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All Posts By

Raeann Abbott

Home Staging – What’s The Process Like?

By | NEW

Home staging can be a major game changer when it comes to selling your home, but not many home owners know the process of staging and how significant it can be. Is it worth the time and investment? Luckily with us, all we ask for is a little bit of your time. When you sell with Sarasota, staging is free. Yes, you read that right. FREE. STAGING. So what exactly happens from the time you list to the time you sell? How does it improve your chances of selling and why is it important? Today we lay out our home staging process and answer all your burning questions.

 

TAKING A PEEK

Once you’ve signed a listing contract with us, we then get down to the nitty gritty of the home staging process.  We like to start from the outside in and view your home from a buyer’s perspective. Our main question is if the home is as inviting from the outside as it is on the inside. Is your house still decorated with those pretty Christmas lights in the middle of the summer? Are there any safety hazards we need to address? Could the yard use some pops of colour? Its easy to assume that the inside would be more important than the outside, but don’t forget that the first place a potential buyer will see your home is online and when they drive past your house to check it out. Once we’ve taken a good look from the street, we move into the interior. Trust us when we say, we’ve got an eye for detail. Everything is observed, photographed, or noted; from bedrooms, closets, and even ovens. Crazy, we know. But all these features, though they may seem small, matter to a buyer.

 

LESS IS MORE

Our main goal when staging a house is to appeal to everyone. We want anyone and everyone to be able to visualize their future in your home. This can be difficult if family photos are still showcased or toothbrushes are still hanging out in the bathroom. At this point in the game, your home still only tells your story and the history you’ve made while living there. We like to live by the rule “less is more,” and believe that depersonalizing is the best starting point when it comes to the staging process. With a blank canvas to work with, our professional staging team can incorporate décor that is functional enough  to reside in your house until it sells, but also intriguing and neutral to catch the buyer’s eye. Not only does staging a house create that “wow” factor, but it makes for great photography for when your home is listed online. It’s likely that the first place a potential buyer will come across your listing is when they’re scrolling the internet for houses on the market.

 

WE GOT ALL THE GOODS

That headline isn’t lying. We have a whole warehouse of staging inventory from show home furniture and décor, and more. But don’t worry; you don’t have to completely empty your house. We’re not monsters. We understand that you’re probably still living in your home until it sells and your house still needs to work for you until that time comes. With this in mind, we will incorporate some of the items you already have with the staging elements so your home is still fully functional. A common misconception about staging is that we take all the staging elements back once your house has been photographed. We wouldn’t do you dirty like that, so we let the staging elements stay until the moment your house sells. Although we take pride in understanding the buyer’s mentality, we also look out for our clients and make sure the seller’s journey is as easy and stress-free as possible.

 

With all that being said, we hope you gained some insight into our staging process, and see the importance of staging and how it can increase your likelihood of selling. Our staging team is some of the best in the biz and creates amazing work. If you’re interested in listing with us and staging your home, head over to our staging page where we answer frequently asked questions, publish testimonials from past clients, and discuss the various staging services we offer.

Akinsdale – Community Spotlight

By | NEW

Akinsdale – St. Albert’s Statement of Independence from Edmonton

Located on the south-eastern edge of St. Albert

History

  • Originally, Akinsdale was referred to as neighbourhood 10
  • In 1973, construction began
  • Akinsdale was strategically built to act as a border for St. Albert to stop Edmonton from taking it over during their rapid expansion
  • Due to demand and impatient residences, many were allowed to move into houses before proper infrastructure was completed – many houses lacked telephone lines, street lights, side walks and paved roads – some residence would even wake up with livestock from local farms in their front yard
  • In 1982, Elmer S. Gish was built
  • In 1983, Akinsdale and Kinex Twin Arenas were completed and opened

Fun Fact

  • When Akinsdale was constructed, Edmonton and St. Albert were separated by a four kilometre wide patch of farmland. Now they are only separated by a single ring road

