Whether you are planning on selling your home or not - improvements to your home or yard can have a significant impact on the value and appeal of your home. The Calgary Home & Garden Show is an excellent source of ideas and trades people to help with improvements, upgrades and landscaping.

Our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team is offering 25 FREE tickets to the exhibit. To get your tickets, you can reach us through our Facebook page or email Savannah@SoldByJ.com. First come, first serve - free tickets are limited.  

 Happy home improvements!! 

The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team is pleased to offer Calgary & Okotoks families a chance to hit the ice for some holiday fun with a FREE family & public skating event in Okotoks. 

Join us on Sunday, December 23rd from 12:15 - 2:15 pm to skate with Santa and players from the Okotoks Jr. A Oilers hockey team, door prizes will be drawn at 1:30 pm and more!

Tell your friends and neighbours!  Merry Christmas! 

Get to know our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team by reading some of these interesting facts about our Realtors in a short series bio`s called BIO BLOG. You can also learn more about our tenacious realtors in the Meet Our Real Estate Team section of our website. 

For today’s BIO BLOG series we will get to know Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team Realtor DEREK STUART: 

Derek, known to those close to him as ‘Stuey’, has been an integral part of our REMAX Real Estate Team since 2011. In addition to working hard for our clients, Derek spends much of his time as assistant coach for the Okotoks Jr. ‘A’ Oilers of the AJHL – click here to see Derek’s Oilers coaching BIO.

Why do you like being a Realtor?  I like being a realtor because it allows me to interact with a variety of people and I take a great deal of pride in knowing someone has trusted and relied on me to help find the place they want to call home, or has trusted me with their investment to help find property. I enjoy dealing with people in a professional manner and getting the most value when selling their house. 

What are your best skills as a Realtor?  My best skills as a realtor are my flexibility and my willingness to make myself available for my clients. I also have strong negotiation skills which is very important and I always have my client interests at the forefront of anything dealings.  

5 interesting facts about Derek:

I am addicted to hockey, NFL football and golf 

• I have been to 4 different continents of the world
• I love spending time in the gym
• I am proud to live my life in the moment one day at a time
• I feel happiest when helping others

Feel free to reach out to Derek via our website: www.SoldByJ.com or send Derek a message on our ‘Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team’ Facebook page!  

For several years, members of our Okotoks Real Estate Team have volunteered for the Salvation Army's Annual Kettle Campaign.

We all recognize the signature red kettles and the jingling of Christmas bells by volunteers posted at locations throughout the region. Your donations to these kettles all stay local to support the Foothills community by helping with emergencies, sending kids to camp, and more. It is the one public fundraiser that the Salvation Army does each year. 

Our friends at the Salvation Army Foothills approached us saying that this year there is a HUGE need for volunteers in Okotoks & High River to help with this year's kettle campaign, which has already begun. 

If you are interested in volunteering please call Lynn Spencer, the Kettle Coordinator, at 403-975-7280. 

Merry Christmas! 

Get to know our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team by reading some of these interesting facts about our Realtors in a short series bio`s called BIO BLOG. You can also learn more about our tenacious realtors in the Meet Our Real Estate Team section of our website. 

Our subject today is Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team realtor Kim Daniel: 

Why dO You like beinG a Realtor?  I like being a realtor in Okotoks & Calgary because I look forward to hunting for the right house for my clients. Sometimes I feel that I have more fun than my clients do looking at properties. For me, it never gets old – every house, even the most similar are different. Choosing your home is one of the most import things in a persons life and I like to know that I found the right one for my clients needs. 

What Are Your besT skills aS it relates to This BusiNess?  One of my most valuable skills as a Realtor is being able remove myself and my opinions from the equation - it’s all about my clients. I really learn what is important to them and that’s what I find for them.  If it means looking at dozens and dozens of houses then that’s what it takes. I’m also a great real estate negotiator. I enjoy the hustle and the back & forth of negotiations until I get the best terms for my clients. You will find this out if you choose to work with me! 

5 inTeresting / little Known Facts aBout Kim:

• I love zombie movies! 
• My two favorite types of books to read are romance and any post apocalyptical read – polar opposites, I know.
• I don’t like heights.
• I love long distance road trips by myself, some of my favorite trips was me driving from Toronto to Calgary and Calgary to San Francisco. I can’t wait to plan my next one.
• My favorite house chore is vacuuming.

