February 2022 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Selling your Calgary Home and those Two Little Voices

When you’re shopping for a new car or anything else that impacts you personally, you probably have two little voices chatting in your head. The first is saying, “This is what I want.” The second is asking, “Can I really afford this?”

Ideally, both voices are in agreement and you’re able to buy what you want at a price that’s reasonable. Of course, there are other times when you’ll need to compromise on some features in order to stay within your price range.

This same dynamic plays out when you’re thinking of moving. You may start wondering, “Is the type of house I want to get into really within my price range?”

In fact, that question holds many homeowners back from even considering a move. They’re stuck wondering if they can get into the home they want.

If you’ve been wondering the same thing, why not find out? It’s relatively easy.

The first step is to calculate how much your current property would sell for on today’s market. That figure is determined by many factors, but it’s mainly driven by what similar properties in your area have sold for recently.

Once you know what you can expect to get for your home, you’ll need to find out how much of a mortgage (if required) you qualify for.

The final step is to take a look at current Calgary Listings in neighbourhoods you’re targeting and see which properties for sale fit within your budget.

You might be pleasantly surprised to discover that the two voices in your head are in agreement, and you can get the home you want at a price you can afford.

Should You Replace Your Homes Windows?

Here’s a surprising statistic. Less than 30% of window replacements are the result of the old windows being worn, broken or otherwise in need of replacement.

Clearly, there are other good reasons to consider new windows!

One of the most popular motivations is cosmetic. Brand new windows have a huge impact on the overall look of a home, both on the inside and the outside. New windows can improve the curb appeal — an important element when you sell a home. From the inside, new windows can dramatically improve the look of a room.

Another reason to replace windows is to address energy costs. Modern windows are packed with technologies that lower heating and cooling bills. From low-e/argon to special spacer bars to highly insulating options, window technologies can provide savings you’ll notice, especially if you’re replacing very old windows.

A third reason is window style and characteristics. Simply put, you may not like your current windows! You may want more glass and less frame to enhance your view. Maybe your windows pull up (vertical sliders) when you’d rather have them open like a door (casements). Perhaps you’d like fancy blinds in-between the panes of glass. Replacing windows lets you get exactly the look and features you want.

Will new windows boost the resale value of your home? They might, at least a little. But there’s one thing for certain: upgraded windows definitely make your home look more appealing to buyers.

How to Get the Buyer’s Perspective on your Property

When you walk through the front door of your Calgary home, you have a very different experience than a home buyer would. You see the familiar. You see the memories. You see your life. In fact, you might even wonder why anyone would hesitate to fall instantly in love with your home.

Buyers, however, don’t have that same perspective.

When they walk through your front door, they see a place they’ve never been before. To them, it’s a stranger’s home. They’re looking at your property with a critical eye.

They’re asking questions like, “Is the living room large enough? Do we like the feel of the place? Is it move-in ready or do repairs and improvements need to be done? Does it feel spacious or cramped? Neat or cluttered?”

So, when preparing your property for sale, it’s important to analyze it from a buyer’s point-of-view. A good exercise is to pretend you’re a buyer and walk through your home, starting at the entranceway. Ask yourself “buyer questions” as you visit each room.

For example, when you see the kitchen, from a buyer’s perspective, what do you like about it? What do you not like? Do the same with the other rooms and spaces in your home. Imagine, as the buyer, noticing clutter, needed repairs, poorly lit areas, and rooms that feel small and confining.

Also, of course, notice those features that would likely impress a buyer, such as a modern ensuite bathroom or new and stylish kitchen appliances.

Once you’ve done that exercise, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you need to do to make your home look its best to buyers.

Remember, an interested Calgary Home Buyer is more likely to make a good offer on a property that “shows” well.

January 2022 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Listing Before a Repair or Fix-Up is Done?

If you’re thinking of selling your Calgary home, you may have walked through it and discovered that you’ve been ignoring work that should be done to make your home look its best. For example, you may have been living with a cracked floor tile that needs to be fixed, or a damaged closet door that requires replacement.

