Edmonton Fall 2021

REALHOMEADVICE
1

2 REALHOMEADVICE

REALHOMEADVICE
3

Published Since 2012
Real Home Advice
We at Real Home Advice welcome your comments, suggestions
and opinions. There are several ways to reach us and we assure
you, we will respond in prompt fashion.
About The Publication
When requiring services, whether it be realtors, builders, contractors,
or more, we ask that you remember the business featured
in this publication are the best in the industry.
Reproduction or transmission of this publication is strictly forbidden
without the prior written consent of Home Advice Ltd.
Although great detail and attention is taken to avoid ad copy or
editorial errors, any errors or omissions on the publisher’s part
are limited and dealt with solely by printing a letter of retraction
and in the following editions.
780.406.6441
adcopy@realhomeadvice.ca
All rights reserved by Real Home Advice.
PUBLISHER - ED AMMAR
The
Fireplace
Guy
OUR SERVICES:
Gas Fireplaces
Wood Fireplaces
Fireplace Mantels
Fireplace Surroundings
Wood Stoves
Competitive prices
780.974.7689
Edmonton, AB
Residential Or Commercial Electrical Services
Jesse Martin
Director
780.691.4512
Jesse@emerte.ca
4 REALHOMEADVICE

MISTAKES YOU WANT
TO AVOID WHEN
BUILDING A HOUSE
There are countless benefits to building a custom
home, most notably that you get to control all of the
details. However, if you are inexperienced in this area,
you may fall into a number of common mistakes. When
building a house, watch out for these common pitfalls
in the planning process to give yourself the best
chance of being completely satisfied with the results.
Call us today for a free estimate.
your house clutter-free, but it is possible to go overboard
when building a house. Keep in mind that the
more closet and storage space you include, the less
living space you will have left over. Think carefully
about your priorities to determine whether a huge
walk-in closet is more important to you than having
a spacious, comfortable bedroom. Aim for a balance
between the two.
Underestimating the Costs Involved
Wasting Unused Rooms
This is one of the most common mistakes people make
when building a house. Many people begin a custom
home project with lofty goals and premium fixtures
in mind, only to discover that seemingly small costs
can seriously add up over the course of the project. Be
realistic with yourself about what you truly need and
what you can only add if there is room left in your budget.
Don’t forget to include a cushion in your budget to
allow for last-minute changes to your plans.
As you make your plans for building a house, it can
be tempting to create rooms for everything you might
want to do in the future. For example, a large guest
suite might be a great idea if you have loved ones stay
overnight frequently, but if you only host guests a few
times a year, that room will go unused most of the
time. The space might be better put to use as a home
office or gym. Think about how you will actually use
the rooms and try to make them do double-duty when
possible to maximize usage.
Inconvenient Kitchen Placement
Your kitchen will undoubtedly be one of the most-used
rooms in your home, so you’ll want it to be centrally
located for easy access. It is also a good idea to place
your kitchen near your main entry point, whether that
is the front door or the garage. This will make your life
much easier when bringing in groceries and taking out
the garbage. Make sure your kitchen is close to the dining
room and main living area as well, especially if you
like to entertain.
Neglecting Privacy in the Master Bedroom
To ensure you are able to get the best possible sleep,
you’ll want to arrange your master bedroom in a quiet
area of the house. This means placing it away from
the main living area. You don’t want to be sharing a
wall with others who are awake when you are trying to
sleep. Don’t place your master bedroom over the garage
either, as others coming and going at early or late
hours could cause disruption.
Get Expert Help with Building a House
To help you avoid these common pitfalls, it helps to
work with an experienced design team who can help
you fine-tune your ideas for building a house. We are
here to help you get the most out of your custom home.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
MERIDIANBUILDERS.CA
780.451.4459
Too Much Storage Space
REALHOMEADVICE
5