Demographics

  • Population: 4,844
  • Average Age: 7 years – adults
  • Number of homes: 2,017
  • Styles of homes: Apartments: 294, Duplex/townhome: 172, Institution: 231, Single Detached: 1,288, Mobile homes/basement suite or unspecified: 32

Amenities/Unique Features

  • Nearby Schools: Elmer S. Gish, Lorne Akins, Paul Kane High School
  • Akinsdale and  Kinex  Arena
  • The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints
  • Attwood Park, Arbor Park, Alpine Park Rink and outdoor baseball diamonds
  • Many parks, play structures and greenspace throughout the neighbourhood
  • Near Gateway Village Shopping Centre: Safeway, Superstore, Tim Hortons and more
  • In the center of Akinsdale, there is a small commercial center that has an arts studio, child care, 7- eleven, Lb’s Pub
  • Easy access to Edmonton via St. Albert Trail and Campbell Road
  • Outdoor rink, tennis courts, small commercial area

 

Properties for Sale:

Braeside – Community Spotlight

By | NEW
Braeside – A Beautiful Neighbourhood by the Sturgeon River
Located centrally in St. Albert

History

  • Established in 1903
  • Takes up 129 Hectares
  • One of the few neighbourhoods in St. Albert that has a back lanes/alley way features
  • In 1958, Sir Alexander Mackenzie school was opened
  • Fowler track opened in 1979 as part of the Alberta Summer Games
  • By 1970, majority of lots were completely developed and more estate homes were being constructed
  • In 1980’s, city of St. Albert implemented a motion to maintain single family homes and stop construction of new estate homes
  • To this day, many estate homes still remain in the community, however majority of the homes are single detached

Fun Fact

  • Brae – means hillside – which is suitable due to Braeside’s slope towards the Sturgeon River

Demographics

  • Population was 2,791 people
  • Average Age 40.4 years – adults
  • Number of homes: 1,142
  • Styles of homes: Apartments: 113, Duplex/townhome: 168, Single detached: 836, Mobile homes/basement suite or unspecified: 25

Amenities/Unique Features

  • Nearby Schools: Leo Nickerson, Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Lorne Akins, Paul Kane, Fowler
  • Located near Downtown St. Albert – the Perron District
  • Footbridge leads right to St. Albert Centre
  • Close access to Edmonton via St. Albert Trail
  • Close to Fowler Athletic Park, Fountain Park Recreation Center, and tennis courts
  • Many walking trails that lead to Red Willow Park and Trail, Braeside Ravine and the Sturgeon River
  • Mature community with large trees for privacy and a picturesque landscape
  • Outdoor rink and plenty of greenspace
  • Braeside Presbyterian Church

Properties for Sale:

Oakmont – Community Spotlight

By | NEW

History

  • In 1928, Peter and Mary Sernowski received the land
  • Peter and Mary owned and cultivated over 100 acres of land, a portion of which is now Oakmont
  • In the 1970’s Peter and Mary’s daughter, June and her husband Robert, inherited a portion of the land.
  • Land was originally used for farming hay and hosting a community garden
  • In 2011, Robert and June sold a part of the land to Sarasota Homes for Orchard Court
  • June and Robert still call Oakmont home and enjoy being surrounded by families who also get to enjoy the land

Demographics

  • Population of 3,496 people
  • Average Age: 7 years – adults
  • Number of homes: 1,343
  • Styles of homes: Apartment: 160, Duplex/townhome: 141, single detached: 1,034, Basement suite, Mobile homes + unspecified: 8

Amenities/Unique Features

  • Located near the Shops of Boudreau – Mercato Italian Market, Buco, Swish Flowers, Who Cares Wear and more
  • Nearby Schools: Ecole Alexandre Tache, Keenoshayo, Neil M Ross
  • Large park with an outdoor skating rink and greenspace
  • Walking paths through treed areas, greenspace and to several play structures
  • Backs along the Sturgeon River with many walking trails that link to Red Willow Park
  • Walking distance from the St. Albert Botanic Park

Properties for Sale:

#21, 30 Oak Vista Drive – $234,900 – 893 SQF – 2 Bed/1 Bath – Contact Matt – https://sarasotarealty.ca/listings/21-30-oak-vista-drive-2/

