One thing about real estate, and markets – both are changing all the time. Good times and bad. A home or the market it is in maybe difficult – but not impossible for selling. All homes are capable of a sale – it’s all in how it is framed and offered – given your price is in line with market. There may just be some issues your house is dealing with that you may not be aware of that are holding you back. Take the quiz to see if you are dealing with any of these issues…
When selling your home, you must remember that you cannot be all things to all people but you can be the right home for the right buyer. When you address your home’s ‘health’ issues – you remove the barriers to a sale. It really is just that simple. Are you up for the task?
A homes’ location, placement on lot or block , proximity to major transport roads, floor plan, direction it faces, interior finishes can all play a part in the over all health of your home.
Fill in the form below, including the property address in question, and we will send you the quiz so you can see the results for your home!
One thing about real estate, and markets – both are changing all the time. Good times and bad. A home or the market it is in maybe difficult – but not impossible for selling. All homes are capable of a sale – it’s all in how it is framed and offered – given your price is in line with market. There may just be some issues your house is dealing with that you may not be aware of that are holding you back. Take the quiz to see if you are dealing with any of these issues…
When selling your home, you must remember that you cannot be all things to all people but you can be the right home for the right buyer. When you address your home’s ‘health’ issues – you remove the barriers to a sale. It really is just that simple. Are you up for the task?
Let me just say that walking into a potential new client listing meeting and noticing the KonMari method in action got me really, really excited. My client was super impressed that I kept noticing everywhere she had “KonMari’d” her residence – such as the big glass jars in the pantry labelled clearly, the rolled towels in the nearly empty hall closet, and the uniquely folded clothing in her dresser drawers. She was especially proud of her undies drawer, which was super endearing that she would share this with me. As it turns out we had both recently binge-watched Marie Kondo’s Netflix series “Tidying Up” and read pieces of her book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”.
I would like to first commend and congratulate those that have undergone this drastic decluttering method for themselves. Sometimes I think I’m more of an eclectic hoarder than I like to admit but having the time to do more things with my family because I’m not wasting my time moving clutter around seemed very appealing to me. That – and the concept of ‘sparking joy’ really resonated with me. Imagine being happy in every room of your home, with every cup you drink from and with every article of clothing you put on your body. If you are fully surrounded by things that bring your happiness what is there to be sad about then right? There is something to be said for this happiness and how it pertains to listing your home in our real estate market.
For those of you unfamiliar with the KonMari method I highly recommend her Netflix series and there are a multitude of resources on the subject, but here’s my take on the key principles.
Marie Kondo recommends using a 5-step-5-category approach of organizing instead of trying to organize room to room. This can be an emotionally taxing process and its recommended to do this all in one go for the best overall effect and impact on your life moving forward. If you get stuck along the way try to remember that you are envisioning your ideal future life and only want to bring those items with you to this new life that align with what you are creating for yourself. Kondo maintains that each item that is kept should ‘spark joy’ within you – think of holding a newborn baby, a little puppy or a stapler if office supplies are what do it for you. Once you internalize the sensation of “sparking joy” it gets easier to recognize the feeling and trust your intuition as you go through the process. Also – do this with your family – because Kondo believes that tidying your home will tidy your relationships too.
Clothing – Put all of the clothing from the entire house into one room and then go through it. Touch/hold each article one by one and see if it “sparks joy” – so if the item speaks to your heart you keep it and if it doesn’t you thank it for its service to you and let it go. The thanking of items is very important – especially when you later get to more sentimental items.
Books – Same as clothing. That’s right – one by one and really think about if you are keeping it for a memory or if it will serve purpose in your ideal life you are working to create.
Paper – Same as above. Gather every paper into one room including every document, every newspaper clipping or drawing you have been holding onto. (…and you thought clothing was hard!!!)
Kimono – MISCELLANEOUS – Everything else like the kitchen, bathrooms and garage. Take everything out and don’t put it back unless it can inspire joy moving forward and there is a specific place for it.
