Things to do this Holiday Season in Edmonton under Twenty bucks

Hi All!

Its cold outside right now and I know many don't feel like venturing outside right now but this too shall pass!

The great thing about the weather is it gives time to do read emails and blogs ( :-) )!

I came across some great ideas that I wanted to share with you about some Holiday events that you can take in here in Edmonton that are under $20.00 ....

Hope you get out to a few of these this year!

All the best and just remember that even in this cold spell I am still available to talk about your real estate needs!

Larry

780-919-7653
EMAIL ME

20 Holiday Activities in Edmonton Under $20

Celebrate the Season at Alberta Legislature Throughout December!

1. Celebrate the Season
Cost: Free!
Where: Alberta Legislature Building, 10800-97 Ave.
When: December 5 – 23
About: The first day of this month-long event features a choir performance and the Premier’s ceremonial turning on of the colourful lights outside the Legislature buildings. During the rest of the month, guests can enjoy afternoon and evening choir performances and hot chocolate when visiting the Legislature rotunda.

More Info: www.assembly.ab.ca/visitor

2. All Is Bright on 124 St.
Cost: Free!
Where: 124 St. between 102 & 108 Ave.
When: Saturday, November 23, 12 pm – Late
About: Celebrate the coming of winter with a stunning showcase of fashion, food, and entertainment on 124 St. Enjoy holiday themed storefront displays, hot holiday drinks and food truck specialties, live music, sleigh rides, and a pop up Christmas market to start your holiday shopping!

More Info: allisbright124.ca

3. Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up
Cost: Free!
Where: Churchill Sq. Downtown
When: Saturday, November 16, 4 pm – 6:30 pm
About: Kick off the festive season with activities and entertainment for the whole family, including free balloon artists and face painting, stilt walkers, mascots and carolers, singers and musicians. Santa himself will be around to light up the majestic 72-foot tree adorned with more than 14,000 LED lights, cascading snowflakes and stars, followed by an impressive fireworks display.
More Info: www.edmontondowntown.com

4. Luminaria
Cost: $10.95 Adult; $8.95 Senior; Children 7-12 $6.15; Children 6 and under are free
When: December 7 & 8, 5 – 9 pm nightly
Where: Devonian Botanic Garden, 5 kms north of Devon on Hwy 60, 15 minutes from West Edmonton
About: Thousands of hand-lit candles sparkle along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Strolling singers, ice sculptures, hot apple cider at the bonfires, illuminated Snow Sprites. An enchanting display! Call for tickets 780-987-3054 ext. 2223 to avoid lineups, or get them at the gate.
More Info: www.devonian.ualberta.ca

5. Festival of Light
Cost: $5 General Admisson; $20 per Family
When: December 6 – 15, 5 – 10 pm nightly
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo
About: The Festival of Light will stage a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations, live music, dancers, skating, and animal encounters within the unique setting of the zoo. Plus,  be among the first to experience the grand opening of the brand new Phase II of III in the $50 million rejuvenation of the zoo! See the brand new entrance, gift shoppe, cafe, zoo school, multipurpose room, and The Wander pathway.
More Info: http://buildingourzoo.com/events/festival-of-light/

6. Cory Christopher Christmas Market & Holiday Workshops
Cost: Free to browse the market; prices vary for workshops and special events
When: November 14 – 30
Where: 10914 105 Ave.
About: A treasure trove of yuletide delights awaits shoppers, showcasing the talents of local and Canadian artists and designers. Enjoy fresh brewed apple cider as you find the perfect holiday gifts, accents for your home, and of course something special just for you! Special events and creative workshops take place throughout the month; get creative and get in the spirit of the season!
More Info: www.corychristopher.ca

7. Jingle On Indoor Santa Clause Parade
Cost: Free!
When: Sunday, December 1, 10 am
Where: Downtown Indoor Pedway System: Begins at Commerce Place, to Manulife Place, to Edmonton City Centre West, to City Centre East.
About: The 26th Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade will be a sight of colourful mascots, floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus — of course!
More Info: www.edmontondowntown.com

8. Candy Cane Lane
Cost: Free, though donations for the Edmonton Food Bank are accepted and appreciated. Extra fee for sleigh rides.
When: December 6 – January 2, 2014
Where: 148 St. between 100 Ave. & 92 Ave.
About: Grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane — a ten block stretch of impressive residential displays of colourful Christmas lights and decorations. Or, see the sights while taking a festive sleigh ride!
More Info: candycanelane.ca

