Residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region regularly make the trip to Stony Plain to shop at one of Alberta’s oldest official farmers’ markets. The market is celebrating its 40th year in 2014 and shows no signs of stopping as its popularity refuses to die down. All residents of Stony Plain and Spruce Grove owe it to themselves to spend at least one Saturday shopping at one of the best farmers’ markets in the region.

40 Years of Offering Quality Produce

Everybody wants to eat healthier, but it can be really hard to find food that is up to the standards needed. Thankfully the Stony Plain Farmers’ Market has a long history of offering farm fresh food and produce so their shoppers can guarantee their food will be going from farm to table. Fresh food and produce is becoming more popular and harder to find, which is why farmers’ markets are gaining popularity all across Canada. The Stony Plain Farmers’ Market has no shortage of farmers willing to provide good and fresh food to the residents of Parkland County. However, food isn’t the only thing to be found at the market.

Over 50 Rotating Vendors

Farmers’ markets are now known for more than just fresh food. Unique vendors selling hand-made crafts, jewellery, clothing and gifts fill the market stalls to sell their products to shoppers. Shopping at the market has become an all-day event for families as they browse some of this year’s big vendors which include Sammy’s Sweet Shop, which sells homemade chocolate and muffins, and Wandeis Doggy Delights, which makes doggie treats for the four-legged friends visiting the market. A full list of vendors is always available online on their official site so people don’t have to go in blind if they don’t want to.

Runs Every Saturday Right up Until Christmas

Most farmers’ markets in Canada fall victim to the winter weather. Some markets don’t even last through the fall before they shut down for the year. The Stony Plain Farmers’ Market doesn’t close down for the season until December 20, 2014, giving residents and visitors the chance to do some Christmas shopping right up to the last minute. With the number of vendors they have there are many great gift opportunities, making sure everybody gets crossed off the Christmas list. The market takes on a new light around December and is a great way to spend a Saturday during the holidays.

Find the Market

Every Saturday, 9 AM to 1 PM, at the Stony Plain Community Centre, 5008-51 St, Stony Plain AB T7Z 1Y1; Phone 780-962-3993

I know the unique offerings of the many farmers’ markets in the Parkland County and Edmonton region are part of what has made these communities sought after by first time home buyers. Anybody looking to buy in Spruce Grove or Stony Plain who wants to talk to an experienced professional about opportunities in the area should not hesitate to get in touch with me. I’m always available to help. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Backup generators provide peace of mind in the event of extended power outages. Installed directly on homeowners’ properties, backup generators are connected to the electrical panels and supply needed power whenever the utility power is interrupted. Having backup power is particularly important during extremes in temperature when an inability to use furnaces or air conditioning units can lead to dangerous in-home conditions. People living in or thinking of moving to the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region would do well to contemplate the issue. As such, here are five reasons to consider installing backup generators.

Frozen Pipe Headaches

While installing backup generators will cost thousands of dollars per household, the cost could end up being quite the bargain for homeowners in Spruce Grove real estate when considering the headaches and costs associated with damaged pipes. If the power goes out during the dead of winter, for example, Stony Plain real estate owners who do not have backup generators might run the risk of frozen pipes that could burst and lead to costly repair-related expenses.

Hotel Rental Expense

Extended power outages that occur when the temperature is either too hot or too cold may, if backup generators are not installed, force homeowners with Parkland County real estate to flee to hotels. The costs can certainly add up for power outages that last for weeks at a time. Recent cases of natural disasters across North America have demonstrated that lengthy power outages are a real possibility.

Keep Food Fresh

People with Edmonton real estate who lose power for even a few days can end up losing everything stored in fridges and freezers. They would not only have to dispose of hundreds of dollars worth of spoiled food, but would also have to replace what was lost as a result of the power outage.

Unhooking the Tether

One of the best advantages of installing backup generators is that they automatically turn themselves on whenever there’s a power outage. What this means is that people with Parkland County acreages won’t have to be tethered to their homes. Whether they’re out of town and can’t get back quickly or have to go to work, homeowners can rest assured that their backup generators will provide their homes with the power they need to operate as per usual.

