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Maintaining Personal Safety in a Multi-Family Building

Security is everyone’s responsibility. Please help yourself and your neighbors stay safe in your homes by considering some of the following basic safety measures in your house, condo or apartment building:

  • If you don’t know them … don’t let them in!  No one should follow you in the front door and/or into the parkade without request. The same applies to your intercom or your own personal front door: if you don’t know them – don’t let them in. If you see someone that doesn’t belong, please take note. Contractors should all have identification and able to show this to you — we can’t imagine anyone that would mind providing proof when respectfully asked if they belong in the building or on the property.
  • Check the locks. Make sure that doors lock after you’ve entered or exited. Further, check your window locks to make sure they work properly.  Make sure that your doors and windows are left locked at all times.
  • Meet the neighbors. Residents who know the people in their building or on their block, are better able to spot strangers. Being familiar with neighbors also makes it easier to look out for one another by watching a neighbor’s space or pets when they are gone
  • Get a safe. If a burglar gets into an apartment, condo or house, a secure safe may be the only other way to protect valuables. Safes can be purchased in a variety of sizes and for varying prices. Using a safe is also great for hiding possessions in smaller areas around the apartment. 

Suspicious activity should always be reported to the non-emergency police line at 403-266-1234. If a break in is imminent and/or in progress – call 911. If you have been broken into, please report it to the police – call 911 and let your property manager know what has taken place. Being mindful of the above steps along with the awareness of surroundings, can go a long way in the prevention of crimes and property break-ins.

Maintaining Personal Safety in a Multi-Family Building

 

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Three ways to maximize a small space

Three Ways to Maximize a Small Space Using Furniture

 
With more than four decades of experience in the arena of property management, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. maintains a range of condominium, commercial and residential properties in Calgary, Canada.
 
Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. encourages residents and tenants to decorate their spaces to make them feel more at home. For those living in small spaces, home decorating can seem daunting when trying to maximize every square foot. However, with a little creativity a small space can be attractive, comfortable, and functional.
 
Looking to maximize a small space? You might want to consider:
 
1. To maximize the space of a small home, consider purchasing pieces that can be used in multiple ways and that offer storage. For instance, some kinds of ottomans can be used as either a footstool or a coffee table while doubling as storage for blankets or other items.
 
2. When considering furniture purchases, make sure to measure the space before shopping to determine the correct size of your new furnishings. Buy items that actually fit the space; otherwise they overpower the room and make it look even smaller than it already is.
 
3. Finally, don’t forget about vertical spaces. Pieces that extend toward the ceiling, like bookshelves, lighting, and art pieces, redirects the focus of the room and can make the space appear more spacious. Taller shelving can also provide additional storage and added functionality to a smaller space.
 
Whether you live in a cozy studio apartment or want to get more out of a small room or cozy nook, these simple three tips can help create the feeling of more space regardless of the size of your home.
 

Three Ways to Maximize a Small Space Using Furniture

IKEA Bed Storage provides a functional solution by keeping items tucked away but still close at hand (photo credit IKEA).

 
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Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. receives Nomination for 2017 – 2018 Reader’s Choice Best in Business Award!

Thank you for your nomination for the Reader’s Choice Best in Business Award (Property Management) for service to the communities of Strathmore, Langdon & Chestermere!

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. receives Nomination for 2017 – 2018 Reader’s Choice Best in Business Award! 

The Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards project was created by The Newsy Neighbour Magazine three (3) years ago, with sponsorship and support from the Town of Strathmore, the Strathmore Chamber of Commerce, the City of Chestermere, the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce and the Langdon Community Association.

We are excited to have sponsored the Best Pizza Award this year and offer a big shout out of support to all the nominees up for consideration!

All of us at Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. are proud to be worthy of the recognition and to have been chosen as demonstrating the efforts deserving of the nomination. 

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4 Tips to Strategically Increase Rental Value

The goal of any property investor is to see their investment increase in value. Keeping in mind that nothing lasts forever (and apartment buildings are no exception to the rule) it is important to continually monitor preventative maintenance programs and look for strategic opportunities to keep the property competitive and attractive to current and prospective tenants.

Like any living thing, a building also needs care and upkeep. Along with the ever changing styles and new technologies – preventative maintenance along with renovation programs are especially important when competing with newly constructed condominiums and apartment buildings.

The Prestige apartment building owned by Globe Capital Management and proudly managed by Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta is a prime example of an inner city apartment building that has a great building structure and is located in a vibrant neighbourhood at 824 – 13th Avenue SW.  With suite layouts consisting of one and two bedrooms ranging in size from 544 to 791 square feet, The Prestige showcases how effective and relevant it is to upgrade units to attract top market rents and quality tenants looking for more than just place to live, but a place to call home.

 

Here are 4 methods to improve the equity in your real estate investment and ensure you receive top rental rates:

 

1 – Focus on Kitchen and Bathroom Improvements

Kitchen and bathroom renovations almost always provide the biggest “wow” factor. Focus on improving kitchens, which are usually right off the entrances. Visually, the impact is dramatic and helps set the stage for the entire apartment. To maximize the impact, make sure to outfit these areas with new cabinets, modern finishes, upgraded lighting, quality porcelain features and ceramic tile details.

2 – Update Appliances

Does your rental property come with a dishwasher or washer and/or dryer? While it might be tempting to save some money and not provide these, if the building plumbing allows, popular tenant choice finds that you are typically better off if a full appliance package is part of the deal. Yes, it’s a little extra money, and yes, there’s always the possibility that something will happen to them, but they’re a big plus for residents – and the value of your property. Often today’s modern appliances are not only energy efficient but also small space compliant. They look smart and are an added benefit for the residents and the value of your investment.

3 – Flooring

Hardwood type flooring along with improved vinyl flooring continues to get top ratings for return on investment. Modernizing the color of existing wood flooring or replacing carpeting with vinyl, tile or a wood type product remains a popular choice from the standpoint of aesthetics, preferred choice, maintenance and durability

4 – Curb Appeal

Why? Because it is the first thing that people see and first impressions matter. Curb appeal and common areas provide a quick tip-off to prospective renters about what they can anticipate on the inside of the apartment.

Equally important to interior improvements is the quality of upgrades made to the exterior. This helps inspire customer confidence and is seen as a reflection of the interior condition. Well maintained landscaping, signage, amenities and common areas help a revenue property stand out from the competition.   

While its hard to say which of the above improvements or combination thereof produce the better return on investment, it remains proven that tenants see value in newly renovated properties and are willing to pay market rents for them.

The rental market in Calgary remains competitive as we head into 2018 with an average vacancy rate of 9.6%[1]. The importance of providing a quality home at a competitive price remains just as pertinent as it has been during the past two years that the city has struggled with a recession.

The initial result of the upgrades and renovation program at The Prestige has been positive in terms of increasing monthly rental rates, improving tenant retention and longevity of renters. While there are many variables impacting rents, experience has shown that injecting funds to improve properties will generate increased income and ensure properties are able to compete with other new rental communities and condominium-style rentals entering the market place.

4 Tips to Strategically Increase Rental Value

The Prestige, 824 – 13 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB

 

[1] Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Fall 2017

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