We wanted to share our recently sold property, our wonderful clients are looking forward to their next adventure on the East coast where the beach is beckoning!

Things You Need For A Greener Lawn

Do you want your children or pets to be able to enjoy the outdoors in the safety of your own property? Do you want a great party environment for friends and family? This article will guide you through many tips that will help you to landscape your home to fit your needs, whatever they may be.

If you are planting in a spot that has a very large slope to it you should make sure to grow drought-tolerant plants. This is because they are on an angle and will not hold water very well. Since they are at an angle they will be able to get access to more sunlight.

Pay your kids to do the yardwork. You are not always going to want to do it, and if they are getting paid, they are going to be more enthusiastic about it then just being told to do it. You can do this in place of a mere allowance, allowing them the chance to learn about earning money in exchange for a service.

Fertilize your lawn often. If you want your grass to look full and healthy, fertilizer treatments need to happen regularly over time. One application will help turn your lawn a more vibrant green color, and you may be tempted to stop at that point. However, long-term care will give you even better results, so remain persistent.

Consider using rain barrels to water your yard. Rain barrels are easy to add to any yard, and they serve the purpose of collecting rain water. You can then use that rain water to hydrate your lawn, and plants. This is an easy way to save on the cost of watering plants, and it is an environmentally friendly option too.

Plan out what time of the year you are going to buy your supplies in order to save money. For example, lumber does not cost as much in the winter as it does in the summer. You can also find better deals on trees, soil and perennials later in the season when not as many people are buying them.

Always use odd numbers of plant groupings. It is more pleasing to the eye and more natural looking to see groups of 3, 5 or 7 plants than groups of 2, 4 or 6. Aim for plantings that are more triangle-shaped than square-shaped, and your landscaping will have more eye appeal.

If you plan on staying put, buy smaller plants instead of larger plants. This helps you save money on your landscaping costs. You will have to wait a few seasons for the plants to come to full size, but it is worth saving the extra money if you are sticking around.

Kids and pets, or parties with family, there are many things to consider when renovating your yard. The tips you’ve read here are a great start, so keep them in mind as you figure out what your needs are. You’ll find that your project is simpler thanks to the forethought you’ve put into it, giving you a successful renovation in no time at all!

A nice yard adds value to your home and one the time comes to sell your property it really can make a difference. If you are in the market to sell your Okotoks or Calgary home we have active buyers currently looking for real estate. Please contact Sam Clement or Polly Stokes at http://www.wesellrealty.ca 403 605 7200

How To Buy Real Estate And Save Yourself Some Money!

Hire a professional inspector to closely inspect the home before you buy it. Have an inspection done that includes a room-by-room review, the exterior home components, electrical systems, foundation inside and out, furnace and air conditioning units, plumbing and any crawl spaces, and the attic. This will enable you to know if there are any major or minor problems with the house prior to purchase.

Don’t make an offer on the first home you see. Even if you think you have found your dream home on the first visit, take the time to really look around before committing. Look at other homes in the area and really get to know the neighborhood. Buying a home is a big commitment, and one that should not be rushed into.

Don’t forget about extra home costs in addition to buying your home. You know about mortgage, taxes and utilities, but don’t forget about household repairs. Plumbing, appliances, roofing and general wear and tear are costs to be calculated. If you do not have money saved for these bills, then you may not be ready to buy a house.

When you are looking to invest in a new property, do not take the process lightly. Buying a home is a huge investment that you will likely be spending much time on.

If it is possible for you to do so, try to get a home in the suburbs. In most area’s, purchasing a home outside of the city can reduce the price of the home. Also, the cost of living in a city can be higher than it is in suburban location.

If you are looking to buy a home, it is advised that you get an agent that represents you and you alone. It does not save you money to use the seller’s agent, they were not hired to help you in the process and have a financial allegiance towards the seller. Take the time to find someone that will fight for what you want.

By now you have read and absorbed a lot of information. After you pick out those tips that apply to your situation, you can proceed with new confidence towards buying your new home. With the help of a real estate professional, you can secure that perfect location.

At We Sell Realty we specialize in buying and selling homes in the Okotoks and Calgary Real Estate market. If you are looking for a Condo, Single Family Home or an Acreage we have an experienced professional available to help you. Our Realtors are based in Okotoks but we also have offices in the NW and SE of Calgary.

