Calgary Real Estate

Deer Run Calgary

A fantastic move up or starter home in Deer Run Calgary. This beautiful little home has so much to offer! Check it out and pass it on to your family and friends. Contact me anytime to see it!

15316 Deer Run Dr Calgary Alberta

Cheers gang!

Roland

www.CalgaryOkotoksRealty.com

Paint trends: Paint and primer in one makes life easier for DIYs

The latest innovations in paint products are transforming the do-it-yourself painting experience for countless homeowners across the country. For many, priming surfaces before their chosen paint color application is now a thing of the past.

Manufacturers are always looking for solutions to help consumers complete their paint projects quickly and easily with long-lasting results. The latest innovation that is a big hit with homeowners is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior, a high-performance product that allows consumers to paint, prime and protect all in one with a new advanced stain-blocking formula. It's the ideal product for everyday use or even for tough, challenging conditions.

"The new formula is an example of our commitment to deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, giving do-it-yourselfers the power to achieve their vision in every room," said Aimee Desrosiers, Director of Marketing at Behr Paints.

Formulated for the homeowner looking to paint and protect with the added benefit of keeping stains from bleeding through, it is targeted for high-traffic spaces such as family rooms, kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Other added benefits include a shorter dry time and increased film hardness offering even better durability and a long-lasting appearance.

In addition, the paint is a low VOC, 100 percent acrylic formula with a mildew resistant finish for increased ease-of-mind when painting. "It offers excellent adhesion and ensures outstanding stain, scuff and mar resistance for long-lasting colors and easy-to-clean surfaces," explained Desrosiers.



For more information on the latest paint trends and a robust how-to section visit www.behr.com.

Get smart about buying insurance

From home and health to auto, life, disability and more, it's important to be smart about how you buy coverage to limit costs, purchase the right coverage and avoid redundancies.



The best place to start is on your state's official government website, says FindLaw.com, the nation's leading website for free legal information. There you will find a list of licensed insurers so you can be assured that you're dealing with a legitimate company.



"Work with a reputable insurance agent who represents a financially sound, highly-rated company," advises Ed Susolik, an attorney who specializes in insurance law at Callahan & Blaine in Santa Ana, Calif. "As is often the case, you get what you pay for. You don't want to add to a tragedy by discovering that you're underinsured or that the policy you've purchased from a little-known company is fraught with loopholes."



Here are some additional tips from FindLaw.com on purchasing insurance coverage:



Follow the law. Check the laws of your state. You may be required to carry certain types of insurance, such as liability insurance to operate a car, motorcycle or boat. This also applies on the federal level, for example, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, all Americans will be required to carry health insurance as of 2014.



Read your policy. Many Americans don't read their insurance policies and hastily sign contracts without considering the implications. For example, if your health insurance covers 90 percent of all medical bills and you require significant medical attention, the 10 percent for which you're responsible could add up. If you have trouble understanding what a policy proposal covers, don't hesitate to slow down and ask your agent for clarification or get a quote from a different company. Remember: you're buying insurance to ease, and not trouble, your state of mind.



Plan for major milestones. Major events will trigger the need to purchase insurance or increase your existing coverage. With the birth of a first child, parents should consider purchasing term life insurance. It offers a benefit to a spouse and child to cover living expenses if one parent dies before the child reaches adulthood.



Inspect your home insurance. Carefully review your home insurance policy. Are you insured for your home's market value or replacement value? The replacement value is the cost of rebuilding your house, while the market value is based on an appraisal of its value in relationship to surrounding homes. Your agent should be willing to work with you to sculpt the policy that meets your needs.



Consider flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not include flood insurance. First, determine the level of risk for flooding in your area. There are a few options online, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website (www.fema.gov), where you can search your address and assess flooding risk. Your insurance agent also should have access to this information and can explore your options with you.



Add an umbrella policy. It's not a bad idea to purchase an umbrella liability policy to provide additional coverage above and beyond your homeowner's insurance. This helps in situations where you could be at fault for accidents, such as your dog biting a mail carrier or a tree in your yard falling onto a neighbor's car.



