Winter in Canada isn’t just cold—it’s harsh. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to prepare your house to withstand the freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and icy conditions. Proper maintenance not only keeps your home cozy but also prevents costly repairs down the road.

Here’s a checklist of things to do before and during the cold weather to ensure your home stays safe and efficient this winter.

Before Winter Sets In: Prepare Your Home

1) Inspect and Service Your Furnace
Schedule a professional furnace inspection to ensure it’s running efficiently. Replace or clean filters to improve air quality and reduce energy costs.

2) Seal Drafts and Insulate
Check windows and doors for drafts and seal them with weather stripping or caulking. Add insulation to your attic to prevent heat loss and ice dams.

3) Clean and Inspect Gutters
Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice buildup and water damage.
Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.

4) Check Your Roof
Look for loose shingles, leaks, or sagging areas that could worsen under heavy snow.
Consider investing in a roof rake to remove excess snow safely.

5) Service Chimneys and Fireplaces
If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned and inspected to reduce fire risks.

6) Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Drain and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
Store outdoor furniture, hoses, and tools to protect them from the elements.

During the Winter: Stay on Top of Maintenance

7) Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
Shovel snow regularly and apply sand or salt to prevent slips and falls. Don’t forget to clear vents, as blocked ones can affect airflow and indoor air quality.

8) Monitor Your Roof
Check for icicles or ice dams, which can indicate poor insulation or blocked gutters. Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup safely if necessary.

9) Check Your Pipes
Leave cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. In extreme cold, let faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

10) Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Ensure detectors are working properly, especially if you’re using a fireplace or space heater. Replace batteries if needed.

11) Maintain Humidity Levels
Use a humidifier to prevent dry air from causing discomfort and damage to wood furniture or floors.

Pro Tips for Canadian Winters

Stock Up on Supplies: Keep extra salt, sand, and snow removal tools handy for those unexpected storms.
Emergency Kit: Have flashlights, blankets, and a backup heat source ready in case of a power outage.
Energy Efficiency: Consider installing a programmable thermostat to keep heating costs manageable without sacrificing comfort.

By tackling these tasks before and during the winter months, you’ll not only protect your home but also enjoy a more comfortable, stress-free season.

If you have questions about maintaining your home’s value or are curious about winter real estate opportunities in High River, I’d be happy to help. Reach out anytime!

As a High River realtor, I often get asked, “When is the best time to buy a home?” While spring and summer are popular for real estate, savvy buyers should consider the often-overlooked November to January window. Here’s why winter could work in your favour:

1. Fewer Buyers, Less Competition

Winter is a busy season for holidays and staying cozy indoors—not for house hunting. This means there are typically fewer buyers in the market. If you find your dream home, you’re less likely to face multiple-offer situations, giving you more negotiating power.

2. Sellers Are Serious

Anyone listing their home during the colder months is often motivated to sell. Whether they’re relocating, downsizing, or meeting a financial timeline, winter sellers are more likely to negotiate, which can mean better deals for you.

3. See How a Home Handles Winter

Buying during winter lets you evaluate the home in challenging conditions. Are the windows drafty? Is the driveway manageable after a snowfall? These are insights you wouldn’t get in the summer.

4. Potential Savings on Moving Costs

Moving companies and contractors are often less busy during the winter, so you might save on these services, making your transition smoother and more affordable.

Tips for Winter Buyers

Bundle up: Expect snow and ice during showings.
Act fast: Good listings still move quickly, so be prepared to make an offer if you find the right property.
Plan for shorter daylight hours: With limited daylight, schedule showings earlier in the day to get the best sense of a home’s natural lighting.
Inspect heating and insulation: Pay close attention to the furnace, water heater, and insulation. Winter is the ultimate test for how comfortable and energy-efficient a home is.
Be mindful of seasonal landscaping: Snow can hide potential landscaping issues. Ask for summer photos or details on drainage, grading, and yard maintenance.

Ready to Make a Move?

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start your home search, don’t let the cold weather stop you. Let’s explore what High River or our surrounding communities have to offer this winter!

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Alberta lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz about how quickly the population is growing. Between April 2023 and March 2024, our province grew by an impressive 4.4%—well above the national average of 3.2%. Each quarter, Alberta is welcoming an average of 45,000 new residents, a combination of Canadians relocating from other provinces and immigrants from around the world. This growth is bringing exciting opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike, especially in the local real estate market. Here’s what’s happening and how you can take advantage of it.

1. People Moving to Alberta from Other Provinces

It’s no secret that people from Ontario and British Columbia are moving to Alberta in droves. Over 12,000 Canadians relocated to Alberta in just the first three months of 2024. They’re drawn by our lower housing costs, a strong job market, and a better overall cost of living.

What This Means for You:

For Buyers: There are still opportunities to find affordable homes here compared to places like Toronto or Vancouver. However, with more people moving in, competition is increasing, so acting sooner rather than later is key.

For Sellers: If you’ve been thinking about selling, now’s the time! With so many people looking for homes, you could get top dollar for your property.

2. A Warm Welcome for International Immigrants

Alberta isn’t just attracting people from across Canada. We’re also a top destination for immigrants from around the world. Nearly 33,000 newcomers arrived in Alberta in early 2024. On average, international immigration accounts for about 32,000 of Alberta's total 45,000 new residents every quarter. These newcomers are drawn by our job opportunities, family-friendly communities, and quality of life.

What This Means for You:

For Buyers and Renters: New communities are thriving, bringing diverse shops, restaurants, and schools. If you’re looking for a place to settle, these growing areas offer great value and future potential.

For Investors: Rental demand is skyrocketing as immigrants often rent before buying. This is a great time to invest in rental properties.

3. Growing Families Fuelling Demand

Alberta has one of the youngest populations in Canada, and with that comes natural population growth. More young families mean a steady demand for family-friendly homes.

What This Means for You:

For Buyers: If you’re starting or growing your own family, now is a great time to secure a home in a community with schools, parks, and amenities that will grow with you.

For Sellers: Family homes with space and access to services are highly sought after, making them a hot commodity in today’s market.

Why This Matters for Local Real Estate

Alberta’s rapid population growth—adding an average of 45,000 new residents every quarter—is reshaping the housing market in exciting ways:

Suburban Expansion: Communities near cities like our hometown of High River, or surrounding towns like Okotoks, Diamond Valley, Nanton and Airdrie, are thriving as families seek out more affordable options.

Urban Growth: Cities like Calgary and Edmonton are buzzing with new developments, offering condos, townhomes, and houses to suit every lifestyle.

Commercial Opportunities: Growing neighbourhoods mean more businesses, schools, and services—everything a community needs to thrive.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Local Home (or Buyer!)

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, Alberta’s booming population offers endless opportunities—but timing is everything. As local Realtors specializing in High River, Okotoks, Calgary, and surrounding areas, we're here to help you turn Alberta’s growth into your next local real estate opportunity!