The Christmas season is a time of giving, and our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team loves to give... that is no secret!

We are going to giveaway a $100 Home Depot gift card to one of our lucky Facebook friends! All you have to do to be entered to win, is LIKE our Facebook fan page. And if you SHARE our giveaway photo on Facebook, your name will be entered 2x to win! Let the sharing and giving begin! 

The draw will be made on December 15, 2012. The winner will be contacted and announced the same day. Good luck! 

Our Okotoks Real Estate Team has developed a reputation of giving back to the community, so naturally we are happy to offer you another opportunity to help out those in need in and around Okotoks. 

On November 7 the Western Wheel Cares charity fundraising campaign was launched. This is the first of what the local newspaper hopes will be many initiatives to give back to the community. 

As part of their contribution back to the Okotoks & Foothills community, the Western Wheel will handle the administration and promotion of this event which will see the funds raised shared amongst the following charities:  

- The Okotoks & District Food Bank

- The Foothills Country Hospice

- The Sheep River Health Trust

- Rowan House Emergency Shelter

Friend of The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team, Robyn Duplisea who is in Ad Sales at the Western Wheel, said "We are seeking your support as individuals and businesses to donate and also to help spread the word.

We are hoping various groups, businesses and individuals will get involved as well, to challenge each other to match their donations and help make this a successful annual fundraising event for our community."

All donors names and the amount donated will be published in the Western Wheel, updated weekly (unless anonymity is requested). They also welcome donations on behalf of other individuals as a Christmas gift.

Donations will be accepted from until December 31, 2012.

To participate you can call the Western Wheel office Monday to Friday from 9-5pm and make a donation using your credit card. They will also accept donations in person at their office via debit, cash and cheques. Or visit www.westernwheel.com to donate using PayPal.

#9 McRae Street or mailed to Box 150, Okotoks, AB T1S 2A2

403-938-6397

All donations of $10 or more will receive a 2012 official tax receipt at the end of the campaign. For more information please contact gwolf@okotoks.greatwest.ca.

It's all about Neighbours helping Neighbours and your support is greatly appreciated by all. We thank you on behalf of our Remax Real Estate Team and this years charities for your generous donations.

RE/MAX and other real estate experts are predicting that the housing market will remain strong through 2013. The Calgary Herald reports the average MLS sale price increased by 2.5% in 2012 and RE/MAX predicts it will rise another 2% in 2013. 

This is coupled with the fact that mortgage rates have recently dropped to an astonishing low, with a five year fixed rate as good as 2.99 percent - with variable rates offering an even lower current percentage. 

Our Okotoks Real Estate Team loves the holiday season, and we like to share information about holiday events around the Okotoks and Calgary areas for  you to enjoy! We also like to attend many of these wonderful events, so if you recognize us from our Calgary & Okotoks real estate team bio page - please say HI! 

Light Up Okotoks – Light Up Okotoks is a local celebration to kick off the Christmas season in our quaint town. The lighting of the Community Christmas Tree & light show will take place at The Plaza at 7 pm. You can also take in the festivities at the many local shops and street vendors with late night shopping until 9 pm!  There will be craft sales at the Elks Hall and Okotoks Public Library. 

There will be an ice sculpture demo in front of the Municipal Centre. Warm up in the Okotoks Art Gallery & Okotoks Museum with some hot chocolate and cookies.  There will be children’s crafts in the attic and photos with Santa. With horse drawn wagon rides, fire pits, carollers, dancers and live reindeer it will be a very festive night. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable donation to the Food Bank. To finish off the night, enjoy the fireworks set off from Lineham Park – visible from anywhere around the downtown area. Visit www.Okotoks.ca for more info and the official Light Up Okotoks schedle. 

Okotoks Tree of Warmth – Our Okotoks real estate team would like to encourage you to share the warmth of our Okotoks community this holiday season with the Town of Okotoks Tree of Warmth. Starting on the night of Light Up Okotoks (Nov 16) you can bring in your new scarves, gloves, and toques to the Okotoks Art Gallery to decorate our Tree of Warmth. All of the items collected will be donated to local and regional charities.  