Peace of Mind

Having the power shut off with no warning can be a disheartening experience. Installing backup generators will help to alleviate anxiety or worry in the event of extended power outages. This benefit is all the more important if children or elderly people living on Edmonton acreages are home alone when there’s a power outage.

There are many good reasons for homeowners to consider installing backup generators, and the aforementioned are just five of them.  Please also read my blog post “Should I Buy a Generator?”

I’d be honoured to provide you with any advice on your real estate needs in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, and Edmonton. For a free consultation, please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here. I look forward to helping you with your real estate needs!

Selling your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, the Edmonton area or elsewhere is stressful enough, but what happens if you’re missing some critical documentation about the property?

“What documents should I have for my property?”

• If you own your home with or without a mortgage, you’ll have a Title Certificate showing this information. Service Alberta is the source for information about land titles in Alberta. Your REALTOR® will order your property title certificate as part of the process to list your property for sale.
• Most municipalities require building and development permits for a wide variety of activities on a piece of property. Please read my post entitled “Just Because You Own Your Spruce Grove House Doesn’t Mean You Can Do Whatever You Want!” for information about permits in the City of Spruce Grove.
• Another document you’ll need is a Real Property Report, or RPR, which is basically a survey of your property showing the property boundaries and the location of all the structures built upon it. Purchase Contracts in Alberta have a clause requiring a seller to provide a current Real Property Report showing the current state of improvements with evidence of compliance or non-compliance with municipal guidelines. Please read the City of Spruce Grove’s webpage on Compliance Requests.  Here you’ll find the procedure for applying for a new Real Property Report, followed by seeking compliance from the City.

“I’m planning to sell my home and I know I don’t have permits for my basement development, my garden shed or hot tub. Why would this be a problem?”

From a buyer’s perspective, missing permits might indicate something defective about the property. This could mean your property takes longer to sell and for a lower price. Even worse is that the City could force homeowners who are missing permits to tear out the development and start over with the proper permits in place. (This rarely happens, unless the situation is a clear public safety issue or an overt violation of city bylaws impacting properties beyond yours.)

If you know you’re missing permits, it might be in your best interest to contact the City and apply for new permits before you apply for a new Real Property Report. That way, you’re much more likely to receive full compliance from the City. Full compliance means that everything on your property meets current standards – and potential buyers may be more willing to offer the best price.

***HOWEVER… There may be times when applying for missing permits is not a good idea!*** Let’s say you own an older home in Spruce Grove. You had your basement professionally developed 25 years ago and you’re pretty sure no permits were issued. If you were to apply for permits now, the building inspectors might need to tear into your walls to see that the gas, electrical and plumbing installations were done correctly. If that isn’t bad enough, the work must conform to today’s building and safety codes, not those of 25 years ago, in order for it to pass inspection.

Applying for a new RPR and then getting a letter from the City indicating some issues of non-conformance to current standards do not necessarily mean a big problem. Most of the time those issues won’t require you to take any action unless you decide to upgrade. For example, it may be that your deck is too close to the property line. You will likely be allowed to live with this situation until or unless you (or subsequent owners) decide to rebuild or modify the deck. Any renovations will have to comply with current standards. (A more serious situation occurs when the letter states that deficiencies must be corrected within a certain time frame, meaning expense and inconvenience for you as the owner.) The real problem for sellers is that many buyers see non-conformance as a red flag.

“Okay, this isn’t looking good! Am I going to be unable to sell my property?”

Luckily, not having the proper permits or compliance doesn’t mean you won’t be able to sell your home; it just means greater cooperation may be needed among all parties involved in the sale, and your REALTOR® can help with that!

• No permits?

Consider the situation. Would new permits be an easy fix, or would this mean greater disruption, hassle, time and expense than anyone cares to deal with? It might be best to admit the error to potential buyers and request that they accept an existing RPR with compliance (or non-compliance). In addition, you would offer to fund Title Insurance for the buyers. (Please see my blog article entitled “RPR or Title Insurance?”)  Be aware that it may be difficult to get some buyers to agree to this arrangement, and that may mean a longer wait to find buyers for your property. Your REALTOR® can advise you.

• No up-to-date RPR?

