Edmonton Real Estate Blog - Seasonal

Back to School: It's Almost That Time!

Back to school time is always a little tricky to maneuver as giving up the freedom of summer for school days is not all that enticing. But with a little psychology and preparation, kids can get to where they actually look forward to this transition!

Understanding Rhythms

First of all, our bodies, like the seasons, are changing. The need for warmer clothing and the sight of autumn colours is almost like a trigger that tells us, "back to school." So why not celebrate the changing seasons as a way of helping your child get ready for school? 

Start getting your children to bed earlier and earlier until they reach their school day bedtime. See if they don't wake up on their own at about the time they need to for school. If alarm clocks can be…

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Shovelling Tips and Tricks

We are once again dealing with old man winter. Despite the fact that it can transform barren landscapes into winter wonderlands, you still need to be able to get to work, school, or the grocery store. You'll probably have to shovel a bit regardless of whether you hire someone or have a snow blower, so be prepared with these snow shovelling tips.

Don't be in a Hurry

It may be tempting to just grab a shovel and head outside as soon as the snow stops. Snow is light and fluffy anyway, right? Actually, depending on the temperature and density of the snow, you could get quite a workout from simply clearing off a patio or sidewalk. Taking a few minutes to stretch your arms, legs, and back could spare you a strained muscle or more serious injury.

Also,…

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4 Tips for Selling a Home During Winter

Although selling a home in the winter can be challenging, it's not impossible. As with any real estate transaction, taking the buyer's needs into account will get you more offers. How can you meet those needs and increase your chances of selling a home, especially during traditionally slow selling seasons? Read on to find out.

Make Your Home Easy to Navigate

If you can't park on the sidewalk because of a large snowdrift or the driveway is covered with snow, no one will stop by your open house. Parking a kilometre away and walking to the house in freezing weather is the last thing anyone wants to do. In addition, make sure the walk is shoveled and salted properly to avoid slip and fall accidents, which could scare people away.

Consider these…

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Fun and Easy Christmas Party Recipes

When you're planning a Christmas party for family and friends, choose easy recipes you can prepare ahead of time. Include appetizers, sandwich fillings on finger rolls or in puffed pastry, platters with cold cuts and cheese, and bite-sized desserts in your menu. Here are some Christmas party recipes that are sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.

Italian Sausage Balls

Traditional, southern-style sausage balls, a favourite at holiday parties, prepared with pickled cherry peppers, adds colour and spice to your holiday table.

Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Makes about 24 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage with casings removed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 2…

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7 Tips to Save Money This Christmas

The most important memories at Christmas are about the time spent with family and friends. Keep happiness, good tidings and cheer at the centre of all your shopping and activities with these seven tips on how to save money this Christmas!

Make Your Gifts

People remember homemade gifts due to the personal touch. Purchasing raw materials for crafts, clothing or food is much cheaper than buying the finished product. Homemade is a way to show you care.

Gift Exchange for Relatives

It is always awkward when you don't buy a present for a relative who bought you a present. A Gift Exchange, Draw-One Name or Secret Santa system places all your relatives names in a box and allows each member to pick someone. This is efficient, cost-effective and…

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Tips for Keeping Your Basement Warm this Winter

Having proper temperature management in the home can be much more than a simple convenience – it can also save you a great deal of money. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your basement warm this winter, no matter your budget.

Double Check All of Your Seals

If there is a walk out door, then it should be very tightly sealed with both a door sweep as well as weatherstripping. If there are additional rooms in the basement that are unheated, make sure to seal the doors to that room as well. 

Portable Heating Systems

Hey, they work! Space heaters are generally very low-cost, inexpensive to use and very effective. Almost all of the space heaters on the market today also come with built-in safety features as well, so this is both a…

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Halloween Safety Tips for Both Kids and Adults

In the cool autumn months, both children and adults look forward to the Halloween festivities. The colourful costumes, lively decorations, trick-or-treating, house parties and other celebrations make it one of the most enjoyable holidays for people of all ages. Make sure your Halloween is a safe one by following these holiday safety tips:

Supervision

Small children should always have adult supervision during trick-or-treating. Older children can trick-or-treat in groups if they follow a safe, pre-determined route. Children should stay with their group at all times. Have older children trick-or-treating alone carry a cell phone with them at all times. Encourage children to avoid dark homes, dark streets and warn them never to go into a stranger’s…

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