When preparing your property for sale, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. After all, the more buyers like what they see, the higher the probability you’ll get good offers. That’s why it’s advisable to clean, declutter, decorate, fix, and improve as much as possible. But, how far should you go with fixing and improving? For example, should you tear down the old deck and build a new one? Or, should you leave it as is? Should you paint the main floor? Or is it okay to leave the faded finish and few wall dents just as they are? Those can be difficult questions to answer because many factors come into play.

• What is the traditional return on investment for that home improvement? (In other words, how much will you get back when you…

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10 Tips for Hosting a Successful Open House

If you plan on selling your home, you may wonder if an open house is worthwhile. The answer is simple: yes! An open house is an excellent opportunity to attract potential buyers, showcase your property, and get valuable feedback.

But the thing is, a successful open house doesn't just magically happen. As a seller, you'll need to do some things in preparation to make your home look its best and make a good impression on potential buyers.

If you're going to hold an open house, you need to do it right! Here are 10 tips for a successful open house:

1. Get rid of knick-knacks and declutter as much as possible.

2. Thoroughly deep clean your home or hire a professional cleaning company 24-72 hours beforehand.

3. Play soft music, light some…

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Worried about Finding a Home if You Sell First?

There are many reasons why selling your current home before buying another one may be a good idea. But, once you’ve made that decision, you may still worry that you won’t find another home to buy after you sell.

Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to minimize that possibility.

For example, if you sell first, you’ll know exactly how much you can put toward a new home. Having that specific number in your back pocket will enable you to target your search and immediately jump on buying opportunities. When you see a home you like, you won’t have to wonder, “Can we afford it?”

Creating a buying plan will also help you quickly find the home you want.

Ideally, it should have a shortlist of neighbourhoods or areas you are considering. Narrowing…

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What to Do When Closing Dates Don’t Match

 

If you want to sell your current property and purchase your next dream home, you might wonder whether the closing dates need to be on the same day. You might even be worried that you’ll lose a property if the closing dates overlap, or you’ll be put out on the street if the dates are far apart!

For the most part, these concerns are unfounded. Thousands of properties change hands daily, and everything usually works out just fine. It’s amazing how often closing dates match!

But what happens if the closing date of the home you want to buy is days or weeks earlier than the closing date of your own property? Most lenders anticipate this situation and offer something called “Bridge Financing.” A special loan allows you to purchase the property…

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 Edmonton Marketing Stats for February 2023

Total residential unit sales in the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market for February 2023 decreased 43.4% compared to February 2022 but saw an increase of 31.2% from January 2023. New residential listings were down 12.9% year-over-year from February 2022, while also noting an increase of 15.1% from January 2023. Overall inventory in the GEA was up 20.8% from February of last year, and up 8.5% from the previous month.

For February, detached unit sales were down 50.9% from February 2022, but saw an increase of 24.4% from January 2023 at 725. Semi-detached unit sales were down 47.7% year-over-year but increased by 50% from January 2023. Row/Townhouse unit sales also decreased 33.9% year-over-year and increased 26.4% month-over-month.…

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March Home Maintenance Checklist

Your future self will thank you for taking good care of your home! No one wants to spend thousands of dollars on home repairs, but that's what can happen if you neglect regular home maintenance and ignore the early warning signs. You'll save money, time, and headache down the road by dealing with issues before they become more significant and potentially life-threatening.

 

Need a place to start? Here is your March home maintenance checklist:

 1. Change HVAC filters

2. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

3. Inspect roofing for damage

4. Wash windows and siding

5. Power wash driveway

6. Check all locks on doors and windows

7. Uncover and clean patio furniture

8. Check and unclog gutters

9. Clean out your spice…

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