Having recently helped a handful of clients moved to smaller homes, I know how difficult it can be. Downsizing usually offers a wide range of exciting benefits, and provides significant financial and lifestyle opportunities. Although it is a popular choice later in life, not everyone looks forward to it with optimism. Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself living somewhere else. For many, it’s the actual move that make them reluctant. Here are the top three concerns that cause homeowners to think twice:
“I don’t want to move because I am sentimentally attached to my home.” Truly, home is where the … (3 comments)
Making a move is a huge undertaking. Before you declutter or choose your dream neighbourhood, there is one important point you need to consider first – choosing the right real estate agent. It’s no secret that there are a lot of us. So, how in the world do you decide? Here are four characteristics of an excellent real estate agent:
A great agent has learned by experience. Real estate is a crazy industry where the only constant thing is change. I love this aspect of my profession! Every day there is something new to learn. The economy, lending rates, … (2 comments)
The steady upward price trend in our local real estate market has inspired many people to think about diversifying their investment portfolio. You don't need to be a seasoned investor to make money in real estate. Many people simply buy and hold a few properties until they build up enough equity or decide they are satisfied with the return and no longer want the responsibilities of being a landlord.
Have you considered buying a rental property in Okotoks? With extremely low vacancy rates and high market rent, there is certainly money to be made. Entry-level homes are still affordably priced, … (1 comments)
If you have ever bought a home or switched mortgage providers, you probably needed to get an appraisal done. An appraiser’s job is to evaluate your home and give the bank an independent, professional opinion on the value.
When might I be required to get an appraisal done? Appraisals are often required by banks and lenders to verify the value when a home is purchased, or if the home owner is seeking secured financing. Appraisals are also done to satisfy the legal proceedings in a divorce or estate settlement. For homeowners simply looking for the estimated market value … (0 comments)
Buying new has its advantages, particularly in Alberta. Last year, the provincial government implemented the New Home Buyer Protection Act. This act is intended to improve the standard of residential construction and offers consumers a higher level of security. Single-family homes, condos and multi-family dwellings are all covered. This program provides the most comprehensive protection plan in Canada.
So which components of your new home are covered under the statute? The first year offers coverage for the cosmetic finishes in the home including defects in the paint, flooring, and trim. The second year safeguards against defects caused by … (3 comments)
karen salmon: Preparing to Buy a Home
- 03/15/15 05:40 AM
Thinking of buying a home? It is an extremely exciting and rewarding experience, but there are a lot of things to remember and many important decisions to be made. This checklist will help you organize the process and carefully consider your options as you go. Refer to this list as a guide to keep your home search on the right track: Choose a Realtor to help you get started. Review and sign the Buyer’s Representation Agreement. Choose a mortgage professional to help you get your financing in order. Determine a purchase price that you are comfortable with, and calculate an … (0 comments)
According to a recent report by the Globe and Mail, over 75% of Canada’s newly self-employed workers are women. They are more educated than ever, and are rapidly rising to the top in many of the country’s largest corporations. They are proving that anything men can do, women can do better! Real estate is no exception. More and more women are acquiring financial stability and finding opportunities to build wealth as landlords, investors, and renovators.
Women have top-notch intuition. There are no guarantees in real estate. There are trends and sales histories, predictions and strong opinions, … (0 comments)
As a Realtor, I get asked one question all the time – “Is this a good time for me to sell my home?” There is no easy yes or no answer. However, there are a few different questions you can ask yourself to help you make the right decision.
Will the current market work in my favour?
There is no doubt that there is a lot going on right now, both in Calgary’s real estate market and in the economy as a whole. While real estate inventory is on the rise, and buyers are demonstrating a little bit of … (2 comments)
karen salmon: Looking Forward to 2015
- 02/11/15 11:42 PM
Last year was an exciting and record-setting time in the Calgary real estate market. Demand was high, prices increased and many sellers found themselves sorting through multiple offers on their home. Calgary’s growth was big news across the country and many outside developers staked their claim in our city’s active market. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average price for a home rose by nearly 6% last year. If the last twelve months were any indication of the type of year we are in for, we have a lot to look forward to. Increasing prices and low interest … (0 comments)
karen salmon: Buying Old vs. Buying New
- 02/01/15 03:29 AM
What does your perfect home look like? Is it a brand new house with gleaming floors and flawless finishes, or a sprawling family home in an established neighbourhood waiting for some TLC and your personal touch? Every buyer has something different in mind, and whether you choose to buy brand new or a re-sale, both have their own advantages. It's up to you to determine where your priorities lie. Buying a Home in an Established Neighbourhood Advantages - Older neighbourhoods offer mature streets, larger properties and more privacy. In most cases, the yard is already landscaped, and there is plenty … (3 comments)
Every so often, there is a new neighbourhood that knocks it out of the park with something unique, on trend, and well worth the investment for the discerning buyer. The community of Currie Barracks is exactly that. I was thrilled when a friend chose this uber cool neighborhood for her family. Currie Barracks has been a Calgary landmark since the city was established. The army base was built in 1934, and remained operational until 1995. It was named after William Currie, one of Canada's most decorated military figures. Shortly after it closed, the surrounding property was sold to Canada Lands … (0 comments)
karen salmon: Selling Your Home in the Country
- 12/14/14 02:19 AM
Are you thinking of listing your country home? Selling an acreage property is a little different than listing a home in the city. Generally, it’s a different type of market, and buyers may be conducting their home search with slightly different expectations. Here are five smart tips on how to sell your country home: Showcase the features that drew you to your home. Was it the stunning views or the classic country charm? Think about the features that you first noticed when you saw your home, and try to draw attention to them again for potential buyers. Country homes are often … (1 comments)
There is something wonderful about living in the country. The fresh air, the wide open spaces and the ever changing views that each season brings are more than enough to convince many home buyers to head outside the city. If you are considering moving to an acreage property, there are a few important things to consider that may not have crossed your mind.
Everything is bigger in the country. Be prepared for the maintenance that goes along with living in an oversized lot. The lawn will take longer to cut, you will need more mulch for the garden, … (0 comments)
karen salmon: Living the Okotoks Lifestyle
- 11/18/14 02:58 AM
Living in the beautiful town of Okotoks truly offers the best of both worlds. If you love the idea of small town living within a convenient distance of the big city, Okotoks might be right for you. With a population of roughly 25,000 people, Okotoks has earned the distinction of Alberta’s largest town. It is located 18km south of Calgary. The name was inspired by the Blackfoot First Nation term, “ohkotok” meaning “rock”. Some say the town was likely named after a large glacial rock formation that sits just west of the town.Okotoks is divided down the middle by … (0 comments)
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