Sonia's Real Estate Blog

Easter dinner has always been a wonderful time to spend with my family and enjoy our table with joyful spring colors and items of great discussion. Here are some simple fun Easter projects that the kids can do with you, perfect for your Easter décor and sure to be a great hit at the dinner table.

“Egg-speriment” with Easter egg planters!

Easter egg planters are a great way to add a pop of color to your Easter dining table. Get a dozen eggs and crack them at the top. Drain the contents, clean them with water, and put them back in the egg carton. (You can dip them in dye if you’d like to color them. Fill the bottom of each egg with dirt and then fill them with your favorite flowers, succulents or grass. You can place them on your table or anywhere you like. You can keep them in the carton and fill in around them with colored grass. Or, you can place them in a dish or pot of your choosing.

“Egg-citing” Easter Table Runner

Another fun idea you can do with kids is make your table runner for Easter dinner. Here is one that has a vintage look or you can paint with wild colorful colors and trim. Measure the length of your table and cut to size. Take fabric tape (a Bright color would also look great!) and hot glue in between to seal the edges. Make a bunny rabbit stencil and sponge paint directly onto the burlap (again fun colors would be beautiful!) space them apart evenly. Make adorable puffy tails out of white yarn by taking a bundle at 3” wide and tieing them in the middle and sewing them directly onto the burlap bunnies after you have allowed the paint to dry.

“Egg-sotic” Painting for your Easter eggs using Rice!

Ever liked to get that great speckled look to your Easter eggs? Get 3 or 4 small plastic containers with lids. Make sure they are small enough to fit one egg – but large enough to have the lid on. Add a couple table spoons of rice to each container and several drops of food coloring. Depending on the color and amount of rice you may need at least 8 drops. Then place the lid on top and give that container a shake to make your rice is staturated with the food coloring. Then remove the lid and place your boiled egg in the container and put back on the lid. Then give it a shake again! Careful not to shake too hard and when the coverage looks good – the speckled look is done!

“Egg-stroidinary” Placement Name Tags

These egg and nest placecards come together super fast! The supplies are easy to pick up or you may have them on hand! Alphabet stickers can make this project extra fun instead of handwriting the names Start by cutting paper into 1″ by 4″ rectangles. Using the pliers, wind pipecleaners into circles. Each pipecleaner should make two nests. Hot glue the nests onto one end of each placecard. Lay out guests’ names on each card with alphabet stickers. Cut a triangular notch into the end of each card and place a chocolate egg in each nest. In the end, these will look great at an Easter table setting and a sweet treat!

We hope these decorating ideas are “Egg-sactly” what you are looking for fun ideas to do with your family. It is great to find items around the house that can make your Easter dinner table “Egg-ceptional”! If you have other Easter decorating ideas, we would love to hear them! From Sonia’s family to yours…have a wonderful Easter!

One thing I have admired about the Irish is their magical spirit and joyful energy! St. Patrick’s Day has a way of bringing out the Irish in everyone. Whether it’s celebrating at your local pub or simply donning green to ring in the occasion, the holiday has become a fixture for all – Irish heritage notwithstanding.

Our home can also inspire St. Patrick’s Day and ring in the spring! Bright shades of green color are pleasant and fresh. Modern citrus yellow and olive shades of green color look cheerful, warm and sunny. Most of your home decorating accessories and furniture items will look great with stylish shades of green color, creating fresh, relaxing and comfortable room decor for spring.

You can use trendy green paint colors for quick and dramatic room makeover. Green colored home furnishings that you already have in your home help save money on room decorating for St Patrick’s Day and for spring decorating. Irish landscapes, shamrock symbols and St Patrick’s Day food are beautiful inspirations for choosing spring decorating colors and color combinations for your room decor.

Rearrange your green colored home furnishings, move small decorating accessories to different places, use them in a different way for creative room decorating ideas without spending extra money on green spring decorating.

You can use your home furnishings in all colors for St Patrick’s Day and for spring home decorating, adding few green accents to your home color palette.

A green ribbon on your table lamp, green throw on your bed or a green cushion on a living room sofa are simple, inexpensive and pretty spring decorating ideas that symbolize freshness, awaking of the nature and a new beginning.

If you do not have any green colored items for spring decorating, use green food, – sweet peppers, pears, apples, grapes or limes, arrange them on attractive plates, or use shallow baskets and vases, adding beautiful natural accents and aroma to your room decorating in spring.

You do not need to spend money buying new decorating accessories for St Patrick’s Day. If you are not sure how to add green color to your room decorating, St Patrick’s Day food can inspire you.

Think like an interior designer and select a perfect decorating color scheme for St Patrick’s Day or spring home decor. Every interior designer gets an inspiration from ordinary things, then creates an interior of that experience.