BUSINESS INSURANCE
6. See if your neighbourhood has changed
If local businesses change direction or close up shop,
your business might be exposed to more risk. Be sure
to let your insurer know.
7. Update your service area
10 steps to reviewing your business insurance
Anything from a crisis, recession or difficult weather
conditions can result in changes to your business.
If your organization now does business or online sales
outside your province or even outside Canada, it might
be a good idea to enhance your business insurance
coverages to reflect the change.
8. Document all the changes to your building
If you want to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event
of a claim, your business insurance coverages should
reflect your current situation.
After any business changes, we recommend you make
sure you still have the right coverage. Here are 10 steps
to help you do that.
Doing renovations to the building where your business
is located, whether by expanding or improving
the facilities, could affect its reconstruction value.
Document the changes and send them to your insurer
to keep your file up to date and have your amount of
coverage re-evaluated.
9. Update your list of security systems
1. Review your business activities
If you’ve added new products or services, like online
sales, you might need extra coverage. Notify your insurer
of any changes that affect your operations.
2. Assess the value of your business assets
Have you acquired any new business assets to support
your operations? Calculate the value of furniture, telephone
or computer systems, tools and other equipment
related to your business sector, and check if you still
have enough business insurance coverages.
3. Take a look at your inventory
Launching a new product can increase your inventory.
Do you still have enough coverages? Your business
insurance should reflect your situation.
4. Review your service offer
Some specialized fields involve higher risks. When
hiring employees to perform new tasks, you may want
to add business insurance coverages or increase the
amount of your existing coverages.
There are many ways to prevent your place of business
from being broken into. You may have installed
an alarm system or surveillance cameras to protect
your business when it’s vacant. Don’t forget to tell your
insurer.
10. Talk to your agent
Are you buying a vehicle so you can offer a new service?
Are you offering a new service with one of your
existing vehicles? You might have to update your business
insurance policy.
Your insurance agent can advise you on what steps
to take after a change so you can make sure you have
the right coverages and avoid a lot of problems in the
event of a claim! Don’t wait until it’s time to renew
your business insurance to let your insurer know you’re
doing renovations to your building, buying new assets
or expanding your operations, for example.
If you have any questions about your insurance coverages,
contact Desjardins Insurance. Our Desjardins
Agents are available and ready to help.
Shelley Orvold
780.473.6353
5. Update your business income
Did you land a new contract, change your service offer
or hire new employees? Your revenue will probably
increase, too. Be sure to tell your insurer!
6 REALHOMEADVICE

SINKS & FAUCETS IN EDMONTON
As part of our start-to-finish service, we offer a full
range of sinks and faucets at competitive prices. This
allows you to work with our staff in our showroom to
choose the sinks and faucets that will work best with
your countertops.
Faucets Available at PF Custom Countertops
GROHE Faucets
Known for quality and reliability, Kindred sinks come
in options to suit any style, budget, and use. Choose
from stainless steel, granite, or even copper in a broad
range of configurations.
FRANKE
Franke offers a large variety of sinks in your choice of
ceramic, glass, or stainless steel finishes. Apron-front,
drop-in, and undermount are all available.
GROHE award-winning faucets are designed from fine
materials and offer the latest technologies. Options include
lever handles on the faucet body for tight spaces,
pull-out faucets to make rinsing easier, and varying
spout heights. Designed to last a lifetime, GROHE faucets
are subject to high quality standards.
DELTA® Faucets
Delta faucets are available in a wide variety of styles
and finishes. Choose the number of handles, the style
of finish, whether you’d like Touch₂O® technology and
more.
Sinks Available at PF Custom Countertops
KINDRED
BLANCO
BLANCO has been producing high quality kitchen
technology since 1925. Today, BLANCO faucets, kitchen
sinks and compost systems represent quality, functionality,
aesthetics and professionalism of the very
highest in over 100 countries all over the world.
KOHLER
Kohler offers a wide variety of sinks designed by various
artists. We provide the latest range of sleek and
slim products that enhance your curb appeal. Talk to
us today to learn more about Kohler sinks.
PF Custom Countertops
10417 – 174 ST NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1H1
REALHOMEADVICE
7

NOW BOOKING FOR THE 2022 RENO & HOME AND GARDEN SHOW ADDITIONS!
Basement Renovaaon
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Laundry Rooms
Storage
Decks
Pergolas
Construccon is about
transforming a dream
into reality
L i c e n s e d - W C B I n s u r e d - B o n d e d
W o r k m a n s h i p W a r r a n t y - R e f e r e n c e s
780.487.8707 | Gerry@plaanumltd.ca | Plaanumltd.ca
8 REALHOMEADVICE

