Selling a home is not always easy if you have pets. In fact, some experts warn that owning a pet can reduce your home's value. Not if you’re proactive. Here are five tips on making the sale while you and your pet are out for walk in the park!

Always leave – with your pets – during showings. Let your agent make the sale and then return with all people and pets refreshed and relaxed.

Hire a handyman to replace structural elements of your home that your pets might have trashed. Start by inspecting baseboards, floors and doors for scratches and bite damage.

Bring in the movers! You might not have sold yet, but you need to get any chewed-up furniture out the door and into storage… pronto!

Replace carpets and subfloors if they’ve been soaked by your pet. Talk to a carpet retailer about replacement solutions.

Paint the place neutral with odor-free primer. Make it look and smell like new, free of any offensive stench!

If your list of essentials for your next Edmonton neighbourhood includes “close to downtown” plus access to public transit, the Commonwealth Stadium, a top library and many restaurants, take a closer look at Alberta Avenue, one of the city’s older areas (dating back to 1894). It’s currently undergoing a revitalization.

Property prices here are still reasonable and the neighbourhood has recently been ranked very high for investment by local real estate writers. What types of properties are here? In terms of single family detached homes, there’s everything from small “starter” bungalows to enormous two-storey character houses. The lots might be small (the community was developed shortly after WWII), but the trees aren’t (they’re huge), so it feels calm and private.

The Community of Alberta Avenue is bordered by 122 Ave (north), 111 Ave (south), 89 St (east) and 97 St (west). It’s a great community for families with children. There are two local schools here and it’s easy to get to just about anywhere, especially the 111 Ave, 118 Ave and 95 St retail corridors.

The 5K+ William Hawrelak (WH) Park Riverside Walk takes you around a beautiful, North Saskatchewan riverbend. It starts in the WH Park, named after the former mayor of Edmonton and the site of many festivals. Park at Picnic Site #2, then cut across to Emily Murphy Park, crossing a few roads (be careful).

Once there, follow the trail under the bridge. It weaves through the trees and brush. There are some great views of the river. As you return to Picnic Site #2, you’ll pass the WH Park’s lake.

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To quickly sell your home for a good price in a hot market, out-prep your competitors. Here's how:

1. It’s Been Deep Cleaned
Now more than ever, every room in your house has to look pristine. Don’t over-do it, though, with strong-smelling industrial-strength chemicals.

2. You Staged it like a Pro (or hired one)
Rent new furniture if you have to. Upgrade window coverings, buy new rugs and place fresh, white towels in the bathrooms. Put family photos in albums and then in storage.

3. It Appeals and Excites from the Curb
Buyers often tell you they were “sold” as they caught their first glimpse of your property. The flip side is this: You’ll lose the sale quickly if you don’t optimize curb appeal.

4. The New Paint Just Dried
The ROI on paint is high. Even if prospects have other colours in mind, a fresh coat of neutral paint on everything can help you close the sale.

5. The Kitchen Gleams
Some say the kitchen sells the house. It’s a top contributor. Stainless steel? Make it gleam. Older appliances? Consider buying one new one. It’ll give the full lineup a lift.

6. The Bathrooms Beckon
Stepping into spotless, well-organized bathrooms is always a nice surprise. When your home is on the market, consider it a must!

7. The Bedroom is a Sanctuary
Your space is competing with master bedrooms that boast spa-like ensuites, spacious walk-in closets and an overall feeling of retreat-style comfort. Win the competition.

8. You’re Out for Coffee
Not to be rude, but: Get out! It doesn’t matter how charming you are or what mood you’re in. Go for a drive or a long walk and find out later how everything went.

9. It Looked Great Online and Better for Real
It has to look great online. Approve the photos and hire a pro if need be. During showings, prep your home with great lighting and like new, “buy now” appeal.

10. You Made the Windows Laugh!
No streaks. No anything. Remember the TV commercial? “Mommy, you’re making the windows laugh!” Wipe them until they squeak (or laugh). Bring the outside in.