Mementos/Sentimental –Honor these special treasures by putting them in a beautiful box that is easily accessible so that you can visit these sacred items every time you need to. Think about displaying these items in a special way instead of having them hiding in a closet somewhere.
***Remember that everything that is kept has a specific place and will be cherished. It is organized into bins, containers or drawer dividers and visible upon looking into a cupboard or opening a drawer. When you see what you have and everything has its own home there is a certain state of calm within the mind because the excess is no longer a burden to you. There is also no time or extra energy exerted trying to constantly make room things or look for things that have gone missing.
I remember staging my first condo for sale in St. Albert over 10 years ago. We had so much stuff that we rented a pod and took everything “extra” out of the condo while we lived in our new residence having showings and waiting for it to sell. After we sold, a month after moving in, we emptied the pod out and filled our house back up with excess items we didn’t need. Reflecting back, this was a very rudimentary version of the KonMari method – except the point is we didn’t need or miss all of the items that were in the pod. And we ended up just trying to cram them into our new house, creating burden and strain in our new life.
So how does this all relate to real estate and help you to maximize the price for your home and most importantly your well-being in the future???
YOU ARE CREATING THE LIFE YOU WANT WHEN YOU MOVE – You are not dragging extra items with you to your new residence. If you declutter using this method you will only be bringing items that spark joy and align with the future that you envision for yourself. Imagine the feeling of moving into your new home being surrounded by only what is meaningful to you. (Bonus – you will probably save a lot on moving costs too!!)
NO STRESS SHOWINGS – A quick wipe and things are show-ready as opposed to a major overhaul and cramming-items-into-every-crevice-panic-attack each time your realtor calls. Selling a home can be a stressful process on its own so any chance of removing additional stress can’t hurt.
NO CLUTTER MAKES HOUSES FEEL BIGGER – Potential buyers aren’t distracted by your personal items, tastes and extras. They will be looking more at the space in general as opposed to being distracted by a multitude of items. They will also easily notice the abundance of space for their belongings in the closets, the pantry and the other rooms of the house.
PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP – Having an organized and clean house means you care about the environment that you live in which easily translates to potential buyers. If your home is organized it shows buyers that you are the type of person that will stay on top of maintenance, upkeep and have done everything you can to maximize the life span of the home. This bodes well for envisioning their new future there.
BUYERS VISIT YOUR SPACE AND FEEL HAPPINESS – I personally believe in energy and the positive energy that families who have undergone the KonMari method have transferred into their homes is indescribable. They are experiencing joy together every day and it is emanating and pulsing from their home. They have also thanked their home for its service to their family and have put out the intention for the new life they are wanting to create – so they are aligning their past and present worlds. Gratitude and love are the strongest energies of all and are my personal inspiration when I perform a house clearing. (That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I saw Marie Kondo thank the house – I instantly understood what she was doing on a different level because it relates so much to what I help clients with!!)
In the end, like everything in life just take what resonates with you from the KonMari method and leave the rest. I have done my closet and my pantry yet I am far from finished with my home – but it is my process and it will move as fast and as slow as it needs to. If you are feeling overwhelmed in your space or planning on listing then this decluttering method may hold strong merit in your world. And if you need any help I’m always here.
-Lisa Bergmann, Realtor with Kennedy Real Estate Edmonton
This bright and inviting half-duplex offers over 1400 sq.ft of comfortable living and is waiting for you! The kitchen features granite countertops, glass tile backsplash and a massive walk-thru pantry that is sure to impress. The large south facing windows provide excellent natural lighting and a stunning stone faced fireplace compliment this beautiful open-concept living space. Upstairs you are greeted by a bonus room that allows flexibility for more living space or even a home office. Equipped with second floor laundry, two generously sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. What sets this beautiful home apart from the rest is the spacious master retreat with walk-in closet and ensuite. Complete with landscaping and a fully fenced backyard, all you have to do is turn the key!
3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, bonus room, double car garage…and so much more!
