Checklist for Showings

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Once your home is on the market you need to keep it in tip top shape for showings. Don’t get over whelmed here is a checklist of things you can before each showing. This short list will only take 15 to 20 minutes to complete and it will ensure that your home shows best to potential buyers.

1)     Open the curtains and blinds, this will allow natural light in, which make your property look bright, clean and spacious.

2)     Make the bed, have you ever noticed how clean the bedroom looks once you have made the bed?  It’s the biggest piece if furniture in the room so your eye is drawn to it.

3)     Pick up everyday items, day to day items are small and eat up visual space, I tell my clients anything smaller then a soccer ball should be put away.

4)     Remove pets – Only about half the people that tour your home with be pet people the other half not so much. The best way to combat this is to remove all signs of pets, food dishes, toys, cat litter and even the food in the pantry.

5)     Put out display towels in the bathroom and make sure the toilet seat is down.

6)     Weather permitting, open the windows. When showing your home the best smell is no smell.

7)     Ensure laundry is out of sight

8)     Wipe down counter in bathroom and kitchen to ensure they show clean.

9)     Turn on all the light even outside, this will welcome the buyer into the property.

10)  Go out! This is important one buyer’s will feel uncomfortable if you are home while they tour your property. The goal is to keep the buyer in the home as long as possible.

For a complete list and advice on prepping your home for the market or showing please contact us at 403-710 -4229

Simply Stylish staging

Step into the Buyers Shoes

Which one would you buy?

When you list your home, remember that your home is now a product on the market and like any product, it must have nice packing. Buyers are not looking to buy work or in the case above are not sure what the purpose or function of the space is.

I have heard that buyer shop with blinders on only focusing on the negative. Staging will highlight the features of the property helping buyers take the blinder off to see the positive features of the property.

Over 90% of home buyers search online for homes they would like to tour. The more pictures the better. No pictures say to the buyer “this house must need work” or “there is a reason there’s no pictures “sending signals to the buyers they is something wrong with the property. The buyer will quickly cross that house off their list.

MLS photographs need to show clean, free from clutter and each photo must show the function of the space. Photos should highlight the features and focal points of the property too.

The Internet is a very powerful tool for real estate, your home needs to make a good first impression.  In today’s market you need to capture the buyer online in order for them to come take a closer look.

Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish staging

Occupied Staging For Your Calgary Home.

Occupied Staging is becoming more popular in Calgary. Most sellers just need help arranging furniture to make their space buyer friendly. With a few tweaks to what this client already had we were able to create a space with function, allowing buyers to see the potential in this spacious bonus room.

                                     
 

Staging Your Way to Success

A lovely family friendly home just came on to the market on Friday in Discovery Ridge, Simply Stylish Staging came in for a staging consultation. We gave the sellers a detailed list; which we addressed furniture arrangement, depersonalizing and showing tips. The sellers have great Realtors® that had already advised them on pre-packing.

I rolled up my sleeves and went to work in all the impact rooms, working with what the seller had. My goal in each room is to lighten, brighten and make the space look larger. Within a couple hours with the homeowners help the property was sale ready.

The listing went on the market Friday afternoon and was conditionally sold on the first showing Saturday night. When home sellers, agents and stagers all work together, houses sell quickly.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Staging on a Budget

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If you’re trying to sell your home, then you know that your biggest challenge is to make your home interesting to potential buyers. Staging can be a way to appeal to buyers, but many people reluctant because they think they can’t afford staging.  There are many ways to stage a home that won’t break the wallet.

I am sure you have already heard this, if you’re selling your home de clutter and de personalizes are the easiest and cheapest ways to prepare for the market. Buyers are easily distracted by stuff. You are selling the home not the stuff in the home. Less is always more when it comes to staging.

Paint is money in a can; bold colored paint can to be overly personalized. Consider painting neural and muted tones like browns, grays, blues and even yellow. Buyers want to know their décor will match.