9. Festival of Trees
Cost: $7 Adult, $3 Senior (65+), $3 Youth (13-17), $2 Children (2-12).
When: November 28 – December 1
Where: Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave.
About: This annual fundraiser for the University of Alberta children’s hospital is a family-friendly event with magnificently decorated trees, festive displays, uniquely decorated cakes, and the most intricate gingerbread houses you have ever seen! Enjoy family scavenger hunts, live entertainment, and a special visit from Santa.
More Info: www.universityhospitalfoundation.ab.ca/Festival_of_Trees_General_Information

10. The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant Ever
Cost: $20 – $22
When: December 19 – 22
Where: Varscona Theatre, 10329 83 Ave.
About: What could be so hard about directing a Christmas pageant? It’s always the story with the same carols. But no one was expecting the Herdmans — “the worst kids in the world” — to show up for auditions! What has the potential to be the worst pageant ever turns out to be the best one as everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas in this funny, heartwarming play.
More Info: www.tixonthesquare.com

11. With Bells On
Cost: $20 General Admission
When: December 10 – 22
Where: Roxy Theatre, 10708-124 St.
About: This hilarious holiday play details the story of an unlikely partnership between a mild-mannered accountant and a 7-foot tall Glamazon who must work together to escape from a broken elevator in order for her to claim the coveted crown at the Christmas Queen Pageant.
More Info: www.theatrenetwork.ca

12. West Edmonton Mall Playtime: Ornament Making
Cost: Free!
When: November 19, 10 am & 11 am
Where: West Edmonton Mall, 8882-170 St.
About: Just for kids, get crafty and make your own tree ornament to celebrate the holiday season!
More Info: www.wem.ca

13. A Merry Mercer Collective
Cost: Free to browse! Free children’s activities and live music, too.
When: December 7 & 8, 14 & 15; 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Mercer Warehouse, 10359-104 St.
About: Shop for unique handmade goods made by artists, designers, crafty folk, artisans, writers, and bakers in a boutique-like setting — everything is handmade, there are no re-sold products. Live music and a children’s activity table means you can really enjoy your shopping experience!
More Info: www.mercercollective.com

14. Jack Frost Holiday
Cost: $12 Adult; $10.60 Senior (65+); $10.60 Student (13-17); $6.50 Child (2-12): Children under 2 are free.
When: Sunday, December 8, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 – 96A St.
About: Jack Frost might be alive and well outside, but inside it’s tropical, temperate and even a little bit arid. Kick off your holiday fun with a craft, tours, and Christmas cactus planting at the Muttart Conservatory. Ringing hand-bells will fill the air in Centre Court, and the Feature Pyramid, “Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose” will be alive with hundreds of Poinsettias in a spectrum of colours and shapes. You can even purchase a Muttart-grown poinsettia to take home!
More Info: www.edmonton.ca

15. Bright Lights: Print Affair
Cost: $15 – $20
When: Saturday, November 23, 7 pm
Where: SNAP Gallery
About: Enjoy a fun and elegant evening of holiday cheer with a community of members, volunteers, artists and art patrons. Enjoy great music from local DJs, wonderful food, an interactive printmaking workshop, photo booth, exquisite drinks and, of course, high caliber contemporary print art. This event focuses on the sale of contemporary print works at all price ranges and the Edmonton community is encouraged to support local arts and culture by purchasing art as gifts this holiday season.
More Info: snapartists.com

16. The Edmonton Christmas Show
Cost: $15 Adult; $12 Senior (60+); $9 Youth (9-16); Children 8 and under are free
When: November 28 – December 1
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515-118 Ave.
About: This family friendly Christmas show will put you in the spirit of the season! Shop for unique gift ideas and holiday décor, take a photo with Santa, enjoy children’s activities like crafts and face painting, enjoy live music and entertainment, meet Amber Marshal (the star of Heartland) and Dora and Diego (from Dora the Explorer).
More Info: www.edmontonchristmasshow.com

17. Chocolate Orange Porter Cask Night
Cost: Under $10 per pint
When: Thursday, November 21, 6 pm
Where: The Sugar Bowl, 10922 88 Ave.
About:  Enjoy a cask version of Alley Kat Brewery’s seasonal specialty brew, the Chocolate Orange Porter. Reminiscent of a favourite holiday candy, this hearty dark beer is malty goodness with notes of curacao oranges. Can’t make it to cask night? Pick up some bottles of the brew to use at your own holiday gathering at the brewery, 9929-60th Ave.
More Info: www.alleykatbeer.com

