When it comes to renting a property in Calgary, tenants might feel that dealing with a property manager and a landlord are one and the same. While there are many similarities between both in what they do, there are a few distinct differences which separate them.

Ownership & Responsibilities

Both landlords and property managers handle the same responsibilities, including taking applications from renters, credit checks, collecting rent, subcontracting repairs and handling difficult tenants. The difference lies in the ownership: the landlord owns the property and runs it themselves. The property management company in Calgary acts on behalf of the landlord, making decisions for them. They don’t own the property; they just manage it.

Decision-Making Process

A property management company becomes the point of contact between the landlord and the tenants. They are the ‘middlemen’ between the two parties. However, they do not necessarily contact or talk to the landlord about every little thing as they are usually given authority to make decisions without having to consult the landlord. Therefore, they will act professionally as they will look at it in terms of what is ‘best’ for the property and both parties.

Maintenance & Repairs

In terms of maintenance and repairs, landlords will take the work upon themselves (in a bid to save money) or will look to hire professionals out of their pocket. This might take longer, or the job might not be as good. For landlords, maintenance and repairs is always considered a hassle.

A Calgary property management company, on the other hand, will have a streamlined process of dealing with it. They often have a team of professionals working for them, or a list of experts that they trust when it comes to conducting the repairs. Problems are usually addressed quickly and without any fuss.

Will A Property Management Company Work For You?

When it comes to renting a property, it all comes down to the relationship that you have with the person or company. Landlords and property management companies work on similar wavelengths, but you might prefer one over the other depending on experience and reputation.

If you are a landlord, you can always hire a property management expert to work for you in regards to your property. They will take all the work off your hands; giving you more free time for yourself.

At Unison Realty Group Ltd. we will find the perfect rental for you in a location that fits your needs. We’ll handle what you don’t want, and you’ll enjoy the benefits.

Unison Realty Group Ltd.

Calgary’s Choice for Property Management & Rentals

For any questions or enquiries contact us:

Phone: (403) 219-3000
Email: [email protected]
Website: unisonrealty.com

If you own an investment property in Calgary, you’re always looking for ways to attract tenants, cut costs, and maintain the property more efficiently. The right landscaping can help you accomplish all of these goals!

Spruce Up the Landscaping

The right landscaping can attract the right tenants! Whether you’re having troubles renting the property or you’re on the hunt for more careful and conscientious tenants, landscaping can make all the difference. A property management company can also help with lawn and yard maintenance of your Calgary rental.

Install an Irrigation System

Springing for a sprinkler system can save you money in the long run! Utility bills can get expensive in the summertime if your tenants accidentally leave the sprinkler running, or they may forget to water altogether. Because irrigation systems also save water, you may be able to access rebates to offset the costs of installation. For easy maintenance of your Calgary rental and green grass all summer, consider the benefits of a sprinkler system.

Easy Maintenance

Whatever you decide to do with your landscaping, it should be easy to maintain above all else. If at any point you have tenants that are not interested in gardening or lawn care, your gorgeous yard will quickly go downhill. Instead, timed sprinklers, mulching, and perennial plants are all easy to maintain and great to look at.

Hiring a Property Management Company

If you don’t have the time to take care of the landscaping for your rental property, and your tenants aren’t interested in taking on the challenge, you may want to consider hiring a property management company. Rental property management offers a solution for a number of concerns including indoor and outdoor maintenance issues, rent collection, finding, and communicating with tenants. Being a landlord can be like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be when you have the right people on your team.

At Unison Realty Group Ltd. we will find the perfect rental for you in a location that fits your needs. We’ll handle what you don’t want, and you’ll enjoy the benefits.

Unison Realty Group Ltd.

Calgary’s Choice for Property Management & Rentals

For any questions or enquiries contact us:

Phone: (403) 219-3000

Email: [email protected]

Website: unisonrealty.com

When it comes time to sign the lease on a new Calgary rental property, you might be excited about the prospect of moving into a new home. However, regardless of how you’re feeling, it’s important to look over the lease agreement and ask the property management company any questions you might have. Here are 4 things you should consider before signing the lease.

What to Consider When Signing the Lease with a Calgary Property Management Company

What is the Termination Policy?

