Lake McGregor Country Estates

My prediction for the New Year

2011-12-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

2011 saw a few more sales than 2010. With list prices lowering and signs of the economy starting to pick up again, I think that 2012 is going to be an active year with sales at the resort. That inventory of properties available for sale is going to decrease, in my opinion. Asking prices are getting more "reasonable" for buyers. When they shop around and compare, I think that they will see that Lake McGregor Country Estates is quite competitive. Buyers have had lots of time to shop and compare, but now I think it's time that they will make a move. Once again, just my opinion, but I see a stronger economy helping the recreational property market. We may end up seeing buyers wishing that they had bought while properties were "cheap", just like they said about lots pre-2006.

I challenge buyers to try and find a another fully serviced cottage lot at a resort with clubhouse, private beach and marina, with lots price in the $55,000 area. I think that people will see that it's affordable to buy recreational property again.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

Lyle

Holiday Hours

2011-12-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

Clubhouse hours for the upcoming holiday season are as follows:

December 24, 2011 (Christmas eve) Open 9:00am to 3:00pm
December 25, 2011 (Christmas day) Closed
December 26, 2011 (Boxing day) Open 9:00am to 7:00pm

December 31, 2011 (New years eve) Open 9:00am to 3:00pm
January 1, 2012 (New years day) Closed

Wind Damage

2011-11-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

The winds that we had yesterday did some damage at the resort. There are garden sheds that have collapsed, shingles that are missing, and I saw one park model home that moved off its pilings! Obviously, it was not properly achored.

If you have property at the resort, I suggest that you take a drive and check on it.

We all know that it can get windy. This is Southern Alberta after all. However, this wind was extraordinary. The winds near Clareshom measured hurricane force! 144 km! Lethbridge and other parts of the south had large grass fires. Evacuation notices were in effect. Downtown Calgary was shut down to vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to flying objects, including glass from high rise buildings. Well, we wanted a chinook wind to warm things up. We got it.

Winterizing

2011-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year...time to get ready for winter. RV owners should have their units winterized by now. Some of the "snow birds" are getting ready to head south for the winter. Just a couple of notes as we prepare for the winter:

- talk to the manager to get your water shut off if you plan on not using your unit this winter. Remember, if you do decide to come out later on (like a warm chinook comes for a visit), the clubhouse is open year round. Thus, the washrooms, showers and such are there for your convenience.

- make sure that your yard is cleaned up. You may even want to put some protection around your small trees and bushes, as the deer call the resort home year round.

- check at the clubhouse to make sure that you are on the mailing list so that you will be kept up-to-date on the latest happenings at the resort.

- if you are sticking around this winter, make sure you pack your swim suit, as the indoor pool is open year round.

- have you winterized your boat, or any other vehicles you may have in the storage area?

- if you do not plan on being here for a while, let a neighbor know, or even management so that they can keep an eye on your place, checking for heat, or weather damage...

Have a nice winter season, stay warm, and let your friends know that you own recreational property at Lake MaGregor Country Estates!

The leaves are falling...

2011-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be THAT time of year! People are out winterizing their trailers. The weather sure has been nice, but winter will be coming sooner or later. Hopefully later.

The real estate market for recreational properties has not been great. I would say that it has been better this past year over the previous year, but it could be much better. There are still plenty of properties listed for sale at the resort, perhaps much more than there should be. Not a good thing.

Yet, Lake McGregor Country Estates is not the only place where there are too many listings. Shop around. Show me a recreational property resort in the area and I will show you a place where there are too many for sale signs. The local residential market has a surplus of listings as well. The reason? People are not so easily ready to part with their money these days. Afraid of the recession perhaps? A double dip, like they are talking about on the news? I do not have the answers, as my crystal ball is in the shop.

What I do know is that there are still people looking for a deal. This nice fall weather that we have had sure helps. The word that I am getting from people looking around, sending me emails, talking to on the phone, is that they are looking to find a place so that they will be ready for spring. Taking advantage of low interest rates, and a large catalogue of properties to choose from. Makes sense to me. As a buyer, you can afford to shop around, be picky, and take the time to find yourself a good deal. As a seller, if you want to move your property, you better be ready to make your property stand out from the others and attract those buyers. Talk to people. Talk to your real estate agent. Don't have a real estate agent? Find one. It's our job to help you, inform you, keep you up-to-date of what's going on in the real estate market. If not, find a different agent. Prices, interest rates, and selection change so it pays to seek the advice of a professional.

Do you like Chocolate?

2011-08-25T09:41:00.001-07:00

The Kronos Chocolate Factory, featuring Chocolatier Michael Roloff is in the Vulcan Bakery August 25, 26, and 27th from 9 AM to 5 PM. Come and see what the "Poet of Chocolate" can do!

Hot enough for ya?

2011-08-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a nice summer so far this year. I know that can depend on who you talk to. It WAS raining quite a bit this spring, and then it's been hot, and now the mornings are getting cooler...but still close to plus 30 degrees this weekend. Not bad for late August in Southern Alberta.

We had a slow start to the recreational season for sales this year. The warmer weather sure brought people out though. We have made some sales and have some proud new owners here at Lake McGregor Country Estates. New management has been doing a great job! The grounds are looking good. The kids are even pumped up about the hockey nets that have been set up by the basketball court so they can have some street hockey without having to yell "CAR!".

There are still too many properties for sale out here. Well, too many recreational properties for sale in Southern Alberta period. We have quite a few on the market here, Little Bow Resort has over 30 properties for sale, and the list goes on. Not to say that there are no buyers out there though, because there are. The buyers are like vultures now...circling their prey, looking for the best deal, and then, when they are ready to pounce, they come in with a low offer and see what their prey's next move it. Lately, the prey have been giving in, just to get their property sold. It sure is different from about 3 or 4 years ago when properties were just flying! Then again, it is better than just one year ago.

Is now the time to sell? If you are ready to take your loss right away and price it competitively, then yes. If you are wanting to get that top dollar because someone got it back in 2007, well, you may be waiting for a while, so just come out and enjoy the resort. You won't be going anywhere soon.

Vulcan draws Star Trek fans from around the world

2011-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Vulcan draws Star Trek fans from around the world

Canadian home sales edge down in April

2011-05-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Marina is in!

2011-05-18T10:42:00.001-07:00

The marina has been installed and is ready for the season! See you May long weekend!

Unsecured Loads

2011-05-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Recent complains involving loose or unsecured loads have become a concern. It is important to remember when transporting materials they must be secured in a way to prevent moving or shifting in all directions. Fines for unsecured loads range from $345 to $575 depending on licence class. The local RCMP Division is asking for your cooperation with this issue. For more information please contact the Patrol Division at 403-485-2241.

Spring Letter - Clubhouse Hours

2011-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Clubhouse Hours
The clubhouse will be open 1 hour later on summer weekends. Clubhouse hours are as follows:

May 20 to September 1 9am to 9pm Sun-Thurs
9am to 10pm Fri-Sat and Holidays
September 2 to May 19 9am to 7pm Sun-Thurs
9am to 9pm Fri-Sat and Holidays

Assistant to Developer Coming for a Visit

2011-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

The snow is melting and we can see grass again! The deer look to be out enoying the weather too!

Nicki from Lake McGregor Resort Corp. will be out for a visit this week. She will be available at the clubhouse for any questions or concerns you may have at this time as part of the committment she made to us at the fall meeting.

She will be available to speak in person with you as follows:

Saturday March 19th from 11 AM to 1 PM

If you have any questions or concerns, this would be a great time to address them directly to her.