Staging tell a story inviting buyers in, make the beds, and fluff the pillows on the couch. These easy household tasks will give the buyer thoughts of a well taken care of house, making it easier for them to see the positive features of the property.

Open the windows let natural light in. Sunlight will help your home feel bright and warm welcoming buyers. Studies show that people are happier and more productive when exposed to natural light. We want buyers to be happy when they tour your home

These few staging tips will go a long when selling your home; just remember soon you will be on the other side of the table looking at home for sale. Think about what you are looking for when touring homes. Keep it in mind when staging on a budget and the process will be much easier.

What things do you do to stage your home for sale? What has worked for you?

 Ellysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Home Buying and Selling Seminar Calgary

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Sabrina Stevenson and I are hosting a seminar on buying, selling and preparing your Home in today’s market. We want to give you the Buyer or Seller a one stop shop for your real estate investment. We are working hard on presentation and planning our event, which will be in early June more info to be announced.


We need your input:


What kinds of information are you interested in hearing about from a mortgage associate, a Realtor home stage home inspector?


What about the home buying and selling process would you like more info on?


Have you worked with a Realtor or Stagers before and how was the experience? What was good or bad?


What would be the best evening for you to attend?


We would love to hear your feedback

How to Create a Backyard Oasis

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The days of summer will soon be here, sunshine, sandals and warm summer nights outside. Outdoor living space is becoming a trend with home buyers and sellers. Having an outdoor space is a way to expand your living space without a pricey Reno. Whether you have a patio, balcony or deck you can make use of the space to create stylish and comfortable retreat.

Comfort is at the top of the list when designing an outdoor space. It does not matter if you choose metal, wicker or wood patio furniture the comfort is in the cushion. When choosing cushions for be sure to choose a fabric the will resist the elements. Outdoor cushion come in all different colors and patterns which is a great way to incorporate more color to your outdoor space to create ambiance.

 When designing your outdoor space you need to think about your lifestyle and needs for the space. I personal like the idea of have a conversation setting in my backyard. A couch and a couple chairs will give you the most function for entertaining or family dinners.

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 If you don’t have a backyard but still crave an outside retreat a chic bistro set maybe your answer. Define the space with an outdoor rug and a few flowers presto your balcony oasis is complete.

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Well chosen accessories will turn your outdoor oasis from so-so to over the top.   Pillows and a throw are a nice addition to your outdoor space and a great way to add fun colors to your patio. Candles are a great way to add drama and lighting for summer nights outdoors. If you need more light try torches, lanterns and solar lighting to add even more drama.

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Birdhouses, feeders and bathes are great accessories for your outdoor space; they add a whimsical charm and let you enjoy nature too.

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 I wanted to give you a little inspiration to create your own back yard oasis, a place to enjoy the short summers we have in Calgary.

Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish staging

Evolution Of Home Staging

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Real Estate Agents use a wide range of tools to catch the attention of buyers. Hoping that one or more will put an offer on the property, home staging continues to become a powerful tool with a lot of success. Almost 98% percent of people are starting their home search online so it’s no surprise that visual appearance will play a big role in the salability of your property.

It is very important to think about who the potential buyers are when preparing your home for sale. Home stagers have a good understanding of who the potential buyer is, what are their demographics and why someone would buy your home. It is critical that the presentation of the homes appeals to the right buying group. Think of it this way, a home needs to be presented differently to a young professional then a retired couple downsizing.

Home staging is a fairly new industry which is still evolving. Staging used to be making a property appealing to the widest range of buyer’s tastes. However the industry is now moving forward to understanding the target buyer and focusing on want these buyers want. Staging tells a story about the potential buyer’s dream lifestyle rather than de cluttering, de personalizing and neutralizing.

Stats show staged home sell in % 78 less time than a home that has not been staged. Staging helps define the space, only one out of every ten people can visualize the sizing and furniture placement in an empty space. Staging helps to show how the function of the space.