COVID BUSINESS RECOVERY
What to Do When Payments Stop: 5 Urgent Steps
So What to do?
Collecting debt has always been one of the most uncomfortable
and delicate tasks in business.
In a time of crisis, it becomes infinitely more challenging.
Previously reliable customers no longer pay on time—
if at all. Even the best ones have stopped taking your
calls and their voicemail is uncharacteristically full.
When they DO answer, it isn’t good. Apologies, but
they can’t pay for an indeterminate period because of
COVID-19.
It’s not just you. Virtually all business models, both
B2B and consumer-facing, healthcare providers and
landlords, are in a similarly precarious situation.
There are 5 important steps every business owner
needs to take in order to minimize risk and be as proactive
as possible.
Assess the current situation. Take a look at your accounts
receivable and flag everything past due. Contact
all account-holders and make them aware that for
your business’ continuity you must be firm about due
dates. They should respect this need and do the same.
Alert past-due accounts that collection action is imminent—give
a specific date.
Take immediate action. Send all non-responsive accounts
and any that are more than 60 days past due to
MetCredit (as we remind our clients, 60 is the new 90
in the critical post-COVID-19 era). Our professional
debt collection agents will treat your customers with
respect, and establish a high payment priority for future
dealings.
The customer in many cases has an impeccable history,
making this an entirely new kind of problem. Good
business is hard-won, cost of sales is premium and
customer relationships are precious. Most importantly,
your brand reputation is priceless.
But here you are. Even the best customers are holding
out, and you have growing obligations of your own.
It’s painful and a source of tremendous stress.
Here’s the kicker: the worst is yet to come.
The forced shutdown has only just begun to take its
toll on businesses and consumers. Many are sitting on
a shrinking cash stockpile, waiting for a turnaround
that isn’t coming soon enough. If they owe you money,
they are spending it on other things—until it the last of
it runs out.
And despite the rosy flourishes being painted by some
politicians, the crisis is worsening. The subsidies,
stimulus packages and deferrals must soon end. Buying
habits and patterns have been massively disrupted, in
a lot of cases permanently.
If your business is already struggling to collect money
owed to it, it doesn’t take a master economist to envision
what’s in store. And the real economists concur it
will be very bad, for longer than many businesses can
withstand.
Fortify business processes. The way people paid you
in the past is probably not reliable enough for the new
normal. Risk reduction should be top priority: sales are
a dangerous liability when you can’t collect. Insist on
full payment or substantial deposits—and make your
credit application mandatory whenever you grant credit
(which is anytime you are not paid in full upfront.)
Be sure buyers understand when payment is due and
acknowledge their commitment to you.
Make it easy to pay—safely. We recommend Interac
eTransfer or debit payments because funds are immediate,
fees are low and there is little risk of chargebacks.
If you offer financing for larger amounts, partner
with a leasing or finance company that is equipped
to manage the risks.
Embrace the new normal. If you have been patiently
waiting for old buying habits to resume, don’t! Some
business models, such as airline travel, retail sales
and buffet restaurants will surely never be the same.
Instead of praying for the good old ways to come back,
find ways to help customers with their new needs. And
while you do it, protect your own business’ future.
This is a hard reset, not a speed bump. It is an opportunity
to become better, more efficient, and eventually
more profitable than ever.
Brian Summerfelt
President & CEO of MetCredit
1.888.797.7727
REALHOMEADVICE
9

PET SMART
Our pets are the loves of our lives. They are like our children.
We care for them and they give us unconditional love no matter
what.
According to FengShui – having pets – whether cats or dogs, fish
or gerbils, is good energy. And when pets are thriving and happy
– you have a happy and prosperous household. Having pets is a
responsibility; and care, consideration and commitment need to
go into their upkeep in your home. That has to be something that
is agreed upon right at the get-go. Having unkempt pet areas and
unhappy pets are considered inauspicious.
How do you get to be pet smart? Consider where to place your
cat’s litter box or the dog’s bed; think about whether the gerbil’s
cage is practical to have in your child’s room; or ask who is going
to consistently and frequently clean the fish tank. Do you need
removable, washable covers for the couches?
Would it be a wise investment to have a good quality air purifier
to deal with hair dander, smells and attendant issues around
having pets in the house?
Who is going to invest time in training your dog/s to be obedient
and listen to commands – especially when family and friends visit?
Having pets that rule households is also not a healthy emo-
10 REALHOMEADVICE

