I’ve been selling real estate in Sherwood Park and Edmonton for over 11 years now, and a question I often get asked is, “What sets you apart from the rest?” Now, I can tell you how great I am, but I am sure that would come across as being pretty cheesy, not to mention immodest. So, what is it like to work with me? Thanks to my wonderful clients over the years, they have provided me with feedback, both verbal and written, as to why they work with me again and again.  Here are some of the things they have said:

1.) I’m straight and to the point.  When I work with clients, I put honesty front and center. I don’t tell you what you want to hear, but I do tell you what you need to hear.  Sometimes it’s an ugly job, and sometimes people don’t like it.  My clients know that I will always be honest and back up what I say with facts, not emotion.  At the end of the day I build my reputation on honesty, because I want clients that value honesty as well.

2.) I truly love my job and the people I meet.  For me, selling homes is a career I am very passionate about.  With passion, you enjoy what you do and have a good attitude and energy even when the going gets tough.  I left a 13-year teaching career because after about the 10th year I lost my passion.  Not so with real estate! Every day is different, and there is always something new to learn, which is exciting for me. I can’t think of anything more satisfying than helping people with their real estate goals.

3.) I am loyal and look out for your best interests.  If you are buying, I make sure to help you get all the information you need even if it means losing a sale. Getting you a good deal that makes you happy makes me happy and leads to future business with you.  Selling your home for top dollar means you know I work hard to market your property and get great results, no matter what shape the market is in. I am not about getting the deal done, but the deal you want. That’s what really counts in the end.

4.) I’m patient and hardworking.  They say that patience is a virtue and in real estate, this can mean showing multiple properties, and preparing a listing for sale involving additional steps.  I understand that purchasing or selling IS kind of a big deal, so I take the time to do what is needed in each particular transaction to make sure the job is done right. Because of this, I sell a larger-than average percentage of what I list.

5.) When you work with me, you gain a Realtor you can TRUST. I often say, I don’t sell houses, I build trust. Making a house purchase or selling one is a big financial decision. You want to hire someone who is knowledgeable, experienced and skilled. Furthermore, you want someone who engages in ethical practices and does what is promised, and more.  I am proud to say that I don’t distribute flyers, ads, or bus benches about how great I am or that I am number 1.  I am not number 1, YOU are.

Want to work with a trusted professional in Sherwood Park or Edmonton? Contact me, and let’s get to know one another.  I promise to not be pushy and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

As a Realtor (R), I often get asked about professional staging services, particularly when a home is vacant. I get asked questions such as “How much does it cost? How much faster will my house sell? Can I get more money for my house if I stage it?” Below are some tips and things to think about if you are considering staging your home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park before you put it on the market!

Tip#1: Hire a professional Stager and request samples of their work – before and after. Professional Stagers receive extensive training on how to select and place furniture, artwork and accessories to make a room more visually appealing to buyers. A Stager can pick out the best assets of a home and use staging techniques to emphasize those features, while drawing the eye away from less desirable ones.

Tip #2: Start with a clean, well-maintained home. No house is perfect, but it is important to remember that a dirty house with numerous repairs needed that is staged is a bit like putting lipstick on a pig! You can dress up a room, but if problems are obvious, then it looks like the staging is attempting to hide something, which is NOT what you want!

Tip#3: Think of staging is an investment, not an expense. Staging IS expensive – for an average home with a few rooms chosen, expect to pay anywhere from $2000 – $2500. However, in the vast majority of cases, it will help a property sell faster and statistically will sell for 5 – 10% more money! That is a pretty good return on your investment, and also a lot cheaper than a $10,000 price reduction if the house does not sell.

Tip#4: Stage for one month and get quality photos. The bulk of the cost of staging lies in the monthly rental fee for furniture and accessories, which is why most builders purchase furnishings for their show homes instead of rent. In most cases, the house will likely sell before the one month is up. In my opinion, you will only need to stage for one month, and you have the photos and/or Virtual Tour already on the MLS. Just make sure the photos are great quality with good lighting. There is no point in spending the money on Staging when the photos are less than professional!

Tip #5: Hire a Stager who promotes your property once it is listed. Many Stagers have their own Website and use Social Media to promote the work they do. Make sure your home is promoted – a win-win for all!

