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        <title>Top Edmonton Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Top Producing Edmonton Realtor Wally Fakhreddine Blogs About Edmonton Real Estate and how to live a quality life in Edmonton Alberta</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/ritchie-southeast-edmonton-neighborhood-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/ritchie-southeast-edmonton-neighborhood-homes-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Ritchie, Southeast Edmonton Neighborhood</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Edmonton Real Estate Market Update:


 





The Ritchie neighborhood is located in Southeast Edmonton, bounded by Whyte Avenue on the north, 72nd Avenue on the south, and on the east by the Mill Creek Ravine. 


Single family detached houses in Ritchie account for 52 of all residential dwellings in the neighborhood. The remainder of residences are made up of low to medium rise apartments, row housing and semi-detached homes. The population of Ritchie is highly mobile with 40 of dwellings being rented. Approximately one out of every 4 residences were built in Ritchie prior to the end of World War II.


 


Real Estate prices have been on a steady climb in Ritchie, reaching an average price of $436,100 in 2014 for a single family detached house.This is the first time in many years that Ritchie is approaching Edmonton's average sale price, showing the strength of the market in the area. This average does not included duplexes and condominiums. The average sold price for a duplex in the neighborhood has reached $462,380, where as a condominium is averaging a sale price of $307,315. There have been a number of newly built duplexes in Ritchie, which have brought up the average price.





 


The residents of Ritchie have great access to downtown Edmonton and the Mill Creek portion of the river valley park . In addition to the ravine, Ritchie features a series of parks that run along the central spine of the neighborhood in conjunction with school sites. The eastern portion of Whyte Avenue runs the northern length of the neighborhood providing its residents with good access to the University of Alberta.  Ritchie provides ease of access to many recreational and commercial amenities, as well as the majority of residents are within walking distance to the Old Strathcona Farmers market.


For any additional information on Real Estate in Ritchie, or any neighboring community, Give me a call today. Hall of Fame Remax Realtor Wally Fakhreddine Sells More Homes



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    <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:08:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/this-is-how-multiple-listing-services-mlsr-work.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/this-is-how-multiple-listing-services-mlsr-work.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>This is how Multiple Listing Services (MLS®) work</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Finding a property can be a monumental task, especially in a hot real estate market where properties are selling within a day or two of being placed on the market. With so many realtors® and property brokers operating in specific areas, it can be extremely difficult to get an accurate look at all available properties in a timely manner. That is why Multiple Listing Service systems were created to help the real estate industry operate more efficiently.


What is an MLS® System?


A Multiple Listing Service, or MLS®, is a tool utilized by real estate brokers to obtain and disseminate information on properties to other real estate professionals. The main priority of these systems is to advertise the commission rate being offered by listing brokers on a particular property.


In addition, these systems are also intended to compile information about properties for sale by various brokers in one central location. As agents are contracted by homeowners to sell their house, they send the home information to the MLS®. This information includes address, square footage, year built, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, asking price, and more. There are hundreds of fields populated with information about a home, going far beyond what is offered on public real estate listing sites. MLS® systems allow brokers to view all of the properties posted by other members by geographical location, providing exactly what real estate professionals need to best address the needs of their clients.


What Are the Benefits of a Multiple Listing Service?


By compiling all of this crucial information in one central hub, realtors® can quickly and easily view the properties for sale in a specific area, along with the property details. They provide the most accurate information on listed properties, due to strictly enforced rules. While rules vary by the MLS® system, members are typically required to post new listings within 24 to 48 hours after signing the listing agreement. They must also maintain critical accuracy on listing details, or face fines and other reprisal. Even the number and quality of images are specified by the MLS® rules.


This makes MLS® systems much better than other well-known property search sites like Zillow and Trulia. These public access sites often lag behind the market or feature listings with inaccurate details and poor photos. That is why real estate professionals join an MLS, so they can have accurate and timely property details and easy access to listing agents.


How Does the MLS® System Work in North America?


It is important to note that MLS® systems work differently depending on their location. In North America, these services are controlled by private entities. That means there is no federal or provincial oversight in setting rules and regulations. These private entities establish their own requirements for membership, access, and information, and are governed only by individual provincial rules applying to real estate.


