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Six reasons to sell this fall!

Canada has 4 seasons. We embrace the change of the weather as we gently (or not so gently) move from hot summer weather into the crispness of fall. We pull on our favourite sweaters, cuddle on the couch with Pumpkin Spice Lattes and start to plan fall activities like kids hockey and ringette, Boy Scouts or Guides. All the stuff that Fall is made of….. BUT how many of us plan the Fall Home Selling season?

As a RemaxKEY and the REPsgroup Realtor, I have conversations with people all the time asking if Fall is a good time to list their home, and I say YES! Many buyers are out looking for homes now before the snow is here to stay, so a savvy seller takes advantage of this opportunity to sell your house quickly! 

Yes, selling in the Fall is a little different than in springtime or summer, but if you plan correctly it has its advantages! So, to inspire you to list your home this season, I have gathered my top 6 fall selling secrets! 

One: Clean up the yard, your whole yard! 

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Hello Spring!

The KEY to enjoying life is learning what you like to do in order to enhance your life. For me, most of my favourite activities occur in the Springtime; maybe you can find a new favourite activity too! 

As I sit here writing this, the birds are outside singing a happy tune – Spring is definitely in the air! This idea made me reflect on outdoor activities and how many of us will be venturing outside now; shaking off the dust from being indoors during winter and finally enjoying the fresh air. It’s a great opportunity to go for a walk or maybe a run! Soon, the bikes will be on the pathways as well.

The towns in our area have many beautiful neighbourhoods (we are very lucky!) and these neighbourhoods are all interconnected by a series of pathways that link our towns. Did you know that we have over 20km of pathways in Strathmore alone? 

And guess what else we have… AN APP! Smore Paths! It is very user friendly and gives you great details on 15 different pathways around town. Go to www.Smorepaths.ca or in the Apple App Store to find the app and definitely add it to your mobile devices for the upcoming seasons!

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Hello May!

This is a pretty exciting time of year as we can finally see summer around the corner! However, it’s important to prepare your home in advance so you can have more worry-free days relaxing in the sunshine! Here are some of my tips on how to prepare your home this spring.

1. Clean out your gutters.

2. Complete a roof check-up.

3. Inspect your sprinkler system.

4. Prep windows for A.C.

5. Wash your outdoor furniture.

6. Clean or repair your window screens.

7. Fix cracks in your walks, driveway and the outside of your home.

8. Repair any cracked or peeling paint.

9. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.

10. Prepare your lawn mower for summer.

How to focus on yourself this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is for everyone, right? Hmmm… Valentine’s Day is also  notoriously known to be tough for anyone without a significant other. That’s why people invented “Galentine’s” for you to celebrate with your girlfriends – Fun! However, not everyone wants a big holiday and fusses about presents. So how about you focus on yourself this year? These are some quick tips for practicing self-love this Valentine’s Day.

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Winter Activities in Strathmore!

This cold weather can make it feel like your family is cooped up indoors for the whole season! However, I had some ideas about some local activities this winter! I live in the Strathmore area, and it may surprise you to know we’ve got some fantastic outdoor activities right outside our door! 

Our terrific pathways are spread all throughout the town, and make it a lot easier to be safe and active! From walking to running to maybe even snowshoeing, follow a path and see where it takes you!

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Why are traditions important?

My answer? Because they feel comfortable like warm sweaters. Traditions just feel cozy and right. 

Traditions also help us keep great memories alive. Personally, I love pulling out my Christmas recipe book during the holidays. It always reminds me of Phil’s (my husband’s) mom who passed away a few years ago. This recipe book is full of some of her favourite treats to make at Christmas; I think of her every time I’m making “Marshmallow Marvys” and other family favourites.

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3 Ways To Manage Stress During The Holidays

While Christmas is known as “the season to be jolly,” it can be a massive source of stress, pressure, and conflict for many people. Some people can feel overwhelmed by the expectations and exchange and become depressed during the holidays. It is ironic that we set apart time for appreciating one another, yet so often end up feeling overwhelmed and under-appreciated. The last thing anyone needs this year is more stress! So, try these Christmas stress-busting strategies to alleviate the strain and help stress melt away.

  1. Set a budget! 

Running low on funds is a common stressor during the Holidays. First of all, make sure that all your usual expenses are accounted for so you do not fall short on bills like rent. Plan for any other spending over the holidays, including any parties you may be hosting or traveling to visit friends or family. Then, experts advise you to set a spending limit. Set a firm line that you will not cross. Something like a $20.00 per person budget for everyone on your gift list is a starting point. Thoughts count more than price tags this Christmas! Our family tradition consists of us drawing names, and shopping and buying for 1 person each!

2. Manage Expectations

Everyone has an idea in their heads of the perfect holiday, but when reality falls short of the vision, stress can ensue. Despite your grand plans, no event ever runs seamlessly, and this also rings true for holiday celebrations. Rather than accumulating stress along the way from any mishaps that might occur, consider these miniature calamities as an opportunity to exercise flexibility and resilience. Dinner being 30 minutes late, spilling food on your festive outfit, or having a lop-sided tree is not going to ruin your day. Alternatively, they’ll create fond memories that you can reflect on in years to come. Carrying the world on your shoulders and trying to achieve everything alone during the holidays can take its toll on your mind and body.

Get some help in accomplishing some of the tasks on your list and take some time out. Teaching our family to help us with large or small tasks actually encourages and develops their own skills to manage stress! Destressing can benefit you and the rest of your family. Focus on doing something that you find relaxing to recharge your batteries, like reading a book, watching a Christmas movie, listening to music, or going for a massage.

3. Get Organized

My following tip to decrease stress levels during the Holiday Season is to focus on getting organized. I’m not suggesting you go completely overboard and deep-clean your whole house, but simple things like setting a daily schedule, keeping your living space tidy, and donating gently used clothing.

The way I like to start my day is by making my bed. This way I have accomplished something and also focused on improving my environment. There is something fulfilling about improving the space around us. Our brains are wired to seek fulfillment by completing tasks.

There are so many ways to unwind, these are just three quick tips to support you this Holiday season. I hope these ideas spark others in you. Every individual is unique! Use your own truths to discover other creative ways to destress. Thinking about the process mindfully is therapeutic in and of itself.

How to be Productive this Winter!

When we think of winter, we may think of the holidays, no school, or a time to spend with your family. There are tons of appealing aspects to this chilly season; here in Canada, however, they are all overshadowed by the weather. Canada is famous for its long and cold winters, and Canadians are famous for dealing with them every year! Strathmore, Chestermere, and Calgary are in for cold winters, as we are every year! In the spirit of trying our best to deal with winter, I’m going to share some of my tips for winter productivity with you!

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