Sonia's Real Estate Blog

1. Have a discussion with your kids about the move. Make it a point to answer all their questions and clear their doubts. This will help them understand what is happening and what they can expect. The idea is to allay their fears and make them feel more positive about the move.
2. It’s also important that you stay calm during this period. This is because children (even very young ones) are able to quickly pick up the nuances in their parent emotions. This is especially true if they feel their parents are anxious and stressed. When you remain collected and calm during the entire packing and moving process, it also helps calm your kids down.
3. Turn packing into a fun activity. If your children are old enough, allow them to do some simple packing like packing their toys away in boxes etc.
4. Be proactive in discussing details about the new neighbourhood with your children. Do some research with them, to make them more familiar with their future surroundings.
5. Many parents find that reading interesting children’s stories related to moving day, to their kids is a great way to make them look forward to the change.

1. Pyjamas and clothing
2. Wipes and diapers
3. First aid kit and medications
4. Toys
5. Juice, formula etc.
6. Bottles, sippy cups, and their favourite snacks
7. Blanket
8. Carrier and stroller
9. Extra pacifiers
10. Car seat
11. Bath items

1. Give your children a tour of the house and let them also explore the space freely. Point out to them which spaces can be used for playing and frolicking around.
2. If you find that your kids are very eager to unpack things, allow them to do so. In fact, if they’re old enough, encourage them to take out all their books and toys from the moving boxes and place them on shelves or in cabinets.
3. If you are planning on repainting the house, older kids can help you pick out the colours for their bedrooms. In fact, you can also hand them a roller and ask them to help with the paint job.
4. Always ensure that you maintain your child’s routines such as activities, nap times play and fun times and meals etc. This consistency will tell them that all’s well and they will feel more secure.

Many people think about just the cost and the interest rate at which they can get a loan while buying a new home. However, the lending process in extremely important and there are other costs that you should consider as you prepare to buy any property. As both a licensed REALTOR® and Mortgage Broker, I’ve come up with a few tips to keep in mind while buying a house:

1. Have a Trusted Realtor® It is no secret that Realtors® get a cut of the sale price of the house. This makes some buyers hesitant to hire one, believing it drives the overall rate up. The seller and not the buyer pays the commission rate. Listing agents (the agent who represents the seller) in most cases does not have your interests in mind and can simply keep both sides of the commission. It means that you are saving no money. Having a Realtor® in your corner can help you a great deal. The Realtor® will help negotiate the price and also inspect the home thoroughly for any defects.

2. Remember That Purchasing a House Involves Contracts There are many papers and documents to sign while going through the process of buying a home. Many of these papers look like standard contracts with no room for negotiation. However, this isn’t true; contracts are meant to be negotiated. There is no need for you to sign a standard agreement. Realtors® come in handy when you require more time for reviewing the house inspection, or wish to have a radon test or need a mortgage approval.

3. Focus on Your Future Plans Buying a house is one of the biggest financial commitments that you might make. However, before buying your dream house you should consider these points:

• Do you plan to continue working at your current job?
• Are you getting married in the near future?
• Are you considering having kids?

If yes, based on the market conditions and terms of the mortgage, you will end up paying for your mortgage over the duration of the loan. It’s important that you keep your future plans in view while considering buying a home.

4. Keep Commitment in Mind When you are planning to get married the laws generally determine how your assets will be treated & how will they be distributed if you get a divorce. These rules do not necessarily apply when you’re single. You have to think about the future. If you purchase a house with someone who isn’t your spouse, having an exit plan if things don’t go too well is a good idea. Make sure to have an agreement made with respect to mortgage payments, repairs, titling and liability. It is better to take the assistance of a lawyer and get all of this in writing.

Buying a home is a major financial commitment and getting it right is about taking a 360-degree view of your current and future situation and needs. This will help ensure you are able to make the proper provisions while purchasing your home, without straining your finances excessively.

Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’ve bought and sold property a dozen times before, teaming up with the right Sherwood Park & Edmonton Area REALTOR® is the critical first step in making a great experience.

