Learning what is on an MLS sheet Part 1

February 12th, 2014 by calgarycitycondos

If you have bought or sold a house, you have probably seen something called an MLS sheet.  An MLS sheet is a page detailing all necessary information about a property being bought or sold.  The MLS is short for Multiple Listing Service, which is a system designed to allow realtors to have access to and provide information about a property.

 

To consolidate the information onto one page, we abbreviate many of the items.   I thought it might be helpful to provide a detailed explanation about the abbreviations.   Once a week, I will focus on ONE section of the MLS sheet.  Stayed tuned each week!

This week I’ve focused on the  “Goods Included” section.

 

ACCEN Air-conditioning-central
ACWIN Air-conditioning-window
ALARM Alarm/security system
APNEG Appliances Negotiable
ARCEL Air Cleaner-eletronic
BLNDR Blinds- roll up; roll down
BLNDV Venetian blinds
CMPCT Compactor
CONTG Garage contrl
DRAPE Drapes/curtains
DRYER Dryer
DRYR2 Dryer-two
DWBLT Dishwasher built-in
DWPRT Dishwasher portable
DWBE* Dishwasher – energy star
FAN Fan-ceiling
FOODC Food Centre
FREEZ Freezer
FURNI Furniture included
GARBU Garburator
HOODF Hood fan
HSHLD Household goods included
HUMPT Humidifier-portable
HUMPW Humidifier-power(furnance)
HWINS Hot water instant
INTCM Intercom
MWHC Microwave hood cover
NONE None
OPEN1 Garage opener – 1 control
OPEN2 Garage opener – 2 control
OPENR Garage opener
OVNBI Oven built-in
OVNMW Oven microwave
POOLA Pool above ground
REFR2 Refrigerators – two
REFRG Refrigerator
REFE* Refrigerator – energy star
REMKS See remarks
SATTV Satellite tv dish
SFIXL Some fixtures leased
STCEL Stove-countertop electric
STCGA Stove-countertop gas
STGSH Storage shed
STVEL Stove-electric
STVGA Stove-gas
STVS2 Stoves – two
VACAT Vacuum system attachments
VACRI Vacuum system roughed in
VACSY Vacuum systems
WASH2 Washers- two
WASHR Washer
WASE* Washer – energy star
WINDA Window coverings – all
WTRCN Water conditioner
WTRDI Water distiller
WTRSF Water softener

Time to save some money for the winter!

November 8th, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

Is your home ready for winter?

A lot of people assume that their house is already energy efficient and that they don’t have to do anything to ensure they are nice and cozy for the coming winter months.  Well there are always things you can do that are simple which will make your house that much more comfortable during winter.  Even save you some money.

The first thing you can do and this might be the most important thing to do, is to make sure all the windows and doors are sealed off from the outside as much as possible.  When it gets cold outside the heat from you house will escape through small cracks or unsealed sections of doors and windows.  Trying to heat the outside environment with your house isn’t the best idea.  And your wallet will probably say the same thing. Here are some steps to find out if you have leaks or drafts in your window or doors.

–        The easiest thing to do is have someone stand outside with a bright light at night time.  Have yourself standing inside with no lights on. Have your friend shine the light on the door and have them follow the edges of the doors. If at any time you can see a light through the edges of the door, you have BIG crack or seal leak.   Same goes for your regular windows.

IMG_00000299 This is bad!

–        The first method is the simplest but it only shows you the biggest holes.  The second method is a bit slower but it helps you find very small drafts.  First you moisten your hand with warm water.  Then move your hand along the edges of doors and window trim.  Anytime you feel a cool breeze on your hand you might have a leak.

–        Now that you know you have a leak go buy some weather stripping or outdoor silicone seal and seal up those leaks.  Weather stripping and silicone seal will cost you anywhere from 5-25 dollars and it might save you hundreds during the winter. Here is an example of a simple and cheap type of weather stripping.

weatherstripping Buy this from any hardware store.

Second thing you can do is make your house smaller.  How you might ask? Well, all you have to do is go around to different areas of the house you don’t use very often and close all the vents in that room and the door.  This will make your furnace work less to keep the areas you do spend a lot of time in comfortable.  Don’t worry about the rooms where the vents are closed, they won’t turn into a freezer, but it will be slightly cooler than everywhere else.

Third, have your furnace cleaned before it gets cold. Usually the best time is mid to late fall. Having the furnace and venting system cleaned can save you a lot of money in the long run because it keeps your furnace running efficiently and keeps the heat exchanger in the furnace working less.  Build up from dust and other particles can cause the heat exchange in your furnace to run too long trying to heat up the air.  Also don’t forget to change the filter, you don’t want it all clogged up if you want good air flow.

Next, open up your blinds on sunny days.  Even during winter the sun still shines, so have it light up your house.  This will add warmth to your home in more ways than one.

