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        <title>Carlos Montes' Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Welcome to Carlos Montes' real estate blog. Carlos is a Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Properties serving Calgary &amp; Surrounding areas.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/how-inflation-impacts-calgary-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/how-inflation-impacts-calgary-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>How Inflation Impacts Calgary Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary is undergoing greater consumer inflation than other areas of Canada, presenting a perhaps troubling development for those interesting in Calgary real estate. Prices on consumer goods rose 2.8% of last years prices, representing what is truly an above average boost. This growing inflation is perhaps most troubling because it comes even in the face of greater consumer insecurity and uncertainty.


Figuring out the precise impact that a social and economic trend like inflation might have on Calgary real estate is difficult. It is largely an individual concern, where inflation will impact some households much more than others. Keep the following issues in mind when determining the impact of an economic trend like inflation and the fallout it might have on potential Calgary real estate acquisitions.


Figure Out How Inflation Works


Inflation has a very different impact on different lifestyles. Many people find inflation actually lowers their own demand for consumer goods and thereby results in a positive outcome. However, those with retail addictions would be wise to steer clear of areas with large inflation rates. Of course, a high local inflation rate will impact any potential buyer or seller of Calgary real estate, but for some it will have more drastic effects.


Determine If It Is Short Term


Inflation is oftentimes a short term economic reaction to very concentrated events. It is oftentimes not indicative of any larger or more pervasive trend. Although a high inflation rate like the one in Calgary should be taken into account by those interested in Calgary real estate, it should perhaps be looked at with a long form view. Keeping an eye on long term economic performance will often provide more complete answers about a city’s economic stability and performance.


Look at the Housing Market Impact


Just as inflation impacts no two households the same, it will not affect any two housing markets in exactly the same way. While sometimes the housing market fluctuates wildly as a result of inflation, it often seems to have no directly discernible effect on the housing market. If this is the case, buyers and sellers in the Calgary real estate market perhaps do not need to be alarmed. Often, inflation is only temporary and will not even be around long enough to cause any true harm on a local housing market.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:12:59 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/new-junk-food-ban-could-impact-vendor-school-profits-in-calgary.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/new-junk-food-ban-could-impact-vendor-school-profits-in-calgary.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>New Junk Food Ban Could Impact Vendor, School Profits in Calgary</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Vendors fear that a ban on junk food at Calgary schools will take a bite out of their profit.Schools in the Calgary Board of Education stopped selling or serving food from the "choose least often" list on Jan. 1, 2012, while the ban took place in the Calgary Catholic School District on Oct. 1, 2011.


The announcement on the changes to the nutrition policy was announced in September 2011. Items no longer sold or served include chocolate bars and candy and most types of chips. In other words, salt and sugar is out. In its place: fruits and vegetables.


Now, only foods from the "choose most often" list are sold or served at elementary schools, including fruit juices, snacks and bars; granola bars　and fiber bars; vegetable juices; whole grain pasta; low fat milk, and;　 low- or fat-free plain yogurt.


Sixty per cent of the foods sold at the junior highs and middle schools now come from the "choose most often" category. Forty per cent　come from the "choose sometimes" category. Foods in　that category include: fruit bars and yogurt; vegetable juice and soy beverages; baked chips and　popcorn; granola and bran bars; low-calorie cookies, and; tuna fish and beef jerky.


At least 50 per cent of the foods sold or served at the high schools must come from the "choose most often" list, the rest from the "choose sometimes" list. Chocolate milk was originally delisted but has since been reinstated. Under the previous policy, junk food made up 20 per cent of the foods sold or served.


The Calgary Board of Education said any vendors that did not meet the new regulations could have their contracts voided.


Schools depend on the revenue from the vending machines, using the money to subsidize extracurricular activities and to buy equipment, among other things. One of the high schools, for example, recently used money from vending machines to repair a school bus. And the ban is expected to impact the vendors.


One vendor, who said junk food sales made up about 40 per cent of his sales, estimated that junior highs were earning approximately $7,500 in sales annually from the vending machines, while the larger high schools were netting about $20,000.