Research renter's insurance. Apartments can be burglarized or damaged like any other property. If you rent, consider purchasing renter's insurance to cover assets such as computers, furniture and other significant items.



Inventory your belongings. Take photos or videos, with audio descriptions, of your property so you and the insurance company have an accurate record of your belongings in the event of a fire or other accident. Capture your home, prized possessions and high-value items such as cars, boats, jewelry and collections. Store the files on a portable hard drive in a secure and safe location, such as a safe deposit box.



To learn more about insurance and the law, visit FindLaw.com.

Be fire-prevention smart this winter

Wherever you live in Canada, the winter months are some of the most dangerous times for residential fires. The result of one careless action can cost a family thousands sometimes millions of dollars in damage and loss. The experts at Desjardins General Insurance suggest that you can protect your home and loved-ones by just following these simple tips:

• Equip your home with smoke detectors. If they are well located and maintained, they can save your life. Clean them regularly and replace the batteries twice a year, typically in March and November when clocks are reset. Also consider equipping your home with a fire alarm system connected to a remote monitoring centre.

• Place one or more fire extinguishers in locations that all family members can access easily and be sure you know how to use them properly.

• Maintain your furnace and hot water heater on a regular basis. This should also include replacing your furnace filter every 90 days. This ensures optimal operation, but also prevents carbon monoxide from entering your home. Since this gas is colorless and odorless, make sure to install a carbon monoxide alarm.

• Clean your furnace and/or fireplace chimney regularly to prevent creosote build-up.

• Be careful when using cooking oil. Always cook french fries in a deep fryer equipped with a thermostat rather than in a saucepan. Remember that a deep fryer costs less than the deductible you would have to pay in the event of a claim.

• Keep cooking surfaces, walls, stove and range hood clean as grease deposits can catch fire easily.

• To avoid electrical fires, carefully inspect surge protectors, extension cords, lamps and other electrical devices. Anything that rattles, looks frayed or worn should be thrown out.

• Keep an eye on candles. It's very easy to knock over candles and votive lights. So keep these covered or secured on high tables, away from children and pets.

If you do have a fire this winter, keep in mind that you may not receive full market value for your home if it's destroyed. The value of home insurance policies is typically based on the cost to rebuild the house, not to sell it on the marketplace. Replacement costs will include the material (lumber, roofing shingles, siding material, carpet, drywall, etc), the labour costs, architectural services and so on. It is important if you do any renovations or additions to your home, that you let your insurance company know, as this could change the replacement cost of your home.

To learn more about fire prevention visit the Desjardins General Insurance Group website: www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.

Impromptu party planning: How to create great gatherings in 30 minutes or less

(BPT) - Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex - 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a recent report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you're time strapped doesn't mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together.



Did your teen just call to tell you he's having the baseball team over for an Xbox live tournament tonight? Has a pop-up neighborhood party suddenly happened at your house? Did you forget about the Girl Scout meeting after school today? Whatever the reason, embrace spontaneous gatherings and go from zero to party in 30 minutes or less with these ideas:



Astounding activities



Great parties make everyone feel included, no matter how young or old. For spur-of-the-moment parties, gather your favorite board games and a few decks of cards to spread around on various tables. For outdoor gatherings, nothing beats classic lawn games like Frisbee, bocce, ladder ball or horseshoes. Groups are sure to gather to indulge in the fun, and lively conversation will inevitably follow.



To appeal to younger kids, create a makeshift theater stage with a blanket or shower curtain, and pile up costumes, hats and props. Even wallflowers are sure to bloom during this fun activity that inspires make-believe.



For teenagers, video games are ideal - just make sure your system, game options and high-speed Internet are ready for intensive group play and there are plenty of snacks on hand. Add some comfy pillows and throws so everyone can spread out and enjoy the friendly competition. Ask friends and neighbors to bring over their games too for even more variety.