Again, get advice from your REALTOR®. The best action may be to follow the procedures as per the City’s webpage on Compliance Requests: order and pay for a new RPR. Or, your REALTOR® may suggest other options, especially if you know your property will not conform to the standards. (For example, you could offer to supply an old survey of the property together with Title Insurance).

• Received a letter from the City of Spruce Grove indicating some level of non-conformance?

• If the letter says things must be fixed, fix them!
• If the letter simply points out the issues but doesn’t require repairs, you might want to correct them anyway, if the problems are easy fixes, because your house is likely to be an easier sell, and at a better price.
• “Non-conforming” items on your property that aren’t easy fixes? One solution to the problem of lack of compliance that your REALTOR® might be able to provide is to “write around” an issue. For example, if a garden shed is too close to the edge of the property and it would be more trouble than it’s worth to move it (and the City has indicated the non-conformance can stay as is), a clause can be inserted into the Purchase Contract stating that the buyer agrees to accept the shed in its current location. Your REALTOR® may also recommend that you offer to fund Title Insurance for the buyer.

Of course, these solutions require potential buyers to agree to a situation that may be less than ideal or optimal, but at least you won’t be stuck unable to sell your property.

Questions about RPRs, compliance, title insurance, or building permits? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Sometimes it comes as a surprise to people living in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, the city of Edmonton or any other Alberta municipality that there are strict rules as to what they can and can’t do or build on their property. This surprise can be especially rude when it comes time to sell a property and the owners discover that they were supposed to have permits for certain things.

“Why would a municipality care about what goes on inside private property? Aren’t all those permits just a cash grab?”

The City of Spruce Grove’s webpage dealing with building and development permits says this:

“Building Permits deal with structural stability of buildings and the health and safety of the building’s occupants. Development Permits deal primarily with a development’s impact on surrounding properties.”

Permits help a municipality ensure that all structures and activities within municipal limits meet the standards for health and safety of people and the environment. Yes, there is a cost for the processing of permits, but wise homeowners should see this cost as a good investment for the future and insurance that their home and property are secure.

“What sorts of things require permits?”

The City of Spruce Grove’s webpage on building permits has a long list of things requiring permits, along with the cost of the permits, for items inside your home and on the piece of land your home occupies. Some common interior items include

• developing and finishing a basement
• installing a wood-burning stove or fireplace
• installing, replacing or altering materials or equipment regulated by the Alberta Building Code (such as replacing a furnace).

Outside your home, you’ll need a permit to

• add a deck that is higher than 2 feet above the ground
• cover an existing deck
• install a hot tub or swimming pool
• construct any building on your property, such as a detached garage or shed.

These permits not only specify the safety measures to be followed but also mandate the distance structures must be from property boundaries and rights of way. Demolitions may require permits too.

If you want a firepit on your property, you’ll need a fire permit.  You may also need permits for gas installations, electrical installations, plumbing installations, and lot grading.  Please see the City’s webpage for the complete list of items requiring permits.

***If you are unsure about whether you need a permit or not, contact the City’s Planning and Development Department and ASK! Do this BEFORE you begin the work!***

“What happens if I want to sell my house and I don’t have the proper permits?”

For the answer to this question, see my blog post entitled “No Permits or RPR? How to Sell Your Spruce Grove Home When Something’s Missing”.

Questions about  building permits, RPRs, compliance, or title insurance? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

When the fall weather rolls around it usually puts a stop to any big events that would normally be planned. That is not true for the lucky residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region who have these great events to look forward to taking place in Spruce Grove this October.

A Trip Down The Vegas Strip

The Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre will be presenting a showcase of the top Vegas acts on October 16. This is an opportunity for people to see Spruce Grove transformed into a Vegas showroom and enjoy a night of Vegas acts like Elvis, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond without having to travel to Nevada. Tickets run $40 each for the night of entertainment.

The Annual Mini Monster Bash Celebration

October 25 will be a scary day in the city as the kids of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Parkland County will gather together at the Heritage Park Pavilion for a fun day of activities. The event is for kids under the age of 8 and they are asked to dress in their favourite Halloween costume. Although entry is free, donations will be taken for the Parkland Food Bank at the entrance.

TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime

South America’s biggest dance is being brought to Spruce Grove by some of its biggest and most successful names. On October 24, the Romulo Larrea Tango Ensemble will perform TANGO: A Passion of a Lifetime at Horizon Stage. They are a small group, comprised only of one vocalist, 2 dancers and 3 musicians, but their power and energy are enough to sweep audiences away.

Relive History With The Man in Black Show

The life of Johnny Cash comes alive in this tribute show at Horizon Stage on October 23 starring Shaw Barker as The Man in Black. The goal of the show is to give the audience a glimpse into what it was like listening to the man as he performed in 1960, taking them on a journey about the man through his music. Tickets can be purchased online for $44.95.

Every month brings more events to the city and this is just a sampling of what can be expected. The City of Spruce Grove does everything it can to provide great entertainment to its residents and that’s just one of the things making it one of Alberta’s best cities.

I take great pride in representing Spruce Grove and keep myself available to anybody who wants more information about the city. Any home buyers looking into Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region are welcome to call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

With its two biggest cities close together, Alberta is the perfect destination for almost every touring musician. For the people who live in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region this means that some of the world’s biggest musical acts are only a quick drive away. Here are five of the biggest concerts and live events coming to the Edmonton Area this October:

Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival

Edmonton’s big music fest, the Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival takes over the city during the Thanksgiving weekend. From October 10-12 the downtown area is transformed as multiple venues host a variety of independent musicians and artists. This year’s festival is headlined by The Constantines, Red Fang and Less Than Jake with new acts added every day.

Sarah McLachlan

October 29 is a big day in Edmonton as Canada’s own Sarah McLachlan arrives for a special performance during her Shine On Tour. The 21 time Juno Award nominee and founder of the Lilith Fair festival brings her hit songs Building a Mystery, Sweet Surrender, I Will Remember You and Adia to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.  News from TicketMaster:  a second show has been added for October 20.

The Pixies

Take a trip back to the 80s with one of the decade’s most influential bands, even if it took two decades for them to realize it. The Pixies disbanded in 1993 and didn’t reunite until 2004 to a very positive reaction from fans. On October 6 they will be at the Shaw Conference Centre to perform their unique sound to a mix of fans, both original ones and new ones, with Royal Blood as their opener.

Demi Lovato

If you have teen or tween daughters then there is a good chance you already have tickets to this event. If not, prepare for a lot of pleading and last minute ticket buying. The star of the Disney Channel show Sonny With a Chance will be making her visit to the Rexall Place on October 4 with a group of young artists to perform under her. Get your tickets soon because this one is destined to sell out.

Pure: A Night in White

The Edmonton area isn’t only home to conventional music, as the Pure: A Night in White dance festival makes its 5th consecutive visit to the city. While most music lovers will spend the Thanksgiving weekend at the Up + Down Music Festival, fans of EDM will dress in their best white outfit for this themed electronic dance fest, October 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Cities and towns like Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, and many others in the Edmonton area, have the benefit of being a quick drive away from the big city. This is one of the reasons the communities around Edmonton continue to grow. I have a lot of experience with these neighbourhoods and always make myself available to talk about new real estate opportunities. Please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Investing in real estate can boost the value of your financial portfolio in several ways while also giving you flexibility. People will always need housing, and depending on your goals, you may decide to use your second home as a rental property or simply renovate and flip it. There are lots of great homes in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying one as an investment property.

Housing Values Tend to Rise

Buying real estate is a good investment because the value of a property tends to appreciate over the long-term – sometimes at a rate of as high as 6 percent per year. In Edmonton, the total value of all property sold went up by 15.3 percent from June 2013 to June 2014, according to the REALTORS Association of Edmonton. Buying an investment property in Edmonton is a great way to take advantage of rising property values.

Diversify Within The Sector

Real estate can diversify your portfolio by putting money in something other than stocks or bonds. Even within your real estate portfolio, though, you can diversify even further.

When you start purchasing investment properties, you may decide to put part of your money toward single-family homes, part of your money toward duplexes, and part of your money toward acreages. Investing your money in different kinds of real estate means that if one market does poorly, you can still recover.

