Melody Kilbank

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they
notice is how your property looks from the curb. That
first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don’t
like what they see, it can influence how they judge the
rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on
the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost
curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look
darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of
the cracks. Sealing won’t give you the “brand new”
look of repaving, but it’s close — and significantly
less expensive.

2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front
windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact,
the effect can be stunning. There are window
washing products that connect to your hose to
make this job easier. Check your home
improvement retailer.

3. Maintaining shrubs, hedges and flower beds.
Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens
can make a big difference in how your property looks
from the street. It’s like giving them all a haircut!
Flowering plants can also brighten up the look.

4. Front door painting. From the curb, a buyer’s eye is
naturally drawn to your front door. If your entry system
looks old and worn, consider a fresh coat of paint. It
can make the entrance look almost new.

5. Garage door painting. This is a bigger project that
can take a day or two, but the effort might be worth it.
For many homes, the garage door is the biggest item
in the curb appeal panorama. Making it look better will
have a big impact.

6. Removing unsightly items. Look at your home from
the street. Are there items in your field of vision that
take away from the curb appeal? For example, are
there garbage cans and other items stowed along the
side of the property and visible from the road? If so,
move them.

If you’re selling your home, making the best first
impression is crucial. You don’t want buyers to drive by
simply because they don’t like what they see from the
outside. Use these tips to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Looking at December 2019 City of Edmonton residential real estate stats, it appears most people were celebrating Christmas and other holidays! However there is one bright spot. Condo sellers will be delighted to know the average condo price went up 10% YEAR over YEAR in December. Here is to hoping this is a sign of the future trends for 2020.

Here’s a rundown on the market for last month. All residential sales were down 3.9% year over year, but up a slim .9% month over month. There is 7.1 months of inventory in the City. Single family homes were down 5.5% y/y and down 1.9% m/m with a balanced position of 5.8 months of inventory. Condo prices rose 10% y/y on average but stayed quite flat m/m at a .4% drop. There are 9.6 months of inventory now. Duplex/Rowhouses are down 7.5% y/y and up 2.1% m/m with 7.5 months of inventory putting them in a buyers position currently.

With all the news about interest rates, housing sales, and forecasts, you might think that the real estate market is a bewildering place. In some ways, you’d be right! The market is certainly active. There’s a lot going on. But, it would be a mistake to let all that noise discourage you from making a move. If the timing is right, and you’re ready to upsize or downsize – or simply move to a neighbourhood that better suits the lifestyle you want – you should at least get the information you need to make the best decision.

As your real estate professional, I’m always available to help. I can fill you in on what’s happening in the local market, help you determine what kind of new home you are qualified to purchase, and give you a clear idea of the properties currently available. Even if you’re just at the “thinking about it” stage, I recommend getting the information you need now. That way, you’ll be prepared to make the best decision when you’re ready. Call me for a personal appointment.