If you're working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!

The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.

How do you do that? 

First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you're selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular, you’ll want to discuss how viewings will be handled. You'll need to come to an agreement as to when your home will be available for viewings, how short-notice viewings will be handled, and whether or not "lockbox access" will be needed. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you're worried about seeming to be naive. (You won't!) You don't want to have unanswered questions or concerns between you and your agent.

Also, know that misunderstandings and mistakes can happen in any relationship with a professional. So if an issue comes up, discuss it right away. Don't let it fester.

Finally, remember that your agent should be a professional like me, with expertise in buying and selling in this market. When I make a recommendation regarding pricing, prepping your home, viewings, etc. remember that I am working in your best interest. I want to sell your property, quickly and for a good price, just as much as you do!

Looking for an agent you can trust? Let's Connect!   

Shauna Ylagan

Lange Realty Ltd.

780-938-3146

Using Neighbourhood Data to Help Sell Your Home

Your neighbourhood has a lot of unique features that can help sell your home. If a buyer is unfamiliar to the area, they might not notice these features just by driving around. 
For example, say homes don’t go on the market very often in your neighbourhood, or even on your street. That’s an indication that the quality of life in the neighbourhood is so good that no one wants to leave! In real estate we measure the area’s “turnover rate”, and it’s handy data to have when listing your home. The lower the turnover rate, the more valuable your location is.
Demographic data can also be helpful when selling your property. If your neighbourhood has a lot of families, for example, that’s going to be appealing to buyers with kids. If the local crime rate is low, this is a huge plus.
Even local development plans can play a role in making your home more attractive to buyers. If there is going to be a future LRT stop close to your home, getting to work is going to be easier. That’s a big benefit to commuters and it adds value to your home! If there are plans for a new grocery store or a Costco in the works, this is going to attract people to the area. The area around the Edmonton International Airport, for example, is booming - more jobs and access to conveniences. This will likely draw buyers to the area looking for a new home in the future.
Other types of data that can help sell your home include:
• Planned local construction.

• Proposals for neighbourhood improvements. (For example, a new playground.)

• Rates at which local property values are increasing.
Any information that shows the advantages of living in your area is going to be useful when selling.

Buyers don't just buy the home, they buy the neighbourhood. These are the things we will discuss when listing your home. Call me anytime!

Shauna Ylagan

Lange Realty 

780-938-3146

Checklist for WOW-ing a Buyer During a Viewing

There is a reason that Showhomes are staged the way that they are. If you have gone to the effort to put your house on the market, you are going to want buyers to be WOW’d by your property. Allowing your home to be on the market for sale and shown to potential buyers is incredibly inconvenient. The better it looks, the better your chance of selling it in a shorter amount of time.

Here’s a handy checklist to follow before a showing:

• Clean every room. Make your entire house look as much like a showhome as possible. The cleaner your house is, the more likely the buyer will think that you have maintained it well over the years, even if you haven't. Trust me!

• Reduce clutter! Pack extra items into boxes and store them in the basement or garage. 3 Ornaments on your fireplace mantel is better than 12. The less clutter, the more likely the buyer can imagine their own things in your home.

• Get pets out of the house. You can take them for a walk, have a neighbour watch them, or take them to a good kennel.

• Turn on all the lights, even during the day. You want each room to look bright. There is a reason that showhomes will have every light in every room ON.

• If there are any maintenance issues, such as a dripping faucet or a sticky door, let your Realtor know. Often, it’s best for buyers to be told rather than discover such issues themselves. Better yet, get these items fixed. They will show up in a property inspection anyways.

• Open the curtains. The brighter the better!

• Move your vehicles from the driveway so the buyer can park there. (That can help them imagine living there, which is what you want!)

• Avoid cooking just before a viewing. Even if the meal is wonderful, the aroma may linger. (Some people don’t like the smell of certain dishes, which may turn them off your home) 

• Freshen up the outdoor space. Mow the lawn. Sweep the walkway. Clear the snow.

This viewing checklist will help you prepare your home so when the buyer comes in your front door, there’s a much better chance he or she will be impressed.

I always do a walk-through with sellers prior to photographing their home for the listing to make the photos pop. With the number of homes on the market, it is important that the listing looks fantastic. It is my job to make recommendations one-on-one on how to stage a particular home prior to viewings as well. We are a team and I am here to help!

Shauna Ylagan

Lange Realty 

780-938-3146

Are you finally ready to downsize and move into a community that takes care of all the lawn care and snow removal? Well, this is the home for you.  Meticulously maintained by it's original owners, this Bungalow Duplex backs onto a picturesque pond and is a short walk to all the amenities one could dream of. Picture yourself on a beautiful warm sunny night walking to grab a bite at Browns Social House, then catching a movie at the VIP Cineplex Odeon Theatre in the Currents of Windermere. Stop off to grab an ice cream cone at Marble Slab for the quick walk home to 230 Ambleside Drive.  The main floor boasts an office/den, dining room, lovely kitchen with a walk-through pantry, living room with custom fireplace, king sized master bedroom and ensuite bathroom, and finished off with a large laundry room complete with an extra refrigerator.  Have a truck or large SUV?  No problem, this oversized garage is 24 feet long.  A perfect floor plan in the walk-out basement is complete with a huge rec space and three... yes I said THREE large bedrooms.  

Sit on your deck or your lower walk-out patio to enjoy the ducks swimming in the pond and the West sun going down.  A perfect home for any buyer who wants a quality built bungalow in SW Edmonton with a gorgeous view.

230 Ambleside Drive

1840 Sq ft

List Price $749,000

HOA fee for lawn maintenance and snow removal $110 monthly 

*** Don't delay!  This home is priced below replacement cost. Give me a call today for a private showing. ***