Breathtaking views, excellent Jasper Ave location, concrete construction, central air conditioning, underground heated parking-it’s no wonder that River Ridge has lots of residents who have made it their home for many years. This 1073 sq ft condo comes with furnishings, 2 large bedrooms, walk-in closet, 2 four-pce bathrooms, and laundry/pantry just off the kitchen. It has a fantastic floor plan with large windows in the living room and sliding doors in both bedrooms making these spaces bright.
The building has an exercise room, saunas, sunroom, deck, party room, guest suite and shared storage. This is all extremely well cared for by a full time onsite building caretaker/manager. Condo fees include all utilities-electricity, heat, water, sewer and basic cable. With the river valley and trail system steps away, LRT within walking distance, Rogers Place, Stadium and universities nearby, join the others who continue to enjoy all this condo offers. Add your designer touch to make it your own.
It’s all about the VIEWS here! This recently renovated suite in the quiet concrete building; Academy Place is in a prime location. Just steps to the river valley, LRT and surrounded by trendy restaurants, markets and nightlife, make it easy to enjoy the luxurious life of our beautiful downtown.
Once inside you will see all it has to offer. A bright open kitchen, living space that anyone can enjoy cooking and entertaining in, with new cabinets, this eat in kitchen is large enough for a dinner party size table. Enjoy the peacefulness of the spacious master bedroom with view. The large second bedroom and 2 updated bathrooms. The suite also offers an inviting west facing balcony with views of the river valley and the downtown skyline.
With the conveniences of the neighborhood, this condo is ideal for anyone seeking to enjoy downtown living. This is your chance to own in the exciting and fast changing downtown. Watch the communities grow around you. Walk score =80 Transit score =79
This immaculate 3 bedroom, half duplex is ready and waiting for it’s new family. With over 1478 sq.ft of living space, this home is suitable for all sizes of families.
As you walk in, you are greeted by tons of natural light in the beautiful open concept, kitchen and living room. This kitchen offers up granite countertops, glass tile backsplash, Stainless steel appliances and a huge walk-thru pantry- perfect for the chef or baker in you. The inviting living room boasts a beautiful stone fireplace. The main level is completed with half bath and mudroom leading out to your attached double garage.
Upstairs the large, airy master bedroom with full bathroom ensuite and walk-in closet will have you wanting to stay. 2 additional bedrooms are complete with large closets and bright windows. Plus upstairs bonus room and laundry room with ample storage are sure to impress. Another perk, it’s air-conditioned.
The fully fenced yard, deck and landscaping are ready for you to enjoy this summer. Hurry home!
This beautiful 45 +, self managed complex has everything you could ever dream of, and more. With on site RV storage and all of your outdoor maintenance taken care of, it’s the perfect home for anybody looking to adventure. And when you’re not traveling, there is no shortage of near by amenities to enjoy: shopping, restaurant, city recreation centre, walking trains, ponds…and the list only goes on.
Once inside, the inviting open concept kitchen and large living room with cozy gas fireplace is the perfect place to enjoy company. Or head outside to sip your morning coffee on the patio, with tree lined fence– it truly feels like your own private oasis. Main floor offers 2 bright bedrooms and laundry, plus additional bedroom in basement, make life a breeze. Bonus, hot water tank, furnace, stove and laminate flooring recently updated. It’s sure to impress!
Listed at $349,900
NEW PRICE $340,000
1168 sq. ft. | Low Condo Fees | RV Storage Available for Only $27.50/m.
At KENNEDY we pride ourselves in providing our clients top notch, first class real estate services. What makes us unique is that we offer these services collectively as a team – an entire office team of 30 working for all of our clients. We provide consistent, competent and effective advice and services in order that our clients make the best decisions.
Just as each home is unique, so too is the BUYER for that home. You can’t be all things to all buyers, but you can be the right home for the right buyer. Custom marketing gives your home the BEST chance at securing that RIGHT buyer. At KENNEDY we firmly believe that each home has a unique buyer for it – and our marketing is directed toward that end.
