Your Address Change Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for a Smooth Move

Your Address Change Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for a Smooth Move Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial not to overlook one important task: updating your address. While it may not be as exhilarating as exploring your new neighborhood or planning home improvement projects, ensuring your address change is properly handled will save you from potential headaches, missed deliveries, and even fines in the future. This insightful guide, brought to you by the Compass Team, will help you navigate the process of updating your address, so you can focus on enjoying your new home! Getting started: Before you dive into notifying everyone about your address change, it's essential to have the correct information. Take a moment to double-check your sale or lease agreement and ensure you have the accurate street number, suite number, street direction, and postal code. Once you have these details, you can proceed to the first step. Step 1: Set up a mail forward with Canada Post: To ensure you don't miss any important mail during the transition, setting up a mail forwarding service with Canada Post is a wise move. By forwarding your mail for a year, you'll have peace of mind knowing you won't miss anything crucial. The process is simple, with prices starting at $92.50. You can set up the service online or in-person within just 10 minutes. Keep an eye out for the yellow sticker on forwarded items and remember to initiate a change of address request with the mailer to update your information. Setting up your mail forward at least 30 days before your moving date is recommended. Who to notify when your address changes: Now that you have your mail forwarding in place, it's time to notify the necessary parties about your address change. Here's a comprehensive checklist of who to inform and when: Service providers: Phone company Cable and internet provider Hydro services Insurance provider Subscription boxes and streaming services Medical care or providers: Doctors and physicians Holistic health services providers Dentists Pharmacies Optometrists Veterinarians Medical insurance programs Government services: Different provinces and territories have specific deadlines for address change notifications related to driver's license, vehicle registration, and health card. Ensure you check your provincial/territorial website for exact details. Here are some examples: Driver's license and vehicle registration (e.g., Ontario - within six days, Alberta - within 14 days) Health card (e.g., Ontario - within 30 days) Educational institutions: Schools Daycares Colleges Scholarship programs Trade programs Personal contacts: Employer or human resources department (within one or two weeks of moving) Close friends and family members (they will likely ask for your new address) Other: While most notifications fall under the above categories, there may be additional organizations or individuals you need to inform. If you have any doubts or feel like you're forgetting something, don't hesitate to reach out to your REALTOR® for guidance. Updating your address doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following this comprehensive checklist and staying organized, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home. Remember, if you have any questions or need further assistance, the Compass Team is here to help. Happy moving!

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Lethbridge Real Estate Market Update - April 2023

Lethbridge Real Estate Market Update - April 2023 Welcome to the Compass Team's real estate market update for April 2023 in Lethbridge, Alberta. As always, we are committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information about the local housing market, so potential buyers and sellers can make informed decisions.     Compared to March 2023, the average home price in Lethbridge decreased slightly to $335,257. However, the average detached home price increased to $375,009, while the average semi-detached home price decreased to $259,061. The average townhouse price also decreased to $260,838, and the average apartment price saw a significant decrease to $182,536. The average days on market remained the same at 65 days, but the average list to sold ratio increased to 98.4%. In April 2023, there were 222 new listings to the market, and the current listings were 446. The total number of sold listings was 182, with a value of real estate sold at $61,016,820. The months of supply remained low at 2. Compared to April 2022, the average home price decreased from $348,496 to $335,257. However, the average list to sold ratio decreased from 99.6% to 98.4%. Despite the decrease in average home price, the Lethbridge housing market remains strong and stable. When compared to Calgary, Edmonton, and the rest of Alberta, Lethbridge offers more affordable housing options. The average home price in Calgary is $550,048, which is 64.1% higher than Lethbridge. Similarly, the average detached home price in Calgary is $729,870, which is 94.6% higher than Lethbridge. Edmonton's average home price is $389,080, which is 16.1% higher than Lethbridge. The average detached home price in Edmonton is $493,421, which is 31.6% higher than Lethbridge. Finally, Alberta's average home price is $465,443, which is 38.8% higher than Lethbridge. The average detached home price in Alberta is $547,794, which is 46.1% higher than Lethbridge. In addition to the more affordable housing options, Lethbridge is also a better place to move due to its excellent quality of life, lower cost of living, and various amenities. With a vibrant culture, exceptional healthcare facilities, and world-class educational institutions, Lethbridge is an ideal place to raise a family or retire. In conclusion, the Lethbridge real estate market remains strong, stable, and affordable, making it an ideal place for potential buyers and sellers. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Lethbridge, please don't hesitate to contact the Compass Team for expert advice and guidance.

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How to Prioritize Home Renovations

How to Prioritize Home Renovations Are you planning to renovate your home but feeling overwhelmed with where to start and what to prioritize? Home renovations can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when you have a long list of changes you'd like to make. However, it's important to prioritize the renovations to ensure you're not only investing in your home's value but also making the most impact on your daily life. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your home renovations: Assess your needs: Before diving into renovations, take some time to assess your needs. What's your primary reason for renovating? Do you need more space or want to update the style? Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to help prioritize the renovations.   Focus on high-impact areas: Bathrooms and kitchens are two of the highest-impact areas in a home. Updating these spaces can not only enhance your daily life but also increase your home's value. Consider investing in quality materials and finishes for these areas.   Improve energy efficiency: Energy-efficient upgrades not only benefit the environment but also your wallet. Consider upgrading your windows, adding insulation, or installing a programmable thermostat.   Address maintenance issues: It's important to address any maintenance issues before making cosmetic upgrades. Fixing leaky faucets or repairing a roof should be a priority over new countertops or paint.   Consider your budget: Renovations can quickly add up, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider which renovations will provide the most value for your investment.   As you prioritize your home renovations, it's important to work with a trusted realtor who can guide you through the process. That's where the Compass Team comes in. Our experienced realtors have an in-depth understanding of the real estate market and can help you prioritize your renovations to maximize your home's value. We also have a network of trusted contractors and designers who can assist with the renovation process, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients. At the Compass Team, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring our clients achieve their real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your home renovation and real estate needs.

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