The CREB Conference and Tradeshow was a fantastic place to meet Realtors, says Martin Sadlon, Operations Manager for the Calgary division of 1-800-Got-Junk? who has been with the company for three years. I couldn't believe how many people stopped by and told us they used our services.

With 14 staff (plus owner Dave Harrop), five trucks, and a Mini Cooper S, these guys will tackle any junk-job you have. Even if it means gutting a house for resale.

A Realtor and their client called us for a house clean out in Sunnyside last spring, Sadlon said. A small, old, and rundown rental home had been inhabited by 'less than ideal' renters and their dogs. After law enforcement and animal services were called in, we came in to gut the house. This was all in preparation for the demolition of the house and the building of new infills.

This house ended up being two and a half full truck loads costing the client about $1100. This covered the safe and proper removal, transport and disposal of all the leftover junk found in the house.

The guys at 1-800-Got-Junk? have definitely seen their share of bizarre things. A coffin (thankfully it was empty), airplane parts, a full truck of coloured plastic balls from a toddlers ball-room, and they could go on. Whatever kind of JUNK they remove, it helps to boost property value when the house is on the market; the less junk there is, the more organized and distraction-free the property looks to potential homebuyers.

JUNK removal, like basic home improvements, renovations, and home staging all help homeowners and Realtors sell houses for more money and in a shorter period of time, says Sadlon.

We certainly see our share of unusual things, continued Sadlon. We often recycle portions of our jobs; we try everything to keep the junk from the dump if in fact it can be reused.

Donations are often made to local thrift stores and charities, an aspect of the company often overlooked by many.

An example of some peculiar things was found at another rental property owned by a Calgary Realtor.

This (job) included tenants who had thrown all their winter household food waste under the back porch, Sadlon said. This Realtor wanted the site clean asap so she could rent out the property to new and more respectful tenants.

In some cases, we'll be asked to clear out entire homes in a matter of hours, so that the owner/Realtor can show to prospective clients. We frequent 'Wow' Realtors with how flexibly we can handle such large jobs.

-Megan Pratt is the CREB Communications and Conference Assistant. For more information on 1-800-GOT-JUNK? call 1-800-468-5865 or go online, where you can also book a job, at www.1800gotjunk.com.