If you’re working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!

The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.

How do you do that?

First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you’re selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular, you’ll want to discuss how viewings will be handled. You’ll need to come to an agreement as to when your home will be available for viewings, how short-notice viewings will be handled, and whether or not “lockbox access” will be needed.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you’re worried about seeming to be naive. (You won’t!) You don’t want to have unanswered questions or concerns between you and your agent.

Also, know that misunderstandings and mistakes can happen in any relationship with a professional. So, if an issue comes up, discuss it right away. Don’t let it fester.

Finally, remember that your agent should be a professional like me, with expertise in buying and selling in this market. When I make a recommendation regarding pricing, prepping your home, viewings, etc. remember that I am working in your best interest. I want to sell your property, quickly and for a good price, just as much as you do!

Looking for an agent you can trust? Contact me today at (780) 718-1052!

By: Deanalee Zuccatto

Take a look at the month of September real estate market update for Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Rural Parkland County and Rural Lac Ste Anne County below.

Spruce Grove:

Single Family

• Currently active – 243

• Sold – 39

  • Average sale price – $349,956

  • Median sale price – $337,000

• 2 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 48

• Sold – 5

  • Average sale price – $165,300

  • Median sale price – $157,000

• 6 months of inventory

Stony Plain:

 Single Family

• Currently active – 152

• Sold – 27

  • Average sale price – $374,972

  • Median sale price – $335,000

• 6 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 44

• Sold – 2

  • Average sale price – $163,750

  • Median sale price – $163,750

• 22 months of inventory

Rural Parkland County:

 Country Residential

• Currently active – 331

• Sold – 29

  • Average sale price – $538,091

  • Median sale price – $502,000

• 4 months of inventory

Vacant Lot

• Currently active – 215

• Sold – 7

  • Average sale price – $187,035

  • Median sale price – $183,750

• 7 months of inventory

Rural Lac Ste Anne County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 216

• Sold – 18

  • Average sale price – $311,549

  • Median sale price – $269,735

• 12 months of inventory

Vacant Lots

• Currently active – 145

• Sold – 3

  • Average sale price – $148,666

  • Median sale price – $151,000

• 3 months of inventory

If you have any questions about the real estate market, buying or selling, please feel free to contact me at (780) 718-1052 and I would be happy to answer them for you!

*Months of inventory = the measure of how many months it would take for all of the currently active listings to sell. This is a great indicator of whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market.

*Seller’s market = 3 or less months of supply

*Balanced market = 3-4 months of supply

*Buyer’s market = 5+ months of supply

Online shopping is growing by an average of 20 million new shoppers each year. That’s a lot of people clicking and buying! You may be one of them.

However, there’s a cost to online shopping that’s all too easy to overlook. The dreaded shipping fees. Imagine saving $10 on a luxury cookware set, only to be hit with a $15 delivery charge. Ouch.

So how do you avoid those fees?

First of all, always check the fine print on the checkout screen. Notice what the shipping cost (if any) will be before you click the final purchase button. Keep in mind that the base shipping fee shown may update — and become higher — once you’ve typed in your address.

Some e-tailers offer free delivery for orders over a certain threshold amount; for example, $50. If there’s more you can add to an order to get the shipping fee waived, it may be worth it.

There are a few e-tailers, most notably Amazon, that offer yearly memberships where one of the benefits is free delivery on all orders. Those kinds of memberships may be worth checking out if you do a lot of online shopping with a particular company.

A final tip: Always check for multiple delivery options. Some e-tailers, list an express shipping charge as the default option on the check-out screen, but have a free standard delivery option if you choose it. 

Takeaway: Shipping fees take the fun out of online shopping. Do what you can to reduce or eliminate them!

Have you ever considered renting out a room to a student or renovating your basement into a self-contained rental apartment?

It’s a big decision. There are many pros and cons to consider.

On the pro side, renting can provide you with additional income. An extra few hundred dollars a month can go a long way towards paying down your mortgage or splurging on an exotic summer vacation.

Creating rentable living space in your home — for example, an “in-law suite” featuring a kitchenette and bathroom — may also increase your property’s market value.

On the con side, you’ll have more costs and responsibilities as a landlord. For example, you might need to purchase extra insurance because basic home insurance policies typically do not cover rental units, even if you’re just renting out a room. You’ll also be responsible for dealing with repairs sometimes in the middle of the night.

Also, if you’re not careful about the renter you choose, you might end up with a “problem tenant”. For example, you could have a tenant who is consistently late on rent payments or simply stops paying. That can be stressful.

If you’re deciding whether or not to rent, be sure to check local laws and regulations. Many jurisdictions have very strict rules regarding renting out space in a residential property, and those rules change frequently. Make sure you get the latest information.

If you have any questions about the real estate market contact me at (780) 718-1052.

Is your home feeling a little overcrowded? If so, there are many relatively low-cost ways to free up more space. Here are some ideas:

1. Change traditional into non-traditional space. We’re all familiar with converting a spare bedroom into a home office or kids’ playroom. You can also make space by finding other uses for pantries and walk-in closets.