I am sure you have winter clothing.  Wear it in the house.  If you’re b undled up you won’t feel the need to have the furnace running at full blast.  I’m not suggesting walk around in a parka, but socks would be my first choice, it is always nice to have warm feet.  Dress in thin layers, that way you are still comfortable and you can remove or add layers as you wish.

Sometimes you might feel extra chilly because you walked over cold hardwood. This might cause you to think the house isn’t warm enough.  Throw a rug over high traffic areas, then problem solved!

Cook at home! Don’t do take out or go to dinner and none of that microwave stuff either.  Using your kitchen stove and oven heats up the kitchen and as a result your home. If you want to save on your energy you can use a slow cooker instead of the stove.  It won’t help heat the house but it will keep costs down. Cooking will add humidity to house and humidity helps trap heat so the air will generally feel a little bit warmer.  You already saving money by not eating out, it is an added bonus that your house will benefit from it too.

There are so many things one can do to make their house better and more comfortable during the winter time and it is different for each person. I have given you just a few things that everyone can do to make their house warmer.  I want you to get the best out of your house and I want you to enjoy it as well.

So take a walk around and inside your house, figure out what you can do to make it more comfortable and what you can do to save yourself some money.

If you have other interesting ways to save in winter I would like to hear about them.

 

 

 

 

Open House

October 17th, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

I am having two open houses this weekend, if you have time drop by and see if one of them might be right for you

The first open house is on Saturday October 19th at #1213 11 Chaparral Ridge Drive SE, from 1 pm to 4 pm.

The Second open house is on Sunday October 20th at #803 2011 University Drive NW, from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Thank You!

September 30th, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

I would like to thank everyone for their support.

After all the wonderful work everyone put into The Life Without Limits Hockey Tournament and The Freedom to Play evening, I am proud to say that we raised a significant amount of money for the CPAA.

Again, thank you to everyone who supported us.

We hope to see you again next year and we plan to make it even better!

Volunteers Needed

August 28th, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

As you all probably know by now that I have been doing my very best to make this hockey tournament for the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta a success.  Well it is just around the corner and what we need now is VOLUNTEERS.  The dates for volunteering will be September 12-15th.  You can help with the hockey tournament or you can help with the charity dinner.

I hope that people find it in their hearts to give their time in helping a very important cause.  Also if you know anyone who would like to help let them know about the event.

Thanks to everyone who has done a great job so far and I hope it will only get better.

Please contact me through my email or just give me a call and I will do everything I can to make you love volunteering if you don’t already love it!

 

Life Without Limits Hockey Poster and Freedom to Play Posters

August 21st, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

Hi Everyone,

I  hope these posters answer any questions you may have about attending the tournament or dinner.  However if you still have questions please feel free to contact me anytime.

 

Freedom To PlayHockey Poster

Life Without Limits Hockey Tournament

August 16th, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

I apologize for not updating my blog for a while, but I have been working on something very dear to me.  My wife and I have been organizing a charity hockey tournament called The Life Without Limits Hockey Tournament.   I am working with the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta and on September 13th 2013, the tournament will begin and it will mark the first year that the Life Without Limits Hockey Tournament will be held.  It is my hope that this will become an annual event which brings people together every year.

The event will start with a hockey tournament consisting of 16 teams.  Here are some of the details for the tournament

WHAT:     16 Team format
(3 Games Guaranteed)
Semi and Finals:
Sunday Sept 15 2013

WHEN:      Sept 13 -15 2013

WHERE:   Winsport
145 Canada Olympic Road S.W.
Calgary, AB T3B 5R5

COST:       Team            $1000

(suggested size 14)
$500.00 deposit

Individuals   $75 (while space remains)

SKILL:        Comparable to Division C Men’s

rec hockey and lower levels

SPONSORED BY:

James Carlson at REMAX House of Real Estate

And MISSION Snow and Skate

After the hockey portion of the event is over we will move on to The Freedom to Play Dinner.

At The Freedom to Play Dinner, guest will be treated to live entertainment, be giving the chance to bid on fantastic items from the silent auction and of course food.  Here are some details for the evening event

WHAT: Drinks, Food, Silent Auction, Live Music, Comedian and Much More!!

WHEN:    Sept 14 2013

WHERE: TBA

COST:     $35

TICKETS: www.lifewithoutlimitshockey.ca or contact James Carlson @ 403.889.1202 or James@jamescarlson.ca

SPONSORED BY:

James Carlson at REMAX House of Real Estate

And MISSION Snow and Skate

Everyone is welcome and if you are interested please contact me and I will provide you with any information that you need.

 

Welcome to my Blog!

June 3rd, 2013 by calgarycitycondos

Welcome to my new blog! I look forward to sharing new and exciting updates about the Real Estate Market and what is happening around town! Stay tuned for new posts coming soon!

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