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DINING OUT

When Albertans aren’t working or playing, we have a record-breaking appetite for dining out.

In August, spending at restaurants and bars in Alberta reached a new record high of $685-million (adjusted for seasonality), according to Statistics Canada. That builds on the previous high of $678-million set in July. And, the trend is ongoing. Over the last 12 months, spending is 6.3 per cent higher than the previous 12-month period.

On a per person basis, diners in Wild Rose Country spent around $170 per person in August on food and drinks outside the home, which is about $37 more than the average Canadian (see chart).

What explains this dramatic difference? The most significant factor is income. Albertans earn, on average, $1,117 dollars per week—about 20 per cent more than the average $918 earned across the country. Higher income means more dollars available for discretionary purchases.

But there are also less positive factors behind the flurry of spending. Albertans may be facing higher menu prices. It’s rare not to hear someone gripe about the cost of a standard burger and pint of beer. Albertans also work more hours each week than other Canadians, which may leave us strapped for time. Grabbing take-out food on the way home or a sandwich in the food court may be less about choice, and more about having little available time to cook or pack lunches. 

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Please visit our Open House at 161 PANAMOUNT DR NW in CALGARY.
Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2013 1:30 pm
For families who thrive on sports, recreation, entertainment, and shopping, Panorama Hills offers no shortage of things to do. This fully developed walk-up home boasts 3 bedrooms, and 3.5 baths. High Ceilings, big bonus room there is plenty of space for everyone. Tile, Hardwood and New Carpeting Fresh paint and more. Main Floor laundry, supersized kitchen includes dining area plus additional space in a sunken sunroom with loads of windows. All overlooking the professional tiered landscaping. Master Bedroom is ample in size with private oasis ensuite including jetted tub. Lower level has been well designed with room for the extended family with kitchen area/or recreation space plus large lower bathroom. Don't forget there is heaps of storage too. Great curb appeal with stamped driveway and extra wide walkway. Easy care landscaping - move in ready. **OPEN HOUSE Saturday 130pm to 330pm**
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I have listed a new property at 161 PANAMOUNT DR NW in CALGARY.
For families who thrive on sports, recreation, entertainment, and shopping, Panorama Hills offers no shortage of things to do. This fully developed walk-up home boasts 3 bedrooms, and 3.5 baths. High Ceilings, big bonus room there is plenty of space for everyone. Tile, Hardwood and New Carpeting Fresh paint and more. Main Floor laundry, supersized kitchen includes dining area plus additional space in a sunken sunroom with loads of windows. All overlooking the professional tiered landscaping. Master Bedroom is ample in size with private oasis ensuite including jetted tub. Lower level has been well designed with room for the extended family with kitchen area/or recreation space plus large lower bathroom. Don't forget there is heaps of storage too. Great curb appeal with stamped driveway and extra wide walkway. Easy care landscaping - move in ready. Call to view.
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I have listed a new property at 227 BAYSIDE LANDING SW in AIRDRIE.
HONEY STOP THE CAR!!! Stunning Home with attention to detail. Water views, with a babbling brook water feature. Two Fireplaces, stunning landscaping make this home so inviting you won't want to leave. All bedrooms are of generous size allowing room for all your furniture. The ensuite has a steam shower, deep corner soaker tub and two separate vanities + double sinks. The kitchen was designed for entertaining. Plus a 24 x 22 Double Garage. Large rear deck for morning coffee or enjoy the evenings on the lower patio. This home is worth a look - call today
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Close the purchase


Your offer has been accepted and you can't wait to move in. But don't break out the bubbly just yet. You have to close the deal. Your REALTOR® and lawyer will do most of the closing work, but here's your checklist.



Immediately begin satisfying any conditions of the agreement that require action on your part. Your REALTOR® can fill out the documents stating that the conditions have been satisfied.Have your lawyer begin searching title to the property. This can take a while, so make sure you allow ample time


Well before closing, get your homeowner's insurance to be effective on your closing date. Your insurance broker will give you a 'binder' letter certifying that you're covered.


You can't get a mortgage without this letter! 


Contact your lender and have them finalize your mortgage documents.


Have your lawyer review them before you sign.


Your lawyer will transfer essential utilities like hydro and water, but you'll have to make sure telephone and cable companies switch their services to your name.

(your realtor can also help you with names of utility providers & numbers)


If you rent, give notice to your landlord or sublease your apartment.


Begin planning your big move!


Where are those cardboard boxes?

(ask your Realtor they may have a contact for boxes)


Send out your change of address information and fill out a card at the post office.  (do this in advance if you can)


Contact the Ministry of Transport about changing your driver's licenses. 

* new address 

 


Walk through your new home one more time with your REALTOR®.

* ensure this is writen into the purchase contract 


A day or two before closing, you'll meet with your lawyer to sign the closing documents.


Your lawyer will tell you in advance what certified cheques you'll need to seal the deal.

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Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

It’s a very good idea to get a pre-approved mortgage before you start shopping. Many realtors will ask if you’ve been approved. A lender will look at your finances and figure the amount of mortgage you can afford. Then the lender will give you a written confirmation, or certificate, for a fixed interest rate. This confirmation will be good for a specific period of time. A pre-approved mortgage is not a guarantee of being approved for the mortgage loan.

Even if you haven’t found the home you want to buy, having a pre-approved mortgage amount will help keep a good price range in mind.

Bring these with you the first time you meet with a lender:

  • Your personal information, including identification such as your driver's license
  • Details on your job, including confirmation of salary in the form of a letter from your employer
  • All your sources of income
  • Information and details on all bank accounts, loans and other debts
  • Proof of financial assets
  • Source and amount of down payment and deposit
  • Proof of source of funds to cover the closing costs (these are usually between 1.5% and 4% of the purchase price)
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I have listed a new property at 100 HIDDEN RANCH CRES NW in CALGARY.
The Community of Hidden Valley is located north of the Communities of Sandstone and MacEwan. Hidden Valley is a young community having its first house built in 1991. Hidden Valley has about 3800 homes. Charming 3 bedroom home with developed lower level offers room for everyone. Eat in Kitchen all appliances stay. Enjoy the large living room with corner fireplace, and room for all your furniture. Main floor powder room, double car garage with loads of parking even on the street. 3 Bedrooms up with the Master Bedroom offering a walk in closet and 4 piece ensuite. Lower level is open - great space for a TV room or games area. Fenced back yard with deck area, supersized shed, plus a dog run. Close to schools, and shopping. Call to see this home today!
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