CHECK OUT THESE EDITORIALS, AND PLENTY MORE ONLINE.
Pet stores have a variety of wonderful beds. Larger
more expensive items like attractively built wood dog
crates that look like end tables or wicker boxes might
be found online. Choose one or several comfortable
cloth beds that will co-ordinate well with your décor.
Place them in rooms where your family spends the
most time so your pets are happy to be wherever you
are.
Pet beds are best placed in a safe spot – out of a heavily
trafficked area and preferably in a corner or with
the wall behind them so they have a good view of the
room. It is important to discourage pets from jumping
onto the sofa and sleeping on your beds. It sets up
a precedent that creates a domination scenario with
your pet. That’s vital to avoid if you want to maintain
healthy relationships with family members.
For your cats, you could also plan to make or purchase
units that house litter boxes and can be placed
in more public areas like your bathroom if you don’t
have a large enough laundry room. Unique furniture
designs housing litter boxes might be more expensive,
but the trade-off is that your home stays neat, clean
and organized. Eco-friendly litter is also a must. Find
a practical spot for your cat tower so it’s not in the way
Remember to use natural cleaners around the dog’s
bed, the litter box. When the weather is warm, you can
periodically shake out the bed and let it breathe outdoors
for a couple of hours while your house is being
cleaned. If you need removable sofa covers, these can
easily be washed and replaced so your furniture smells
fresh, stays clean and ensures longer furniture life. For
new puppies, a sour apple solution sprayed onto furniture
legs will stop them from chewing. Always have
their toys neatly stored away in their own special toy
box. When you are out, a good way to soothe and calm
pets is to have light and relaxing music playing. This
way, you do not have to fret coming home to a possible
disaster.
It pays to be pet smart. You get to enjoy the unconditional
love of your pets that depend upon you for
nurturing, security and attention. Finding the right
balance so your house does not fall into disarray and
stays in the flow of harmony and good energy takes
time, consideration and careful attention.
Real Home Advice
Platinum Edge Lawn Care
Great soil amendment
Neutralize dog urine stains
100% organic and from Alberta
Helps with droughts
30% more yield in gardens and agriculture
Binds heavy toxins and metals
Our product will help your plants have deeper roots, break down clay, and aid your grass against droughts
Facebook.com/platinumedgelawncare/
780.660.6842
REALHOMEADVICE
11

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT EXTERIOR SIDING
FOR YOUR EDMONTON HOME
As you research exterior siding for your home, you will notice there
are a number of different products available for your Edmonton
Home. Making sure that you have the right siding for your home’s
needs is integral. Not only can you upgrade the curb appeal, but
you can make sure your home is protected against the harshest
winters that the Edmonton area has to offer. So, what should you
consider when looking for the right exterior siding for your home?
Energy Efficient
A sidings energy efficiency ratings is based on its R-value. The
R-value will differ from building material to building material.
Vinyl exterior siding is designed to be affordable, easy to install,
and energy efficient. Wood siding is one of the higher rated energy
efficient home sidings, It is not the most cost-effective and it does
require ongoing maintenance, but it does have one of the best
R-values.
retain any heat. Although, this home is the most durable and can be
the most energy efficient, it does not carry one of the higher price
tags. Vinyl siding is also one of the more durable siding choices and
can last for years and years with proper maintenance and care.
Versatility
Most exterior siding is versatile for your home’s needs. Both wood
and vinyl siding can be painted to suit your aesthetic desires. Metal
siding’s versatility comes from its ability to keep your home safe
form the elements, termites, and maintains its finish.
Whichever exterior siding you choose for your home, there will be
pros and cons to any building material. The outside of your home
is just as important as the inside of your home, so knowing your
options is an integral part of choosing the right siding. Understanding
the different benefits of each type of siding is the right step in
determining how to pick the perfect siding to suit your needs.
Durability
Metal siding is by far your most durable, weather resistant exterior
siding. This type of siding also helps to keep your home cool in the
summer months, as it deflects the sun’s heat and does not
12 REALHOMEADVICE