Is it a good idea to get these maintenance issues dealt with before you list? Typically, yes. You want your home to show well. Anything unsightly or concerning will get noticed by and discounted by Calgary Homebuyers.

Fortunately, investing the time and money to get the work done will pay off. It will help you sell your home faster and for a better price than selling As-Is.

However, there may be circumstances in which you need to list before repairs and other improvements are completed. For example, if you need to sell within the next few weeks, you may simply not have enough time. In that case, there are a couple of options. Either you can arrange for the work to be done and let buyers know that it’s been scheduled; or, you can let buyers know about the issues and let them know you’re selling as is. Or You could let Us Make You A Cash Offer to Buy Your Home.

Fire Safety Checks You Should Do at Least Once a Year

Chances are, you know that you should change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year — even if you suspect the batteries are still good.

But that isn’t the only fire safety check you should do annually. Here are some other recommended tips to help keep you and your family safe.

• Clean your stove burners and oven regularly. Hard grease build-up can become combustible.
• Check your cupboard for cleaning products, paints and other liquids that are flammable. Read each label carefully. Use and store each product only as recommended.
• If you keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen — and you should — confirm that it is still good. Extinguishers are like food. They have expiry dates!
• Go over your fire escape plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do if a smoke detector goes off or if there’s a fire.
• Check that all windows open easily, especially upper floor windows.
• Check appliances you use often, such as hair dryers, for worn or frayed cords.
• Regularly clear away lint build-up in the clothes dryer. Check the outside dryer vent annually to make sure it’s clear and working correctly.
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, get it cleaned and inspected by a licensed technician once a year.

Many local fire departments offer homeowners free tips and even in-home advice and inspections at no cost. Contact your Calgary Fire Department and ask about programs available to you.

Getting an Early Start on Selling your Home

You’ve probably heard the expression, “The early bird gets the worm.” It refers, of course, to those who get in early and reap the rewards. For example, if you arrive early to a retail store for a big blowout sale, you’re likely to get the deals before the inventory runs out. The stragglers who come later will miss out.

Well, this same wisdom can be applied to selling your home. Starting the process early — even if that means simply doing some initial planning — gives you the edge in several ways.

First of all, you get extra time for preparation. That means you can get your home cleaned, uncluttered and staged without feeling rushed. You also get more time to find out how much your property will likely sell for on today’s market. That’s important information, especially if you’re also looking to finance a new home.

Secondly, there’s less stress. You’ll have more time to make the right decisions. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around, last minute, trying to get your home ready for sale.

Finally, with your initial preparations done, you’ll be able to put your home on the market at a moment’s notice. That’s a huge advantage that’s likely to lead to selling your property more quickly and for the best price. In fact, by getting an early start on the process, you might even find that this is the best time to list — and you’ll be able to do so, with confidence.

December 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

5 Ways to Re-Energize in Just 5 Minutes

December tends to be a busy month for most people. It’s all too easy to feel drained and even burned out. Unfortunately, you may not have the luxury of time to relax with a good book or go to a yoga class. So, with that in mind, here are some proven ways to quickly unwind and boost your energy:

• Take a short walk. Scientists say your body will often de-stress significantly after just a 12-minute stroll.
• Drink a glass of water. Dehydration, which can come on without you realizing it, can quickly lead to fatigue and tension.
• Do something completely different. Often, if you completely remove yourself from a situation or activity, even for just a few minutes, you’ll come back feeling better. So, take a moment for yourself!
• Breathe and stretch. It’s almost impossible to feel tense after a few deep breaths and some stretching exercises. In fact, that’s where the urge to yawn and stretch comes from. It’s your body’s way of boosting energy!
• Write it down. If you’re worried or frustrated about something, writing it down will feel like deflating that balloon of stress. Taking it off your shoulders and onto paper will put the concern into perspective. 

Try one of these tips the next time you feel overwhelmed.

Showcase your Home With the Right Lighting

The top retail store chains invest heavily in creating just the right lighting to make their products look great. Why? They know that lighting makes a measurable difference to sales.