Lot services

2011-02-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Each cottage lot has water, sewer, natural gas, electrical and telephone services running to the property line.

Each RV lot has water, sewer, electrical and telephone services. Many of the existing RV lot owners use propane to heat their units. The services are "deep serviced", which means that the services are below the frost line, which makes it possible for the RV units to be used year round. Of course, the owners would have to heat tape the lines and put skirting around the unit.

Many RV owners winterize their units and, if the weather is mild during the winter months, still come out and use their RVs. With the clubhouse open year round, they can use the washrooms and showers there and not have to de-winterize their units and start over again, each time they come out. Good idea for those who enjoy ice fishing and other winter activities.

Community Association Fees

2011-02-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

There is a $150 per month community association fee for each lot. This fee covers water, sewer, and garbage services, as well as use of the clubhouse, marina and boat storage areas.

Electrical, heating, and telephone services are individually billed.

Working out in Vulcan!

2011-02-12T19:53:00.001-08:00

One-year gym membership in Vulcan for only $165.00! This includes up-to-date cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and the squash/raquetball court. I was paying close to that amount for a quarterly membership back in Brooks. Plus, here I can go anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So much for excuses now...gotta just go out and do it!

A Safe and Warm Winter

2011-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

The following is thanks to Pillar to Post:

Every winter homeowners turn to supplemental heat sources such as gas fireplaces, generators, space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters to reduce home utility costs and stay warm.

When using a supplemental heat source to save energy and money this winter, keep safety top of mind to prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide dangers - two of the most common winter safety hazards. Below is some safe heating advice.

Keep space heaters at least three feet from people, pets or anything that can burn, especially furniture and curtains.
Look for products that have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards.
To avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices.
Place at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home near sleeping areas. This will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly and odorless - gas are present.
Have your home’s central heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned by a trained professional who knows how to repair leaks and other problems.
Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace or wood stove; they burn unevenly and may contain poisons or cause a fire.
Get your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a professional chimney sweep.
Supplemental heat sources are a great way to stay warm without heating the entire house.

Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow - 1 bedroom first floor flat - Sequence

2011-01-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

Glasgow Road, Blantyre, Glasgow - 1 bedroom first floor flat - Sequence

Looking for something in Scotland?

Tinman Triathlon

2011-01-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

The Vulcan Tinman Triathlon is on June 4, 2011. Get training!

Winter/Spring Course Calendar 2011

2011-01-14T09:41:00.001-08:00

The Winter/Spring Course Calendar 2011 is out thanks to the Vulcan County Adult Learning Council. Register for course online at www.vulcanadultlearning.ca. Brush up on your computer skills, learn how to take better pictures with your digital camera, ideas on gardening, fitness and exercise. Check it out...it's the logical thing to do! It's local!

Vulcan County On Track To Reduce Taxes Again Next Year

2011-01-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

This clip is from the Vulcan Advocate January 1, 2011 online edition:

Vulcan County on track to reduce taxes again next year

Local News

By Stephen Tipper/Editor

Posted 8 days ago

Administration is pleased with council's direction in preparing for yet another reduction in property taxes next year, says the County's administrator.

"While both council and administration can be confident that the ratepayers will not object to a reduction in taxes, I compliment council on the creative manner in which you addressed the service delivery issues," wrote Larry Baran in a report to council.

Instead of reducing services to bring about a tax reduction, council asked administration to find innovative ways to maintain or improve upon services while reducing taxes, Baran wrote.

"While we must still wait for the final assessment and requisition information to come in the beginning of next year, administration is confident that council will reach your goal of reducing property taxes again in 2011."

Worried about high fuel costs?

2010-11-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

This clip is from Pillar to Post:

Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 16% of your utility bill.

There are four ways to cut your water heating bills:

Use less hot water.

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.

Insulate your water heater.

Buy a new, more efficient water heater.

A family of four, each showering for 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week; this is enough for a 3-year supply of drinking water for one person. You can cut that amount in half by simply using low-flow aerating showerheads and faucets.

Interior Leaks

2010-11-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

This clip is from Pillar to Post:

In some cases what appears to be a roof surface leak is not a leak at all, but rather an interior source of water. Here are some example:

Air leakage from the house: If household air can leak into the attic, the warm moist air will condense on surfaces in the attic during cold weather. This can cause damage to the roof decking and structural framing and in severe cases cause water to drip back into the house. Sealing the house from the attic in cold climates is very important.

Leaking forced air ducting: If heating and cooling ducting runs through the attic, they should be well sealed, to prevent condensation in cold weather.

Air conditioning ducting: If air conditioning ducting runs through the attic, it should be well insulated and should have a good vapor barrier.

Attic mounted heating and cooling: High efficiency furnaces and air conditioning evaporators located in the attic can create condensation and leak into the house.

PILLAR TO POST ® HOME INFORMATION SERIES

Things are slow???

2010-10-21T21:26:00.001-07:00

So...How is the market these days?

Slow? When people ask me “How’s the market these days” Pretty slow I hear?”, I have to sit back for a minute. What do you mean by slow?

I have around 45 to 50 listings, all these listings have owners and they want to be kept up-to-date on what’s going on. I am trying to figure out the best way to market these properties, looking for buyers, how to make financing work for buyers, as well as setting up property inspections, appraisals, and so on. I am taking calls every day from people asking about properties for sale, for rent, and they are wondering how much I could get them for their property if they sold it.

I am involved with the communities that I have properties in. For example, I am working with the Vulcan Tourism and Trek Station on ways to help promote the Town of Vulcan and surrounding areas.

Right now, I am on an airplane on my way to St. Johns, Newfoundland for an MTC Conference and Fall General Assembly meeting for the Canadian Real Estate Association. In two weeks, I will be attending the National Association of REALTORS® Conference in New Orleans. These are great networking opportunities where I can promote my properties and my surrounding areas, as well as learn from other real estate professionals. I have learned that the more I know, the more a realize that I don’t know. Thus, I am a sponge, trying to soak up as much as possible.

So when people say that they hear that things are slow….define slow….

Summer comes to an end

2010-10-02T23:34:00.000-07:00

The daylight hours are getting shorter, but there are still people out shopping for lots, getting a jump on competing buyers who are waiting until next spring. One RV lot was sold this past week. Still a good selection of properties, both RV and Cottage lots, for those recreational property shoppers.

Ways to satisfy a beach yearning in Calgary#Comments#Comments

2010-08-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ways to satisfy a beach yearning in Calgary#Comments#Comments

View from the beach

2010-08-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

view from the beach

Busy week!

2010-08-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's been busy the last week and a bit at the lake! Sales have been better with one RV lot with park model sold, and a conditional offer on a cottage lot. There certainly has been an increase in activity with people looking at lots. The thing is that buyers are more ready to make a move as opposed to just one month ago. Does this mean that the recreational property market is turning around? Ask me in 6 months... All I know is that we have some excited new owners at the resort and it's a beautiful day at Lake McGregor Country Estates!

Keeping the bugs away from your backyard

2010-08-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

This article is from Pillar to Post and it's about keeping your backyard bug free!

"Sure, spending time outdoors is great – except for all the bugs. But experts say you can stay bug free – without spending a fortune – if you…

Get out the clippers. Keep tree branches cut back from your deck and patio, and minimize ants. Also, pull up any weeds nearby. Mosquitoes use them as rest stops.

Give flowers a shower. Soaking them thoroughly with a garden hose before a picnic or party to mimic a rain shower. Pollinating insects like bees don’t like wet conditions and will stay away until plants dry out. That’s usually about two hours.

