🌳 Thinking about buying a home? Don't forget to consider your outdoor space! Whether it's a lush garden, a cozy patio, or a spacious back deck, make sure it fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Townhomes and condos may offer shared spaces—so be sure to check what’s included!
What type of outdoor space would make your home feel perfect?
After three years of limited availability, inventory in January reached 3,670 units. This marks a 70% increase from the previous year, though it still falls short of the typical 4,000 units expected for January. The rise in inventory was widespread across all property types, with apartment-style condominiums seeing some of the largest gains.
Contact me anytime to discuss how fluctuations in the market may change how you want to navigate your own real estate needs and wants.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you as your realtor Sean. Our strategy worked and I am thankful to have been part of it!
February in Calgary can be challenging for homebuyers, with icy conditions and layers of snow covering properties. While the winter landscape may provide a picturesque setting, it can complicate home inspections. Conducting a home inspection during this chilly month has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of doing a home inspection in Calgary in February.
Pros of Home Inspections in February
1) Increased Bargaining Power: February is often a quieter time in the Calgary real estate market, so buyers may have less competition. This slower pace can give you better negotiating power regarding pricing and conditions, making a thorough home inspection even more valuable to protect your investment.
2) Identification of Winter-Related Issues: A home inspection conducted in winter allows inspectors to spot specific problems related to cold weather, such as proper insulation and the heating system’s effectiveness. Issues like ice damming on the roof, drafty windows, and structural integrity under heavy snow can be assessed more thoroughly during this time.
3) Timely Repairs Before Spring: If the inspection reveals any deficiencies, having repairs done during winter can give you a head start. Addressing issues like broken pipes or faulty heating systems before warmer weather arrives can save you from more significant problems and costs later on.
4) Better Understanding of Home Performance: Some systems that operate differently in winter, like heating, can be evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness. An inspector can help gauge how well the home performs in cold weather, ensuring it meets your needs when you move in.
Cons of Home Inspections in February
1) Limited Access to Certain Areas: Icy conditions and snow accumulation can restrict access to various parts of the property, such as roofs, attics, and outdoor spaces. This limitation could mean that specific issues remain unseen during the inspection, leading to potential surprises later.
2) Inability to Test Some Systems Fully: Some home systems, like air conditioning, may not be operable during winter, limiting the inspector’s ability to evaluate them. Additionally, if the heating system is under strain to keep up with extreme cold, any problems could go unnoticed until warmer weather arrives.
3) Unpredictable Weather Delays: Calgary’s winter weather can be unpredictable, leading to potential delays in scheduling inspections. Severe weather conditions like snowstorms can disrupt plans, complicating buyer and seller timelines.
4) Deceptive Aesthetics: The winter months may mask certain aesthetic flaws or maintenance issues within the property. Snow and ice can hide symptoms such as foundation cracks, landscaping problems, or drainage issues, which may only become apparent once the snow melts in spring.
Under the icy conditions of February, conducting a home inspection in Calgary has various pros and cons that buyers must weigh carefully. While the opportunity to identify winter-specific issues and negotiate better terms can be advantageous, potential limitations in access and the possibility of weather-related delays pose challenges.
If you choose to move forward with a home inspection during this time, it’s essential to work with a qualified inspector who understands the unique challenges a winter inspection presents. By being well-informed and prepared, you can ensure that you make a sound decision regarding your future home, regardless of the season. Ultimately, the right approach can turn the challenges of a winter inspection into a stepping stone toward finding your ideal property.
January might feel like the longest month of the year, but the good news is, it’s over! It won’t be long until the signs of spring arrive on our doorstep, and spring is one of the busiest times of the year for buying and selling homes. If you’re considering selling your home, now is the time to start preparing to make the best impression on potential buyers. Here’s how you can get your home ready for the spring market.
1. Declutter and Deep Clean
Before listing your home, take the time to declutter and deep clean every room. Buyers want to see a home that feels spacious and well-maintained. Here’s how:
Declutter: Remove unnecessary items from countertops, closets, and storage areas. Consider donating or storing away excess belongings.
Deep Clean: Scrub floors, walls, windows, and appliances. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these are major selling points.
Depersonalize: Remove family photos and overly personalized decor to help buyers visualize themselves living in the space.
2. Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. Enhance your curb appeal with these simple steps:
Lawn Care: Rake up any remaining fall leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and apply fresh mulch to garden beds.