In Canada


More specifically, in Canada, the national MLS® is utilized by members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. These members work through the 101 real estate boards and 11 provincial/territorial associations throughout the country to gather information. The publicly accessible website—REALTOR.ca— is a culmination of this data and can be utilized by consumers.


In Edmonton


The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton is the local governing body for the Edmonton MLS System, and this website TopEdmontonRealEstate.com is set up to provide the latest property listings available in the Edmonton Region. Here, the property listings are pulled from the local MLS® System every 30 minutes to provide the most accurate and up to date search available We recommend starting your Edmonton MLS® search on our Edmonton community page where we list all of the communities in Edmonton, and diving in deeper from there to find your ideal neighbourhood and ultimately home 



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    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2020 13:29:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/7-tips-to-sell-your-home-fast.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/7-tips-to-sell-your-home-fast.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>7 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


Spring has sprung, and so have the 'for sale' signs in many Edmonton neighbourhoods. The following are tips for differentiating your listing to sell your home quickly, so you can move out and move on with plenty of time to enjoy the best of summer. 


 





Price it right. Typically your listing's first 30 days on the market will see the greatest level of activity. Pricing too high with a view to reducing it later is a waste of time for yourself and potential buyers. You run the risk of seeming unreasonable, inflexible, and potentially insulting to some buyers. A Realtor will research comparables in the neighbourhood and will have expert advice in terms of what's reasonable in the current market. A good Realtor is someone you can trust to work within your expectations and advise you on the best listing price that shows you are serious about selling and, as a result, will attract serious buyers. 


Good photos. Most buyers are doing their initial research online and this is where your listing really needs to shine from the start. Photos taken on your smart phone are not going to cut it. Consider investing in professional photos — a pro will know exactly how to capture the best angles of your home. Do some prep before picture day: declutter, clean, pick up clothes and toys, completely clear off countertops in all bathrooms and the kitchen, and remember little details like putting the toilet seat down — you'd be surprised how the little things can make a big difference Make that online first impression a good one. 


Make it easy to show. You don't want to miss out on any opportunity to have your house shown to a potential buyer and this means viewings almost any time, any day. Some sellers go on vacation or temporarily move out to accommodate maximum viewing opportunities. When you factor in how much work is involved in maintaining the cleanliness of your home, plus having to leave at a moment's notice, it actually makes a lot of sense. If you're selling a rental property, consider either vacating it first or paying your renters to keep it extra tidy. Remember, your renters are not going to be as motivated to keep the house immaculate, so offering some incentive will certainly help sweeten the deal while they are being inconvenienced by viewings. Also, if you have pets, think about boarding them during the day at pet daycare and remove all pet-related items like water and food dishes, litter boxes or dog beds. Even if there is no pet damage, some potential owners may view a pet-inhabited home as a negative. Lastly, if your home is empty, consider professional staging to help showcase maximum potential.


Sell the community and the lifestyle. You've heard it a million times: &quot;location, location, location.&quot; So make sure you're selling all the amazing features your neighbourhood has to offer. Consider putting together a fact sheet with great information about the community and make it available at open houses or viewings. Is it a family-friendly neighbourhood with lots of children and great schools? List all nearby amenities such as shopping centres, grocery stores, walking paths, ravine or river valley access, and nearby fitness / recreation centres. Point out community features like parks, spray decks, skating rinks, and any other amenities that would be attractive to potential buyers. 


Curb appeal. Once your home has passed the online inspection, potential buyers are likely going to do a drive-by assessment next. Overgrown hedges, dead trees, a cracked driveway, or a sad lawn will undo any excitement created by your amazing online listing and photos. When a potential buyer pulls up outside a home, he/she wants to be impressed right from the start. Addressing your curb appeal by maintaining the exterior and adding nice touches like flower planters and regular lawn care will go a long way to keeping excitement levels high and prompting potential buyers to request a viewing. 


Play up your home's top features. When describing your home, make sure you point out the unique, special characteristics that set it apart from the rest. Things like recent upgrades, architecture style and character, luxury finishes and details, appliance brands, and energy-saving features are all things that help attract the right buyer for your specific home. 


