• How to Sell Your Home Faster in the Fall & Winter in Edmonton,Lee Booth

    How to Sell Your Home Faster in the Fall & Winter in Edmonton

    Thinking about selling your home in Edmonton as the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall? You might think the real estate market slows down in the colder months, but the truth is, there are still plenty of motivated buyers out there! In fact, selling your home in the fall and winter has some unique advantages—if you know how to make the most of them. So, if you're considering putting your home on the market this season, here are my top tips for selling your home faster (and for a great price!) even when the weather gets chilly. Maximize Your Home’s Curb Appeal We all know that first impressions matter, and that goes double during the colder months. A well-maintained exterior tells potential buyers that your home has been cared for, even if the front yard is blanketed in snow. Clear the Snow & Ice: Make sure your driveway, sidewalks, and front steps are shoveled and salted to prevent slips and falls. A clean, safe entryway is crucial! Add Warmth with Seasonal Decor: Consider placing a tasteful wreath on your front door or adding a few potted evergreens to your porch. Keep it simple and welcoming without going overboard. Outdoor Lighting is Key: With daylight hours being shorter, well-placed lighting can brighten up your home and make it look inviting. Check that all outdoor lights are working and think about adding path lights or spotlights to showcase your home’s exterior.  Create a Cozy & Inviting Atmosphere Inside When buyers step into your home from the cold, you want them to be enveloped in warmth and comfort. Creating a cozy atmosphere can make a big difference in how potential buyers feel about your space. Set the Thermostat Just Right: Keep your home warm but not stifling. Aim for a comfortable temperature that makes buyers want to linger a little longer. Staging for the Season: Think plush throw blankets on the sofa, fluffy rugs underfoot, and candles or a crackling fireplace if you have one. The goal is to make the home feel like a warm haven on a frosty day. Add Seasonal Scents: Lightly scented candles or a pot of simmering spices on the stove (think cinnamon, cloves, and orange peels) can create a welcoming aroma. Just be careful not to overwhelm sensitive noses! Brighten Up Your Space With fewer hours of daylight, your home may appear darker than usual. Ensuring your home feels bright and airy is crucial to making it stand out. Open the Curtains: Let in as much natural light as possible. Clean your windows to maximize brightness, and keep your curtains or blinds open during showings. Turn On All the Lights: Even if it’s daytime, turn on lamps and overhead lights in every room to give your home a warm glow. Upgrade Light Bulbs: Use daylight bulbs in areas that don’t get much natural light. A well-lit home feels more welcoming and spacious. Stage Your Home for Comfort Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your space, especially when the weather outside is frightful. Staging your home for comfort can make it feel more appealing. Highlight the Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point. Turn it on during showings to create an inviting ambiance. Arrange Furniture for Warmth: Position seating areas to feel intimate and inviting, perfect for gathering with family or cozying up with a book. Keep it Clean and Tidy: Snow and mud can easily be tracked in during showings, so keep a mat by the door and offer disposable booties for visitors. Price Your Home Competitively One of the biggest advantages of selling in the fall and winter is that buyers are often more serious. However, it’s still important to price your home competitively to attract offers. Work with a Local Expert: An experienced realtor (like me!) can help you understand market trends and set a price that reflects your home’s true value. Consider Incentives: Offering to cover some closing costs or including appliances in the sale can make your home more attractive to buyers. Why Selling in Fall & Winter Isn’t a Bad Idea While many think spring is the best time to sell, fall and winter come with benefits. There’s typically less competition, meaning your home has a better chance of standing out. Plus, buyers who are braving the elements to view homes are usually more motivated. Personal Anecdote: One of my favourite success stories was helping a family get their home right before the holidays. We focused on these same tips, and they received an offer in just a few weeks!  Selling your home in the colder months might seem daunting, but with the right strategy and a cozy, inviting atmosphere, you can attract serious buyers and make a sale in no time. Thinking about selling or curious about what your home is worth? Contact me today, and let’s make your home-selling dreams a reality!

    MORE

  • Spooky St. Albert: The Ultimate Halloween House Tour for Families!,Lee Booth

    Spooky St. Albert: The Ultimate Halloween House Tour for Families!

    Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re ready to explore the best trick-or-treating spots and spooky house displays in St. Albert! 🎃 This year, the neighbourhoods are pulling out all the stops, with creepy decor, haunted yard setups, and the perfect spots to make unforgettable family memories. Get the kids, grab your costumes, and check out this must-see list of Halloween houses in St. Albert! The Ultimate Halloween House Tour I’ve put together a list of St. Albert’s most impressive and festive Halloween houses to visit this year. Whether you're looking for eerie graveyards, larger-than-life skeletons, or friendly pumpkins glowing with Halloween spirit, these homes are guaranteed to delight the whole family. 3 Addison Crescent16 Addison Crescent 28 Allin Ridge Estates16 Andrew Crescent21 Attwood Drive29 Bellevue Crescent22 Birch Drive33 Deane Crescent7 Donald Place86 Dufferin Street18 Elbow Place92 Forest Drive 73 Gainsborough Avenue79 Gainsborough Avenue120 Goodridge Drive65 Grandora Crescent40 Greer Crescent20 Grenfell Avenue66 Grosvenor Blvd1 Hart Place11 Horton Court13 Huntington Crescent 18 Laydon Drive57 Laydon Drive27 Leddy Avenue64 Napoleon Crescent 6 Nemo Terrace7 Nicolet Court45 Patterson Crescent22 Sonora Drive79 Sunset Blvd30 Wimbleton Crescent  Pro Tips for Visiting the Halloween Houses: Timing: Visit between 6:00-9:00 PM for the full experience! Most houses have their displays running in the evening when the lights and fog machines create the perfect atmosphere. Costume Contest: Dress up your kids (and yourself!) for a fun night out. Bonus points if you find houses that match your costume theme! Safety: Be sure to use sidewalks and paths, especially when it gets dark. Some houses have animatronics that move, so watch out for those surprise scares! St. Albert’s Halloween spirit is unmatched, and this list guarantees a night of fun, spooks, and memories for the whole family. Let’s make this Halloween the best one yet!  Let me know if you find any other amazing houses to add to next year’s list! Enjoy the scares, everyone! Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 Love this guide. Be sure to follow my blog for more community events and insider tips on living your best life in St. Albert.     

    MORE

  • Selling Your Home In The Fall in Edmonton,Lee Booth

    Selling Your Home In The Fall in Edmonton

      Fall is an exciting time for most of us—changing leaves, pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters(my fav)! But if you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, fall might feel a bit intimidating. Fewer buyers, shorter days, and the looming winter weather can make the process feel overwhelming. But here’s the kicker—fall buyers tend to be serious. They’re motivated to get into a home before the snow flies, which means they’re ready to make decisions quickly. So, if you’re planning to sell your home this season, here are some simple, effective tips to help you stand out and get your home sold. Showcase Year-Round Perks: What makes your neighbourhood great? Is it the local coffee shop that knows your order by heart or those beautiful trails that stay gorgeous, no matter the season? Highlight those features! Buyers love knowing what makes a community tick, so don’t hesitate to show off the area. Plus, if your home has smart home tech or is energy-efficient, you’ve got another big bonus to share! Those features are just as valuable in the fall (or anytime, really!) as they are in the summer. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal: You know what they say—first impressions matter! And when it comes to real estate, that curb appeal can make or break a deal. The good news? It doesn’t have to be expensive. A fresh coat of paint here, a little yard clean-up there, and boom—you’ve just made your home stand out. Add some fall colour with seasonal flowers or a charming fall wreath on the door. These little touches go a long way when potential buyers pull up to your property. Capture the Magic of Fall: Fall is pure magic, especially when it comes to photography! Take advantage of the golden light and vibrant leaves for your home’s listing photos. Inside, embrace the cozy fall vibes. Think orange throw pillows, a few cute pumpkins, maybe even some tasteful pine cones and candles. Buyers love walking into a home that feels warm and inviting, and those little autumn touches can help them picture themselves there. Create a Cozy, Welcoming Atmosphere: No matter what, buyers want to feel at home the moment they walk through the door. As the weather cools down, they’ll appreciate a home that feels warm, cozy, and lived-in. And yes, even if your home is vacant, staging can make a world of difference! Add some plush blankets, turn on soft lighting, and here’s a fun tip—bake some cookies or a pumpkin pie before showings. The smell will instantly give off that “home sweet home” vibe. It’s all about making buyers feel like they’ve found their spot to hunker down for the season. Ready to Dive into the Fall Market? Selling in the fall might seem tricky, but with the right approach, it can actually work in your favour. Remember, buyers this time of year are motivated, so make sure your home gives them all the warm and fuzzies—and a reason to make that offer! If you’re thinking about selling this fall, reach out! I’m here to help you navigate the process and get your home sold, even as the temperatures drop. Let’s chat about how we can make your home the one buyers fall in love with! (See what I did there?)

    MORE