Real Estate Blog - Seasonal Holidays

How to Stage Your Home for the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! Just because you are selling your home does not mean you cannot decorate for the season. Here are some ways to stage your home for sale during the holidays:

• Scale Back on The Light Show: "Leave the giant inflatable snowman in storage this year. One man's "merry" is another man's "tacky," so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. (No, your neighbors didn't pay us to say that.) Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your home's architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard" (HGTV).
• Dress Up The Front Door: "Any home stager worth their salt will tell you first impressions are key — and since the front door is often the first thing a potential buyer will…

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Calgary Winter Road Safety

Winter is coming...

Next week Calgary is expected to receive its first major snowfall! The first snow of the year always leads to chaos on the roads. Here are some tips for navigating extreme weather conditions:

• Set Up a Block Heater: "Cold weather can weaken your battery, making it harder to start your vehicle. Keeping your block heater plugged in when temperatures drop below -15°C can make a huge difference" (AMA).
• Invest in Winter Tires: "Winter or snow tires are specially designed for the low temperatures and snowy and icy conditions we experience in Alberta. They provide better traction than regular or all-season tires. All tire rubber stiffens as the weather gets colder, but the latest generations of winter tires maintain their…

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What is Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day is Monday, November 11th.

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, Canadians will stop what they are doing and partake in two minutes of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Why this day? It marks a very important day in Canadian history: November 11th, 1918, when "the Armistice was signed and the Canadians took part in the triumphant entry into Mons, Belgium," marking the end of World War I (veterans.gc.ca). 

Remembrance Day does not only commemorate World War I; it commemorates all wars, big and small, all veterans, past and present, and all Canadians who have been affected by war in any way. It is so important to remember the sacrifice of those who have gone before us to…

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Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re scrambling to find a costume, don’t worry—you’re not alone! There’s still time to put together something fun, clever, and unique without a trip to a crowded costume store. Here are some last-minute Halloween costume ideas that you can create with items you likely already have at home:

• Cat Lady: "Put your favorite old stuffed animals to good use, by toting around one (or many) stuffed cats. You decide what kind of clothing from your closet gets you the "lady" part of the equation" (Real Simple).
• Rancher: "We can’t get enough of Yellowstone, and bonus—stealing any of the characters’ looks make for super easy Halloween costumes! Just pair your favorite jeans with a flannel shirt and a cowboy…

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Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and gratitude—but if you’re hosting, it can also be a source of stress. With careful planning and thoughtful touches, you can create a seamless Thanksgiving celebration that is as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests. Here are some tips to help you host a Thanksgiving that is stress-free, memorable, and delicious:

• Shop early: "With your menu set, enter every ingredient you need on a shopping list. Divide the list into perishables and non-perishables, so you know what you can buy immediately (like spices and canned goods) and what you need to buy later (like dairy and produce). Shopping early helps ensure your grocer doesn't run out of what you need. It also gives you plenty of time to alter your…

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Calgary 2024

Monday, September 30th, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

CBC writes, "established in 2021 following recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action, numerous commemorative events and ceremonies are held to remember the Indigenous children who died while being forced to attend residential schools, those who survived and the families and communities who are still affected by the lasting trauma."

There will be many events held around the city to foster learning and in recognition of the horrors of the residential school system, as we seek to honor victims and promise to never do such a thing again.

The following are links to various events:

Heritage Park: "Join us in this significant day of…

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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…

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Fighting the Back to School Blues

Back to School season is exciting, but it can also be daunting. It is a lot all at once: a new schedule, new people, new plans, new places and so much more. It is total stimulus overload, and with the season fast-approaching, you may already be feeling the pinch of it. 

There are a number of helpful strategies to keep you refreshed and excited for this new adventure, instead of overwhelmed and drained. Each person is different and will benefit from different practices, but here are five suggestions of things to do to fight the back to school blues:

1). Take a nap. Bring back the glory days and enjoy a nap when you get home from school or work. Even thirty minutes can be just the boost you need. Naps will make you feel more alert and productive.

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How to Make Visitors Feel at Home

Welcoming visitors into your home is both an art and a gesture of genuine hospitality. Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or acquaintances, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere can make all the difference in how your guests feel. In this summertime season, with so many people traveling to explore Calgary, you're probably going to have visitors!

Here are some thoughtful tips to ensure your visitors feel truly welcomed and at ease in your home:

• Write a welcome note: "Of course you’ll greet your guests with a big hug at the door, but take a tip from luxury hotels and back it up by leaving a thoughtful welcome note on their pillow or nightstand. Writing it on a local postcard or personal stationary is a lovely touch, and you can also…

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Canada Day Quiz

Canada Day is Monday! This is such a special and patriotic day for Canadians. It is important to celebrate Canada Day as we honor our past, embrace our present, and work hard to make the future even brighter. 

How much do you know about Canada? Try out this quiz to test your knowledge!

Q U E S T I O N S

Question 1: In which Canadian province did the temperature drop to -63C on February 3 1947, making it nearly as cold as the surface of Mars?

Question 2: In Canada we have 563 lakes larger than 100 square kilometres, making us the country with the most amount of lakes worldwide. True or False? 

Question 3: The Amazon Rainforest may be considered the lungs of the earth, but Canada boasts an incredible amount of forested area, too. In fact,…

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