18. Whyte Christmas Sleigh Ride Shuttle
Cost: $2 Adult; $1 Child
When: November 30 & December 7, 14, 21; 1 pm – 5 pm daily
Where: Old Strathcona
About: Experience the sights and sounds of  the holidays along Whyte Ave. in Old Strathcona with a sleigh ride! Each family will receive a swag bag with products and information showcasing some of your favourite Old Strathcona businesses, and hop on-and-off the sleigh as you stop for shopping and dining in the area.
More Info: www.oldstrathcona.ca

19. Edmonton Oil Kings “Sing for Santa”
Cost: Tickets start at $20
When: Sunday, December 8, 4 pm
Where: Rexall Place
About: Watch WHL hockey teams Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Medicine Hat Tigers and enjoy special Family Fun-Day holiday themed entertainment.
More Info: www.oilkings.ca

20. Christmas Reflections
Cost: $15.75 General Admission
When: December 4 – 23; 5 – 9 pm weekdays, 2 – 6 pm weekends
Where: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000-143 St.
Step back in time to a Christmas’ past! Bundle up and get together with your friends and family to view charming Christmas displays, savour a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate, visit costumed interpreters along 1905 and 1920 Street, sample baking from the wood stove, construct Christmas crafts, and much more.
More Info: www.fortedmontonpark.ca

 My thanks to Greg Van Zyderveld of TD Canada Trust for the heads up on these!

RAE releases October sales stats ... what does it mean?

On November 4th the Realtors Association of Edmonton released their sales statistics for October.

RAE President Darrell Cook says "Total annual sales are the highest they have been for five years and we had the best October in five years as well."  Mr. Cook reports a 15.6% increase in October's sales when compared to October 2012, and a 2.5% increase in price ($337,599 vs $332,232).  You can find the press release here.  He also notes that Sellers can expect quicker sales expectations based on a 74% sales to listing ratio meaning that a lower than normal inventory level coupled with Buyer demand should make it easier to sell your home.

Looking at the whole RAE statistical packet, it is important to realize that Mr. Cook is quoting the numbers for the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area which includes the City of Edmonton PLUS the municipalities surrounding it (Parkland County, Strathcona, Leduc, Sturgeon and the cities and towns therein).  If you are concerned about just Edmonton you have to delve into the report and look at how the City did on its own - it is true that most of the activity is bound to the city, but it still makes a bit of a difference by taking out the surrounding area.  For example, the month to month comparison for the City of Edmonton shows a slightly lower sale to listing ratio (72%) but a higher price increase (2.5% vs 1.6%) than the overall regional numbers.  So, October 2013 has to be considered a good month for real estate, how is the year doing?

By this time last year for the City of Edmonton there were 18,438 properties listed and 10,584 sales.  The average price was $337,595 and it took 51 days for properties to sell on average.  This year, listings are at 17,586 (down 4.7%), there have been 11,310 sales (up 6.9%), the average sale price is $347,887 (up 3%) and it is taking a day less to sell (50 days).  These increases are pretty much mirrored for the region on the whole - listings down 5.1%, sales up 6.8%, prices up 3% and days on market flat; so overall a very rosy picture, and as President Cook says numbers that, on the whole, are the best they have been in five years.

While this is good news, remember that we have reached the traditional end of the real estate cycle for the year.  The snow has hit the ground and we normally see a bit of a levelling off of the market November thru January with reduced numbers of sales and a lowering of prices. Also, remember the old real estate maxim "location, location, location"  all real estate is local by nature and that the numbers above may not be the full picture of what is happening in your market area, we will need to take a closer, more in-depth look at what is happening in your neighbourhood.  Call me and we can schedule an appointment to do just that!

Regards,


Larry
lwestergard@remax.net
780-919-7653

I was reading today about the admission by Canadian cyclist Ryder Hesjedal's that doping allegations against him are in fact true, and that he had in the past used performance enhancing drugs - you can find the article here.  

That got me thinking about heroes ... it seems that in today's world it is an everyday occurrence that today's hero is tomorrow's villain and that it is increasingly difficult not to hold one's applause until the blood test/urine sample/background check is done and the okay is given.