School administrators are expected to make sure their vending machines are meeting the new guidelines. School officials also say they realize students may choose to get their sugar and salt fix elsewhere.The new policy does not affect what parents prepare for their children’s lunches. Calgary Board of Education said the goal is to support a healthy lifestyle.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:44:25 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/supply-shortage-puts-albertas-electricity-options-into-focus.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/supply-shortage-puts-albertas-electricity-options-into-focus.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>Supply Shortage Puts Alberta’s Electricity Options Into Focus</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
  


Albertans are starting to rethink their electricity options after supply problems have driven prices up to record highs.  The retail electricity market was deregulated in 2000, transitioning it from traditional regulation to a market-based system.  


Deregulation was intended to reduce regulatory costs and curb prices. Now, scores of buyers and sellers dot the utilities landscape. Suppliers, for example, come from places like wind farms near Crowsnest Pass and large coal plants close to Edmonton.  


 


But less than 30 percent of Albertans have made the switch. Most electricity consumers still use the Regulated Rate Option, which is the Alberta Utilities Commission’s monthly power price.  Governing Conservatives stopped hedging electricity prices and consumers from price spikes in July 2010.  


 


But by early January 2012, regulated consumers were paying record highs after the price spiked 46 percent. Consumers were also paying almost 100 percent more per kilowatt-hour than they were in January 2011.  The problems stem from a supply shortage. Two coal-fired power units were prematurely shut down, while maintenance forced a new plant to shut down.  


Some RRO customers say they don’t want to test the market because they don’t want to be locked into an inflated contract rate just to have stable prices, whereas electricity prices could drop for regulated consumers once supply picks up.  The reason more haven’t turned to a retailer for their electricity could stem.  


Now, there are about 12 major players in the retail market for electricity, and most companies stopped requiring customers to sign a long-term contract or pay a penalty for getting out of a contract. But some consumers may still be reluctant to make the switch, due in part to the early days of deregulation, when contract terms and conditions were stricter.  


 


Producers say Alberta’s annual average prices are similar to places that don’t have access to less expensive hydro power.  In the meantime, regulated consumers are left with three options: sign a contract with a retailer, ask for their bills to be averaged over the course of a year, or hope rates will level off once supply picks up.  And for those who decide to make the leap to an electricity retailer? Experts warn against signing a long-term contract based on January prices.  


The province has added 6,600 megawatts of power, a $12 billion investment, since starting to restructure the electricity industry in 1996. That, in turn, has helped Alberta keep up with growth.  


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:49:53 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/the-best-country-for-business-is-canada.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/the-best-country-for-business-is-canada.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>The Best Country For Business Is? Canada!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Canada Continues To Be a Leader For BusinessCanada ranks number one in a recent annual look for the best countries for business. These results make today the the perfect time to move your business, or start a new one, north of the border. Canada's economy has held up far better than that of the US and Europe; as these two countries deal with the fears and uncertainty of debt issues, Canada has seen economic growth of over 3 percent, resulting in it taking position as the ninth largest economy in the world. And, the future only looks better! 


While other countries dealt with banking meltdowns, Canada was able to maneuver around them by avoiding bailouts, allowing them to emerge as a leader. Ultimately, Canada’s conservative fiscal practices, including responsible lending strategies, have contributed to the nation’s economic success. The country also ranks in the top 5 globally when it comes to investor protection and the ease of starting a business. With their position in both economic and business factors climbing, Canadian businesses are becoming more competitive in every aspect in the global market. Add in the improvement in tax status due to a reduction in employee and corporate tax rates; and you have a winning formula for success in business today.Moving Forward in Canadian BusinessWhile Canada leans heavily on the US economy and sends about three quarters of its exports every year to their southern neighbor, Canadian unemployment has also managed to remain lower than the States annual average. Because of these factors, Canada is now in a considered to be a prime spot to build business and to employ people for those businesses. Canada is considered one of the best countries for businesses because of the following: 


 




Innovation


Taxes


Property rights


Technology


Investor protection


Stock market performance


Out of the 134 countries that are looked into for best business growth and practices, Canada emerges as a strong frontrunner because of its dedication and commitment to building a stronger economy and community. Business in Canada is booming and the boom will only get louder and bigger as time moves forward. 