Blow bugs away… with a fan. The air current from a fan will deter flying and biting insects because they aren’t strong enough to fly against the wind it makes. It’ll also blow away any trace of your scent, so they can’t find you.

Keep flies away with basil. Flies hate basil, so if you keep a plant on your patio, they’ll stay clear.

Wipe down tables with vinegar. Its a great disinfectant that bugs back away from, so they’ll stay away from your patio table. Outdoors, the odor will fade so it won’t bother guests.

Plant the natural pesticide. Beautiful chrysanthemums. Their leaves contain the same chemical, pyrethin, found in most pesticides. Just having them in your garden will send bugs packing."

Maintaining your lot

2010-07-10T03:11:00.000-07:00

We had a wet spring and now we are enjoying the nice warm summer. With that, the grass is growing like crazy! If you are not going to be out at your lot for a couple of weeks, there are several young folks at the lake who are more than willing to take care of your lot for you. Check the bulletin board in the clubhouse for names and phone numbers of individuals who are looking to make some extra money this summer. And when you do come out, you can just put your feet up and relax!

Last Weekend of June

2010-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful weekend at the lake! The weather was great and with all of the rain that we have had, the landscape is just amazing! Lots of people taking advantage of the weather and were out on the water, fishing, boating, and just chilling out.

The nice weather brought out potential buyers this weekend too. Why not, as there is a good selection of properties to choose from and people still have lots of time to enjoy life at the lake this summer, and for the rest of this year and many years to come.

I got the opportunity to check out some of properties that we have for sale at the resort again. Lots of pride of ownership out there!

Green, green and more green!

2010-06-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am guessing that there will be no fire ban this weekend. Call it a hunch... We sure have been getting more than our fair share of rain this past week, but the hills are sure green now! It is beautiful! And we are getting up over 20 degrees all weekend. Is it safe to say now that summer has arrived?

I must say that the rain has caused some problems in other areas of the province. Rivers and streams are high, and some places have been flooded. Even the farmers are hoping that we are done with the rain now and we get some heat. At the resort, if the lake rises, we are fine. And I don't think that anyone out here has had any basements flooding. For those critics who think who don't like the location of the resort in relation to the lake (on top of the hill), well...we can discuss that in our deck, in our dry basements, or where ever else you like at Lake McGregor Country Estates. You won't need your hip waders here.

Open houses this weekend

2010-06-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

We are hosting open houses this weekend at the resort. Looks like Mother Nature is going to be helping too as we are forecast to have warmer dry weather this weekend. The rain was great and sure greened things up, but its the warm sunshine that brings people out.

Saturday we will feature cottage lots and an RV lot for the open house. Sunday features a really nice park model in which the new owners gets a Sea Doo and trailer along with it!

The Docks at the Marina are out!

2010-06-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

I drove by the resort today and I see that the docks at the marina are out. Well part of them anyways. Summer is here!

"We wish we had your clubhouse"

2010-05-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

I speak to several people about resort properties several times a week in my travels. One common theme is "Your developer sure did it right. I wish we had your clubhouse and setup."

Look at the past week or so with this crazy weather we have been having. Other resorts and camping areas have empty spots because of the weather. What are families supposed to do when they go camping if the weather is bad? I say, Welcome to Lake McGregor Country Estates! Family lounge with pool table and fireplace, adult lounge with fireplace and satellite tv, games room, an exercise room, a large auditorium for friends and family to share a meal, have dance, or just visit, and then there's the indoor pool, sauna and hot tub.

There are other resorts around, but we are the one with the clubhouse! We are the one where there is something to do for the whole family no matter what the weather! We are open year round! For you owners at Lake McGregor Country Estates, look around you and see how others look at you when you say that you're still going out this weekend, even though the weather might be bad. You've got things to do! For those of you who are not owners, aren't you the least bit curious to come out and have a look? Even if the weather is bad, maybe that's the best time to come out! We'll see you soon!

Get your fishing license online

2010-05-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Save yourself a trip to the store and get your fishing license online. Click on the link and you'll be set for fishing in no time!

National Safe Boating Week

2010-05-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Here comes the long weekend and a great way to start it off with National Safe Boating Week from May 22 to 28. A little reminder for all of us as we get back into boating mode!

Our friends at the lake...

2010-05-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

Just a few of our friends at the resort. Must be at least 24 that call the hills a the resort home.

Spock came home!

2010-05-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Jasper Leadership Conference

2010-05-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just returned yesterday from the Jasper Leadership Conference which was hosted by the Alberta Real Estate Association. It was a very good conference where we networked with people across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and even Manitoba. We talked about the latest trends in real estate, keeping up with marketing to the public in the fast paced techological society, and how we can all work together to make our industry better, both on the inside and on how the public percievs real estate industry members.

The weather was great and the scenery was magnificant! If you are ever wondering where to take the family for a nice get-away, head to Jasper!

Trade Show

2010-04-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

I am at the Brooks and District Trade Show this weekend in Brooks. I am promoting my listings, including listings at Lake McGregor Country Estates. Been a slow start to the trade show, but things usually pick up Friday evening and throughout the day Saturday and Sunday.

I stopped by the Nelson Homes booth, as they are here as well. I will be bringing back some brochures from them. They have brought out a couple of houses to the lake. These seem to be a more economical way to get a cottage up at the resort. They can build a cottage for less than $100/square foot. The ones they showed me plans of price out to be about $96 to $98 per square foot to build. These homes are built in High River and, depending upon the pitch of the roof, will cost between $10,000 to $18,000 to move to the resort. Just another option for those looking to build.

Boil Water Advisory

2010-04-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Issued on April l1, 2010 by Alberta Health Services.

A "Boil Water Advisory" is in effct for Lake McGregor Country Estates.

Bring your water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to using it for domestic purposes, including drinking, making infant formula and juices, brushing teeth, washing raw foods and making ice.

This Order is being issued as a precautionary measure until the safety of the water can be assured.

Water should be boiled until further notice.

For more information contact www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/envhealth or local health centre.

April showers...no wait...SNOW STORM!

2010-04-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

April 13 and 14, 2010 are two days that are going to be remembered for a while as we had a big heavy dump of snow. The snow brought down power lines and broke power poles in the area, including the area between Bow City and Lomond. Stangely enough, Calgary got nothing! Lethbridge, on the other hand, had wide spread power outages.

The resort had no electricity right now and it may be like that for a few more days as crews work to resort power throughout the southeastern part of Alberta.

Well, we were hoping for some precipitation...and we got it! The good news is that it's supposed to be almost 20 degrees on the plus side come Sunday!

Clubhouse Update

2010-04-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

"Please note that the club house will be closed starting April 12, 2010 to April 15, 2010 as we are having the carpets and tile clean." Looks like it's officially spring as its time to do some cleaning! We should be in great shape for summer!

Time to fish!

2010-04-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Got a phone call this morning from someone wanting to know if the lake was opening up, getting free of ice, so folks could go fishing! Well of couse there is ice fishing, but even people like me who don't ice fish are free to try their luck fishing off the shore! Gotta love spring time!

Where did the snow go?

2010-03-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well it is officially spring and the snow looks to have left us! Will it be for good? Only Mother Nature knows. The nice weather seems to be bringing people out looking again. Had people out this past week and more this weekend. We've got owners out on their decks catching a few rays of sun already. I have had people looking at park model homes this weekend. It's a good sign for things to come I think. I bet the next couple of months will be busy! Some great buys for those looking to pick up some recreational property.

