Musgrave Agencies

Life is a process of continual growth and change. As we progress, we change all the time and outgrow the habits, ideas, and relationships that we thought we would have forever.

The same thing goes for real estate. People commonly find themselves moving on from the place they thought they would be in forever due to outgrowing the home or just needing something different from what their current home can provide.

This is one reason why buyer's should not to get too hung up on finding their “dream” home, especially if they are looking for their first home.

As we grow, our preferences and needs change. In 15 years, you may look at a home you thought would have been perfect today and laugh at your former self. That’s just a part of life!

If you’ve outgrown your current home and you’re ready to find the home that works great for your life today, we're ready to help!

Smart roller shades are going to be your new favourite thing.

With smart shades, you can schedule your shades to open and close automatically. This may seem like a small thing, but it can actually help you save on heating and cooling while keeping your home feeling light and bright.

Want to wake up to beautiful light streaming in? Done. Want to keep the hot light of midday out while you’re away? It’s just a tap away on your phone.

If you always feel like you’re always fussing with opening and closing the blinds on your doors or windows, smart roller shades could be the solution you’re looking for.

Plus, they’re an instant value booster.

Smart home upgrades are hot with buyers, so it’s a good idea to upgrade to the smart versions of things.

We can totally see a combo of a smart thermostat and smart roller shades being an energy-saving hit for buyers!

Want more tips like this? Make sure to like this post and hit follow for more!

Every property has something that makes it special. As a seller, your job is to play up your advantages and make those assets stand out to potential buyers!

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to think about what will appeal to buyers and then highlight those parts of your home.

Here are some assets you might want to consider emphasizing when you’re getting ready to sell:
Big windows
Outdoor spaces
Open floor plans
Storage space
Big or refreshed kitchen
Architectural details

Let us know what assets your home has in the comments below!

If you’re jumping into the summer real estate market, you need to use these tips!

The competition is hot right now, which means that you need to use the right strategies to make a successful offer.

On top of that, your finances need to be in good shape and you need a pre-approval to show it. Sellers will be looking for offers with secure financing–this is where your pre-approval comes in!

You’ll also want to do your homework and understand your negotiating power for each home that you want to make an offer on. Your agent will help you with this so you’re prepared to make a great offer.

By following these tips, you’ll put together a successful offer and get the home of your dreams this summer!

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to buy your first home… This is it.

This amazing news is what so many people have been waiting for! It’s more affordable than you think, to pay for your monthly mortgage.

You can get into a home with as little as 5% down, and potentially qualify for first-time homebuyer incentives.

By working with a great real estate agent and taking advantage of these opportunities, you can become a homeowner affordably!

Buyer's remorse is a very real thing... yes, even when it comes to buying a home.

The number one reason? Going over budget.

It's crucial to strike a balance between your "dream" home and financial responsibility. Before you start house hunting, set a realistic budget that aligns with your financial goals and priorities, and STICK TO IT.

A beautiful home is wonderful, but financial stability and peace of mind are priceless.

Showings are one of the most exciting parts of the home buying process. However, they can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you're expected to make one of the biggest decisions of your life after just a 30-minute showing.

Not sure what to look for? Here are a few key things we like to tell our buyers to look out for while we are viewing homes.

☑️ Storage Space
Don’t just focus on the bedrooms —
evaluate the closets, cabinets, and garage for ample storage. Don’t be afraid to
open doors and drawers, either!

☑️ Neighbourhood
Take note of the neighborhood's noise levels, and busyness of the street, nearby
amenities, and overall vibe. Consider how well it fits your lifestyle. You can easily
change or update a home, but not a location. Is natural light important to you?
Don’t forget to look at what direction the main rooms are facing.

☑️ Odors
There’s plenty to look for during a showing, but you’ll want to keep your nose
on alert, too. Pay attention to any unusual odors, which could indicate hidden
issues. Odors aren’t necessarily a deal breaker, but some are harder to remove
than others.

☑️ Major Systems
Inquire about recent maintenance and upgrades to major systems like the roof,
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Don’t forget to inspect the age and condition of
the windows, as this can become a very big ticket item.

Also, remember to look past the seller's decor and furniture and focus on the features of the home itself. And don't forget to take your own pictures and videos to jog your memory later (you'll be happy you did!).

Save this post for later so you can reference it at your next showing!

I don't know who needs to hear this, but...

✓ It will never be a buyer's market & seller's market at the same time
✓ If you sell high in a seller's market, then you are also buying "high"
✓ If you buy low in a buyer's market, then you've also sold "low"
✓ You cannot sell at the height of the market and buy at the low of the market at the same time

Remember, it's impossible tot time the market. So instead, focus on making a move when it makes the most sense for you.

Have questions about buying or selling in today's market? Send us a message, we'd love to help you out!

We've gotten to know our team of agents but we really thought you should meet the team of ladies behind the scenes.

Tina Sayer is the smiling face you see when you walk through the front door! Not only does she help with all things real estate for everyone but she also helps out Excel Insurance.
A few fun facts about Tina:
-Spending time with family and friends playing yard games with a nice cold drink and appies is her perfect summer day!
-Tina has been involved in real estate since 1997, most of them as a licensed realtor and has been at Musgrave since 2021.
Tina has 2 sons and 4 beautiful grandkids
Tina is also a dog mom to our favorite visitor.....Achilles! 🐾We love when he visits!