The same is true when you sell your home. Lighting can make a big difference in the impression your home has on buyers.

There are two types of light sources, manufactured and natural. You need to consider both when staging your home for sale.

Think about the mood you want to create in each room. For example, you might want the kitchen to seem bright and alive. If yours isn’t quite like that, check whether you are using the highest wattage light bulbs suitable for your fixtures. Also, look for ways to bring in more sunshine. Switching curtains for blinds might do the trick.

In the living room, you might want a cozier feel. That can be accomplished by using lamps that cast a softer and gentler light than more imposing overhead fixtures.

Pay particular attention to dimly lit rooms in your home, including nooks and crannies. Even adding small track lighting to a pantry cupboard can make the space seem brighter and more inviting. Check that lighting is adequate in the garage and walk-in closets too.

Finally, make sure all lights in your home work during viewings. Have spare bulbs available in case one burns out. You don’t want a buyer to try to turn on a light and discover it’s not working.

Leverage the Power of “Done” to Achieve Goals

During a marathon, organizers typically set up signs along the route to indicate distances completed. For example, one might say, “You’ve just finished 4K!” They do that for two reasons: to let runners know where they are; and, to motivate them.

Why are these signs motivational? They give runners an ongoing sense of accomplishment. The runners have “finished” a certain section of the marathon. They’ve reached a milestone. That part is done! As a result, they feel inspired to continue on.

You may feel the same way when you finish a project or task. Energized!

You can use this phenomenon to help you reach your 2022 goals. If you have a big goal, you can divide it into specific milestones that will give you that motivating sense of completion. Say, for example, you want to lose weight. Your milestones might include:

• Make a nutritional eating plan.
• Find a weight loss buddy to share the journey.
• Lose your first 5 pounds.

As you check off each milestone, you’ll become motivated to take on the next. Give this technique a try in the new year!

November 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Getting Family Members on the Same Page

Remember the last time you had a family discussion about what to have for dinner? Chances are, there were some disagreements! In fact, it might have been agonizing trying to get everyone to settle on the same dish. Now imagine getting everyone to agree on what type of home to buy!

Obviously, you want family members to be in harmony when looking for a new home. The more everyone is on the same page, the smoother the process will be.

Here are some tips worth trying:

• Make a list. Have everyone list the top three features they want in a new home. You might find that family members are closer to agreement than you thought. Also, family members will likely not be disappointed if they get two out of the three features they want.

• Have a family meeting. Set a goal to have a clear profile of the kind of home you want by the end of the meeting. Be prepared for some lively discussion, but also be firm that a decision needs to be made.

• Be understanding. If a family member insists on a particular feature, ask why. It might be trivial, such as having a shopping mall within walking distance when driving or taking transit is relatively easy. On the other hand, the desired feature might be something truly important and worth considering.

• Manage expectations. Explain that not everyone will get what they want and that you (or you and your significant other) will do your best to accommodate everyone’s wishes.

There’s no perfect solution. Depending on your family, it might be difficult to make sure everyone is happy with the home you end up buying. However, by using these tips you can ensure that everyone will at least feel they’ve been heard. Then, once you start building memories in your new place, everyone will start to feel like it’s home!

Managing Home Insurance

Home insurance seems to be getting costlier every year, with basic premiums continuing to rise as more homes are exposed to added risks attributed to extreme weather events, accidents, vandalism, and outright theft. 

This leaves homeowners in a difficult situation, but there are things that can be done to help ease rising costs. First, examine your current policy and talk to your agent/broker about your coverage and premiums. You might, for example, agree to increase your deductible to decrease premiums. Meanwhile, you may also be eligible for discounts, based on client profiles such as bundled policies (e.g., auto & home), claims history, and payment punctuality.

Other discounts may be available based on steps taken to protect your home from potential damage, such as installing a backflow valve or sump pump. Or, you may qualify for lower insurance rates if you have recently improved your home’s structural integrity, such as its foundation or roof. Your policy premiums might also benefit from other investments in your home’s infrastructure, like upgrading your heating, wiring or plumbing, or installing a centralized fire and security system. You’ll need to determine whether the cost of these improvements will be offset by lower insurance premiums over a reasonable period of time.