2. Explore smart storage solutions.There are many products on the market that transform how you store things. For example, there are closet organizers available that double storage capacity. Check out the options at your local home improvement store.

3. Get rid of extra furnishings.Is there a chair no one ever uses? Is there a side table that takes up a lot of space, with nothing but a few knick-knacks on it? Consider selling these items to free up some space.

4. Think high. Install storage shelves, hangers or baskets high up in the kitchen and laundry room. Use that storage for items you only access occasionally.

5. Consider storage rental. If you have furnishings and other items that you don’t want to get rid of, consider renting a storage unit. There may be economical options in your area.

With a little creative thinking, you’ll be surprised by how much space you can make within your existing rooms.

For more tips and tricks give Deanalee a call at (780) 718-1052!

By: Deanalee Zuccatto

If you need to upsize or you’re simply ready for a change, it’s tempting to consider a major renovation. After all, renovating means you don’t have to go through the process of selling your property and buying another more fitting home. You just fix up the one you’ve got!

However, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of renovating before going this direction. You don’t want to invest in an expensive renovation only to end up with a home that still doesn’t meet your wants and needs.

One example is, your current property doesn’t have a home office. Since all the bedrooms are taken, you decide to renovate a portion of the basement. Building that new home office may seem like a simple project, but once you consider new electrical, flooring, lighting, etc., it really isn’t. Like most renovations, it will probably cost more than you think. Plus, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll really want your office to be in the basement.

In this case, it might make more sense to find a new home with an extra bedroom that can be converted, or, better still, a dedicated home office space called a den — with windows!

Of course, there are many situations in which a renovation may be the best way to go. If you don’t like your kitchen, for example, upgrading it may not only get you the kitchen you want, but also add value to your property.

Basically, you need to ask yourself: “Which is more likely to get me the home I really want – a renovation or a new home?”

If your answer is a new home, then there is probably a property on the market right now that would meet your needs. Let’s talk. You can contact me directly at (780) 718-1052.

By: Deanalee Zuccatto

Take a look at the month of August real estate market update for Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Rural Parkland County and Rural Lac Ste Anne County below.

Spruce Grove:

Single Family

• Currently active – 273

• Sold – 54

  • Average sale price – $381, 603

  • Median sale price – $366,750

• 1 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 49

• Sold – 8

  • Average sale price – $251,734

  • Median sale price – $247,687

• 1 months of inventory

Stony Plain: 

Single Family

• Currently active – 178

• Sold – 14

  • Average sale price – $324,742

  • Median sale price – $340,000

• 7 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 40

• Sold – 6

  • Average sale price – $196,583

  • Median sale price – $192,500

• 6 months of inventory

Rural Parkland County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 368

• Sold – 44

  • Average sale price – $525,044

  • Median sale price – $482,500

• 3 months of inventory

Vacant Lot

• Currently active – 226

• Sold – 13

  • Average sale price – $280,969

  • Median sale price – $327,866

• 3 months of inventory

Rural Lac Ste Anne County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 247

• Sold – 20

  • Average sale price – $296,495

  • Median sale price – $272,000

• 3 months of inventory

Vacant Lots

• Currently active – 146

• Sold – 6

  • Average sale price – $65,083

  • Median sale price – $59,000

• 3 months of inventory

If you have any questions about the real estate market, buying or selling, please feel free to contact me at (780) 718-1052 and I would be happy to answer them for you!

*Months of inventory = the measure of how many months it would take for all of the currently active listings to sell. This is a great indicator of whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market.

*Seller’s market = 3 or less months of supply

*Balanced market = 3-4 months of supply

*Buyer’s market = 5+ months of supply

By: Deanalee Zuccatto

You’ve probably heard about “home staging”. As the name implies, it’s all about arranging each room in your home in a way that will make the best impression on buyers. Here’s what you need to know about staging if you’re thinking of listing your property.

1. Staging can get you a higher price.

On average, a fully-staged home tends to sell for 17% more than an unstaged home of the same type in the same local market.

Depending on the current market value of your property, doing some staging in your home could put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket, post-sale.

2. It can speed up the sale.

A study by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) showed that fully-staged homes spend an average of 90% less time on the market. So, if you need to sell quickly – without dropping your price – or you just want the comfort of having offers come in sooner, staging will definitely help.

3. You don’t have to go crazy.

Completely staging every room in your home is going to give you the full benefits of this strategy. However, you don’t have to go that far. In fact, just implementing a few simple staging techniques to some key rooms can make a big difference.

4. Get professional help or advice.

When it comes to home staging, don’t guess at it. Get professional help or advice. As a REALTOR®, I have a lot of expertise in this area and often provide clients with proven, do-it-yourself staging tips and suggestions. If necessary, I can also recommend a professional stager. Contact me anytime at (780) 718-1052!

By: Deanalee Zuccatto

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 160 people are injured each year in BBQ mishaps. That doesn’t sound like a lot considering the thousands of people who flip burgers on their backyard grills each year. But, you certainly don’t want to be one of those injured!