10 Inexpensive Ways to Wow Buyers

2010-02-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Now is the time for home owners contemplating a spring sale to spruce up their properties in anticipation of what Mike Larson of Weiss Research calls a potentially vibrant home-selling season.

"If you have been beating your head against a wall, this is going to feel a lot better,” he says.

Here are 10 cheap ways to make a property more attractive to shoppers:

Improve first impressions. Touch up the paint on the front door and other areas that buyers see first.

Clean up the landscaping. Trim the hedges and trees and plant some annuals in the flowerbeds.

Paint the interior. A coat of light yellow or cream with contrasting white woodwork looks fresh and clean.

Refurbish the floors. Buff the hardwoods. Install new carpets – or at least get them professionally cleaned.

Take care of the big problems. If the house needs a roof or the front stoop is crumbling, get them fixed.

Buy warranties. Putting appliances under warranty gives homebuyers a secure feeling.

Improve energy efficiency. New windows or improved insulation tells a potential buyer the seller is on top of things plus they come with tax benefits.

Replace light fixtures. Updated fixtures, especially at the entrance way and in the foyer, create a good first impression.

Buy a stove. Home owners whose kitchen isn’t top of the line can jazz it up for a few hundred dollars by buying a new stove, which gives the room a fresh feel.

Tidy up the bathrooms. Get rid of mildew, replace caulking, and replace stained sinks.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Luke Mullins (01/21/2010)

SPOCK IS COMING HOME!

2010-01-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

According to the January 20, 2010 edition of the Vulcan Advocate, "Leonard Nimoy is definitely comint to Vulcan."

The actor who played Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek series is scheduled to attend the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo in April, but he will first make an appearance in Vulcan on April 23. Details about time and what he will be doing there are still in negotiation.

Me thinks this will help shatter the record for tourists in Vulcan this year!

We are on YouTube

2009-12-20T23:31:00.001-08:00

I have posted my first video on YouTube and it's of the resort. I know it's not professional but I will keep practising!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L55nSKBDJGk

Real Property Reports

2009-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Real Property Reports are legal documents prepared by registered Alberta Land Surveyors. A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal graphic representation of a piece of property and the improvements upon it. In preparing a Real Property Report, an Alberta Land Surveyor locates the legal boundaries of a property and then measures the locations of the buildings or other improvements relative to the boundaries. The boundaries and improvements are then plotted on a document. The document also identifies easements, utility right of way, and other legal features that may affect the property.

The time to arrange an RPR is as soon as a property is listed for sale. Having a prepared Report is an advantage for a seller and will make a real estate transaction easier and likely faster. If a Real Property Report is ordered near the closing date for a sale, there can be delays.Often major issues are identified through the Real Property Report process. Garages have been built on property lines, garages have been built over gas lines, fences have been located on neighboring property, or a neighbor's fence is built on the subject property, and even houses have been improperly located.

More information about Real Property Reports, easements, fences, and other land and real estate related issues are available at www.alsa.ab.ca.

Trek Station Beats 23,000 Mark

2009-12-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

This clip is from th Vulcan Advocate, Wednesday, November 25, 2009 edition:

More than 23,000 visitors have now been through the doors of the Trek Station this year.

The 23,000 mark was broken two weekends ago, according to Dayna Dickens, Vulcan's tourism co-ordinator.

The Trek Station has seen 38 per cent more visitors at the same time this year than in 2008, said Dickens.

Compared to the 2006 year-end visitor stats, there has been a whopping 115 per cent increase in visitors so far this year.

For more information on the Vulcan Advocate, please visit www.vulcanadvocate.com

2009-11-11T19:36:00.001-08:00

Congratulations on your new home!

2009-11-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace". The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new home".

Conserve water in the bathroom

2009-11-05T06:33:00.001-08:00

Water Conservation

Low-Flow FixturesCut down on the amount of water used in your bathroom by switching to a low-flow, aerating shower head and faucets. These fixtures can reduce your home's water consumption by as much as 50 percent. Low-flow shower heads will use just 1.2 gallons of water per minute as opposed to the 2.5 gallon average, but the aerating feature makes the water flow seem just as strong.Dual-flush ToiletsDual-flush toilets allow users to select the amount of water flushed to correspond to the task at hand. There are two options; for solid waste there is a handle for a full 1.6 gallon flush, and for liquid you can choose a 0.8-1.1 gallon flush. You could save your family as much as 1,500 gallons a year with a dual-flush toilet - that's 60 percent to 80 percent less when compared with high volume toilets.

Women decide faster than men - survey

2009-10-04T10:36:00.001-07:00

When it comes to the home-buying decision, women make up their minds quicker than men, according to a survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate. When asked how long it took before they knew their home was "right" for them, almost 70% of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, versus 62% of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits.

Another highlight from the survery: Women would rather live closer to their extended family than their jobs. 50% of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37% of men.Just something to think about...

Tips for Changing the Clocks Back

2009-09-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

This article is thanks to Pillar to Post:

Summer Vacation is over and now it's time to tend to the tasks that prepare us for the fall. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

Be sure to replace your furnace and fridge filters.For heating and cooling systems to operate properly the filters need to be changed frequently. If you have an automatic ice maker and cold-water dispenser, now is the time to replace the filter in your refrigerator to ensure fresh tasting ice and water.

Keep your washer working at it's best and smelling fresh.Odor-causing residues and mould and mildew stains have the potential to accumulate anywhere moisture is present - including your washing machine. To reduce this build up use a washer cleaning kit every time the seasons change.

Run all gas-powered lawn equipment outside until the fuel tank is empty.This will ensure that your lawn mower is not a fire hazard if you store it in the garage over the winter.

Change batteries in fire detectors and review your fire escape plan.Batteries weaken with age and must be checked regularly, while smoke alarms become less sensitive over time and should be changed every ten years.

Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.Also remember to remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures. A chimney with soot and creosol build-up or birds' nests can be a fire hazard.

Weekend update

2009-09-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

The September 12th weekend was a great weekend weather wise, AND it brought out potential buyers! We had several couples looking at RV lots with units, as well as people looking at cottage lots. Plus, before people came out, I got a chance to go out on the boat! The lake was calm and inviting. The weatherman says that we will have another week of this weather, hovering around 30 degrees. The outdoor pool is staying open longer with this nice weather. It has been a great summer!

Tourists Beaming In To Vulcan

2009-08-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

This article is from the Town of Vulcan Newsletter - Volume 32 August 17, 2009

At 2:45pm MDT, Tuesday August 4, 2009 the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station welcomed the 16,694 visitor through its doors this year, officially breaking the record for the total number of annual visitors to Vulcan set at the end of 2008. As of Monday August 10, the Trek Station's visitor numbers are continuing to skyrocket - already tourism staff have welcomed 1,383 visitors in the first 10 days of the month.

Thanks in part to the success of the new Star Trek movie, released in May 2009, more visitors than ever before are laying in a course to this quirky little science-fiction town on the prairies.

"Tourism is hopping in Vulcan this year," delared Tourism Coordinator, Dayna Dickens, "and with just under five months remaining in 2009, it looks like we are going to shatter last year's visitor record!"

In addition to teh increased interest in Vulcan, generated by the release of the new film, Dickens notices more people are staying close to home this year and exploring some of the undiscovered tourism gems in their own backyards."

"According to visitor stats, 40% of our guests are originating in Calgary and Southern Alberta" reports Dickens. "Being only a one hour drive from both Calgary and Lethbridge, Vulcan is an ideal destination for daytripping families looking for a fun activity."