We recently help some young professional prepare their condo, which resulted in an offer close to the asking price in just five days. These client were able to move on with their life quickly with little stress and inconvenience. 


Simply Stylish Staging
Elysse Bulloch 

                

Neutral Paint A Stylish Way to Wow Buyers

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Paint is the easiest and least expensive way to transform your space for staging or living. Even the smallest, room can look spacious and bright with the right paint choice. Neutral color with white ceilings appeal to a wider range of potential buyers. This color combo will make your space appear clean, light and spacious.  

If budget is a concern opt to paint the kitchen and bathroom these areas draw the most notice from potential buyers. The best type of paint to use in these areas would be semi gloss because it can be washed, wiped and is resistant to moisture. Flat is recommended for the rest of the house.

 Don’t forget to fresh up the trim and baseboards too, I recommend you keep them light as well. This will draw the eye to the windows and doors rather then stopping the eye. White trim will make your space feel fresh, bright and contemporary.

Staying neutral is important because it reflects move in ready which most buyers are looking. Colored wall can leave buyers wondering how hard it will be to paint over not to mention if it will match their current furnishings.

 An all white color scheme can be bright and refreshing in a house but in a condo it can look sterile and incomplete. Instead choose shades that are creamy or off white.

Accent colors are the best way to liven up your neutral color scheme. You can go bold with color in small doses. A great way to add color is with cushion, decor items and artwork. Adding an accent color is a stylish and fun way to add some visual interest to your neutral color scheme. By keeping your color in small proportions you are able to change the color to stay current with trends or the season.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Maximize Natural Light In Your Home

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Many of us are starting to feel the winter blues. Natural light keep us healthy and our homes looking fresh all while saving energy.  Studies show that people are happier and more productive when exposed to natural light. Here are some tips to maximize the natural light in your home.

When I stage a house for sale, I always remove the window treatments. Most people have bulky dark curtain to block the sun out or for privacy. A better solution would be shears, light-colored drapes, or blinds this will allow you to control the light. Bright rooms tend to appears fresh, energetic and more inviting exactly how we want to greet buyers.

The color scheme in your house could be swallowing the natural light. Lighter colored wall and furniture will reflect the natural light making the space seem larger.  Add color with cushions or accessories, this will add visual interest to the room. Bright colors seem more vibrated in well lit spaces. Using high gloss paint on the ceiling is a great way to increase natural light because it reflects light better than matte finishes.

Mirrors are a great way to add more light to your space since they are reflective.  Stagers love mirrors for the fact you can double your space visually, try to hang the mirror so it catches the rays of the sun though the window to maximum the light it reflects.

One of the most obvious ways to increase the natural light in your home and most overlooked is to clean the windows. Dirt and grim gives everything a dull look, the light filters through the dirt making the cleanest room dreary.

Making the most of light is economical, energy efficient and keeps us healthy. Sunlight will help your home feel bright and warm even in winter. A few simple and easy changes will make a big difference in maximizing natural light, changing the mood and attitude of the space. 


Simply Stylish Staging 
Elysse Bulloch

Staging Ideas For the Bathroom

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 I am sure that you have heard this before, kitchen and bathrooms sell homes. If your one of the many that will be listing your home this spring. You might want to take a look at your bathroom or consider staging to prepare for the market.

Cleaning should be the first thing you do prepare, but don’t stop there. You need to get the buyers to envision using your bathroom everyday. Spending a little money on updating, things like taps, mirror, handles and lighting fixture will greatly appeal to buyers. Money spent in the bathroom is money you recover in the list price.

Add luxury entices your buyers into the spa in your home, fresh white towels and candles are great accents in the bathroom. Baskets, tray and canisters are a great way to hide the everyday clutter. Add a little sparkle with a tray that matches the finish on the faucet.

If you have a larger bathrooms add a table or bench seat which can store towels or accessories. It’s always nice to have extra towel at arms reach. The table or bench will give off a high end feel buyers love.

