Another Day at the Plant

Posted on August 3, 2014 by admin

I thought gardening required sunshine, water, dreams, and a willingness to get dirty. What it really requires is tools, and planning to get tools! I don’t care what your motivation and inspiration is; if you don’t do your research, then you will spend countless hours in pointless tasks. I realized this when my friend lent me her Garden Claw. I had been bending over pulling weeds, breaking my back, and cussing under my breath when all I really needed was this handy little gadget. It was a miracle. It opened my eyes — what else have I been missing? Might it be possible to be “a gardener” without having to actually work so hard?

Until my Claw experience, I made fun of the late night infomercials where it began its publicity. Now, I run to the Google machine, feverishly trying to figure out where to get a Claw of my own. Canadian Tire had them for under $30, and the reviews were fabulous. I pondered the opinions of garden tool purchasers as if I was contemplating the purchase of a luxury jet. My immediate goal became to get my hands on my own Claw.

About planning: you can’t get tools if you don’t know what you will need. Don’t do any gardening project without thorough planning. I was going to install a flagstone patio, but then I realized I could probably afford that fantasy luxury jet more easily. I thought to myself, do I have any tools already at my disposal? Oh yeah, my kids, they could be tools! Instead of Mother’s Day gifts, I asked for gardening hours. My son and I are now in the midst of a fun landscaping project. He is smart, and being smart means he doesn’t want to waste time. Therefore, we plan! In addition, it is only fair I mention that a friend of mine is working toward a Prairie Horticulture Certificate and has made my yard her project. I can’t wait to see the results of all the planning my family and friends have put into my garden!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/garden-claw-0592610p.html#.U5JBmWdOXIU

Looking for a professional, energetic and knowledgeable Calgary real estate agent who will work tirelessly for you? Let’s get to work! Visit my website for more information – but CALL me for timely communication, market information, contract protection and a friendly hand to help you with your real estate needs.

About Sue Saunders

Sue was born in Victoria and grew up in a large family, which moved throughout BC. By the time she was 22 she had 4 children, was divorced and living on welfare. The move to Calgary in 1976 was an excellent decision. Sue loved the sun, vibrancy and potential – Calgary has become home!

After 20 years of food sales Sue took the Real Estate Course and became a REALTOR® in March, 1997.

Residential Real Estate – Starting with nothing but the course, business experience and a drive to succeed Sue has built a business. In a very determined move she has achieved what only 10% of all REALTORS® do – she is still in business!!

Weddings – In July 1999 Sue was appointed a Marriage Commissioner by the Province of Alberta and still loves performing ceremonies. Meeting lots of great people and traveling to different locations she has done over 1000 weddings now!

Sue is proud of her 6 children and 13 grandchildren! She loves spending time with them and many years ago started a “Wednesday Night Dinner”. The tradition continues and anywhere from 9 – 23 attend these scrumptious, fun filled, crazy, family nights!

She loves golf, reading, games, social activities and embraces change, technology and challenge. Sue works Real Estate and weddings like everything else with humour, tenacity, skill and enthusiasm. Always finding balance between work, family and home – call for YOUR Marriage Commissioner or REALTOR®!!

Building Relationships for Life with My Clients

Posted on June 22, 2014 by admin

When you hire a real estate agent, you don’t want to hire someone who will disappear as soon as you close on a home. My mission is always to stay in contact with my clients. I consider myself to be your personal REALTOR for life, and I always make an effort to stay in touch with my clients.

I always tell clients who have just purchased a new home to invite me over for tea when they are settled. It’s great to see people in their new homes after they have made a purchase, and I can often continue to help buyers long after they close a deal.

In addition to selling homes, I match home buyers with local resources. It isn’t always easy to know where to get an electrician, handyman or a plumber to call if there’s ever a problem. I know Calgary and I can match people with the resources they need.

There is great satisfaction in watching people buy a home. A house is the place where families are raised, where memories are made, and where dreams become a reality. I have helped clients buy their first bachelor pads, and then helped them move on to a family home after getting married. It’s wonderful to see how people start their families and move onto the next chapter of life.

I strive to create relationships with my clients that last a lifetime. All of my clients know that I am always available, no matter what their real estate needs may be. Staying in contact is important to me, and it’s just one more way that I can be your personal REALTOR for life.

About Sue Saunders

After 20 years of food sales Sue took the Real Estate Course and became a REALTOR® in March, 1997.