Holiday Helpers – Need help this holiday season? The Okotoks Holiday Helper program was implemented to help and provides assistance with basic needs – including utility bill payments, groceries, and transportation – to Okotoks families. Families may apply in person at the Family Resource Centre (located in the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre). You can apply between Nov 14 – Nov 30, for more info email: holidayhelpers@okotoks.ca. 

Remembrance Day, November 11 marks a very important day for every Canadian. 

On this day especially and throughout the year we remember our veterans and soldiers of the past & present, for they are the ones who have and continue to defend our country. 

CLICK HERE for a list of Remembrance Day events around Calgary. 

We remember you, and we honour you.

If you are currently renting a home or condo in Okotoks, there is no time like the present to turn your rent payment into a mortgage payment and purchase a home. 

Okotoks rental vacancy rates have plummeted over the past year with the vacancy rate close to zero percent. This is coupled with local affordable housing groups saying rent in the town has spiked between $200 and $400 for a single family home in 2012. 

CTV News Report - Rental rates hit rock bottom in Okotoks

CBC News Report - Okotoks rental vacancy rates plummet  

There are plenty of instances where renting makes more sense for your personal circumstances than home ownership.... But if owning a home in Okotoks is something you've considered and you need some more information and guidance about the Okotoks housing market conditions, house prices in Okotoks, costs associated with owning a home and other - our Okotoks Real Estate Team can help.    

USE THIS TOOL from CanadaMortgage.com to compare figures for renting a home to purchasing a home.  

Do you enjoy the hussle & bustle, the handmade goods, the local artists & artisans of Christmas Markets? Our local real estate team, especially Kim & Savannah, enjoys visitng events like this during the holidayseason.  

Calgary and its surrounding communities - Okotoks, Millarville, Airdrie, Cochrane & more - have plenty to offer and you can find all of the dates & locations conveniently laid on a calendar on this website: www.calgarycraftsales.com.

This website offers a calendar of local markets and crafts sales where you can find unique Christmas gifts, delicious foods and take pride in supporting local businesses this season!  

If you plan on attending the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market - don't forget to print you discount coupon which can be found in our Okotoks & Calgary Real Estate Blog posting. 

Also, if you're planning on listing your house for sale during the holidays, check out our real estate tips for staging you home during the holidays! 

Happy Holiday shopping! 

Visit our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team Facebook page to find a coupon for discounted admission to the 2012 Spruce Meadows International Chrsitmas Market held over 2 weekends (Nov 16-18 & Nov 23-25). Or see below. 

If you enjoy Christmas Markets as much as our local real estate team - A LOT - you'll want to check out this blog post about other local Christmas Markets in and around Calgary!  

For more information, exhibitors, location and hours CLICK HERE. 

On Sunday, November 4 time reverts to standard time at 2 a.m.

Twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time begins or ends, make it a habit to not only change your clocks, but do a few other semi-annual tasks that will improve safety in your home...

• Check (and if need replace) the batteries in your smoke detectors & carbon monoxide alarms. Replace any smoke alarms older than ten years. Replace any CO alarms older than five years.
   
• Prepare a disaster supply kit for your house (water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets). Once you've created this kit, use the semi-annual time change to check its contents (including testing/replacing flashlight batteries).
   
• Make a "winter car-emergency kit" and put it in your vehicle! (include mittens, toques, flares, flashlight, emergency blanket, non-perishable snacks, etc.) It's a good idea to carry a car-emergency kit year-round, but be sure to add cold-weather gear to your general car-emergency kit each fall. Like a Boy Scout - "Be Prepared!
   
• Check home & outbuilding storage areas for hazardous materials. Discard in an appropriate manner any that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Move any which are within reach of kids or pets. 
   
• Check & discard expired medications or other products in your medicine cabinet. 

The holiday season from November through early January is often considered the least ideal time of year to list your house for sale. But the good news is, the brave few house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying a house. 

Holidays can be personal on many levels but you want to make sure your decor is neutral. Subtle holiday accents coupled with staging techniques you would employ any time of the year (like de-cluttering, lighting, home improvements) will make buyers want to ring in the new year in your house! Contact us to request your free home staging guide. 

