Call 780-962-8580 Login or Sign Up

Archive for the ‘Seasonal’ Category

Top 10 House Hunting Tips

Monday, August 16th, 2021

When looking for a place to call home, it’s easy to get sidetracked by thinking with your heart rather than your head. Although it takes less than seven seconds to make a first impression, a quick decision could lead to an unavoidable case of buyer’s remorse. In order to avoid this, we have listed a checklist for the top ten house hunting tips you need to know before you attend a viewing.

Location

There are many things that can be changed, upgraded, or improved after you have purchased a home, but the location isn’t one of them. You need to think about the proximity to work, schools, and other attractions you frequently visit and also research any new developments or upcoming changes to the area in the future.

Smells

While air fresheners and open windows can clear out certain scents, it’s important to pay attention in order to sniff out other potential issues. For example, if you notice a damp smell, it could mean the home has poor ventilation or issues with mold.

Even Floors

Noticing a slanted floor is one of the major hints that there could be a large structural issue with the home. If you do notice something, you can ask your Agent to inquire with the owners or make note of it for the home inspection if you decide to go that far in the purchase process.

Lighting

Natural lighting is something that is often overlooked in your house hunt, especially if you are viewing a home at night, or in the middle of winter. Think about how important natural lighting is to you, and plan your viewing times around when the lighting will be optimal.

Shape & Size of Rooms

It is important to take a good look at the layout to make sure not only you but also your furniture can fit comfortably in the space.

Parking

Is there enough space for everyone in your household to park or will this become an added expense? Additionally, if there is parking available, will your vehicle fit?

Laundry

If there is laundry in the home, you need to make sure it is in an accessible location. If there is no laundry, is it in a convenient location you can easily get to with or without a car?

Storage Space

Depending on how creative you can get with your storage, you will want to make sure that there is enough room to store your belongings without things becoming cluttered or unlivable.

It looks perfect, but are you missing something?

Professional staging can sometimes fool buyers into thinking a property is perfect while diverting their eyes away from potential issues. Don’t let the professional décor and scent of fresh baked cookies take your attention away from the things that matter.

Assess the kitchens and bathrooms

The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most costly rooms in a home. Make sure you pay special attention to these rooms to avoid getting stuck with unwanted repairs or updates after purchasing the home.

While a home inspection will help advise you of any potential issues, it is still a good idea to pay attention to these things in the initial stages of your home search. This will also help ensure you don’t waste money on unnecessary home inspections. Remember to keep a list of everything for each house you view so you don’t forget days, or weeks later!

5 Landscaping Trends That Are on the Rise

Wednesday, July 21st, 2021

 

Think Smart, Think Small

Having limited outdoor space is nothing new; especially for city dwellers. How that space is used is pushing the envelope. Multitasking is king when it comes to planning which features to add and where to plant what within limited square footage. For example, a water feature can be integrated into the irrigation system, doubling the function of a single feature. Analyze the systems and features you can work with in your garden. It will take some consideration and planning to get the most out of your limited space, but it will pay off immensely in the end.

Every Season Turns

Think “four seasons” when planning your garden. Differentiating textures and bright conifer foliage will look lovely in the springtime, but also brightens up the garden during the winter months. Deciduous shrubs, trees with peeling bark, and evergreens that change colour can help you maximize your garden all year-round. Choosing the right plants that can withstand Canada’s shifting seasons will be a challenge, so consult a garden expert before investing.

Feeling Fenced In

Fencing is the most common method of enclosing a yard, however creative alternatives to posts and planks are popping up. Consider planting a screening foliage, such as bamboo, between the sidewalk curb and your lawn to offer some privacy. Also, look at incorporating lacy-leaved trees such as dogwoods or Japanese maple — they’re big enough to create a border but won’t overwhelm. Thinking outside the box to create the feeling of a protected area is what this landscaping trend is about. The drawback to these pretty, yet permeable, barriers is they do little to secure a pet or protect against trespassers.

Get Crafty

Part of the “maker movement,” this landscaping trend moves away from mass-produced products, and returns to roots of authentic craftsmanship. Whether it’s a stone bench or a pergola, finding a professional artisan to handcraft your next garden element is definitely a trend. This trend is about quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time. This quality craftsmanship does come at a premium, but hiring local artisans is a wonderful way to support the local economy.

Go Forth

Imagine being able to eat dinner in your own backyard and under the stars. Alfresco dining is so popular these days that having a designated dining area, complete with an outdoor cooking area, has become a top landscaping trend. Different this year is the location of this open-air eating area — it’s no longer close to the kitchen but further afield. Creating a unique space at the back of the yard, far from the lights and bustle of the house is on-trend.

From backyard dining to living walls, each one of these landscaping trends can add value to your home and boost curb appeal. Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of what’s trending in the landscaping world, which one will you dig into?

 

5 Landscaping Trends That Are on the Rise

Cabin and Cottage Trends Across Canada 2021

Saturday, May 29th, 2021

Cabin and Cottage Trends Across Canada 2021

Upcoming Events in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Area

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017

December Events in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Area

Thursday, December 14th– 7-9pm. Paint Night at the TRAX Public House, Spruce Grove. Tickets $40 available here.

Friday, December 15th– 7:30pm Ubi Caritas Winter Concert – Charity, Love, and Music for the Season. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Stony Plain.

Saturday, December 16th– 10am-12pm. Bring the kids & family for a surprise visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus at Fresen Bros. in Stony Plain. Cell phone pictures encouraged! Free event.

Sunday, December 17th– Carol & Bells Concerts at 2:30pm & 7pm. St. Andrew’s United Church, Spruce Grove.

Sunday, December 17th– 10am. Stony Plain Dental Centre is hosting a free Star Wars movie screening. More info at www.stonyplaindental.com

Thursday, December 21st– 4-6pm. Multicultural Heritage Centre Winter Solstice Family Event.

Saturday, December 23rd– 11am-3pm. Multicultural Heritage Centre Family Day Lunch Buffet. Adults $15.95. 12 & Under FREE.

Saturday, December 30th to Sunday, December 31st– Roger’s Hometown Hockey Tour. Two day hockey festival at the Agrena in Spruce Grove. More info at www.hometownhockey.com/alberta/

Sunday, December 31stFamily Fest at Heritage Park in Stony Plain. 6-9pm. Fireworks at 8:45pm.

The data included on this website is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
MLS® MLS REALTOR® Realtor