Hire a Realtor. If you're looking to sell your home quickly, there is truly no better investment than hiring an experienced Realtor. A good Realtor will offer recommendations and has access to the best resources to maximize the benefits of each of the previously mentioned tips. Experience and expertise play a critical part in making the right decisions that will prep your listing for quick success. 




As temperatures heat up, so does the real estate market. A little bit of work and some strategic planning will make yours a hot listing that's sure to disappear quicker than a popsicle in July 


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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2019 11:53:49 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>10 home maintenance tips for spring</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



In Edmonton there are a few classic signs that winter is drawing to a close: the snow is disappearing, the geese are returning, and a few brave souls (or is it soles?) are already sporting flip flops and shorts. As Edmontonians enthusiastically embrace the warmer temperatures and gear up for our short-but-sweet summer, it's a great time to go through a spring maintenance checklist and ensure you're keeping up with seasonal items that will keep your house in good working order all year long.


 


Make sure your spring maintenance involves the following: 




Check exterior walls. Walk around your house and examine walls looking for loose siding or cracks. Trouble spots tend to be under eaves and gutter downspouts. Water stains can be a sign that gutters are not effectively channeling roof runoff from rain or melting snow. 


Inspect the foundation. If you notice cracks in the foundation of your home, it's best to call in the professionals to inspect things and take action if need be. Doing your own caulking isn't advisable — a foundation specialist can use a two-part epoxy injection system to chemically bond cracks. 


Will your windows weather the storm? The days are getting longer and that means more glorious sunshine pouring through your windows all day long. Not only is this a great time to thoroughly clean windows inside and out so you have an unobstructed view, it's also a good opportunity to evaluate windows for leakage and ensure they are effectively keeping cool air inside and moisture outside. Did you have lots of condensation on your windows during the winter months? This is usually a sign that the weather seal is no longer intact and it may be time to consider resealing or replacing windows altogether.


Tune up the air conditioner. If you have central air, don't forget that it needs much of the same seasonal maintenance as your furnace. Change the filter, check hose connections, inspect the drain pans and prep it now so it's prepared to tackle the summer heat when you'll need it most.


Make the annual trek to the attic. Spring is an ideal time to venture up into the attic because it's no longer numbingly cold and it's not yet oppressively hot. Assessing the attic at least once a year for things like critters and mould is important —  minor, fixable issues can become major concerns if left unchecked.


Cover all the basement bases. If you have an unfinished basement, check the base of poured-concrete walls for cracks starting from the bottom up. This is where cracks start, and if there's water penetration, it will show at the bottom. And if there's exposed framing, examine it closely for signs of tunnelling or any other pest activity.


Prep for a luscious lawn. If need be, rake the grass to remove any debris you missed before the snow fell; leaving it can suffocate the grass underneath. Make sure all outdoor water sources such as faucets or sprinkler systems are functioning and start planning your garden or potted plants. It won't be long now before things are really blooming. 


All hands on deck. Scan your deck for any loose, cracked, or splintered boards and replace as necessary. Spring is a good opportunity for re-sealing or staining the finish — it's the last thing you want to be worrying about at the height of BBQ season. 


Speaking of BBQ... Get your grill in tip-top condition. We all know Edmontonians BBQ all year round, but chances are some regular cleaning and maintenance fell to the wayside when you were dashing in and out to BBQ in frigid temperatures. Check burners for obstructions and make sure flames are burning efficiently. 


Make a clean sweep. Last but not least, it wouldn't be spring if you didn't embark on some traditional spring cleaning. There really is something refreshing and invigorating about tackling the clutter and mess that built up over the winter months and starting the season with a clean slate. It's a great chance to go through possessions like clothes, books, toys, and furniture and get rid of stuff you simply don't need. There are many local charities that will even come to your home to pick up these items for you. 




Wise, &quot;seasoned&quot; Edmontonians know we haven't seen the last of the snow yet, but the end is near; summer is in sight and the BBQ'd burgers are so close, you can almost smell them from here. Start checking off the items on your spring maintenance checklist now, so that when the snow is gone for good, you are ready to enjoy every summery moment, brief as they may be.  


