After making an offer on a home, a home inspection should be the automatic next step. This part of the home buying process sees a qualified professional examine every inch of the property in question – searching for problems you, as a buyer, are unlikely to see on your own. While you do have the right to wave an inspection before purchasing, we strongly urge against it and here’s why:

1. Room to Negotiate

An inspection can help you save a ton of money on the home’s overall sale price or any necessary repairs. If there are defects present in the home, you can ask the seller to either a) drop their asking price to cover the cost of repairs or b) perform the repairs themselves.

2. A Homebuyer’s “Out”

A home inspection also allows you to back…

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If you’re thinking about buying your first home but stuck on what kind of property is right for you, we’re here to help!

Here are three must-have homes styles for first-time buyers:

1. Affordable Apartment Style Condos 

Average Price: $225,138*

Minimum Down Payment: $11,257*

Extremely budget-friendly, apartment-style condos are a great option for first-time buyers. Not only can they be found in nearly every community in Edmonton, but they’re also incredibly low maintenance. This makes them ideal for busy working professionals who don’t have the time to deal with the mowing, landscaping, shovelling or other exterior chores (though you will likely need to pay condo fees).

Other Apartment Condo Advantages:

  • Affordable first-time…

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Whether you’re looking to sell fast and for top dollar or find the perfect home on time and under budget, partnering with a REALTOR® will help you get the most out of your next real estate transaction. But, with so many expert agents to choose from in and around the Edmonton area, how do you choose the right REALTOR® for your unique wants and needs?

Here are a few tips:

Maximum Exposure 

For home sellers in particular, it's important to choose an agent with a “maximum exposure” guarantee. In other words, their approach to marketing and advertising your home is one that ensures your property will be seen anywhere and everywhere, 24/7. As a buyer, you’ll benefit from having immediate access to hot new listings as they crop up on the market. 

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When buying a home, the surrounding neighbourhood is just as important as the home itself. Of course, it’s essential to purchase a property that meets your wants and needs – but the area you choose and surrounding amenities are likely to have the largest impact on your quality of life.

When it comes to ensuring maximum happiness with your next Edmonton community, here are seven amenities to look for:

1. An Easy Commute

No one wants to spend countless hours traveling to and from work. That’s why having convenient access to nearby transit options and/or commuter roads is priority number one for many home buyers. Be sure to ask yourself how much time it will take you to get from your potential new home to your workplace and other areas of the…

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If you’re stuck deciding whether to sell or stay, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves reluctant to give up the home they’ve loved and appreciated for so many years, even if it no longer meets their needs. For this reason, homeowners may opt to renovate, in an attempt to get their current property to better suit their lifestyle. 

But are renovations really worth the cost and effort? Here are a few things to consider:

Renovation vs. Down Payment Costs 

According to the experts, most Canadians plan to spend at least $10,211 to renovate their homes. Of those choosing to renovate, nearly 40% go over budget, with average costs ranging anywhere from $10 to $60 per square foot (i.e. a 1,600 square foot home x $10/square foot = $16,000).

…

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Are you thinking about buying an Edmonton home? Unsure of whether to buy brand-new or a home that’s been previously owned? While each style has its perks, the decision ultimately comes down to which purchase will best suit your unique wants, needs and lifestyle.

Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider:

New Construction Homes 

Buyers considering a new construction home in Edmonton can find a property in a number of flourishing new neighbourhoods around the city.

New Construction Home Advantages:

  • Potential to Customize – When building from the ground up, you’ll get to choose every fit and finish right down to the last detail. The same option may apply to spec homes, which are already in construction but have yet to…

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Welcome to beautiful Belgravia! After serving as the southern terminus for the Edmonton Radial Railway (a streetcar service operating from 1908 to 1951), this historic neighbourhood was officially converted for residential use in 1912. Characterized by mature trees, open green spaces, easy walkability and scenic river valley views, Belgravia offers a diverse range of home styles in a quiet, family-friendly setting.

Belgravia Home Styles 

Belgravia is best known for its single-family homes. With most residences built before the early 1960s, the community houses mainly bungalows, semi-bungalows and two-storey character homes – many of which have been upgraded to include modern amenities. While the neighbourhood does offer several contemporary…

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When it comes to homeownership, bigger isn’t always better. Especially when you find yourself spending more time physically (and financially) maintaining your home than enjoying it. If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to a smaller home better suited to your needs, here are six benefits to look forward to.

1. Significant Savings 

Larger homes don’t just come with larger mortgage payments. T
hey also cost more to heat, cool and maintain. One of the biggest benefits of making the move to a smaller property is savings as a result reduced of utility bills, property taxes and insurance premiums. In short, you’ll have more to put towards your retirement fund, existing debt and mortgage loan (with the added advantage of becoming mortgage-free…

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Of course, you love your home. After all, you picked it, right? Unfortunately, nothing stays the same forever – not even you! Careers change, families grow, lifestyles evolve and, as a result, you may find your home isn’t meeting your needs the way it used to.

Have you outgrown your current home? Here’s how to tell:

1. You’re Bursting at the Seams With Stuff….

If you need to clear a path to make it from one end of your home to another, it might be time for a new one. Even if you’ve managed to keep clutter out from underfoot, if your closets are bursting at the seams (no matter how many times you purge and organize), a home with more storage will make life a lot easier.

See our previous post:  20 Things to Get Rid of When Decluttering…

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Looking to buy or sell a home in the Edmonton area? Good news! Edmonton’s real estate market is demonstrating some noticeably positive activity. While much of this bounce-back can be attributed to the province’s re-opening, buyers and sellers are eager to take advantage of the many perks our current market has to offer.

1. Ultra-Low Interest Rates 

With Canada’s interest rates sitting at a historic low of 0.25%, the Edmonton real estate market has seen an influx of buyers eager to secure an affordable fixed or variable mortgage at a great rate. While the Bank of Canada has cut its key overnight interest rate three times in light of COVID 19, experts predict that rates will stay low even as the pandemic ends.

2. A Buyers (and Sellers)…

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