Get Comfy Outdoors

2009-07-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Here is another helpful hint I found thanks from Pillar to Post:

Summer outdoors can be a very enjoyable experience. Here are some ideas to increase your pleasure outdoors.

Keep flies away.
Put vases filled with mint and basil in the middle of the table. Flies don't like the odor and they'll find somewhere else to land.

Light up the area.
Keep votive candles from blowing out by stashing them inside terra-cotta pots. To double the glow, line the insides with aluminum foil.

Keep salads fresher longer.
To make sure a salad stays crisp and fresh in the outdoor heat, nest the bowl in a bigger bowl filled with salted ice. Toss regularly to keep everything cool.

Create a smoke-free zone.
If you're grilling your dinner, set up the grill downwind of the party so guests wont get smoked out.

Fend off mosquitoes.
Set up an area with bug spray or wipes in case mosquitoes come out at night. Add a box of baby wipes to clean residue off faces or hands.

Time For A Vacation

2009-07-31T20:06:00.001-07:00

Vacations are key to staying energized, focused, rested and motivated. When you are energized and motivated, you perform better. Not all vacations are created equally however, and there are definitely some guidelines and "best practices" to ensure that you get the most out of your vacation.

Here are "The 5 Secrets to Taking A Great Vacation" -- enjoy!

Secret #1: Schedule and pay for your trips at least six months or more in advance.
By planning, scheduling and paying for your trips far in advance, you're almost certain to actually take them.
Benefit: When you plan that far in advance, you get to look forward to it for months! It's a great motivator.

Secret #2: Go somewhere special.
Make a list right now of the six places you and your family would love to go to. Then enlist their help! It's a great family activity. Book it now. Buy the airfare, book the hotel and car and pay for it.
Benefit: Watch the attitude of your family change -- for the better.

Secret #3: Don't return to work until Tuesday!
Even though you get back Saturday or Sunday, don't go right back to the office. Give yourself time to readjust. Nothing ruins a good vacation more than going back to work the very next day.
Benefit: Reduce post vacation stress.

Secret #4: Take at least one mini vacation per quarter.
Also, plan to take at least one extended weekend break per quarter. Go somewhere on one. Spend others around the house getting things done or just relaxing. All the rules apply: plan, schedule, and pay in advance.
Benefit:Even more to look forward to!

Secret #5: Don't work while on vacation.
Your vacation is exactly that - a vacation! Leave your laptop, blackberry, and paperwork at the office. Resist the temptation to check in with your office. This is your and your family's time. Ask your sales manager or assistant to handle all business while away. They will do fine without you, and it will all be there when you return.
Benefit: You will actually feel like you're on vacation and you'll enjoy it even more!

If you follow these rules, you will not only enjoy your life more, but you'll be more productive at work as well. Imagine that -- more successful and happier!

HOW TO INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM ON A BUDGET

2009-07-12T08:24:00.002-07:00

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.
2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.
3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.
4. Leave a note on your door that reads:
"Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to teh gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attached the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.
PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside."
INSTALLATION COMPLETE!!

(hey, we all need a good laugh now and then!)

Tips for the first time buyer

2009-06-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

Are you a first-time home buyer trying to get into the market?

Here are steps to take to help you decide whether you're ready to take the plunge.

1. Check the selling prices of comparable homes in your area. You can do a quick search of MLS listings in your area.

2. See what you can afford. Find out what you would have to pay on your mortgage.

3. Find out what your total monthly housing cost would be, including taxes and homeowners insurance. In some areas, what you'll pay for your taxes and insurance can almost double your mortgage payment. To get an idea of what you'll pay in insurance, pick a property in the area where you want to live and make a call to a local insurance agent for an estimate. You won't be obligated to get the insurance, but you'll have a good idea of what you'll pay if you buy.

4. Find out how much you'll likely pay in closing costs. The upfront cost of settling on your home shouldn't be overlooked. Closing costs include origination fees charged by the lender, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items such as homeowners insurance or homeowner’s association fees.

5. Look at your budget and determine how a house fits into it.

6. Talk to reputable real-estate agents in your area about the real-estate climate. Do they believe prices will continue falling or do they think your area has hit bottom or will rise soon?

7. Remember to look at the big picture. While buying a house is a great way to build wealth, maintaining your investment can be labor-intensive and expensive. When unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems crop up, there's no landlord to turn to, and these costs can drain your bank account.

Make your home a smarter home (or cottage)

2009-06-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

10 weekend projects to make yours a smarter home
For the most part, having a smart home is simply a matter of energy efficiency. These projects, plus 14 quick tips, will help you save both energy and money.
By Popular Mechanics

Kitchen

1. Find sustainable finishes.
Kitchen upgrades offer a chance to choose products made from recycled or renewable materials. Consider a stone countertop made with recycled glass, a sustainable cork or natural linoleum floor, or cabinetry made from formaldehyde-free plywood.

2. Go chemical-free.
Caustic chemicals will partially dissolve a clog, but they contaminate water supplies and the fix won’t last. Instead, turn to the sink plunger — its flat bottom sits flush with the sink, unlike a bell-shaped toilet plunger. Before snaking a drain or removing the sink’s trap, try using needle-nose pliers or creatively bent coat hangers.

_________________________________________________

more on PopularMechanics.com

19 ways to slash your utility bill
Save money by sealing leaks and drafts
PM war journal: A day at Forward Operating Base Salerno
Gallery: 10 geeky ways to deliver mail
Read more from Popular Mechanics
_________________________________________________

Living room

3. Build better fires.
To boost efficiency in the fireplace, begin by replacing the leak-prone midchimney “throat” damper with a “top-sealing” or “chimney cap” damper. This opens, shuts and seals like a storm door for the chimney. Then add a fireback — a handsome iron plate that protects firebox brick and radiates heat into the room. A fireplace heater will distribute the fire’s warmth by circulating air into the fireplace. A heat exchanger warms the air and fans blow it (smoke-free) back into the room, increasing the fireplace’s efficiency from 5% to 65%. If you don’t use your fireplace at all, contact the National Chimney Sweep Guild to find a certified contractor to seal your flue, which will prevent heat loss through the chimney.

4. Upgrade the thermostat.
Nearly half of the average home’s $2,000 annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, but a programmable thermostat can reduce that figure by about $180. Instead of a seven-day model, opt for a five-plus-two-day one — this will allow you to program the temperature for different weekday and weekend schedules, maximizing comfort and efficiency.

Basement

5. Insulate the edges.
Sealing a basement’s perimeter walls with a vapor barrier and insulation helps heating and cooling systems work less hard to maintain indoor temperature and humidity. Insulate the ceiling’s joist bays against the foundation walls with expandable foam for an airtight seal. Then spray foam to plug up gaps where pipes and vents exit the house.

6. Heat water wisely.
Use foam jackets to insulate exposed hot-water pipes within 5 to 10 feet of the heater. Gas users can upgrade to fuel-saving tankless heaters; electric users should add timers so water stays hot only when it’s needed.

Attic

7. Ventilate the space.
Install inconspicuous ridge vents that run the length of the attic’s peak. These work with soffit vents to cool the attic in summer; in winter, an exit route for warm air reduces the risk of leak-causing ice dams.

8. Cut air conditioning consumption.
Whole-house fans pull in outside air through the downstairs windows and push out hot air through the attic vents, cooling your house at a fraction of the cost of central air conditioning. Effective except on the most stifling summer days, the typical whole-house fan consumes less than 600 watts, but a 5-ton central air unit can draw more than 6,000. Solar-powered attic fans are very efficient, too, but ventilate only the attic space, not the living area.