Do you have further questions about staging your Edmonton or Sherwood Park home, and want to know who the good ones are? Contact me, and I will be happy to help out!

In Real Estate, statistics are examined monthly, yearly, even daily, in order to determine overall trends and general health of the Real Estate Market.

For those of you who know me, I rely a great deal on numbers and statistical data to do my job. Numbers are an objective measure to help determine a house’s value, and numbers don’t lie!  Whether you are purchasing a home or selling one, it is important to understand the role the data play in determining the relative value of a home and in determining how many properties may be directly competing with that home as well.  One way to determine this is to calculate the Absorption Rate in a given market.

What is the Absorption Rate?

Simply put, it is an indicator that demonstrates the Supply and Demand in the marketplace. It is the number of months of inventory on the market, and the length of time it could take to sell the current inventory, based on a specific set of parameters, such as house style, age, size and location.

Why is it Important?

You all heard that Supply and Demand affects price. Supply and Demand are variables that we can do nothing about as consumers – they fluctuate up and down depending on the current market.  The variable we can control, however, is price. That is why setting the right price is CRUCIAL  to achieving good results when selling. Conversely, overpricing will hurt a seller’s overall objective – to sell for the most money possible.

How is it Calculated?

First, establish the specific parameters for the market you wish to examine, such as a particular neighborhood, house style and size. Second, find the total number of sales for the past year. Third, take this number and divide by 12 to calculate the total number of sales per month. Next, take the CURRENT number of homes available (not sold and within the same parameters) and divide this number by the average number sold per month. This final number will give you the Absorption Rate in months.

What Does this Number Mean?

If you get a number that is, say 4.6 months, that is generally considered a Balanced market, where Supply and Demand are basically “even” and do not favor either the Buyer or Seller.

If you get a result in the 3’s or lower, that means we are in a Seller’s market, as there are less months of inventory to choose from. Properties tend to spend less time on market, and there may be a greater likelihood of multiple offers, as buyers are competing over fewer properties.  If these conditions persist over a period of time, it may also result in a higher average sale price as well.

If the number that you come up with is 7 or higher, it is safer to say you are in Buyer’s market.  Properties take longer to sell and may sell for less money if these conditions continue over a period of several months. It is critical to price a property accordingly or it will sit on the market and  depreciate over time, becoming less valuable to the Buyer.

If you would like to know the Absorption Rate for your area, I would be happy to help! Contact me, and I will pull the data for your area, help you determine what kind of market you are in, and advise accordingly!

Your home is quite likely your most valuable asset. We live in a time where Interest Rates are low, and inventory is (relatively!) high. You might be thinking of buying a home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park for various reasons. It might be due to change in lifestyle, such as the kids moving out of the house, a new baby on the way or any number of factors. But without having your financial ducks in a row, it can be increasingly difficult to purchase a home. Here are some questions you need to consider, during during or before getting pre-approved for a mortgage:

1.) What is your credit score?
Banks and lenders use this score to determine your financial worthiness when obtaining a loan. It is a 3-digit number that is basically a measure of how trustworthy you are with money. The higher the score, the more banks/lenders will like you and be willing to work with you in securing a mortgage. If your score is low, there are steps to take to improve your score. But, it won’t happen overnight, It takes time.

2.) How much equity do you have in your current home?

Equity is the difference between what you paid for your house versus what it is worth now. Generally, over time your equity will increase. However, if you bought at the wrong time and your house is now worth less, or if you have been borrowing against the equity of your home to pay off debt, you may find yourself with little equity left, and this will affect your purchasing power.

3.) What is your current home worth?
If you own a home already, having an idea of what your current home may sell for is very helpful in the pre-approval process as mentioned before. Be sure to get a professional opinion from a licenced Realtor (R) as property assessments may not be accurate. Your perceptions may also not be accurate. Knowing the approximate value of your home beforehand will provide a more realistic picture of the equity you may have after selling your home.

4.) What kind of lifestyle do you want?
Knowing what kind of lifestyle you want to have is key. Do you like to travel? How many vacations do you want to take in a year? Do you have kids going into Pose Secondary School? Are you expecting to expand your family? You don’t want to put all your eggs into one basket (your house) and leave little room for any of the finer things in life. These are just of the questions that only you can answer, and need to ask yourself when analyzing the amount that you want to spend on your next home.