 


 




 


 
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            <pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:02:57 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/calgary-is-a-leader-in-canadian-economic-growth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/calgary-is-a-leader-in-canadian-economic-growth.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>Calgary Is A Leader in Canadian Economic Growth</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary Economic Development recently hosted its annual event looking at the economic outlook for Calgary, and all signs are positive. The future will continue to show population growth and greater job creation to help renovate construction activities, allowing Calgary to remain atop the economic growth leader’s podium. Even with the rest of the world fearing a large amount of financial uncertainty, Calgary continues to make strides in economic growth. 


The local housing market is still trying to get a grasp on its footing, but is nowhere near a drastic decline. The economy in Calgary has rebounded with great tenacity and continues to get stronger with every passing day. With energy prices doubling in the last few years, it has helped to increase investments in the industry while the growth of the city's population continues to rise, which is tremendously important to economic growth. The forecast for continued growth is expected to continue to rise and Calgary looks to sustain its level of economic activity in the years to come.Financial Markets Volatile During Calgary's Economic GrowthThe financial market’s volatility represents a dip in confidence when it comes to the abilities of US and European governments to assess their fiscal challenges. There is currently a two speed global economy that has weak prospects for other industrialized nations but offer tremendous strength in emerging markets. This has help to support commodity prices. The overall shape of Calgary's economic fortunes will be based on the international environment and other risks.One of the supporting factors for this economic growth is the strength in the residential real estate market that allows for helping the overall economy. A continued high energy priced environment will only help Calgary to flourish as an economic leader. 


There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the global economy and the fears that it could stumble into a recession are causing fears in a lot of people, but Calgary has proven to be successful in its environmental growth and looks to further increase in the years to come, which should help to relieve the stress and fears of Canadians. 


How long will this trend last, is the real question. Even with the downside risks, the experiences in growth over the past few years have shown that the economy in Calgary will stay strong as long as the emerging markets stay fundamentally sound. The upsides far outweigh the downsides and there is so much potential for even greater economic growth for the future. 


Calgary has emerged as a leader in this economy with is commitment and dedication to building better communities while maintaining its spot at the top of the economic growth leader board, and they show no signs of slowing down. 


 


 


 


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:13:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/with-calgary-mls-sales-on-the-rise-prepare-yourself-to-buy-your-new-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/with-calgary-mls-sales-on-the-rise-prepare-yourself-to-buy-your-new-home.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>With Calgary MLS Sales On The Rise, Prepare Yourself To Buy Your New Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



 


With interest rates so low, now is the time to buy in CalgaryYou already know that buying a home can be a stressful and lengthy process. But, as you are going through the process, it is important to take it very seriously, not rushing into closing on what you believe to be your dream home. Calgary MLS sales are on the rise, giving you the perfect opportunity to buy at one of the best times in recent years.


If you are not wise in your decisions during the process of buying a home, you could wind up giving yourself more of a headache than necessary. You may rush to sign at closing, only to find that repairs need to be done to the property. Or, you have signed up for a more expensive mortgage than you technically could have qualified for, costing you significantly more in internet over time. The worst case scenario though is that you could end up in a home that you are just not happy with. 


Avoiding these errors will make for a more pleasant and smoother transition into your new home, while eliminating the chance for common missteps along the way.Steps to take when buying your new homeBuying a home is for most, a lifetime investment. Being prepared with the proper knowledge and tools before initiating the purchasing process, will guarantee that your new home is the one you've dreamed about. Taking certain steps will help you along that journey, including:




Make sure your credit is strong. Your credit score can change from month to month. Reevaluate it before you decide to buy a new home and avoid making any late payments or adding additional credit right before you apply for a mortgage.


Do a thorough home inspection prior to purchasing. The old rule of never judge a book by its cover comes into play here. Never assume that just because a house looks good on the outside that all will be well on the inside. Hire a home inspector to go through every inch of the house before you buy.


After the inspection is done, do a walk through - Make sure that your new home is in the condition that you want it in. Check everything from lights to appliances to water and make sure they are all in working order.


