What's new with Excel.

With warmer weather well on its way, it’s time to start planning those weekend getaways. Trips to the lake, barbeques on the beach, freshwater fishing and exploring the great outdoors are hallmarks of summer in Alberta. Now imagine a whole season of fun in the sun without having to pack up the car and fight weekend traffic out of the city. This blissful fantasy is actually reality for homeowners at Calgary’s Community Of The Year (212, 213 & 214!)

A new home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Whether you’re buying your first home ever – or your first home in greater Calgary – we have a suite of handy resources and tools to help you through the home buying process. You’ll find Excel’s Guide For First Time Homebuyers, mortgage calculator and answers to a host of frequently asked questions.

By taking away some of the unknown and arming you with a toolkit of practical resources, we can help make your biggest purchase worry-free – leaving you to focus on all the excitement that comes with owning a new home!

With the overnight frost almost at bay, the outdoor gardens centres are buzzing. Hanging baskets, veggie gardens, patio planters and bedding plants are ready for your attention. But Calgary’s quirky climate can cause even the greenest of thumbs some grief. Don’t worry though; we have some helpful tips to keep your garden in bloom throughout the summer.

215 Calgary International Beer Festival

Beerfest is rated as one of the top 2 beer festivals in the world, and it is returning to Stampede Park on May 1^st and 2^nd. Increase your beer knowledge in search for a new favourite by sampling more than 5 types of beer! There’s also food from over 4 of Calgary’s best pubs and restaurants. For all the event details, and to purchase tickets, check out: http://www.albertabeerfestivals.com/.

Source: Beerfest

Spring has sprung! Sure, we’re waiting on leaves and vibrant green grass. And, yes, there’s probably at least one more dusting of snow before the winter tires come off. But heck, why not get in to the spirit of things and prepare for sunshine, warmth and everybody’s favourite – patio season!

Grab your dusters, Swiffer’s and power washers – it time to start spring-cleaning!

We love being a part of this family focused community that’s set on a picturesque southern hillside in Airdrie. HillCrest is close to excellent schools, shopping and amenities, and offers easy highway access for trips to the city, airport and Cross Iron Mills mall. You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to recreational pursuits. There’s a host of parks and pathways to explore, as well as the Woodside Golf Club and expansive Genesis Place recreation centre with pools, fitness centre and outdoor track.

Spring Sparktacular | Telus Spark

Hop on down to the Spring Sparktacular event at TELUS Spark on April third and fourth! Enjoy spring themed activities with the whole family, including Bunnybotville, dinosaur eggs from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, atrium actives and more. Plus, the Cococo Chocolatiers Easter bunny will be stopping by with some delicious treats! For all the details, visit: http://www.sparkscience.ca/events/special-events-2/spring-sparktacular/.

Source: Telus Spark

Rather than waiting patiently for spring’s first blooms, or lets be honest winter’s last snowfall, we propose welcoming the warmer season into your home immediately. You never know, a little interior design inspiration may be all the motivation that Mother Nature needs. We’re big proponents of making simple, inexpensive décor changes. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck this way.

Giving back to the communities we build in is extremely important at Excel. Our most recent project was building the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane & Area (BGCCA) a brand new kitchen and bathroom. It took five days, 1 volunteers and over 2, hours of labour. The result? Some of the brightest and most appreciative smiles we’ve ever seen.

CPO Corks & Canvas

What better way to support the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, then to take part in the many food and wine events throughout the month! Beginning March third till 26^th, take part in the many food and wine events, including wine, whiskey, and craft beer tastings, as well as high tea, or dinner and auction. The complete list of events can be found here: http://www.cpo-live.com/main/content.php?content_id=92.

Source: CPO

After 26 years as a Calgary new home builder we’ve come to realize that our business has a whole lot of industry specific terms and acronyms. While it’s second nature for us, it may feel like learning a whole new language for you. For instance COP refers to Canada Olympic Park for most proud Calgarians. But in our world it actually stands for Certificate of Possession (and in reality being handed a COP can feel like winning gold for most new homeowners.)