7 Oakcrest Terrace – $537,000 – 1402 SQF – 3 Bed/2.5 Bath – Contact Keir  – https://sarasotarealty.ca/listings/7-oakcrest-terrace/

54 Orchard Court – $824,900 – 1559 SQF – 3 Bed/2.3 Baths – Contact Keir – https://sarasotarealty.ca/listings/54-orchard-court-2/

2 Oak Point – $899,500 – 1979 SQF – 4 Bed/3 Baths – Contact Keir – https://sarasotarealty.ca/listings/2-oak-point-2/

Past Projects:

The Orchard of Oakmont: http://sarasotahomes.ca/about-the-orchard/

Lacombe Park – Community Spotlight

By | NEW

One of St. Albert’s longest on-going developing communities, Lacombe Park has something to offer for everyone. While being close to schools and amenities, you are still surrounded by nature and countless parks + walking trails. Our newest development, Laderoute Place, is one of the last chances to build in this neighborhood! Lots available include those backing trees, walkout lots, and 3 car garage options. Click below for more information!

LADEROUTE PLACE
History
  • Originally, the land was used for farming
  • 1966 – St. Albert town council decided to expand to this location due the rapid growth
  • 1970 – beginning of the first homes under construction
  • 1976 – Ronald Harvey Elementary School was constructed
  • 1978 – W.D. Cuts Junior High was constructed
  • 1977 – Catholic school board built Bertha Kennedy
  • 1975 – Lacombe Lake Park was developed
  • 1985 – first house of worship was built in the community – St. Matthew’s Anglican Mission
  • In the most recent years, Lacombe Park Estates has been rapidly developing and pushing the neighbourhood further west.
  • Currently, the Lacombe Park neighbourhood consists of three sections: Old Lacombe Park, Lacombe Park West and Lacombe Park Estates
Demographics
  • Population of 7,549
  • Average age 42.1 years old – adults
  • Number of homes: 2,871
  • Styles of homes: apartment, duplexes/townhomes, single detached, estate homes
Amenities
  • Close access to Edmonton via Ray Gibbon Drive
  • Perron District and Downtown St. Albert – Privada, Jacks Burger Shack, Cerdo, Cloud Nine Pajamas, Modern Eyes Gallery
  • Located near DanceCo Ltd., Nitza’s Pizza, Seasons Gift Shop, Lahari Yoga Studio
  • Nearby schools: Bellerose Composite High School, Ecole Father Jan, William D Cuts, Ronald Harvey, St. Albert Catholic High School, Vincent J Maloney
Unique features
  • Off-leash dog park
  • Lacombe Lake Park: fishing, walking, cycling, picnics and skating
  • Variety of parks, greenspace and walking trails that connect to the Lacombe Lake Park and Red Willow Park trail
  • Located near many historical sites: grain elevators, Father Lacombe Chapel, Little White School House

Jensen Lakes Spotlight

By | NEW

Located on the North West end of St. Albert, Jensen Lakes is our city’s first lake community! The first few phases are almost complete and the lake is going to be filled this summer. Imagine yourself laying on the beach by the end of summer 2020!

HISTORY

  • The land was originally used for farming, primarily growing canola
  • The land has been owned by many different farmers over the years before it was bought by the development company Qualico
  • Melcor Developments acquired the land from Qualico in 2012 and began development on Jensen Lakes in 2014.
  • Once the lake is complete, it will contain 6,000 tonnes of sand, 400,000 cubic meters of water, and rocks that are being brought in from Moyie and the Kootenays in British Columbia.
  • Modern day development that was built up from traditional farmland through the use of advanced technology and strategic planning to create a superior residential neighbourhood that features a variety of lakes, parks, and greenspace.

