Why Use a REALTOR®?

Industry know-how

To be honest, you won't see as many transactions as a REALTOR® does. An average family buys/sells Real Estate every 5 to 10 years. This is because when you buy a house, you're looking to create a home. You want your family to grow in it and you're only going to look to move from it if your family has outgrown it due to a baby on the way or kids growing up (upsizing) or the house has become too big due to the kids leaving for university or buying their own property (downsizing). This means that you probably don’t have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of real estate.  On the flip side of things, REALTORS® have the experience and education to get things done within the industry. They handle contracts and the real estate process…

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Using Your RRSPs to Purchase a Home

When looking at purchasing a home, one thing that many people are concerned about is the ability to put a down payment on the property. A 20% down payment of the purchase price of the home is typically required. If a 20% down payment is not doable, then a 5% option is available. However, you are then required to have mortgage insurance through CMHC to be able to qualify for the mortgage.

Regardless if it is a 5% or 20% down payment, the government of Canada allows home buyers to use their RRSPs to purchase a home without a penalty for withdrawing the RRSPs This is called Home Buyer’s Plan or HBP.

However, before you withdraw anything, the following conditions must be met:

1)     The maximum amount you can withdraw from your RRSPs per year is…

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Combating the Winter Blues

We're in the final stretch of winter and spring is so close I can almost feel it. Although, that may just be another chinook on the horizon. Whether you're counting down the days to warmer weather or trying to sneak in one last ski day, one thing we all may have in common are those winter blues. I've compiled a list of 5 things you can do to get you through the last cold month.

1. Get outside! Lack of sunlight can cause a drop in your serotonin levels and a rise in melatonin levels resulting in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

2. Eat wholesome foods! What we eat has so much more to do with our moods than we think. Give your body foods rich in vitamins and drink your water! You will be pleasantly surprised by your improved mood.

3.…

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Why Live In Legacy? | 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary

With 13 Legacy Gate SE, Calgary hitting the Real Estate Market, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live in Legacy, Calgary?

Legacy

Legacy is a residential neighborhood located in the SE of Calgary, Alberta. The community of Legacy has roughly 15 km of scenic pathways that pass serene ponds, wide open green spaces the ridge of the environmental reserve making Legacy a wonderful option for walk-ability. There is ample space to cycle, jog, stroll, enjoy a coffee or picnic wherever you choose. You can even walk from one end of the community to the other without ever leaving the pathways. Legacy is home to: All Saints High School, A future Public Junior High School, Separate K-9 School, Public Elementary School. Kids of all ages can go to…

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Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for your Move

Beyond Boxes: Packing Materials You May Need for your Move

As you can probably guess, when you're preparing to move, you'll need boxes and tape — and, perhaps some bubble-wrap or old newspapers to use as protective wrapping for delicate items.

But that may not be all you need. Take a look at this list and see if you'll want any of these on hand while you’re packing or on moving day.

• Colour markers for labelling boxes. (Tip: Colour coding boxes by room will make unpacking much easier.)
• Stretch wrap to protect larger items that can't fit into a box.
• Small plastic bags to store dis-assembled parts, such as sofa legs, cabinet hardware, etc. (You don't want to lose them!)
• Moving blankets to protect floors.
• A dolly or hand truck…

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Why Use a REALTOR®?

Industry know-how

To be honest, you won't see as many transactions as a REALTOR® does. An average family buys/sells Real Estate every 5 to 10 years. This is because when you buy a house, you're looking to create a home. You want your family to grow in it and you're only going to look to move from it if your family has outgrown it due to a baby on the way or kids growing up (upsizing) or the house has become too big due to the kids leaving for university or buying their own property (downsizing). This means that you probably don’t have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of real estate.  On the flip side of things, REALTORS® have the experience and education to get things done within the industry. They handle contracts and the real estate…

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6 Affordable Ways to Boost your Home's Curb Appeal

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider: 

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.
2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning.…

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Local Personalization

Shop Local

Local personalization combines two growing trends that clients love and leads to more repeat and referral clients which should make up the vast majority of any relationship based business. Choosing an Edmonton owned and operated business with a top tier track record can reap many rewards beyond the current transaction. When it comes to real estate look for a locally owned one right up to the top echelons this includes the agent, brokerage and company headquarters.  A strong local culture in a business increases use of other local businesses as well for example signage, promotion, accounting, photography, 3D tours, measurements, charities and fuel to name a few. The benefits of supporting local include reduced carbon footprint, job…

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When is the Best Time of Year to List a Home for Sale on the Market?

When is the Best Time of Year to List a Home for Sale on the Market?

I often get asked "when is the best time to list a property, should I wait until the Spring?" The answer beyond a pat, "it depends" is really, "the best time of the year to list your home is when you want to." I'll give you the pros and cons of doing it at different times of the year, namely Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer. I'll also cover the three aspects to listing a home that don't change no matter the time of year.

Listing in the Fall/Winter means there is less competition from other listings and the fewer buyers out there are motivated and ready for the most part. Of course it is colder and some of the buyers are looking for the "off peak market deal". With Spring/Summer…

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Homes Buyers Paying too Much Calling Agent on the For Sale Sign?

Homes Buyers Paying too Much Calling Agent on the For Sale Sign? 

Buying a home? Pay more and work harder by working with the listing agents. 

Whenever I list a property I'll get "sign calls" from buyers wanting to view a property I have on the market. Some have been told by a friend that working with the selling agent will help them get a better deal and this is not always the case.
Apart from the fact that it is more work for the buyer to call and arrange appointments with all the agents, line up consecutive times to maximize the number of showings, vet the different properties against their needs, access the properties with limited information through public access sites, do all the driving and waiting around for the next appointment; to do…

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