REALHOMEADVICE
13

PROTECT YOUR HOUSE FROM EMF
14 REALHOMEADVICE

The Invisible Force and Energy In Our Homes
Electromagnetic radiation is an invisible force in our homes and
properties, which comes from natural Geopathic stress zones.
Vortexes of radiation, dangerous hot spots, and also man-made
stressors like electronics, computers and cell phones to name a
few.
The electromagnetic frequencies or EMFs create stress in the
body and are a common factor in most serious long-term illnesses
& psychological factors.
The earth has a natural vibration which when distorted by weak
electromagnetic fields created by subterranean running water,
certain mineral concentrations.
Do your research for companies who can test your homes and for
remedies to eliminate, reduce or transform harmful EMFs in your
home. You will experience:
Better quality sleep maximizing nutrient uptake and cellular
detoxification
Optimized cellular energy levels & instant improved immune
function
Mental clarity, protection & prevention of feeling ill
Less stress, positive energy, relaxation, feeling more grounded,
alert & fully re-charged.
Fault lines and underground cavities become harmful to living
organisms. Geopathic stress disrupts our natural vibrations interfering
with the body’s ability to repair cells and combat disease.
Real Home Advice
The most common indications of Geopathic stress in humans are:
resistance to medical treatment, feeling run down, exhausted,
depressed, nervousness, irritability, loss of appetite, food allergies,
headaches, sensitivity to electronics & depletion of vitamins &
minerals.
Physical indicators of Geopathic stress on your property are dead
or stunted gaps in hedges & avenues of trees, non-productive fruit
trees, bare patches in lawns, moss & fungi, an infestation of slugs,
snails, insects, parasites, bacteria, viruses, ants, termite nests,
wasp nests and bees.
NOW BOOKING FOR THE
2022 RENO & HOME
AND GARDEN SHOW
ADDITIONS!
REALHOMEADVICE
15

16 REALHOMEADVICE
Come visit us at our brand new showroom
at 2828 Ellwood Drive SW,
Edmonton, Alberta

Stop by our showroom and Clearance Center located at
2828 Ellwood Drive SW, Edmonton, Alberta
780.457.DOOR (3667)
Support of Mustard Seed, Hope Mission,
Moms Canada, Little Warriors,
Edmonton Minor Soccer Association
and other local charities.
REALHOMEADVICE
17

Discover Edmonton’s Best Kept Secret!
Do you love saving money on quality items? Great! You’ve just stumbled
onto one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets – the Habitat for Humanity
ReStore! With four locations in the Edmonton area, you are not far
from finding that one-of-a-kind product you’re looking for.
Once you visit a ReStore, you won’t be able to keep this secret to
yourself! There are plenty of savings to be had by all at ReStore.
ReStore is a social enterprise that came to life in Winnipeg,
Manitoba. What started as a novel concept in the 1990s has now
blossomed into a major funding base for Habitat for Humanity.
ReStore accepts donations of new and gently-used building materials,
furniture, appliances, and more, and resells these products to the
general public. The high quality, value-priced products attract a multitude
of shoppers who peruse the shelves to find a hidden gem. All proceeds
go towards helping families gain access to affordable home ownership
through Habitat for Humanity.
SHOP
At ReStore, every visit is a new adventure. You never know what unique product will be waiting for you!
Each of our ReStores is a bit different from each other in layout and product, but one thing that is not
different is the stellar customer service and great prices.
DONATE
Every donation from a home or business can be dropped off directly
at one of our locations or picked up from your doorstep by our
ReStore Donation Truck. All you need to do is visit us at
HFH.org/restore or call us at (780) 477-4057. Your donation of
product to ReStore is also eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
VOLUNTEER
If you like to meet new people, help customers find products,
and help a life-changing charity, then you’ll enjoy volunteering
at a Habitat ReStore. There are plenty of opportunities, and our
friendly staff would love to have you join us for a day or longer.
When you visit the Habitat ReStore, we know that you’ll find quality
items that are charitably priced, and you’ll be in the know on one of Edmonton’s
best kept secrets!
Be sure to visit us Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm!
Donate: HFH.org/restore
(780) 477-4057
restoreYEG
restoreGP
18 REALHOMEADVICE