Buying a Home Out-of-Town

Have you ever considered selling your home and moving out-of-town? One concern that might be holding you back is the uncertainty involved in finding a home in an unfamiliar place. What are the best neighbourhoods? What are homes selling for in that area? What is it like to live there?

There are many ways to find out.

• If possible, spend a day in the area. Walk some of the neighbourhoods. Visit schools and parks. Check out the local shopping and other amenities.

• Talk to someone who lives there. This will give you firsthand insights into the area. You can facilitate this through a Facebook post where you ask to chat with a local resident.

• View current listings in the area online. Most listings include helpful data on safety, demographics and other information.

• Get a handle on home prices by finding out what a home like yours is currently selling for in that area. That will give you a baseline to determine what you can expect to pay.

What’s the bottom line? There’s no need to let uncertainty about finding a home in a different town or city hold you back.

October 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Conquering the Fear of Paying too Much for a Home

You’ve heard of “buyer’s regret”. It refers to purchasing a pricey item, like a fancy sweater or a new car, and then regretting it the next day because you think you paid too much.

Fear of buyer’s regret can actually dissuade people from making a purchase, even when the price is right and they really want the product!

In the real estate world, buyers can sometimes hesitate to make an offer on a home for the same reason. They worry about paying too much, so they take a pass on the property. That’s unfortunate because they may miss out on a great home at a good price!

How do you conquer this fear?

The first step is to get your finances in order. Determine how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market. Also, talk to a lender or mortgage advisor to find out how much of a mortgage you can get. This will give you a fairly good idea of what you can comfortably afford.

Don’t forget to factor in monthly expenses when determining affordability. If you’re looking to move to a larger home or one that’s in a highly desirable neighbourhood, your mortgage payments may be higher. Other expenses, like utilities, might increase too.

Remember, a new home is as much a lifestyle investment as it is a traditional financial one. You’re making an investment in your – and your family’s – happiness. That might even make it worth spending a bit more. And, once you’ve reviewed your finances and anticipated your expenses, you may discover you can do just that!

So, take all these factors into account and determine a price range within which you can comfortably shop. That will make it easier to make an offer on that perfect property with confidence, and with no fears of regret.

DIY-Friendly Bathroom Makeovers

Want to make your bathroom look fantastic without having to do a major renovation? There are a lot of projects you can do yourself. In fact, there are some improvements you can get done in less than a day that will transform the look and feel of your bathroom. Check out these ideas:

• Update the sink. If you have some basic plumbing knowledge, this is a project you should be able to do on your own. A new sink can make the entire vanity look like new.

• Buy new decor. New shower curtains, towels, window coverings, mats, etc. can transform the look of a bathroom.

• Install new hardware. Replacing cabinet hardware may not seem like much of a change. However, it can have a surprisingly big impact. Shiny new hardware is like jewelry. It stands out.

• Replace the vanity mirror. Even if there are no scratches, an older mirror is like an old pair of glasses. It can become foggy. No amount of cleaning will make it any clearer. When ordering a replacement mirror, be sure that your measurements are exact.

• Paint. There’s no doubt about it. A fresh coat of paint makes any room look better.

These bathroom improvement projects can make a huge impact on the look of your bathroom. And, they can all be done affordably and in just a day or two.

Selling your Home? Choose the Right Photos

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. That’s certainly true in real estate. Sure, property descriptions are vitally important, but photos are essential. Especially these days, when so many people view listings online, the right photos can mean the difference between a buyer becoming interested in your property or moving on to the next listing.

So, what photos should you take?

Recent studies suggest that the more photos the better. Property listings that feature several photos tend to attract more buyers than those with just a single picture or none at all. So, you’ll want to have plenty taken. Some of the most effective shots include:

• Photos of each room.
• Desirable features, such as a gorgeous fireplace.
• The property facade.
• The backyard and other appealing outdoor features.
• Key rooms from multiple perspectives, such as the kitchen, master en suite, and dining room.

