Online Fishing License

Need to get your fishing licsense to head out to places like Lake McGregor or Badger Lake, just click on the link and you'll have your license quick! Good luck fishin'!

National Safe Boating Week

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!

List price reduced on Commercial Listing

This shop is on 3 half acre lots. The shop was built in 2005. Large bays and doors can accomodate large trucks and machinery. Easy access to the highway. The list price on this has been reduced to $450,000.

New Listing across from Lake McGregor Campground!

Just listed at 2.79 acre parcel at Milo Estates, the northeast side of Lake McGregor. Imagine building your dream cottage/home by the lake! This lot is large enough that you could build a shop there too to store your boat and other toys! In the meantime, you can pull on your RV and enjoy life at the lake right away!

Spock came home!

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Costly Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

5 Costly Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. Here are five common and costly mistakes that novice home buyers make:

1. Ignoring the costs of having a low credit score. Lower-score borrowers pay thousands of dollars in increased interest rates over the life of the loan.
2. Muddying the waters by shopping for other things before closing. Lenders continue to check credit scores right up until the time of closing. Too much shopping could cause the lender to take back the loan.
3. Scrimping on an inspection. Being surprised by the need for expensive repairs can be financially devastating.
4. Buying without contingencies. Buyers should give themselves an out if the inspection turns up problems or the bank raises the interest rates.
5. No money for insurance. Insurance can be surprisingly pricey. Buyers who don’t budget for it can face a nasty surprise.

Source: CNNMoney.com, Les Christie (04/19/2010)

The Food Bank Needs You!

The shelves at the Vulcan Food Bank are getting bare. Let's help those who are going through some tough times and make a donation to the food bank. It could be someone that you know who needs your help. Let that small town pride show through!

Town of Vulcan 2010 Census

Just a reminder that the Town of Vulcan will be conducting a census April, Man and June of this year. The Census is used to collect an accurate count of the population to assist in planning by Council for the future of the community. It will also ensure that the Town receives its share of governement grants and programs.

Let's all co-operate when the Census enumerator calls at your home. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Town of Vulcan office.

Jasper Leadership Conference

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!

Ottawa 2010

I am in Ottawa with my fellow members of the Canadian Real Estate Association, where we are meeting with our MPs. We are talking with MPs regarding indexing the Home Buyers Plan. This means increasing the amount of RRSP money that home buyers can use to purchase a home. Until last year, the amount was $20,000 and that had been the same since day one of the program. Last year we got it raised to $25,000.

Also, we are looking at rolling over the capital gains tax. This means that when a small time investor sells a rental property, if they reinvest within one year, they will not be subject to this tax. Today many people are holding on to old rundown properties because of this capital gains tax. This change can help make our communities more appealing as larger investors can come in and renovate, making these properties look better as well as the jobs that will come as these properties are fixed up.