Please contact Samantha Clement or Pollyanna Stokes for further information, their contact information can be found by clicking on this Link Contact

When you are in the process of buying a home, you may feel stressed out or overwhelmed or you may be having a hard time finding the perfect home. The following article will hopefully empower you with some useful home buying tips.

The first step is hiring your own people. Don’t share the seller’s agent, inspector or appraiser. Because they were hired by the seller, it’s an obvious conflict of interest and besides, you wouldn’t be doing yourself any favors as they have a fiduciary tie to the seller.

When it is time to make an offer on a home that you want to purchase, be sure to include in your offer that you want a home inspection to determine if the house is in good shape or needs costly repair work. A home inspector will point out potential problems that will be important in your decision to pursue the purchase of the home.

After your offer is accepted make you get a professional home inspector that you can trust. You can’t think of everything you need to inspect the home yourself  and your judgment will be clouded by the many other things that are happening. Make sure your home inspector is a licensed and experienced professional.

When buying real estate be aware that a 20 year old house is potentially the worst because so many components do not last longer than that. You will want to check to make sure the furnace, roof, and air conditioner have already been replaced or know that you will be replacing them soon out of your pocket.

In most circumstances buying a home is actually a better choice than renting one. Sometimes paying a monthly mortgage is cheaper than having to pay rent anymore. Plus, when you own a home, you are free to make any changes you want to it, unlike renting one.

Be aware that purchasing a home is not usually a quick process, most transactions take 6 to 10 weeks to go through although I have done them in 2 weeks in the past. You have to have patience for homeowners to make repairs, and for proper documents to be signed. If time is of the essence for you, try to avoid homes that are foreclosures or short sales.

When selling or purchasing a home, you should also be prepared to compromise. You may not receive everything that you want. Both you and the seller or purchaser, may have to give a little bit. You should try to focus on your top priorities and stick to them. Avoid letting your emotions get the best of you.

Always go for homes with multiple bathrooms, as opposed to multiple bedrooms, if the price is right. If you ever do need the extra room, constructing another room in or onto the home, is a lot cheaper and easier than running more plumbing and creating another bathroom. We’re talking, tens of thousands of dollars and months of labor, for a bathroom.

Buying a house can be a great investment, houses are expected to appreciate in value as a general rule. If you are currently considering buying or selling a home in the Okotoks or Calgary Real Estate market Samantha Clement and her team would like to help. Samantha is an Okotoks based Realtor who really enjoys helping her clients buy and sell homes. Please view our Website to see how we can help you.

Home Improvements That Can Make Your Life Better

Your Okotoks home reflects who you are. If you do not like what you see, there is a good chance that you will feel the same way about your life. You should maximize the enjoyment you receive from your home as much as you possibly can. The following article provides helpful advice for turning a house into a place that you can proudly claim as your home.

Aim to make your living space a comfortable area that you are happy to spend time in. Try to fix any minor flaws that can cause irritation. Letting those little imperfections go may affect your overall happiness with your big investment. Take comfort seriously. Attending to items that bring you discomfort in the home will bring you a measured level of peace. If a chair is uncomfortable, remove it. If a picture is not aesthetically pleasing, throw it out. Surround yourself with the things that will relax you when you are at home.

You can always find ways to expand a room if it is too small to be functional. Organization can help, but it can’t solve all space problems. Decreasing the amount of clutter in a room can make the space feel much larger and more comfortable.

Be sure to make your house an enjoyable and fun place to be. Features like hot tubs, swimming pools and saunas all add value to your home and make your home more appealing to spend time in. If you are not able or willing to spend substantial amounts on leisure-enhancing additions, a simple basketball hoop at the edge of a paved drive or a space dedicated to your workout can increase you and your family’s enjoyment at home.

You can change the atmosphere of a room simply by changing the lighting effects. If you illuminate every corner of the room, it could serve as a more effective workplace and also reduce strain on your eyes. You can create an updated look to your home with fixtures, which can be adjusted to increase or lower lighting levels. You can even do this project alone!