5.) Do you have an Experienced Mortgage Advisor?

Having an experienced Mortgage Professional who handles your mortgage can make all the difference in the world. Carrying out a thorough pre-approval can prevent disappointment and wasted time for everyone. A true pro can handle most situations with ease and will keep you informed throughout the process, leading to a positive outcome for everyone! I can help you with recommending someone who will help get the job done with knowledge AND experience!

Do you have more questions about whether you are financially ready to take the next step? Call me today and let’s get the process started!

The old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” does NOT ring true in Real Estate! I have had, on occasion, pulled up to a property to show to prospective Buyer clients only to hear, “Sorry, let’s skip this one – I don’t like how it looks on the outside”. While this happens infrequently, it illustrates the fact that a house’s curb appeal CAN have a major impact on a buyer’s decision to go inside, which could make or break a sale.

What DO Buyers look for when sizing up a home from the outside? Here are some tips on some important areas to address:

1.) Condition of Landscaping   Make sure the lawn is free of weeds, is neatly trimmed, and that shrubs and trees are properly pruned and manicured. Make sure that trees and shrubs do not obscure the front of the house. While this may provide privacy to the home owner, too much shrubbery may make the house look small and insignificant by comparison.

2.) Condition of roof and eaves  While there is always work to be done on an older home, make sure the roof and shingles are in good condition. If the shingles are curling and show excessive wear, many buyers will walk away, knowing that it could cost $4000-$8000 (or more) to replace the shingles, assuming there is no damage underneath. If you live in an area with mature trees, make sure the eaves are clear of debris and that trees are not too close to the house, as this could damage the roof.

3.) Check the maintenance of trim and entry/exit points  Is the trim on the doors and windows painted or capped? Very few buyers like to do this job, as it can be quite tedious. Freshen the paint on any wood trim and  check to make sure that vents, and entry / exit points are properly sealed or covered. This prevents moisture from penetrating as well as insects or small rodents entering the home, which can be a deal-breaker for many buyers.

4.) Check the front door  Think about it – the front door is the buyer’s first and last impression. Make sure it is in good condition, is clean and that the hardware works properly. Nowadays, with many people entering their home via an attached garage, this is very important, and often overlooked! Make sure those impressions are good ones!

5.) Accent with the right decorating  In summer, accent with some planters and hanging baskets. And PLEASE, take down the Christmas lights after Christmas is over. Decorating should enhance but not distract from the appearance of a home. And when in doubt, ask a neighbour.  It is the simple little things that can make a difference.

Want more tips on preparing your Sherwood Park or Edmonton home for sale? Contact me and I can help you get ready to SELL!

Now, more than ever, Home Sellers are interviewing agents – sometimes as many as 4- before choosing to list their home. Many agents offer similar services, but what sets apart the excellent from the good? Here are some questions you should ask your prospective Listing Agent BEFORE hiring!
1.) What is your Sales-to-Listing Ratio?
Simply put, this is the percentage of homes sold that were listed by that agent last year. Your Realtor should also be able to tell you how that percentage compares to the local Real Estate Board average. You want the agent you hire to be BETTER than average!

2.) What is the Average Days on Market (DOM) for Listings Sold?
Again, you want this number compared to the Board average. Fewer days on market means the Agent is pricing the home to sell under current market conditions. Overpricing a home means more time on market and less money for the Seller.

3.) Are You Familiar With My Neighborhood?
Hiring your cousin or uncle isn’t necessarily a good thing. Whether an Agent is the neighborhood “expert” or not, that person should be familiar enough to answer questions that a potential buyer may ask, such as: Which schools are nearby? Where are the nearest bus stops? What is the dominant demographic in this area? Remember, the agent is selling the neighborhood, not just your home. Research is a must!

4.) Marketing Plan
Your Realtor should be able to predict the kind of Buyer who is most likely to buy your home, and tailor the Marketing Plan accordingly. The Marketing Plan should also highlight Special features of your home to make it stand out from the competition, and attempt to eliminate possible objections in the eyes of the Buyer. The Plan should also accentuate the positive so that Buyers see the value of your home, want it, and be willing to pay top dollar for it as well.