DEMOGRAPHICS

  • As of 2018, there were 225 people living in Jensen Lakes. There have been several possessions that have taken place since then as well.
  • There are 175 finished and 33 currently under construction
  • Sarasota Homes builds a variety of styles at a variety of prices.
    • single family homes are staring at $490,000, estate homes are starting at $800,000, townhomes are starting at $347,500, and duplexes are starting at $450,000

AMENITIES

  • The Catholic K-9 School is already open and the Public K-9 school is set to open in September 2019
  • Jensen Lakes Crossing – Landmark Theatres, Canadian Brewhouse, Browns Social House, BarBurrito, and more to come
  • Erin Ridge North – Costco, Love Pizza, RBC, Starbucks, Lowes, Marshals/Homesense, Freshii
  • 5 minute drive – Walmart, Rona, Save-on-Foods, TD bank
  • St. Albert Library Storefront January 2020

UNIQUE FEATURES

  • Sandy beach and tree lined boardwalk
  • 5 KM of landscaped pathways and 40 acres of parks and open space
  • Stunning Beach club that will offer a variety of activities including – Yoga | Karate | Dance | Arts & Crafts | Summer Camps | Swim Lessons | Paint Classes | Hockey Tournaments | Fishing Derby | Movie in the Park | Beach Party
  • Year round recreational activities including – Swimming | Fishing | Boating (non-motorized) | Kayaking | Basketball | Tennis | Volleyball | Outdoor Barbeques | Playground | Ice Skating | Hockey | Ice Fishing | Paddle Boarding | Scuba Diving | Pickleball
  • More information at http://sarasotahomes.ca/jensen-lakes/
  • Come visit us at our showhomes for more information:
    • 146 & 148 Joyal Way
      • Monday – Thursday: 3:00 to 8:00 pm
      • Saturday – Sunday: 12:00-5:00 pm
    • 3 & 5 Jacobs Close
      • Monday – Thursday: 3:00 to 7:00 pm
      • Saturday – Sunday: 12:00-5:00 pm
    • #6-9, 100 Jensen Lakes Boulevard
      • Monday – Thursday: 3:00 to 6:00 pm
      • Saturday – Sunday: 12:00-5:00 pm

The Moms Have Voted – Our Top 5 Kitchens

By | NEW

There is an endless list of things our mothers do for us. Day in and day out, they are running the show and taking care of our every need- even when we get to be adults 😉 some of our favorite memories include family dinners and special dishes that will always remind us of our moms!

We have polled a few of our dear moms to help select our top 5 kitchens of homes we have currently available to purchase. The votes are in – here are the winners!

#1: 20 Orchard Court

VIEW THIS HOME

Voted as the freshest, whitest, brightest kitchen.

#2: 54 Orchard Court

VIEW THIS HOME

Voted as most functional to entertain and endless storage space.

#3: 17 Hawthorne Crescent

VIEW THIS HOME

Voted as the most elegant kitchen with the hoodfan that takes the cake.

#4: 17 Bellevue Crescent

VIEW THIS HOME

Voted as best renovated kitchen.

#5: 49 Executive Way

VIEW THIS HOME

Voted as the ultimate kitchen for moms who cook and bake.

Family Fun in St. Albert – Summer Edition

By | Uncategorized

All Access Summer Pass

New this year! Purchase an all access summer pass to get admission to Servus Place, Fountain Park and Grosvenor Outdoor Pool valid from June 30th – September 4th.

Cycling

If you love to bike, St. Albert is an amazing place for it! Enjoy all of the parks and public art on an 11 kilometer ride through the city. Follow Red Willow Trail from Kingswood Day Use Park all the way to Big Lake, making pit stops along the way at the botanic park, St. Albert Place, or wherever your heart desires. Find a trail map HERE!

Woodlands Water Play Park

Fun for the whole family, the Woodlands Water Play Park is now open to enjoy! Over 20 spray features include a 50 gallon super splash bucket. Other amenities include a volleyball court, a skate park, and a concession stand.