Consider your homes resale value - If you are not planning on living in your home indefinitely, take resale value into careful consideration. Location, layout of the home, and attractions or schools nearby can either hurt or increase the resale value of your home, and should be taken into consideration




There has never been a better time to buy your new home in Calgary. Make sure you arm yourself with the right tools to get you into your dream home.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:22:24 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/current-events-for-calgary-canada.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/current-events-for-calgary-canada.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>Current events for Calgary, Canada </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Calgary offers so many fun and exciting opportunities to get out and enjoy the local culture. While there are more things to do than we can list here, this is a great list of things that are fun for everyone and can be enjoyed by all ages.Calgary is most known for the renowned Calgary Stampede, a 10 day extravaganza of rodeo supremacy that brings in over one million spectators to help celebrate Canada's long and historic cowboy culture. But, there are other things going on if the rodeo isn't quite your thing. The oil boom city offers a vibrant array of cultural activities for young and old alike.Here are a few other spectacles you can bring the family out to see and enjoy:




Cirque du Soleil's OVO insect extravaganza is going on from September 7th through October 9th. It is being held at the Calgary Stampede Grounds and offers a lavish tribute to the insect world while displaying amazing designs and costumes in the tent known as The Gran Chapiteau. This is great for the whole family.


The Master Tournament of horses is being held at the world class, state of the art equestrian center and features over 1000 horses in a variety of events.


The Village Square Leisure Centre is offering a recreation day for seniors on October first from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. There will be free coffee and refreshments provided and the attendees can sign up for fitness, yoga, aquacize, and other activities.


Wishmaker Walk for Wishes is in town on October 16th, and is the premier event for the Childrens Wish Foundation of Canada. Come down and join the thousands in attendance as they walk to help raise money to help children with serious illnesses. There will be food, prizes and entertainment provided at the end and it supports a great cause.


The Calgary Stampeders offer excitement as part of the Canadian Football League and still have a few more home games to play this year, so why not come out and support them in their quest to win the Western Division. With games on September 17th, And October 1st, 21st, and November 5th, there is sure to be one game that fits in to your schedule. Come out and show your support!




Whether you are into sports, art, or other interests, there is sure to be something that you can find on this list that will be fun and entertaining for your whole family. Get out and celebrate what Calgary has to offer and make the most of your time during your visit there.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:33:14 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/are-you-a-calgary-alberta-golf-fan.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/are-you-a-calgary-alberta-golf-fan.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>Are you a Calgary, Alberta Golf Fan? </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many people think of Calgary, and Canada in general, as a cold wintery mecca for hockey fans and oil riggers. But, the city also caters to some of the most amazing and beautiful golf courses in the region. Offering fine private and municipal golf courses, Calgary features over 50 courses that offer spectacular play and views for players of all skill sets.Canada's leading golf publication, Scoregolf.com, listed three Calgary golf course within their top 50 of the countries best courses to play, with the highest ranking going to The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Resort at number 5 overall. Calgary also offers seven municipal golf course with discounted rates to seniors and youngsters, while offering punch card services as well.There are a number of amenities offered at all the golf courses, with most including driving ranges, club pros, cart rental, club rentals, and other facilities. The only disadvantage to golfing in Calgary is the short golfing season due to inclement weather. Courses tend to close in September and reopen again by May, leaving a relatively short window of operation if golfing is on your itinerary during your stay in Calgary.Golf course listings in CalgaryThere are many spectacular golf courses that you can tee off on in Calgary. Here is a partial list of courses available to the general public, that you can look up and make reservations for in the surrounding Calgary area:




Buffalo Run


Eaglequest Douglasdale


Fox Hollow


Calgary Elks


Confederation Park


Elbow Springs


Golf Canada Calgary Centre


Harvest Hills


Heather Glen


Inglewood Golf and Curling Club


Lakeview


Lynx Ridge


Maple Ridge


McCall Lake


McKenzie Meadows


Richmond Green


River Spirit


Shaganappi Point


Shaw-Nee Slopes


Silverwing


Sirocco Golf Club


Springbank Links Golf Club


Valley Ridge Golf Club


Highland Golf and Country Club


Glencoe Golf and Country Club


Country Hills Golf Club


Country Club of the Hamptons


Cottonwood Golf and Country Club


Bearspaw Country Club


Douglas Estates Golf Club


Pinebrook Golf and Country Club


Redwood Meadows Golf Club


Lakeside Greens Golf and Country Club




No matter what your handicap is, or whether its a 9 or 18 hole course you are looking for, Calgary has something to offer for every golfer. The landscape offers some of the most spectacular vies and affordable greens fees, making it a must add to your itinerary on your next vacation to do list.