One host with many servers. Together we can accomplish much more as a whole than in parts. Success through teamwork. Our listings are shared with the team to market to their prospective channels, sphere and clients. Traditionally offices typically do not share in the marketing of the individual agents listings. We believe in the more the merrier when it comes to sharing in the marketing of a property. Our entire marketing platform is shared with the whole team. Our clients benefit from the increased effort and exposure.
The KENNEDY approach has always been about innovation and staying one step ahead of the fold. We are leaders in our industry in terms of sales efficiency, intelligent marketing, and building synergy within our team/industry and our most awesome clients.
If there is a better way…we will find it and implement it.That’s one of the many benefits of a team approach. We have a unique marketing approach, a polished product and the manpower to make it all happen for our clients.
At KENNEDY we pride ourselves in providing our clients top notch, first class real estate services. What makes us unique is that we offer these services collectively as a team – an entire office team of 30 working for all of our clients. We provide consistent, competent and effective advice and services in order that our clients make the best decisions.
Just as each home is unique, so too is the BUYER for that home. You can’t be all things to all buyers, but you can be the right home for the right buyer. Custom marketing gives your home the BEST chance at securing that RIGHT buyer. At KENNEDY we firmly believe that each home has a unique buyer for it – and our marketing is directed toward that end.
One host with many servers. Together we can accomplish much more as a whole than in parts. Success through teamwork. Our listings are shared with the team to market to their prospective channels, sphere and clients. Traditionally offices typically do not share in the marketing of the individual agents listings. We believe in the more the merrier when it comes to sharing in the marketing of a property. Our entire marketing platform is shared with the whole team. Our clients benefit from the increased effort and exposure.
The KENNEDY approach has always been about innovation and staying one step ahead of the fold. We are leaders in our industry in terms of sales efficiency, intelligent marketing, and building synergy within our team/industry and our most awesome clients.
If there is a better way ….we will find it and implement it. That’s one of the many benefits of a team approach. We have a unique marketing approach, a polished product and the manpower to make it all happen for our agents and our clients alike.
Our Listing Book! Take a tour…
Marketing in action… a few examples..
Coming soon…team approach on this home produced 14 showings in 24 hours and three offers!! We let the pictures and the home tell the story. Showcasing the best this home has to offer in order to attract the right buyer – or as in this case right buyers!!
Every home has a story to tell, and everyone loves a good story. Here is such a home. This homeowner went above and beyond with his basement reno and we wanted the wold to know….have a look!!….and the home had two offers on it within three days!! Owners were over.the.moon!!!!
Kennedy Real Estate is the premier independent full-service brokerage team in Edmonton. Leveraging its innovation, brand recognition, real estate vision and tremendous resources, Kennedy Real Estate delivers a level of distinctive services unparalleled in the industry. By adhering to Kennedy’s standards of best-in-class talent, personalized service, superior quality, attention to detail and innovation, Kennedy Real Estate demonstrates a clear competitive advantage in marketing and selling the finest properties.
Team marketing in action: Private facebookpage to share our buyer wants and up coming properties for sale. A marketing platform and tool that is afforded to ALL agents that gives them the latest technology to not only promote the property but also to find buyer for it at the same time – via our ‘every property is unique’ marketing approach…
Each one of these is a lead generator. We can use implement these lead generators to help us secure buyers for our listings. Depending on what the property has to offer will determine how we approach the lead generation for the ‘right’ buyer. And this model /system is implemented by the whole team. It is absolutely brilliant. Its really the most efficient use of a team and the best way to sell real estate.
We also have three main websites and 28 subdomains that we use for generating traction on our properties.
Homes can be difficult to sell for many reasons…
shopping, restaurant, city recreation centre, walking trains, ponds…and the list only goes on.
At KENNEDY we pride ourselves in providing our clients top notch, first class real estate services. What makes us unique is that we offer these services collectively as a team – an entire office team of 30 working for all of our clients. We provide consistent, competent and effective advice and services in order that our clients make the best decisions.
