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Top Moving Day Tips & Checklist For Calgarians

It is official: you have signed the papers, dotted all the i’s, and crossed the t’s—you own a new home! You have almost reached the end of your journey. However, now, faced with the daunting task of moving, it may seem as though the journey has just begun. Moving can be a time-consuming and stressful experience if you let yourself be overwhelmed by the job. Remember, though, having a successful move means taking care of the details, one by one. If you break the process down into steps and arrange your time accordingly, you can make it manageable. Use the following checklist to ensure you are covering all the bases, and you will be well on your way to a successful move!

Moving Day in Calgary For These Happy Home SellersHousehold

  • Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
  • Forward or cease all deliveries to your home, and forward or cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
  • Disconnect or take care of utility, cable, and phone services and accounts.
  • Arrange for utilities to be connected at your new house.
  • Cancel pre-authorized bill payments.
  • Begin going through closets and discarding any unnecessary items.

Packing

  • Plan your packing. Start by purchasing or acquiring suitable containers. Most moving companies have specialized containers you can buy. Also, speak with others who have recently moved—they may be looking to get rid of boxes. You will need the following: small boxes for heavy items (books, tools, etc.); large boxes for bulky items (bedding, stuffed toys, etc.); medium boxes for bulky but less heavy items (towels, small appliances, etc.)
  • Begin to collect other packing materials. Decide which items you will need from the following checklist:
    • White paper
    • Tissue paper
    • Paper towels
    • Newspapers
    • Non-printed paper
    • Packing tape or twine to seal boxes and containers
    • Scissors
    • Labels and stickers (available from your moving company)
    • Felt marker to label boxes.
    • Notebook and pen for listing contents
  • Set goals and deadlines for yourself. The aim, for example, to pack one room per week.
  • Attach a list of contents to each box. Separate and label boxes to be placed in storage.
  • Consider holding a garage sale to rid yourself of excess belongings.
  • Begin to use up the food in your pantry and freezer. Let the food you already have dictate your menus.
  • Have rugs cleaned that are to be moved, then roll and wrap them.
  • Make special arrangements for the moving of plants or pets.
  • Collect all personal items from local services (dry cleaning, storage, photos).
  • Service all appliances you are taking with you. Note that all gas appliances must be emptied, as it is illegal for movers to carry flammable substances.
  • Take inventory of all the boxes, and contents of the boxes, you have packed.
  • Have your car serviced and tuned up.

Community

  • Return library books.
  • Clean out your locker at any club you are leaving.
  • Determine how to transfer your children to a new school.
  • Return items you have borrowed to friends and collect any you have lent.
  • Mail or e-mail change of address notices to family members, friends, and office contacts.

Records

  • If needed, transfer medical and dental records, and fill prescriptions.
  • Change the address on your driver’s license.
  • Change the billing address for credit cards.
  • Change the address for banking statements.
  • Leave a record of security codes for new tenants.

Insurance and Legal Matters

  • Visit your lawyer and ensure all documents are signed. Notify your insurance company well in advance of the move and ask them to review your policy.
  • Transfer insurance to your new home or acquire new insurance. Review your moving company’s insurance policy. If it does not cover as much as you would like it to, obtain your own.
  • If you are currently renting a house or apartment, give written notice to the landlord.
  • Have all keys to your old home delivered to your lawyer or realtor.
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Decoding the Emotional Impact of Paint Colors

Choosing a paint colour for your home is more than just about aesthetics; it's about evoking the right emotions. Whether you're sprucing up for a sale or simply refreshing your space, understanding the psychology of colour can guide your choices.

Imagine your foyer. Envisioning a space that's both vibrant and welcoming? Shades of light orange often resonate with warmth and friendliness, making them perfect candidates for entryways.

For living areas, where comfort and tranquility are paramount, consider the serene vibes of greens and grays. These hues often encapsulate feelings of calm and relaxation, setting the right mood for unwinding after a long day.

If you're hoping to transform your rec room into a lively and energetic space, then purples and reds should be on your radar. These colours are typically associated with dynamism and enthusiasm, perfect for a spirited environment.

For insights on the interplay between colour and emotion, delve into the myriad of "colour psychology charts" available online. They offer a comprehensive guide, helping you align your room's purpose with the right paint palette.

And remember, when in doubt, neutral shades like soft beiges remain timeless choices. Especially if you're prepping your home for sale, neutrals exude a sense of reliability and adaptability.