 



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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2019 11:53:48 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/rogers-place-live-close-to-the-action.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/rogers-place-live-close-to-the-action.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Rogers Place | Find real estate close to the action.</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Here at Top Edmonton Real Estate we are hopeful that the Edmonton Oilers will make it to the NHL Playoffs We know that as the Edmonton Ice District continues to develop, many of you are going to want to live close to the action in Downtown Edmonton TopEdmontonRealEstate.com is the closest you can get to a Realtor® MLS® Edmonton Search without a real estate license, so we created a special search that shows all of the current Edmonton Real Estate listings within a 10 minute walk of Rogers Place 


If you would like to book a viewing of any of the listings you find below, you can register here for free and we will get in touch with you, or you can click here to contact Re/Max Hall of Fame Realtor® Wally Fakhreddine directly. 





Search all Edmonton Real Estate Listings within a 10 Minute Walk of Rogers Place









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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2019 11:53:47 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/why-using-my-real-estate-services-makes-perfect-sence.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/why-using-my-real-estate-services-makes-perfect-sence.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Using A Experienced Full-Time Real Estate Agent is A Must</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Edmonton Real Estate Agents Are Not All Alike:


 Not all Real Estate Agents in Edmonton are EXPERIENCED Full-Time Professional aGENTS. Wally Fakhreddine is 110 dedicated to his clients. Offering you the best of the best when it comes to your Real Estate needs is Wally's garuantee: * Do not hesitate to call Wally after hours and weekends * Free Real Estate Consultations offering years of local Real Estate Exprience * No appiontment necessary.......just pick up the phone * Immediate results upon starting to work on whatever your Real Estate needs are * Home ownwersip is just a call away * Access to the best Real Estate Services in Canada * For premium Experience. * Experience truly does make a huge difference.


Whether you are buying or selling a home please feel free to contact Edmonton RE/MAX Hall of Fame Real Estate Agent Wally Fakhreddine anytime
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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:56:28 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/things-to-do-for-fathers-day-2015-in-edmonton.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/things-to-do-for-fathers-day-2015-in-edmonton.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Things to do for Father's Day 2015 in Edmonton</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Depending on the kind of guy he is, sometimes it isn't easy to express how much we love Dad. Father's Day is a chance to bypass the awkward hugs, cheesy cards and token pair of socks and do something awesome together. This year, Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015, so you have one week to make your final plans. Need help? Here's 7 great ideas to celebrate Father's Day in Edmonton.


1. Porkapalooza (June 19-21 at Borden Park). Nothing says I love you quite like bacon. The 2nd annual Porkapalooza BBQ Festival is sure to &quot;meat&quot; all of Dad's expectations. The event is free to the public and features entertainment, food demonstrations, beer gardens, a kids' zone, marketplace, as well as local food vendors offering up all sorts of BBQ'd delights. There are a couple special events that do require advance ticket purchase, such as the Friday night Bare Bones Ribfest (June 19 from 5-10pm), which features five food vendors, full bar service and live musical entertainment. Entry tickets are $10 each and it's $1 per food ticket. Looking for something specifically on Sunday? Then try the ATB Father's Day Brunch instead. It runs from 9:30-11:00 am and is catered by The Century Group. The menu features all the classics including egg scramblers, sausage and hash, as well as Irvings Farm Fresh bacon. Brunch tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. You had Dad at bacon...


2. Father's Day Show + Shine Car Show (June 21 from 10am to 3pm at Celebration Church). The Father's Day Show + Shine Car Show is a family-friendly event that gives Dad a chance to rev his engine and ogle some mechanical masterpieces. In addition to the car show, there is also a free BBQ, food trucks on site, kids activities and special events for dads (at 10 am and 12pm). Does Dad have a muscle car or antique he would like to show off? Pre-register by Tuesday, June 16th and you'll be entered for a chance to win $500 cash. 


3. Do It For Dads Walk Run (June 21 starting at 9:30am at Sir Wilfred Laurier Park). For the Dad who loves to start the day with a good sweat for a good cause, sign him up for the Do It For Dads Walk Run supporting Prostate Cancer Canada. You can choose from either a 1.6 km or 5 km walk/run and stay afterwards for live entertainment, refreshments and kids activities. Visit the website to register in advance or arrive at 8:00am on race day to register on site. 