Encourage your inner gardening guru. Select an area of your backyard to create a beautiful outdoor space with plants, flowers or other greenery. This will make you enjoy being at home. An option to help you get as many stress-reducing plants around you with limited stress on yourself is to employ a gardening professional to manage your landscaping. Adding any type of garden area to your home will also help in cleaning the surrounding air of pollutants, as greenery is a natural filter. Additionally, depending on what you choose to grow, freshly picked fruit or vegetables can grace your dinner table every night. Your meals can be enhanced with fresh herbs, while your decor is perked up with a bunch of your own flowers.

Try fixing the appearance of the outside of your home. Replacing the roof shingles, purchasing new windows or changing the siding color are great ways to bring new life to your house. Coming home will feel a lot more exciting! Home improvement projects are a great way to revitalize your own interest in your home.

Your home improvements are a true investment. They improve the actual value of the home, as well as the happiness of all of its dwellers. When you love your home, this will be a place you enjoy being. For help in deciding which home improvements will add must the most value to your Okotoks home please call Samantha Clement Tel 403 605 7200 Samantha is an Okotoks based Realtor who can give you advice on home improvements that will add value and make your home easier to sell.Visit Sam’s website 

Interior Design: Do It The Right Way

Whether you have just bought a new home, or you have been living in your home for years, you can probably benefit from some design pointers. Interior design does not have to be difficult. With just a few simple ideas, you can make your house a more pleasant and more attractive place to live.

When you are putting window treatments in your living room you should always buy them long enough to brush or hang on the floor. Something that people often do is to hang curtains that are too short and do not reach the ground. Your room will end up looking out of whack.

If your bathroom lacks windows, make sure to implement some moisture extracting methods into your design. This is important to avoid the buildup of mold and mildew in your space. Fans and dehumidifiers work well for this purpose. Consult with a professional contractor if you have questions or do not understand the best methods for your space.

Learn how to paint a wall before painting a wall. That may sound like common sense, but if you are not aware of the quality of your paint, how to apply it properly, and how much you need, you could make a mess or lose a lot of money. Try going to a home improvement store for some pointers on techniques and types of paint.

One of the best ways to decorate is to use plenty of color around the room. If you are not ready to paint your walls a bright and funky color you can try to incorporate some bright accessories. A few bright candles and art work can do wonders when you are trying to brighten up a room.

Add flowers to any room. If you are looking for a cost effective way to perk up just about any room in your home, bring in some flowers. Either gather flowers from your own garden or pick some up, place them in a nice vase and place them on a night stand, book shelf or end table.

Have a theme in mind. Is there a specific color scheme you rather enjoy? Do you have a fondness for retro furniture? Deciding on a theme before you even begin your planning phase can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure you know what you’re going for before you start planning for it.

Do you work from home? If so you might want to think about the colors you use so you can minimize distractions in that area. Blue and green are the best colors to paint the walls because they have calming properties, this will minimize your stress and lessen distractions while you are working.

When redesigning a room, work to make the color scheme in the room cohesive. Having a wide variety of clashing colors will create an unpleasant feeling, and having a dull, bland palette will do the same. Use both bold and neutral colors, and work to integrate them together to create a more pleasing space.

Try to add a rug to as many rooms in your house as you can. Rugs can enliven the atmosphere in the room and complete the overall look. Also, they can last for a long time and can cover parts of the hardwood that you do not see fit for the room.

After reading this article, you should have learned some great tips and techniques for interior design. By putting these ideas into action, you can start transforming your home into an elegant and attractive showplace for your particular sense of style. Before long, your home will be the talk of the neighborhood.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Calgary or Okotoks please give Samantha a call 403.605.7200 or contact us via our website.

Water entering your basement is not a welcome occurrence.  Water flows from your eaves troughs into downspout’s.  If your downspout’s are depositing water right next to your foundation, it drains straight to the weeping tile and may quickly overload your home’s water drainage.  The good thing is you can stop or at very least decrease the risk of this happening.

Ensure that downspout’s extend a minimum of 1.8 m (6 ft.) from the basement walls.  Also, make sure the water doesn’t drain towards your neighbour’s basement walls.

If water doesn’t drain freely through the downspout’s, try flushing the debris out  with a yard hose. In the event it doesn’t get the job done, use a plumber’s auger (snake) to free and retrieve debris from the bottom of the downspout.   You could assist in keeping the downspout’s free from debris by installing leaf traps at the top of the downspout’s (these are generally sold at home-improvement stores and hardware stores).

