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Emerald Management and Realty Ltd.'s Blog

“Founded in 1972, Emerald Management and Realty Ltd. has offered services in the greater Calgary real estate market for more than 35 years.”

Tag Archives: Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.

October 27, 2017 Fire Prevention for Apartment Residents

 

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd pic

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd
Image: emeraldmanagement.com

Located in Calgary, Alberta, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. strives to maintain safe, quality property management of apartments and homes for residents and renters. For instance, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. checks fire alarms and emphasizes the importance of fire prevention for all the properties under management.

House fires kill and injure thousands every year. Many more are impacted by the loss of valued memories and possessions in fire related incidents that could have easily been avoided.

Whether your live in a house, townhouse, apartment, condominium, commercial office — smoke and fire alarms perform the life-saving function of alerting residents and building occupants of a fire. Therefore, it is an integral function of property management companies, property managers, residents and property owners to regularly check to make sure the alarms are working properly in accordance with local standards and regulations.

Better yet, prevent fires from starting in the first place with some simple steps you can take to lessen the chance of your home or apartment from becoming a part of this statistic. Residents can do a number of things to help make sure a fire does not start in terms of prevention and preparedness, such as:

– Follow safe cooking practices. A person should not leave the room while they are boiling, frying or broiling food. Additionally, it is very important to keep your stove and oven clean, and to keep an eye out for grease accumulation. Keeping the area around the cooking surface free of flammable objects is a smart safety measure.
– Check stove vent hoods and keep the filter clean.
– Routinely check appliance power cords for any damage or defect, and replace if needed.
– Be prepared by staying alert while cooking. Lots of accidents occur simply because of distraction and sleepiness.
– Clean the lint trap and outside vent clean in your clothes dryer. Some dryers have internal ductwork which may become clogged and require servicing. The accumulation of link can be in machines can be extremely dangerous.
– If you are using a space heater in the cooler months, make sure to keep the area around the heater free from all objects.
– Never leave a candle or lit cigarette unattended and make sure to extinguish them when one leaves or before going to bed.

While the above are only some of the simple steps you can take in terms of prevention and preparedness, there are many many more. “Unfortunately, people often think an accident is something that is inevitable,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the US Home Safety Council. “But we know that almost every accident is preventable.” By applying these simple prevention measures, accidental fires can be prevented.

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August 26, 2015 Four Important Benefits of Tenants’ Insurance

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd., provides property management and rental services for Calgary houses, apartments and properties in Alberta, Canada. Dedicated to working closely with property owners and fulfilling their obligations while monitoring renter expectations, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd., also encourages tenants to acquire tenants’ insurance. While landlord insurance policies may cover some expenses, tenants’ insurance remains important for a number of reasons. Currently, the Residential Tenancy Act in Alberta does not require that a tenant have insurance and while Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. can not guarantee what a tenant will or will not do, tenant insurance is still great peace of mind for tenants for some of the following reasons:

1. Protect personal belongings. Typically, landlord insurance coverages protects the property and landlord against structural damage and personal liability in the event an individual sustains an injury while on the property. However, these policies do not protect tenants’ personal possessions against theft or accidents such as fire or flooding.

2. Avoid replacement costs. Expenses for uninsured possessions that require replacement fall solely on the tenant. Even small and inexpensive items can add up depending upon the extent of the damage or possessions lost, especially if credit is owed on lost items. Since tenants’ insurance is relatively low-cost, it can save tenants a considerable amount on possession replacement costs.

3. Secure displacement protection. In the event that your unit or dwelling becomes uninhabitable due to fire or other extensive damages, landlords are not required to pay for expenses involved in finding temporary housing. Individuals with tenants’ insurance may have these expenses covered for them by the insurance provider, including moving costs.

The above are just a few examples of the benefits of tenant rental insurance. Again for peace of mind for the tenant – the cost is nominal and well worth serious consideration.

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August 13, 2015 Six Preventative Tips for Water Leaks in the Home

The following tips cover preventative actions against a common problem – water leaks:

1. Inspect sink pipes and toilet water lines regularly.
Examine the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of deterioration and loose fittings. Kitchen sinks in particular often undergo heavy use due to cooking, washing dishes or hands, or making ice. In addition, slow-moving drains may indicate pipes require servicing. Toilet supply lines are another common water leak culprit and should be checked.

