okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: Okotoks Parade of Garage Sales & Open House
- 05/19/11 08:31 AM
Come check out the annual Okotoks Parade of Garage Sales this Saturday, May 21 with HUNDREDS of garage sales all over town.... While you're out - stop in at our OPEN HOUSE at 64 Crystal Ridge Cres. being held from 9:00 am - 12;00 noon and check out this beautiful 2310 square foot 5 bedroom family home in the lake community of Crystal Ridge. For more information on this home click here!
… (0 comments)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
okotoks home for sale: 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)
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.
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.
;)
;)
;)