Yard

9. Make decks last decades.
Composite decking built with recycled plastic uses waste headed for a landfill. Redwood, cedar and ipê (pronounced ee-pay) naturally resist rot and can last much longer than pressure-treated wood. But buy only lumber certified “Pure” by the Forest Stewardship Council — there are no bad species, just bad forestry.

10. Add an awning.
Decks reflect the sun’s rays into your house, but adding shade above nearby windows and glass doors can reduce heat intake by up to 77%. In the summer, a retractable awning cuts an adjacent room’s air conditioning use by nearly 25%. It rolls out of the way in the winter to allow warm sunlight in.

14 steps to take today

Stroll through your home with Popular Mechanics’ list of low-cost (or free!) upgrades, making quick fixes as you go.

Turn down the water heater: Lower the temperature to 120 F, and for every 10-degree drop, you recoup 3% to 5% of the power bill. No temperature dial on the tank? Check the temperature at the tap farthest from the heater.
Unplug appliances: Turn off power strips or pull the plug on appliances completely. Idle machines suck up 11% of your home’s electricity.
Clean your dryer: Slip a shop-vacuum hose into the dryer’s guts to remove lint wads and boost efficiency. Use an electric leaf blower to clear lint from vents that lead to the outside. It’ll work like new.
Optimize heating and cooling: Move furniture and rugs away from vents and radiators. Run a fan with the cooling system raised 2 degrees to drop cooling costs by 14%.
Drip-irrigate beds: Line gardens with hoses — no sprinklers, no hassle. Use mulch to retain moisture, and set timers to water in the morning.
Adjust mower blades: Cut no more than one-third the grass blades’ height — this helps your lawn develop strong roots, remain moist and absorb runoff.
Trust the dishwasher: Fully loaded, the dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing dishes. Save power by using the air-dry mode, not heat.
Insulate the attic hatch: Keep the conditioned air downstairs by weatherstripping the attic hatch’s edges. Cover the hatch with rigid polystyrene insulation.
Use small appliances: Downsize your cooking device: Toaster ovens consume half the energy of a full-size electric oven; microwaves use only one-third.
Install storm windows: Storm windows reduce heat loss through windows by 25% to 50%. Magnetic internal storm windows go up without a ladder.
Streamline the fridge: Fridges work best at about 38 F; freezers should register between 0 F and 5 F. Leave a thermometer inside for 24 hours, then check it.
Keep filters clean: Pleated electrostatic filters catch up to 60% of allergens (blue fiberglass ones catch only lint and dust). Change them every two to three months or as soon as they show discoloration.
Draw the curtains: Cover windows to prevent air loss. Curtains engineered for insulation multiply the R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) of standard insulated glass.
Fix a leaky toilet: Drop food coloring in the tank; if it ends up in the bowl, there’s a leak. Replacing the flapper can save thousands of gallons of water a year.

2009 Spring Meeting

2009-05-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

The spring meeting for all owners is Saturday, June 6 @ 10 AM at the clubhouse. Please come out and get up-to-date with other residents of the resort.

Attahced Garages and Indoor Air Quality

2009-05-04T15:55:00.001-07:00

The following is an excerpt from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corportation newsletter. I thought it sounded interesting to I am passing it along to you.

Attached Garages and Indoor Air Quality
Canadians can spend an average of 90 per cent of their time indoors. Having clean indoor air is therefore critical for respiratory health.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and others have published material on how to provide good indoor air quality (IAQ). However, there is one source of pollutants that we are just discovering: automotive pollution from attached garages. This About Your House discusses the risks of attached garages and how to keep car-based pollutants out of your house.

Attached garages are convenient, and are a common part of suburban houses. The attachment could be to the side of the house, with a room over top of the garage, or even as a part of what traditionally is the basement (see figures 1, 2 and 3).

Figure 1 — Garage attached at the side of the house
Figure 2 — Room over top of the garage
Figure 3 — Garage as part of the basement

Automobiles give off pollution. Starting a car in a garage, even with the garage door wide open, can result in a higher concentration of combustion pollutants (for example, carbon monoxide) in the garage and house.

Driving a car into the garage and closing the door results in emissions of various chemicals over the next several hours as the engine and its fluids cool down. The pollutants in the garage air can be drawn into the house over time.

This is not just a theoretical problem. In a survey done by Health Canada in more than 100 houses in Windsor, Ontario, the results were very clear.

Houses with attached garages had measurable concentrations of benzene (a gasoline related pollutant) in their indoor air. Houses with no garages or detached garages had little or no benzene. This is true of a host of other airborne chemicals. The study revealed that pollutants in attached garages can find their way into the house.

There are also secondary sources of pollutants in garages, apart from car-based emissions. There are many gas-powered appliances, such as lawn mowers, chain saws and edging tools whose emission systems are not as good as those found in cars. Chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides are also sources of pollutants.

One disconcerting fact is that garage-to-house air movement is not obvious or straightforward. In the 1990s, when the first inexpensive carbon monoxide (CO) sensors became commercially available, many started going off without an evident source of carbon monoxide. Responders such as utilities and fire departments often wrote off the incidents as false alarms, prompted by over-sensitive CO detectors. However, research in Minnesota (Wilber & Klossner, 1997) showed that the time delay of CO entry to the house from the garage could be a factor. When a cold car engine starts up in the garage, even with the main garage door open, it can generate up to several hundred parts per million of carbon monoxide gas in the garage. Once the car has left and the garage door is closed, the garage may still hold a relatively high CO concentration for hours. Air leaking from the garage to the house can cause the CO level in the house to start climbing. After several hours, the house CO level is high enough to set off the CO alarm, but by then the garage is low in CO and is not recognized as a source.

How Garage Air Gets Into Your House
It can be difficult to understand how and why garage air moves into the house. After all, there is at least one layer of drywall between the house and the garage, and a significant amount of insulation. The door from the attached garage to the house typically has weatherstripping and a spring to hold the door closed. So how does air enter?

Air can move through small cracks in the walls between the house and the garage, and through the top floor ceiling. There are many tiny holes and cracks that permit this air exchange to take place and they exist in all houses. It takes a sophisticated test with specialized tools, such as a blower door and leakage detection equipment, to find infiltration and exfiltration points.

Field tests by CMHC have discovered that the walls (and perhaps ceilings) between garages and the house can be as air leaky as the rest of the house. Some houses get most of their “fresh air” through the garage. One or two of those tested had so little leakage that there was no measurable air movement through the walls between house and garage. However, most garages have some air leaks, roughly in proportion to the size of the exterior wall.

But air movement into a house requires both a hole and a pressure difference. Does a pressure difference exist? Yes. CMHC measured the pressure difference across the house-garage wall and the house pressures are often lower than garage pressures, especially in winter. This is quite common in colder weather. Having exhaust fans or vented heating appliances also creates lower pressures inside the house, and garage air is drawn in through the leaks.

Preventing Garage-to-House Transfer in New Houses
The best way to prevent garage air entry into the house is to make sure that there are no leaks between the garage and the house. In new construction, this should be easy. The builder should make the interface walls and ceilings as airtight as possible. This is more readily done if the builder knows that reducing pollution transfer from the garage is a priority.