Need more guidance on painting or other home improvements to optimize your home's market appeal? Feel free to reach out.

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If you're thinking of listing your property, one thing that might be holding you back is concern about preparing your home for sale. You may be wondering how much work there will be. Is it going to take a couple of months? A couple of weeks? A few days?


That, of course, depends on the state of your property.


However, regardless of how close your home is to “show time” ready, there is plenty you can do to reduce how long that preparation takes. Consider these ideas:


  • Sell stuff online. The less cluttered your home seems to buyers, the better it will show. So, make a list of items you want to sell, and then list them on one of the many local online market websites. Price items fairly and, chances are, you'll get rid of everything in a day or two.

  • Have a repair day. Go through your home and make a list of everything that needs to be fixed. Then, schedule repair people to all come on the same day. Voila! In one day, all needed repairs (or, at least, most of them) are done.

  • Get staging advice. Instead of guessing at what changes you need to make around your home to make it look its best, get expert staging advice. You’ll find out exactly what the experts suggest you do, and you'll save a lot of time and money. (By the way, I can provide you with that advice too.)

  • Ask before making big improvements. Are you planning to convert a wood burning fireplace into a gas unit to help sell your home? Before doing any big improvements or renovations like that, talk to me. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an unnecessary project.

  • Hire help. You don't have to do everything on your own. Get the help you need. For example, hire a painter, a cleaner, and/or a junk removal service. Those will significantly shorten the time it takes to prepare your home for sale and save you a lot of work. Also, the costs of those professionals may be off-set by the increase in the sale price of your home. 


Bottomline: Preparing your home doesn't need to be overwhelming and time-consuming. Contact me for more ideas to help get your home ready for sale, quickly.

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Let's face it. Planning events, even exciting ones like an overseas vacation, can be stressful. So, it's not surprising that some homeowners — even those thrilled about moving — can slip into "worry mode" when putting their property up for sale.


Unfortunately, this anxiety can make the process of selling an unpleasant experience. Who wants that? So here are some things you can do to reduce selling stress and enjoy the adventure.


  • Understand the selling process. The more you know about the steps involved in selling your home, the less mysterious — and, therefore, less stressful — it will be.

  • Give yourself the time you need. Feeling rushed and stressed comes from trying to do too much in too little time. Even if you're selling quickly, it's important to block off sufficient time in your calendar for the things you need to do.

  • Take care of yourself. As television psychologist Dr. Phil often points out, you can't give what you don't have. When it comes to selling your home, that means you need to eat well and stay healthy, so you have the energy you need throughout the process.

  • Make your home attractive to buyers. That not only means tidying up and doing a little home staging, it also means setting the right listing price. Nothing eliminates the stress of selling more than having flocks of qualified buyers interested in your home.

  • Get the help you need. You don't have to do everything on your own. That's why working with me is so advantageous. I take care of the many details for my clients so that they can enjoy the journey.


Sure, there are going to be a few stressful moments. However, the process of listing and selling your property while looking for your next dream home can be an exciting experience.


Let me help you. Call today.

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Getting a DIY Renovation Done on Time and On Budget

Streamlining Your DIY Renovation: Staying on Time and Within Budget

Navigating a DIY renovation can be a rollercoaster, filled with both the exhilaration of accomplishment and the weight of unforeseen challenges. Two major pitfalls are projects that surpass their allocated budget or exceed their projected timeframe. While there's no ironclad way to bulletproof against these risks, there are strategies to markedly reduce their likelihood.

1. Mind the Small Details in Budgeting

Many DIY enthusiasts focus on the main elements, such as the drywall panels, and fail to factor in the essential minutiae — the nails, tape, and plaster. At a glance, these might seem inconsequential. However, combined, they can form a significant portion of the expenditure. Astonishingly, these seemingly minor components can constitute up to 20% of total renovation costs.

2. Don't Overlook Tax and Extra Charges

The sticker price can be deceptive. When you spot that ideal $399 bathtub, remember that the final price tag might be higher, once you include tax and potential delivery charges. Always calculate the end cost, not just the list price.

3. Employ the 10% Rule

A pro tip from industry experts is the 10% rule. Once you've listed and priced all necessary items, add an extra 10% to your budget. This safety net can cover unexpected expenses and ensure you don't run into financial roadblocks.

