Where are all the homes for sale!!!!!? From 2015-2019, you could find houses that sat for months!  You would drive through your community - and see a new sign go up every day.  Now, you can hardly find ONE home for sale.When you do find a home you like, you often call or text your real estate agent - only to learn that it sold yesterday - or is already pending. Welcome to a...

Typically, it is the buyer who orders a home inspection... however we strongly suggest that as a seller, you should consider being proactive versus reactive on this matter. The minimal cost is an investment, NOT a cost, in that most home inspections will find any number of items that should be attended to be they minor maintenance items or major issues. It is not unusual for buyers to then renegotiate...

Karen's Korner - January 2022 Should You Keep a Cardboard Box That Has Remained Unopened in Your Basement/Garage/Storage Area - For Years? What is in it? Will I miss it? What if it is valuable? It is very common to find unopened boxes left over from the LAST move - as we prepare for an upcoming move.  Clients tell me how stressful it is to have these kinds...

Author: Karen Keveryga This Years Design Trends - Are They Here To Stay? As you all know - the content of this blog - typically takes shape based on my personal experiences at the time.  I showed a home last night, and my buyer declared strongly - that she HATES barn doors! I laughed of course - personal preference.  However - I do think this is a trend that will go away. See below a list of other...

Karen Keveryga - Realtor RLP Benchmark Karen's Korner - November Edition In April 2016, a representative from Richards Robbins (Chris Cummins) presented at our brokerage, Royal LePage Benchmark. His role was to introduce the concepts and benefits of attending an event put on by this organization. I was new to real estate. Started in 2015 during a recession. Was...

Karen Keveryga What Is Virtual Staging? If you're not familiar with virtual staging, it may be because high quality virtual staging - looks nearly IDENTICAL to photos taken of traditionally staged properties (i.e. in-person, physical staging).  In fact, you’ve probably seen virtually staged rooms online without realizing it! What is Virtual Staging? Virtual staging is utilizing professional...

Author: Karen Keveryga The Struggles Of A First Time Buyer Did you know that in the past year - FIRST time home buyers made up 31% of ALL home buyers???? The same as the year prior! 82% of these first time home buyers - are 22 to 30 years.  48% of buyers are 31 to 40 years. Behind these groups, 22% of buyers 40 to 54 years are also getting into the market for the FIRST time. The most common reasons for...

Greg Berry - Author Head of Marketing & Social Media Managing Moving Madness! Did you know that the average person in North America moves house 12 times in their life-time? Life Expectancy in Canada is close to 83 years, which means we move approximately every 7 years… I personally find this stat a bit underwhelming given that I am approaching 29 and I have already...

Karen Keveryga, Calgary Realtor Karen's Korner Staging: The Buyer Perspective The Definition of Staging is: The activity or practice of styling and furnishing a property for sale in such a way as to enhance its attractiveness to potential buyers.   I have written in the past about staging and how it can benefit the Seller.  Now let's look at it through the perspective of a buyer and how working with...

I get asked this question every day - "Should I Buy or Sell First" ?!  Similar to the long debated "chicken or egg" first theory - there are factors to consider on each side.Whether you are thinking of moving up to a larger house, or downsizing, or maybe just looking for a change, the question of ‘Should you sell your current home first’ is a very common dilemma homeowners...