5.) Do I Like This Person?
This is based on your gut instincts. You must be able to trust that person and have confidence that he or she will do the best job possible.  Is this person approachable and friendly? Easy to communicate with? Does this person pay attention to details? Is this person a good listener and considers what you are looking for in a Realtor? Asking lots of questions and hearing the response will often give you a good feel for the person you want to hire. Also, make sure there is a written guarantee that if you are not completely satisfied, you can terminate the listing Contract. Very few Realtors offer this, but a true professional will want to make sure you are happy! It is, after all, your home!

Selling your greatest asset is a big task. No matter who you choose, make sure to ask lots of questions to make sure the Realtor you hire is a right fit for YOU! Contact me, and get the answers to these questions and more when you are selling your Sherwood Park and Edmonton home!

This year, my husband and I decided to put our Sherwood Park house on the market. Now, you would think this would be a piece of cake for me, After all, I have been trading in Real Estate as a Realtor (R) for almost 10 years now, so you would think I would have this down pat. Well, the truth is, I now have a new found appreciation for Sellers after seeing the selling process from a Seller’s perspective. Here are some insights I gained along the way – enjoy!

1.) Your house can never be “too clean”.
This is something I obsessed about constantly to the point where my teenaged daughter called my “Psychotic” because I was constantly cleaning the house. Does it have to be perfect? No, but it is sure something to aspire to minutes before the buyers arrive!

2.) It’s a real hassle when you have a pet.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my dog. She is part of the family. But driving around in the car while your dog is anxiously wondering where you are taking her (only to return home!) is fine for about 10-15 minutes. Not an hour.

3.) You really start to notice how much cr*p you have.
All that junk you have stored in your basement? Yes, it was taking up precious square footage of your home all this time. Some of it may still be in sealed boxes from the last move! But…. it is sooooo therapeutic to purge it out of your house for good. Just DO IT!

4.) You can NEVER have too many boxes!
It’s amaziing how many boxes you need to move just one room of a house. So, get as many boxes as you can get a hold of, and contact people who have recently moved and offer to pick up their boxes as they unpack. It can save you hundreds of dollars and make the whole process of packing easier. I did purchase a “China set” moving kit this year, and it was worth every penny. Saving time also saves money.

5.) Even though you are looking forward to good times in the new house, you will feel sad about leaving old friends and neighbors behind. Bricks and mortar may make a home, but it is the memories from the people you interact with that matter the most. I watched my girls grow from young girls to teenagers in this house. I remember when they rode on their bikes in the cul-de-sac and played tag in the front yards with their friends, and made s’mores over the fire in the back yard.  Those days are long gone now, but the memories remain.

Is it all worth it? Yes, it is! Let me help you with your next move, whether you are moving to a different community, upgrading or downsizing, I would love to help you sell your home and find a new one! Contact me, and let’s get started!

You have probably heard Realtors(R)  say that the best time to sell a home is “Now“. You have probably also thought, “That’s what ALL Realtors say, because they want my listing!”

While humorous (and partially correct), there are also some pretty compelling reasons for Listing a home in February as opposed to waiting for the winter snow to melt. I personally will be listing my home in February, and here’s why:

1.) The timing is right. You’ve found a great property, interest rates are favorable, so why not?

2.) Less Competition. If you are Selling, there are fewer Sellers to compete with. If you are Buying, the same is also true. This adds to a quicker sale and less pressure when choosing the house you want.

3.) More time to enjoy the warmer months. Let’s face it – Winters in Canada are pretty long. Moving earlier in the year means you can get settled in your new home and enjoy the longer, warmer days ahead. I don’t know about you, but I would rather be packing and unpacking boxes when the weather outside is frightful, than when it is delightful!

4.) Ability to Observe the Home in Winter. Speaking of Winter, its nice to know that the basement is cozy and warm when it is minus 20 outside, and that there are no ice dams on the roof. These things are difficult to discover when it is warm outside.

5.) Less Busy Time – Lawyers, Bankers, Movers, and yes, Realtors(R) are all less busy during the Winter months. Anything from getting a survey done to finding a reputable mover, just may be a little bit easier when the Market isn’t as busy.