4. Account for the Learning Curve

Your experience, or lack thereof, plays a pivotal role in determining project duration. Embarking on a hardwood floor installation for the first time? Remember, proficiency comes with practice. First-timers often take two or even three times longer than seasoned DIYers. Be patient with yourself and factor this in.

5. Double Your Time Estimate

Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer, it's natural to be overly optimistic about how quickly you can complete a task. If you’re certain you can fit that sink within an hour, why not allocate two? This buffer could be a lifesaver when unforeseen delays arise.

Conclusion

Much of this advice might seem rooted in common sense, but it's imperative to emphasize the importance of a pragmatic approach. By grounding your expectations in reality rather than optimism, you position yourself for a smoother, more fulfilling DIY renovation journey.

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Beyound Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need For Your Move

As you can probably guess, 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'll want any of these on hand while you’re packing or on 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 dis-assembled 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 bag. This helps 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. This prevents furniture with sharp corners from banging and damaging other items during a move.

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

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Mastering the Stress-Free Sale of Your Calgary Home

Selling a home can be a significant milestone in one's life, often accompanied by mixed emotions. While anticipation and excitement are part of the process, it's natural to feel a bit anxious or stressed. But what if we told you that, with the right approach and mindset, selling your Calgary home can be more manageable and even enjoyable? Here's your comprehensive guide to navigating the sales process seamlessly.

1. **Demystify the Selling Process**

Knowledge is your best ally against uncertainty. Before your "FOR SALE" sign graces your front lawn, make sure you understand the journey ahead. What will be the frequency of viewings? How can you best prepare for an Open House? What are the steps after receiving an offer? By familiarizing yourself with each phase, the experience becomes less daunting and more empowering.

2. **Plan and Prioritize Your Time**

Your calendar will be your trusted companion during this period. Allocate specific windows for house viewings, decluttering sessions, and any repairs or touch-ups. Spacing out activities prevents last-minute rushes. Remember, a home that radiates care and attention often stands out in potential buyers' minds. So, ensure you've reserved ample time to present your home in its best light.

3. **Stay One Step Ahead**

Anticipating challenges allows you to address them proactively. Are there particular aspects of your home that might raise questions or concerns? Is a busy work week on your horizon? By planning for these scenarios in advance, you can mitigate potential stresses, ensuring you're well-prepared when inquiries or viewings come your way.

4. **Decisiveness is Key**

The real estate market is known for its dynamic nature. While there might be lulls, there are also moments when things accelerate, and decisions need to be made promptly. While this can seem daunting, remember that with the insights and advice from a seasoned real estate agent, you'll be equipped to make informed choices that serve your best interests.

5. **Embrace the Partnership with Your Realtor**

Your realtor is not just a service provider but a partner in this journey. Regular communication, trust, and collaboration can significantly ease your selling process. They bring a wealth of experience, market insights, and negotiation skills that can help you navigate the intricacies of selling with confidence.

In conclusion, selling your home is as much an emotional journey as it is a financial one. With the right preparation, perspective, and professional support, you can transform this potentially overwhelming process into a rewarding experience. Ready to embark on this journey? Let's make your home sale memorable for all the right reasons.

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Let's be honest most people hate the thought of dealing with a Realtor.

Over the 20 years, Jerry Charlton has been helping people buy and sell homes in Calgary. I've had the privilege of dealing with some outstanding realtors. And sometimes the opportunity of dealing with some terrible ones as well.

My Clients Best Interests Always Come FirstIt's way too easy to get a real estate license. Most Realtors learn on the job and sometimes at the expense of their clients. Most Realtors have very little or no experience in customer service or business before getting a Calgary Real Estate License.

My clients have benefited more than once when the other side was poorly represented. I've had realtors tell me way more than they should or that their clients would approve of. Do I take advantage of that for my clients? Absolutely. I work for my client's best interest always.


If we know a seller has already bought another house and has to move by a certain date we adjust our strategy accordingly. If we know a buyer has limited choices we work with that as well.

We make it our job to get as much information as possible when the negotiations start.

We get our clients the lowest price possible when buying and the highest prices possible when selling.

Because it is all about our client's best interests always!!

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5 Headaches for Homeowners Selling a Home in Calgary

The Legal Stuff

Calgary Home Seller are on the hook for anything that they knew about and didn't disclose to the buyers. Trying to hide potential problems until the deal closes is not a good strategy. The new house owners can and will sue you. Disclose, Disclose, Disclose is the best way to avoid messy legal stuff. 