Before having these photos taken, be sure to prepare. If you were having a family photo taken by a professional photographer, you’d probably ensure everyone dressed their best. The same holds true when listing pictures are taken. Make sure your home looks its best.

Get as much decluttering and cleaning done as possible before pictures are taken. Also, if there are any repairs needed around the home, especially ones that are likely to show up in a photo, get those taken care of too.

Of course, if you need to list your home quickly, there are ways to shoot photos that still look great, even before your home is 100% prepared.

Listing photography doesn’t take that long, so scheduling won’t be a big concern. 

September 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

What to Watch for when Viewing an Older Home

Buying an older property definitely has its advantages. The neighbourhood will already be well-established, so you’ll be able to get a sense of the community. The trees will be grown. The area will have a defined character. This combination of an older home and established community may be something you like or even love.

However, when you’re viewing an older home for sale, there are a few extra things you need to be sure to check. Here are the most important:

Needed replacements. Nothing lasts forever. In any home, there are items that will eventually need to be replaced. The most common include roofing shingles, furnace, water heater, air conditioner, windows, deck, and fencing. When viewing an older property, ask about the age of each of these items. You’ll get an idea of probable upcoming replacement expenses.

Building issues. Homes were built differently decades ago than they are today. So, there may be issues that need to be addressed by a new owner. Some can be serious, such as water leakage and structural problems. Others, less so, such as old electrical outlets that need to be updated. If there are issues like these, they’ll likely be identified during the professional home inspection.

Drafts. Drafts are common in older homes. Of course, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be fixed. Even modest infiltration of air through an old window or door with worn weatherstripping could add hundreds of wasted dollars to your energy bill each year. Look for signs of drafts when viewing a home.

The good news is, the overwhelming majority of these issues can be fixed easily. Don’t let them dissuade you from buying an older home you otherwise like.

Kids Need to Understand Personal Data

The risks and benefits of data collection may be incomprehensible to most children, but it’s important for them to know that information about them is constantly being collected from their smartphones. Therefore, even children need to be thoughtful about what facts and images they choose to share, as they build a digital footprint throughout the course of their lives. 

In other words, they need to know that data collection is about more than tracking their progress when they play their favourite games.

The choices, interests and “likes” kids express on their smartphones will be used to predict their behaviour, and ultimately entice them to buy things, even when they don’t need them. They will be bated with cleverly masked offers that seem completely legitimate. What starts with a simple pop culture reference can eventually become a “phishing” scheme to collect personal information about a user, and eventually create a phony persona that can actually ruin a child’s credit rating. Surprisingly, this can be difficult to reverse. So, if kids are old enough to use a smartphone, they must be old enough to establish strong passwords and to practice cyber-safety 24/7.

Beware of Over-Downsizing or Over-Upsizing

Buying a new pair of shoes is relatively easy. Once you find the style you like, all you need to do is try them on and see if they fit. If they do, you go to the cash register and pay.

When it comes to size, buying a new home can be trickier! Whether your intention is to upsize or downsize, figuring out the right size can be especially challenging.

Say for example, you’re downsizing from a large two-story home to a smaller bungalow. You don’t want to underestimate the space you need and end up in a place that feels tight. If you’re going the other way and upsizing, you don’t want to end up sinking extra money into a property that’s larger than you really need.

So how do you avoid these scenarios?

One of the best ways is to start by considering your current home. Do you use all the rooms in your home regularly? Is there a bedroom that’s rarely occupied? Has the recreation room become simply a storage area? If you’re downsizing, subtracting rooms you scarcely use can give you a better idea of what you need in a new home.

Upsizing is a bit more challenging because you have to anticipate what you will need in the future. For example, if you have young children, and your place is feeling cramped, then a home with a recreation room or separate family and living rooms may be a good idea. You may also need a bigger kitchen with a spacious eating area (in addition to a separate dining room.) Think about the extra room you’ll need and how you’ll use that space.

August 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for Your Move

As you probably know, when you’re preparing to move, you’ll need boxes and tape — and perhaps some bubble-wrap or old newspapers to use as protective wrapping for delicate items.

