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Preparing Homes in Canmore for an Alberta Winter!

Fall is almost over! And, if you’re anything like us, you’re eager for the 2023/24 ski season. But, before we can enjoy the winter activities that Canmore and Banff are renowned for, it’s a good idea to prep your home for the change in weather ahead. Winterizing your home is an essential step in preserving its value. Not to mention, a great way to safeguard yourself from unexpected repairs. Whether you are a winter veteran or a total novice, we hope to provide you with some insightful tips about how to get homes in Canmore ready for an Alberta winter. Follow along below to learn more!

How to Winterize Homes in Canmore

  1. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is a must-do task that every homeowner should complete before the seasons change. While it is good practice to empty your gutters a few times per year, it is especially important to do so before winter. During the winter months increased precipitation and freezing temperatures can pose several risks to your home. Namely, water damage. If your gutters are clogged with debris, this can prohibit drainage. Thus, increasing the probability of household leaks. If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to get the job done. Most service providers can have the task completed in two hours. 

  1. Check Your Roof

Besides your foundation, the roof of your home is one of the most important features. As the weather cools and snow begins to fall, the integrity of your roof will be tested. To make sure that your roof can handle Old Man Winter, it’s a good idea to get outside and inspect it. When checking your roof be sure to keep an eye out for missing, loose or broken shingles.  Furthermore, you’ll want to make note of any damaged, rusted, or missing metal flashing. If you have a flat roof check that: there are no tears/holes in the surface, it’s free from mould, and the seals are in good shape. 

  1. Blow Out Sprinkler Lines

Another item you won’t want to forget is blowing out your sprinklers. If your home has an underground sprinkler system, you’ll want to make sure that these lines are free of water before temperatures dip below zero. Failing to do so can cause the pipes to crack or break, which means your irrigation system will not work come spring. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a local landscaping company for help! 

More Ways to Prepare

  1. Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

Before winter arrives, make sure that you take inventory of the winter tools you have on hand and what you need to replace/invest in. For example, you’ll want to ensure that you have a snow shovel, snow brush, the appropriate tires for your vehicle and new batteries in your alarms and detectors. Having the right equipment will make the winter season that much more manageable! Visit your local hardware store to stock up.

  1. Don’t Leave Any Gaps

When you winterize your home, it is a good idea to look for gaps in the sealant around your doors and windows. If you find any, make sure to patch them up before the cooler weather hits. Adding weather stripping to doors and caulking any gaps around your window will make your home all the more insulated. By completing these tasks, you can help to reduce your heating costs and make sure that your home is free of drafts. 

  1. Test Your Heating System

Last but not least, while preparing your home for winter, it is a good idea to test out your heating system. After all, no one wants to experience an Alberta winter without heat! Call an HVAC specialist to come and check out your furnace to ensure that it is fully operational. Typically, as part of this service, HVAC professionals will clean your furnace and change the filter for you. 

Contact us Today About Homes in Canmore!

We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town.We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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Moving to a Small Town: Pros & Cons of Buying Canmore Homes for Sale

Moving to a small town certainly has a charm to it. With more and more remote work options, it has become much easier to live outside of large city centres. The flexibility to live where you want has left many Canadians wanting to escape big city life. However, moving to a small town comes with its pros and cons. If you’re considering buying Canmore homes for sale, but not sure if it’s the right move for you, we encourage you to read this article! In the post, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to list some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in a small town like Canmore. Be sure to consider the following factors before making the decision to uproot for a smaller community.   

Cons of Small Town Living: Canmore Edition

  1. The Price of Living in Canmore Isn’t Much Cheaper Than in the City

One of the reasons that people decide to live in a small town is because it tends to be cheaper than living in the city. However, in Canmore, this is not the case. Buyers will quickly notice that the cost of living in Canmore is very high. This is because of the demand for housing, incredible local amenities, and strict housing regulations. If you’re interested in moving to a small town for cheaper real estate opportunities, Canmore is not the right place to settle down.

  1. Fewer Transportation Options

Another downside to living in a small town like Canmore is the fact that public transit options are limited. Nearly all residents who live in Canmore rely on their own vehicles to get around. If you don’t already own a car, you’ll want to think about investing in one. Preferably something that can handle the long Alberta winters. For those who are currently getting by without a car in the city, this is a cost you’ll want to factor in before your move. Be sure to account for maintenance, gas and insurance prices in addition to the total cost of the vehicle. 

  1. Long Winters

Albertans will be the first to tell you about the long winters across the province. From icy temperatures to snow that just doesn’t go, winter can be dreadful. However, if you enjoy skiing and other snowsports, the long winter might be just what you’re looking for. Make sure you think about your tolerance for winter before making the move to a town like Canmore!

