remax: Real Estate Terms - 06/20/11 05:44 AM
Sometimes in the Real Estate world there are terms used that the average person may not know, so let's look at a few of them.
Amortization: The period of time it takes to reduce a debt to zero when payments are made regularly. Amortization periods are 15, 20 or 25 years.
Chattels: Articles of moveable personal property (ie: dishwasher, fridge dehumidifier)
Closing Costs: Various costs and expenses associated with closing a real estate transaction. Such costs can include paying for title insurance, legal fees, appraisal fees, etc. It is important to remember these costs are over and above the purchase price of … (0 comments)

remax: Home Inspections - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly - 06/14/11 05:00 AM
Having attended and watched hundreds of home inspections, I've had the opportunity to see the good, the bad, and the ugly ones.
Some inspectors really know their stuff, and can catch problems in a house the average person wouldn't. Others don't know what their doing, but somehow seem to get by on a good personality and sense of humour. Some think they aren't doing their job unless they can find a hundred things wrong with the property, and point out some irrelevant stuff.
In my opinion, the best home inspectors have the following skills:
Knowledge of building code, construction, common problems - … (4 comments)

remax: Do I HAVE to Sell my Home? - 05/31/11 06:18 AM

What if you put your home on the market and then change your mind about selling.  Do you still have to sell your home EVEN if you get an offer that matches everything EXACTLY as you asked (date, asking price, inclusions, exclusions)? The answer is... NO! No you do not, but the general public does not know this. 
Case in point is a good friend and client of ours.  They are interested in a gorgeous condo that has been renovated top to bottom.  They would like to put in an offer conditional on the sale of their home.  The Seller will not … (1 comments)

remax: Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home - 04/30/11 04:34 AM
Question: How can I compare my monthly rental payments to mortgage payments?
Answer: Of course, the amount of your mortgage payments will depend on the price of the home you buy, the size of your down payment, prevailing mortgage rates, and the term and amortization you choose. But it's actually quite easy to estimate typical payments using the simple mortgage calculator available on our website at www.SoldByJ.com.
Question: How do I know how big a mortgage I will qualify for?
Answer: A mortgage pre-approval is a great way to know how much you can borrow for your home.  This, in turn, helps you … (0 comments)

remax: Make Your Home Greener to Appeal to Buyers - 04/24/11 09:08 AM
In today's real estate market, sellers are looking for more ways to set their homes apart from the droves of other properties for sale. But how do you get buyers to look twice when your home is comparable to other listings in your neighborhood in the same price range?Here's a thought: Go green. Many homeowners are looking for eco-friendly ways to reduce their family's impact on the environment - and save money! Appealing to this sensibility not only differentiates your home from the rest, but it also saves you money on monthly utility bills.People sometimes have a misconception of what being green … (1 comments)

remax: Making Miracles Happen For Kids - 04/18/11 04:23 AM

RE/MAX has become one of just three fundraising sponsors to reach $100 million in total donations to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.In a final push to reach the $100 million mark, RE/MAX real estate agents defied a global recession to raise more than $7 million through the Miracle Home program by making personal donations and sponsoring community fundraisers such as golf tournaments, auctions and more.RE/MAX agents who participate in the Miracle Home program pledge to make a donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals upon completion of your home sale or purchase. And the funds stay local, benefiting the Children's Miracle Network Hospital … (0 comments)

remax: Time for a Homeowners Insurance Checkup - 04/15/11 05:32 AM

Have you thought about your homeowners insurance lately?If not, maybe you should...Chances are the subject hasn't crossed your mind since you purchased your policy. And while buy and hold may work for some investments, it may not be the best strategy when it comes to homeowners insurance. A policy that was adequate when you first purchased it may need to be revised because of changes you've made to your home or increased construction costs. You should consult with your insurance agent or broker to evaluate your policy and make sure it still meets your needs."You really should look at it … (0 comments)

