Many people dream of buying their own house, but once they do, that dream may change to a dream of being debt-free... We all know homes are expensive, and unfortunately, that means most people will need to incur debt to make their purchase. It seems like a fair trade-off – a home for some debt – but having such a large financial obligation hanging over you can be stressful.As a result, most people...

Earlier this month, John Hripko & Partners volunteered our time, ingredients and Can Do attitudes to a local, Calgary based and truly amazing meal support program called Made By MOMMA.   Made By MOMMA is not just a local food bank. They have dedicated themselves to providing healthy, incredible, homemade frozen meals.  These meals, along with fresh bread and...

This will be my last Karen's Korner blog post. The growth I have experienced over the past 7 years - has prepared me for the next step in my real estate career.  It is with deep sorrow - that I use this forum to inform all - that I am leaving my FAMILY at The John Hripko Real Estate Team.  I will embark on this real estate journey alone.  I am ready to pursue the...

Valentine's Day is here!.. ...And if you are anything like me, you didn't realize the date until you heard it on the radio on on your Monday morning commute to work! Now you are scrambling to think of a good gift for your partner!(DO NOT PANIC AND GET GAS STATION FLOWERS... YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF BACK IN THE DATING POOL!!)Flowers and Chocolates are always nice, but flowers die and...

Typically, it is the buyer who orders a home inspection... however we strongly suggest that as a seller, you should consider being proactive versus reactive on this matter. The minimal cost is an investment, NOT a cost, in that most home inspections will find any number of items that should be attended to be they minor maintenance items or major issues. It is not unusual for buyers to then renegotiate...

Karen's Korner - January 2022 Should You Keep a Cardboard Box That Has Remained Unopened in Your Basement/Garage/Storage Area - For Years? What is in it? Will I miss it? What if it is valuable? It is very common to find unopened boxes left over from the LAST move - as we prepare for an upcoming move.  Clients tell me how stressful it is to have these kinds...

Author: Karen Keveryga This Years Design Trends - Are They Here To Stay? As you all know - the content of this blog - typically takes shape based on my personal experiences at the time.  I showed a home last night, and my buyer declared strongly - that she HATES barn doors! I laughed of course - personal preference.  However - I do think this is a trend that will go away. See below a list of other...

Karen Keveryga - Realtor RLP Benchmark Karen's Korner - November Edition In April 2016, a representative from Richards Robbins (Chris Cummins) presented at our brokerage, Royal LePage Benchmark. His role was to introduce the concepts and benefits of attending an event put on by this organization. I was new to real estate. Started in 2015 during a recession. Was...

Author: Karen Keveryga The Struggles Of A First Time Buyer Did you know that in the past year - FIRST time home buyers made up 31% of ALL home buyers???? The same as the year prior! 82% of these first time home buyers - are 22 to 30 years.  48% of buyers are 31 to 40 years. Behind these groups, 22% of buyers 40 to 54 years are also getting into the market for the FIRST time. The most common reasons for...

Greg Berry - Author Head of Marketing & Social Media Managing Moving Madness! Did you know that the average person in North America moves house 12 times in their life-time? Life Expectancy in Canada is close to 83 years, which means we move approximately every 7 years… I personally find this stat a bit underwhelming given that I am approaching 29 and I have already...