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

2026 | ISSUE 2

2026 SHOWER TRENDS

Bathroom renovations are recommended before selling your home as they often offer a strong return on investment. Part of a bathroom renovation can be updating your shower; especially in the master bathroom to create a luxurious experience for a new buyer. Here are some hot trends to keep in mind when planning your new shower. • Install built-in, decorative (and functional) benches in the shower space as they can help those with accessibility issues or provide place to sit for a spa-like experience. • Utilize windows, if possible, for a dose of natural light. They can also help with ventilation and provide sunlight for plants to grow (and yes, hanging plants in the shower is becoming a common practice.) • Incorporate bold colours and patterns in the tiles you choose. From walls to floors and ceilings, embrace bold choices and mix and match tiles for a stronger statement. Dark colours are trending as they invite a more relaxing feeling. • When considering fixtures, brass remains a classic and will be seen often, nickel - polished and brushed - is another popular finish that can replace the often overused chrome. • Not necessarily a renovation, but when showing your new bathroom, install long, fabric curtains that hang from ceiling to floor to elongate the look of the room. Be sure to use a shower liner to keep it waterproof.

Stroganoff CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 ounces (about 4 ½ cups) uncooked medium egg noodles • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips • 6 ounces sliced mushrooms (about 2 cups)

• 2 Tbsp butter (divided in half) • 1 medium onion, chopped (about ½ cup) • 1 can (10.5 ounces) Cream of Chicken Soup • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook and drain the noodles according to the package directions. While noodles are cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet. 2. Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp butter in the skillet. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook until tender. 3. Add the soup and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet (including pan juices) and cook until the chicken is done. Stir in the sour cream and cook until hot (don’t boil). Season to taste. Serve the chicken mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

COURAGE DOESN’T ALWAYS ROAR. SOMETIMES COURAGE IS THE QUIET VOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY SAYING ‘I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW.’”

MARY ANNE RADMACHER AMERICAN AUTHOR AND ARTIST

REMOVE DUST TO HELP YOUR HOME SMELL BETTER

Dust particles absorb moisture from the air and as it settles onto surfaces, floors and baseboards, it can create a musty smell in your home. Removing dust and vacuuming those hard to reach places where it may accumulate (like baseboards, under dressers, behind bookshelves, etc.) can definitely help improve the fragrance in your home. A practice to get in the habit of is to dust from top to bottom to ensure you get any settling particles. Use a damp rag or microfiber cloth instead of a feather duster to trap and remove dust as opposed to just spreading it around. If possible, open a window while dusting and vacuuming (and for a few minutes after) to help prevent particles from settling again. Maintaining proper humidity (30% to 50%) throughout the home can also help prevent dust from absorbing excess moisture and creating a musty smell.

COUCH COLOURS TO INCORPORATE THIS YEAR

A couch is a staple found in most homes throughout the country. If the structure is good and the seating comfortable, you can use slipcovers to change up the look to enhance your décor. Designers are expecting to see a lot of bold colours being used on couches this year and whites and softer colours to take a less prominent role in livingroom décor. Dark, neutral tones such as charcoal, black and navy provide a timeless look that pairs easily with nearly any other colour, making them a strong long-term investment.

A green couch in earthy shades like moss and olive or a deeper hunter tone feels contemporary and layers well with brown and cream colours. Lighter shades of purple, such as lilac, introduce a subtle touch of colour to a room, while darker shades like burgundy create a more refined feel. Muted reds, such as brick and terracotta rather than bright red, are a popular choice that adds richness and warmth to a room.

SOLVE THE MAZE

Why was Cinderella so bad at soccer? She kept running away from the ball!

What happened when two slices of bread went on a date? It was loaf at first sight.

I got a new pen that canwrite under water. It can write other words too.

How is my wallet like an onion? Every time I open it, I cry.

SOLUTION

SLOW START FOR HIGH-DENSITY HOMES

CALGARY

AIRDRIE

City of Calgary, February 2, 2026 Calgary reported 1,234 sales in January, a year-over-year decline of 15 per cent, but in line with typical levels of activity for the month. While sales declined across all property types, the steepest declines occurred in higher density homes. “Following the typical December slowdown, potential buyers for high-density homes were more hesitant to return to the market in January, as increased supply choice across all aspects of the market has reduced the sense of urgency,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB ® ’s Chief Economist. “At the same time, sellers were quick to bring their listings onto the market, causing the sales to-new-listings ratio to drop to 44 per cent, mostly due to shifts in apartment and row-style homes. Overall, this is not entirely uncommon for January, as both buyers and sellers weigh their options ahead of the spring market.” The rise in new listings compared to sales caused inventory levels to increase to 4,391 units. However, as with sales, conditions vary by property type, with row and apartment homes facing higher levels of inventory compared to long-term trends. Due to declines in the later part of 2025, benchmark prices are lower than levels reported at the start of last year. However, seasonally adjusted figures point to stable levels in January compared to the end of 2025. Source: CREB ®

BENCHMARK PRICE Current: $554,400 Last Yr.:-4.7 %

BENCHMARK PRICE Current: $513,900 Last Yr.: -5.0%

DAYS ON MARKET

DAYS ON MARKET

55

53

NEW LISTINGS

NEW LISTINGS

2,785

227

ACTIVE LISTINGS

ACTIVE LISTINGS

4,391

345

SOLD LISTINGS

SOLD LISTINGS

1,234

106

Stats Reflective of January 2026 Source: CREB ®

Stats Reflective of January 2026 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.

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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