Here at the Danny Hansen Team we all have a huge crush on Bobbi’s newly adopted beagle-cross named Merlin! Merlin brings a world of fun wherever he goes, including his little visits here to the office!

Merlin’s presence has raised the question:How do we help our four legged friends make the transition from one home to another as seamlessly as possible?  New smells, new rooms, new fence line, it’s all so much for them to take in, and we want the process to go as smoothly as possible for our clients (the four legged ones as well!).

With both pets and real estate on our minds we decided that we would source out some tips for moving with pets! We are the real estate experts, but when it comes to animal care we turned to the experts at the Airdrie Animal Health Centre to give us some helpful tips on moving with pets!

 Here are 13 tips for moving with your pets!

1-      Consider boarding pets during moving day if that is not too stressful for them, or leave them with a friend

2-      Pheromones such as Adaptil or Feliway in the new home to reduce stress or anxiety and invite a calm state of mind

3-      Packing their favourite toys and beds last and unpacking them first in the new house.

4-      Give them lots of extra attention when in the new house

5-      When the “dust has settled” let them roam the house on their own

6-      Hide treats/toys around the new house to make a fun scavenger hunt

7-      Have a room in the new house just for them for the first few days, consider making it look like their place they had in the last home

8-      Show the cats the litterbox locations, don’t just expect that they will find them

9-      If moving out of the area, ask your vet for recommendations for a new veterinarian

10-  Update your new contact information with your microchip or tattoo company

11-  Have new tags for their collars with your updated information

12-  If possible, take your dog for frequent walks in the new area, this gets him used to the new surroundings, but also burns off nervous energy

13-  Stay as close as possible to your regular routine with feeding and walking times

We believe that if you implement these tips, the transition will be smoother for both you and your four legged family member!

A huge thank you to the staff at the Airdrie Animal Health Centre for providing this fantastic list! Be sure to check them out online through this link: https://www.airdrievets.com/

Bobbi Morrison, a licensed realtor within the Danny Hansen Team, was asked
today "What are the top 4 considerations that need to be addressed when
considering the transition to acreage life?"



1* When starting to look for a country residential property it s SO important to find a realtor that specializes in rural real estate. This is not the same type of transaction as when purchasing in town.  There are so many things to consider when moving to an acreage it is important to have a professional that is specialized in this type of real estate helping you through the process. Knowing the right questions to ask, where to find the answers is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. 



2* Financing for an acreage is going to look substantially different than an
in-town purchase. For example: Banks tend to lend on the house and a certain
number of acres. Therefore, outbuildings and excess of land would not be
considered on an appraisal. The extra value, therefore, must be covered by the Buyers in addition to the the down payment in order to secure financing thus facilitating a successful sale. 



3* Weigh the PROS and CONS of city life vs country life and take a good hard look at the lifestyle you want to live. 

For example: a significant pro could be that you will enjoy the peace and quiet in the

country and your kids can grow up with an enormous amount of freedom away the hustle and bustle and concerns that come with raising children in an urban environment.   
However, a con may be the additional drive time for extracurricular,  work, and for school.  If you love going to the lake or camping on the weekends, acreage life might not be for you.   A lot of your free time on the weekends may be consumed by yard maintenance!

4* Be prepared to purchase equipment for the
maintenance of your new property. In some situations it's enough to own a
small lawn tractor, providing that you purchase the proper implements.  You will have loads of mowing and snow removal moving forward so it is important that you are prepared! 



What do you think? Is the #acreagelife for you?

The photo above is from one of our Mountain View listings, 31042 Range Road 281, Rural Mountain View County, Alberta, MLS # C4165407

There is something quintessential about texture in a home, it welcomes you in the most subtle and unpretentious ways.
Of course, everything has texture, but what we are speaking of in this context is wood, stone, and anything that has movement or beckons you to touch it within a home. These elements offer a sense of completeness, a sense of coziness, if you will. 

Following are a few ideas for how to add texture and movement to your space:

1-   Shiplap!

Shiplap is a beautiful alternative to drywall, and is currently having a significant moment in the design world. It is a tongue and groove installation that leaves you with a surface that can’t help but be touched! This is perfect for a stylish farm-house feel.

2-   Stone!

Bring an element of castle to your home! Stone is one of the most primitive materials for construction, and there is something deeply comforting about its sturdiness and movement. Best used for your fireplace or the exterior of your home, stone will give you the depth that your home craves. Additionally, consider  upgrading your counter tops to marble or quartz, you cannot fake quality, and it really is a pleasure to work on.

3 – Tile!

If you don’t already have a backsplash, here is your chance to make a “splash” with texture! Well chosen tile can complete a look. Consider subway tile, historically used in New York subway stations, and now a preferred product for kitchens and bathrooms. Or consider Moroccan-style cement tiles, complex designs boasting centuries of traditions.  Whatever your style or preference, adding tile will do a world of good for your space!

4 – Rugs, Pillows, Furniture, Plants & Stoneware

 Of course there are many opportunities to add texture in more fluid ways.

• Rugs - don’t miss the opportunity to define your space and give your toes something to celebrate!
• Pillows - Ahhhh, pillows! (Enough said)
• Furniture – Well chosen pieces can compliment your space!
• Plants – they are the original texture; you can never go wrong with a fig tree in your space!
• Artisan stoneware - it will make every meal a pleasure!

Texture is the element of a house that makes you really feel like you are in a HOME.

Think outside of the box (house). Make sure the exterior of your home sends a “Welcome” message! Hang easy-to-read house numbers, mow the lawn, wash the windows, repaint or stain your deck if needed, plant blooming flowers.

Clear away the clutter inside. Clean and clear surfaces, floors, cupboards and closets. A clean and clear space shows as more spacious to potential buyers.

Style your dining table! This is often an overlooked opportunity.  A cheery option is to place a clear bowl full of lemons or an arrangement of flowers.

 
Do a sniff test! Your nose may be accustomed to the scent of your home, but it’s important to take out the garbage, remove dirty laundry, and use a deodorizer if you have a pet. Another trick is to bake a cake before a showing so your house smells “homey “ – just think, if you have 4 showings in a week you could eat 4 cakes that week as well! Win-win!
 
Pretend it’s spring and do the deep cleaning! Baseboards, windows, walls . . . wash them all when you first list, and then give them a quick swipe before a showing!
 
Display your closet space. The buyers will be peaking in every nook and cranny of your home, and closet space can be a real make-or-break for some home buyers. Eliminate the extra items and display your closets as spacious and ample!
 
Use the awkward areas creatively! Set up a little desk or a mommy-command center to display awkward areas as bonus space!
 
Kids toys strewn about? That’s a no-go. Sure, you will have families shopping for a home, but seeing toys scattered throughout the home doesn’t give them that “Fresh-Start” feel they are looking for.
 
Just remember, people pay for a home they can imagine themselves in. It’s worth the extra work if it saves you $5,000-$10,0000 in negotiating costs, or if your home is chosen over the neighbor’s identical  home!