Home Care

Home Care

Spring is right around the corner in Calgary, Alberta. March always marks the end of the long, dark winter. Daylight savings has given us back an hour of sunlight, and the dreary grays of dirty snow are making way for pops of green grass. While we are braced for the odd surprise snow blizzard, we know that the end is in sight.

As the spring thaw begins, here are some items around your home prepare for the changing of the seasons:

Inspect your home for potential necessary repairs: “Winter can be harsh on your home, often leaving behind a trail of necessary repairs. As the snow melts and temperatures rise, we encourage you to assess any damage and create a prioritized list of tasks. This proactive approach will help you address issues before they…

81 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

After living in a space for a long time, it can feel stale. You get used to the same old furniture, layout, and seasonal decorations. Just like relationships, it’s important to spice it up every so often! Before you jump to “I need a new house,” it might be worth asking a different question: what small changes could make this home feel exciting again?

You don’t need a major renovation with a massive budget to fall back in love with your home. Instead, try some of the following simple updates to refresh your space:

1. Paint: Paint is one of the most affordable ways to transform a space, and the emotional payoff is huge. Consider warm whites or soft neutrals to brighten winter-dark rooms, and a subtle accent wall for depth and personality. Even…

65 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

In the dead of winter, many Calgarians flee on vacation to get respite from the brutal cold. It is the perfect time to take a trip somewhere, anywhere, that has longer days and warmer temperatures. Any vacation is a luxury, no matter how far you travel. Even a weekend getaway to beautiful British Columbia can be a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city this time of the year. 

Regardless of when you leave, where you go, or for how long, it is important to have a plan in place to protect your home in your absence. Discriminating criminals seek out properties that have clearly been left shuttered while the owners are away, knowing they are an easy target. Besides thieves, your home also has to contend with the elements. You need to…

106 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Every month brings unique challenges and opportunities for your property. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything all at once, consider breaking down property maintenance and projects month-by-month. 

Here is the month of February's property checklist:

  • Flip and Rotate Your Mattress: "Before you put on a fresh set of sheets, take an extra minute to rotate the mattress if you haven’t done so recently. Rotating your mattress every few months will help it wear more evenly and extend its life (and comfort)" (Houzz).
  • Replace All Furnace Filters: "The air filter on your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system needs to be replaced every one to three months to keep the air in your home clean and flowing freely. A high-quality…

78 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Winter may not be peak real estate season, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t shine. In fact, winter staging done well can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes buyers linger longer—and picture themselves living there. The goal of winter staging is simple: make your home feel warm, bright, and welcoming—even on the coldest days.

Here’s how to stage your home in winter so it shows at its absolute best:

  1. Embrace Coziness: Winter is the perfect time to lean into comfort, but balance is key. Add throw blankets to sofas and beds, use plush pillows for warmth and softness, and layer rugs to add comfort and visual warmth, especially on hard floors. Avoid adding too much; it should feel cozy, not claustrophobic.
  2. Embrace the Entryway:…

119 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Every month brings unique challenges and opportunities for your property. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything all at once, consider breaking down property maintenance and projects month-by-month. 

Here is the month of January's property checklist:

  • Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: "With more heater use and wood fires in the fireplace, it is especially important during winter to make sure those smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Use the test button on each device, and change batteries as needed" (Houzz).
  • Resolve to use less energy: "This month, as you make your resolutions to spend less, go on a diet, learn a new skill, or perhaps just find more time for yourself, consider adding another goal for 2025: using…

43 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year in Calgary, Alberta, in part because of all the Christmas lights. Whether you are a vintage colourful lights person, or a modern white lights person, so many people adorn their homes and trees with twinkly bulbs. While this makes the season feel extra warm and cheery, Christmas lights do carry some risk. 

Here are some tips for Christmas light safety, so that you can enjoy all of the magic and none of the risk:

  • Check your strings of lights for any broken or missing bulbs. CNET writes, "replace any missing or broken bulbs before you string up your porch or tree because they could lead to electrocution, fires or injuries. Most lights come with replacement bulbs, but you can also buy a pack at your…

183 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

This holiday season we are in pursuit of an old-fashioned Christmas.  Be gone days of ipads and gizmos! Instead let us embrace simplicity and handmade charm. An old-fashioned Christmas is a great way to bring the whole family back down to earth, where the focus can be on what really matters: time spent together, making little moments magical. 

To set the stage, here are some old-fashioned Christmas crafts to try out this season:

  • Edible Garland: Gather a collection of apples, oranges, cranberries, popcorn, and cinnamon sticks. Cut the apples and oranges as thin as possible, then lay them out on parchment with the whole cranberries and bake them at a low temperature until the fruit dries out. Pop the popcorn, skipping any butter or seasoning.…

175 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Every month brings unique challenges and opportunities for your property. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything all at once, consider breaking down property maintenance and projects month-by-month. 

Here is the month of December's property checklist:

  • Keep your kitchen safe and fire-hazard free! Safe Wise writes, "between holiday dinners and baking for family and friends, your oven and range will get a workout this December. Protect your family from cooking fires by keeping your appliances in top shape."
  • Confirm your outdoor lights are working to keep you safe. Real Estate Spice writes, "be sure all your outdoor lights are working. It gets darker earlier and the weather conditions can be treacherous. Make sure all your walkways are…

95 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Every month brings unique challenges and opportunities for your property. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything all at once, consider breaking down property maintenance and projects month-by-month. Whether the height of summer or depths of winter, there is always something to attend to that will help you get the most out of your home-sweet-home.

Here is the month of November's property checklist:

  • Make sure your home is sealed against the colder weather. Realtor.com writes, "locate and seal cracks and spaces that let heat out and cold air in—along baseboards, wall/ceiling junctures, windows and doors, lighting fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets. Your wallet will thank you, because energy savings from reducing drafts range from…

71 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post