In addition to less maintenance, lower utility bills and affordable mortgage payments, those considering downsizing also have a wealth of unique Edmonton home styles to choose from. In this article, we’ll cover the top-recommended property types for downsizers, their benefits and why they might be the right choice for you.

Apartment-Style Condos 

If your retirement dreams include escaping Edmonton’s harsh winters or travelling the world, an apartment-style condo may be the way to go. Ideal for those seeking a “lock it and leave it” lifestyle, this type of home is about as low maintenance as you can get (not to mention, very affordable). But don’t let the word “apartment” fool you, these units come in a variety of sizes and shapes, offering you…

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From little trick or treaters to adult-sized thrill-seekers, Edmonton hosts a wide range of Halloween-related events for boys and ghouls of all ages.

Little Scares (All Ages)

Haunted Pumpkin Festival

The Haunted Pumpkin Festival is one of the most popular Halloween events in the capital region. Every year, the folks at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm put on a month-long Spooktacular – featuring everything from pumpkin cannons and haunted houses (no gore) to hayrides and corn mazes.

When: Every weekend throughout October

Imax Theatre Costume Party 

All aboard! Join Dracula and the rest of the gang for the ultimate cruise and costume party! Held at the Telus World of Science, this all-morning event features an optional hot breakfast,…

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While it’s hard to assess the true condition of a home without the help of a licensed REALTOR® and professional inspection, there are a few tell-tale problems to watch out for.

Be on the lookout for any of the following: 

1. A Run-Down Roof

2. Leaky Business 

3. A Sense of Smell

4. Extreme Temperatures

5. Sketchy Structure

6. A Long History 

7. “Cover-Ups”

1. A Run-Down Roof

Missing or warped shingles, sagging and deterioration around roof extremities (such as vents or chimneys) are indications of poor maintenance. Even if you don’t see signs of distress, be sure to ask the current owner when the roof was last repaired or replaced.  

2. Leaky Business 

A poorly maintained roof is one of the first signs of potential…

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Confused about closing costs? We’ve got you covered. From insurance costs to legal fees, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs? 

In short, closing costs are additional (generally one-time) costs and fees a buyer is required to pay upon completing a home purchase. While the exact total will vary depending on the property type, experts recommend setting aside at least one to three percent of a home’s overall sale price.

What Do They Cover? 

Closing costs may include (but aren’t limited to): 

Land Transfer Tax

Land title transfer tax is a mandatory fee paid by the buyer when property ownership is transferred (to the buyer) by the seller. Land title transfer fees in Alberta are based on both the size of your mortgage…

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If you’ve been dreaming about buying your first home but can’t seem to come up with enough cash, these first-time buyer programs may be the answer.

Home Buyers’ Plan

The Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP) allows first-time buyers (or anyone who hasn’t purchased a home in the last four years) borrow up to $35,000 from their RRSPs to put towards a down payment. The same applies to partners and spouses (for a total of $70,000), with the same four-year clause.

Details:

  • The qualifying home must be your primary residence
  • When applying for the HBP, you must provide a written agreement to purchase (or build)
  • RRSP funds must be available 90 days before purchase
  • Withdrawals under the HBP are tax-free but must be paid back in full within 15…

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Of course, buying a home in Edmonton during the spring (or early summer) certainly has its perks. After all, it’s the most popular time of year for real estate. BUT, did you know for every good reason to buy in the spring, there’s an equally GREAT incentive to buy in the fall?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Less Competition

One of the first (and best) reasons to consider buying in the fall is the lack of competition. As Edmonton’s hot weather tapers off, so does the real estate market. Because many homebuyers have already opted to purchase earlier in the year, there will be less buyer-based competition for you to worry about.

2. Taking Your Time

Less competition also results in less pressure to run out and buy the first…

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As a home buyer, you’ll inevitably have to decide between committing to a fixed rate or variable mortgage loan. While both have their benefits as well as their drawbacks, one will likely be better than the other depending on your unique situation (i.e. lifestyle, finances, risk and reward tolerance etc.). Here’s what you need to know:

Variable Rate Mortgages 

A variable interest mortgage (sometimes referred to as an adjustable-rate mortgage) is a form of home loan in which the interest rate “varies” according to current market conditions. In this situation, the lender will offer you a loan at Prime rate (the interest rate set forth by the Bank of Canada) plus or minus a certain percentage.

For instance, if Prime is 3.00% and you opt for a…

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It’s that time again! As parents ourselves, we know how stressful starting a new school year can be – for both you and the kids. For this reason, we’ve scoured the internet for the best ideas and advice on how to make getting ready for the upcoming year as easy as possible.

Here are our top tips for reducing back-to-school stress:

1. Get Back Into a Routine

Getting back into a routine before school starts is a great way to reduce stress and ensure a smooth start to the year. This might include reigning in bedtimes and wake up times, eating regular meals and limiting phone, TV and computer access. 

2. Set-Up (or revamp) Your Family Command Centre

From daily schedules and activities to upcoming appointments and chore charts, command…

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Are you thinking about buying your first home? Here are 8 common first-time buyer mistakes to avoid.

Mistake #1: Not Getting Pre-Qualified

Pre-qualifications are important because they give you an idea as to how much home you can afford. During this process, a lender will examine your income, debt, credit and assets and give you a rough estimate as to how much they’d be willing to lend you. From here, you’ll know what you need for a down payment and what you can expect to pay for a monthly mortgage loan.

Mistake #2: Not Checking Into First-Time Buyer Programs

The Government of Canada offers several incentives for first-time homebuyers in the form of down payment help, tax credits and more. These include: 

·        First-Time Home Buyer…

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When it comes to renovations or upgrades, bigger isn’t always better – especially if you’re thinking about selling. Not only are major changes expensive, but they can also turn buyers off. Instead, we recommend concentrating only on areas that will deliver the biggest bang for your buck (and won’t cost an arm and a leg). Here are our top suggestions:

1. Apply New Paint

A fresh coat of paint is the single most (affordable) renovation you can make to attract buyers. Not only will it help your home look fresher and brighter, it’s also a great way to mask imperfections. Keep it neutral, though. Whites, beiges and light greys will be much more effective than dark or bold colours.

2. Improve Energy Efficiency

When buyers hear “energy efficient”…

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