Grosvenor Outdoor Pool

There’s nothing like lounging by the pool on a hot summer day. Take advantage of the abundance of lounge space here – and then dive in to cool off! You can even rent a mermaid tail to use in the pool. Find hours and admission prices HERE

Cruisin’ Clubhouse

A free-drop in program for kids! This clubhouse travels to different parks and playgrounds through St. Albert in the summer. Find the schedule HERE

Kayak or Canoe

The mighty Sturgeon River – the perfect place to go for a calming canoe or kayak ride. View wildlife all along the river and take in the sights of our beautiful city. Find boat launches HERE

What do Realtors really do?

By | The Sarasota Team

Accurate & Up To Date Market Area Comparables

Getting an inspection done prior to starting the process of selling your home will help you prepare for any repairs that need to be addressed.

Secure Easy Access to Showing Your Home

It might be your basement attic or it might be a spare room that’s turned into a storage space. Donate, sell, or throw away the extra baggage.

Access to Their Extensive Network

If you already know you will be selling, consider having your professional photos taken while there are still leaves on the trees. Talk to a stager to see what else can be done to prepare your home to sell.

Provide An Accurate Evaluation of Your Home

Maybe your carpets need replacing – or just a deep, professional clean, your hardwood needs polishing, and your walls need a fresh coat of paint.

Professionally Market Your Property

If you already know you will be selling, consider having your professional photos taken while there are still leaves on the trees. Talk to a stager to see what else can be done to prepare your home to sell.

Properly Handle Paperwork

If you already know you will be selling, consider having your professional photos taken while there are still leaves on the trees. Talk to a stager to see what else can be done to prepare your home to sell.

The Sarasota Team prides itself in being more than just another realtor. By getting to know you as client, it helps them provide the best possible experience for you and your family to get you into your new home. They work as a team, from staging consultations to showhome marketing around St. Albert.

Get to know the team on our About page or follow them on social media to see what they’re up to!

Community Feature – Why We Love St. Albert

By | Uncategorized

WE LOVE WHERE WE LIVE

If you grew up in St. Albert, then you know how amazing it is to live here! Last year, St. Albert was ranked number 7 of the 25 best cities to live in Canada by MoneySense. From the farmer’s market, to the beautiful trails, to all of the local shops – there’s something for everyone and it’s a great place to raise a family. Thinking of making the move? Read on for our favorite things about our city!

ST. ALBERT FARMER’S MARKET

The largest outdoor farmer’s market in Western Canada takes place here from June to October. Over 250 vendors ensure that you will find anything you need + more! We love strolling through the market on Saturdays, enjoying the weather and discovering new brands + makers. Food trucks + speciality cafes downtown St. Albert make it an easy place to spend the day!

QUALITY OF LIFE

Numerous things can contribute to a high quality of life – but what makes it so in St. Albert? For starters, St. Albert was Alberta’s safest urban centre in 2014 with a crime severity rating 46% below the provincial average. Community-led block parties happen often, leading to stronger and safer neighborhoods. Access to health care is simple, and you know you will be well taken care of. Over 85 kilometers of trails make it easy to get your exercise – and countless recreation facilities are found throughout the city.

ENVIRONMENT

Did you know that St. Albert has the highest number of trees per capita of ANY city in Canada? That’s pretty impressive. And that means our air quality is second to none. We are also a leader in the region and country for residential recycling – helping to take care of the earth that sustains us! The city takes great measures to ensure our environment is healthy and has set sustainability standards for air and water quality, and land and waste management. Read more about it here!

CULTURE

St. Albert has so many festivals and community events that we have a hard time trying to pick which to go to! May brings the International Children’s Festival, attracting people from all over and providing educational and fun concerts, shows, and experiences for kids of all ages. Rock’n’August is a classic car and music show that brings out tons of people every year. The Arden Theatre constantly has shows and concerts going on. Whatever it is you are interested, you are bound to find it here!

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The best part of living in St. Albert is the sense of community – everyone is here to support each other. Whether it be supporting a local business, cheering on a hockey team, or just saying a friendly hello to a stranger on a walk – the people of St. Albert are proud of their city and love to share it. What are your favorite things about our city? Let us know!

SARASOTA REALTY p. (780) 460 2222 f. (780) 458 4821 25 Carleton Drive St. Albert, Alberta T8N 7K9