Buying and Selling a Home is a tough job ANY time of the year, but in any event, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. Thinking of putting your house on the market before the Spring rush occurs? Great! Give me a call – and while you’re at it, help me pack! 🙂

Forecasting what will happen in the Housing Market in Edmonton and Sherwood Park is a bit like trying to predict the weather.  There are so many variables to consider that affect real estate values.  But, like the weather, we can make some well-educated guesses based on statistical data and the opinions of Economists, real estate investment experts, and Realtors (R) themselves.  Here are some trends to expect in 2015:

1. Prices will continue to rise, but at a slower pace than what we saw in 2014.  We are expecting prices for single family homes to increase anywhere from 2- 3.5% this year, based on tight supply and high demand.
2. We are not expecting a drastic increase in Interest Rates.  It is generally predicted that if Interest Rates rise, it will not be by much (i.e. 25 basis points) and will occur in the 3rd or 4th Quarter of this year.
3. Inventory is currently low and Buyer demand remains high. Despite the drop in the price of oil, the market is tight, particularly with homes in the $350,000 – $450,000 range. So, if your home falls in between this range, this is an incredibly good time to put it on the market!  Just make sure to give yourself a long Possession date so that you have time to find the home you want, as we are predicting more inventory to come on the market as we get closer to Spring.
4. We are continuing to see high demand in the $1 million+ plus homes, which is an indicator of not only higher incomes, but also Consumer confidence in the Move-up market.
5. Because the average price of a home has continued to rise, we will also continue to see Condo and attached housing sales increase, as these are typically more affordable than single-family homes.

All in all, there is NO talk of a Housing Bubble, although you sometimes hear this in the Media. The overall Consensus is that the Edmonton and Sherwood Park Markets will show Slow and Steady Progress in 2015.  This doesn’t make for fancy headlines, but is good news for Buyers and Sellers alike!

If you would like to know what is happening in your specific area, supported by concrete data and statistics, please contact me to arrange a meeting to see what you potentially get for your home today!

Sellers consider Christmas to be the LEAST desirable time to list and sell a property. There is so much going on, from holiday preparations, special engagements and cold weather, that it is easy to dismiss that time of year to sell. However, the season DOES have some advantages: fewer sellers to compete with, and a select group of serious Buyers, who often have to buy either within time restrictions, or are preparing for a new start to the New Year. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and put your home on the market, here are some useful tips to consider:

1.). Too Much of a Good Thing is NOT a Good Thing!

Decorating over the holidays can add a touch of excitement and glamour to a home. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, or it becomes overly distracting. Avoid overly religious themes as well, as these can polarize potential buyers.

2.) Make it Bright!
Christmas time means dark, early nights. Make sure your home is lit up (i.e. not Griswold style, where you need your own generator!), especially the entrance of the house, where it is often difficult to see where the key fits in the door. You can purchase timers to light up the house at specific times while you are away, and if you are able to time your lighting through your alarm system, consider doing that as well. A well -lit home is warm and welcoming!

3.) Turn up the Heat!
Speaking of warmth, make sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, especially if the property is vacant. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, turn it on. Don’t use lit candles for safety reasons – use flameless products instead to create a warm ambiance. Buying is an emotional response to a house, so make sure the emotion you are creating is warm and evokes a feeling of comfort.

4.) Clear the Walks, Driveways and Steps of Ice and Snow.
I cannot emphasize this one enough. Show buyers (and their realtors!) that you care about their safety. Watch for water dripping from the eaves to the walk below, as this can get severely slippery.

5.) Add Some Festive Scent.
By this, I mean real scent, not artificial. Fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, fresh pine boughs can evoke positive thoughts of the holiday season. Like decorating, make sure the scent is not overpowering, otherwise it too becomes distractive.

6.) Price it to Sell.
No matter what you do to prep your home over the holiday season, price is the number one determniner in attracting an offer. The best properties at the best prices sell the quickest. This is true of any time of the year, but is particularly important to remember over the holidays when there are fewer buyers.

Hope you find these tips useful in attracting that Buyer! For more ideas, please contact me – I’m happy to help!