The treasures you’ll find
Appliances
HVAC
Windows
Cabinets, Cabinet Sets,
and Countertops
Lawn & Garden
Unique and Specialty Items
Doors
Fasteners & Hardware
Flooring
Furniture
Home Goods
Lighting & Electrical
Lumber &
Building Materials
Plumbing
Roofing
Tools & Equipment
STORE LOCATIONS
8210 Yellowhead Trail NW
16811 106 Avenue NW
4004 99 Street NW
7 Streambank Avenue (Sherwood Park)
10431A 96 Avenue (Grande Prairie)
Hours: Mon - Sat, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
BENEFITS OF RESTORE
Funds affordable home ownership
Charitable tax receipts available
Diverts items from landfills
Provides employment
ENJOY 20% OFF!
Valid only at Habitat Edmonton ReStores. No cash value. Cannot be
used on Gift Cards or previously purchased items. One time use; must
be surrendered at time of purchase. One coupon per transaction, per
customer. Coupon code RHA20. Expires Dec 31, 2021. Redeemable at
all Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Grande Prairie ReStores.
REALHOMEADVICE
19

20 REALHOMEADVICE

REALHOMEADVICE
21

SEE THE WORLD
See the world, but first see this

into giving all their money by not choosing ground
transportation wisely.
Visiting many countries around you is a great thing to
do and strongly encouraged. However, you want to do
so safely. Using these travel security tips, everyone can
stay safe and have a great time!
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi
They don’t just come from environmental threats, rather,
some of the biggest problems are invisible to the
human eye.
When preparing for a trip, travelers need to make sure
their planning lists include personal wellness items
and good safety habits. Here are five easy healthy travel
tips everyone can follow.
Hackers can get easy access to your devices if you log
onto a public WI-FI. Always use a private VPN or wait
to your devices until you are on a private network
Plan your stay and update friends and family
Have an itinerary set out and make sure to share it
with an emergency contact. Leave this contact’s name
in all your items. Should something happen to you
while abroad, you want to make sure they’re notified as
soon as possible.
1. Always opt for Bottled Water
2. Utilize Hand Sanitizer at all Turns
3. Use a Bug Repellent With DEET or Icaridin
4. Use Sunscreen While Outdoors
5. Get Plenty of Rest Between Adventures
Prep a pet-friendly travel kit
Bring food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags,
grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any
travel documents. Pack a favorite toy or pillow to give
your pet a sense of familiarity.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and avoid feeding your
pet in a moving vehicle.
Scan your passport and other identifying items
This is one of the biggest vacation safety tips. Instead
of waiting around for a couple of months to get a new
passport or other documents, using scanned copies
can also provide you with a way to have the proper ID
while out and about. Keeping scanned copies in cloud
storage is a great way to have access to them, no matter
where you are.
They don’t just come from environmental threats, rather,
some of the biggest problems are invisible to the
human eye.
When preparing for a trip, travelers need to make sure
their planning lists include personal wellness items
and good safety habits. Here are five easy healthy travel
tips everyone can follow.
Separate your cash and cards
It’s important to stay safe with travel safety tips no
matter where you are heading around the world. Not
only is exploring a new area intimidating, but it can
also mean that you’re not used to your surroundings.
Whether you’re on a trip to work as a volunteer or you
are a student or even if you are just taking an extended
vacation, being smart about where you go and who you
trust while traveling, you can have an all-around good
time.
Instead of keeping everything in one area, place some
cash in your suitcase, in your wallet and in another
safe place. Additionally, spread your cards around
evenly to the same areas. This ensures that you always
have your cash on hand, no matter what happens.
Healthy Travel
1. Always opt for Bottled Water
2. Utilize Hand Sanitizer at all Turns
3. Use a Bug Repellent With DEET or Icaridin
4. Use Sunscreen While Outdoors
5. Get Plenty of Rest Between Adventures
Mariela Robleto
(780) 465 - 5150
When visiting new destinations around the world, travelers
are often exposed to many hazards.
REALHOMEADVICE
23

