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 🙂

Welcome to our Blog! Here we will post all things local , of value and interest – and most of all we value your input and opinion !!

Upcoming Posts:

Local Eats – area fav’s in your hood

Lifestyle Tips – best walking trails – pic’s from the field (k – pardon the pun)

Homefront Tips of the Day : LUNCHES – what to make in a pinch: How NOT to go crazy drummng up new and exciting lunches for the kiddies

Critter Corner: Pet tips of the Day..from training to feeding and everything in between

Best Deal Alerts: local deals from our in house extreme couponer!!

Best Buy of the Season: real estate has its discount season too – watch for seasonal Best Picks!

I Can’t Believe It’s That Easy: fix its and reno tips that – are yes – really that easy

Have an Idea or a local favorite you’d like to flog – flog away on the comments below – cause that’s the way we roll!!