Today marks the Winter Solstice, the official start of winter and the shortest day of the year. ❄️
As we welcome longer days ahead, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and dream about new beginnings—like finding your perfect home!
Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or find that special winter retreat, let’s make those dreams a reality this season. 🌨️
🎉 It’s National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day! Whether your sweater is covered in snowflakes, reindeer, or blinking lights, it’s time to embrace the holiday cheer in the quirkiest way possible. Just like your home, these sweaters are unique and full of character!
Ready to find a home that fits your personality as perfectly as that sweater? Let’s chat—your dream home is out there waiting. 🏡✨
I have listed a new property at 9 5790 Patina DRIVE SW in Calgary. See details here
Why pay rent when you can own an affordable home in the desirable community of Patterson in SW Calgary? This beautiful end-unit townhouse is in a quiet spot with mature trees, adding to its curb appeal and privacy. It’s ready to move into and fully developed across all three levels, with a 2 year old high-efficiency furnace! The upper level features a spacious primary bedroom with a four-piece ensuite, additional bedrooms, and a full bathroom. On the main level, you'll find a spacious kitchen with an island and a large breakfast nook that provides access to the rear deck—perfect for your BBQs—with southwest exposure for plenty of afternoon sunlight. This level also includes a separate dining space, a two-piece powder room, a living room with a gas fireplace, and glass doors leading to a patio above the garage. The lower level boasts a large family room with another gas fireplace, roughed-in plumbing for a future bathroom, and access to your insulated attached garage. It is just a ten-minute drive to downtown, with city transit routes leading to the 69th Street C-Train station. Low condo fees in a well-managed complex could be yours. Call your favourite realtor for a viewing today!
🎅 Santa may have his magic sleigh, but when it comes to delivering dream homes, that’s my job!
So go ahead, save Santa’s number for toys, and call me for the ultimate holiday gift—a place to call home! 📞
On Human Rights Day, let’s reflect on the importance of equality, respect, and dignity for all. In real estate and beyond, our goal is to help build communities where everyone feels valued and secure.
Today, we’re reminded of the role we play in creating spaces that support people from all walks of life. Let’s continue to advocate for inclusive, welcoming homes and communities.
Winter’s arrival brings seasonal shifts to Calgary’s housing market, but demand remains strong compared to last year. November saw steady sales across most property types, staying above long-term averages. The market continues to show resilience even as the season slows. 🏘️
Contact me anytime to discuss how fluctuations in the market may change how you want to navigate your own real estate needs and wants.
The holiday season is a time of joy, relaxation, and travel for many families. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for burglars, with empty homes providing tempting opportunities. Taking a few proactive measures can ensure your home stays secure while you’re away celebrating. How many of these do you plan to implement?
Plan for a Lived-In Look
One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is to make your home appear occupied. People are less likely to target a house that looks lived-in.
Use Smart Lights: Install smart light bulbs that can be scheduled or controlled remotely via apps. Alternate the lights in different rooms to mimic regular activity.
Maintain Landscaping: Ensure your lawn and bushes are trimmed before leaving. Overgrown yards can be a sign that nobody is home.
Stop Mail and Deliveries: A pile of uncollected mail signals an empty house. Place a hold on mail with your postal service or ask a neighbour to collect it.
Reinforce Your Home's Physical Security
Taking steps to secure entry points can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in:
Upgrade Locks: Ensure all doors and windows have sturdy, modern locks. Deadbolts add an extra layer of security.
Secure Sliding Doors and Windows: Place a rod or a dowel in the sliding doors and window tracks to prevent them from being forced open.
Install a Peephole or Doorbell Camera: Doorbell cameras allow you to monitor visitors and receive real-time alerts on your phone.
Leverage Technology for Peace of Mind
Smart home technology can help you keep tabs on your property even when you’re miles away:
Install Security Cameras: Modern cameras offer live feeds, motion detection, and cloud storage for footage—place cameras at key locations, such as front and back doors.
Use a Smart Alarm System: Many systems integrate with smartphones, allowing you to arm or disarm them remotely.
Set Up Motion-Activated Lights: Outdoor motion-sensor lights can startle potential intruders and draw attention to unusual activity.