4. Edmonton Prospects versus Swift Current Indians (June 21 at TELUS Field starting at 2:05pm). Take Dad out to the ball game and root, root, root for the home team There's nothing as nostalgically simple as a classic ball game on a Sunday afternoon, soaking up some sunshine while eating a ballpark hotdog with a cold beer. Tickets are available at the ticket windows one hour before start time or can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster, at any InfoLink location on the University of Alberta campus, or any local Safeway location. A family pack includes 2 adult and 2 kids tickets, a large popcorn and 4 pops for $55. Visit the website for more ticket pricing information. 


5. Father's Day at Bothy Southside. Does Dad welcome an opportunity to practise his Gaelic by trying to pronounce scotch names? Well, look no further than The Bothy where they have over 175 varieties of whisky. From Auchentoshan, to Bruichladdich and Laphroaig... Dad will be slurring his words before his first sip The Bothy Southside is featuring a Father's Day event with a 3-course meal and whisky flight for $50. Call 780-761-1761 for more information. 


6. Yellowhead Brewery Sunday Brunch (12:30-4pm). Beer at breakfast? Talk about bringing two great things together If you've never been to the Yellowhead Brewery before, then you are in for a real treat. Not only are they serving up excellent local beer, they also run daily tours that offer up some interesting history on beer making and highlight the brewery's commitment to keeping the craft in craft beer. Treat Dad to a brunch of all-you-can eat classics with $4 pints and $2 beermosas and then join the tour at 3:00pm. Brunch is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth, and kids under 8 eat for free. Call 780-423-3333 or email info@yellowheadbrewery.com for more information. 


7. Cabela's (various locations). Treat Dad to a Cabela's gift card and then drive over to the nearest location and watch as he whiles away the afternoon perusing the very latest in fishing, camping, auto and ATV equipment—among many others. They are currently promoting a Father's Day Sale. Choose from incredible products like a 40&quot; elite smoker, to a commercial-grade meat slicer, or even a camouflage recliner—seriously, this place has everything


 



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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:56:27 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-neighbourhood.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-neighbourhood.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Tips for Choosing the Perfect Neighbourhood</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Edmonton Real Estate Market:

 


When buying a home, there are plenty of different things to consider. Not least of which is choosing the best neighbourhood. Below are 6 key things to consider when you're selecting your dream neighbourhood. 


1. Age Appropriate? Certain neighbourhoods make sense for different stages in life. Also, it's reasonable to assume that you generally want to be around people in similar life stages, with similar goals and interests. It doesn't make sense for a retired couple, looking for a quiet sanctuary, to move to a brand new community with mainly starter homes and lots of young families and kids. While some neighbourhoods will certainly have a mixed demographic of people living in them, many will tend to appeal to specific people at a particular stage in life. When you drive by looking for parents with strollers and see nothing but grey-hairs with walkers? That might be a good sign that it's not quite the right fit. 


2. School Zone. For families with kids, proximity to good schools can be a real deal breaker. Is it important to you that the kids are able to walk to school? Or are you comfortable driving them or letting them take the bus? Do you need a school that has before- and after-school care? How do you know if a community has good schools or not? If you've ever wanted to know how a particular school ranks, you may be interested in the Fraser Institute's online comparative school ranking tool. Using this tool is like having access to a &quot;report card&quot; for each school and gives you information about their overall academic performance. Investing some time up front to researching a neighbourhood's schools can be an excellent longterm investment in your child's future. 


3. Safety First. Another aspect of a community's profile that tends to resonate strongly with home buyers is the relative safety or crime rate of a given area. The Edmonton Police Service have a great online tool that can help give some insight into whether or not a neighbourhood is suitable safety-wise. There's a Neighbourhood Crime Map that will give you a sense of the number and types of crimes that occur in a particular location.


4. Community Features. What kinds of things would you like to have available just beyond your backyard? A spraydeck? A community pool? A toboggan hill? Lawn bowling? When scoping a potential neighbourhood, it's good to make a list of all the added features it has and determine how many of them you will likely use. 


5. Proximity to the necessities. It's 9:30 PM and you've just realized you are out of milk and tomorrow morning will be a complete disaster if little Mikey can't have his cereal. Is there a grocery store nearby? What about a gas station for those days when you waited one day too long to fill up? And how about distance to a medical facility? Some communities that lack proximity to services might make up for it in tranquility and ambience, but there may be some things for which easy access will be of the utmost importance. 


