About Calgary Region, AB

What difference can a Stager make in 3 hours??

Here are some Before and After photos from a recent Power Staging. The Realtor who referred me felt the property lacked a little pizzazz and appeal for the typical home buyer in this middle-class SW Calgary neighborhood. I had visited the home the week before and brought along some artwork and pillows (we had an inexpensive rental agreement for these items). Otherwise, I worked with all the home owner's stuff and we mostly just rearranged furniture . . . and, of course, de-cluttered!

There are a few more rooms that we touched on, but these had the greatest impact!

Just as a note, I did recommend removing the girls' names from the walls, but we didn't get that done in our time (temporarily overlooked). Personally, I would have also liked a few less things on display in the bedrooms, but they had already come a long way!

The home owners had moved the extra bed out of the second bedroom, and moved one of the girls into that room upon my recommendation before I arrived for the Power Staging. But what a difference just a few hours can make! The Realtor was thrilled with the changes we made and the photos she had for marketing the property.

(I just use a point and shoot camera for the "Befores", due to time constraints. I take the time, however, on the "Afters", as these are the MLS and brochure pictures. View another blog post on selecting a camera for real estate photography, if you are interested. Read the comments for specifics on the equipment I use.)

Get more information on how the right artwork can help sell a house.

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The union representing Airdrie's Emergency Services insists their decision to join the International Association of Fire Fighters was not driven by a desire to become adversarial or confrontational with their employer, the City of Airdrie. Airdrie's Emergency Services is not looking for big wage increases or grievances, that's not been part their efforts to organize Airdrie firefighters. Firefighters have become have become a partner with the city. The International Association of Fire Fighters promotes the concept that labour relations are a partnership.

Airdrie's Emergency Services voted Nov. 4 to join the International Association of Fire Fighters and the motion passed with 79 per cent approval, with 56 of 57 eligible voters responding. Membership in the union will provide Airdrie's Emergency Services access to professional development and training as well as provide worldwide networking opportunities.

International Association of Fire Fighters is the largest professional organization representing firefighters, firefighter safety and the public safety with respect to fire protection and emergency based EMS. They provide the support and resources to help them succeed at the local level. To the Airdrie frontline firefighter, International Association of Fire Fighters provide Airdrie's Emergency Services a window into that network that's a fraternity of firefighters worldwide and a tight-knit family."

Having Airdrie's Emergency Services associated with the International Association of Fire Fighters can only mean better safety and service for Airdrie's Residence.

Speaking of safety and service, As a Realtor I can appreciate how joining a larger group such as the International Association of Fire Fighters can be of great assistance. Canadian Realtors have the their local Boards, Provincial Associations ,such as ; Alberta Real Estate Association and the Canadian Real Estate Council, to assist us with Training, government representation, operational guidelines and consumer protection. Making our industry one of the most regulated, to assure that we provide fairness, safety and educated members . I know I appreciate having such dedicated associations behind me giving my clients the assurance they are working with a true professional.

ALL LOGOS BELOW ARE LINKS:

Bill

If you like this post why not follow me on some of the other online communities I'm on

Ok, so pretty much our advice is "FREE" and our Real Estate Market Stats are "FREE". Is there value there?

I was recently approached by a local business in Airdrie, who needs help marketing & advertising their business. OK, I actually look forward to doing up my AD's every week for our local papers.

SO, what can one do to generate more traffic to their business?

I like thinking outside of the box, although some of my clients must think I'm nuts...but they all say whatever you can do to get our home noticed by buyers and their agents. DO IT

WOULDN"T it be nice to get a line up like this outside your "OPEN HOUSE" wholly smokes that would set the neighbourhood on end...and be the talk of the town!!!

SO, next time you're doing the verbal spillage for "FREE" perhaps do it with a twist and get business because of it.

FREE CONE DAY -

I know most of us REALTORS have some pretty funny stories to tell. I recently had a conversation with a Lawyer friend...yes he's a good guy.

The funny stories that we talked about had me crying with laughter. Just goes to show you, when times are tough - putting humor back into our daily routine can be worth all the hardships.

STORY: Was at my Show Home, when a couple came into see the home. Over the next 10 minutes we chatted about the opportunity to build a new home for them. What the prices where, and upgrades that were included.

When the Mother asked if their little girl could use the bathroom. Of course, what are you going to say to a 3 year old. NO? BUT, I guess it was a little to late the kid peed on the floor rug in the bathroom. CLEAN UP IN AISLE TWO?!@#! Accidents happen...but it was a messy clean up for all.

LAUGHTER Is the BEST Medicine...or is that Vodka?

GENEROSITY - GIVING BACK will be a Trend.

·In October 2009, Twitter's owners announced that they will begin selling wine through their label, called Fledgling Wine. The wine will be bottled from August 2010 and USD 5 of every bottle sold will go to Room to Read, a charity that organizes literacy programs for children around the world.

•Chicago's Hotel Burnham launched the charity based initiative 'Casual Blue' in 2009. A USD 10 room credit is given to patrons who leave a pair of (old) jeans, which are then donated to local charities.

As Realtors what can we do to give back? Volunteer our time, donate to charities.

I think the public needs to know how much WE do give back. I know so many local Realtors who go out of their way to help out in our community.

Just today on Twitter - Bill Jones is working on helping a multi-transplant patient who is on the list campaign for money to help through the tough times. Talk about a Champion - Bill Jones is a recent recipient of a new kidney. AMAZING generosity of time and effort.

TREND FOR 2010 - GIVING BACK -