Calgary Home Buyer Demands

It's a Calgary Home Buyers Market right now. More homes for sale than willing, eager qualified home buyers. When the buyers are in control of the Calgary Alberta Real Estate Market, they make demands. The first is they demand a lower price. They demand possession on their preferred best date. They demand repairs and cleaning before possession or huge adjustment to the price as a penalty. They demand every little thing in a Home Inspection be fixed at your cost. Calgary Home Buyers make demands, be prepared. 


Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning!

Nothing turns a buyer off quicker than a home that looks lived in. The first impression is the place wasn't taken care of. The next thought in a Calgary Home Buyers mind is they can knock down the price because it looks lived in. No sense arguing that as a homeowner, you do actually live in your home and that gives it a lived-in look. Your fighting a losing battle with the home buyers. Better to CLEAN The HOUSE like you don't live there anymore. You'll get less buyer resistance and less Calgary Home Buyer Demands.


Repair Surprises

The buyers are going to get a Home Inspection. A Home Inspection turns into a To-Do list. Your To-Do list or the buyers are walking. Better to get a Pre Sale Home Inspection and fix the to-do list or price the house so the buyers can taker care of the To-Do list. Repair Surprises never turn out well. Get ahead of the Calgary Home Buyer Demands with your own Home Inspection.


Home Curb Appeal

Get this wrong, and you are paddling your canoe against the current. First Impressions are lasting impressions. Curb Appeal is what they think of your house and what they think their family and friends will think if they buy your house. Do not overlook this. I've seen identical homes compete with each other, and the one with the plants out front won. Cut the grass, paint the front door, change the hardware, powerwash, do what needs to be done. Make your house look better than your neighbors, and you will win that part of the beauty contest.

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How to Manage Stress When Selling a Home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Selling a home can be stressful. A lot is riding on a successful home sale. Many homeowners spend the time selling their home sitting "on pins and needles," as they say. It's hard not to worry. From the moment that a home is put up for sale, homeowners ask themselves: What will we do if the house doesn't sell for enough money? What if it takes far too long to sell?

These questions and concerns are real. There are certain things that you can do to make the home-selling process go more smoothly.

If you're a Calgary homeowner who would like to sell your home sometime in the coming months, you can make the process easier on yourself by working with an experienced professional realtor. Below, we've listed ten stressors that homeowners experience when selling their homes, and a few suggestions that homeowners can do to manage these fears.

1. Selling The House Within Your Timeframe

Most Calgary homeowners need to sell their homes on a deadline. If they can't sell their home by that time, they could experience hardships that could lead to losing money.

What You Can Do About It.

Homes tend to sell quickly at certain times of the year. Putting the house up for sale at a time of year when buyers are looking can help the home sell faster. Home Sellers can also help their home sell more quickly by pricing the house right.

A house that is priced too high for its worth could take a long time to attract the right buyer, and may never attract the right buyer if it remains priced too high. Incorrect pricing should be avoided by working with a Calgary real estate professional who understands the local real estate market and knows how to analyze the prices of comparable homes.

2. Selling Your Home for the Desired Price

Most home sellers have a target price range they're aiming for when they put their house on the Calgary Real Estate Market. They often feel anxiety when they wonder what will happen if they don't sell their home for the right price. When an offer comes in below the expected price, this can create feelings of hesitation and concern. Do you accept the offer or not?

What You Can Do About It

Here is another reason to work with a real estate professional who knows how to analyze the price of comparable local homes. An experienced, capable real estate professional can help set expectations, so homeowners know what to expect when they put their home on the market. Although a local real estate agent is not able to predict the future, they can often help home sellers decide what price is realistic, so hopefully, the owners won't be expecting a price that is much higher than it should be.

3. Handling Home Improvements & Home Selling Preparation

Homeowners often feel a lot of pressure to make their house look "perfect" without really knowing what buyers want. They often put effort into home improvements without knowing whether those improvements will pay off.

What You Can Do About It

Homeowners can assuage these concerns by setting up a consultation with their real estate professional before listing their home. Their real estate professional can give them advice that can help them decide what home improvements are essential to do now.

4. Fear of Offers To Buy Your Home Falling Through

Once an offer does come through, it takes a while before the home is officially sold. During that time, the offer can always fall through. Homeowners who are in a hurry to sell their homes quickly often feel the anxiety that they will not be able to stop the offer from falling apart.