Fresh Paint: Consider painting the front door, shutters, or exterior if needed.
Outdoor Decor: Add a new welcome mat, potted plants, and clean outdoor furniture to create a warm and inviting entrance.
3. Make Necessary Repairs
Buyers will notice small details, so address minor repairs before listing your home. Some common areas to check include:
Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets
Patching up holes or scuffs on walls
Replacing burned-out light bulbs and broken fixtures
Ensuring all doors and windows open and close properly
Checking for any signs of water damage or mould
4. Brighten Up Your Interiors
Spring is all about light and renewal; your home should reflect that. Here are some ways to brighten up your space:
Open the Curtains: Let in as much natural light as possible.
Use Neutral Colours: Light, neutral wall colours make rooms feel bigger and more inviting.
Add Mirrors: Strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
Incorporate Fresh Flowers and Greenery: Simple floral arrangements can add a touch of freshness and charm.
5. Stage Your Home for Success
Home staging helps highlight your home’s best features and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. Some staging tips include:
Rearranging furniture to create open and inviting spaces
Setting the dining table with elegant place settings
Creating a cozy atmosphere with soft throw blankets and decorative pillows
Adding subtle scents like fresh-baked cookies or light floral fragrances to enhance ambiance
6. Get a Pre-Listing Inspection
While not required, a pre-listing inspection can help identify potential issues before buyers do. Addressing problems in advance can prevent deal-breakers later on and make the selling process smoother.
7. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent
A professional real estate agent can provide valuable insights on pricing, marketing strategies, and how to best position your home for a quick sale. They’ll guide you through the process and help you maximize your home’s value.
Spring is a fantastic time to sell a home, but preparation is key. By decluttering, boosting curb appeal, making repairs, and staging your home effectively, you can attract buyers and get the best possible price. With a little effort and planning, you’ll be ready to make a great impression and sell your home quickly this spring.
If you’re considering selling your home this season, contact a real estate professional today for personalized advice and market insights!
Taking the leap into a new home can be life-changing, and there’s nothing like the feeling of finally loving where you live. 🏡✨
Whether it’s the perfect space, the neighbourhood, or the simple joy of a fresh start, finding the right place makes all the difference. If you’re ready to make that move, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s explore your options and find a home you’ll truly love.
I have sold a property at 27 Cornwallis DRIVE NW in Calgary on Jan 29, 2025. See details here
Welcome to this stunning, newer five-level split home in the desirable community of Cambrian Heights. Nestled on a gently sloping lot, the NE-facing frontage is beautifully framed by low-maintenance landscaping. Numerous windows flood the space with natural light! This craftsman-style residence features inviting stone walkways, lovely balustrades, and a welcoming veranda. As you enter the grand foyer, you’ll be greeted by rich wood cabinetry, providing ample all-season storage for outerwear. Step into the expansive living room and gourmet kitchen, where you'll enjoy stunning skyline views and added privacy on this elevated level. The exceptional kitchen is designed for families, featuring extensive countertops, an in-island gas stove with a water tap, and bar seating for your guests, with views of the beautifully landscaped rear gardens. Your dining table is conveniently positioned between the kitchen and living room, with patio doors leading to the private side yard and BBQ area. This home includes three bedrooms and the potential for a private suite or expansive family room. One level-up guest bedroom offers privacy, spectacular views over the city to the north, a large walk-in closet, and easy access to a stunning four-piece bath with a tub and glass shower. The primary suite provides a lush retreat with a gas fireplace and windows overlooking the serene rear gardens, surrounded by mature trees for added privacy. This room is spacious enough for an office and cozy library, with ample space for a sofa for relaxing evenings. The bathroom is a must-see, featuring a slipper tub, a large glass and tile shower, double sinks and thoughtfully planned storage. The laundry area is conveniently located in the walk-in closet. A charming secondary bedroom is also found on this floor, ideal for young children. A few steps down from the kitchen, you’ll discover a bright entryway from the rear gardens and a spacious room perfect for a gym or home office. This home presents a unique development opportunity! The lower level is undeveloped, allowing you to create your dream entertainment space, game room, or additional bedrooms. With its own entry and potential for a separate secondary suite (subject to city permitting), the possibilities are endless. Outside, the enchanting rear gardens provide spaces for relaxation and privacy - a true secret garden with mature plants and trees, plus a magical gathering area accessed by sweeping stone stairways. The fenced property includes lane access with a levelled area designated for a future triple garage. This home is equipped with A/C and a custom water softener and is ready for in-floor heating on the lower level. It's a short walk to Confederation Park, Nose Hill Park, and the Calgary Winter Club. It is a ten-minute drive to downtown and under fifteen minutes to the Calgary Airport. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this dream home your own!