Sonia Tarabay puts her inner tiger to work for each and every one of her home­-buying clients, delivering outstanding 5 Star Service every time. When you’ve got Sonia on your side, buying a home is easier, faster, and way more fun!

If you are planning on redecorating your home, you will want to check out what products are available in the market. Since there are a large number of furniture stores in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, it is a good idea to conduct a bit of research before going furniture shopping. This will help you identify what these stores specialize in and what they sell.

Here we look at 10 different stores that you can visit to find the furnishings, décor, furniture and other interior products you need. These stores offer various styles ranging from traditional to modern and everything in between. Typically most stores require ordering although some of them have ready stocks and you can buy the product off the shelves.

Aspects to Keep In View before Buying Furniture

Before buying any furniture for your house keep a few pointers in your mind such as:

• The available space
• The styling of the existing furniture
• Materials used in the furniture
• How often you have guests over
• Your personal preferences
• Your budget

The top 10 furniture stores in Edmonton

1. URBAN BARN With locations in both Edmonton and Sherwood Park, this store hosts a variety of contemporary and traditional pieces as well as a variety of home decor items to help you make the most out of your space.
2. CHINTZ & COMPANY Situated near 10502 – 105th Ave NW in Edmonton, this store is known for the chic and traditional twist used in their furniture. Unique details are incorporated in all the products, which add a distinctive look to them.
3. RESTORATION HARDWARE Located in Southgate Centre 5015-111st, this store provides customers with a large selection of furniture products. Known for their clean and classic looks with rustic raw elements, this store offers a lot more to customers who are looking for something unique that stands out.
4. POTTERY BARN Located on 8882-170 St, Pottery Barn offers a large selection of various products ranging from traditional, contemporary, a touch of rustic and nautical features.
5. CRATE & BARREL This store is known for its mid-century products with a few modern features and warm clean lines. It is located at Southgate Centre 5015-111 St
6. PIER 1 IMPORTS Furniture that is manufactured here has an ethnic exotic flavour. They have traditional and contemporary styled furniture. The store is conveniently located with locations in both Edmonton & Sherwood Park.
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7. HOME ENVY FURNISHINGS Located at 5240 Windermere Blvd (Edmonton) and #16-9175 Broadmoor Blvd (Sherwood Park), HEF is known for its Canadian made solid wood furnishings and accessories – made to order! Give your home a personalized touch with custom-made pieces from Home Envy Furnishings.
8. RESIDE FURNISHINGS It is an Edmonton based company, known to incorporate industrial and rustic elements to their products. Located at 10434 Mayfield Rd buyers who want an older and rustic look can opt for products from this store.
9. OLD HIPPY WOOD PRODUCTS If you’re looking for a custom piece to add character and a unique flair to your space, look no further than Sherwood Park’s own Old Hippy. Locally made, these furniture pieces maintain the unaltered characteristics of the wood used to ensure an authentic piece just for you.
10. SOFA LAND  Newly opened in Sherwood Park, Sofaland has been family owned and operated since 1992. They have a variety of modern, traditional, and quality furniture at an affordable price.

If you are located in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, you can choose from any of these stores that provide excellent and well-designed products. Good quality products will not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but improve its value as well. Want some more tips or are looking to sell your home? Get in touch with me today, Sonia Tarabay – Top 100 REALTOR® RE/MAX WORLDWIDE. 

For those who may be in the Sherwood Park area, there are tons of places to eat at! Having lived in Sherwood Park for many years, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge not only about the real estate market, but of the community, things to do, and places to go! There are cuisines that are from around the world, restaurants that offer a home cooked meal and those that are on the funky end of the spectrum. Whatever you want, you can easily find in this area. So here are 5 restaurants in the Sherwood Park that I recommend you visit and that are rated by all those who call this area home and those who visit here!

#1 La Patrona

#2 Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch

#3 Branches Fresh Food Experience

#4 Vicky’s

#5 JOEY Sherwood Park

Looking to make Sherwood Park your home? Call me today! Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’ve bought and sold property a dozen times before, teaming up with the right Sherwood Park REALTOR® is the critical first step in making a great experience. 

