Selling your home isn’t just about putting a sign on the lawn and waiting for offers. Especially in Spruce Grove’s competitive market, the right preparation before you list can mean the difference between a quick, top-dollar sale and weeks of frustration.

Here are five key things to do before listing your home — steps I walk my clients through during our free, no-pressure Seller Strategy Session.

1. Get a Realistic Home Value Estimate

Before anything else, it’s important to know what your home is worth in today’s market — not based on guesswork or an outdated online estimate. A detailed market evaluation will show what buyers are actually paying for homes like yours right now in Spruce Grove.

💡 I offer this as a free service, with no obligation.

2. Tackle the Small Stuff That Makes a Big Impact

Buyers notice everything. Fixing minor issues like leaky faucets, loose door handles, or scuffed walls can improve your home's perceived value. I’ll even provide a personalized checklist and a free staging consultation to help your home shine.

3. Choose Your Timing Wisely

Timing can influence your sale price and your stress levels. While spring is traditionally hot, other times of year can work just as well depending on your goals, your neighbourhood, and current inventory. We’ll build your strategy around your ideal timeline.

4. Avoid the Price-High-Then-Chase-Down Trap

Overpricing is the #1 mistake I see. It sounds tempting to “test the market,” but it often leads to price reductions and wasted time. I’ll give you honest, data-backed advice so you can attract the right buyers from day one.

5. Plan Your Next Move Now

Selling is just one side of the equation. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or relocating, I’ll help you line up your next home so the transition is smooth and stress-free.

📍 Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re even thinking about selling your Spruce Grove home in the next 6-12 months, I’d love to offer you a free Seller Strategy Session. There’s no pressure, no commitment — just expert advice tailored to your goals.

👉 Book a free Seller Strategy Session now

(NC) Want to make a difference in your community but not sure where to begin? Here are some easy ways to get involved:

1. Find your representative. It’s important to know who represents you in government decisions. Find out the contact info of your Member of Parliament and your local municipal councilor and don’t be afraid to reach out to them with your concerns—whether you think more money should be spent on mental health care, or if you think your neighbourhood needs a new stop sign.
   
   

2. Get out and vote. This is an easy one. Whenever there’s an election, make sure you vote for representatives who are aligned with your interests and concerns. And don’t just vote in major federal or provincial elections—local governments often have a big impact on your day-to-day life.
    

3. Participate in the census. Taken every five years, the census is an important part of our heritage—it helps us learn more about the makeup of communities across Canada while taking an active role in the civic process. This longstanding part of our identity has been around since 1666, when Jean Talon conducted the first Canadian census. Today, the census is the primary source of sociodemographic data for key population groups and it supports economic, educational and cultural outcomes.
   
   Important decisions and policies are based on the data collected, such as where to build schools or invest in support workers for the elderly. An easy way to make sure you and your family’s needs are prioritized is to participate in the next census, scheduled for May 2021. You can even complete the questionnaire online.
   
   

4. Volunteer in your community. You can learn a lot and make a big difference in the lives of others by volunteering for an organization that supports a cause you care about. Whether it’s a local shelter or your child’s school, becoming more engaged in your neighbourhood is a good first step to being more engaged in your community.

Even if you try just one or two of these ideas for getting involved, you will see how rewarding it can be for yourself and those around you.

(NC) A big move is always exciting, but we can sometimes get so caught up in finding the perfect home that we forget about choosing the right neighbourhood. Your community can have a big impact on your lifestyle and quality of life, so here are some features to consider when scoping out locations:  

1. Getting around. Do you like being able to walk or bike everywhere you go? Do you rely on public transportation to get to work? Or do you have mobility issues and prefer driving? Make sure potential neighbourhoods are suited to your favourite method of transportation—that means plenty of bike paths for cycling or lots of lanes to avoid car congestion. Census data can give you a good idea of which Canadian communities are most accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Plenty of useful and interesting data about transportation and other aspects of your community can be found on Statistics Canada’s website.

2. Demographics. Many of us like to live with people who are in a similar life stage. A quick scan of the census data for a specific community can tell you useful things about its inhabitants, like the age of local kids and even what kind of work people do. Factor this in when making your decision and keep in mind what schools, daycare facilities, retirement homes and jobs are available, depending on your family’s needs and career paths.  

3. Affordability. An affordable neighbourhood is just as important as an affordable home. Is the main street filled with pricey restaurants you’ll only be able to afford on special occasions? Are there opportunities for fun, free things to do, like libraries or a skating rink? Before committing to a neighbourhood, make sure you can afford to have fun and experience what the community has to offer.

4. Environmental factors. Make sure your surroundings are suited to your lifestyle. For example, an area full of bars and nightlife might not work if you have small children. If you love nature, you might want to pick somewhere with a nice park nearby. Or, if you have a dog, proximity to dog parks and walking trails might be a top priority.

Visit census.gc.ca to find useful demographic information for planning your move. Contribute to your neighbourhood’s future by completing the 2021 Census in May 2021.