It's not fair,  we deserve to be able have moments where we unreservedly feel pride and joy in our fellow man, when we can look back and say "remember when so and so won gold at the Olympics", or "scored the winning goal in the Stanley Cup" or "remember watching her give that terrific speech on TV".  Instead, more often than naught we are left shaking our heads wondering who's on what drug or how little of the truth we are getting out of our elected officials; and this is sad, we all need heroes, for, without our heroes we have little inspiration to be better, to go beyond the everyday grind of getting on and being a positive influence on the world around us and leave the world just a little bit better off than we left it.  Without heroes the world is that much smaller.

So who can we turn to?  I am sure that there are some very good people in sport and in politics and I am not intending to condemn them all because the entire barrel of apples looks rotten; instead I think it is appropriate at this time of year to look at those amongst us who serve or have served our country and put themselves at risk to protect us.

Remembrance Day honours our war veterans both past and present, those who fought (and sometimes died) to protect us from forces intent on tearing down the safety and security of our society.  These people are heroes that you can look up to, men and women who have been ready to do what was or is necessary to stand up for our values and principles and who at times gave the ultimate sacrifice for them.  As much as we should honour them all 365 days a year - take the time over the next few weeks to cast aside the Oilers woes and remember our veterans with a poppy or maybe even a simple handshake and a "thank you" if you get the chance - THEY are truly heroes we can all look up to.

Election Day approaches!

“Do the unexpected. Take 20 minutes out of your day, do what young people all over the world are dying to do: vote.” 
― Rick Mercer

---

We are just under a week away from Election Day here in Edmonton - MONDAY October 21, 2013 -  and I thought it would be a good subject for a blog to remind everyone to vote.

The City of Edmonton has a lot of great info on their website about the election, the wards, and the candidates for mayor, councillors and for school trustees, but I thought I would do a quick FAQ on some of the basics:

Who is eligible?
You are eligible to vote if:

• You present authorized identification 
• You are at least 18 years of age
• You are a Canadian citizen
• You are a resident of a ward within the city of Edmonton on Election Day
• You have lived in Alberta since April 23, 2013

What kind of ID is valid?
Your ID has to establish your full legal name and your current municipal address.  The city has provided a quick infographic ..

Voter Identification Examples

Acceptable	Not Acceptable
Alberta Driver's Licence or Identification Card	Passport
Personal Cheque or Bank/Credit Statement	Alberta Health Care Card
Utility Bill (e.g. Public Utilities Commission, telephone, television, or hydro, gas or water)	Student or Work ID

Where do I vote?
This is going to depend on your ward.  A few weeks ago, a package was mailed out that would have let you know your Voting Station on Monday and its operating hours.  It also let you know when and where advance polls were being held.  If you can't find it, or you have lost it, click here to go to a handy gadget that will let you know.  You just have to enter your address and it tells you the location as well as which ward you are in for both council and school trustees.

Who are my Candidates?  
You can find out who is running in your ward(s) - council or school - once you know what ward you are in by clicking here.  Remember that you discovered your ward(s) using the link above in the last question.

Take a few minutes and get to know at least the basic information about the candidates in your ward and the candidates for Mayor.  It's important to vote, to be a part of the process - because if you don't vote should you really complain about what happens later?  Or as Abraham Lincoln said a lot more eloquently ..

“Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” 
― Abraham Lincoln

HOCKEY Season!

Finally that god awful part of the year full of sun, grass and the great outdoors is over and the hockey is back!

The Oilers start the regular season tonight and we the fans are once again ready to witness the Mighty Oil on their march through the unwashed on their way to the Playoffs and that holiest of grail - the Stanley Cup!   We hope ...

Like every year the start of the season brings a sense of unbridled joy and optimism; the sense that all the waiting and suffering the last few years have brought us, this is the year that it all comes together and we will see hockey in Edmonton in the post season.  This year is going to be different - new coach, new players, young stars are now a little more seasoned, and some established veterans are creating a new team dynamic.  I am not suggesting that it's going to be easy but I sense that this is going to be a watershed year for the franchise that is going to see some marked improvements as the second half of the season starts and that will create a rising surge of excitement as fans begin to realize this team is indeed heading for the playoffs.

The Oilers WILL make the playoffs this year and will have three players in the top 20 in scoring.

They might not make the final, but we are going to have a fun time watching them and cheering them on this year!


Predictions:

Finish:       6th in the West; lose in the first round of the playoffs 4-2

Scoring:
                  1. Taylor Hall 40-50-90 pts
                  2. Jordan Eberle 38-47-85 pts
                  3. Ryan Nugent Hopkins 25-50-75 pts

Goaltending:
                  Devan Dubnyk 35 Wins 2.44 GAA 7 SO


Dallas Eakins wins Coach of the Year

Say goodbye to:  Ales Hemsky, Nick Schultz, Ben Eager
Say hello to: a top 3 defenceman from the East

Comeback Player of the year:
                                     Ryan Smith (he announces his retirement at the end of the year after Christmas)

Well?  What do you think?  How do you think the Oilers will do?  Let me know with a reply or send me an email and I will post your predictions!