But that may not be all you need. Take a look at this list and see if you want to have any of these on hand while you’re packing or on your moving day:

• Colour markers for labelling boxes. (Tip: Colour coding boxes by room will make unpacking much easier.)
• Stretch wrap to protect larger items that can’t fit into a box.
• Small plastic bags to store disassembled parts, such as sofa legs, cabinet hardware, etc. (You don’t want to lose them!)
• Moving blankets to protect floors.
• A dolly or hand truck to move heavy items. (You can rent these.)
• Mattress moving bags. These help prevent stains and tears during your move. You can also buy specialty bags for sofas and tables.
• Reusable foam furniture sliders to protect floors when furniture needs to be pushed into place.
• Foam corner protectors. These prevent furniture with sharp corners from banging and damaging other items during a move.

Planning ahead and having the right packing and moving materials on hand will make your move less stressful and, hopefully, damage-free!

Finding the List Price “Tipping Points” 

Setting the right list price for a home is a mystery for many sellers. How do you begin to determine what buyers are likely to pay for your property? After all, no two homes are exactly alike.

Yet, setting the right price is crucial. You need to avoid the two price “tipping points” that, if crossed, can cause you a lot of problems.

The first tipping point is a price that’s low enough for buyers to begin thinking something is wrong. They wonder, “Why is your price so low? What are you not telling us about your property?”

But that’s not even the worst problem with this tipping point. If you do get offers at that low price, you’ll have a bigger issue – leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

The other tipping point is setting your price so high it discourages buyers from giving your listing a second look. When your price is that high, you’ll get few enquiries and even fewer people coming to see your property.

Of course, you can lower your price later, if necessary. But experience shows that reduced prices make potential buyers skeptical. Most sellers who price high in the hopes of getting a windfall, actually end up selling for much less than they would have had they priced their properties correctly in the first place.

So, what’s the right price to list your property? The answer is somewhere in-between those two tipping points.

Call today for help determining the right price for your property.

The Latest in Kitchen Fire Prevention – What You Need to Know

More fires start in the kitchen than in any other room. These fires can be expensive; since even a minor incident, with no injuries, can result in significant damage. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest in fire prevention.

The most recent research tells us: Never leave cooking food unattended. Doing so is the number one cause of kitchen fires.

Make sure cooking appliances, especially deep fryers, are safety certified by the appropriate government agency.

When using oil in a frying pan, always heat slowly at no more than a medium heat setting.

Always turn off stove burners and other cooking appliances immediately after cooking.

Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water. Use baking soda or a fire extinguisher.

Never remove or cover up a smoke detector due to nuisance alarms. The one alarm that isn’t a nuisance may save your life.

Finally, experts say that if you can’t put out a fire immediately, get everyone out of the home and call emergency services.

July 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

One Hour Ideas for Boosting Curb Appeal

You’ve heard of the term “curb appeal”. It refers to the initial impression buyers get when they first see your property from the street. If the impression is a good one, it sets the right tone for the rest of the home viewing.

How do you boost curb appeal? Here are some proven ideas that you can get done in an hour or so:

• Wash both the inside and outside of the front windows. You’ll be amazed at the difference that can make.
• Sweep the walkway leading up to the front entrance. Add a new welcome mat. Also, wash down the front door.
• If possible, remove cars from the driveway. Let buyers imagine their own cars parked there!
• Mow the lawn. Lightly trim the hedges. Weed flower beds.
• Remove anything from inside window sills that may look unsightly from the outside. Try putting a couple of flowering plants there instead.
• Place any trash bins out-of-sight. For example, put them in the garage or neatly at the side of the house.
• If the entrance door hardware is old and worn, change it. New hardware can make a bigger difference than you might think.
• Make sure the outdoor lights are working, especially if you’re showing your home in the evening.
• Add some flowering plants to flower beds, or buy a couple of portable potted plants and place them strategically.
• Clean your mailbox. If it’s rusted, replace it.
• If you have a power washer, give the walkway and driveway a quick blast. Just be sure it will be dry before the buyers arrive.

