What's new with Excel.

Planning to host a backyard party in your new home this summer? We’ve put together a list of our favourite barbeque décor and accessories, as well as some amazing recipes for the grill and bar. So have a read, get inspired and send out those invites asap.

Your garage may be the most underutilized space in your home. Sure you park the car in there, and probably store your tools, garden supplies, camping gear and sports equipment. But have you maximized the space? Is it easy to obtain every item? Or do you feel a sense of dread when you have to search for a specific tool, or pull out the Christmas decorations? If this is the case, be sure to check out these tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your garage:

Read our monthly eventsblog to find out the great events our city of Calgary and surrounding area hasto offer. This month we look forward to a variety of events such as YYC Lobsterfest and lunch time Street Piano Performances. Read on to find out the details of these fabulous events and find out how to take part!

We’re just about two weeks away from the first day of summer. Kids are counting down their final days of school. Vacation plans and camps are (hopefully!) booked. Sunscreen, flip flops and brimmed hats have replaced toques, scarves and mitts. And barbeque dinners, picnic lunches and popsicles have infiltrated our weekly meal plans. Now is the time to freshen up your décor for summer. Here are a few of our favourite, fabulous finds to help get you started:

Schools often play a large role in a family’s home buying decision making process. Quality of education and proximity of the school are usually major factors. All of the communities that Excel builds in have highly-rated existing schools nearby, or are building brand new schools within the community. Sunset Ridge in Cochrane, for example, is opening its new K-7 school this fall and Mahogany in southeast Calgary has recently completed a sod-turning ceremony for the new K-6 Catholic school that will open in the fall of 2018.

Calgary has certainly been blessed with a streak of hot summer weather this spring. Rising temperatures have many of us ditching our chores, playing outside and soaking up the sun. While it’s easy to focus on fun, we feel there’s no better time to spruce up your backyard and create a stunning summer oasis to relax and entertain in. Here are a few Pinterest worthy ideas to help get you started.

Read our monthly events blog to find out the great events our city of Calgary and surrounding area has to offer. This month we look forward to a variety of events that will be a blast and will give back to our community. Alberta Burger Fest, Bike To Work Day and YWCA Keep a Roof Over Their Heads all have a philanthropic theme which is what the Calgary spirit is all about! Read on to find out the details and how to get involved!

HillCrest, located in the southern tip of Airdrie, is a fantastic and affordable community for families. You’ll find highly rated schools and an array of shopping and recreational opportunities minutes away. The community’s proximity to the highway also offers convenient access to CrossIron Mills shopping centre, the airport and downtown Calgary. As HillCrest and Airdrie continue to flourish, the area’s amenities grow. Check out some of our sales team’s favourite current and future community highlights.

Earth Day is a global celebration that takes place annually on April 22. It’s a day to be mindful of our planet, learn about sustainable practices and honour the environment. To get you in the spirit, we’ve unearthed a few family friendly activities, events and ideas to check out over the coming week. From fairies to fish to farmers – there’s something here to capture the hearts, minds and imagination of your little ones.

Excel Homes has enjoyed a busy spring market this year. Over the past few months, we’ve opened sales centres and show homes in three of Calgary, Airdrie and Cochrane’s most desirable new communities. After a whirlwind of activity, we’re excited to share the highlights from each of our grand opening events.

The recent streak of warm weather in Calgary has everyone excited about spending more time outdoors. Garden centres are open and it is now time to start thinking about prepping your yard for spring. Make the most of the season and create an outdoor space that is both welcoming and eco-friendly. Check out these green thumb tips to get you started.

Read our monthly events blog to find out the great events our cityof Calgary and surrounding area has to offer. This month we look forward to Juno Week taking place in 15 venues around Calgary, Yoga Vino at the Calgary Farmer's Market and Body Worlds Vital Exhibit at the Telus Spark Science Centre.