Waiting for home prices to drop? The truth is, the market doesn’t always wait with you. Timing your next move is about finding what works best for you, not chasing what might happen.
Let’s talk about your options today—your dream home could already be out there waiting for you! 🏡
I have sold a property at 7 10 St Julien DRIVE SW in Calgary on Jan 24, 2025. See details here
This exquisite Brownstone townhouse in highly sought-after Brighton Court is conveniently situated in the heart of Marda Loop, one of Calgary's most vibrant communities. The meticulous attention to detail from the design of the floor plan to the quality of the finishes, sets these Brownstone townhomes apart. As you enter this residence, you'll be captivated by the spacious floor plan, accentuated by 9 ft ceilings and large windows that create an open and airy atmosphere throughout. This beautiful recently renovated traditional home boasts over 2,634 sq ft of living space on 3 levels, 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. You are welcomed into the home by an exposed aggregate patio in front, leading into a warm and welcoming foyer. Hardwood floors flow throughout the main level, which also includes an expansive formal dining room and a cozy living room with a gas fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, with new stainless steel appliances including a Viking gas range, new custom cabinetry with new quartz countertops plus plenty of counter and cabinet space, and a convenient peninsula that seats four and allows access through French doors to an outdoor patio area. Additionally providing discreet access to a main 2 piece bath plus access into the attached double garage. The upper floor is a sanctuary of comfort and luxury where you will find a bonus room area, three spacious bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite featuring a private balcony, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or a glass of wine at the end of the day. The spa-like 4 piece ensuite is simply stunning, with glass shower and separate deep soaker tub, and walk-in closet 2 other spacious bedrooms with generous storage space, updated 4 piece main bath plus laundry complete the upstairs. The fully developed lower level creates the perfect space for families including a large family room, recreation room plus a 3 piece guest bath. More than enough space available to add in a 4th bedroom. Additional features include new paint throughout, new furnace, new kitchen appliances and cabinetry, updated bathrooms, drywalled double attached garage with epoxy flooring, built-in sound on 2 levels, central ac, new shingles and updated siding. Located just steps away from all the amenities that Marda Loop has to offer, including restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and grocery stores, and excellent schools. This home is perfect for anyone who wants to live in a walkable community. It's also just a short trip to 17th Avenue, where you'll find even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This townhouse is a true gem, with its beautiful renovations, spacious living areas, and fantastic location. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make it your own.
What is a Deed Restriction?
A deed restriction is a condition written into a property’s deed that limits how the property can be used. These restrictions might regulate things like the type of construction allowed, how the property is maintained, or even specific uses for the land. Understanding any deed restrictions is crucial when buying a home, as they can impact your future plans for the property.
Let’s explore what this means for your dream home!
Thinking About Future Possibilities?
When buying a home, it's important to consider not just what’s there now, but what could be there later!
✔️ Does the property have space for interior or exterior additions?
✔️ Could the garage or loft be converted into a functional new room?
✔️ Is there an unfinished basement with potential to increase your living area?
Thinking ahead can help you find a home that grows with you and your needs! Let’s talk about your future plans and find the perfect property for you. 🔑
I have sold a property at 250 3000 Marda LINK SW in Calgary on Jan 18, 2025. See details here
Wow! Welcome to your new Home-Sweet-Home in the sought-after community of Garrison Woods - just steps from trendy Marda Loop! This newly renovated, west-facing condo boasts 697 square feet of open-concept, single-level living space, with 1 spacious bedroom, 1.5 updated bathrooms, stunning white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, functional living room with built-in cabinetry and natural gas fireplace, designated dining area, in-suite laundry room, and sprawling west-facing balcony (with gas BBQ hookup)! This condo comes with one underground parking stall (#101), and one large storage locker (#86)! Recent upgrades here include: vinyl plank flooring, paint, washer and dryer, quartz countertops, cabinetry hardware, and retractable screen door on the balcony. The prestigious "Courtyards of Garrison Woods" complex offers abundant amenities including a gym, indoor pool, games/recreation room (with full kitchen), guest suite, and parkade car wash! Quiet complex - adult living (18+). Don’t miss out on this incredible property - call today!