24 REALHOMEADVICE

REALHOMEADVICE
25

TIMING IS EVERYTHING
When spring rolls around real estate listing signs start popping
up like mushrooms. Suddenly the property market comes alive
and REALTORS® jump to a more hectic pace focused on their
buyers and sellers. The weather is warming and spring gardens
are colourfully flourishing. There is an excitement in the air –
inspiration enough to get out and about and see what properties
have come on to the market that might suit your families’ wish
list. A number of variants will determine timing and your decision
to either list your property or look to purchase one.
Most young families will choose to list or purchase in the spring
to be assured their school age going children are settled into new
neighbourhoods mostly before the summer, and before the new
school year in early September. Business executives or military
personnel might be relocated for the same reason. Listing in the
summer or winter might limit your exposure to the greater buying
market when families have their attention towards other realms
of life. And whether you are a seller or buyer, you might prefer
to move your family in the season of the year that supports the
physical moving process. Spring might just make good sense.
The truth is – after the excitement of spring with summer typically
a “time-off” period for family and other projects – fall is the
next best season to list or purchase a home. Remember that the
spring rush of numerous listings in your neighbourhood will create
more competition for your property. There are two possible
outcomes affecting buyers and sellers accordingly; spring buyers
will compete for the best houses that come on to the market –
keeping prices at a premium, or an overflow of inventory allows
buyers to take time and enjoy the range of choice. For this reason
you could consider your options carefully before deciding on
ᰠ 夀 漀 甀 爀 嘀 愀 挀 甀 甀 洀 䤀 猀
伀 渀 氀 礀 䄀 猀 䜀 漀 漀 搀 䄀 猀
吀 栀 攀 䤀 渀 猀 琀 愀 氀 氀 愀 琀 椀 漀 渀 ᴠ
圀 攀 䤀 渀 猀 琀 愀 氀 氀 愀 氀 氀 戀 爀 愀 渀 搀 猀 漀 昀
䌀 䔀 一 吀 刀 䄀 䰀 嘀 䄀 䌀 唀 唀 䴀 匀
匀 瀀 攀 挀 椀 愀 氀 椀 稀 椀 渀 最 䤀 渀 一 攀 眀 䌀 漀 渀 猀 琀 爀 甀 挀 琀 椀 漀 渀 Ⰰ
刀 攀 琀 爀 漀 ǻ 琀 猀 Ⰰ 嘀 愀 挀 瀀 愀 渀 猀 愀 渀 搀 匀 愀 氀 攀 猀
眀 眀 眀 ⸀ 挀 攀 渀 琀 爀 愀 氀 瘀 愀 挀 椀 渀 猀 琀 愀 氀 氀 攀 爀 ⸀ 挀 漀 洀
䈀 甀 椀 氀 琀 ⴀ 椀 渀
嘀 愀 挀 甀 甀 洀 䤀 渀 猀 琀 愀 氀 氀 攀 爀 䰀 琀 搀
䘀 刀 䔀 䔀 儀 唀 伀 吀 䔀 ⴀ 䌀 䄀 䰀 䰀 吀 伀 䐀 䄀 夀
㜀 㠀 ⸀ 㠀 㠀 㜀 ⸀ アパート 㘀
26 REALHOMEADVICE