These one-hour improvements may seem minor, but anything that helps Calgary Home Buyers form a more positive first impression of your home is worth the effort.

The Latest Options in Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting has come a long way from the days of patio lanterns and strings of lightbulbs. These days, there’s an exhaustive array of options available to illuminate your outdoor space and make it more appealing and comfortable, particularly in the evenings.

Here are just a few ideas:

Solar garden lights. These lights are on stakes that can be easily inserted throughout the garden. Powered by the sun, they generate enough energy to cast a soft, pleasant glow along walkways or in flower beds in the evenings.

Deck post lights. These are easy to install because they’re designed to sit on top of a standard 4x4 wood deck post. Most are solar powered.

Street-style lamps. As the name implies, these look similar to old-fashioned street lamps. Installation is a little more complex, but still DIY-friendly. They’re eye-catching and have a dramatic impact on the look of your outdoor space.

Portable lantern lights. These are outdoor lights that are portable and often made to look like a decorative fixture for a coffee table or side table. They can be placed anywhere.

LED walkway lights. These are small lights that fit neatly and almost invisibly under stairs and around walkways. Walkway lights not only look good but also improve safety. Most are battery powered.

Planter lights. This is one of the most interesting options. Each one is both a flower pot and a light in one! The pot itself is translucent which allows the light inside to shine through.

Calgary Design experts say you should treat your outdoor space as you would any room in your home. Lighting it up for evening comfort and enjoyment is a good place to start.

Should You Reclaim the “Lost” Bedroom?

According to Calgary home staging experts, that may be a good idea.

Although home buyers will know the space was designed as a bedroom, there will be a psychological response to seeing it used otherwise. For example, say potential buyers view a property with a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a third bedroom converted into a child’s playroom. Logically, they’ll know it’s a three-bedroom home – but the impression that will form will be of “two bedrooms and a playroom”, not a “three bedroom home.” This is especially true if closet doors have been removed. They may even start wondering whether there is anywhere else for a child to play.

So, when you’re selling a home in Calgary, consider changing the bedroom back to its original purpose. You don’t necessarily need to put in a bed and dresser (although for staging purposes, that would help.) Just make the bedroom look like a bedroom for showings.

Keep this in mind: It’s easier for buyers to imagine a bedroom as a potential home office, playroom, etc. than the other way around.

June 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

Does the Property Meet Your Families “Lifestyle Test”

Lifestyle is a very important criterion when you’re shopping for a new home in Calgary. After all, a home and its surrounding neighbourhood are the places where much of your lifestyle is going to be experienced.

So when you consider a new home, think about the kind of lifestyle to which the property needs to lend itself. Ask yourself:

• How much entertaining do we do?
• How important is it to have good schools located nearby?
• How long will the commute to work be?
• How big of a backyard do we require?
• Do we need a rec room?
• How easy will it be to get to golfing, dance lessons, baseball practices, movies and other activities my family and I enjoy?
• How important is it to be in a quiet area?
• Do we want a local park nearby for jogging, playing with the kids, and walking the dog?

This list is just an example. Ideally, you’ll create your own list of questions to ask yourself when considering a particular home and Calgary Neighbourhoods.

A Few Secrets of Successful Calgary Home Staging

“Staging” is about setting up and decorating each room of your home so that it looks as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Studies show that a property is more likely to sell quickly and for a better price if it is effectively staged.

Even if you haven’t heard of staging before, you probably already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter and making sure everything is clean and “guest ready”. However, there are also some home staging “secrets” staging professionals use that you may not know. Here are a few examples:

Increase horizontal surface space. Make sure desks, countertops, coffee tables, end tables, etc. are as free of items as possible. Give the impression that there’s lots of room available on horizontal surfaces.

Flowers. Fresh flowers or flowering plants placed in a couple of rooms, such as the kitchen and living room, can have a dramatic impact on how inviting that room looks. Just don’t overdo it.

Don’t be daring when you paint. You may love the idea of a bright yellow and green combination in the family room, but not everyone will share your daring sense of style. If you paint, stick to neutral colours.

