February News

February is here! This weekend coming up might be a busy one for some of you, with Valentine's Day and Family Day. As you might know, Family Day originated in Alberta, and was designed to strengthen family bonds, encourage quality time, and provide a break from work and school. And while some view Valentine's Day as more of a commercial holiday, it too is a wonderful opportunity to make a point of spending extra time with the ones you love most (romantically or otherwise). Both days are a great excuse to take time to unwind and engage in activities that celebrate togetherness. (With that in mind be sure to check out the article later in this newsletter about unconventional ways to spend time with your special someone(s)).

I have a truly one-of-a-kind listing to share as well. Gadsby Estate, which is located in Lacombe County - is a stunning lakefront, private estate that has so much to offer. From impeccable architecture and design elements to an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities (and so much more), this property is like nothing else you will find in Canada.

I am often asked what kind of home upgrades should be prioritized if you are thinking of selling. While the more obvious and exciting renos like kitchens and bathrooms really can change the whole look and feel of a home, there are many "less interesting" improvements you can make to your home that can deliver great return on investment (ROI). While it may not always seem as fun to spend money on things like a new furnace, windows or doors, these items more often than not have a significant impact on the value of your home when listing. Check out the list below to learn more!

If you are thinking of listing or buying this spring, let's chat. I can help you plan timelines, understand current market trends in Calgary and customize a plan that works best for your needs and goals. Give me a call or send me an email and we can go over your options.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe Family Day long weekend!

Located in the quiet, picturesque countryside of Lacombe County, Gadsby Lake Estate is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a secluded paradise offering just about everything you can dream of. Opulent architectural features and exquisite design elements are found throughout both the main residence and adjacent lodge, including the use of one-of-kind building materials from around the world. In addition to the 17 bedrooms and 31 bathrooms, this stunning estate boasts several specialty rooms including a library, a bright and airy atrium, a sauna and gym, large wine cellar, an indoor pool and lounge, a grand party room, private theatre, and games room. Each space is impeccably designed with elegance, comfort, and convenience in mind. This gorgeous estate has so much to offer - check out the full listing here to learn more and watch the video below.

Take a look at this stunning one-of-a-kind lakefront estate. Rolling hills, elaborate landscaping and lush gardens surround this elegant yet welcoming home, creating an oasis unlike any other you'll find in Canada!

Let's face it. Some home improvement projects are more interesting than others. Add a new patio seating area and a beautiful garden feature, and you'll probably consider having people over for a BBQ to show it off. New kitchen? It's dinner party time! New furnace or upgraded insulation in the attic? Probably not something you are going to invite friends and family over to see. There are many parts of the home that very few people get excited about spending money on because, well - they aren't very "fun or interesting" the way other upgrades can be. However, some of the more "boring" home improvements can actually deliver a high return on investment! Here are a few great examples of how these less-than-sexy updates can be a big win if you plan on selling your home soon.

New Siding: Replacing old siding is considered one of the best investments, often providing a higher return than major interior remodels. On average 65%-90% of your costs can be recouped through added curb appeal, lower maintenance and better energy efficiency.

Roof Replacement: A new roof is a high-value, necessary improvement that boosts market appeal and prevents costly future issues, giving peace of mind to potential buyers. Generally, most homeowners find they can recoup at least60-80% of their costs, even higher in certain markets.

Upgraded Insulation: Enhancing energy efficiency is always a win, even if it isn't flashy. On its own, upgraded insulation can save over 15% on energy costs. When paired with upgrade high efficiency furnaces and new windows, the savings are exponentially greater.

HVAC Systems: A new furnace and/or air conditioner ensures the home remains functional and desirable year-round. Homeowners can expect a 50%-80% ROI on this kind of an upgrade.

Energy-Efficient Windows: Replacing older windows can significantly improve a home's energy efficiency, which is a key selling point for long-term value. New windows have a strong ROI - for example a $10k project can often immediately add $7500-$8500 market value.

Garage Door Replacement: Offering a high-impact, low-cost upgrade, new garage doors have one of the highest average ROIs. Some studies suggest the added curb appeal, better energy efficiency, and improved security can garner 190%-260% ROI!

Entry Door Replacement: Your front door is the gateway to your home - and often the first thing potential buyers notice. Approximately 90-100% of the costs of the new door are usually recovered when the home is sold!

While not all home improvements are as flashy as new flooring, a room redesign or décor updates, it is fair to say that "boring" might be in eye of the beholder. While you may not be sharing photos of your new siding on Instagram or inviting friends over to see your new garage door in action, these upgrades can be beneficial to your bank account in the long run!

Love is in the air! Are you looking for a different way to spend time with your partner this Valentine's Day and beyond? Read on...

Make an appointment to donate blood as a couple. In the winter, and on long weekends like the Family Day weekend coming up, blood products are in high demand. Donor turnout is traditionally lower in the colder months due to road conditions, temperature etc. While our weather has been beautiful here, other parts of Canada have had more severe winter conditions resulting in a much lower donor turnout. By donating blood, you are helping the community here or perhaps further away in Canada. What a great way to give back! Donating blood gives you the opportunity to potentially save someone's life and/or give someone better quality of life - which can mean the world to the people they love the most.

Sign up to volunteer at an upcoming event (like a spring fundraising run for example) or commit as a couple to an ongoing volunteer opportunity. There are many not-for-profits that have specific volunteer programs geared towards couples (or friends, siblings etc), like being a Big Couple" through BBBS of Calgary.

To check out potential volunteer opportunities in Calgary click here.

Celebrate your love with a couples photo shoot. Couples often have wedding or engagement photos or family photos with the kids, but don't often consider having a photoshoot done "just because". It doesn't have to be a special occasion or milestone anniversary to have a professional photo shoot to capture this moment in time in your relationship!

You may have seen some of the more hilarious outcomes of these artistic date-nights on social media (if you haven't, here is an example). These portrait painting date nights are relatively inexpensive, can be done in the comfort of your home and, depending on your art skills, can be quite entertaining.

Stream a virtual museum tour-or browse curated collections online-then turn it into a themed night by pairing it with wine, snacks, and conversation prompts inspired by the art style or even the country you're "visiting." For a list of some of the museums and art exhibits available to tour virtually, click here.