any family considerations.
Is the inventory of homes at a premium or a low?
Your REALTOR® will also point to the fact that perhaps
the size and price point of your home may not be an
issue regarding timing and attracting the right buyer.
REALTORS® may discuss with you the preparation details
of listing your home, their selling strategies, and
the ease of capturing eager buyers if you are thinking
of selling at the most opportune time. Expensive
homes call for different considerations; as do holiday
homes. Sellers will be looking for that one right buyer
who will afford their home. That one buyer might be
looking regardless of the season. And first time buyers
could potentially be on the look out for a small home
and may not have any time constraints. Condos and
townhomes may have their own considerations in the
current marketplace.
Realistically there might be times when you have no
choice to make the change, nor the time or season for
your listing or your purchase.
Focus on the current market and property trends is
important:
Who does the real estate market currently favour – buyers
or sellers?
What is the short and/or long-term forecast for the
market?
How much competition is there on your street?
Which bracket does your home fall in to?
Which demographic will be interested in your home?
Are your families’ needs governed by certain priorities?
Is there a rebate for first time buyers? Is there an expiry
date?
Is the season you move a consideration?
What does your REALTOR® suggest?
Will buying or selling in the fall season maximize the
potential for your wish list? Discuss all your primary
considerations, concerns, needs and requirements
with your REALTOR®. They will bring you up to speed
with what is happening in the market and how that
will impact the sale of your home, and/or your next
home purchase. The real estate market fluctuates and
changes from year to year. There are no hard and fast
rules. Make sure you proceed by planning strategically
and accordingly to get the most out of your real estate
experience.
What are comparable homes selling for in your neighbourhood
or the neighbourhood you are looking to buy
in?
REALHOMEADVICE
27

POWER WASHING CONSIDERATIONS
28 REALHOMEADVICE

Thinking about power washing your deck, or roof in the coming
weeks? With water – freshwater – being a concern these days, it
would be prudent to consider the following facts prior to engaging
in power washing around your home.
Firstly, consider whether there is an alternative method to reduce
the amount of water that is ultimately used. Can you use absorbent
materials to wipe up any oil? Does the area require a good
sweep or vacuuming to remove debris prior to the wash?
Thought needs to go into the cleaning solutions you intend to
use. Are they environmentally friendly? Caustic chemicals corrode
surfaces they settle on, as well as being harmful to the environment.
Location is also important. Are you power washing close to
storm drains, or on a slope where runoff is going to land up in the
storm drains?
Water that flows down into storm drains is not treated and poses
potential hazards particularly if it runs off rooftops, or down
driveways where antifreeze or oil leaks, paint chips, roof particles
and so on, go unchecked into the lakes, streams and ultimately
oceans. Storm drains must be protected from this runoff.
What about water seepage into the soil?
Depending upon what you are cleaning, the following instructions
are recommended:
Do a dry clean-up before washing down. If possible, wash without
soaps. Contaminated water must be kept out of the storm drains
and if caustic, must be neutralized before being discharged to the
sanitary sewer. Dispose of dry waste into the garbage if non-toxic.
If materials have been used to soak up paints, solvents, cleaning
fluids and so on, they should be directed to a hazardous waste facility.
Wash water and solid residues with lead-based paints must
be contained and tested as a hazardous material and disposed of
at a licensed treatment facility. Keep the usage of freshwater to a
minimum.
It is vital to place conscious thought as to the best and proactive
techniques to engage upon when power washing. Water is a finite
commodity that is precious and valuable. When you implement
practical, thoughtful steps to achieve the desired cleanup you
are looking for, you are protecting and improving water quality;
saving money on disposal costs, and saving the environment and
water systems from toxic run-offs.
Just as you would be proactive in ensuring the health of your
family, realize that the health of the environment is interconnected,
and just as important. The same measure of implementation
and concern is necessary for both – one is not mutually exclusive
to the other.
CHECK OUT THESE EDITORIALS,
AND PLENTY MORE ONLINE.
VISIT REALHOMEADVICE.CA TO
GET EXPERT ADVICE, AND TO
VIEW OUR FEATURED EXPERTS!
REALHOMEADVICE
29

NOW BOOKING FOR THE 2021 RENO SHOW & HOME AND GARDEN
SHOW ADDITIONS!
DEPENDABLE EDMONTON
HANDYMAN SERVICES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO:
- RENOVATE
- REPAIR
- INSTALL
CALL US: 780.504.8009
Are you looking to get some work crossed off your to do list? Go handy can give you a
quote and get those items crossed off. We do handyman services as well as general
maintenance and renovations. Give us a call!
gohandy.ca
cesar@gohandy.ca
@gohandyservices on instagram
30 REALHOMEADVICE

REALHOMEADVICE
31