Try these tips to get buyers in the right spirit:

Clean & Stage: Before you decorate, your house needs to be staged. If your living room is already piled high with clutter your holiday pieces will only add to the sense of overcrowding.

Create a cozy & inviting ambiance: A few subtle touches like plush fabrics & pillows, a lit fireplace, a bowl of pinecones, and an evergreen wreath can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

Keep your color palette in mind: Make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor and is not too bold or doesn't contrast too harshly.

Go light on lights: Put down the inflatable snowman! One man's "merry" is another man's "tacky," so tone down the high power light displays while your home is on the market.

Choose an appropriate tree: A tall Christmas tree can help show off a two-story great room ceiling but make sure the wide base won't overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. 

Clear the clutter: A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but don't feel obliged to hang every last ornament. You still want each space to look as spacious as possible. Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair. 

Are you feeling the stress of listing your house for sale during the holidays? Check out HGTV's Tips to help ease your holiday selling stress! 

OUR #1 TIP FOR LISTING YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE DURING THE HOLIDAYS: Enlist the services of one of the best real estate team's in the region - The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team (plug)! 

Let the Christmas shopping season begin!!

The OKOTOKS MARKET SQUARE is hosting a Christmas Festival on Saturday, November 3 from 10am - 6 pm at the Foothills Centennial Center (204 Community Way, Okotoks). The festival will include an old fashioned Christmas Market, live music, a Santa photo booth, festive foods, local artists & artisans & more! 

You can support local artisans, enjoy the custom work of local artists and explore an amazing array of products presented by 80+ local businesses. Fun for all! If arts & handmade goods are not your choice, you can taste some fabulous foods prepared by local restaurants or have some fun while getting your photo taken in the Christmas photo booth.

Proceeds will be donated to the Okotoks Food Bank! 

CLICK HERE for more information on the Okotoks Market Square Christmas Festival. 

Do you enjoy making a trip to your local farmers market? Well you are not alone. Buying locally grown, fresh produce and other goods is gaining popularity, and it is no surprise since there are so many benefits.

Buying from your local farmer allows you to support the local economy and farmers. It means that the food you are eating comes from nearby, and does not require us to waste lots of energy and petroleum to ship the food half-way around the world. You are eating food in your own environment, where it has perfectly-created nutrients for your specific climate and region. You are also supporting the environment by reducing the usage of fossil fuels.

Check out 10 FARMERS MARKET SHOPPING TIPS

By shopping at the local farmers market, you will eat seasonally, fresh and ripe. This is another great way to increase your overall health. Supermarkets offer too much variety and the food is picked before it has ripened decreasing the vitality. Because it was grown locally, there is a good chance that the apple you buy from the farmer was picked a few days ago. This is virtually impossible in a big supermarket. There is no doubt that locally-grown foods, which are fresher, just simply taste better. You will never be able to eat a carrot from the grocery store again!

Farmers Markets in Calgary that are open YEAR ROUND:

Kingsland Farmers’ Market

OKOTOKS, AB, is located in one of the fastest growing regions in North America has lifted its population cap to 

accommodate the steady increasing demand for new homes. 

Central Alberta is one of the fastest growing regions in

 North America. High income, low unemployment, low taxes, affordable homes, an industrial boom, and quaint yet burgeoning small towns have households from all over the continent looking to become a part of the surrounding communities. One town in particular, Okotoks, located near the City of Calgary, lifted a long time population cap to accommodate the skyrocketing demand. Prominent Okotoks Realtor Jay Magnussen applauds the inevitable initiative, as long as every effort is made to maintain Okotoks’ charming appeal and sustainable ways. 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL PRESS RELEASE

 

An excerpt from the press release:

 

Jay Magnussen comments “It’s no secret that what is happening to the rest of Central Alberta’s population would spill into every city and town enjoying the great success of the region. A new growth strategy for Okotoks was inevitable. As long as the city is dedicated to maintaining its model of sustainability we should look at the positive impact that the strategy will have on the town. So far, it seems the city is dedicated to this endeavor and thus we, not just as Okotoks Realtors but as a long standing members of the community, welcome new Okotoks residents with open arms.”

