Real Estate Blog - Home Care

What You Need to Know About a Fixer Upper

If HGTV is any indication, people love the idea of renovating a home. Shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers are wildly popular, audiences tuning in every week to see neglected homes turn into dream homes. There's something about an underdog that people love to root for--homes included. 

These shows are inspiring. They make fixing up a home seem easy! You drive past an old house and say, "some exposed brick would do that property wonders," or, "it's got great bones - imagine what a fresh coat of paint could do!" Don't let the edited smiles of Chip and Joanna Gaines fool you; renovating a home is hard work. It can be incredibly rewarding and profitable, but you should know these things before making an offer on that shack down the street:

…

714 Views, 0 Comments

How to Create a Warm and Inviting Home Office for Fall

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the days get shorter, creating a warm and inviting home office can make all the difference in how productive and comfortable you feel. Whether you’re working from home full-time or need a cozy spot to tackle tasks, transforming your office for fall can boost your mood and efficiency. Here are some tips to help you design a space that’s both functional and seasonally inspired.

1. Indulge in Cozy Textures: The change in season calls for layers and warmth. Bring this feeling into your office with cozy textures like chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and soft rugs. Adding a plush area rug under your desk can help keep your feet warm on colder mornings, while cushions on your chair add comfort during long work…

282 Views, 0 Comments

Pantry Organization Tips

It is the season for organizing! If you have never tackled your pantry space, today is the day. Brace yourself. It is going to be a wild but rewarding ride. Here are some tips to help you:

• PURGE: "Empty your entire pantry, and thoroughly clean it before you begin the organization process. Check expiration dates, and toss anything that's past its prime or no longer in use. This will free up space in your pantry and help things stay organized longer" (HGTV). Remember: if you have not eaten something yet that has been there for a long time, you probably never will. Get rid of it and any guilt you may feel about it. 
• SUPPLY: "We strongly believe that the dollar store should be your first stop once you decide to take pantry organization into your…

255 Views, 0 Comments

Tips for Staging Your Home This Fall

As the days get shorter and the air becomes crisp, fall brings a unique opportunity to stage your home with a cozy, welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re selling your property or just want to refresh your space, here’s how to stage your home for fall and highlight the season’s best features:

1. Embrace Warm & Inviting Colors: Fall is synonymous with warm, earthy tones that reflect the changing leaves. Incorporate rich hues like deep oranges, browns, golden yellows, and muted reds into your home’s color scheme. You can do this through throw pillows, blankets, and accent pieces like candles or artwork.
2. Make Every Space Cozy: Staging for fall means enhancing the coziness factor. Arrange seating areas to invite relaxation and warmth. Swap out…

188 Views, 0 Comments

Home Care to Tackle Before Fall

Fall is right around the corner! The trees are beginning to turn golden, the air cooling at night. Stores have already begun to put out fall decor, and back to school is right around the corner. As we transition seasons, its important to make sure our homes are just as prepared as we are.

Here are some fall home care items to tackle before summer slips away:

• Check Your Detectors: "With furnaces turned on, the windows closed and portable heaters humming along, fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working. Check batteries and expiration dates – smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years, and CO detectors last for about six years" (Family Handyman).
• Clean Your Gutters: "Your roof's drainage system annually…

358 Views, 0 Comments

Summer Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

As summer rolls in with its warm and sunny days, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is in top shape. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home looking its best but also helps prevent costly repairs down the road. Here are some summer maintenance items for homeowners to attend to in order to keep your property in excellent condition:

• Give your lawn some TLC! "Mow the lawn regularly to keep it healthy and looking its best. Trim bushes and trees away from the house to prevent damage. Add a layer of mulch to garden beds keeps weeds down and helps the soil retain its moisture.  Water plants and flowers regularly, especially during hot weather" (Rumi).
• Get your temperature in check! "If you haven’t yet made the switch to a smart…

372 Views, 0 Comments

Creating a Summer Oasis in Your Backyard

As summer arrives with its warm, sunny days, there's no better time to transform your backyard into a serene and inviting oasis. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a compact patio, with a few thoughtful additions and some creative touches, you can create a perfect summer retreat right at home. Here are some ideas:

1. Plan Your Space: Start by assessing your backyard and envisioning how you want to use the space. Do you want a lounging area, a dining space, a garden, or a combination of these? Sketch out a rough plan to visualize different zones and how they can flow together.
2. Get Comfortable Seating: Invest in comfortable and durable outdoor furniture. Look for weather-resistant materials like wicker, teak, or aluminum that can withstand the…

377 Views, 0 Comments

Preparing Your Home for Summer Storms

We are in the thick of summer when the air is humid and the temperatures are scorching. You know what that means: it's storm season. Storms are beautiful testaments to the power of Mother Nature, but can wreck havoc on your home. Here are some tips for keeping yourself and your home safe during stormy weather:

• Have a plan! "Having a storm readiness plan in place saves valuable time if severe weather strikes. Take the opportunity now to choose the best shelter in your home, and make sure your family knows where it is. [Also] choose a meeting place to gather after the storm to ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for" (The Government of Canada).
• Have supplies ready! "Maintain an emergency pack with a battery-powered flashlight, a radio…

330 Views, 0 Comments

Energy-Efficient Cooling Tips for Your Home

Calgary, it is HOT outside! As summer temperatures continue to soar, keeping your home cool without breaking the bank on energy bills becomes a top priority. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to maintain a comfortable temperature inside while minimizing energy consumption. Here are some 'cool' tips:

1. Make the most out of your ceiling fan: Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s cooling. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, which creates a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
2. Block out the sun: Solar heat gain through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Use blinds, curtains, or…

347 Views, 0 Comments

Energy Saving Tips for Keeping Cool

As the temperatures rise, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a priority. Especially with prices so high on utilities in Canada. Fortunately, there are several energy-saving strategies you can implement to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while also reducing your carbon footprint. It's a win-win! Here are some tips:

• Close the curtains! Direct sunlight can significantly increase indoor temperatures. Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out heat. Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window films for even greater insulation.
• Use appliances sparingly! Appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers generate a lot of heat. Try to use these appliances during…

276 Views, 0 Comments