Ten Mistakes Buyers make when purchasing a home

There are a lot of different reasons why a home purchase doesn't go through.  Whatever that reason is it inevitably leads to a great deal of heartbreak and angst on the part of the Buyers (and to be honest on the Realtor as well).  So what can be done to help mitigate the emotional devastation that an offer that crashes and burns can bring?

Here are 10 major mistakes that Buyers make and some ways to avoid them:

1. Making an offer without getting pre qualified.  Taking the time to talk to your bank about how much you can afford to borrow will give you an idea of what your price range is going to be.  Don't be afraid of the questions they are going to ask about your income, debts, etc.  It is better to be up front about these things and get over any hurdles BEFORE you fall in love with the house of your dreams.  I don't want you to be crushed when you have already started emotionally moving in to a home, go through the negotiations on it, THEN find out you can't afford it.
2. Not getting a your team together.  Even though your Realtor (ME!) will be the quarterback for you, you need to make sure that you have thought of the other specialists that are a part of the transaction.  Trying to save a bit of money today can cost you a whole lot later.  A qualified home inspector will be able to detect issues that you may not, especially as he is not emotionally invested in the house!  Imagine moving in to a home and then finding out in the first heavy rain storm that the basement becomes a pool!  You should also have a lawyer in mind that when the time comes (we have an unconditional offer) will take all the other docs and get them organized so that title can transfer into your name.
3. Limiting your search to open houses, ads and the internet.  Much of what you see on the public side of MLS or in print advertising could already be sold.  Agents have access to the member side of MLS which give us a real-time look at the properties that meet your wish list.  This allows us to be on top of new listings as they come out and get you into them a lot faster.
4. Choosing an agent who is not committed to forming a strong relationship with you.  This is such a crucial mistake that I can't stress it enough.  Your agent needs to be dedicated to your needs - before, during and after the sale.  A good agent wants to be your agent for ever ... I want to not only help you find this house for you, your next house, your kid's house, and your friend's homes as well.  I tend to like my clients and invest in them for life!
5. Thinking there is only one perfect house for them.  I know you have your dream house in your head, but let's be honest, house hunting is in most cases a series of compromises.  Not every house built is on the market at the same time you are looking, and you need to keep an open mind when looking.  I am going to try and find everything you want in the homes that are available but it is important to have a set of priorities for your wish list.
6. Not considering the long term.  It is important to not only think about your life and lifestyle today, but also 3, 5, 10 years down the road.  Where are you going, where is the community that you are looking in going?  
7. Not sitting down and having a meeting before starting you home search.  To often Buyers look at  homes on the internet then rush out to look at a bunch and make a buying decision.  Sitting down with me beforehand to talk about 5 & 6 can really help streamline the process and make the balance of the buy go a bit easier.
8. Not knowing your total costs involved.  This should be part of the meeting we talked about in #7.  There is more to a home purchase than the down payment.  Legal fees, closing costs, moving bills, utilities, insurance, HOA or Condo fees (or both) all are things you need to consider and account for in your bank account.
9. Not following through on due diligence.  Make a list of non-home related things that are important to you: schools, transit, crime rates, etc.; then BEFORE we make an offer make sure that we have answered these questions to your satisfaction.
10. Not taking into account adequate insurance.  Make sure that your insurance policy is appropriate for the home.  With Condos especially you need to make sure that you are carrying proper policies that protect your property and you the best way you can.

Dealing with these 10 issues will put you on a much better and less stressful path to happy home ownership.  Give me a call at 780-919-7653 or email me and we can make arrangements to sit down, have a chat and plan out your home purchase journey!

Oh ... one last thing ... if you come across someone who is thinking abut buying or selling a home I'd love to help them too!  Just give me a call with their name and contact info and I will be happy to follow up with them!

Larry

New Listing

Just listed this great two storey in Summerside!

$399,700

A 1268 square foot 3 bedroom home with a double detached garage on the back lane.

It is pretty much finished in the basement with only an optional bathroom left to do.

Great floor plan this is definitely a home a family can grow in for many years!

Give me a call at 780-919-7653 to find out more or to schedule a viewing!

Larry