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7 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Security Installer in CalgaryWhether you want to protect your home, office, shop, warehouse, or any other space, the most secure option is to install a modern security system.

These days, with such extreme advancements in technology in recent years, finding the right access control company for your security can be easier said than done. To make the decision a little easier, here are some questions that you should consider when choosing the right security system for your needs, as well as the right installer in the Calgary area.

What Is Your Budget?

Ultimately, you may be restricted in your options by your budget, but security systems do come in a variety of service plans and configurations.

Nevertheless, determining your budget is a great place to start to filter your…

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Home Cleaning Checklist Before MovingWhen you're getting ready to move to a new house, you're likely to have many important tasks on your home moving timeline. But before you can start packing up your things and planning for your big move, there is one more thing you need to do: give your place a good, deep clean. Not only will this make your life easier (and less stressful) come moving day, but it can also help you sell your home for a better price. Set yourself up for a stress-free move by sticking to this simple list of move-out cleaning essentials.

Start in the Kitchen

Start with the kitchen and always clean top to bottom. Your kitchen sees a lot of daily activity, so it is essential to declutter before listing your home. Start with the self-cleaning cycle on the oven and then…

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How an Outdated Kitchen May Cost You Time and MoneyHomebuyers form their initial impression from the home's exterior, but what's the first thing they want to see once they go inside? Most of the time, it's the kitchen.

You can put as much energy as you want into gardening tips to increase curb appeal, but if the house has an old, outdated, or dingy kitchen, many buyers will look no further. If the kitchen isn't up to snuff, the home may sit unsold on the market no matter what other great features it has. Sellers that are avoiding kitchen upgrades might be losing time and money. Keep reading to learn why updating a kitchen can improve the home selling process.

Kitchens Sell Homes

When I ask buyers which rooms convinced them to buy a particular home, there's one overwhelmingly popular answer:…

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How to Handle Calgary Snow Removal Like a ProfessionalWinter in Calgary is a beautiful time of year, with snow gently blanketing our trees, lawns, and rooftops. Unfortunately, the snow also covers our sidewalks and driveways. If left unchecked, it can be a daunting task to remove. Keep reading to find the best snow removal tips from Steve Hyde of FT Property Services.

Use the Right Snow Removal Tools

An essential tool for snow removal is a quality snow shovel. There are many different types of shovels in an assortment of designs and materials. Curved blade shovels are best for pushing snow. Scoop-shaped shovels with sides are great for lifting and tossing snow to a new location. Ideally, it’s good to have one of both.

When it comes to material, shovels with metal blades are strong and able to…

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By Justin Havre

Lawn maintenance in Calgary may seem like an afterthought for many people. But if you think mowing your lawn, killing the weeds, and sprucing up the shrubs is a less-than enjoyable Saturday, let me tell you, there is a large financial incentive to lawn care — and I do mean very large.

How Neglecting Your Lawn Can Cost You Thousands

We’ve all heard that “curb appeal” is an important factor in a home’s resale value. It’s true, more true than many people realize. In fact, a joint study by the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Alabama found that high curb appeal can increase a home’s resale value by 7%. This increases to 14% in competitive real estate markets, according to the study. The real estate market in Calgary is highly competitive, as we’ve seen home…

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Average Cost of Different Renovation ProjectsRenovations can go a long way in boosting the appeal of a home for resale. Buyers today are typically attracted to modern, contemporary, new features and move-in-ready homes or properties. When buyers see a home that needs renovation, they envision unexpected costs and a whole lot of work. This is why many sellers choose to renovate (or "flip") their homes before the sale, so they can get top dollar themselves and find those buyers who are ready to pay for a move-in-ready home. However, before a homeowner tackles a big renovation project, they should distinguish between their “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” to clarify priorities. This can help them determine the budget for their desired upgrades. Here are some things homeowners should know about the…

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How to Clean Rental Units Between During a Tenant TurnoverA tenant turnover cleaning is a meticulous and thorough cleaning of the rental unit in preparation for the next tenant. It is essential to do a thorough job to attract new tenants and rent the unit quickly. The following is a list of critical areas to check off your cleaning checklist to help you keep your unit occupied with a perfect tenant.

Check Hard-to-Reach Areas in the Bathrooms

Every tenant will be expecting a like-new bathroom. To do this, scrub the tub, shower stall, toilet bowl, sink basin, and floor. Check for any hard water buildup and ensure that everything is sparkling clean.

If you encounter hard water buildup, use cleaning vinegar to remove it. Let it soak as needed, and use cloths soaked in cleaning vinegar to remove the…

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How to Clean and Maintain Homes With PetsNo matter how cute they are and how much we love them, pets can be dirty!

Cleaning with a pet can be something of an art. Whether a pet owner is selling their home, preparing for an open house, or hosting an event, a clean home increases hospitality and lowers stress. Here are some of the best ways to clean your home when you live with a pet, welcome a new furry family member, or make your home more pet-friendly. From last-minute cleans to preventative measures, we have you covered.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Protect Floors from Messes

Use indoor/outdoor rugs or carpet tiles. Indoor-outdoor rugs are available in various colours,…

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Gardening and Lawn Care TipsMany people take pride in having a healthy and beautiful lawn, and it's a fun and creative hobby for many. Maintaining your yard also enhances curb appeal and plays a role in a buyerʼs interest in the property. However, due to changing weather conditions, gardening in Alberta takes planning and diligent tending. Fortunately, there are many ways to have a healthy yard without using pesticides.

Cosmetic pesticides are restricted in many communities across Canada. This means that you canʼt use pesticides on your lawn for cosmetic purposes, and it's recommended that you only use products authorized by Health Canada. Always check your lawn and garden frequently for pests and other problems to nip them early on.

Regardless of what kind of gardener you…

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Top Ideas for DIY Home Improvement ProjectsThinking of selling your home, but it's looking a little outdated? Or wanting to freshen up the interior or exterior on a budget? Simple Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects aren't as bad as they sound—or as difficult! All you need is a little imagination and maybe some Pinterest inspiration photos.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

First Impressions Are Everything

A home's curb appeal starts at the front door. What a prospective buyer sees is either quality and style or nothing at all. A project like changing the front door's colour or even replacing the door can make a huge difference. Even changing the door's hardware can…

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