2. Watch for staining and soft spots in bathrooms.
Bathrooms are at higher risk for water leakage, particularly around showers and toilets. Staining or soft spots around walls and floors are primary signs of potential leakage that is hidden and taking place behind the walls or under the floors.

3. Check washing machine hoses regularly.
Look for signs of cracking, fraying, or leaking. Replace hoses every five years or sooner as-needed. Perform examinations at least once a year.

4. Pay attention to your water bills.
Review your water bills each month for unexplained spikes and increases in usage. If you cannot make a reasonable connection between the increased bill and your water usage that month, you may have a leak and should investigate further.

5. Periodically examine refrigerators and dishwashers.
Leaks from refrigerators and dishwashers are not always immediately noticeable and may go undetected for years. Periodically check under appliances for discoloration, and clean the area behind refrigerators at least once a year.

6. Create emergency guidelines.
Leaks cannot always be prevented, so it can help to establish guidelines on how to handle leaks ahead of time. Know where the shut of valves are for all areas of your home and have your emergency contact list for City services and preferred maintenance trades handy.

To address these types of situations and disasters for the properties under management, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. has extended office hours with service 7 days a week and emergency support 24 hours a day.

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July 31, 2015 Why Get Tenant’s Insurance

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. oversees properties in Calgary and surrounding areas in Alberta. In addition to working with property owners, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. assists with the leasing to assist prospective tenants to get them set up in a new rental situation.

One important part of getting an apartment is purchasing tenant’s insurance. While some people may be hesitant to purchase this type of insurance, thinking that they don’t need it or it won’t benefit them, there are several key reasons why this tenant’s insurance is important. For example, if a fire breaks out and destroys the tenant’s possessions, the tenant will not have financial help replacing those possessions if he or she does not have tenant’s insurance. This is because the landlord’s policy does not cover the tenant’s personal property.

Additionally, if a tenant accidentally damages the building, he or she may be held accountable for the amount of the repairs, whether those repairs are for the unit he or she lives in or for other areas of the building, such as neighboring apartments, that were affected. In addition, if other tenants have their property damaged due to such an event, the tenant who caused the event would be the one held personally responsible for replacing the damaged possessions. Therefore, for financial protection and to meet the obligations of their lease agreement, getting tenant’s insurance is a good idea and a small price for peace of mind.

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July 23, 2015 Expert Tips for Decorating Small Spaces

Based in Alberta, Canada, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. is a property management company that aims to provide top-quality service to both property owners and residents. Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. manages residential units, including houses, apartments and condominiums, that are often considered small spaces. Residents who dwell in small spaces can follow decorating experts’ tips to make the most of their living environments.

In long, narrow living areas, experts recommend using small furniture to break the room up into separate seating areas. Mirrors positioned at each end of the room can help the space appear larger. Seeking out furniture that can serve more than one purpose also is beneficial in small spaces. Soft, light colors and minimal artwork can create a feeling of openness in a small home.

Decorating experts note that simplicity is a good principle to follow when decorating small spaces. A single, large statement piece in a small room can have a dramatic impact and create the illusion of a bigger room.

For more “small spaces” decorating tips have a look at the Pinterest Boards shared by Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.: https://www.pinterest.com/emeraldmanageme/

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July 8, 2015 Condominium Boards Have Important Responsibilities

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. provides quality rental properties in the Calgary, Alberta, area. In addition, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. offers full-service property management services for multiple property types, including condominiums. The company also makes clients aware of the value of a strong board of directors in condominium communities.

For condominium communities, a board of directors is a governing body elected by condo owners. The board has responsibility for running the corporation and managing the property, which they may outsource to professional property managers. Proactive boards arrange for routine inspections and set priorities for repairs and improvements. In addition, the board addresses issues that arise within the community, such as building damage or disruptive residents.

In condominium communities, owners pay an annual fee to fund repairs and other necessities. Establishing an annual budget, setting the yearly fee, and handling the condo association’s financial resources are other focus areas for the board.