Bathrooms are supposed to fell calm and cozy so ditch that plastic shower curtain. A fabric curtain will bring soft touches to the room. You will be amazed at the difference.

Stick to natural colors this helps bring out that spa feel, colors like soft grey or white works great. Bright colors tend to add visual clutter making the space seem small and busy.

A little time, effort and money and your bathroom is a spa oasis that will wow buyers one at a time. Check out our blog for more tips on preparing your home for the spring market.

Simply Stylish Staging

Elysse Bulloch

Stool Height Explained

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Islands and Bars are a popular design element in most homes today, but many people do not know the correct height for seating under the island or bar. Use this guide to help you choose your seating for these areas.


Before you go the store measures your bar or island twice, so you only buy once. Proper measurement will ensure your family or guests will be comfortable. A good rule to follow is allow for 10 to13 inches between seat of stool to the bottom of the counter or bar, this will ensure you will have enough room to cross your legs or swivel and sit comfortably. Bar height is  usually between 35” and 36”. The best seating height to choose is the seat height of 24” to 26” inches. Kitchen and vanity are just a little shorter usually between 28” to 30” inches. When buy a chair or stool you should be looking for a seat height of 17” to 18” inches. This will provide max comfort when using the kitchen island or bathroom vanity.

How many stools can fit under the counter? To figure out how much seating you have room for, remember stools should be spaced about 30 inches of the middle of one stool to the middle of the next one. Correct spacing you should be able to get on and off the stool comfortably.


Going to the store with no idea of what kind of stool you need could leave you over whelmed. Before you go to the store think about what kind of stool will fit your family’s needs? Something to consider materials stools are made from, would you prefer wood or metal? Do you need arms? Do you need stools to swivel? Do you want back or backless? Putting some thought into these questions can help determine what the perfect stool looks like for your family.


Bar stools are great ways to change the look of your space. Weather your selling or just changing things up with a redesign,  bar stools are a great way to save on space. I hope these tips help you find the stool that fit your homes needs.


Elysse Bulloch


Simply Stylish Staging

Pillow Talk

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Have you ever thought about the impact pillows have on your space? If you’re trying to sell your home pillows can make the whole space come together changing the feel of your space. Since you only get one chance to make a first impression let’s take a look at do and don’t of pillows to ensure your home sends "buy me" signals.

Something you should look for when choosing pillows is the size and scale compare to the sofa. You don’t want to lose seating because your pillows are too big. Pillows are meant to be an accessory. Like wise you don’t want the pillows to be too small either. Try to pick a size that will compliment your sofa. I like to layer bigger pillows with smaller pillows to give depth and variety.

Don’t be afraid to choose different textures and print, this is a great way to dress up a contemporary sofa. Use color blocks, often the same color scheme looks great even thought the prints don’t match.

Pillows are a bit of an investment so look for pillows that have a zipper, this way you change up color for the season or mood. I recommend down filled pillow because they can be washed and they will never lose shape lasting you a life time.

Don’t over due it; pillows with fringe, sequins and appliqué are to busy and too much. For staging I prefer to stick to solid color,so they do not distract the buyer. Don’t over due the amount of pillows either too many pillow tend to look messy and also take away from your seating. If you have to move pillows to sit comfortably you have too many. I like to group pillows in odd numbers as it is more pleasing to the eye.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Define Your Space with an Area Rug

An easy way to add color and texture to your space is with an area rug, here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect rug.

When you’re out shopping for your new rug, think about what colors you already have in the space and what color is dominate in your space. Choose a rug that has a couple of colors that are already in your home. For staging I tend to pick a natural solid color to keep the buyers eyes up and flowing through the space.

Patterned rugs are a great way to add visual interest, but avoid patterns if your furniture already has a pattern to it. The pattern in the rug should pick up the less dominate features in the space. Patterned rugs give off a more decorated look, if you selling you home stick to a solid color as it will appeal the widest range of buyers.

