Have you tried slurping a great tasting bowl of Ramen?

This week we are able to sit down with Shiki Menya restaurant owner Koki Aihara.

Shki Menya is a small restaurant in Bridgeland that serves up 150 bowls of Ramen noodles daily. The stock pot creates enough broth for a150 bowls, and when the broth is finished the restaurant closes until the next day when another fresh batch of pork broth awaits.

There are no reservations. Many times loyal soup lovers start waiting outside the restaurant half an hour before the doors open to get their fix of great tasting Japanese noodles. Keep current with Shiki Menya by visiting their Twitter page.

We also discuss some of the highlights of Bridgeland and Riverside, and what these communities have to offer. We discuss home sale stats and what is coming up on future episodes of Open House.

Have you thought about renovating your home?

Are you looking for your forever home?

This week we sit down and interview our new business partner Brad McCallum. Brad is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX First and the founder of an award winning company, Urban Abode Development Through Design.

Brad got started in renovation and design 12 years ago and has undertook many projects from kitchen renovations, basement developments and complete whole home renovations. This experience gives Brad a unique perspective when helping his clients find their ideal home. 

On this episode Brad discusses pertinent information when deciding on which part of the home a renovation will give you the best return on investment. He discusses where you can reduce costs, why bathrooms and kitchen redesigns are expensive however present to you a considerable return on investment, what’s more, when an IKEA kitchen will suffice.

Do you like excellent tasting BBQ?

Have you tried a combination of BBQ with a smokey old fashioned?

This week we’re on location in Kensington at Hayden Block where we had a chance to sit down with Ian Walsh.

Hayden Block is a whiskey-centric, authentic fully smoked, Texas BBQ. The BBQ barely hangs on the bone and is infused with the perfect balance of woodsy char and flavourful smoke vapours.

The menu covers all the barbecue classics from smoked brisket to pulled pork and all the the BBQ classics from baked beans, potato salad and deep fried pickles. They offer over 100 whiskeys, and a first-rate selection of beer.

Ian tells us some of the unique features of Hayden Block and Shane and I discuss some of the community highlights of Kensington.

Are you thinking of selling your home?

Wondering how to showcase it and have an edge over the competition?

Have you considered a virtual reality real estate tour?

In this episode we interview Tim Enos, creative director at Method Visual. Tim explains how VR is changing the real estate space and the benefits of using VR to showcase your home when marketing it for sale.

By leveraging VR/360 technology your allowing potential buyers to take a self-guided tour that uses strategic messaging, highlighting the main features of your home, giving the user an experience that will capture their attention and wanting to book a showing to see the home in person.

Tim also explains how this new technology, (Google Cardboard), is more than looking at a property through a window, rather it’s like opening a door and stepping inside giving the user an experience similar to being inside the home in person. Listen in and learn how advancements in technology are changing the real estate space.

This week we have an absolute blast talking with Freya Maclean. Freya is an interior decorator and real estate home stager here in Calgary at http://freyahomeinteriors.com

Freya helps transform homes that uniquely suits your taste and lifestyle. She has helped many people declutter their homes and turn them into gorgeous functional spaces.

This episode, Freya gives expert advice on what needs to be done to prepare your home before listing it for sale. Her advice gives sellers an edge over their competition and helps them get top dollar for their home. Listen in to this fun educational episode.

This episode we discuss what you need to know if you are interested in flipping homes for profit. Shane discusses his personal experience and then breaks down 6 key points that are crucial to know if you are wanting to learn about flipping houses.

Profit at the purchase

Choosing the right lender and mortgage

Get a complete inspection of the home

Don’t perform all the work on your own

Price correctly and show value

The right representation

Joining us on this episode is home inspector Lucas Kirsch of http://2020mhi.com

Lucas has over 22 years experience in the construction industry. Trouble shooting, problem solving, managing trades, deadlines and budgets led Lucas to form his own building firm in 2009.

During the interview, Lucas highlights the important aspects that home owners need to know about the home they are about to purchase. Because of Lucas’s unique building experience, it provides him with the knowledge that enables him to give excellent tips and insider insight that he relays through the home inspection process

This episode we’re showcasing the communities of Royal Oak and Rocky Ridge. We sit down for a quick chat with Mad Rose Pub owner Matt Moore. Matt tells us about his pub, some of the features that he offers, as well as the events that he has going on. After the interview we discuss some of the community housing stats and what makes these two communities desirable and great place to live.

This episode we interview with financial mortgage expert Grant Borisow. Shane and Grant discuss the many dynamics involved with getting approved for a mortgage as well as new rules put in place by CMHC that affects the lending power of buyers looking to purchase a home. This is a must listen!

In this episode we discuss four tips that will help you sell your home for top dollar. Shane gives practical advice on selling your home and goes over these main topics. Timing, presentation, pricing, representation. He also gives you the questions you should ask when interviewing real estate agent's, and gives advice you'll find valuable even if you decide to sell your home without a real estate agent.