The builder should:

Ensure the airtightness of the garage ceiling and walls that are next to the house, before the insulation is installed and before installing drywall on the garage side.
Check all wall-to-wall junctions or wall-to-floor junctions and seal them. If the top of the basement wall is exposed in the garage, that header space can be notoriously leaky.
Diligently seal all penetrations from the house to the garage (wiring, central vacuum exhaust and so on).
Keep mechanical systems (furnaces, water heaters and so on) out of the garage. While most Canadian builders would not consider putting mechanical systems in the garage, it is common practice in parts of the U.S. The few Canadian houses that CMHC has tested (in B.C.) with heating systems located in the garage showed high levels of garage pollutants in house air.
Preventing Garage-to-House Pollution Transfer in Existing Houses
It is much harder to prevent air movement from a garage to a house in an existing house. In a house already built, there will be leakage areas but they are usually hidden. They are not easy to locate and not easy to seal.

However, air-sealing the garage-to-house walls and ceilings may still prove worthwhile. If the garage side has no drywall, sealing air leaks may be simple. If the drywall is simply screwed on the wall and is otherwise unfinished, removing the drywall gives access to the interior spaces. Finishing the drywall itself with drywall compound and paint, as well as caulking all visible cracks and joints, may improve airtightness.

Another approach involves installing an exhaust fan to vent garage air outside. A good bathroom fan could be used. By operating the fan, the garage becomes depressurized relative to the house thereby preventing air movement from the garage to the house. This will not impact to any great extent on house heating costs but there will be an electrical cost to run a fan.

The use of a garage exhaust fan may lower the garage pressure enough for airflow through the holes to go from the house to the garage, rather than the garage to the house. Check the pressure difference by opening the door to the house just a crack and feeling for air movement from the house to the garage. A smouldering string can also be used to detect air movement. If air is moving into the garage, the pressure is in the right direction. This will assure that garage pollutants do not enter house air.

To avoid high electrical costs, choose an exhaust fan with low energy consumption. To further reduce fan usage, have the fan activated for a period (for example, one hour) after the garage door is used.

Continuous use of the exhaust fan is recommended if:

There are a lot of noxious chemicals in the garage. Better yet, consider sending them to a hazardous waste disposal site.
The garage is used to store or maintain older vehicles with higher emissions.
There is a lot of coming to and going from the garage through the main garage door.
What to do
All buyers of new houses should confirm that their builder is aware of this issue and takes measures to do a good job of sealing air leakage paths. It is the only easy time to seal the air leakage points. An effective air sealing approach is far better than installing an exhaust fan after the fact.

Owners of existing houses have harder choices. If there is evident and annoying transfer of odours and drafts from the garage to the rooms next to the garage, the leaks should be located and sealed. If that task is too onerous or expensive, the garage exhaust fan solution could be considered.

Finally, if the attached garage is not used for vehicles (as is often true) and there are no other major chemical sources in that space, garage-to-house air movement should not be a significant problem.

Bibliography
Wilber, M.W., & Klossner, S.R. (1997).
A study of undiagnosed carbon monoxide complaints.
Proceedings of Healthy Buildings/IAQ ‘97, 3.

Related CMHC Information

Carbon Monoxide
Combustion Gases in Your Home — Things You Should Know About Combustion Spillage
How to Reduce Chemical Contaminants in Your Home
The Importance of Bathroom and Kitchen Fans
Breathe Healthier Air in Your Home: A Consumer Guide to Residential Indoor Air Quality Investigations
Garage Performance Testing
Clean Air Guide: How to Identify and Correct Indoor Air Problems in Your Home

Thinking of hiring a contractor...

2009-04-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

Contractors who accept money before work is complete and look for work, discuss or finalize a contract away from their normal place of business (ex. in your home) are considered prepaid contractors. A prepaid contractor must be licensed by Service Alberta and post security. If the business is negligent in performing its services or providing the goods, an affected consumer can submit a claim against the security.

Check with Service Alberta to find out if a contractor is licensed as a prepaid contractor. Call the Consumer Contact Centre toll free in Alberta at 1-877-427-4088.

If a prepaid contract is worth $200 or more, the Prepaid Contracting Business Licensing Regulation requires the contractor to give you a written contract.

Avoid contractors who:
Knock on your door to tell you they just happen to be doing some work in the area and can give you a special price
Promise a discount if you allow them to use your home to advertise their work
Quote a price without seeing the job
Refuse to give you a written contract outlining what they will do or who won't allow you to get other estimates
Provide a post office box as their address or an answering service for a telephone number
Will not commit to a specific start and completion date
Ask you to take out the appropriate permits or indicate that they are not taking out a permit at all. The person doing the work is the person required to take out a permit. Permits are for your protection and help ensure that work meets safety code standards to protect the safety and value of your home.

Did you know...

2009-02-23T08:46:00.001-08:00

The following is an exerpt from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Did you know…
That the average duration of the round trip between home and the workplace, by both public transport and car, is getting longer? In 1992, only 35% commuting trips by car took an hour or more. By 2005, this had increased to 45%. Likewise, for those commuting by bus, trips of an hour or more increased in proportion from 79% in 1992 to 88% in 2005.

2008 Year End Information

2009-01-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

2008 was a slow year for sales at the resort. The number of sales reflect the general real estate scene across Canada.

While sales have been slow, construction has been steady at the resort and there are several new cottages being constructed at the time of this posting.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-18T19:28:00.001-08:00

It looks like it is going to be a White Christmas after all!

On behalf of everyone at Magnuson Realty Ltd., I wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy happy 2009!

Plant a dream and watch it grow!

2008-12-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

Year ago someone decided that putting a resort in the middle of the prairies next to a large body of water was a neat idea. The locals all thought he was nuts! It's right out in the middle of nowhere in farm country. Who would want to come out there? There is nothing, no trees, just grass and tumble weeds.

What a difference a dream and a little action can make! Even some of the "locals" are building at this 4-season resort now! Despite the doom and gloom that we either hear or read about in the media everyday, this cottage and RV resort is still thriving! More cottages are being built and I must say that they look impressive.

The longest lake in southern Alberta, a large clubhouse with pools, hot tub and more, what a place to get away! And it all began with a dream!

2008 - An Interesting Year

2008-11-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well where ever you look, the real estate market has been slow this past year. Lake McGregor Country Estate sales are no different. Yet that does not mean that activity at the lake has been slow. Construction of new cottages has been, and continues to be going steady throughout the year. I hear from people who have not been out there in several months how much things have progressed out there.

We did have a bad hail storm this past summer. With that came many insurance claims, resulting in new siding for some cottages and RVs. Also there will be new fencing around our outdoor pool. Of course the resort did not look its best after the storm, but once all of these claims have been taken care of, it will almost be like a new resort out there! Well not quite but every little bit helps!

Fall 2008

2008-09-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

The leaves are changing colours and the days are getting shorter. Must be autumn.

It has been a slow year for sales. The real estate market on a whole has been slower throughout the country, North America, and even Europe. Lots of negative feelings, negative words in news, makes one a little worried.

Well here is something to think about. First of all, everything goes in cycles so we really should not be surprised that the market has slowed down. It had to. Buyers were being priced out of the market. It was not that long ago that Lake McGregor Country Estates was one of the cheapest places to buy recreational property. People that could not afford recreational property in the larger, more established markets bought here. They bought when the lots were under priced. Now the resort is priced closer to the competition - supply and demand has increased the prices. As a result, the market for buyers got a little smaller. The sales at Lake McGregor Country Estates are still comparable, if not better in 2008 than other resorts in Alberta.

Next, we have federal elections, both here in Canada and in the US. New governments (or re-elected governments) come into power in the new year. With new governments comes optimism. With optimism, people have a more positive outlook on things and should help our economy grow. Just a theory but I think it makes sense. I am looking forward to sales picking up in the spring of '09!

