Buying a home is a significant financial investment for anyone – but for a first-time buyer, it can be downright daunting. Between worrying about your credit score, saving for your down payment and trying to determine what you can reasonably afford, there’s a lot to take in.

But the good news is, there are several strategies that first-time home buyers can employ – not only to make the home buying process easier – but much more affordable in the long term.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Improve Your Finances   

First thing’s first. The best way to affordably purchase a home in Edmonton is to ensure you’re financially ready to do so. This may sound like a no-brainer, but we strongly recommend improving your finances as much as…

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Located side by side in southeast Edmonton, King Edward Park (KEP) and Ritchie are two vibrant, historical neighbourhoods making a big comeback over recent years. First established in the early 1900s, these two communities are highly sought after, thanks to their eclectic home styles, mature tree-lined streets and proximity to Whyte Ave, Old Strathcona and the Mill Creek Ravine.

Did you know? Ritchie and King Edward Park were once a part of the City of Strathcona, which amalgamated with the greater City of Edmonton in 1912. 

Home Styles to Suit Every Taste and Budget

As two of Edmonton’s oldest communities, both KEP and Ritchie represent a striking contrast to the up-and-coming neighbourhoods under development in broader southeast…

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Overpricing is the number one reason why homes don’t sell, period. 

That’s why, if you hope to sell your home quickly AND for top dollar, it’s absolutely crucial you price your home correctly from the start. Or, at the very least, be able to identify when you’ve overpriced your home and fix this mistake immediately.

Otherwise, you risk losing buyer interest, sitting on the market, and selling for much less than your home is actually worth.

Could your home be priced too high? Here are seven key ways to tell:

1. You Chose Your REALTOR® Based on (the Highest) Valuation

We understand you want to get the most money possible for the property you’ve known and loved for so many years. And a good REALTOR® knows this.

However, they also…

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Recognized as one of Edmonton’s oldest communities, Glenora hosts the most beautiful historic homes in the capital region. In addition to mature, tree-lined streets, ravine trails and scenic river valley views, this highly desirable neighbourhood also sits close to some of the best amenities the city has to offer.

Did you know? Glenora was once part of a larger river lot homestead, initially owned by Malcolm Groat (Groat Road). 

One-of-a-Kind Home Styles

As we mentioned above, Glenora houses some of the oldest homes in the city – many of which were built before 1920.

Home buyers enticed by the charm of an established character property (equipped with modern amenities) are sure to find what they’re looking for in this renowned community…

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Entering into the Canadian real estate investment market is a great way to boost your finances and generate passive income. However, there’s a lot more to it than simply purchasing a property, making a few changes, then selling or renting it out.

Here are a few first-time investment tips you’ll want to consider in advance.

1. Pay Down Your Debts

Credit cards, student loans, mortgage payments and other forms of debt will have a significant impact on your debt-to-income ratio – thus affecting your ability to save your down payment and obtain a low-interest mortgage. For this reason, we recommend significantly paying down (or clearing, if possible) any high-interest debts before beginning your investment journey.

2. Secure Your Down…

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Westridge is a quiet, family-friendly community located in (you guessed it) Edmonton’s highly popular west end. Flanked by scenic ravine views to the north, east and south, this picturesque neighbourhood has become a popular choice among Edmontonians who love to get out and explore the great outdoors.

Your Choice of Single-Family Home

Although Westridge does offer a limited number of desirable townhome developments, real estate in the area consists mostly of single-family homes. An established neighbourhood, many of the community’s existing structures were built during the 1970s and feature multiple bedrooms (4.5 on average), large lots and ample square footage. Even better, the majority of these properties have been retrofitted to include the…

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Maybe your home is outdated, and you’re tired of sinking money into expensive renovation projects. Or perhaps you’re a growing family who’s walls are bursting at the seams. Whatever the case may be, if your current home no longer suits your lifestyle, it’s time to move up and move on.

However, there’s a lot more to consider than updated features, and a larger floor plan – including your finances, selling your current property and more.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about moving up to your next home in five simple steps.

Step 1 = Determine Why You Want to Move

Take the time to pinpoint your reasons for wanting a new home. Do you plan on expanding your family? Is your square footage large enough,…

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