Hold the Property in a Trust

When real estate is held in a trust, it may be possible to hand that property down to future generations. This means that an investor’s children or grandchildren will be able to take advantage of a mature revenue stream to pay for college or other living expenses.

Property placed in a trust or a retirement account may also enable the property to grow in value while shielding those gains from some or all capital gains taxes. Over the course of many years or decades, this savings could be in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Someone Else Can Manage it for the Owner

Those who don’t have the time or skills to do repairs or otherwise manage a property can hire someone to do it for them. This can free up your time to focus on your investments, even if you don’t have a lot of experience maintaining homes or commercial property.

For those who may live in another part of the country, being able to have someone else oversee the upkeep of the property and manage tenant needs ensures that your responsibilities as a landlord are being met. If a tenant’s minimum needs are not met, that tenant may be able to leave the property without paying current or future rent. Having a caretaker or property manager means you get a great income stream without the hassle.

If you’re looking for a house that you can rent out to tenants, the Edmonton area is a great rental market where you can turn a profit. Buying an investment property can sometimes get complicated, but an experienced real estate agent can coach you through the process.

For more information about investing in real estate, or to find your next great investment property, call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Golf lovers in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region rave about one of Alberta’s best golf courses: Stony Plain Golf Course. With 18 holes of professional level golfing, Stony Plain Golf Course has quickly become a go-to course for Albertans when the season rolls around. Here are five reasons to check it out before the cold weather interrupts.

Some of Alberta’s Best Golfing

The 18 championship holes at Stony Plain Golf Course are some of the best in Alberta. People travel from around the province to compete in tournaments held at the course. There is a driving range and practice areas for both short game and putting and official leagues for different ages and talent levels. They have made it easy for both locals and visitors to compete and enjoy everything the course has to offer.

A Free Junior Course for Young Golfers

A 4-hole loop is offered free of charge for anybody under the age of 10 to enjoy. With oversized holes and small to medium length fairways, the course doesn’t rush the kids or make it too hard on them. This gives kids the chance to learn the basics of the sport with their friends while their parents use the rest of the course.

Revenue is Used to Help Stony Plain Residents

Even though the entire course is owned and operated by the town of Stony Plain, no public money is used to fund it. The course is so successful that over $100,000 a year is taken from the money they make and put directly into the Stony Plain Tax Levy Stabilization Fund. This means that every resident will benefit from the money brought in by all the tournaments and rounds of golf played at the course.

Fully Equipped For More Than Golfing

The course has more than just golfing. There is a full pro shop and a restaurant and lounge that is open all year round, even when the course is closed. There is a meeting facility and banquet hall that can fit up to 160 people and can be used for many different events or parties.

Offers Great Tournament Services

The Stony Plain Golf Course is able to organize tournaments for groups as small as 12 or as large as 144. Their package includes everything a group would need to put on their own golfing tournament. Not only are professional tournaments held here regularly but also many small tournaments, for nothing more than bragging rights, often take place between friends and co-workers. This is a perfect idea for a unique birthday gift or bachelor party.

The Stony Plain Golf Course is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great services for residents. I’m always available to talk about the benefits of living in Stony Plain to anybody interested in getting more information on the community. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, you may have come across a common question, which leads to a big decision: Should I purchase a brand new or used home? This is a common question that virtually all homebuyers have, but it leads to two processes that are significantly different. When making this decision for yourself, be sure to consider these key differences in the purchasing process when it comes to buying brand new versus used real estate.

The Presale Process: Buying New Before Completion

One of the key differences when it comes to looking at brand new properties across Edmonton’s sought-after neighbourhoods, such as Parkland County acreages and Edmonton acreages, boils down to one thing: options.

Many times when searching for a brand new home you will find that you have many options to purchase a home in a development or subdivision that is not yet complete. This is referred to as purchasing a “presale” because you are buying the home before it is actually complete. Benefits to this purchasing decision are that the buyer often has more control over the finishes and customization of the home’s interior and gets to be the first owner of the home, while some drawbacks revolve around the legalities of the contract with the developer, as well as how much work you as the new owner will have to do (e.g., finishing a basement or adding landscape features, such as a deck, driveway, fence, trees, etc.). Often the completion date of unfinished developments is delayed significantly due to a number of factors, and market conditions can shift drastically during this time.