remax: Don't Wait: The Time To Buy Is Now - 04/11/11 04:34 AM
You may have heard or read advice that suggests you should wait until next year to buy a home because prices are likely to go even lower than they are now...That may or may not be true. Who is to say? But even supposing prices do decline further, will you really be ahead by delaying your purchase? There are exceptional values available right now in many markets on homes and investment properties. Combine these great values with the low monthly payments provided by extremely low interest rates and it becomes clear that there's no real advantage to waiting.
Let's explore the … (1 comments)

remax: Make Small Spaces Appear Larger - 04/04/11 07:35 AM

Have Small Rooms? Create an Illusion of More Space
Do you have a small room or rooms that you'd like to seem larger? One solution is to de-clutter the space. But if you're not prepared to toss out your grandmother's antique furniture, it might be time to try some decorating tips that will help you make the best use of the space.Here are some solutions to not only maximize the space you have, but also to give it a larger feel.Go Lighter ... Paint walls light or pale colors.... But Don't Be Boring. Adding bold accents with varying patterns, prints … (0 comments)

remax: ecoENERGY - 03/28/11 06:05 AM
The government of Canada and local governments are doing a lot to effect change in Canadians to help our environment by installing several green / eco-friendly initiatives. These programs can put $$$ back into our pockets after investing in eco-friendly home upgrades, eco-energy programs, eco-transportation, and more.

Here  are some resources for more information on the eco-friendly programs that can save you money $$$!
HOMES -For more info on ecoENERGY Retrofit Grants and Incentives: click here
TRANSPORTATION - For more info on Tax Credits for Public Transit passes: click here
AGRICULTURE - For more info on eco-AG benefits: click here
Directory … (0 comments)

remax: To Choose the Right Contractor, Ask the Right Questions - 03/25/11 07:16 AM
Thinking of building your dream home? Or investing in a major renovation? You have several important decisions ahead of you: where you're going to build it, what type of home you want, the square footage you want, and many more. Perhaps the most critical choice you'll make is the contractor. Choose the right contractor and you're more than likely to be thrilled with your new home - and with the process. But if you choose the wrong one, it could end up being a nightmare.  The best way to get the process started is to ask for referrals from your real estate agent, … (0 comments)

remax: Planting a Tree? Here’s How to Do it Right! - 03/23/11 03:43 AM
Planting a Tree? Here's How to Do it Right
Everybody loves trees. And why not? Mature trees in your yard add value to your home; by some estimates, as much as 10 percent. They can also save you money by reducing heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.In addition to that, they add beauty to our world, exhale life-giving oxygen, attract songbirds and other pleasing wildlife, provide shade to keep us cool, and simply give us pleasure.Want to plant a tree in your yard? With spring officially here, but feeling like it's just around the corner.. Here … (2 comments)

remax: Deciding What Type of Home to Buy - 03/16/11 12:47 AM
So you've decided it's time to become a homeowner...Great decision! You'll be making an investment in your future - and building equity in a place all your own - instead of enriching your landlord.One of the most important decisions you'll make as you proceed in the homebuying process is the type of home you want to live in. A single-family home? A townhome or condo? A duplex or triplex?And what type of floor plan do you prefer? A single-family ranch? A multistory home or a tri-level? There are many factors you should consider in making these decisions, including your lifestyle, family … (2 comments)

remax: RE/MAX Home Team Contest Launched - 03/11/11 06:23 AM
RE/MAX and the Western Hockey League have teamed up to bring fans an opportunity to win $17,500 in home improvement packages AND tickets to future WHL home games.
Enter to win the grand prize of $10,000 in home improvement cash & goods at: http://www.whlremaxhometeam.ca/; contest rules and regulations available online.
Winning tickets is easy - just follow these steps:
Step 1: Follow the WHL on Twitter @TheWHL and answer the weekly question. The answer must include the WHL team closest to your home town and the code "#RE/MAXWIN". 
Step 2: Follow the WHL on Facebook and enter to win under the RE/MAX Contest … (0 comments)

