When you’re having a garage sale, one of the toughest tasks is pricing your items. If you put a price tag on your old golf clubs that’s too high, no one will buy them. If you make the price too low, they might sell quickly, but you’ll spend the rest of the day wondering if you could have gotten more!

It’s similar to selling your home — except with your home, the stakes are much higher. You want to price your property to sell, but you don’t want to leave any money on the table.

How do you accomplish that?

Setting the right list price for your home requires a combination of skilled calculation and industry savvy.

Let’s start with the “calculation” part…

When you work with me, I’ll review recently sold properties that are similar to yours in type, size, features and location. Then, using that data, we’ll calculate a range that represents your property’s “current market value.”

For example, consider a spacious 15-year-old bungalow in a nice neighbourhood. If similar homes in the area have sold for $475,000-$550,000 in the last six months, then it’s obvious that your home should sell in that range too. A list price above or below that range would be in the danger zone.

But skilled calculation is only half the task.

Setting your list price also requires expertise in the local market, combined with good old-fashioned gut instinct. That instinct comes from being on the front lines of many property transactions.

That’s why working with a good real estate salesperson is so important, when you’re deciding on the list price for your home.

Want to discuss selling your home? Call me at (780) 718-1052.

Imagine this scenario…

You’re shopping for a new home. You drive to visit a recent listing. As you walk through the front doors, you’re impressed. Every room looks fantastic. You see yourself relaxing on the spacious patio, cooking in the modern kitchen, and enjoying evenings with the family in the cozy living room.

Your emotions are on overdrive. This is your dream home! 

Should you make an offer? Probably. In fact, you should make that decision quickly in case there are other interested buyers.

However, your decision shouldn’t be guided purely by emotion. You want to make sure you take practical matters into consideration too.

For example, you’ll want to consider:

• Is the property within your price range?

• Does it have everything you need?

• Do you like the neighbourhood?

• How old is the property? Are there items, such as the furnace, that may need to be replaced soon?

• Will it need any major repairs or upgrades?

• What are the average monthly costs of carrying the home? (Property taxes, utilities, etc.)

Once you’ve considered the purchase of the home from a practical standpoint, you’ll have a lot more confidence in your decision when you make an offer.

Need help? Call 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 – 223

• Sold – 40

  • Average sale price – $341,004

  • Median sale price – $325,500

• 5 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 48

• Sold – 4

  • Average sale price – $218,740

  • Median sale price – $213,500

• 12 months of inventory

Stony Plain:

Single Family

• Currently active – 144

• Sold – 16

  • Average sale price – $347,681

  • Median sale price – $353,750

• 9 months of inventory

Condominium

• Currently active – 45

• Sold – 2

  • Average sale price – $244,610

  • Median sale price – $244,610

• 5 months of inventory 

Rural Parkland County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 286

• Sold – 30

  • Average sale price – $587,471

  • Median sale price – $410,000

• 5 months of inventory

Vacant Lot

• Currently active – 205

• Sold – 9

  • Average sale price – $200,666

  • Median sale price – $210,000

• 7 months of inventory

Rural Lac Ste Anne County:

Country Residential

• Currently active – 190

• Sold – 12

  • Average sale price – $284,637

  • Median sale price – $297,000

• 8 months of inventory

Vacant Lots

• Currently active – 140

• Sold – 2

  • Average sale price – $54,500

  • Median sale price – $54,500

• 70 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

You’re at work when the thought hits you, “Did I lock the door when I left this morning?” You check your smartphone, see that you didn’t, and click the “LOCK” button. Now your house is secure.

That’s home automation for you!

But, is home automation a good idea? That depends on a number of factors.

On the pro side, home automation can improve your quality of life. There are automation products that will adjust heating/cooling depending on whether or not you’re home, make your morning coffee when you get out of bed, and the list goes on and on. These conveniences save you time.

Home automation can also give you peace-of-mind. It’s comforting to be able to remotely see the inside of your home and check that everything’s okay.

Home automation can also make your property more appealing to buyers. Traditionally, buyers like homes with security systems, and will appreciate other automation gizmos, too.

The only downside is the cost. Like most new technology, home automation products can be pricey and may become out-of-date within just a few years.

Thinking about it? Experts advise you to do your research first. Check out product reviews online. Then, if you determine that a particular product is going to benefit you, go for it!

Ideally, you would like buyers to wait until they’ve viewed your whole property before they judge it. However, the reality is, buyers start forming an impression of your home as soon as they see it from the curb. So, it pays to do everything you can to improve your property’s “curb appeal”.

Here are some ideas:

• You can improve the impact of your landscaping by trimming hedges, removing any unsightly weeds, and cutting the grass. Planting just a few fresh flowers can make a big impact.

• If your main entrance door is old, a fresh coat of paint will make it look like new. In some cases, the effect is significant.

• Remove any items that might distract the buyer from forming a good first impression. For example, garbage cans, stored items along the side of the property, etc.

• Make sure the curtains and blinds on your front windows are open during viewings. That will make your home look friendlier and more appealing.

• If your driveway has grease stains and other blemishes, consider renting a power washer and giving the driveway a thorough cleaning.

• Clean your front windows. If possible, also clean the exterior panes.

Finally, if possible, park your vehicles on the street and away from your home. Doing this will not only make your home look more inviting to buyers, it will give them a convenient place to park.

Most of these tips can be done in less than a day. Yet, they can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal. They are worth the effort!

If you or someone you know has any questions about the real estate market, buying or selling please feel free to contact me at (780) 718-1052!

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