Reference:Lush Home/
Food Inspired Decorating

Looking to buy a home or investment property? Whether it’s your first home purchase or your 10^th, it is absolutely recommended to have a property inspection prior to closing the deal.

I know from experience that most of my clients will choose to inspect a property through the services of a qualified home inspector. As both a REALTOR® and a consumer, I could not agree more.

When walking through a home you would love to buy, it’s hard to put aside your emotions and really ‘see’ what kind of shape it’s in. Now that you are buying, it’s time to see everything. Home inspections rarely cost more than a few hundred dollars and their service can save you from unpleasant surprises when you move in. Your offer to buy may be conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. This is an increasingly standard condition on any resale home. If the seller doesn’t want you closely examining the home before you take possession, you have to wonder why.

Go with a qualified professional

Make sure your inspector is a member of a provincial association of home inspectors. It’s your guarantee they have the training and experience for the job. Your REALTOR® may suggest several home inspection companies to choose from. Make sure your inspector is credited to one of these Associations:

Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors

National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

What will they check during the inspection?

Lots of stuff. Plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and the integrity of the foundation. They check for nasty stuff like lead paint, asbestos, mold, outdated and dangerous wiring and they’ll look for evidence of pests like mice or termites. A good inspector should make you feel like you’re watching a CSI detective.

Join the inspection

There’s no better way to get familiar with your new home than being part of this checkup. If any problems are detected, you’ll see them firsthand and you’ll also learn some maintenance tips from a genuine pro.

Home inspection for a new home?

New does not equal perfect and construction quality can vary greatly from builder to builder. Repairs and corrections will probably be covered by a provincial new home warranty program, so bad news doesn’t necessarily mean it will cost you.

So, if you are looking to make your next home purchase, please give me a call. I would love to help you through the process and ensure you protect your investment.

Reference:

Alberta Real Estate

Association

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it exemplifies love, friendship and passion. In my opinion, this is the real meaning of life. I am passionate about my relationships, my business, and above all my family. My family is my world!

There are several stories about who Saint Valentines was: one dates to Roman times, another from the 17th century. In both cases the tradition can be traced to a priest who married young couples in secret. Whatever the true story may be, love is a global phenomenon and Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world in fascinating and different ways.

Here is how a few countries celebrate Valentine’s Day:

Italy
Of course in Italy, the “Day of Love” is celebrated in classic style with a spring Festival! On Valentine’s day couples get together to enjoy music, poetry and exchange gifts like the “baci perugina,” a box of small hazelnut-filled chocolate “kisses” (baci means “kiss” in Italian). This box will be accompanied with a romantic quote printed in four languages. Also, according to old tradition, the first man a girl sees that day will become her husband and they would be married within a year.

France
Paris, “The city of love” is practically the world capital of Valentine’s Day, as couples from around the globe flock here for the special day. On Valentine’s Day, lovers in France exchange letters and cards, a world-wide tradition that claims its origins in France! History says that the Duke of Orleans, Charles, wrote the first Valentine’s card, because he signed his poem as “Your Valentine”.

China
In China the equivalent of Valentine’s Day is the “Qixi Festival”, which means “The Night of Seven”, and is celebrated usually in early August, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This tradition recalls an old ancestral story that has been passed from generation to generation for centuries.

Tiawan
If flowers are romantic, then Taiwan, which is world famous for its flowers, boasts the most romantic celebration in the world! And they celebrate it twice a year: February 14th and also on July 7th. Here the men are expected to give bouquets of flowers to their beloved one. According to Taiwanese tradition, the color and number of flowers will represent an important message…. red roses will represent “an only love”, ninety-nine roses will express “love forever”, and 108 roses signifies popping “The question”…”Will you marry me?”

Brazil
If you are looking for a huge party, Brazil’s Carnival is often running during all of February or March each year, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. The local equivalent to Valentine’s Day is “Dia dos enamorados” or “Lovers day” and is on June 12th. Brazilians love to exchange chocolates, flowers, cards etc… but in addition, musical performances are held throughout cities and towns, bringing together couples and families from all elements of society. Brazilians also celebrate “Saint Anthony’s Day,” which commemorates the patron saint of marriage.

Chile
Chile is known as “the land of poets”, and it is true that Chileans are really romantic too. The “Dia de San Valentin” is anticipated greatly by lovers. Chileans love to celebrate and Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples, who celebrate with true excitement. It’s typical to walk around the city and see decorations all around as shops, malls and streets are beautifully decorated with flowers, balloons, and heart garlands.

No matter where we live – bring Valentine’s Day into your home! Have fun with a new decorative wreath on your front door or stylish heart pillows on your sofa. Take your sweetheart out for dinner to one of our many great local restaurants. How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? I would love to hear from you!