6. What's Your Style? The person who loves being in the thick of the hustle and bustle with access to entertainment, restaurants, shopping and general excitement and energy is probably not going to live in the same place as the person whose idea of socializing is saying hi to his neighbour over the fence. Your community should be a reflection of the lifestyle you covet and provide access to the amenities that serve your lifestyle best. 


Taking time to determine what you need from a neighbourhood will start your home search off on the right foot. 


 





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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:56:23 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-selling-your-home-edmonton-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/tips-for-selling-your-home-edmonton-homes-for-sale.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Tips For Selling Your Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Home Selling Advise:


Here a the biggest mistakes Home Sellers Make When Listing Their Home For Sale:




Not hiring a professional Real Estate Agent to sell your home


Not completing repairs prior to listing your home for sale


Not removing clutter &amp; junk prior to your home hitting the market


Selling a empty home that is not staged properly.


WRONG PRICE


Letting your emotions get in the way when negotiating an offer


Not knowing your target Market




Selling your home is a complex and serious task, do not take it lightly.
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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2019 06:56:22 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/pre-vacation-household-checklist.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.topedmontonrealestate.com/blog/pre-vacation-household-checklist.html</link>
        <author>wally@topedmontonrealestate.com (Wally Fakhreddine)</author>
        <title>Pre-Vacation Household Checklist</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The last few days and hours leading up to your departure on holidays are often hectic: packing, gathering important travel documents, weighing suitcases, repacking…  While you’ve probably never arrived at the airport without one of your offspring à la Home Alone, there are usually a few things that don’t quite make the to-do list before you walk out the door. Instead of wondering if you closed the bedroom window or worrying that a power surge will short the archaic freezer full of Aunt Patty’s chilli in the basement, add these helpful tips to your pre-vacation checklist and breathe a little easier on your hard-earned vacation.




Get with the program. While it is nice to capitalize on some energy savings, don’t completely shut off the furnace or cooling system while you are gone. It’s a good idea to keep air moving throughout the house and keep it warm enough that the plants don’t die and the pipes don’t freeze, and cool enough that mold and mildew don’t have a chance to proliferate. If you have a programmable thermostat it takes the guesswork out of the equation— you can set it and forget it.


Park it outside. Consider parking a vehicle on the driveway in front of the garage. Not only does this give the impression that someone may be home, it also blocks easy access in and out of the garage itself. It’s also a great idea to unplug the electric garage door opener so that the door cannot be opened. If you are parking a car outside, remove all contents including, of course, any remote garage openers.


Clear gutters and downspouts. Summer storms can result in devastating downpours and a blocked gutter or drain can turn a soggy situation into a major flood. Making sure things are flowing smoothly before leaving your home vulnerable to Mother Nature’s fury will save you heartache and money in the long run.


Unplug small appliances. Pulling the plug on small appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, charging stations, or music players can help protect them from damage in the event of a power surge. In addition, it can help reduce unnecessary power consumption while you are away.


Turn off the water. If you don’t feel comfortable shutting off your home’s main water supply, then consider shutting off at least the water supply to both the dishwasher and the washing machine. Also remember to shut off in-fridge icemakers. This is particularly important if you are planning to shut off the main water valve, as the icemaker pump and motor will burn out without access to water.


Sound the alarm. If you have a home alarm, make sure you use it. Modern systems now have mobile monitoring so you can be alerted on your smart phone if anything happens while you’re away. Some systems will even allow you to monitor video surveillance remotely. Make note of your secondary contacts (those people the alarm company will contact if they cannot reach you) and make sure they know you will be away. Also ensure anyone checking on your home has an access code and a password in case they accidentally set off the alarm.


Garbage day delay. If possible, arrange for someone to set your garbage out the night before collection day. Leaving your trash at the curb several days before garbage day can be a major clue that you are not home. Don’t make it easy for potential perps to target your home. 




Vacations are meant to be relaxing and invigorating. The last thing you want is to come home from a wonderful holiday to a big mess from a flood or break in. Start organizing early to make sure your transition from vacay to day-to-day is as smooth as possible. 


 



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