Cottage lot sales

2008-09-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

After a very slow spring and summer for cottage lot sales, we finally have had two sales within the past couple of weeks. And we are getting more and more interest. Perhaps people have had their fill of camping this year and are ready to make a more permanent move.

Fall Meeting 2008

2008-09-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

The fall owners meeting will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 11 AM in the clubhouse.

The Community

2008-08-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of the great features at Lake McGregor Country Estates that we don't read about in the newspapers is the community. The resort has many activities for everyone. For example, last month there was boat poker. Today is the monthly potluck dinner. From May to October, a potluck dinner is held at the clubhouse for owners to meet one another and catch up on some visiting. (also some good eatin'!) Other events include Christmas in July, crafts for the kids, and a Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey and all of the trimmings. The clubhouse is a great place to meet and greet and share some good old family time which is a precious gift.

Green, Green, Green

2008-07-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Mother nature has sure been keeping things green at Lake McGregor! It looks beautful out here...more than usual!

Cottage lot sales have been slow this year. This seems to be a common trend in other local recreational property markets as well, including Little Bow Resort and Lake Newell. Why? This is a reflection of the general real estate market in Western Canada. Experts suggest that this is a correction in the market, as sellers have had it very good in the past 6 or 7 years. Our market is getting to be back to "normal". As my university economics professor said, "Everything goes in cycles". Once again, great time to be a buyer!

Food for thought

2008-06-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

Someone was quoted in stating "Many people wish to wait until next year, when prices may be lower, which of course, is a risk in and of itself. Prices may be lower, or may be higher. How many times have you waited for that special sweater at your favourite store to be marked down, only to discover that it was snapped up by someone else before you had the chance to purchase it?

If may be a simple analogy, but the principle is the same: Sometimes you snooze, you lose. If that's okay with you, then go ahead and wait it out. Hopefully you won't want to kick yourself a year from now.

The truth is, none of the experts can accurately predict the real estate market any better than the experts can accurately predict the stock market or what as prices will be a year from now. If you purchasd real estate in 2006 or 2007, you most likely got a great home at a terrific price with a low interest rate. Provided you stay in your home for several years, you will benefit when property values eventually rise again.

If you are selling now, you may be selling a little lower to buy lower. Same as a year or two ago, if you were selling, you were selling higher, but more than likely buying higher as well.

After all, it is a good time to buy!

Tired of high gas prices?

2008-05-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I may have actually been correct with a prediction! With the price of fuel on the rise, I thought that the bare RV lots that we have listed at the resort would not last much past the May long weekend. We had five bare RV lots listed, and as of this morning (Saturday of the long weekend), there is one remaining for sale. Not bad!

There are people coming out to look at the cottage lots as well. It is exciting to see all of the new cottages being constructed, There are some really nice places going up! I anticipate more action after the weekend, as people come back home with the realization of how expensive it is to pull the trailer out for the weekend. At Lake McGregor Country Estates, you have your own lot to come to whenever you want, a clubhouse with swimming pools and more, plus the resort's private marina, beach and boat storage area. Hmmmm...something to consider maybe???

Spring Meeting

2008-05-16T22:50:00.001-07:00

The first meeting in 2008 for the lot owners at Lake McGregor Country Estates will be held at the clubhouse at 10 AM on June 7. See you there!

Fireban

2008-04-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

There has been a fireban issued for the County of Vulcan. Please take note of this if you are heading out this way.

Things are starting to turn green at the resort. As soon as we get some moisture, look out! We had a nice warm weekend last weekend. As a result, quite a few owners were out dusting off their decks and getting excited about the spring! It is quite a shock for people who haven't been here since last fall as there have been quite a few cottages gone up since then.

We have sold two RV lots within the past few weeks. As the weather gets warmer, interest is growing and growing. With spring approaching and more cottages going up, people are getting excited! I even have my fishing licence already. Do you have yours?

February 2008

2008-02-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Are you getting the itch yet? If so, you are not alone. Inquiries about the resort are picking up and we even have a few new listings for people to look at. With an increase in activity in other areas of real estate, I wouldn't be surprised to see recreational property following suit! We have a couple new RV lot listings which is great since we only have a few resales left to sell. Plus construction on the cottage lots continues. There are some really nice places coming along! It is really interesting to see the progress of these cottages.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Each time I stop at the resort it seems like there is a new cottage going up! And inquiries about the resort have been picking up too. People are checking out the remaining RV lots that are for sale. Less than a handful. What is this going to do for pricing? Supply versus demand.

21 More Days Till Christmas!

2007-12-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived! Brrrr!!! And yet there have still been sales happening at the resort. And lots of construction! Basements being dug, frames going up, shingles waiting to be applied. Lake McGregor Country Estates is a busy place! It won't be long before the ice fishermen are out.

Construction

2007-11-18T18:11:00.001-08:00

There are at least six cottages in the process of being built right now. Others are getting the finishing touches for the interior. Doesn't look like it is going to be a slow winter after all!

Fall Meeting

2007-10-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

The fall meeting for the community association is this Saturday, October 6, at 10 AM in the clubhouse. Sounds like the weatherman is going to give us a nice weekend for everyone to come out and catch the latest news.

Almost the end of summer

2007-09-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic summer we have had, especially for those sun worshipers! There new cottages being built. It is interesting to see them being built, going up piece by piece. And then to see the final product! Certainly some very nice designs taking advantage of the views!

The outdoor pool has closed for the season, but there is always plenty of swimming to be had in the indoor pool. And the boaters are still going strong on the lake. I hear the fishing has been good too.

The last potluck dinner of the year is next month. Come on out for some good eatin'!

Fire bans

2007-08-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

It has certainly been a hot, hot summer! And a dry one! The County has issued a fire ban so let's all be careful this weekend while having tons of fun!

Beautiful Weather!

2007-07-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Is it always windy out here?" people ask, at least they ask when they come out and the wind is blowing. I wonder why they don't ask "Is is always this beautiful out here?" like it has been the past few weeks. The lake has been picture perfect, warm sunny weather, and just the hint of a breeze at best. This is the way resort living should be! Not that we can take any credit for the weather...it's all Mother Nature!

The Outdoor Pool is Open!

2007-06-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

After lots of frustration, the outdoor pool is now open. It has been the "guinea pig" for the Alberta government's new guidelines for pools. It has to do with the automatic chlorination. I am no expert, but it's running and that is all that counts!

After a breezy spring, the weather has been great as of late. Yes, we are getting our share of rain, but everything is so green now, and the caretakers have planted more and more flowers. Wow! What a proud place to call yourself an owner!

Sales are still going well, as we patiently await word for opening phase 2. Hopefully we will get word soon!

Spring is here!

2007-05-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

The weather is warming up, the grass is getting greener and the birds and deer are out and about! The docks are getting set up and the water is calling out to the boaters and fishermen! What an exciting time of the year!

New owners are starting to build their new cottages at the resort, along with some new park model homes being set up by RV owners. It looks like lots of people are going to be ready to enjoy the summer of 2007!

Outdoor pool

2007-02-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the summer basking in the sun, soaking up the rays by the pool. And don't forget that you can go for a dip in the winter too, in the indoor pool. No matter what the weather, the water is always fine!

Clubhouse

2007-02-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Lake McGregor Country Estates

2007-01-30T13:56:00.000-08:00

Lake McGregor Country Estates is a 4-season cottage and RV resort located in Southern Alberta. Lake McGregor is a 22-mile long lake. The lake is man-made, built in 1911. To view more information on the resort, please visit www.lakemcgregor.ca or www.magnusonrealty.com.