When I got started in the real estate industry, I knew I wanted to provide a complete, “one-stop-shop” service for my clients to ensure they had the best possible real estate experience. I’ve seen how stressful buying and selling real estate can be if you don’t have an expert by your side you can trust, and it was important to me to be that person for my clients, as much as possible.

I became a licensed Mortgage Broker in addition to a licensed REALTOR® so I could provide an even higher quality of service to every one of my clients: It’s my “killer combo” — a real rarity in the industry — and a huge asset to my clients. It means I can help you understand every step of the process of buying and selling a home, including all the financial details and mortgage terms, and save you time, stress, and money.

In addition to helping you find that perfect home for your family, I can also help you make the best possible financial decisions for your future. Many people are intimidated by the process of getting their first mortgage, but you don’t have to be! I help make the process transparent and will walk you through all the options that are best for you. Together, we’ll find you the best lender, the best rate, and the best terms for your financial goals.

And by better understanding the financial underpinnings of your real estate dreams, as your REALTOR® I’m in an even better position to help you find that perfect home, the one that matches your needs and your budget.

Ways a Mortgage Broker Saves You Time, Stress, and Money

More Choice, Less Time

As a licensed mortgage broker, I have access to a large network of lenders including banks, credit unions, and non-traditional lenders, and I understand the current state of the mortgage industry. I know how to find the best rates with terms that fit your budget and profile, and can present you with the best possible options.

And because I know who to talk to and where to look, you don’t spend hours and hours researching, interviewing, and reading. Let me narrow down the field to your best options and save you the time and headache!

Independent and Objective

I don’t work for a specific lender or bank: I work for you! That means I can offer impartial, objective advice about your financial options and present rates from different institutions without favouring one over the other.

Get Better Rates

The Canadian Mortgage Trends website looked at a study to figure out how people got the best deal on their mortgage, and using a broker was high up on the list. They estimated the average impact of a mortgage broker reduced rates by 17.5 points, which translates to over $1,600 of interest savings on a typical $200K mortgage over five years. My negotiation skills are at your disposal through the mortgage application and choosing process, and I know when there’s room to push for that little bit extra, and what trade-offs result in the biggest “bang for your buck”.

Personal Attention

I work one-on-one with you to understand your financial needs so we can find the best possible combination of lender, rate, and terms that will suit you, personally. There’s no “one size fits all” in the mortgage industry, and it’s important to create a mortgage plan that is customized for you and your unique requirements.

Ready to save time, stress, and money with Sonia? Ready to get the pre-approval process started? Give me a call or send me a message to get the ball rolling!

November is here and we all know what that means: Christmas is just over a month away! Which also means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping, so break out the eggnog, grab your kids’ wish lists, and let’s get started!

Some people dread Christmas shopping – the crowds, the chaos, the stress of finding that perfect something for the hard­-to-­buy-­for person on your list, the endless looping Christmas music – but if you plan it right and get started early, Christmas shopping can be a ton of fun. Getting started early means you avoid the crazy crowds at big shopping malls, and – bonus – you aren’t yet tired of Christmas carols so they leave you feeling extra festive!

Additionally, if you start your shopping early, you have plenty of time for research, browsing for stocking­-stuffers, and exploring what great gifts you can find locally, right here in Sherwood Park and surrounding area. In a day and age where we can do our Christmas shopping in our PJs in bed with a laptop, it’s important to also remember that Sherwood Park has a wealth of awesome stores, boutiques, one­-of-­a-­kind shops, and Christmas craft fairs where you can find unique gifts you just won’t see anywhere else.

Local Christmas Craft Fairs and Handmade Markets

More than any other time of year, Christmas is when local entrepreneurs, craftspeople, and extremely talented local artists have a chance to show off their goods and really shine. There is a huge amount of talent in the wider Edmonton area, and at many of these sales you’ll find hundreds of local “makers” who love their community and create awesome products. From unique jewelry and clothing to lovingly hand-­built toys and seriously delicious food items, these are great places to find gifts you’ll never see online. Seriously, you can find the BEST stocking stuffers at these events!

Here are some great upcoming craft shows and sales in the area you won’t want to miss:

• Silver Bells Winter Market
  November 29, 10am – 5pm
  The Agora, Sherwood Park Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
• Festival of Trees
  November 14 – 16
  The Agora, Sherwood Park Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
• Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market
  Every Wednesday, 5pm – 8pm
  Sherwood Park Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
• Butterdome Craft Sale
  December 4 – 7
  Butterdome, University of Alberta, Edmonton
• Make It: Handmade Revolution
  November 20 – 23
  The Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Drive, St. Albert

Local Shops, Boutiques & Events in Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park has a lot of awesome, unique stores and boutiques you won’t find in any mall, all owned and operated by locals who live right here in Sherwood Park. Shopping local means you contribute to our local economy and keep it thriving, and the success of existing businesses make our city an attractive place for more cool people to create more great things!

