Tag Archives: Realty Executives International

5 Simple Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Home

A pest control specialist talking with a homeowner about ways to keep pests out of her home.

No one likes dealing with pests in their home. They can be a nuisance, damaging your belongings and bringing in germs and bacteria. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to keep them away.

What Are Some Common Pests You Might Find in Your Home?

Some of us may have heard scratching or scurrying noises coming from within our walls, but few of us know what kind of pests we’re dealing with. Some common household pests are ants, cockroaches, rodents, and termites. While some may be harmless nuisances, others can wreak havoc on furniture and foundations and even spread germs.

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Spotlight on Micah Pelster, Edmonton Rookie of the Year Nominee

Micah Pelster of Realty Executives Focus in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
Micah Pelster of Realty Executives Focus in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Entrepreneurship is a demanding and challenging career path that requires a unique set of skills and traits such as risk-taking, determination, creativity, and adaptability. Not everyone is cut out for it as it can involve long hours, creating your own structure, financial uncertainty, and stress related to decision-making. Often people do not find themselves in an entrepreneurial role until later in life.

As a young university student, Realtor® Micah Pelster was unusually clear eyed in determining that entrepreneurship was meant for him.  Despite taking part time studies at MacEwan University, it was time for him to break into the real estate industry.  He decided to start his business and begin making a name for himself.

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Leasing Out Office Space from a Brokerage Building

An office that has been cleaned up to be leased.

Depending on the working preferences of agents, brokerage buildings can often have available space. Tenants may leave or the brokerage may acquire a new property with unoccupied space. Owners or management will be responsible for maintaining and caring for the property, and good maintenance increases the possibility of not only leasing the property sooner, but achieving a higher rental rate for a longer period.

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Data-Driven Insights in Real Estate Analytics: The 5 Key Drivers

A person using data generated from real estate analytics programs.

The commercial real estate investment management industry in USA and Canada is more dynamic than ever, and the provision and accessibility of data plays an instrumental part in its success, accelerating efficiency and profit. 

Data has always been important. Real estate companies have always relied on the collection and analysis of data for pertinent decision-making, but up to date real estate analytics software and deal management software allow investors to make decisions faster and more assuredly – in minutes, instead of hours or days, as it may have done in the past. Here are 5 key drivers of data-driven insights:

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Soothing Tips for Anxious First-Time Home Buyers

Two people standing next to a door mat that reads "First Time Buyer."

A lot of practical yet stressful work needs to be done when buying a home- such as paperwork, dealing with banks, getting a mortgage approval, etc. As a result, it is easy to forget that home buying is also a significant emotional labor. There can be fear and doubt, which is expected because buying is a significant financial decision. It is also exciting and symbolic of a new beginning in someone’s life. This is especially true for people who are buying their first home.

Don’t let nerves stop you from fulfilling your goal of buying your dream home! Read on for soothing tips for anxious first-time home buyers.

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Warning Signs That Home Appliances Need Repair

A woman checking her dryer to see if the appliance needs repair.

Modern home appliances have reduced a lot of labor inside the household, and it is difficult to operate in some spaces without them. Unfortunately, home appliances can fail due to lack of regular maintenance. Taking care of them will not only save expensive repairs but keep them functioning for a longer duration of time.

For example, say your fridge doesn’t cool things even if the temperature is set up at the max. It doesn’t mean it already requires it to be repaired or replaced- the issue might be a dirty gasket. You can clean it with soapy water and a clean cloth.  If your microwave oven doesn’t warm food, perhaps the dried spillover liquids are to blame. Even the help of a clean rag to wipe the oven’s interior walls can make a difference.

There are some basic troubleshooting steps that you need to follow before going to the pros. Read on for tips on appliance maintenance and when to opt for repair or replacement.

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Kitchen Projects for a High ROI

A kitchen with updated cabinets and countertops, both of which have great return on investment.

Whether it’s a minor upgrade like painting or a more significant project like installing new cabinets, your kitchen is a great place to add value to your home. In fact, even minor kitchen remodels have an 81% return on investment, according to Zillow, making it a smart place to invest money and increase the value of your home.

Before getting started, consider these tips and tricks for kitchen renovation projects to maximize your return on investment and get the most bang for your buck.

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Pros and Cons of Different Flooring Materials

Flooring is essential to any building, be it a home, office, or commercial facility. It is one of the first things people notice when they enter a room and significantly impacts the space’s functionality, comfort, and overall feel. However, with so many options, deciding on the right flooring materials can take time and effort. In this article, we will discuss the most popular flooring options and their pros and cons. We will analyze each flooring based on its cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetic.

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Real Estate Scams Trending in the Digital Sphere

A person looking at a fake property listing online, one of the trending real estate scams.

Real estate scams cost buyers, renters, and landlords billions of dollars annually. The transition to digital real estate solutions and a rampant housing market resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has seen them increase more than ever before.

You should be mindful of these four real estate scams currently trending in the digital sphere, from wire fraud schemes to phony home and apartment listings.

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