Fantastic food



Time-crunched parents don't have to worry about fancy food when parties suddenly pop up; guests don't expect an elaborate meal. Take a no-nonsense approach by serving flavors everyone will love. Frozen appetizers you can pop in the oven and serve beside fresh seasonal items are ideal.



Bite-size foods are best for easy snacking. Bake some Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, which are made with 100 percent real mozzarella and lightly seasoned. Kids and adults alike will devour these snacks with a crispy coating and warm cheesy center. Add some zesty Farm Rich Jalapeno Peppers and everyone's taste buds will be dancing. These snacks, available at Walmart and other grocery stores, pair well with fresh seasonal fare, so set out fresh grapes or strawberries, juicy sliced melon or chopped veggies with dip - whatever you have on hand or can get quickly at the local market - and you'll have a spread that will disappear almost instantly.



Set the scene



There's no need to deep clean, but spending a few minutes to tidy up creates a welcoming environment for guests. Focus your efforts on areas where people will gather - like the kitchen, patio or living room. Don't forget to stock toiletries in the bathrooms, too.



If you have time, decorate for your last-minute shindig with simple yet clever decor. Hosting a video game gathering? Make a banner such as "Nelson's Awesome Arcade" and hang above the TV. Have memorable photos of your guests? Run a ribbon and attach photos side-by-side with clothespins so everyone can enjoy the fun imagery. Want to add a summer vibe to your party? Skip the florist and cut some fresh buds from your backyard. If you're stuck, a quick visit to Pinterest is sure to inspire.



When really strapped for time, skip decor and focus on the music - play songs everyone will enjoy and that reflect the theme of the party. Upbeat songs that embrace the warm weather always set the right mood. From the Beach Boys to the most current chart-toppers, some toe-tapping tunes will help guests get in the party groove.



With these tips and tricks, you'll throw a party or get together that'll make everybody happy. You'll stress less and no one will know you put the whole thing together in minutes.

Surprising ways hot tubs heat up relationships

(BPT) - On average, working adults spend less than an hour per day socializing and relaxing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's American Time Use Survey. Yet a host of research - and common sense - tells us that spending time together in a social, relaxing way is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships.



Recreating that spark or special connection with your spouse or significant other, free from the distractions of everyday life, isn't as difficult as you may think. The answer can actually be found in your own backyard when you add a hot tub to your outdoor living space.



The therapeutic benefits of hot tubs are well documented - 79 percent of owners say they value the therapeutic health benefits their hot tubs present, according to a survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) - but many owners point to another significant benefit: the ability to spend more time with their partners.



Seventy-seven percent of owners say their hot tub is one of the few things that can truly take them away from the day-to-day stresses of life and allow them to reconnect with their partner.



Here are three surprising ways hot tubs can add some spice to your relationship:



* No distractions



The relaxed atmosphere of a hot tub promotes meaningful interaction, owners reveal. Hot tub owners typically say they use their hot tubs as a way to connect, and 82 percent say they are extremely satisfied with the level of relaxation it provides. Relaxing together outdoors, enjoying nature and each other's company without the distraction of ever-present digital devices, is a great way for couples to rediscover the things that drew them together in the first place.



* Stress soothing



Life can be pretty stressful. Countless studies tell us that too much stress is harmful on a number of levels - physically, mentally and socially. Common stressors such as money are leading causes of strife in marriages and even lead to divorce. The warm water and effervescence of hot tubs relieve stress and soothe sore muscles, allowing couples to refocus on what's most important in their lives: each other.



* The vacation effect



Something about vacation spells romance for couples; more than one getaway has led to a new addition to the family nine months later. While taking a trip more than once or twice a year isn't always practical - the average American family spends about $1,180 per person on vacation travel according to an American Express survey - a hot tub can create the vacation effect in your own backyard, and allow you to experience that special feeling of romance every day.



Spicing up your relationship begins with the right tub, and finding the right hot tub starts with a professional you can trust. APSP Certified Professionals adhere to the highest standards of service, performance and ethical conduct. Visit the APSP website to find a professional near you.