Most lease agreements for unfurnished rental properties are for a fixed term and include a cancellation policy in the event the contract is broken. You never know what life will bring your way and it’s better to be prepared for the consequences if you need to leave your rental early for any reason.

Are There Pet Fees?

If you have a pet, you should know about the property management company’s policy on pets before signing the lease. If you don’t already have a furry friend, but you’re thinking about getting one, be sure to read that section carefully. Some unfurnished rental properties do not allow pets at all.

What Are the Late Fees?

Again, no one ever anticipates paying their rent late, but life happens! Calgary property management companies often charge a fee if rent is late or if a post-dated check returns NSF. Make sure you know what the policy is should you ever be in such a situation.

Who Take Care of Maintenance?

The issue of maintenance is another thing you should look at closely. You’ll need to know who is in charge of lawn maintenance and snow removal, as well as all indoor requests. In most cases, the property management company will have a maintenance team assigned to look after problems with the appliances, but you might be in charge of all outdoor yard work.

Ask the Property Management Company

If you have any questions or concerns about the items listed on the lease agreement, feel free to reach out and ask the property management company. It’s better to know and understand all of the policies so that you don’t accidentally transgress any of them. Remember; your property management company is here to help.

At Unison Realty Group Ltd. we will find the perfect rental for you in a location that fits your needs. We’ll handle what you don’t want, and you’ll enjoy the benefits.

Unison Realty Group Ltd.

Calgary’s Choice for Property Management & Rentals

For any questions or enquiries contact us:

Phone: (403) 219-3000

Email: [email protected]

Website: unisonrealty.com

A real estate analyst with the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) says the fact that Calgary’s housing prices aren’t budging much shouldn’t come as a shock. “The current Calgary real estate market conditions are disappointing but unsurprising,” said Don Campbell, senior real estate analyst with REIN.

The oil price slide is in its 15th month after all, he says. Previous forecasts stated prices would begin to slide from November 2015 to February 2016 amid mixed signals in the market.

“The drop in oil prices, which brought layoffs and lower consumer confidence, have been the largest factor in today’s market conditions, prices held steady due to a lack of real desperation to sell,” said Campbell.

Uncertainty all around

Add to the mix, Campbell says, is the uncertainty from Rachel Notley’s newly-elected government regarding taxes, regulation, or an economic strategy.

“These two main factors have pushed the listings up substantially while keeping the buyers on the sidelines,” he said.

According to Calgary MLS, the current detached home listings in September were 3,012 — or 17 per cent more — compared to the same period last year. Although the Calgary Real Estate Board reports total residential sales in the city were 1,448 units in September, well below typical activity levels for this time of year.

Year-to-date Calgary sales remained below both the five- and 10-year averages.

But Campbell says two other major factors are keeping a cap on housing prices — the growing population in the region before oil prices went south and the rental market.

“These new citizens have supported both the housing resale market as well as the rental market,” he said, adding this is directly connected to the second factor — high rents and low vacancy rates in the region.

He suggests that if homeowners were thinking of selling their home but wanted to stay in the city, when they did the math, they discovered it was cheaper to stay put.

“This lack of next home lowered the motivation level of those who listed their property and thus many were willing to stand firm on their price which in turn stabilized the average sale price.”

2016 predictions

But Campbell says to expect even lower housing prices to emerge with increased motivation from November to February with more vacancies but oil prices still remaining low.

Looking into 2016, Campbell says mixed signals will continue if oil prices stay consistently below $50 and there’s no pipeline announcement — likely resulting in more downward housing prices, plus a big dive in demand for luxury homes.

He expects vacancy rates will begin to move up, which could bring rental rates down.

“This will free up the ability for more people who have listed their property to make a move into the rental market while they await more surety.”

By Melissa Ramsay Global News

Get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying some of the family-friendly holiday events happening around Calgary this year.