Brand New Versus Used: Consider the Taxes

Another key factor to keep in mind when looking for brand new Spruce Grove real estate is that taxes are applicable. Sometimes the sales price quoted to you from the builder or developer will include the GST, but just be sure to confirm this with them, and get the bottom line. Also be sure to consider your applicable tax rebate; most homebuyers purchasing a brand new home qualify for a rebate of 36% of the GST for a purchase price of up to $350,000, with a sliding scale between $350,000 and $450,000. An advantage of used homes is that there is no GST.

Maintenance on New Versus Used

When comparing your Stony Plain real estate with your Parkland County real estate, and considering new versus used homes, you should also consider the upkeep and maintenance of each. Under Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act, all new construction comes with a warranty that covers the labour and materials of the home for one year, the plumbing and electrical for two years, and the building envelope for five years. Warranty won’t be one of the benefits of buying a used home, but a comprehensive understanding of the home’s general upkeep over a longer range of time might be one benefit unseen in buying brand new.

Keeping in mind the various benefits and drawbacks of each of the options, you should be able to make an educated decision on what route fits you best. Once you’ve made your choice between new and used, you’ll simply have to choose your area, and get shopping!

I am always happy to answer your Edmonton real estate purchasing questions, and can certainly help you clarify the new versus used buying process. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re selling your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton region, it’s important to ensure that you make it look appealing to buyers. Increasing your home’s appeal will make buyers more likely to put down an offer – and can even boost the final selling price. Even something as simple as lighting can increase your home’s resale value. Take advantage of these lighting tips to make your home sale quick and profitable.

Outdoor Lighting: It’s All About Curb Appeal

Use outdoor lighting to enhance your home’s appearance and create an alluring atmosphere. Adding lighting to landscaped areas creates interesting contrasts of light and shadow that will catch your buyers’ eyes. You can add emphasis to landscaping by using uplighting for trees and shrubbery. Adding mood lighting to a patio area makes it appear more welcoming. Lighting dark areas of your property is also a good security measure, and it may prevent someone from slipping or falling. Individual solar lights can be installed along a walkway for safety and to improve the appearance of the property.

Entryway Lighting: First Impressions Count

The first impression anyone has of your home is when they walk through the front door. One of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home and add to its appeal is by making simple cosmetic changes to the interior. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give your home a fresh, new look. A chandelier in a large foyer makes a dramatic impression. It can be simple or elaborate, depending on your decor. An entryway table with a decorative lamp and soft lighting is also a nice touch.

Kitchen Lighting: Practicality is Key

Kitchens usually have plenty of overhead lighting, but not enough light for specific tasks like cutting or washing food. Direct lighting in specific areas makes it easier to see when preparing food, which makes your kitchen more functional. Fluorescent lighting is easy to install underneath kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen the practical lighting it needs.

Ceiling Fans: Lighting With Style

Ceiling fans with installed light fixtures can be placed in any room and are easy to install. The vast array of styles makes it easy to find ceiling fans that complement your home’s decor. Not only do they provide more light, but they also increase the airflow through your home.

Lighting Living Spaces: Use Full Spectrum Bulbs for a Richer Environment

The living room or family room is where families spend a lot of their leisure time. Overhead lighting is a good choice for entertaining, but if you want an atmosphere that’s more relaxing, you can use lamps containing full spectrum bulbs. Full spectrum light bulbs are bulbs that mimic the appearance of natural light. Dimmer switches in the living areas are perfect for times when a lot of light isn’t necessary. When selling your home, show it off to its advantage by taking advantage of natural light, especially if you have a nice view.

Lighting for Dark Areas: Soft Lights Add Nuance

If you don’t already have them, install dimmer switches in your bedrooms to achieve a comforting, relaxing appearance. Use soft lighting in bedside lamps. Softer lights can make dark areas of your home feel more cozy and inviting. You can buy decorative night lights to add atmosphere to a darkened hallway.

The proper lighting has the ability to transform any living space and make it more appealing. With the right lighting in every room, you can make your home more appealing to buyers – and you might even sell it for a higher price.

I am always available to answer questions you may have about enhancing the resale value of your home.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.