Halloween is just next week and I know my daughter can hardly wait. With her new costume ready, candy all bought, we are ready. But if you are not into trick or treating, there are places you can go to for a more "personal" halloween experience...

Here is an article listing some of the more haunted places you will find in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Why not go see if you can find a spirit or two this All Hallow's Eve in one of these super spooky places! Don't forget to send me a picture of your findings!!!

But however way you choose to spend your Halloween, please make it a safe and enjoyable one for all!

1. Banff, Alberta - The Banff Springs Hotel

Legend has it: A family was brutally murdered while staying in Room 873 - hence why it's been covered in since (but if you look closely you can still see where the room was.) Also, years ago, a bride accidentally touched her dress to a candle on a flight of stairs. Her dress went up in flames and she fell down the stairs to her death. Guest report seeing her frequently roaming the halls of the hotel.

2. Calgary, Alberta - The Deane House

Legend has it: Several unusual deaths took place at the residence, including a young woman jumping to her death from the second storey and a man being gunned down on the porch. Staff at the house say they sometimes see a man smoking a pipe in Deane's study, hear ringing from an antique phone that's not plugged in and can smell tobacco, even though the house is non-smoking. Rumour also has it the attic is home to a bloodstain that reappears, changing shape and size, no matter how many times it's been washed.

3. Frank Slide, Alberta

Legend has it: In the spring of 1903 the face of Turtle Mountain came loose, causing a massive landslide and covering the town of Frank below. Seventy-six people were reported dead, some bodies never recovered from the rubble. People often report seeing mist and eerie apparitions when looking at the wreckage from the slide. Many think ghosts frequent the area because not all of the bodies were recovered and they are still looking for their loved ones.

4. Edmonton, Alberta - Edmonton General Hospital

Legend has it: Despite being closed and unused for years, the old B wing of the hospital still smells of sick people. As well, children's cries can be heard coming from the old pediatrics floor. A construction worker was killed while working in the basement of the hospital and is often seen in the spot where he died. As well, a mother crying for her dead child wanders the halls of the hospital, but disappears when approached.

5. Winnipeg, Manitoba - Fort Garry Hotel

Legend has it: Room 202 is considered the most haunted room in the hotel after a woman was rumoured to have committed suicide upon finding out her husband was killed in a car accident. Cleaning staff have reported seeing blood running down the walls of Room 202. Former Liberal MP Brenda Chamberlain often retells the story of how, during her stay, she felt someone climbing into bed with her and tossing and turning in the middle of the night.

6. Winnipeg, Manitoba - St. Ignatius School

Legend has it: A little girl haunts St. Ignatius after she died falling off the rings on the playground. Many children have stopped using the red rings out of fear, claiming that when you try to cross them you will feel hands on your legs trying to pull you off.

7. Winnipeg, Manitoba - Walker Theatre (Burton Cummings Theatre)

Legend has it: Staff claim to hear phantom applauding coming from this theater, which is over 100-years old. 200 lb. steel doors have been seen moving on their own and there are constant whispers and disembodied voices to be heard. Some people believe the unusual activity can be explained by acting team Laurnece Irving and Mabel Hackney who died in 1914, after less than a week of performances at the theatre.

8. Weyburn, Saskatchewan - Weyburn Mental Hospital

Legend has it: An investigation into one of Canada's first mental institutions in the 1930's turned up cruel and inhumane practices by the doctors. It was the site of lobotomies, electric shock therapy, and some of Canada's controversial LSD experiments. Before being demolished in 2009, people heard voices and some reported seeing a woman in the fourth floor window, pacing back and forth through the night.

9. North Battleford, Saskatchewan - Saskatchewan Hospital

Legend has it: Another prairie psychiatric institution that suffered from extreme overcrowding, which lead to deplorable conditions. The hospital still stands today, and has three large cemeteries on the grounds, where there have been reports of strange voices coming from gravestones. A patient who was burned badly in a fire still haunts the building.

10. St. Louis, Saskatchewan

Legend has it: Just outside Prince Albert, this friendly town by day is known for dark happenings by night. A set of train tracks was covered over after an accident on the tracks killed an entire family. It's rumoured the engineer responsible for the accident was so wracked with guilt he committed suicide. To this day, people have reported seeing ghost trains come through the area or see the engineer walking where the tracks once were.

View slideshow at http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/10/20/haunted-places-canadian-prairies_n_4132292.html#slide=3026095

SMI Brokers Expert Answers Some Burning Questions

On 11th March, 2013, TD Economics, one of the largest financial institutes in Canada, presented its special report, titled ‘Long-Run Rate of Return for Canadian Home Prices.’ In the report, TD listed Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton as prospective out-performers in the future real estate scene. Marcus Arkan, CTO Syndicate Mortgages, recently presented his analysis of TD’s report on the future of various markets.

According to the report, house prices in Canada are expected to remain flat for the upcoming decade. TD’s lead economists, including Craig Alexander and Derek Burleton, also forecasted a downward trend and market adjustment over the next three years. The report states that annual price gain and rate of gain will be around 2 percent over the next decade. However, the report has clearly listed markets that are likely to out-perform in the future. Calgary, currently one of the hottest markets in Canada, is also one of the prospective out-performers on TD’s list.

