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!

Not ready to sell but want a change?

It might be time for a renovation. But

which renovation will net you the

highest return when you do decide to sell?

Minor Kitchen Remodelling

A beautiful kitchen is on the wish list of many home buyers. While some kitchens may need a complete overhaul, even a minor kitchen renovation is often enough to increase the value of your home.

Garage Door Replacement

Replacing an old garage door can dramatically improve the look of your exterior and is one of the more cost-effective renovations in the long term.

Energy Efficient Renovations

Upgrading your insulation or replacing your doors and window with more energy efficient equivalents are some of the most valuable renovations you can do. Not only can they add value to your home but will also decrease your monthly utility bill.

Fresh Coat of Paint

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to liven up a home. A neutral tone paint job both inside and outside is the most inexpensive way you can update your home and ensure you attract buyers.

Front Door Replacement

This is one of the simplest ways to add value to your home. A beautiful entrance has buyers excited to find out what’s inside!

For more information on quick home renovations or about buying or selling, contact Deanalee today at (780) 718-1052!

Finding your dream home.
By: Deanalee Zuccatto

Most searches begin online.
In fact, over 90% of buyers start
their home buying process on
the internet.

The most comprehensive website for property searches is REALTOR.ca, a Canada-wide database of all active properties for sale, also referred to as the MLS® or Multiple Listing Service. This website allows you to narrow your search to a specific area, price range, key features and even displays the properties on a map.

The internet can be very helpful for you to get a sense of what’s available but keep in mind, it’s not a complete picture of the market or all potential properties available. A great agent, working on your behalf, will do an in-depth needs analysis to find all the properties suitable for you, set up a time to view the homes and guide you through the selection process.

X – Here’s what you can’t see online – X

1. Homes in hot markets that haven’t made it online yet.
   These are desirable homes in great areas, at great prices that often get sold before a property listing is viewable online. The only way to know about these hidden gems is through an experienced real estate professional who consistently monitors the market.

2. Exclusive/private sales not found on MLS®.
   A savvy real estate professional is on the pulse of all potential homes for sale, listed and unlisted.

3. Insight and an insiders edge.
   A real estate professional not only has access to more data than what is available online, but he/she brings expertise and a wealth of knowledge, so you can be confident in knowing you have a complete picture of each property you are considering.

For more information on home buying contact me today at (780) 718-1052.

In most cases, your home is your most valuable asset, and it makes sense to use a professional.

A great real estate professional will provide key market insights, sound advice and save you endless hours of time and money — all while helping you reduce the stress of a large purchase, so you can truly enjoy the experience of buying your dream home.

1. Typically, the agents fee comes from the sales proceeds – meaning it is free for you!

2. To understand market value and ensure you are not overpaying!

3. To represent your best interests in the transaction.

4. To negotiate the best possible price and terms!

5. To give you peace of mind when it comes to the countless details.

For a complimentary home buyers meeting feel free to give me a call at (780) 718-1052 and I would love to discuss your real estate goals and needs!

Take a look at the month of Junes real estate market update for Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Rural Parkland County and Rural Lac Ste Anne County below. If you have any questions about the real estate market, buying or selling, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to answer them for you!

Spruce Grove:

Single Family

• Currently active – 321 properties

• Sold in June – 57

• Average sale price – $375,816

• Highest price sold – $870,000

Condominium

• Currently active – 60

• Sold in June – 5

• Average sale price – $198,300

• Highest price sold – $280,000

Stony Plain:

Single Family

• Currently active – 183

• Sold in June – 18

• Average sale price – $359,897

• Highest price sold – $475,000

Condominium

• Currently active – 37

• Sold in June – 3

• Average sale price – $169,466

• Highest price sold – $225,000

Rural Parkland County:

Country Residential – 1 acre lot minimum

• Currently active – 323

• Sold in June – 22

• Average sale price – $534,045

• Highest price sold – $1,140,000

Vacant Lot – 1 acre lot minimum

• Currently active – 163

• Sold in June – 9

• Average sale price – $276,055

• Highest price sold – $799,500

Rural Lac Ste Anne County:

Country Residential – 1 acre lot minimum

• Currently active – 116

• Sold in June – 6

• Average sale price – $350,750

• Highest price sold – $502,500

Vacant Lots – 1 acre lot minimum

• Currently active – 96

• Sold in June – 4

• Average sale price – $180,937

• Highest price sold – $255,000