Sherwood Park is a wonderful community for raising your family, and when a baby is born, most first-time parents are eager to get their home baby proofed. They buy all the most expensive gadgets and tools that they can find in order to make their home one that is completely safe. However, babies are not the only kids that you should be protecting your home from. Even those with toddlers or young kids in school are going to realize that childproofing goes past the days of kids wanting to put everything they touch in their mouth. So, what are some tips that can help you to childproof your home, no matter what the age of your children? I have a few that can help!

1. Children should never be unattended near water, even those older kids when it comes to the outdoor pool that you may have. Accidents can happen with older kids, and younger kids can easily drown. Having a fence around the pool and a locked gate can help deter little ones from falling in.
2. Medications should be kept in locked cabinet doors. With the number of younger children who accidentally ingest these medications, you need to have these cabinets locked. In addition, it deters older kids from getting access to medications that you may take.
3. Cleaning products should be stored out of reach. How many parents have their cleaning products located beneath their sink? This is fine if you have a cabinet lock. But, you can also put these in a higher cabinet out of reach of little hands.
4. Any firearm should be locked away and have a trigger lock on these to prevent kids from getting a hold of these.
5. Windows should have a lock on these so that kids cannot easily raise these and then fall out of the window.
6. For younger kids, stairways should have a gate so no accidents can happen that involve the stairs.
7. Do you have a basement? Be sure that the door to the basement stays chained or locked so those little ones cannot fall down the stairs.
8. Sharp edges on furniture? Consider getting a bumper to go around some pieces of furniture, such as glass tables or the like. This is a way to ensure that little kids do no get bumps, cuts or bruises from the furniture.
9. Place a gate around the fireplace, if you have one that prevents little ones from getting close and possibly burned by the fire.
10. Place sliding covers on the electrical outlets to deter kids from sticking their fingers or objects into the power supply.
11. Cords from blinds can be a choking hazard for smaller kids. Make sure that these are tied up and tight so that kids cannot get a hold of these.
12. Anchor larger furniture to the wall as many toddlers and young kids will attempt to climb anything, and you do not want this furniture falling on them.

Childproofing a home takes work, and in many cases, you may still see items that need your attention. Which is fine, you need to be vigilant about the safety of your child while at home!

Looking for the best home to raise a family in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, or Strathcona County? When you’ve got Sonia on your side, buying a home is easier, faster, and way more fun!

Let me help you find your family-friendly Sherwood Park home today!

Millennials are in the job market and they are buying homes in Edmonton and Sherwood Park! But, what type of homes are millennials looking for? Knowing this can make all the difference for those who are trying to sell their home as the market is packed with millennials looking to buy. As one of RE/MAX’s Top 100 REALTORS® Worldwide, I have the expertise and experience to give you some great insights into what Millennials are looking for in a home.

The Kitchen and Bath Must Be Updated

Both the kitchen and bathroom must be updated for millennials to even be interested in looking at a property. What are they looking for in an updated bath and kitchen? New and updated fixtures, modern cabinets, and updated flooring is a complete package that turns their heads.

Large Kitchen

A large kitchen seems to be something that draws millennials into a home to buy. Years ago, people would dine in the dining room, but millennials would rather have a large kitchen that enables everyone to hang out in one space.

Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan is something that many millennials are attracted to. They like the space to flow easily from room to room, that way everyone is always included no matter where they are at in the home.

Furnishings that are Low Maintenance

What does this mean? Millennials are looking for furnishings that are low maintenance such as hardwood floors versus having carpets that require a lot more cleaning. They are also looking at the materials used in the kitchen and bathroom. They want countertops that are granite and easy to clean versus the laminate that may stain easily.

Energy Efficient is a Must

Millennials are all about being more energy efficient! If a home has solar panels or other cutting-edge efficiencies, or they find that the home is well insulated, they are going to put this into the win column for a home they are considering.

Technology

This includes the security of the home. A home with a technical side and a security panel are more received than those who do not have either!

Location with Walking Areas

The location is a big selling point with millennials. But, they are looking for a location that has nearby parks, walking paths or is within walking distance of something that interests them.