Pros of Small Town Living in Canmore Homes for Sale

  1. Location & Access to Nature

Living in Canmore gives you access to some of the best outdoor experiences in Canada! From world-class ski resorts to awesome restaurants, Canmore has it all. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, mountaineering, or rock climbing. You can also head to the Bow River for an epic canoeing experience. Once winter arrives, ski and snowboard until your heart’s content! There are also a number of cross-country ski opportunities, skating, and other winter activities. The location and access to nature are Canmore’s biggest draws!

  1. Low Crime Rate

Living in Canmore, you can feel safe knowing that the crime rate is very low. Crime rates in Canmore have consistently been ranked below the national average. In fact, they are among some of the lowest in the whole country. The only thing you need to be on the lookout for is wildlife. Thankfully, most wildlife in the area is not naturally aggressive and will normally avoid human contact. 

  1. You Aren’t Far From the City

Another pro to living in the Canmore, is that you are only a hop, skip and a jump from one of Alberta’s biggest cities—Calgary! If you’re worried about missing out on big city attractions like concerts, sports games, and nightlife, don’t fret. Calgary is only an hour’s drive from Canmore. Thus, making it a short trip back into the city. This way you can still reap the benefits of big-city living without actually having to live in the hustle and bustle. 

Contact us About Canmore Homes for Sale

If you are planning on buying Canmore homes for sale, contact me today! We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. For more real estate-related content and visit our Canmore Real Estate broker website Alpine Realty! We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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Buying Canmore Houses For Sale in a Competitive Market

Over the last few years, the Canadian housing market has become increasingly competitive. With interest rate hikes and the growing needs of homeowners, it has become difficult for Canadians to find a home. Demand for housing has driven up prices while supply, in many areas, continues to rest at an all-time low. These conditions are especially true for those who live in amenity-rich areas like Canmore and Banff. If you’re hoping to buy a home in today’s competitive market, it is important that you have all of the information. In this article, we are going to be going over some tips and advice for buying Canmore houses for sale in a competitive market. Follow along below to learn more!

How to Buy Houses for Sale in Canmore in a Competitive Market?

  1. Get to Know the Market Conditions

Before you start hunting for homes, it’s crucial that you get familiar with the market you are buying in. This is especially important for those who are buying from out of town. In Canada, the housing market is influenced by a number of factors. For instance, the economy, the population, and interest rates. Keeping these factors in mind will allow you to stay ahead of the game. It can also provide you with some insight into what affects supply and demand. Being knowledgeable about market conditions is a must when buying a home in a competitive market. 

  1. Nail Down Your Budget

Once you’ve got a strong grasp of the market conditions, it’s time to nail down your budget. Having a solid understanding of what you can afford is critical when searching for a home. Many people assume that determining your budget is limited to the price tag of the home. However, coming up with a sufficient buying budget means planning out the costs of homeownership as well. For instance, you’ll need to account for items like property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Crafting a realistic budget will give you a clear understanding of what homes you can afford and what homes are out of reach. A concrete budget is a foolproof way to narrow down your home search. 

  1. Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Another item you’ll want to tick off before starting your home search is getting a mortgage pre-approval. Mortgage pre-approvals are designed to give you a clear depiction of what you can afford. In addition to this, they also let sellers know that you’re serious about buying a home. Not only this, but pre-approvals can also help speed up the home-buying process since your lender will have already evaluated your financial situation. 

canmore houses for sale

More Tips & Advice!

  1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent is a great way to ensure your success when buying in a competitive housing market. Great agents are knowledgeable about the market in your desired area and can provide you with helpful information. Furthermore, when it comes time to put in an offer, your agent will ensure that your price is right. Hiring a skilled real estate agent will make a difference in your home-buying experience. 

  1. Get Ready to Make Decisions on the Fly

In a competitive market, property tends to move fast. This is why it is essential that buyers are prepared to make decisions on the fly. One way to do so is by staying informed about new listings and not being afraid to put in an offer. It is during this step that having your finances in order can make all of the difference. Timing is a big part of buying in a competitive market, so talk with your agent about when the right time to put in an offer on a house is.

  1. Have an Open Mind

To successfully buy a home when the market is hot, it’s best to keep an open mind. Being flexible will provide you with more possibilities to find the right property for you and your family. This means being open to looking at homes in different neighbourhoods, price ranges, and property types. By keeping an open mind, you can up your chances of finding the perfect house that meets both your needs and your wants. 

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