Real Estate Blog

A local group is encouraging residents of Airdrie to step forward and ignite the lagging Block Parent initiative in the city.

Calling itself Block Parent Airdrie, the group is trying hard to activate the community into keeping Airdrie safe for youngers as well as preventing crime

The group’s president Lindsey Coyle, told the Airdrie Echo weekly paper that many parents, now in the 30s and into their 40s, grew up with the knowledge that if they saw a Block Parent sign in the window that it was a safe place to go if you were lost or followed by bullies or strangers.  She herself grew up in Winnipeg and her parents participated in the program.  When she became a parent and her first-born started school, that’s when Coyle realized Airdrie was lacking.  A

How can you tell if your painter is just efficient or if they’re cutting corners?  There are things you can watch for to make sure you’re not going to be cheated out of good work.

Fixing the wall before painting begins

Wall repairs can be a part of the job that painters may not do a good job in order to save some time.  Sometimes if wall repairs are not spelled out in a contract, it’s done at the painter’s discretion.  If a lot of repair must be done, they may show you what needs to be done but won’t include the time and materials required in the quote they give you.  A painter may ask if you want them to do the repair after they’ve already started painting and will inform you at that time how much more it will cost you.

Cost of the paint

Did you grow up playing Monopoly, Operation or Clue?  If you’re a board game fan and live in Airdrie, you’re in luck.

The first Sunday of every month a group of board game enthusiasts meets for a rousing eight hours playing their favourite games.  Young and old are welcome.

The games begin Sunday at noon and run until 8:00 pm and are hosted by the Airdrie Co-op on Main Street.  Airdrie resident Derek Strong and his wife take about 50 board games to the weekly gathering and include all the traditional favourites.   These range from the super easy Snakes and Ladders that is always a hit with the youngsters up to more advanced games that involve strategy and intense focus that often take many hours to finish.

Strong told the Airdrie Echo that he

Airdrie is a smaller centre with big amenities.  Just 20 minutes north of Calgary, the City of Airdrie boasts some fairly prolific eateries both downtown and around the newer communities.  Here are the Top 6 as ranked by Trip Advisor.

Paros on Main – 113 Main Street N.

This Mediterranean favourite is in the heart of downtown and has over 100 excellent reviews and has been serving Airdrie for more than decade.  It offers a quick and affordable menu for lunch with many items under $11.  Greek specialties such as Saganaki, Calamari and Souvlaki.  In the evening, enjoy authentic Greek music with dancing and live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.  Reservations are highly recommended.

The Canadian Brewhouse – 130 Sierra Springs Dr SE

This

For horse lovers, owning a home in Airdrie means you have the best of both worlds.  The amenities of living in a city with good neighbours nearby and a school down the street, with quick access to the country side where your favourite stable might be located. 

Living in Airdrie means you’re never more than 10 minutes away to the edge of the city.   The surrounding countryside is full of acreages, ranches and farmland connected with a network of grid roads where riding horseback is part necessity, part recreation.

Proximity to the countryside is one reason why it’s so easy for students attending schools in the Rocky View School District to take advantage of programs involving horses.  That includes a new therapy program involving horses through an

There have been better years for construction in Airdrie. In 2016 there was growth in the industry with plenty of permits issued for residential and commercial construction, however the dollar value associated with all those permits fell by $16 million from $71 million registered in 2015 to $55 million in new construction permits last year.

There were some bright spots despite the decline in permit values, such as the new commercial development in Midtown – a $1.9 million commercial strip mall.  There was also a new $25 million shopping plaza that broke ground in the Airdrie neighbourhood of Coopers Crossing.  Also on the books are two brand new schools in the Airdrie communities of Windsong and another in Heron’s Crossing.

Residential construction

People love buying in Airdrie because of the small-town atmosphere and big city amenities.  They also love paying, in some cases, lower property taxes and they appreciate how well the small city is run.  Airdrie council often consults with residents on a variety of pressing issues.

Some of the most current issues involve the railway.  The rail line between Calgary and Edmonton is the whole reason why the community exists in the first place, but it’s currently a source of frustration among some Airdrie residents.  But the City is working hard to derail their concerns and invites everyone to an open house on Feb. 22 at Genesis Place in the Rotary Room from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Airdrie council recently were handed a report on a potential plan which

How do you know it’s time to renovate your bathroom?   Apart from the curling linoleum on the floor, the chips in the sink, the leaky bathtub and rust stains, of course.

The number one reason by Airdrie homeowners decide to redo the bathroom is because it’s outdated.   All the other reasons that follow include creating  more room out of the current space and creating a more luxurious space.

Or the rest of the house has been modernized and the bathroom needs to be brought up to speed as well. The old adage that updated kitchens and bathrooms increase resale value is still absolutely true.

Before you rush to your nearest home improvement store in Airdrie or search online for local contractors, take these four tips into consideration.

Why Are You

The City of Airdrie is the largest of all the communities surrounding the City of Calgary.  People shopping for a new home often look to Airdrie where they may find lower taxes, less expensive land costs and overall affordability.  Because Airdrie is so close to Calgary, and so many people work in the city to the south, it usually experiences the same ups and downs that the Calgary real estate market endures.  That certainly pertains to 2016.

The Calgary Real Estate Board says the demand for housing in Airdrie has held up when compared to long-term averages; however, along with robust sales there was a marked increase in inventory, both in new construction and resale homes which prevented home prices from also increasing. In fact, there was a bit of a

Even the Mayor of Airdrie is excited about the community’s vibrant arts community.  On January 28 at 7:00 p.m., the Airdrie Mayor’s Night of the Arts will be held at the Bert Church Theatre, the third annual event to which the public is invited.

This year, six Airdrie artists will be given recognition for their contributions to the city.  The evening will include live performances featuring local and regional talent as well as award presentations. Some of the local talent includes ballet dancers Yukichi Hattori and Galien Johnston Hattori, a husband and wife duo and members of the Alberta Ballet.

Rock artist Art Bergman pictured above, country singer Mark Lorenz and vocal performances from the Cowtown Opera Company will also entertain the audience.