Room for a Home Office

Even a small bedroom can be a way for the millennial to have a home office. But, if a home already has this office in place, that is even better!

Ready to Move In

Millennials are often looking for a home that is ready to move in. They do not want to see items that they would have to fix…including anything that is simply décor. Keep this in mind when trying to sell to this group of people!

They Want to See it Staged

Yes…staging is really a selling point for millennials. They like to walk into a potential home and see how furniture and décor are already arranged before they commit to buying.

If you are selling a home and trying to reign in a millennial buyer, it may be time to make a few changes to make your home more acceptable to what they want! Get started today with a FREE HOME EVALUATION from me, Sonia Tarabay – RE/MAX’s Top 100 REALTOR® Worldwide!

When you think of a library you most often think of a librarian sitting at a desk shushing those who walk by. You think of a dark room with fluorescent lighting and the smell of super old books surrounding you. You may envision people sitting around, barely speaking a word for fear of being told to be quiet. What you are picturing is the typical library scene from almost any movie that has been made. However, did you know that there is tons of fun to be found at the Strathcona County Library? And better yet, most of these activities are free!

So, what kind of programs can you expect to find at the Strathcona County Library? This all really depends. However, one thing is for sure, you must have a library card to access these activities. Do not fret, as a library card is completely free. A few of the activities that are seen at local libraries may include:

1. Summer Reading Games – The Strathcona library offers incentives to keep kids reading. From spinning the wheel to read messages from the many animals that reside in Crittertree Park, to exploring faraway intergalactic civilizations in the city of Meliora, there are many incentives and prizes to help encourage reading throughout the summer.  It is all meant to help kids continue to read and do their best!
2. Various presentations are given at Strathcona County Library by some of the experts in your area. For example, a great upcoming event to check out is The Strathcona Writers’ Circle on June 5th. Hone your writing skills, share ideas, and be inspired by other local writers. This is a great re-occurring event that happens the first Tuesday of each month!
3. Our wonderful library has three dozen PC workstations across both floors of the library including wifi service. You can make use of these workstations for up to an hour each day for free! Need to print off your research or an important article you found online? The library has you covered with easy to access printing services.
4. Family Storytime is offered in the mornings for younger kids and their an older sibling/parent where they explore the world through stories, songs, and other fun activities. It is a time that kids look forward to as the person reading often makes this great fun!
5. The Strathcona library also offers various programs and activities for adults – from the Diehards Evening Book Clubs and Scrabble nights, to the Historical Ride Along where you get to enjoy a guided bicycle tour to a historical site in Strathcona County lead by your very own Library staff.

The Strathcona County Library is more than just a place to grab a book and read. It is becoming the best place for adults and children who want to spend their time enriching their lives and learning about new items or experiencing new activities. That is why, when you are new to the area or simply looking for something to do, do not be too quick to dismiss the fun that you can have your local Strathcona County Library.

Interested in moving to Sherwood Park and want to know more about the community? You can read all about Sherwood Park and the benefits of buying and selling with RE/MAX Elite’s #1 Agent – Sherwood Park & Edmonton (2017), Sonia Tarabay! Ready to sell? Get your FREE HOME EVALUATION today!

It’s official! Summer is here! If you’re like me, you love to make the best of our fabulous summers because, as we all no, they always seem to be much too short. Here’s a top 10 list of great things to do in Sherwood Park!

This past Saturday marked the second annual Strathcona County SAFFRON (Sexual Assault) Centre Walk and Fun Run, which I was very honoured to sponsor and participate in along with my family. This Sherwood Park event was a chance for our community to come together to raise money for an excellent local organization, with all of the funding going directly to support victims of sexual assault, abuse and sexual violence, as well as their families.

This is an important cause in our community and one that I’m very proud to support. We were very thankful for the amazing weather we had on Saturday and for all the great people in our community who came out and walked and ran. They would have come out rain or shine, but it was nice to have a beautiful spring day!

Thank you to the SAFFRON Centre for hosting this event and for all the work they do for Strathcona County residents. Let’s hope that together we can help stop this horrific thing from happening to anyone!

Warm regards,

Sonia