Mr. Arkan agrees with TD’s forecast regarding Calgary and stated that there are numerous reasons why Calgary will continue to perform at above par levels. He stated, “Real estate market goes through cycles. There has been plenty of price correction and adjustment in Calgary. It is currently one of the most affordable and least overvalued markets in comparison to other major metropolitans.”

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average sales price of MLS in Calgary peaked in 2007 at $423,770. In 2009, the prices experienced a significant drop at $394,064 in 2009. In 2012, MLS sales prices reached an all time high at $428,644.

Mr. Arkan further added that the underlying economy of the region will play a far more significant role than foreign investments in the area. “Average income in the region is higher and plenty of people are migrating to Calgary. Canada mortgage rates have also remained favorable. The sales and demand will both continue to rise in the city.”

TD Economics’ report also presented the list of markets that are expected to perform at par with national average and also the ones that are expected to underperform. Halifax and Saint John are specified as prospective under-performers.

You can learn more about Canada housing market and Canada mortgage rate at http://www.syndicatemortgages.com/

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10526157.htm

Who says Albertans don’t like to dress up? Whether they’re in cowboy boots and jeans or stylish haute couture, shoppers in our province have been paying big bucks to satisfy their clothing desires.

In 2012, sales by clothing, footwear and accessories retailers totalled $4.03 billion, up 8.4 per cent from sales in 2011. December of last year alone set a monthly record with sales of $560 million.

The graph below shows monthly sales trends since 2004. The light orange line represents sales by month, unadjusted for seasonal variation. The strong peaks in December stand out—obviously much of Albertans’ new attire finds its way under the Christmas tree. The heavier orange line is the 12-month trend, which gives a clearer visual picture of sales over the past several years. It has been a gradual but steady climb, notwithstanding the small dip in 2009 when recession gripped our province.

The two main drivers for the record-setting clothing sales last year? Demographics and high incomes. Since Alberta was the destination for so many newcomers last year, retail sales are bound to grow. The low average age of Albertans—and the fact that many Albertans are shopping for children—is also a factor.

The other driver is high incomes. With their strong economy and high average earnings, Albertans have been confident consumers. That means most of them haven’t been too shy about shelling out major dollars for those new ski jackets. Or earrings. Or silk ties. Or...

Source: ATB Financial

Who says Albertans don’t like to dress up? Whether
they’re in cowboy boots and jeans or stylish haute couture,
shoppers in our province have been paying big bucks to
satisfy their clothing desires.
In 2012, sales by clothing, footwear and accessories
retailers totalled $4.03 billion, up 8.4 per cent from sales in
2011. December of last year alone set a monthly record
with sales of $560 million.
The graph below shows monthly sales trends since 2004.
The light orange line represents sales by month,
unadjusted for seasonal variation. The strong peaks in
December stand out—obviously much of Albertans’ new
attire finds its way under the Christmas tree. The heavier
orange line is the 12-month trend, which gives a clearer
visual picture of sales over the past several years. It has
been a gradual but steady climb, notwithstanding the
small dip in 2009 when recession gripped our
province.
The two main drivers for the record-setting clothing
sales last year? Demographics and high incomes.
Since Alberta was the destination for so many
newcomers last year, retail sales are bound to grow.
The low average age of Albertans—and the fact that
many Albertans are shopping for children—is also a
factor.
The other driver is high incomes. With their strong
economy and high average earnings, Albertans have
been confident consumers. That means most of them
haven’t been too shy about shelling out major dollars
for those new ski jackets. Or earrings. Or silk ties. Or...
April 5, 2013
Dressed for success
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Jan'04 Jan'06 Jan'08 Jan'10 Jan'12
Clothing
and
Accessories
Sales
in
Alberta
$
millions
(not
seasonally adjusted)
Source:
Statistics Canada,
CANSIM
table
080-­‐0020

2012 saw end to four years of weaker sales activity

There is nothing more stressful than selling your house, especially selling in the Winter when the roads are slippery, views are blanketed in snow and trees are bare. But not everyone can wait until the spring market when a flurry of homes bombard the market!  For this same reason, this is one advantage of selling in the colder months of the year!

Buyers looking for a property at this time are more serious and tend not to waste time sitting on the fence. They will only view the houses they are serious about.  After all, who wants to spend their days driving around on slippery roads, getting in and out of the cold, removing dirty footwear and bulky jackets?  So if your property is one of the lucky ones that have a showing scheduled, be sure it is up to par. 

Here are some tips to help you sell your house this winter:

1. Clear snow and ice from driveway and walkways around your home - This is the top tip from agents.  This makes the prospective buyers feel comfortable when walking into your property.  It also shows the house is well cared for and maintained, both interior AND exterior. 

2. Make it warm and cozy - It's cold outside.  Make the entrance to your home an inviting one by placing candles near the entrance, maybe a nice wreath on the door and turn up the heat.  Have a mat setup for buyers to place their dirty shoes and then walk onto a nice clean surface.  If you are leaving for the showing and coming back right after, turn on the fireplace for them and have some warm cookies and maybe a hot chocolate dispenser to warm them up during their tour of your home.  This will make them feel more at home and comfortable - something they will never forget!