Bringing Couples Together: My Role as a Marriage Commissioner

Posted on June 8, 2014 by admin

Being a Marriage Commissioner is one of the highlights of my life. What can be better than getting a front seat to the happiest day of people’s lives. I love it (I even host ceremonies in my own home) and I have been lucky enough to see more than 1,000 couples get married in Calgary… and there may have been a few repeat customers in there 

Typically, I perform about 80 wedding ceremonies a year. At times, they take place at my home where I can provide witnesses when couples decide to get married at the last minute – or as a surprise. When I help, I go all out. So, since photography is a hobby, I’m the picture-taker as well. This gives me the opportunity to capture their special moments and help them remember all the details of their special day.

To say it’s been a fun job is an understatement and it’s interesting to see the ways that weddings have changed throughout the years. Today, it isn’t uncommon for couples to have their parents and family members around the world watching the wedding ceremonies via Skype. This allows families who live in foreign countries to be a part of this special day without having to spend big dollars to travel.

I have many fond memories of the weddings I have performed. One couple wanted a shower of gold streamers released as they walked down the aisle. So there I was coordinating the timing with the guests, and if I do say so myself, the final look was absolutely beautiful.

Helping to create these special moments is part of why I love being a Marriage Commissioner. Being a part of the biggest day a couple can have is an honour, and I so enjoy doing it. Doesn’t get better than that!

About Sue Saunders

After 20 years of food sales Sue took the Real Estate Course and became a REALTOR® in March, 1997.

Your Personal Calgary Real Estate Agent: Asking The Right Questions to Find the Perfect Home

Posted on May 25, 2014 by admin

Looking for a new home can be very exciting, no matter if you are shopping for a first or a third. My goal is to offer you everything you need to find the right home. Finding the right home starts with asking the right questions – completing your Wish list…

How do you choose the right neighbourhood? There are many considerations when choosing the right place to live, and it’s essential to determine your priorities. Proximity to work is an important consideration because a shorter commute can save you money and time sitting in traffic. If you are moving with small kids, do some research on the local schools to get an idea of what to expect. Choose a community that you can see yourself enjoying for many years. Calgary has so many different neighbourhoods to choose from and each have their own unique benefits.

How do you choose the right home? Your budget is typically the most important consideration when deciding on the right home that will meet your personal and financial requirements. Calgary has proven to be a great place to invest and it’s good to know that your investment is secure in a desirable home. Decide on the elements of your new home that you can’t compromise on, such as the number of bedrooms, minimum square footage and anything else that is really important to you. Sometimes he wants a garage and she wants a home?!! Keep an open mind when it comes to less important factors, because there are many things that you can change about a home over time.

My job is to help interpret what you want in a home. That means I will always ask the right questions to narrow down your options for a new home. You may have needs that you haven’t considered, like how much time you may have to spend shoveling snow if your garage is in the back of the home. My goal isn’t just to point out a home’s strong points, but also to point out any potential problems you might have. This gives you the best opportunity to find the home that meets your needs.

I am your personal REALTOR for life, so you can depend on me being there for you when you need me. My schedule works around your needs, so if you need a weekend or evening appointment, I can make that happen!!

About Sue Saunders

After 20 years of food sales Sue took the Real Estate Course and became a REALTOR® in March, 1997.

Why I Am Your Calgary Real Estate Expert

Posted on April 14, 2014 by admin

Calgary is my home, and I love living in this vibrant city. Having moved here in 1976, I have watched it blossom into the city that it is today. I have been in the real estate business in Calgary since 1997, and I have spent that time learning everything there is to know about my city.

I sell all of Calgary, so I can put you in the home that you love no matter which neighborhood it’s in. Whether you want to live in the bustling urban centre or you want to settle into a quiet neighborhood, I will work tirelessly to match you with your perfect home.

Part of the reason that I know Calgary so well is because I am vested in the community. I volunteer for several organizations to help build an even better city. There are so many great organizations around Calgary that allow people to collaborate, come up with new ideas, and move the city forward in a positive way.

Having lived and worked in Calgary for so long, I have developed strong ties to the community and local businesses. I do more than just match my clients with homes. I help them find the right local services and shops, such as repair people, furniture stores, and hardware stores. Our relationship doesn’t end when you close on your home. I believe in building lifelong relationships with my clients. I am still in touch with clients that I first met years ago. That is one of the joys of working in real estate, and that is why I hope you will consider me your personal REALTOR for life.

For me, being a real estate agent isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. I am committed to each and every one of my clients, and I will make sure to help you find exactly what you are looking for in a Calgary home.