And remember: Buying someone a gift doesn’t mean you have to get them a “thing”. You can also get them a great experience, like a gift card or certificate to a cool local restaurant, tickets to an upcoming concert or comedy show at Festival Place, or a pass to their favourite local recreational facility.

Also, think about trying out one of our great local bakeries if you’re tasked with bringing a dessert or dish to an upcoming party rather than hitting up a generic grocery store. You’ll be helping a local business grow, and you’ll be the talk of the party for bring something extra­-special!

Below are some curated lists of unique­-to-­us places to get you started.

• Shops & Boutiques
• Gifts & Collectibles
• Unique Restaurants
• Bakeries & Specialty Foods
• Festival Place Events
• Chamber of Commerce Business Directory

Local One-Stop Shopping

Living as close as we do to “the mall” in Edmonton (you know the one) it can be tempting to do a “one­-stop” there, steel yourself against the crowds, and get it done in one go. But why drive all the way to the west side of Edmonton to get stressed out by crowds?

You don’t need WEM to one-­stop your Christmas shopping, not when we’ve got two great local shopping centres right here in Sherwood Park. There are lots of great stores (pretty much everything you’ll find in WEM between the two), you don’t have to drive as far, and you won’t have to wade through all those people. Even closer to Christmas when the stores get busier, our local malls don’t get anywhere near as crazy.

Also, if you need more convincing, remember how long it took you to find parking at WEM last time you went on the last Saturday before Christmas? Stay in Sherwood Park: there’s lots of parking here!

• Sherwood Park Mall
  Over 60 stores and services
  2020 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park
• Emerald Hills Centre
  Over 40 stores and services
  5000 Emerald Drive, Sherwood Park

Once again the days are getting shorter, the temperature is coming down, and autumn has definitely hit Sherwood Park. It’s time to pack away summer clothes, bring out our cozy sweaters, and get ready for the coming winter.

But don’t let those “winter blues” get you down! We are lucky to live in a place like Sherwood Park with such a wide range of recreational facilities, activities, and fabulous seasonal events that make winter a ton of fun for your family. There’s so much to do in Sherwood Park over the winter months that you’d have to try really hard to get bored!

It’s easy when winter comes to go into “hibernation-­mode” and seal ourselves in our homes until spring comes. But if you want to beat the winter blues, it’s important to stay active and stay involved in your community. If you meet winter with the same enthusiasm as we always greet the summer months, you may even find you get excited for winter! And remember, the more fun you have when the snow flies, the shorter the cold months feel. The best way to make spring come faster is to enjoy yourself all winter long.

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Thanksgiving is coming up this weekend, and I want to wish all my family, friends, past clients,
current clients and EVERYONE a big Happy Thanksgiving!

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One of my favourite parts of working in the real estate market is keeping my negotiation skills sharp. I love the negotiation process, and this is where I really go to work for my clients, letting my skills shine. This is when you know for sure you have a tiger on your side. 

It’s an exciting time! You feel THIS close to your goals, so close you can taste success. Adrenaline kicks in, and there’s that mix of excitement and anxiety when you enter this phase of a real estate transaction. It’s kind of like asking someone on a date via text message: You spend a lot of time staring at the phone, waiting for a reply, gaming out all the possible scenarios in your head.

That high energy is great, and it’s a huge part of why I love my work. Although as a professional REALTOR® I try and make this process a Win/Win for my clients, there are times when a compromise needs to be made and all parties need to cooperate. There comes a point in the transaction when both parties realize that, if everyone gives a little, then everyone wins.

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It’s fantastic to have a career you’re as passionate about as I am about my work as a REALTOR®, but we all need a solid work/life balance. After all, there’s more to life than just work, work, work all the time: There’s family and friends to spend time with, and favourite hobbies to enjoy. This is especially true if you own your own business or don’t work standards “9 to 5” hours (and, trust me, a REALTOR® doesn’t know the meaning of “9 to 5”). It can be hard to justify stepping away from work to take some time for yourself and your family when it seems like “The To Do List” just keeps getting longer, but it’s so important to take time away so we can come back feeling more focused, more energized, and more productive.

One of my favourite ways of de-­stressing is my hot yoga class, which I take a few times a week. If you’ve never tried yoga or hot yoga, I absolutely recommend giving it a try. It’s a great way to build strength, flexibility, and concentration, and I love how it feeds both my body and my spirit.

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