Zoolights

Head to the Calgary Zoo for their annual Christmas light display. 1.5 million twinkling lights line pathways and twist around trees, forming animals shapes and flashing to music. Dress warmly because this event is outside – but if you get cold there are fire pits to keep you warm, as well as hot chocolate.
WHEN: November 21st, 2014 – January 3rd, 2015
COST: General Admission $14.00, Child (3 – 15) $11.00, Infant (2 & under) Free
WEBSITE: Calgary Zoo

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

Take a trip to Heritage Park to experience Christmas from years gone by.
You can enjoy a romantic wagon ride with a loved-one or sing Christmas carols with the kids. Other activities include gingerbread cookie decorating, a petting zoo and snow painting.
WHEN: Weekends from November 22nd – December 21st, 2014, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
COST: General gate admission (15 – 64) $10.25, Child (3 – 6) $5.00, Youth (7 – 14) $6.35, Senior (65+) $8.15.
WEBSITE: Heritage Park

Handel’s Messiah

Watch the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Dec 12th and 13th. Or, join the crowd in a chorus of “Hallelujah” at the sing-along Messiah on the 14th.
WHEN: Dec 12th and 13th, 2014 / December 14th, 2014
COST: $25 – $90
WEBSITE: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Lions’ Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights is the largest free drive-by Christmas lights display in Calgary. Every year, volunteers help assemble over 105,000 LED lights in Confederation Park. The display draws over 55,000 visitors every day. It can be seen along 14th Street N.W., south of 24th Avenue.
WHEN: November 29th, 2014 – January 8th, 2015. 6 p.m. – Midnight
COST: Free
WEBSITE: Lions Festival of Lights

Country Christmas with George Canyon

Join Canadian country superstar George Canyon as he celebrates the Christmas season for just one night at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. According to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, his special Christmas performance will features holiday favourites along with some of his biggest hits.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
COST: $45 – $85
WEBSITE: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Christmas at Spruce Meadows

Spruce Meadows uses a quarter of a million lights to blanket their entire facility. Hop in your car and drive the 2 kilometer route through the grounds to witness their spectacular display, which includes Tournament Lane, The Courtyard, Traffic Circle, the Nations Flag Park, Congress Hall, Riders Chapel and the Pond.
WHEN: December 5th to January 4th, every evening between 5-10 p.m.
COST: Free
WEBSITE: Spruce Meadows

The Nutcracker

A staple among numerous ballet companies, the Nutcracker tells the tale of Klara and her Nutcracker as they battle against the evil Rat Tsar and his army of mice, set to Tchaikovsky’s score.
WHEN: Dec 18th to Dec 24th, 2014.
COST: Adult: $29 – $116, Child (12 years and under): $20 – $116, Student / Senior : $29 – $116
WEBSITE: Alberta Ballet

A Christmas Carol

Watch Charles Dickens’ classic novel come to life at Theatre Calgary. The play tells the story of how bitter Ebenezer Scrooge learns to open his heart and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
WHEN: November 27th, 2014 – December 24th, 2014.
COST: $35.00 – $116.00
WEBSITE: Theatre Calgary

CP Holiday Train

The CP Holiday Train is North America’s longest rolling food bank fundraiser. Over the three weeks of the program, musicians play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar turned into a travelling stage. Performers this year include the Odds and Jim Cuddy.
WHEN: Dec 12th, 6 p.m. at the gravel parking lot on Horton Road behind the Brick and Schanks (9511 Horton Road S.W.)
COST: Free – but attendees are encouraged to bring either a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the Calgary Food Bank.
WEBSITE: Holiday Train

Outdoor skating

Celebrate the holidays with an outdoor skate! Hold hands to keep warm – and don’t forget your helmet.
WHEN: In Calgary, outdoor skating rinks are weather dependent but are typically open mid-December through February, except for Olympic Plaza which is a refrigerated ice surface and is generally open from mid-November to mid-March.
COST: City-maintained outdoor rinks are free to use and are flooded as needed during low usage hours.
WHERE: The following outdoor skating rinks are maintained by The City:
• Big Marlborough Park – opening mid December
• Bowness Park Lagoon – opening mid December
• Carburn Park – opening mid December
• Olympic Plaza – opening mid November
• Prairie Winds Park – opening mid December
• Prince’s Island Lagoon – opening mid December

Unison Property Management

4.6

Sam Adrian

20:52 07 Sep 18

I've been working with Michael on renting a house, the process was absolutely phenomenal! Extremely quick and understanding of any problems. The manner in which Michael acted upon was very detail oriented, understanding and very easy to work with. Great communication was never an issue. Thank you so much for introducing me to my new home! It has been an absolute pleasure working with you!