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June 29, 2015 Urban Landscaping Tips for Small Yards

Calgary-based Emerald Management & Realty, Ltd., provides a selection of rental properties in the city and surrounding areas. Emerald Management & Realty, Ltd., manages multiple types of residential properties, including single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums, along with commercial properties. Because many of the company’s properties are located in urban settings, its clients may have to adapt their landscaping projects to small spaces.

Single-family homes in urban settings often feature small yards, but landscaping experts note these small spaces can make a big impact. Since a front yard is a home’s showcase to the neighborhood, residents can select complementary plants and other elements to reflect their personal style while complementing the home’s architecture. Proportion is key to creating the best look in a small, urban yard. Residents may want to avoid trees or plants that are too tall, as these can overwhelm or obscure the home. Brightly colored flowers can be an eye-catching alternative to traditional shrubs or hedges and help define spaces or borders in a small yard.

In small spaces, residents may opt for stone courtyards or walkways, boarded by flowerbeds. Alternatively, residents can use attractive gravel or pebbles to cover yards. With these approaches, residents can avoid grass maintenance chores and enjoy a beautiful yard that is perfect for urban settings.

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June 18, 2015 Professional Property Management for Condominiums

Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. strives for excellence in its property management functions. Among the services Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. performs is overseeing the running administration of condominium properties.

Professional management offers many advantages to condominium boards, owners and residents. Running a condominium is a large task that can be substantially simplified with the assistance of an experienced management company. Instead of the condominium corporation having to hire individual contractors or find volunteers to perform tasks, processes that are often difficult and result in delays in service, a management company can handle all or some aspects of the condominium’s operations, depending on the corporation’s or owners’ needs.

For example, the company can handle financial activities, which can include keeping careful records of the property’s expenses and handling the collection of monthly contributions and fees. The company can also work with the board to put together a budget designed to help keep the condominium running smoothly. Additionally, the management company can supervise repair work and maintenance, negotiate utilities contracts, and make necessary purchases. All of these activities help ensure that residents and owners are satisfied with how the condominium is run and its long-term outlook as an investment and place to live.

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June 8, 2015 Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. on Calgary’s Thriving Restaurant Scene

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. helps Calgary residents find rental units throughout the city. Downtown continues to appeal to clients, especially as the restaurant scene continues to expand to include new and exciting dining choices. For instance, a new restaurant called downtown food specializes in catering to the needs of the growing “locavore” movement. The eatery carries items crafted from local produce and meat. In addition to a wide array of salad, meat, and vegetable options, the chef also engages in other unique practices. For instance, he buys an entire steer and then dry ages the beef in house to provide exceptional flavor. He also cooks many of his fried dishes in locally sourced Alberta duck fat.

Even the mobile restaurant scene thrives on high-quality, environmentally friendly food. Canada’s first LEED-certified food truck has arrived, and it patrols the streets of Calgary. The Naanco truck offers tacos with a shell made of naan, a bread product of India. It provides freshly picked herbs from the garden on the truck’s roof, uses organic vegetables, and locally raised hormone- and antibiotic-free meat. The truck’s owners also plant trees to offset their carbon use.

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May 27, 2015 Quality-of-Life Survey Ranks Calgary Among the Best Cities in Canada By Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.

A recently released poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion reveals that the majority of Calgarians regard The Stampede City as one of the most livable and employment-friendly of Canada’s largest cities. Residents of Canada’s three other major metropolises (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) responded more critically when asked to assess their municipal governments and to describe the overall quality of life in their cities. A city of 1.1 million people, Calgary has scored highly in other quality-of-life surveys as well, especially during the last decade.

This latest report shows that 90 percent of Calgarians consider their city “on the rise,” 89 percent believe it to be a livable place, 88 percent agree that it offers good job prospects, and 75 percent concur that it provides a good environment for starting a business. Furthermore, 62 percent of Calgarians stated that the current municipal government does a very good or good job, compared with 42 percent of Vancouver residents, 28 percent of Toronto residents, and 21 percent of Montrealers. While residents of the four cities gave high marks overall to their respective municipalities, Calgary received higher ratings than all other cities. For example, 87 percent of Calgarians said they were satisfied with their city’s quality of life, while 75 percent of Montrealers provided similar answers regarding their city.

About the Author: Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. maintains a quarter century of experience serving the needs of property owners and managing residential and commercial buildings in Calgary.

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