remax: Investors: An Agent’s Help Can Improve Your Return - 03/08/11 03:31 AM
A skilled, knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent or real estate team is one of the best assets a real estate investor can have.Whether you're diving into the real estate investment pool for the first time, or you're an experienced investor, a trained real estate agent can perform many functions more efficiently and effectively than you yourself can. And by the way, you don't have to be wealthy to invest in real estate; nearly half of investors in 2009 earned $75,000 annually or less.The value of an agent goes far beyond showing properties.Realtors are up with current trends. We are going to classes, taking … (0 comments)

remax: To Handle Lowball Offer, Minimize Emotion - 03/07/11 04:20 AM
To Handle Lowball Offer, Minimize Emotion
It's a common scenario in today's real estate market: Sellers have their eyes on getting a certain amount for their home. Buyers make a lowball offer that insults and offends the sellers and they refuse to even consider it. No sale.
How do you, as a seller, turn such a situation around in your favor to achieve a successful sale closer to your asking price? Your motivation plays a major role in your response.
If you want to sell a home quickly and a buyer is offering less but can close quickly, it's worth considering. When … (2 comments)

remax: Six Tips to Getting the Mortgage You Want - 03/04/11 05:09 AM
Now is the best time to purchase a home! Interest rates are at a historic low, and housing prices in many markets have adjusted to levels that have not been seen in years.
But before you start your property search or drive around neighborhoods looking at every house with a "For Sale" sign in the yard, you'll need some information. In particular, you'll need to know how much house you can afford and get preapproved for a home mortgage. 
There are six things you can do right now to help you enter the preapproval process:
Get AdviceSeek out a trusted real … (0 comments)

remax: 7 Questions You Can Ask to Get Real FEEDBACK - 03/02/11 04:05 AM
7 Questions You Can Ask to Get Real FEEDBACK
1. What Is Your Overall Impression of The Home?
Buyers will tell you the truth but "pepper" it with compliments they think you want to hear so as no to offend anyone. They might use "weak" adjectives such as "It's nice" or "I liked it" - You must probe deeper! Whatever the feedback is it is important to not become combative or argue with the buyer. Simply thank them for their input & for viewing the home. 2. How Do You Compare This home With Others You Are Considering?
This will make the buyer … (4 comments)

remax: ‘Wild Card’ Props up Canadian Housing Markets says RE/MAX - 02/09/11 02:04 AM
Tighter inventory levels helped to make the last decade one of the healthiest periods on record for Canadian real estate, insulating markets in major centres from the peaks and valleys characteristic of past decades, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The across the country from January 2000 to December 2010. The report found strong seller's/balanced conditions prevailed for much of the time frame, prompting significant gains in housing values. The lone exception was when the market dipped into buyer's territory during the latter half of 2008 and early 2009. However, fewer listings served to offset diminished demand and provided … (0 comments)

remax: CREB Media Release - Calgary Home Sales Rise Year-Over-Year - 02/07/11 03:27 AM
Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) Media Release - JANUARY 2011
CALGARY HOME SALES RISE YEAR-OVER-YEAR
Calgary - Single family home sales in the City of Calgary edged upwards month-over-month and showed the first year-over-year increase since April 2010, according to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board).  
The number of single family home sales in the month of January 2011 were 787, compared with December 2010, when sales were 734 - an increase of about 7 per cent. The number of condominium sales for the month of January 2011 was 297. This was down from the 320 condominium transactions … (0 comments)

 
The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team (RE/MAX First)

The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team

Calgary, AB

More about me…

RE/MAX First

Address: 9625 McLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB, T2J 0P6

Office: (403) 278-2900

Mobile: (403) 650-7332

We are a professional real estate team with Remax First and we bring you this real estate industry blog focusing on realty issues, tips and advice for the Calgary & Okotoks region in Alberta, Canada.


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