Laurie Kykannen has been with Musgrave for over 25 years and is definitely the go-to in our office for everything. If you need help with anything she is always willing to lend a hand!
Laurie's ideal summer day is spent at the beach with her family.
If you really want to get in Laurie's good books....stop by with her favorite snack...Salt and Vinegar chips and Coke! 😉

Brenda Torres has been with Musgrave for over three years and wears so many "hats" helping out a few of our agents and she does it with a smile!
A few fun facts about Brenda:
She loves to spend her summer days with her family and grandchild going on a picnic or going for a drive (just as long as she doesn't have to drive!) 😄😄

Shannon Dopko has been with Musgrave for a year and half and is a Real Estate assistant to Scott Dopko. Over the last couple months she has also taken on the role of Social Media Manager.
A few fun facts about Shannon:
She has 4 kids, 2 grandkids and 3 frenchies, and she loves hanging out with all of them!
If you bring Shannon a Tim Horton's coffee in the office, "she'll be your best friend that day!" as told to us by Scott. We think he may speak from experience?!😅
She also makes amazing cinnamon buns and has brought them to the office....but sadly hasn't for awhile even after we have all asked a few times. STRONG HINT! 😉

These ladies are truly the backbone of our office and we are so very thankful for all they do! 😄

🌞 Pre-Summer Checklist!

Before Summer officially begins, (which is hopefully soon) there are a few tasks you’ll need to tackle to transform your home’s outdoor space into something worthy of being the host with the most!

Save this post for later, so that when you have some time to check off a few items you have own little checklist!

This is a common question among first time home buyers or out of town buyers. Most times in different climates the foundation will vary, or even the structure being built.

Here is a quick run-down:

ICF Foundations (Insulated Concrete Forms):

Construction: Forms made of insulating materials filled with concrete.
Benefits: High energy efficiency, strong and durable, good sound insulation.

Concrete Foundations:

Construction: Traditional foundation using poured concrete.
Benefits: Very strong and durable, good for heavy loads, low maintenance.

PWF Foundations (Permanent Wood Foundations):

Construction: Pressure-treated wood used for foundation walls.
Benefits: Faster and easier to install, flexible in cold climates, good thermal insulation.
PWF foundations are also engineered & inspected at time construction.

Save this post or share with a home buying friend.

It only takes a little time and effort to make your life as a homeowner so much easier!

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for everything that goes on in your home–from decor and design to maintenance to repairs. Since no one else is taking care of it (like a landlord), it’s your job to pay attention to your home and keep it maintained.

If you let maintenance slide or put off fixing problems, chances are that they will snowball and turn into a much bigger mess that will take more time, energy, and money to fix up.

Following this process makes owning a home much easier and less stressful–while preserving your home’s value.

Want more tips like this? Make sure to hit the follow button!

Welcome to this custom bungalow offering over 1600 square feet of comfortable living space. This well-maintained home is a true gem; lovingly cared for by its original owner. Step inside to find a blend of cozy and spacious areas. The main floor features a formal living and dining room combo, perfect for gatherings. Enjoy relaxing evenings in the family room, complete with a warm wood fireplace and custom woodworking trim. The expansive windows offer a great view of the fully landscaped back yard. The large kitchen boasts custom cabinetry and a handy kitchen nook for casual meals - if there is inclement weather, you can enjoy your morning coffee here and still enjoy the back yard views! Just off the kitchen, you'll find deck doors leading to a beautifully landscaped backyard. This outdoor space includes a large deck, a gazebo, a shed, and a workshop with power. There’s even RV parking along the side of the house for your convenience.The main floor also includes a dedicated laundry room, a 4-piece bath, and two bedrooms. The primary bedroom is indeed a serene retreat with a walk-in closet and a luxurious 5-piece ensuite.Downstairs, the basement offers even more living space with a versatile room that could easily become a bedroom, a cozy family room with a dry bar and electric fireplace, a large storage room, and another rec room area. The expansive storage room is perfect for your hobbies, whether you need a home gym, a crafting space, or even a workshop!This home is located on a quiet street with great curb appeal. Are you looking for a spacious, move-in ready home in a mature neighborhood? Don’t miss the chance to make this one of a kind bungalow your own!

Offered at $469,900

Jackie Gartner
(780) 522-7355

Sometimes we just need a little reminder that everything will work out in the end.

Because if you think back through your life, I’m pretty sure that you’ll notice how the people, places, and opportunities you’ve had came into your life at just the right time.

The things we want want us back, and that means that what’s meant for us will never pass us by!

This is especially important to keep in mind with real estate, just due to the changeable and fast-paced nature of the market. Whether you’re selling your home or you’re trying to buy your dream home, remember that what’s meant for you will never miss you.

P.S. Send this post to a friend who could use a little reminder!

The latest stats on the market are in. They show that we’re in a healthy summer real estate market right now!

Inventory is low, and buyers are finding it tough to find what they want. Because there are more buyers than homes on the market, the market is still healthy.

Buyers want to buy your home. Do you want to see what you could make from selling right now?

Get in touch with one of our experienced agents so we can help you get your home on the market.