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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:31:16 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/current-art-developments-in-the-city-of-calgary-fall-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/current-art-developments-in-the-city-of-calgary-fall-2011.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>Current Art Developments in the City of Calgary, Fall 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You may not know this about Calgary, but the city offers a rich and diverse art and theater scene to soften its cultural trademark as a "stampeders’" paradise. Here’s just a glimpse of Calgary’s vivid arts community: 　 The Art Gallery of Calgary (The AGC) A public, non-collecting art gallery dedicated to presenting contemporary art exhibits and quality art education programs. Experience cutting-edge art and installations in Calgary’s downtown Cultural District where the AGC’s five galleries offer over 6,000 square feet of exhibition space.　 For more information, visit the AGC website. The Glenbow Museum Come view a treasure trove of over a million artifacts and 28,000 art pieces in one of the largest museums in Canada. The Glenbow maintains a commitment to preserve Canada’s rich western culture and heritage while enlightening its visitors to a broad global experience in diverse forms of art and eclectic artifacts. For more information, go to their website.　　 Gainsborough Galleries As Calgary's oldest art gallery, established in 1923, many consider this one of the city’s most vibrant art venues, with its wide array of fine paintings and sculptures. At 3,000 square feet, the gallery takes great pride in renewing its exhibits and displays in vivid and dynamic ways. For more information, visit their website. The Nickle Arts Museum As the cultural showcase of the University of Calgary, the Nickle Arts Museum presents works of art, artifacts, numismatics and archeological remnants, and provides unique opportunities for research and study in these areas. The Nickle has the largest exhibition space of any Canadian university and is proud of its extensive coin collection. For more information, visit the Nickle website. Calgary takes pride in its theater scene which promotes cutting edge drama, comedies and musicals in these fine venues (among others): 　 Vertigo Theatre has entranced audiences for over 30 years with ground-breaking performances as its two unique theater companies continue to evolve: the Vertigo Mystery Theatre and Calgary’s only professionally produced theatre for young audiences, Y Stage. For show and ticket information, visit their website.　　 　 Lunchbox Theatre produces about seven plays per year as well as the Suncor Energy Stage One Festival where one-act playwrights can debut their work, and features the Emerging Director Program where neophyte directors acquire professional experience.　What makes the Lunchbox especially accessible is the fact that most of its shows are performed at mid-day, during the lunch hour. For show and ticket information, visit the Lunchbox website. Stage West Calgary, a Theatre Restaurant, is currently running Shady Business, a fast-paced comedic farce getting rave reviews, from August 25 thru October 30.　 For ticket info and more information about Stage West Calgary, visit their website. 




　


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            <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:21:59 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/how-to-sell-your-home-faster-part-iii.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.carlosmontes.com/blog/how-to-sell-your-home-faster-part-iii.html</link>
            <author>carlos@carlosmontes.com (Carlos Montes)</author>
            <title>How to Sell your Home Faster – Part III</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
How to Sell your Home Faster – Part III


You’re almost there; the renovations are finished and the repairs are done – so what now? Before you call in your Realtor to take pictures and post your home on MLS for the entire world to see you may want to run through this final list of preparations:


Super Clean


Your home should be as clean as humanely possible. A clean home looks better cared for, and feels bigger. A pre-sale clean should include walls, windows, carpets, floors, curtains and blinds, appliances, and counters. Basically every surface in your home should be spic and span, so potential buyers can simply enjoy the home, rather than thinking about what they’ll have to clean when they move in.


You can really never be too clean, so grab a bucket, mop, and some cleaning products and get started!


Pack it Away


Don’t underestimate the importance of de-cluttering. Getting rid of 30-50% of the items in your home makes it feel larger, and makes it easier to keep clean. To a buyer the home will feel open and the removal of personal items will help them imaging themselves living there.


Grab a box, rent a storage locker, borrow a truck, and start de-cluttering! Pack up everything you don’t need, and everything you can live without for a month or two.


Get Curbside


Curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of preparing a home to sell, which makes it surprising as to how often it is overlooked. At the very least ensure your yard is clean and clutter free. Mow the lawn more often and consider adding some plants. If you are able to and have the time, consider repainting your trim and front door.


Having trouble keeping track of all the things you need to do prior to selling? Visit our Selling Page for more tips and information. Once you have all these tasks complete you will finally be ready to sell – quickly!
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            <pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:53:26 -0500</pubDate>
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