What You Can Do About It

An excellent real estate professional can help with any negotiations that could prevent the home sale from falling apart. An experienced negotiator can help keep buyers interested — even if their enthusiasm for the home-buying process begins to wane.

5. Timing the Sale of the Home with the Purchase of a New Home

Selling a home and buying a home at the same time can be an exceptionally touchy process. Usually, home sellers want to sell the house shortly before the purchase of their new home is final. Home sellers often feel worried that their home will either sell too soon before the purchase of their new home or that their home will take a long time to sell after their new home has been bought. Both situations can lead to financial hardship for the homeowner.

What You Can Do About It

Homeowners who want to time the sale of their new home purchase properly should work with an experienced real estate professional for both the sale of their old home and the purchase of their new home. Having a partner who can help them at both ends of the transaction can help with the timing.

6. Anxiety Over the Unknowns in the Home Selling Process & Timeline

Relieve Stress While Selling Your Home

Lack of control over the selling process and timeline can make some homeowners feel like they're out of control generally, which can lead to overall feelings of anxiety.

What You Can Do About It

Homeowners who feel anxiety over the home selling process and timeline should write down a list of questions for their real estate professional at the start of the home selling process to help them feel like they know what to expect throughout the transaction. It's crucial to find a real estate agent who is an excellent communicator who can help the home seller understand what's happening throughout the home selling process. Most home sellers have a greater feeling of control over the selling process if they know what to anticipate every step of the way.

7. Being Unsure if Home Buyers are Interested

Sometimes when a house sits on the market for a long time, home sellers may become concerned that buyers are not interested in their house. This can happen for many reasons. If the house is priced incorrectly, or if the house is not in good condition, then buyers can be hard to bring to the table.

What You Can Do About It

Often, sellers find it hard to believe that their home is not attractive to buyers. Sellers expect their house to be attractive to buyers because it is attractive to the sellers. This kind of perspective can make it difficult for sellers to make their homes more appealing to buyers. Sometimes, painting a room can be helpful. Other times, the house needs to be repriced. For home sellers, the best way to attract buyers is to work with a real estate professional who can make recommendations for repairs or changes that can bring buyers running.

8. Handling Negotiations with Calgary Home Buyers

Negotiating with buyers is one of the critical parts of selling a home, but many homeowners have little or no experience selling much of anything. This makes negotiating with buyers stressful because most home sellers feel unprepared and unable to handle the negotiations themselves.

What You Can Do About It

The best thing that home sellers can do to negotiate with their buyers is to work with a trustworthy real estate professional. It's also important to listen to that real estate professional as they often advise sellers. However, it is the seller who is ultimately in control of many of the actions that the real estate professional takes when trying to sell the house. Working together as a team, the real estate professional and a home seller can help make the negotiating process better overall.

9. Difficulty Keeping the Home Clean for Home Buyer Showings

Sometimes, it takes several home showings before a buyer makes an offer on a home. In between those tours and showings, home sellers often spend hours cleaning and staging their houses. This can lead to wasted time, stress over keeping the house looking its best, and even fights among people in the household as everyone feels pressure to keep their home looking its best.

What You Can Do About It

For many homeowners, the solution to staging and preparing the house between home showings is to have the house professionally cleaned regularly. Some homeowners will even hire landscapers to cut their grass, water their plants, and weed their gardens to boost curb appeal. Having professional resources on hand can help take the anxiety out of maintaining a home.

It's also helpful to work with a real estate professional. A capable and skilled real estate professional can make recommendations that can help homeowners know where to direct their energy when staging their homes. This can help homeowners feel some sense of relief that, even if their home is not in perfect condition when home buyers come to see the home, the house is still tailored to the needs and tastes of home buyers. This can help make the experience of preparing for home showings and tours easier overall.

10. Getting Out of the House for Showings to Calgary Home Buyers

During tours and open houses, the homeowner leaves their home open for anyone who wants to come in and take a look at their possessions. For some homeowners, doing this can be very challenging. Leaving the home open for anyone to wander in means making the house vulnerable to scrutiny and perhaps even security concerns. This is not easy for some homeowners.

What You Can Do About It

There are many things that home sellers can do to assuage their concerns. To begin with, listening to their real estate professional about staging tactics can leave the house seeming less vulnerable overall. Most staging tactics involve putting away personal items that would make the home look a little less generic and a little more intimate. Not only does this make the house more secure, but it can also lead to more significant offers from home buyers.

