Sonia's Real Estate Blog

It’s that time of year again when everyone is uttering those three words nearly every child dreads: back to school. As summer holidays wrap up in Sherwood Park for another year, it’s important for everyone to be mindful of the great children of the community and take some safety precautions.

One important thing is for drivers to remember that school zones are in effect once again. While the schools have been absent of children for the past couple months, they’ll soon be crawling with kids, so stay alert. All school zones in Strathcona County have a speed limit of 30 km/h and they are in effect on school days from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., then from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Playground zones will remain in effect as well. They are also 30 km/h zones and start at 8:30 a.m. and run until one hour after sunset.

If you are dropping your child off at school, be sure to learn the school’s rules for picking up and dropping off. Also be sure to watch for crosswalks and obey all crossing guards. It’s important to remember that pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk.

School buses will also be back on the road and they require caution. If you see alternating flashing yellow or amber lights, that means the bus is slowing down and you should do the same. If you see a bus with a flashing red light, you must stop! Passing a school bus with its red lights on will net you a $543 fine and six demerit points. School buses use red lights and stop signs in rural areas of Strathcona County and residential estate areas.

Back to school is an exciting time for many kids (and many parents too I’m sure!) so let’s make sure it is safe for everyone!

Warmest regards,

Sonia

While it is technically still spring, many days have sure felt like summer in Sherwood Park. With the snow long gone and the community in full bloom, it’s time to start paying attention to your yards, especially if you want to sell your home for top dollar! Curb appeal is very important and potential buyers will get their first impression of the property long before they step inside the front door.

Before you get started, go outside and look at your yard and pretend you are a buyer. What does it say about your home? A meticulous, well-maintained yard will show buyers your care and attention to detail. A yard that hasn’t been kept up will make buyers wonder what else you’ve neglected.

Do a quick assessment. What do you like about your yard and home from the curb? If you have a bold front door or a unique feature in your landscaping, you want to accent those to make them stand out. But also make note of areas that need attention like weeds, bushes growing out of control or large stains on the driveway.

The great thing about spending some time and money tidying up your yards is the return on investment is huge. Pulling the weeds in your yard and giving it a fertilizer treatment can be done in a couple of hours and will cost you very little. Replacing the few rotten or cracked boards on a deck then giving it a fresh coat of stain also won’t break the bank but will give new life to your outdoor space. A quick pressure wash of the siding, driveways and decks can also go a very long way too. Remember that many buyers are looking for a low-maintenance property that has been well cared for.

There are also some very easy ways to stage your yards and garden. To liven up that big empty deck, head to one of Sherwood Park’s great greenhouses and pick up some plant potters. Invest in some patio furniture that is just the right size for your backyard. You don’t want to cram the space with furniture and many young families are looking for large, open yards for their kids.

If you’re looking for a Sherwood Park REALTOR® I’ve got plenty more tips to help you get the most money for your home. Give me a call today and let’s get started!

Warm regards,

Sonia
780-707-6015
soniatarabay@remax.net