Real Estate Blog - Home Maintenance

Spring into Success: Decluttering Your Home for a Quick Sale

Spring is a season of fresh starts — and if you’re planning to sell your home, there’s no better time to make sure your space feels just as fresh. One of the most effective ways to attract buyers (and potentially sell faster) is by decluttering. A clean, organized home feels bigger, brighter, and more inviting, which is exactly what buyers are looking for.

Here’s how you can tackle spring decluttering like a pro:

1. Before diving in, make a list of every room, closet, and storage area. Prioritize the spaces that make the biggest first impression, like the entryway, living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
2. Family photos, personal collections, and bold decor can distract buyers from envisioning themselves living in your home. Pack away anything…

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3 Tips for Deep Spring Cleaning

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a fresh start by diving into a deep cleaning session. As the seasons change, it's important to declutter, organize, and refresh your living space. In this blog post, we will discuss three essential tips for achieving a thorough and effective spring cleaning:

1. Create a Cleaning Plan: Before you embark on your deep cleaning journey, it's crucial to create a cleaning plan. Start by making a checklist of the areas in your home that require attention, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas. Break down each room into specific tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, washing windows, and decluttering. Having a well-structured plan will help you stay focused and ensure that no area is overlooked…

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De-Winterizing Your House

As winter fades and warmer days approach, it's time to prepare your home for the changing seasons. De-winterizing your house ensures that everything is in working order after months of cold weather and helps prevent costly repairs down the road. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your home spring-ready.

1. Inspect For Water Damage: Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can take a toll on your home's structure. Walk around your property and check for roof damage such as missing or broken shingles, cracks in the foundation or driveway, damaged gutters and downspouts, and peeling paint or siding issues. Addressing these early will prevent further damage as spring rains set in.
2. Check Your Plumbing: If you winterized your plumbing to prevent freezing,…

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Essential Items New Homeowners Should Keep an Eye On After Moving In

Congratulations on your new home! Moving into a new place is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with responsibilities. As a homeowner, staying on top of maintenance and potential issues early on can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Here are some key things to keep an eye on once you settle in:

1. HVAC System: Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for keeping your home comfortable. Schedule an inspection to make sure everything is working efficiently, check the air filters regularly and replace them if necessary, and make sure you learn the basics so you can best keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
2. The Electrical System: Locate your circuit breaker panel and label the…

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Black Friday Deals for Your Home

American Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and you know what that means... Black Friday, Small Shop Saturday, and Cyber Monday. There are likely more deal days within there, but the bottom line is this: if you're looking for a great deal, now is the time to shop!

While most people go into the Black Friday season with aspirations of checking off every name on their Christmas list, keep in mind that this is also an excellent time to shop for your home! Whether you are seeking professional services like roofing, or new furniture for your living room, deals are to be had. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Appliance Deals: If you have been waiting to replace big appliances in your home such as the laundry, dishwasher, fridge, coffee…

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Understanding Property Taxes in Canada

Navigating the Canadian real estate market involves more than just finding the perfect property. You also need to understand the financial responsibilities tied to property ownership, such as property taxes. As a homeowner in Canada, comprehending the intricacies of property taxes is crucial. Here are some notes to get you started:

1. Property Assessment: Property taxes in Canada are based on the assessed value of your property. Municipalities assess properties periodically to determine their market value. The assessment is a key factor in calculating property taxes.
2. Municipal Jurisdiction: Property taxes are administered by local municipalities, which use the revenue to fund services such as schools, roads, garbage collection, and public…

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Home Improvement Projects to Tackle Before Winter

As winter approaches in Calgary, it's important to prepare your home to withstand the cold, snow, and icy conditions. Winter in Alberta can be harsh, and neglecting necessary maintenance could lead to costly repairs and discomfort. By taking on a few home improvement projects now, you can ensure your home stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the colder months. Here are key home improvement projects to tackle before winter in Calgary:

1. Inspect and service your furnace: Your furnace will be working overtime during Calgary’s long winter months, so it’s essential to make sure it’s in good condition. Scheduling a furnace inspection and tune-up in the fall can help you avoid a breakdown when the temperature drops. Change the filters, check…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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