Tips for Saving for your New Home

Buying a new home takes some planning and some strategic saving; but, with a little forethought coupled with action, you can make home buying a reality.

Be aware that you will need at least a 20% down payment of the purchase price of the house to avoid having to use Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for default insurance. However, using default insurance through CMHC allows you to place a down payment of only 5% of the purchase price of the home. Keep in mind that you will pay more on your mortgage by obtaining default insurance. Below are some tips to help you save money for a down payment on a house:

Take a look at your monthly expenses. Determine what you can realistically afford to put away per month. Once you have determined…

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How to Get Front-of-the-Line Access to Desirable Homes for Sale

As you've probably noticed, credit card companies regularly offer bonuses to get you to apply for their cards. For example, one such card company offers opportunities to buy tickets to concerts and other events ahead of everyone else. It's their "front of the line" service.

When you’re searching for a new home, wouldn't it be great if you could get to the front of the line on desirable properties – before other buyers get the chance?

Well, in a way, you can.

The first thing you need to do is create a profile for the specific type of home you're looking to buy. That profile will need to include the basics, such as type of home (e.g. detached), size and rooms (e.g. 2000-2,500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths), and your target…

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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 process…

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LUXURY & STYLE

THIS CALGARY HOME FEATURES A DREAMY ENSUITE YOU'LL WANT FOR YOURSELF

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design meets open-concept living in this prairie home.

The first step in making a house a home is curating a space that exudes serenity, balance and, of course, privacy. Your home is your retreat from the outside world: a place to recharge and connect with family and friends. Wouldn’t it be nice if the design of the house itself reflected these values?

Brookfield’s exciting development, Artesia at Heritage Pointe, does just that. A quiet estate-only community located only minutes away from the heart of the bustling Seton Urban District, Artesia features homes that have been designed with both style and livability in mind. From…

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ARE YOU A CUSTOMER OR CLIENT?

How a customer differs from a client in the real estate market:

I’m in the market to purchase a townhome. I’ve been asked by real estate brokerages if I’m looking to sign with them as a client or as a customer. What’s the difference?

In our daily lives, we tend to use the terms “client” and “customer” interchangeably. But in real estate transactions, there’s a big difference between the services you will receive, depending on which kind of contract you sign. Considering your confidence level, knowledge of real estate and comfort in making decisions without counsel from an expert in the field, you may choose to contract with the brokerage as a customer. If you are new to buying and selling properties, or…

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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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Why Live in Airdrie? | 159 WINDFORD ST SW, AIRDRIE

City Of Airdrie |159 Windford Street SW | Airdrie 

There is definitely something about Airdrie, that only the people from Airdrie can understand, something that makes the city a great place to live & visit.

A stop at the Nose Creek Valley Museum might hint toward our history, where early settlers founded a stopping point for the steam trains to take on a drink of the fresh Nose Creek waters, or a historic connection to our sister city in Scotland might depict a king's naming over Airdries' high elevations. Whether you perceive it as a 'small-town feel' or 'small city attitude'; Airdrie is filled with rustic charm and authentic appeal, farm-fresh experiences, innovative technologies, urban design, neighborly sentiment and family-focused events…

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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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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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Values are key when looking for a REALTOR®

Looking for a REALTOR® can be a difficult process. Sometimes it seems like every family and friend recommends someone, so where how do you narrow it down? I always recommend starting with core values. When you're looking for your next home, you want to work with someone who understands and aligns with your values. My core values are health, honesty, wisdom and courage. Staying true to those values, I love helping people to live fuller, happier and stronger lives. I love helping people live better! I believe that living in a home that works for you and your lifestyle is a key cog in living better. 

After values, you want a REALTOR® with knowledge and local experience. I have been helping families in the Edmonton area find their perfect…

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