The best way to prevent fire and injury is maintenance. Remarkably, few people are even aware that BBQ maintenance is necessary. But, it is.

Every spring, experts say you should clean out the venturi tubes. Those are the little metal pipes that carry propane or natural gas. Pipe cleaners work well, although hardware stores also carry specialized tools for this purpose. The goal is to clean out any built-up dirt and debris. Don’t be surprised if you find spider webs inside a venturi tube!

Your BBQ grills should also be cleaned with soap and water each year. Just scraping them before barbequing isn’t enough. Fat and oils from cooking can build up on grills and harden. If you’re getting a lot of flare-ups, this may be the cause.

Finally, make sure nuts and bolts are tightened regularly, and replace any rusty hardware. Regular use, heat and weather can loosen or weaken bolts, particularly on the frame. Several fires each year are caused by BBQs tipping over or collapsing.

There are many good reasons to put your property on the market. Some examples include a relocation, the kids leaving the nest, the need for something bigger or smaller, and the list goes on and on.

However, there are also some less-than-obvious indicators that it may be time to sell. Consider the following:

1. Your Property is no longer a Good “Fit”
   Your home may have been perfect for you when you bought it. But things change. Families grow. Needs evolve. For any number of reasons, your property may no longer be a good fit for you. If that’s the case, it makes sense to at least take a look at what’s available on the market. Who knows? Your next “perfect” home may be for sale right now — within your price range!

2. The Neighbourhood is Changing
   You may have been in love with the neighbourhood when you first moved in. But, over time, the characteristics of any area can change. Those changes don’t necessarily mean the neighbourhood is getting worse. In fact, it may be changing in a positive way; perhaps becoming more urban. But, “more urban” may not be what you want. So, take a look at the direction your neighbourhood is heading. Ask yourself, “Do I still want to be living here in two years?”

3. You’re Ready for Your Dream Home
   Remember when you purchased your current property? Did it have every feature you wanted? Was it your dream home? Or, did you have to compromise on a few things, such as the size of the kitchen? If you had to make some tough choices back then, it might be time for you to finally get the home of your dreams.

Those are just three indicators it may be time for you to make a move. Of course, there are many others.

If you’ve been entertaining the idea of selling your property and finding your next dream home, give me a call. I can show you what’s available on the market, and keep you informed of new listings that match what you’re looking for. Contact me anytime at (780) 718-1052.

Take a look at the month of Julys real estate market update for Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Rural Parkland County and Rural Lac Ste Anne County below.

Spruce Grove:

Single Family

• Currently active – 315

• Sold in July – 49

• Average sale price – $375,015

• Median sale price – $373,000

• 6.4 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 51

• Sold in July – 7

• Average sale price – $235,857

• Median sale price – $256,000

• 7 months of inventory

Stony Plain:

Single Family

• Currently active – 178

• Sold in July – 27

• Average sale price – $330,988

• Median sale price – $322,900

• 6.6 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 39

• Sold in July – 2

• Average sale price – $153,000

• Median sale price – $153,000

• 19 months of inventory

Rural Parkland County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 397

• Sold in July – 48

• Average sale price – $541,454

• Median sale price – $510,750

• 8 months of inventory

Vacant Lot

• Currently active – 231

• Sold in July – 6

• Average sale price – $166,916

• Median sale price – $200,000

• 38 months of inventory

Rural Lac Ste Anne County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 251

• Sold in July – 29

• Average sale price – $310,657

• Median sale price – $275,000

• 8.6 months of inventory

Vacant Lots

• Currently active – 146

• Sold in July – 7

• Average sale price – $153,164

• Median sale price – $119,900

• 20.8 months of inventory

If you have any questions about the real estate market, buying or selling, please feel free to contact me at (780) 718-1052 and I would be happy to answer them for you!

Months of inventory = the measure of how many months it would take for all of the currently active listings to sell. This is a great indicator of whether it is a buyer’s or seller’s market.
Seller’s market = 3 or less months of supply
*Balanced market = 3-4 months of supply
*Buyer’s market = 5+ months of supply

and directly impacts your bottom line.
By: Deanalee Zuccatto

Setting the list price of your home is an art. Too low and you leave money on the table — perhaps thousands. Too high and you scare away buyers — perhaps forever.

To complicate this, your home is an emotional asset. It’s hard to see it objectively, as a “product” for sale.

Finding the optimal price requires a combination of expertise, analysis, and old-fashioned street smarts.

The best real estate professionals have mastered the art of setting a price that maximizes exposure and price and minimizes the time it takes to sell. They combine intimate, local and national market knowledge, an exhaustive study of similar homes for sale and an analysis of past sales to arrive at the optimal list price.

It’s no easy task, but it’s a critical one. Pricing your home right the first-time results in more showings, more offers and ultimately the highest price for your home.

If you want to get as much for your home as possible within a reasonable time frame, price it right, the first time.

For a complimentary home market evaluation feel free to contact me at (780) 718-1052!