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Preparing Homes in Canmore for an Alberta Winter!

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Fall is almost over! And, if you’re anything like us, you’re eager for the 2023/24 ski season. But, before we can enjoy the winter activities that Canmore and Banff are renowned for, it’s a good idea to prep your home for the change in weather ahead. Winterizing your home is an essential step in preserving its value. Not to mention, a great way to safeguard yourself from unexpected repairs. Whether you are a winter veteran or a total novice, we hope to provide you with some insightful tips about how to get homes in Canmore ready for an Alberta winter. Follow along below to learn more!

How to Winterize Homes in Canmore

  1. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters is a must-do task that every homeowner should complete before the seasons change. While it is good practice to empty your gutters a few times per year, it is especially important to do so before winter. During the winter months increased precipitation and freezing temperatures can pose several risks to your home. Namely, water damage. If your gutters are clogged with debris, this can prohibit drainage. Thus, increasing the probability of household leaks. If you are not comfortable with doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional to get the job done. Most service providers can have the task completed in two hours. 

  1. Check Your Roof

Besides your foundation, the roof of your home is one of the most important features. As the weather cools and snow begins to fall, the integrity of your roof will be tested. To make sure that your roof can handle Old Man Winter, it’s a good idea to get outside and inspect it. When checking your roof be sure to keep an eye out for missing, loose or broken shingles.  Furthermore, you’ll want to make note of any damaged, rusted, or missing metal flashing. If you have a flat roof check that: there are no tears/holes in the surface, it’s free from mould, and the seals are in good shape. 

  1. Blow Out Sprinkler Lines

Another item you won’t want to forget is blowing out your sprinklers. If your home has an underground sprinkler system, you’ll want to make sure that these lines are free of water before temperatures dip below zero. Failing to do so can cause the pipes to crack or break, which means your irrigation system will not work come spring. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact a local landscaping company for help! 

More Ways to Prepare

  1. Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

Before winter arrives, make sure that you take inventory of the winter tools you have on hand and what you need to replace/invest in. For example, you’ll want to ensure that you have a snow shovel, snow brush, the appropriate tires for your vehicle and new batteries in your alarms and detectors. Having the right equipment will make the winter season that much more manageable! Visit your local hardware store to stock up.

  1. Don’t Leave Any Gaps

When you winterize your home, it is a good idea to look for gaps in the sealant around your doors and windows. If you find any, make sure to patch them up before the cooler weather hits. Adding weather stripping to doors and caulking any gaps around your window will make your home all the more insulated. By completing these tasks, you can help to reduce your heating costs and make sure that your home is free of drafts. 

  1. Test Your Heating System

Last but not least, while preparing your home for winter, it is a good idea to test out your heating system. After all, no one wants to experience an Alberta winter without heat! Call an HVAC specialist to come and check out your furnace to ensure that it is fully operational. Typically, as part of this service, HVAC professionals will clean your furnace and change the filter for you. 

Contact us Today About Homes in Canmore!

If you are planning on buying homes in Canmore, contact us today! We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content and visit our social media page! We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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Moving to a Small Town: Pros & Cons of Buying Canmore Homes for Sale

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Moving to a small town certainly has a charm to it. With more and more remote work options, it has become much easier to live outside of large city centres. The flexibility to live where you want has left many Canadians wanting to escape big city life. However, moving to a small town comes with its pros and cons. If you’re considering buying Canmore homes for sale, but not sure if it’s the right move for you, we encourage you to read this article! In the post, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to list some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in a small town like Canmore. Be sure to consider the following factors before making the decision to uproot for a smaller community.   

Cons of Small Town Living: Canmore Edition

  1. The Price of Living in Canmore Isn’t Much Cheaper Than in the City

One of the reasons that people decide to live in a small town is because it tends to be cheaper than living in the city. However, in Canmore, this is not the case. Buyers will quickly notice that the cost of living in Canmore is very high. This is because of the demand for housing, incredible local amenities, and strict housing regulations. If you’re interested in moving to a small town for cheaper real estate opportunities, Canmore is not the right place to settle down.

  1. Fewer Transportation Options

Another downside to living in a small town like Canmore is the fact that public transit options are limited. Nearly all residents who live in Canmore rely on their own vehicles to get around. If you don’t already own a car, you’ll want to think about investing in one. Preferably something that can handle the long Alberta winters. For those who are currently getting by without a car in the city, this is a cost you’ll want to factor in before your move. Be sure to account for maintenance, gas and insurance prices in addition to the total cost of the vehicle. 

  1. Long Winters

Albertans will be the first to tell you about the long winters across the province. From icy temperatures to snow that just doesn’t go, winter can be dreadful. However, if you enjoy skiing and other snowsports, the long winter might be just what you’re looking for. Make sure you think about your tolerance for winter before making the move to a town like Canmore!

Pros of Small Town Living in Canmore Homes for Sale

  1. Location & Access to Nature

Living in Canmore gives you access to some of the best outdoor experiences in Canada! From world-class ski resorts to awesome restaurants, Canmore has it all. In the summer, enjoy hiking, biking, mountaineering, or rock climbing. You can also head to the Bow River for an epic canoeing experience. Once winter arrives, ski and snowboard until your heart’s content! There are also a number of cross-country ski opportunities, skating, and other winter activities. The location and access to nature are Canmore’s biggest draws!

  1. Low Crime Rate

Living in Canmore, you can feel safe knowing that the crime rate is very low. Crime rates in Canmore have consistently been ranked below the national average. In fact, they are among some of the lowest in the whole country. The only thing you need to be on the lookout for is wildlife. Thankfully, most wildlife in the area is not naturally aggressive and will normally avoid human contact. 

  1. You Aren’t Far From the City

Another pro to living in the Canmore, is that you are only a hop, skip and a jump from one of Alberta’s biggest cities—Calgary! If you’re worried about missing out on big city attractions like concerts, sports games, and nightlife, don’t fret. Calgary is only an hour’s drive from Canmore. Thus, making it a short trip back into the city. This way you can still reap the benefits of big-city living without actually having to live in the hustle and bustle. 

Contact us About Canmore Homes for Sale

If you are planning on buying Canmore homes for sale, contact us today! We are happy to help you determine if Canmore is the right place for you to settle down. 

Canmore is an incredible area to own a property. Reach out today to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities that come with living in real estate in Canmore. For more information, feel free to message us with any questions or concerns you have about living in this amazing town. Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related content and visit our social media page! We look forward to working with you in the near future! 

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