Water must drain from your home towards the street, rear yard, or back lane  Water from badly maintained eaves troughs will not drain properly and accumulates around your homes foundations.  In the winter as the water freezes it may cause significant damage to your foundation and raise the level of moisture around your basement . This scenario leads to an increase in the height of the water table beside the walls contributing to elevated hydrostatic pressure, (water pressure up against the foundation walls).

Another issue is when water flows over the sides of an eaves trough, instead of draining through the downspout, water permeates the earth alongside the foundation walls.  This is likely to occur when there’s been a heavy rain fall, snowfall is melting or we’re experiencing a spring thaw.

If the water table is an issue with your property, a sump pump may possibly help.  The pump is mounted in a sump pit within the basement floor, and water coming through the walls is guided to the sump where it can be pumped outside the home.

If your home isn’t water-tight, this isn’t something you are able to ignore.  Beyond the potential for mold, long-term water damage may cause decay, which can result in all types of costly repairs to the structure of your property. Thousands of dollars worth of water damage and mold can be a result of basic eaves trough neglect and downspout’s that haven’t been cleaned out.

Window water wells can also accumulate snowfall and water, and frequently contribute to moisture in basements.  The bottom of a window well must contain 6–8 inches of free-draining material, like crushed stone, and should be at least 6 inches beneath the base of the window.  The installation of  section of drainage tile filled with crushed rock from the base of the well to the foundation drain, would ensure fast elimination of standing water from the well.

This article was written by Samantha Clement your Okotoks and Calgary area Realtor. If you are interested in buying or selling a home please give Samantha a call.

Sales gain momentum in the first three quarters of 2011

Calgary, October 3, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continued to gain momentum in Calgary this year, totaling 14,832 after the first three quarters, a seven per cent per cent rise over last year.

“Despite recent turmoil in the global economy, Calgarians are showing confidence in the long term prospects for the city and are taking advantage of affordable and stable home prices,” says Bob Jablonski, president-elect of CREB®.

“Undoubtedly, there are a lot of unknowns in the world’s current financial situation, but Calgary and Alberta may be relatively safe havens amidst this uncertainty. Granted, gains in the housing market have been very gradual—but we are seeing signs of improvement. Our province’s growth is expected to outperform the national average, and this will help buoy consumer confidence in Calgary and Alberta.”

Single family home sales totaled 1,036 for the month of September, 2011, an eight per cent increase over last September. Year-to-date sales totaled 10,518 units a 10 per cent increase over last year. Monthly gains in listings brings inventory to 4,753 units, a level still lower than the previous year.

“Clearly there is a market for well priced listings. In particular, we are seeing strength in detached single family home sales. Relative affordability in this market has meant these homes are selling faster than condominiums and townhouses,” says Jablonski.

“And single family homes are selling closer to asking price—suggesting that homes will move in this market, when priced right,” added Jablonski.

The average price of single family homes for the month of September, 2011 was $466,167, while the median price was $400,000. Jablonski indicated that while prices have marginally improved compared to September 2010 figures, on a year-to-date bases both the average price and median price have remained relatively stable.

After the first three quarters of this year, condominium sales totaled 4,314, a two per cent rise over the same period last year. “While the increase is modest, it is a move in the right direction,” noted Jablonski, adding that a boost in condominium sales, along with a lower number of listings is helping to tighten this market. At the end of September, 2011, condominium inventories totaled 2,008 units compared to 2,204 units recorded in September 2010.

Average condominium prices reached $299,508 in September, 2011, appearing to record a significant increase. However, the increase in price is not caused by a general price rise, but has been pushed up by a $4 million plus sale. In fact, both the median price of $260,000 and the year-to-date figures continue to trend lower than figures recorded last year.

“The recent news of financial turmoil may be a shot across the bow for the world economy, but Calgary and Alberta are relatively safe harbours in the storm,” concludes Jablonski.

“Calgary continues to add full-time jobs to the economy, and migration is moving in the right direction. These are positive factors that will give momentum to our housing market and give wind to the sails of Calgary’s economy.”

The last couple of weeks have been very busy in the real estate market, we have  helped a number of our clients buy and sell homes and we now need more properties to sell.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in the Okotoks / Calgary or the surrounding area’s we would like to help. Nice home’s are selling quickly and we have active buyers looking for their dream home.

Please visit our website or contact Sam or Jason for more information at info@clementeam.com.