Less is more. Be brutally honest about the amount of furniture you have in each room – including wall hangings. Is there a desk, side table or other pieces you can put away in storage? Think about ways to make each room more spacious. Space is king!

Ultimately, the best staging advice is to use your common sense. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer as you walk through your home. Ask yourself, “What changes will make this room even more attractive?”

Do You Know How Your Smoke Detectors Work?

For most people, smoke detectors are simply taken for granted. But, when it’s time to replace your smoke detectors, be sure to understand the differences between the two main types.

Ionization types use a battery to create a small current that charges the ion particles inside the detector. If that current is disrupted by smoke, an alarm is triggered. Though they are designed to detect all types of smoke, they tend to be more sensitive to smoke from fast-flaming fires, such as those that might occur in a kitchen. Another type is a photoelectric detector, which powers a small beam of light that, when broken by smoke, will sound an alarm. This type tends to be more sensitive to smoke from a smouldering fire, such as a burning cigarette on upholstery.

To be safe, Calgary Homeowners are advised to use both types of detectors in their homes because no one can predict the type of fire that may break out, nor where it might start. Locate them strategically based on the type. Also, be sure your units are tested regularly, and their batteries are changed bi-annually.

May 2021 Calgary Real Estate Newsletter

How To Get The Home You Want in a Competitive Market

Regardless of whether the overall Calgary Real Estate Market is up, down or sideways, there can be fierce competition when it comes to buying a great home in a desirable neighbourhood. So, if you want to live in a “hot’ area, how do you gain an advantage? Here are some useful tips:

• Schedule viewings of homes for sale in the neighbourhood as soon as they go on the market. Have you ever heard the expression, “The early bird gets the worm”? It’s often true.

• Arrange to get alerted, via email or text, to brand new listings the moment they are available.

• Make sure you have your financing pre-approved, so you can make a quick and credible offer right away.

• Prepare your current home for sale, so you can list it quickly (if it isn’t already listed.)

• Know how to make an enticing offer that a buyer will take seriously. It’s not always the highest price that wins the deal.

Even in a competitive Calgary Real Estate Market, you don’t want to end up overpaying. That’s why savvy offer preparation, presentation and negotiation are also keys to getting the home you want. We can help you reach your real estate goals in any market.

Connected Calgary Homes Make Smart Choices

It’s been long predicted, but the time has finally come when whole-home systems can provide a network to allow the electronic features and fixtures of your home to talk to one another. Often a family’s first such network involves controlling and sharing subscription services for movies, TV and music among personal devices.

Home hubs are the next logical step beyond streaming services. They provide instant communication between household utilities. It is now possible to connect a single master control to automate decisions on your behalf regarding security, HVAC, plumbing, lighting, media & entertainment – and even monitor diet, physical activity and personal health. 

The result is greater efficiencies and less environmental impact. This connectivity will only get better with the purchase of new appliances. Your next refrigerator and/or stove could be capable of reading product labels, providing recipes according to the food you have on hand, planning meals, cooking, and ordering groceries – not to mention reminding you to get exercise and take your medication.

Should You Buy the “Except for…” Home?

Imagine finding a Calgary home that is perfect in every way, except for one nagging thing. That “thing” might be a smaller kitchen than you want, fewer closets than you need, or flooring that you dislike. Should you buy it anyway? How do you know if you should take a pass? It’s not an easy decision to make and depends on a number of factors.

Trying to answer these questions might help:

• How likely is it that you’ll find another home that better meets your needs?

• How soon do you want to move? (If you’re in a time-crunch you may need to adjust your expectations.)

• Is the “except for...” something that can be fixed, perhaps with a renovation? For example, there are many ways to expand a small kitchen.

• If the home’s shortcoming is fixable, approximately how much will that cost? It might turn out that the improvement is a good investment.

• Can you live with the nagging “thing”, especially when the home is otherwise perfect?

It can be tough to work through a decision like this, especially if you’re in a situation where you need to make an offer quickly. Call today for our professional help.