Also, it's essential to work with a real estate professional who will keep a watch over the belongings in the house while potential buyers are touring the house. This helps keep the items safe and can even help keep the house itself safe.

How to Work With a Calgary Alberta Real Estate Agent to Eliminate The Home Selling Stress

Work with a Local Calgary Real Estate Agent/Professional

When the time comes to sell your Calgary Alberta home, the most important thing you can do to make the home selling process easier overall is to work with a real estate professional. Your local real estate professional can help you by providing advice and guidance throughout the home-selling process, interacting with potential Calgary Home Buyers, and serving as your guide while the house is being sold. By working with a real estate professional, you can alleviate much of the anxiety you might feel while the selling process is underway.

Contact Us 403 831 0842 to Help You Sell Your Calgary Home

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How to Price Your Calgary Home Correctly for a Quick Sale

Calgary Alberta Home Evaluations: Get Yours for Free

If you've been away from the real estate market since buying your home, you might wonder about the current dynamics of the Calgary property scene. In today's fast-paced Calgary market, understanding the mindset of Willing Qualified Home Buyers is crucial for sellers.

Understanding Today's Home Buyer

  • They have plenty of options available.
  • They spend a limited amount of time in the market.
  • They desire a top-quality home at a competitive price.
  • They avoid properties priced above market value.
  • They're more interested in the property than in realtor advertisements.

Indeed, these buyers are astute shoppers. They meticulously compare offerings to determine the best value. In a market like Calgary's, with a plethora of active listings, only those properties priced competitively stand out.

Steps Taken by Savvy Calgary Home Buyers:

  1. Searching for homes on MLS® by Price.
  2. Scanning property images.
  3. Digging into the details and history of shortlisted properties.
  4. Scheduling visits with the aim of zeroing in on the perfect home.

The Role of Pricing in Home Selling

The cornerstone of a successful home sale is accurate pricing. If a property lingers on the market, it often signals a misalignment between its price and perceived value. Just like two identical coins could be priced differently — one higher than its actual value and one lower — it's evident which one will sell first. The principle is no different in real estate: offer genuine value and achieve a swift sale; overprice and risk stagnation.

Contact for Authentic Calgary Home Evaluations

Shun the tactic of "Buying A Listing," where agents overestimate your home's worth, only to seek price reductions later. I'm dedicated to offering Free Honest Calgary Alberta Home Evaluations. While it takes time to provide an accurate estimate of your property's current market value, it's a service I proudly offer. Reach out for an unbiased appraisal of your Calgary home's market value at 403 831 0842.

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Navigating Home Sales: Addressing Neighbourly Concerns

We invest time, energy, and emotion into our homes, transforming them into sanctuaries that reflect our personalities and values. Yet, the surrounding environment, particularly the state of neighbouring properties, can influence the perceived value of our homes when it's time to sell. If you're planning to list your home and are concerned that your neighbour's property might be hindering your home's market value, here's a strategy to address this delicately and effectively.

Open a Line of Communication

Begin with understanding and empathy. Your neighbours might be facing constraints you're unaware of. They may want to maintain their property but lack the necessary resources or expertise. A friendly chat can open doors to collaborative solutions. Offer assistance where feasible, be it lending tools or spending a weekend afternoon working together on lawn maintenance.

Leverage Your Homeowners Association (HOA)

For communities governed by an HOA, there are often guidelines that homeowners must adhere to, ensuring a consistent and aesthetically pleasing environment. If you believe your neighbour's property may not meet these standards, a discreet conversation with your HOA can help ensure that all community members are upholding the agreed-upon appearance standards without causing direct confrontation.

Engage Housing Code Enforcement

Even in the absence of an HOA, local housing codes exist to maintain the safety, health, and appeal of communities. If serious issues arise, such as excessive debris or potentially hazardous conditions, you can consult with housing code enforcement. They can provide clarity on any violations and guide you on the appropriate course of action.

Plan Ahead for Your Next Home

Selling a home and transitioning to a new space can be a transformative journey, sometimes challenging yet ultimately rewarding. As you venture into seeking your next abode, I'm here to offer insights and guide you. Together, we can identify potential red flags in potential neighbourhoods, ensuring you find not just a house, but a harmonious community to call home.

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.