Published by Ron Alfred De Guzman | MaxWell Realty Blogs | July 16, 2025

Your backyard could be your biggest selling advantage. Here's how to make it work.

Summer in Western Canada is fleeting—but a well-designed outdoor space can transform both your lifestyle and your property value. Whether you're watching the sun set over the Rockies from your Calgary deck or hosting a barbecue in your Saskatoon backyard, your outdoor space becomes the heart of your home when the weather warms up.

Why Your Outdoor Space Matters More Than Ever

In today's competitive real estate market, outdoor living spaces aren't just nice-to-haves—they're deal-makers. We're seeing buyers prioritize homes with functional outdoor areas, especially as remote work and…

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Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. If you have been renting and wondering whether it is finally time to stop paying someone else's mortgage, the answer might be closer than you think. Especially in Leduc, where the real estate market offers incredible value for first-time buyers, stepping into homeownership can be a smart and achievable move.

At The Jason De Fraine Real Estate Group, also known as Real Property Pros, we believe buying a home should feel empowering, not overwhelming. With years of experience guiding first-time buyers across Leduc, we understand the process inside and out. We also know what many buyers wish they had known before they began their search.

This guide is here to help you avoid common pitfalls and start your…

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Growing options for buyers with strong prices bringing sellers to market

“June’s market remained steady overall, with year-over-year gains in sales and listings. However, we’re starting to see signs of a slowdown in some categories—particularly semi-detached and row/townhomes, where sales dipped and time on market increased. That said, with inventory growing and strong listing activity, the Greater Edmonton Area continues to offer opportunity for both buyers and sellers as we head into the second half of the year.” –Darlene Reid, 2025 Board Chair, REALTORS® Association of Edmonton

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Dear Reader,

Happy summer! I hope it’s off to a fantastic start.

‘Tis the season of barbecues, patio gatherings, outdoor parties, summer festivals, ice cream cones, beaches, and parks. The warm weather tends to bring people outdoors, where they connect and catch up with friends and family, sharing stories, plans, hopes, and dreams.

While socializing, if you come across anyone who is thinking of buying or selling their home, I hope you will feel comfortable passing along my name. I’d be happy to provide a complimentary market analysis of their home to give them a clear idea of what they might expect to sell for in today’s market. Also, I can answer any real estate-related questions they may have. I am always appreciative of the referrals I get…

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Buying your first home in Edmonton? Here’s your essential checklist to keep the process focused and stress-free:

✅ Before You Start

  • ☑ Meet with a REALTOR® – Understand the process & protect your interests.
  • ☑ Get Pre-Approved – Know your buying power and set a budget.
  • ☑ Make Your Must-Have List – Focus your search with clear priorities.

???? While You Search

  • ☑ Set Alerts – Be the first to know when new listings hit the market.
  • ☑ Save Favourites – Track the homes that feel right.
  • ☑ Ask Questions – I’ll help you spot red flags and good value.

???? When You’re Ready

  • ☑ Book Showings – I’ll arrange viewings that match your pace.
  • ☑ Review Comparables – Understand fair market value before you offer.
  • ☑ Make an…

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Buying a home—whether it’s your first or your fifth—is a big deal. Here are 5 smart steps that help Edmonton buyers find the right place and avoid costly mistakes:

  1. Meet with a REALTOR® first. I’ll walk you through the entire process, answer questions, explain costs, and create a personalized plan.

  2. Get pre-approved. It gives you a clear budget and puts you in a stronger position when you find “the one.”

  3. Use smart searches. Set up alerts on my website and favourite the listings that stand out.

  4. Communicate. Let me know what you’re loving or not loving—we’ll narrow the field faster.

  5. Start viewing. I’ll arrange private showings and guide you every step of the way.

???? Pro Tip: Don’t overlook…

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3 Ways to Find Out What Your Edmonton Home Is Worth — Fast

If you're thinking about selling your Edmonton home, knowing its true market value is the first step. Whether you're just curious or ready to list, here are three ways to get a fast and accurate home evaluation:

1. Use My Instant Price Tool

Need a ballpark number within minutes? My Instant Price Tool is a free online calculator that estimates your home’s value based on the latest market data. It’s perfect for getting a quick idea before diving deeper.

2. Request a Free Home Evaluation

Want a personalized assessment from a local REALTOR® with nearly two decades of experience? I offer a detailed Home Evaluation that factors in location, condition, upgrades, and neighborhood trends —…

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Master Guide to Edmonton Communities

Looking to buy a home in Edmonton? From bustling central neighborhoods to quiet, family-friendly suburbs, Edmonton is divided into thoughtfully zoned areas filled with unique communities that offer something for everyone. Whether you're searching for houses for sale, condos, or townhomes, this guide breaks down the most popular zones and neighborhoods to help you find the perfect fit.

In recent years our city has experienced a growth rate greater than any in the province of Alberta. We have developed into a vibrant area that is celebrated for its culture, education and government. There are many opportunities for continued growth and prosperity in the technology sector.

This is also…

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Buying a home in Edmonton is exciting, but the behind-the-scenes of real estate fees can be confusing. One of the most common questions I hear is: “Who pays the buyer’s agent?”

Here’s the Straight Truth About Buyer Agent Commissions in Alberta

In most transactions, it’s the seller who pays the commission—both to their own agent (listing agent) and to the agent representing the buyer (buyer’s agent). That means you, the buyer, typically don’t pay anything directly for professional representation.

But if you call the agent on the sign—the listing agent—you’re not getting a deal. You’re just giving up your right to representation.

What Happens When You Call the Listing Agent?

The listing agent is hired to represent the seller. Their goal? Get…

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When you're buying or selling in Edmonton, it's easy to assume all real estate representatives work the same. But there's a critical difference—your legal rights depend entirely on whether you're a client or a customer.

What's a Client?

A client has signed a written representation agreement with a REALTOR®. That means they benefit from fiduciary duties—loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, full representation, and competence.

What's a Customer?

As a customer, the agent must deal with you fairly and honestly, but that's it. They don’t owe you loyalty, must only disclose what’s legally required, and aren't obligated to advocate for your best interests.

Why It Matters

  • Negotiation Power: A client’s agent fights for your position, whereas…

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