighting. Do your best to keep sightlines open and unobstructed by decluttering your home and keeping the doors throughout your home wide open to give it an open, welcoming feel.

As for sound, if you’ve got a stereo system handy, or even one of those little iPod docks, play some calm, relaxing background music. It’ll help to put the potential homebuyers at ease and play a big part in creating an ambiance. 

4)    Tidy up!

There’s nothing worse than people walking into a home and being obstructed by clutter. Make sure that your entrance is clean and clear for your guests. As I mentioned with first impressions on the exterior of your home, the same applies to the interior. Two rooms to pay special attention to are the kitchen and the bathroom.

Keep your kitchen free of clutter by ensuring that all of your dishes are washed and put away, that your stovetop is clear of pots and pans, and that no one will find a half eaten tuna sandwich on your kitchen table.

The bathroom is another place that people tend to spend a fair amount of time in so you want to be sure that it’s spic and span. Clean your mirrors, hang some fresh towels in there, and do your best to keep your counters clear of unnecessary clutter. On top of it looking clean, it will appear to be more spacious as well.

5)    Tell people

If you’re having a conversation with someone, casually mention that you’re holding an open house. There’s a good chance that they’re not shopping for a home at that exact moment, but there’s a chance that they might know someone who is. Don’t shy away from sharing the details of your open house on social media either.

However, if you choose to use a REALTOR® to help you sell your home, they have access to a full suite for marketing tools designed to get the word out. These tools range from simple things like flyers, mail outs, and physical banner ads out on the street to online marketing tools like the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

If you’re considering listing your home, and you found these 5 tips for how to hold the best Calgary open house useful, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly and I’ll help you get the most value for you home:

Website: http://totalhomemarketing.ca/
Email: georgebyma@shaw.ca
Direct: (403) 690-2020