Picking the right size, an area rug is a great way to define the conversation area in your space. The size of the rug depends on the size of room. To define the space the rug should be big enough for the front legs of the sitting piece to rest on the edge of the rug. It always better to go bigger then smaller when in doubt.

Look at the cleaning label, its usually found on the back of the rug. Wool rugs can last years with proper maintenance. Shag rugs have a lifetime of 3-5 years with proper care under normal use. Shag rugs tend attracts static especially in dry environment like Calgary and if you have pets. Polypropylene rugs are a great choice for areas where spills can happen, as they can be cleaned with soap and water. Sea grass rugs are an environmentally friendly choice with a rustic look, but moisture will rot the fibers.

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Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Home Staging vs Decorating

  Okay let’s talk about home staging; first let’s clarify what home staging really is? Home staging is preparing a property for sale. The goal is to appeal to highest number of potential buyers, selling in less time for more money. Staging focuses on improving the properties appeal by showcasing an eye-catching product where anyone would want to live.

   I feel sellers often think of home staging as decorating. I guess from the outside this could be a fine line. Decorating is to enhance the beauty of a space, but it’s more about taste. Decorating is more of a personal touch adding element that is suited to ones taste.

  

  When you sell your home decorating will only appeal to potential buyers that have the same taste, where home staging takes taste out of the space, making to appeal to the masses.

  

    Home Staging is a marketing strategy to draw as many people to your listing as possible. As a Stager it’s my job to sell the dream, by drawing potential buyers to the selling features in the home, helping buyers connect with the space. Stagers take in to consideration the target market of the property. We add elements to the home that the target market would be looking for. Take a look at this space

  

  The target market for this condo is likely young professional .When potential buyers were viewing this listing they were having trouble envisioning the floor plan. Clearly, to attract as many potential buyers as possible, this room had to show function. Only 1 of 10 people can envision a space with furniture. You never want a potential buyer to struggle to picture a home working for their needs or to picture living there. Here is our transformation.

This condo sold in 42 days on the market.   

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Dealing With Pets And Selling Your Calgary Home

   When you have pets they become part of the family, but when you sell your home pet could be a turn off to potential buyers. How do you deal with Miss Kitty or Fido? First you have to realistic only about half the people that tour your home with be pet people the other half not so much. The best way to combat this is to remove all signs of pets, food dishes, toys, cat litter and even the food in the pantry. Oh and don’t forget to remove the pets as well.

   

   If you have an outdoor enclosure for your pet, be sure it’s clean and in good condition. You don’t want buyers to form any kind of ideas. Sometime buyers think that if you don’t care enough about your pets to keep them clean, then how bad is the rest of the property.

  

 Don’t lose out on buyers, because you don’t attend to pet details outside. Their are plenty of services that can help maintain a doggy doo free yard for minimal cost.. If your yard is a selling feature it might be worth the few extra bucks.

   

   Cats tend to have strong odor, its best to scoop the box everyday and when you have showing remove the litter from your home. Scooping everyday with ensure your home does not take on any odor, that could scare off buyers.

   

   If you have exotic animals you may decide they take a small vacation while your house is on the market snakes, spiders, and lizards are not for everyone and might even scare or shock potential buyers touring your home. You don’t want your house to be remembered as the scary one.

  

  Get resourceful with solutions for your pets; ask friends and family to take care of your pets while you’re selling. Check out doggy day cares or pet spa in your area or perhaps take you pets to work with you.

 Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging

Home Expo 2011 Calgary

  I thought I would head to down to Home Expo on the weekend to check it out. I wanted to check Tommy Smyth but he was not speaking on Sunday, but I came across a great product. If you are selling your home or just doing little updating here is a product that you need to know about.

 Calgary Countertop Systems is owned by Tom Lambert, his product can turn any surface into the look of Granite, completed in just one day and guaranteed for five years. Tom’s unique resurfacing system transforms your old counter top without removal of your old counter top.. His proprietary coating system is applied right over top of the existing surface, which is why this is a cost effective alternative to renovations. Tom product is less than half the price of installing new laminate.