Jay Magnussen and his Okotoks Real Estate team serve as unofficial liaisons to the town of Okotoks and in the eyes of the clients that solicit their services when seeking an Okotoks home they can considered an important part of the growth transition. It goes without saying that many businesses are excited about the town’s commitment to look towards the future, even if some residents are keeping a watchful eye to ensure that Okotoks continues to shine as a beacon of old-world charm in Central Alberta.

Similar to the list you develop to purchase groceries, why not develop your own list of needs and wants when buying a new home or house hunting. This doesn’t mean you can’t have what you want in your home, but rather, that you have a priority list of the most important features where a NEED would trump a WANT when push came to shove.

You may not be able to obtain all the “want” items on your list, within your budget, but at least you and your real estate agent will have a clearer idea of what to look for. You may have to compromise on a few items to stay in line with your budget. 

Here’s a few examples of needs versus wants: 

WANTS could include:
Specific carpeting, paint, exterior color
Jacuzzi tub or hot tub 
 Hardwood floors
Bay windows  Built-in entertainment center
Brass lighting fixtures
Skylights
A pretty view

Etc...

When developing your lists, try to establish a happy medium of your NEEDS and WANTS. That is, you’ll want to look for a home that includes all of your needs, with as many wants as practical, while remaining within your budget. Once you have this information in hand, your needs will be clearly defined from your wants. Having this knowledge will establish a clear direction for your new home shopping. 

When it comes to the sale of your home, it is the little things that can go a long way to increasing the price you will receive. Most buyers respond positively to a clean, clutter-free home that is in good condition. The more effort you put into the appearance of your home, the more likely you will receive greater activity and multiple offers.

Over time, we become accustomed to our homes, often overlooking the eyesores and the list of honey-dos that were never completed. Clutter accumulates. We think nothing of the low light and the pale and cracked paint. But someone who is looking for a new place to call home, is considering EVERY detail!! 

Below are numerous smaller, inexpensive things you can do to greatly improve the showing of your home. With a little elbow grease, and a little creativity, it is easy to keep your home in prime showing condition.

Prior to the listing, have a garage sale. The rule is "less is better." Clean. Organize. Discard. Donate. Pack all that you can. Clean out closets and storage areas. Donate old clothes and furniture to local charities. This will create a sense of greater space -- and mean less to move. What about all those books and magazines that you don't want? Perhaps you can donate them to a local library, hospital or charity.

Set the stage. Take full advantage of the areas in your home. Set the table with your best china. Create warmth and coziness in the living room, with a crackling fire. Put a pair of wine glasses and a vase of flowers on the coffee table in front of the fire.

Eliminate the odors. Buyers respond less favorably to smells. Use cleansers of all kinds to make the home smell fresh, from carpet freshener to potpourri. Deodorize your cat’s litter box / scoop litter daily. Put cedar chips inside the closets. Use the sense of smell to your advantage by having fresh-baked cookies or other baked goods on the kitchen table. People have both allergies and concerns when it comes to animals. If you have a pet, make arrangements to have it elsewhere when a home is being shown and remove all signs of having a pet.

Create space. Ensure that all doors, cabinets and drawers open all the way without bumping into anything or sticking. Clean out the entry closet. Move oversized furniture to a storage facility or garage. Entrances to all rooms should have an open flow.

Make the most of your views. Put a screen or a basket of flowers in front of a fireplace if not in use. Make sure there is enough room for visitors to view out the windows. Remove any clutter around window areas. Clean windows.

Create counter space. Store away extra small kitchen appliances. Put away dish racks, soap dishes and other clutter. Remove everything, like magnets and photos, from the refrigerator.

Aim for netural decor. De-personalize your teenager's room, the family room or other areas by removing wild posters or items that could be construed as offensive.

Increase the wattage. Pay attention to the laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms. Prior to showing, turn on the lights in every room.

De-Personalize. Remove family photos and unique personal items such as awards, hobbies, etc. throughout your home. This will make it easier for someone else to imagine themselves living there. 

After you have completed these inexpensive items, stand back. Ask a friend to view your home. What do you feel? Is it warm and inviting? Does it look comfortable and spacious? Is the aroma pleasant? When you create a positive, warm environment it is likely your buyer will feel the same way.

If you would like our opinion of your home's condition prior to selling, contact The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team for a free, no obligation home evaluation.