3. Take advantage of glows from lamp - There is something warm and inviting about looking at a property from a distance in the winter and seeing the yellow glow of a lamp shining through the window.  The yellow glow offers a cozy ambiance that is both calming and warm.  So make sure you keep all those lamps on for the showing.

4. Play soft music in the background - Create an atmosphere by playing soothing classical music or Christmas music very quietly in the background.

5. Make it festive - Greet potential buyers with holiday flowers, scents and set the table for an elegant dinner.  But don't go overboard with the decorations - you don't want it to look tacky!

6. Consider the area - In some areas of the city, winter weather can actually be a selling point! If you live near COP for example, make note of the fact that you are just minutes from skiing at COP or approximately an hour to Banff and Sunshine.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions.

By Mona Kapoor

Are you planning a home renovation? Chances are your neighbor is, according to a recent survey by Houzz.com. In the next two years, 72 per cent of Canadian homeowners surveyed are planning to decorate or redecorate, 40 per cent are building an addition or remodeling, and another 11 per cent are planning to have a custom home built.

What Do Kitchen & Bath Renovations Cost?

What are Canadian homeowners spending to improve their kitchens and bathrooms? Nationally, Canadians are spending an average of $23,300 Canadian to upgrade their kitchen cabinets, appliances and workspace. Bathrooms are smaller investments, with Canadians investing an average of $9,100 to remodel everything from plumbing fixtures to tile and lighting. Americans are spending an average of $27,000 U.S. on kitchens, and $11,300 on bathrooms.

These averages however don't reflect the regional diversity when it comes to these projects. Calgary residents are investing the most in their kitchens, spending an average of $32,200, while Vancouver homeowners are spending $22,200, almost $10,000 less and slightly below average. Spending outside of major metropolitan areas average $19,500. Montreal homeowners are the biggest spenders on bathrooms, investing $11,500 on average, and Toronto is close behind at $10,500. While big spenders on kitchens, Calgary homeowners are spending the least on their bathrooms, averaging $7,500.

The survey also found that remodeling kitchens and bathrooms are top priority for Canadian homeowners, and also for their American counterparts. In the next two years, 50 per cent of Canadian homeowners on Houzz are planning to remodel their bathrooms, and 48 per cent are renovating a kitchen. This compares favorably to the 33 per cent of homeowners surveyed who remodeled their kitchen in the last five years, and the 40 per cent who remodeled a bathroom.

But Canadian homeowners are approaching their projects differently than homeowners in the U.S.; not just what they spend but also how they get it done.

Popular Projects

While kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling are #1 and #2 on Canadian project lists, what other priorities are Canadians planning? In the next two years, Canadians are also planning to take on flooring (44 per cent), replacing windows and doors (32 per cent), living room/family room additions or remodels (31 per cent), and patios and landscapes (31 per cent). These priorities are similar to those in the U.S., though Americans are focusing significantly more on their patio and landscape projects than on living room/family room renovations.

Regionally, Calgary residents surveyed are planning more custom homes and additions, as compared to other Canadians surveyed. 17 per cent built a custom home in the last five years, vs. 12 per cent for all Canadian homeowners on Houzz, and 49 per cent built an addition. 59 per cent of Calgary residents are planning a custom home build or remodel/addition in the next two years, as compared with 46 per cent of homeowners surveyed in Montreal and Toronto

Hands-on or Hiring Help?

Canadian homeowners on Houzz like to take a hands-on approach to their projects, and at a significantly higher rate than their U.S. counterparts. In fact, 76 per cent of Canadian respondents report doing some or all of the work themselves. They do however recognize when they need professional help. In the last five years, 61 per cent of respondents report hiring a general contractor, 50 per cent a carpet or flooring professional, 30 per cent a kitchen and bath professional, 24 percent an interior designer, 21 per cent a landscape professional, and 18 per cent and architect.

Regionally, Montreal residents surveyed are more likely than other Canadians to hire help for their projects, and to go over budget. They are also more likely to hire an architect than other Canadians. Edmonton residents by contrast are the least likely to hire an architect. Fifty-seven per cent of Montreal residents reported going over budget on their most recent remodeling project, a significantly larger group than the 44 per cent average for all Canadian respondents.

New Motivations & Financing Approaches

Most surprising among the survey findings are the motivations behind these projects. Even in the current economy, Canadians are remodeling to please themselves, not the next owner. When asked what is important to them when taking on their next project, 83 per cent of Canadian Houzz users cited improving the look, feel, flow and layout of their home, while only 56 per cent cited home value. Increasing home value, while second priority, is still more important to Canadians than Americans surveyed, only 47 per cent of who cited return on investment as important.

Canadians are still taking a conservative fiscal approach to projects; when it comes to financing, Canadians as a whole are saying "no" to loans -- only 14 per cent are planning to take out a line of credit. But they aren't willing to wait to renovate; 60 per cent say they will cut back on vacations, car purchases or other big-ticket items rather than delay a remodeling project.

Read More: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/liza-hausman/canada-renovation_b_1982130.html