Rental Reno's that Last

The market is prime right now for investment purchases, with interest rates still low and inventory prices have dropped investors are starting to gobble up properties once again.

Take this one: Bought for $180,000 – invested another $15,000 to upgrade it so it will last another 20yrs. Maintenance free, all appliances replaced, kitchens and baths replaced, new baseboards, lighting and paint.

The exterior was transformed from the traditional piece of grass and patio stones – to a full deck on one side and patio stones/rock liner on the other. This way you do not have to rely on your tenant to take care of the grass. Inside – front entrance there is a commercial grade carpet glued down…to trap moisture and wik it away. No more lifting the carpet up to clean underneath it!.

Kitchen is Ikea cabinets – bought during their kitchen event…with 10% off – that allow you to either buy cabinet inserts – or drapes/rods. The tile backsplash is actual floor tile cut in thirds – cost effective and it looks great.

Half baths are great for pedistal sinks – but be sure to tile all around for the long haul. Tub surrounds are always replaced – most older ones do have mold behind – this is not good for the long run! All toilets were upgraded to a wider trap series…no more calls in the middel of the night with plugged/overflowing toilets! Yuck!

Nothing beats real hardwood! In this case a rustic Birch was chosen for its durability and ability to hide scratches.
All baseboards were replaced with a simple 1X3 – easy to install and keep clean and will last many move in’s ad out’s.
The little bit of effort makes for an easier to maintance investment for years to come!
Additional “Before & After Projects” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

As many of you  know we run a Team Brokerage Model. I get asked often what that means. For me, it begins outside of the Boardroom and onto the Courts …where it all begins.

I did up this video as a keep sake for the Senior High VBall Team (& 2 of my boys #3,#5 yeah!!) for their year end party. The core of the Team had played together since the awkward junior highs years through to senior high. They saw each other through thick and thin, blemishes, girlfriends, exams… They built up a friendship and trust that was impenetrable both on and off the court. They achieved this by being part of the “Team”. Experiencing wins , losses, victories and disappointments – they saw it through together. And when they stepped out onto the court – their ability to have each others back – count on one another to see it through – played out in their final season: 15 wins in a row – and a win from behind down 18-24 – and came back to win 26-24 (and in vball circles – this is a big thing!). You see good TEAM work produces victories both on and off the court.

Another fine example comes to mind: The Boys on the Bus…remember? The Oilers of the Eighties – they too were a force to be reckoned with…and when they stepped onto the ice – the opponent felt it too. Everyone of those players understood what it meant to be part of a Team. When they stepped out on the ice – they had each others back – they went out into ‘battle’ together. Together you are stronger – when you go out as a force that supports ones another – and people you encounter will sense that too.

That is the atmosphere we are cultivating at KENNEDY Real Estate – our TEAM Brokerage Model – we have each others back. We support one another as we go out into ‘battle’, through the sharing of technology, experience, leads, training and mentoring and referrals.

The Real Estate industry is OUR ‘court’ and we intend to play the game as a Team – through thick and thin – good markets , slow markets…together we will see it through. We will play by example and lead our Team to many a victory!!

Wishing YOU all  great Teamwork!!

Additional “AGENT 101” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Thanksgiving … a Realtors Perspective

I would like to take this time of year to tell you all what I am thankful for as a Realtor:

1.   Unlocked screen doors
2.   Locks that work
3.   Poochies in kennels and kitty litter out of site and smell
4.   Sellers who leave lights on the porch for an evening showing – so we can unlock door
5.   Realtors who promptly return calls or text on availability/confirmation of showings
6.   Preapproved Buyers
7.   Alarms that are turned off – or at least the alarm code provided to turn it off!!
8.   Shoveled driveways and walkways
9.   Clearly marked locations for condo loxboxes
10.  Sellers who leave their drapes open – FYI – I have never sold  a dark home ..ever. 

And finally ….

Most of all Thankful to be working with some awesome Realtors and clients alike who have contributed to a very awesome rewarding career for the last twelve years…Thank YOU!!

Gobble Gobble – Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Jennifer

Additional “AGENT 101” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Basements are usually the last place that a buyer sees when viewing your home. So why not make it a lasting impression?

