Courtesy of Ryan Torris

HOME YOUR Your Good Neighbour. Your Real Estate Concierge. R yan T orris REALTOR ® - TOP PRODUCER - OWNER Real Estate Agent, 1forAll Charity Contributor

403.710. SOLD (7653) concierge@blackrockre.ca www.blackrockre.ca @blackrockre

2025 | ISSUE 5

DESIGN TRENDS – OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW Home decor trends are constantly changing. If you want to keep up with the trends as you renovate or redecorate your home this year, here are some that are on the way out and what’s coming instead.

• Accent walls - where bold colours, patterns or textures were often featured on one wall in a room, they’re now being spread across the entire room. • Distressed wood - the rustic look of unfinished wood or distressed wood is on the way out making room for more polished finishes that create a more sophisticated, yet still rustic vibe. • Meticulous design - rooms that are very obviously styled in a minimalistic manner are slowly transitioning into rooms that are a little more cluttered and curated to showcase the homeowner’s personality.

• All white kitchens or bathrooms - while white does make a space look brighter and larger, the new trend is bringing in colour on cabinets, walls and accessories. • Open shelving - despite being a great way to showcase antique cookware and beautiful dishware, the maintenance of keeping everything organized and dust-free is causing designers to turn to enclosed cabinets with glass doors instead.

Savory Waffles ASPARAGUS, GRUYERE AND ONION

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped • 16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into ¼-inch pieces • 9 large eggs, room temperature • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1½ cups 2% milk • 6 tablespoons butter, melted • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded • 1 fully cooked boneless ham steak (12 ounces), cubed • salt and pepper (to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven 350°F. Arrange onions and asparagus in a single layer on greased baking pan; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until asparagus turns bright green (crunchy) or lightly browned (softer), approximately 6 -12 minutes. Cool slightly; reserve ¼ cup vegetable mixture for topping. 2. Preheat greased waffle iron. Separate 3 eggs. Whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt. Add milk, 3 egg yolks and melted butter; mix gently but thoroughly. Stir in remaining onion and asparagus mixture and ¾ cup shredded cheese. 3. In another bowl, beat 3 egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Fold into waffle batter. Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. 4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook ham until heated through; keep warm. In same skillet, fry remaining eggs until yolks are set. To serve, top waffle with ham and 1 egg. Sprinkle with reserved onion and asparagus, and remaining ¼ cup cheese.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU LOOK AT THAT MATTERS, IT’S WHAT YOU SEE.”

ANONYMOUS

RIDDLES

Cryptogram

What falls, but never needs a bandage? The rain. What kind of bow looks best when it’s wet? A rainbow. How does the sun

Can you use the clues below to unscramble this quote from Jean Hersey? In this cryptogram, each letter in the original quote has been substituted with a different letter. Use the table below to decode it.

listen to music? On the ray-dio. What is a cow’s

favourite holiday? Moo-ther’s Day . What do you call a snowman in May? A puddle. (hopefully)

THE GATEWAY TO SUMMER.”

ANSWER: “THE MONTH OF MAY IS

Pets can become important family members and making sure they have a comfortable and safe space in your home, while at the same time not completely distracting from the décor, is important. Here are some tips and tricks to make your home pet friendly yet still stylish. • Slipcovers on furniture can help save delicate fabric from pet paws, hair and other damage. They can also be easily washed and replaced if needed. • Consider removing carpet and replacing with a waterproof vinyl flooring or ceramic tiles as they’re both easy to clean and are typically more durable. • Gates can help keep some pets confined into certain areas while you’re away or while guests are over. Look for a pressure mounted version or a free standing one depending on the size and agility of your pet. • A crate can be very functional and thankfully there are options available on the market where the crate is incorporated into a coffee table or end table which is more functional and stylish. The same goes for aquariums and terrariums as they can be incorporated into a table, dresser or similar furniture piece. • Water and food dishes come in a multitude of styles, finding one that matches the decor of your home is relatively easy. • Rubber brushes and lint rollers can be your best friend if your pet sheds. Keep them by the door so you can give yourself a quick brush off before leaving the house. KEEPING YOUR HOME PET FRIENDLY AND STILL STYLISH

FIVE QUICK WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR HOME

Home maintenance is a never ending task when you’re a homeowner. Making sure your appliances, systems and things in your home are clean and in good repair takes a lot of work and can be rewarding in and of itself. But aside from the “must-do’s” sometimes doing something a little extra that you’ve been putting off for a while is the perk you need to find renewed motivation in your routine chores. The following is a list of five minor upgrades you can do to enhance your home and lifestyle. 1. Update your outdoor (and indoor) hardware. New door knobs or cabinet pulls are easy to change and can make a big difference. 2. Add slip covers or throw pillows to your furniture or an area rug to bring new colour, patterns and life to a room you want to refresh. 3. Add a plant. Even if it’s fresh cut flowers, adding plants and blooms to your rooms creates a welcoming environment. 4. Upgrade your showerheads to something more luxurious like a rain showerhead, one with various pressure settings, or a hand held option. 5. Enhance your lighting by replacing old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, replace light fixtures (or thoroughly clean the ones you have) or even add ceiling fans if desired.

BALANCED CONDITIONS TAKE PRESSURE OFF PRICES

CALGARY

AIRDRIE

BENCHMARK PRICE Current: $ 599,500 Last Mo.: 1.2 % Last Yr.:-1.4 %

BENCHMARK PRICE Current: $544,700 Last Mo.: -3.7% Last Yr.: 0.0%

City of Calgary, May 1, 2025 A boost in new listings this month relative to sales caused April inventories to rise to 5,876 units. While this is more than double the levels reported last year, supply last year was exceptionally low and current levels are consistent with levels we traditionally see in April. Sales in April reached 2,236 units, 22 per cent below last year’s levels but in line with long-term trends. “Economic uncertainty has weighed on home sales in our market, but levels are still outpacing activity reported during the challenging economic climate experienced prior to the pandemic,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB ® . “This, in part, is related to our market’s situation before the recent shocks. Previous gains in migration, relatively stable employment levels, lower lending rates, and better supply choice compared to last year’s ultra-low levels have likely prevented a more significant pullback in sales and have kept home prices relatively stable.” The additional supply has helped relieve the pressure on home prices following the steep gains reported over the past several years. Benchmark prices for each property type have remained relatively stable compared to last month.

DAYS ON MARKET

DAYS ON MARKET

30

29

NEW LISTINGS

NEW LISTINGS

4,038

290

ACTIVE LISTINGS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

5,867

433

SOLD LISTINGS

SOLD LISTINGS

2,236

185

Stats Reflective of April 2025 Source: CREB ®

Stats Reflective of April 2025 Source: CREB ®

Market values stated are of the average of Calgary. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

Market values stated are of the average of Airdrie. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

Source: CREB ®

Please spread the word! Have friends or family moving? Don’t hesitate to pass them my info. P.S. I always take good care of my referring clients!

R yan T orris REALTOR ® - TOP PRODUCER - OWNER Real Estate Agent, 1forAll Charity Contributor 403.710. SOLD (7653) concierge@blackrockre.ca www.blackrockre.ca @blackrockre

201, 120 2nd Ave NE Airdrie, AB T4B 2N2

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