Found 21 blog entries tagged as Edmonton Real Estate.

Curb Appeal


Sometimes it only takes a few simple changes to dress up the exterior of a house add some curb appeal. Below are a few tips to perk up your home.

Paint the front door: Painting the front door a bold colour, like red, black, purple, or green, can add a boost to your home and make it stand out.

New lighting and hardware: Adding a new outside light, some solar lights, new railings, hardware for the doors, or replacing an old storm door can easily update the look of your home.

Repaint: Painting the trim, the stucco, or the siding can give a home the boost that it needs, and do so inexpensively.

Landscaping: By adding new shrubs, bushes, rocks, plants, or trees, the exterior can take on a fresh new look. Adding a new walk way by…

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Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.

 

Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not…

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Whether you're painting your home to prepare it for sale, or simply to make it more attractive for your own enjoyment, choosing the right colour is important. A colour isn't just a matter of taste, it's also, to a large extent, about the emotions it elicits.

If you're painting your foyer, for example, you may want it to seem bright and welcoming. So, light orange tones might be appropriate as that colour is often interpreted as friendly.

In your living room, you may want to create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. In that case, consider shades of greens or grays as those colours communicate peacefulness and calm.

Want the rec room to look vibrant and energetic? Purples and reds communicate those emotions.

Where do you find more…

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Image result for house piggy bank

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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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If…

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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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New Homes vs Used, pre-owned

New or Used? Kevin Grenier REALTOR®

When buyers come to me looking for guidance I always include both new homes and used (pre-owned) homes. Many buyers are surprised to find that I also work with new home builders and once they understand the benefits, far prefer it to working with the builder's sales staff.
But what are the benefits of new vs used?


New

- latest building practices including 4x6 walls, increased insulation, heat recovery ventilators and child safe receptacles
- comprehensive 1yr builder warranty (some builders offer 2 yrs), additional New home warranties (additional 4-10 yrs or more covering various items)

Pre-owned

- typically located in mature areas with established schools, larger trees, typically shorter commutes to city…

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AREA Member Profile excerpt from AREA's Monthly Newsletter

Kevin Grenier REALTOR® with helmet
The Alberta Real Estate Association featured Kevin in their April 2018 issue of their monthly newsletter. 

Kevin Grenier, REALTOR® with MaxWell Polaris in Edmonton is a man of many hats. His favourite? A motorcycle helmet. With Spring here, Kevin’s clients choosing to take their own vehicle will be following him on his motorcycle to view homes.

“Many clients have been greeted for the first time by me rolling up on two wheels, in my very best gear and tie,” says Kevin. “Life is too short to not have fun and both buying and selling can be stressful. My job with clients is to keep stress levels at bay with sound advice and a sprinkle of levity and laughter!”

We agree in full, Kevin. Stay…

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