Here are some things to consider when ‘Setting the Stage’ for the basement:

 1. Clean up and Clear out – get a bin, bag, shovel – whatever you need to only leave the essentials behind – less is more in this case – always…and no kitty litter in sight!!
2. Give Purpose to the space:
i. ) if the basement is unfinished and is used for storage – then make the best most organized storage space on the block – painted floors, proper shelving , bins for storage that fit into the shelving. It also shows that you are a conscientious home seller!
ii.) if the basement is divided into a bedroom and recreation space – play up the function of these 2 rooms
III.) if the space is one big rectangle: divide it into a games table section, desk area and a t.v. area using a couch table or Ikea low rise open book shelf unit to divide the spaces.
3. Apply Basic Staging Rules: lighting in a triangular positioning – make sure you have lamps/lighting in three areas of any given room; when in doubt angle your furniture/bed – this always makes the room look bigger by defining the space more efficiently; and all art work at eye level – or in a collage at eye level.
4. Warm it Up! If a buyer feels the basement is too cold – they will deem it not as user friendly – therefore attach less value to the over feel of the home…

Basement Photo - family room

5. Place a sticker on the furnace and hot water tank stating the age of them and when they were last serviced – buyers will really appreciate the notice.

Basements are often overlooked by home sellers – when it comes time to sell. However – on the buyers end of things – it is one of the aspects of a home that may make or break a decision. A well presented, and well kept basement completes the perfect home package for alot of home buyers out there. This is becoming increasingly so.
AND – if you live in a new home – finishing your basement right away – well ahead of the rest of your neighbors will ensure you have a completely finished home when you go to sell. Apples to apples for newer homes -ones with finished basements sell quicker and for more money!

Additional “Edmonton Home Stager” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Hey I am Riley. I am 1.5 yr old black lab. I am house trained and kennel trained. I love to chew, but I never chew or make a mess in the house and my mom gives me lots of bones to chew on. Sometimes when I am really excited I jump up on my patio window. I know I shouldn’t but I just want to see what is happening out there. I am well socialized, play good with other dogs and with kids. I might need a bit of help walking nice on a leash but it’s not my fault as I wasn’t walked much. I am a really sweet girl who is ready to start my new life with a new family.

Age: 1.5 years old
Sex: Female
Weight: 60 lbs
Breed:Black lab

Donations can be mailed directly to the following address:

Rescue for Life
2 Aspen Glen Drive
PO Box 9043
Spruce Grove, AB
Canada T7X 4H5

A cheque donation can be made out to Rescue for Life.
Donations can also be made through Paypal at www.rescue4life.org

Donations can also be made via Visa at the Crestwood Vet Clinic, under Rescue for Life account. (780) 444-7550.

Donate today to make a difference!

Alberta Registered non-profit (5015643017)
Mission
One Life at a Time
Website
http://www.rescue4life.org

Additional articles on our “furry” friends… 

Backyard Privacy using privacy panels

Yes – I did say backyard! One of the HOTTEST trends right now is yardscaping and outdoor living spaces. One of the BEST ways to start is by creating PRIVACY…If you feel like you are constantly on display in your own backyard – you will tend not to use it.

Create luxury by creating privacy…privacy panels shown here can be made for as little as $200 a panel – a very easy DIY project.

This was MY backyard a few years ago…complete with its own Piazza water fountain! Privacy panels on three sides – so awesome – good fences make good neighbors – well mostly I guess 🙂

Additional “Edmonton Home Stager” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Are You My Mommy?

Felix- just over 4 weeks old. His eye has healed and he is doing amazing. He is kennel trained, mr independent and curious. He is an eating machine and is getting so big. He is a husky/collie cross and is the sweetest thing. RESCUE FOR LIFE is taking applications for him:

(780) 222-3969 or (780) 702-6151.  Thanks so much!

http://www.rescue4life.org/

Additional articles on our “furry” friends… 

This was a remodel that we did last spring – it turned out soo FAB! Walnut floors, Ikea Kitchen, and a complete basement transformation…truly from Drab to FAB…enjoy!

Watch for more transformation before and afters coming soon!

“Like” us on facebook and get notified of our next before and after reno projects and of course the latest LIFESTYLE updates!!

Kennedy Real Estate Facebook Fan Page

Additional “Before & After Projects” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Time to Update Your Kitchen?

Save thousands – yes LOTS of thousands with a new kitchen from Ikea – during their twice a year “Kitchen Event’ and receive 10% back in gift cards (up to 20% back if you include appliances in your purchase).

Build your base for the cabinets – assemble the cabinets and you are off to the reno races!!

**Alternate Use: Retrofit Ikea kitchen cabinets in bathrooms

healthy sandwich options

Homefront Tip of the Day:
Healthy Go to Lunches in a Snap:

Aged cheddar on a hamburger bun, with lemon zested mayo, spinach and optional tomato and avacado = heaven.

** you can add lime zest too to the mayo – giving any sandwich some real ZING…enjoy 🙂