Jordan Champagne

03:50 31 Jul 18

Recently underwent a significant life change. Sold my house and found myself searching for a rental property. Sheer luck had me stumble across a property being managed by Unison. Their representative Jolene was a breath of fresh air, she was timely and always delivered with her follow through promises. Thank you.

Nikhil Sidhaye

03:06 27 Apr 18

We are extremely happy to make choice & select Unison Property Management to look after our property. Unison people are extremely helpful & answered each & every question and cleared our doubts. Their processes to sign is easy and efficient. We highly recommend Diana Novikova, she is always reachable (by phone / text). She always gives satisfactory answer to our questions. Hoping to get same service in coming years...

Mr.Marriage Dr.Divorce

18:52 21 Mar 18

Diana Novikova is very professional and attentive. I had many questions before and after the searching process. She was very efficient with retrieving contracts and pictures of the home, and I speak highly for the filing system her company uses. Her positive and professional approach made it easy for me to feel comfortable with a paperless approach. She was able to find me an amazing insurance company, they were accommodating and able to give me a 5% discount just for being connected with Diana’s company. Since I have moved in, I have needed to contact Diana (by text), to answer questions. She always responds quickly and has an answer for me in a very short amount of time. I highly recommend Diana! 👍

Samantha Aretuo

00:19 22 Jun 18

I see that most of the reviews about the company have been positive, however that was not my experience. My mom was the one who hired the services, but since she's not willing to complain I will do it for her. After the last tenant, the apartment was left without one of the electronic blinds that are in the living room (how were they able to damage and rip the entire thing is beyond me), the fridge doesn't close well (therefore is not working well), one of the cabinet doors inside the refrigerator was left broken, and the handle from the laundry closet was completely broken (the handle was left on the desk). My biggest problem about that is that the agent in charge of looking after the apartment never charged the occupants for the things broken, and he later said that he didn't do it because he never checked the apartment before they left, so he was going to pay for everything and make sure that everything is fixed, but this has taken more than a month to be done. He hasn't provided a deadline to have everything done, so he shows up every now and then to "fix" the handle himself (not even with a handyman), and after a couple of weeks says that he wasn't able to, so he's looking a replacement that is similar to the ones we have. So, not only did he not check the apartment to make sure that everything is in the same condition that it was given to the company, but he also fails to make up for his mistakes. My mom has been trying to reach out to the company, but since she's been busy at her job it's been hard for her to find a time to go to the Unison office, and we've been stuck just waiting for the company to show up when they have the time. I also wanted to share this so it won't happen to anybody else.

Nicole L'Hirondelle

05:32 01 Dec 18

I just started a contract to rent my house with Unison and property manager Jolene. So far the experience has been great. All my questions have been answered in a timely and professional manner. I have peace of mind going forward because I have confidence in the service. I have continued to work with Jolene and she is very knowledable, responsive and a good listener. I am overall so pleased with the decision to work with Jolene and Unison. Highly recommended !

Dario Perrone

20:15 26 Dec 18

Stayed at the Horton Heritage tower location in a one bedroom and den apartment in 2018. Great location and place furnished and clean. David Briere was great always very responsive to emails and calls. I appreciate the wonderful stay in Calgary. Thank you.

Curtis Breitkreitz

19:28 19 Nov 18

Anna is very professional, and very diligent. My house was rented in about two weeks. You can tell that she gave an honest and detailed recommendation on the tenant, without providing information that she wasn’t permitted to. I genuinely believe that she cared about ensuring a good tenant was in place who would take care of my house. I would definitely recommend Unison and Anna.

Amy Wilhelm

15:43 14 Dec 18

David Briere has been looking after my rental property for over a year and I am truly thankful for his help and expertise. I’m always kept in the loop regarding any updates or issues, and it’s great to feel confident that these things will be dealt with promptly and professionally. I’ve recommended him to friends previously and will continue to do so - anyone looking for a fantastic property manager should contact David!

Christopher Davis

20:04 16 Nov 18

I've been dealing with Diana N. as my property manager and she's made my life very easy over the past few months. I have full confidence that my home and tenants in Calgary will be taken care of while I live in Saskatchewan. My experience of using Unison/Diana as my property manager has been great and I would recommend giving them a call if you're in the market for residential property management.

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