Vern McClelland's (mccl) Blog

A Creek Runs Through It I never truly believe it is spring until I see Forty Mile Creek in flood.  This year it happened about a week later than normal, not surprising given the slow warm-up we have had.  For decades our family has held an informal lottery, with each member guessing the date and ...

The Buyer is There with Us   I don't know about other Realtors but when I am going through a property for the first time, not only am I ascertaining its condition, I also try to think of the buyer group(s) it will attract.  If I am going to be giving an opinion of value to assist the seller with ...

ASK MG: Strange and Unusual   Mike and I were having lunch with a business acquaintance last week who asked us "what is the strangest thing you have run into in your real estate career?" Here were a few of our experiences: Our brokerage has an acreage for sale that the surrounding community firml...

Green Acres It's that time of year when city folk have had enough of the barking dogs next door, nosy neighbours, or a view out the kitchen window that incorporates at least three or more back yards.  "Honey, let's move out to an acreage" sounds so peaceful.  The children can play freely, you can...

What Every Realtor Gets Asked When Listing Almost without fail I will be asked by clients when listing their home what they should do to get it ready for sale.  My response is "follow the Triple C guideline" - clean, cared-for, and charming! Now HGTV will say that every home needs to be staged, a...

A Tale of Two Farmers    Every once in awhile as a Realtor you will be presented with a life lesson.  In this case, it was distinctly different impact made by two farmers on their family and communities. Both of these gentlemen were bachelors.  Each was adept at farming accumulating considerable ...

Rent to Own We are at an interesting juncture in the local residential real estate market.  The oil patch is busy, and there are good paying jobs continually being advertised, but families are still recovering from the pressures of the recession and the consumer debt that has accumulated.  The re...

Feeling Confident as a First Time Seller It is not unusual for a first time seller to feel some anxiety as they prepare to put their property on the market.  Here are some simple suggestions to help make that first sale a success. This is not a time to go it alone.  Ask more experienced family an...

ASK MG Dear MG:  My husband and I are thinking about investing in some real estate.  What do you suggest is a good starting point for a first time investor? Robyn: Your life will be easier if you decide to purchase a property close to the neighbourhood you live in. When you get a call to fix some...

Housing Options for Mature Adults Baby boomers my age and older will almost double the number of retirees in Canada within 10 years.  Not me though, I have an addiction to land, cows, and horses to support, so I guess I will keep working! You know it must be near the forefront of a lot of people'...