A lot of people are interested in how real estate is being conducted with COVID-19 restrictions in place. While the market has slowed down, there are still a lot of people buying and selling, albeit with some extra precautions in place. If you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate this spring you can also check out our “what to expect” and “COVID FAQs for real estate” blog posts or watch our Facebook Live Video to learn more. Here are our Top 5 Tips for selling your home during COVID-19: 1. Get a Virtual Evaluation Sitting around the kitchen table to discuss pricing, marketing, the market, and everything you need to know about selling your home is not ideal at the moment. So, many agents are taking that portion of the evaluation online. Agents…

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Do you have questions about buying and selling real estate during COVID-19? We're certainly getting a lot of questions from clients and friends, not to mention colleagues across North America. Whether you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the near future, or you're just curious about what it's like for real estate agents in Edmonton, we've got your answers. Here are the most common questions we're hearing right now - ask your questions in the comments and we'll happily answer them.

How Motivated are Sellers to Accept a Lower Offer Due to COVID-19?

It totally depends on the seller. There are a lot of people shopping for bargains and looking for desperate sellers right now, but sellers are generally reluctant to give up their hard-earned…

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Winter is a great time to tackle the home renovation projects you’ve been putting off. Here are some reasons why:

It’s a slow time for contractors.

Every trade is different, but for many renovation contractors the winter is a slower time. Therefore, they might have more availability and you won’t have to fight for their time. That means more flexible scheduling and quicker end dates for your home remodel. Because there is less demand for their services, less supply is required. Some contractors might be more willing to negotiate prices on projects when they have less to work on.

Suppliers are clearing last year’s stock.

When it comes to materials, supplies, appliances, furniture and other home renovation materials, retailers could be clearing last…

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We haven't had much summer in Edmonton yet this year but we're getting a taste of it now, and if you're like me, I'm counting on my a/c in this warm weather. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system, including the air conditioner, can prevent major breakdowns and repair costs. Review this air conditioner maintenance checklist and ensure your AC is getting serviced annually. In the meantime, here are some warning signs that something is wrong with your air conditioning and what you can do about it:

There’s water pooling around the AC unit.

Condensation will naturally form inside your AC unit as it runs. This is nothing to worry about. This moisture is drained away by a drain tube, when the unit is in good working order. If you notice pools of water…

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The real estate market right now feels different from any market we’ve experienced in Edmonton, from the stress test to the economy, to the inventory of homes on the market, we're seeing some unusual things happen. So, we've put together some tips for those looking to buy or sell a home in the Edmonton area this spring.

#1 Be Patient

Typically, when a negotiation fails, that's the end of it. In other words, if a buyer and seller can't come to terms, and one or both parties walk away, there's generally no getting them back together. I've heard of three scenarios in the past couple of weeks at our brokerage alone, where the seller came back to the table "hat in hand" and made an agreement with the buyer. My partner Sheldon has been in the business for 30…

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A kitchen renovation can be a massive investment, but it does have a good return. A new, modern kitchen will improve the aesthetics and personal enjoyment of the space. It can also add resale value to your home and improve marketability if you decide to sell. The most expensive part of your kitchen renovation will be the kitchen cabinets. Not only will the cabinets eat up a large portion of the total renovation budget, they also play the biggest role in how your kitchen looks and functions. If you want to renovate the kitchen to sell your home, or to just enjoy it yourself, there is an alternative to an expensive cabinet replacement.

Cabinet painting can save thousands.

Cabinet painting, or cabinet refinishing, is a budget-friendly alternative to…

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If your family has outgrown your current house, you might be considering a big change. Or, maybe you want that luxurious master suite, a third bathroom or an additional family room. If you need more living space, you have two options: add on to the house you already have and renovate it to make it work OR move into a bigger house.

How much do you love this house?

Homeowners typically build additions because they love the house and neighbourhood that they live in. Perhaps you don’t want to uproot their kids or maybe you had searched for this dream home for years before initially moving in. Chances are you can find a different house that meets you needs for space, but if you’re not willing to move, an addition might be a good option.

Will you get a…

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From creating a space for mindful relaxation, to cultivating your own food, landscaping trends in Edmonton in 2019 are going to be all about getting away from the everyday rush, spending time with loved ones, and getting closer to nature. The outdoor living trend will carry over and grow from 2018, to realize creating unique, exciting ideas that are beautiful additions to your home. Here's what's coming in 2019:

1. Lo-Fi Gardens

The larger the mess, the larger the mess - it's not a concept that’s restricted to the indoors. A messy garden can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Considering the busy lives we lead, landscapes are moving towards minimalism in 2019. Plant perennials that will return each year and group them according to their…

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There’s nothing quite like the incredible feeling of finding your dream home, but a dream house can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t know what’s going on behind the walls. That’s why you need to get the electrical systems checked before buying it. A home inspector can inspect many aspects of a home you’re considering purchasing. Here are some things they should include in an electrical inspection:

1. Outlets and Receptacles

Most, if not all, of the outlets in the house should have arc fault or ground fault circuit interrupters. These protect you from electrical shocks and electrical fires.

2. Light Switches and Fixtures

Every switch in your house should connect to either a light fixture or an outlet. Any fixtures or appliances you’re buying…

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Everyone likes a trooper; especially when it comes to appliances. Sometimes the best ones are those we rarely have to think about: quietly standing by, doing their jobs; making us more comfortable. Occasionally, they last well beyond their normal lifespan. For the most part, these are the major appliances we want. But, this is Edmonton. We rely on our furnaces more than most. Ageing furnaces are more likely to need repairs. They should be inspected for safety and cleaned regularly. When the signs of ageing appear, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement.

How Does a Furnace Work?

A basic gas furnace uses a series of individual components to control two airflows. Each is critical for delivering warm air into your home.
  • Airflow…

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