 Durability is not an issue the product has a five year guarantee with a 100% money back guarantee.  The laminate system is able to with stand 275 digress, it’s stain resistant and very scratch resistance but you should still use a cutting board. The coating system is liquid it can cover burns, dent, and scratched countertops. The coating system cures instantly so you have a fully functioning kitchen or bath once the project is done.

Calgary Countertops Systems can help you update your bathroom too, giving you that custom look at a not so custom price.  Calgary Countertop Systems offer resurfacing on backsplashes, bath tubs, showers and fireplaces .If you need to update, Calgary Counter Tops maybe an options for an inexpensive one day renovation check they out here.

  Calgary countertop systems has a wide selections of colors and patterns available, they offer a free in home consultation and book appointment as early as 6 am until . Call Calgary Counter top Systems today 403.537.0712.

Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging

To Stage or Not To Stage?

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Many people in Calgary have never heard of home staging. This is surprising considering home staging is an industry standard in many larger cities across Canada. Here in Calgary it seems that only homes that are priced over the $800k are staged.

A friend of mine wrote a blog in October about Calgary luxury homes sales Crystal Tost Realtor with Re max says "We continue to see the luxury home market in Calgary spread it’s wings" This got me thinking why are luxury home sales on the rise in Calgary? Could it be that people in this price bracket understand the importance of how their home shows? Or do sellers understand at that price buyers are going to be picky? Or is it that a seller’s budget for staging is a part of their marketing?

 I can't say for sure why luxury homes sell, but I do know that the importance of how your home shows will help your property sell. I also know that when selling a Million dollar home most Realtors would suggest a stager be called. If even just to tweak the home using the current furniture and accessories. 

Single family homes sales are down 31% from last year according to The Calgary Real Estate Board  inventory levels are higher than last year. Buyers have become spoiled with all the choices. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime, however, sellers need to understand that once you list your home it becomes a product on the market. Like any market, the home needs to appeal to the target audience.

 A home Staging professional can help you prepare your home for sale because Stagers understand what buyers expect. Many home owners that have lived in their home for years think if it was good enough for them, why wouldn’t it be good enough for everyone else. A common saying is “What is great for dwelling is not always great for the selling” These seller's often think if it’s not broke don't fix it, but this way of thinking does not appeal to the masses. Most buyers want to move in, sit down and are willing to pay a premium price to achieve this.

Staging may be an investment on the sellers side, but stats show that staged homes sell in 78% less time than homes that have not been staged. Kelley Skar  Realtor with Sutton group writes "the relatively small investment when considering the return, may be of huge benefit. You only have one chance to make a first impression think about staging before your list your home.

Laundry Room When Selling your Calgary Home

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When your selling your home even the laundry room need to look its best. Here are some simple staging ideas to help you show your laundry room to its full potential.

• Pour your soap into nice glass containers instead of  the bright orange box. This way you will know when its time to buy soap too.
• Canvas Bins and Baskets or Decorative boxes are great way to storage your laundry room essentials . The are very visually pleasing.
• Clean make sure you give your laundry room a good scrub
• Fresh coat of paint
• Keep up on the laundry if you have to you can storage you dirty laundry in the washing machine for those last minute showings

Staging your home does not stop when it come to the laundry room, buyers need to know that the laundry room will work with their families needs. Check out the before and after of our latest laundry room project

A couple inexpensive boxes to hide laundry soap and some plants help show the true potential of this laundry room.




Elysse Bulloch


Simply Stylish Staging

Calgary Downtown Condo before and Afters

This trendy downtown condo  can hardly been seen under all the stuff, as we peeled back all the layers we reveal that this room is indeed a second bedroom. Oh wait and it has floor to ceiling windows with a great view.

Before: The way we live before we decide to sell great for dwelling not for selling. Remember buyer only know what they see.

After: This is what buyers want to see













Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging
403.710.4229