Enlist the Help of Trusted Neighbours
Neighbours can be your eyes and ears when you’re away:
Inform Them of Your Plans: Let a trusted neighbour know when you’ll be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
Ask Them to Park in Your Driveway: A car in the driveway can give the illusion that someone is home.
Leave Emergency Contact Information: Provide them with a way to reach you in an emergency.
Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Sharing your travel plans or holiday photos in real-time can inadvertently alert criminals to your absence:
Wait Until You’re Home: Post about your trip after you return to avoid advertising that your house is empty.
Check Privacy Settings: Set your social media profiles to private so only trusted contacts can view your posts.
Protect Valuables and Important Documents
Even with all precautions, it’s wise to safeguard your most valuable possessions:
Invest in a Safe: Store jewelry, cash, and essential documents in a secure, fireproof safe.
Hide Expensive Items: Avoid leaving valuable items like electronics in plain sight from windows.
7. Double-Check Before You Leave
Before heading out, take time to ensure all security measures are in place:
Lock all doors and windows, including garage doors.
Unplug non-essential electronics to reduce fire risk.
Activate your alarm system.
A secure home offers peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the magic of Christmas without worry. With some preparation, you’ll return to your home just as you left it—safe and sound.
Travel safely, and happy holidays!
When searching for your next home, don’t forget to think about parking and storage! 🏡 Will you need a garage or off-street parking, or is street parking enough? And if you own an RV or boat, make sure there’s room for them, too.
These factors can make a big difference in your daily convenience and long-term satisfaction with your new space!
As December rolls into Calgary, homeowners and property investors may consider whether now is the right time to sell. The holiday season presents a unique set of factors that can influence real estate transactions. While some may view December as a challenging month to sell, there are several pros and cons to consider, particularly regarding capital gains and losses.
Pros
Serious Buyers
December attracts motivated buyers who often want to make quick decisions. Whether relocating for work or aiming to take advantage of tax benefits, these buyers are generally more focused and may be less inclined to engage in the extensive comparisons typical of spring and summer buyers.
Less Competition
The Calgary real estate market usually sees a decline in inventory during December. With fewer properties on the market, your home or investment property may stand out to potential buyers, leading to quicker sales and potentially higher offers.
Tax Considerations
Selling your investment property before the end of the year can have significant tax implications. If you sell at a profit, closing the deal before December 31 may be beneficial so you can report the capital gain on your tax return for the current year. Conversely, if your property is sold at a capital loss, this can be used to offset gains from other investments, making it advantageous to finalize the sale by year-end.
Holiday Appeal
Staging your home or investment property with seasonal decorations can create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to buyers. The festive spirit can enhance the emotional appeal of your property, allowing buyers to envision themselves celebrating the holidays in their new space.
Motivated Buyers for Investment Properties
Investors looking for a new property often aim to close deals by year-end for various tax reasons, such as mortgage interest deductions. This increased urgency can lead to quicker negotiations and sales if you have an investment property.
Cons
Holiday Distractions
The holiday season is often filled with personal commitments, travel plans, and social gatherings, which can distract buyers from focusing on home purchases. This busyness may result in fewer viewings and slower decision-making processes.
Winter Weather
December in Calgary can bring harsh weather conditions, including snow and icy roads. Poor weather can deter potential buyers from attending showings, making it essential to ensure your property is accessible and safe.
Emotional Attachment
Selling your home during such a sentimental time of year may evoke strong emotions. If you have memories of holidays spent in your home, you may find negotiating offers challenging and closing the deal impartially challenging.
Shorter Days
The limited daylight hours in December can impact showings, as many viewings occur during the evening when natural light is scarce. Proper lighting becomes crucial in creating a welcoming environment for potential buyers.
Market Slowdown
While there are some advantages to selling in December, the overall market generally experiences a slowdown during this time. You may find fewer active buyers, leading to a longer time on the market if your property does not attract immediate interest.
If you decide to list your property in December, partnering with an experienced realtor like me can help you navigate the unique aspects of the season, stage your home effectively, and market it to reach serious buyers. Selling now or waiting for the spring market requires careful planning and consideration for a successful transaction.