We have been swamped with reaction to Susan Lazaruk’s Sunday package about the high cost of housing in Vancouver. We asked readers how they are coping and whether the house prices have caused them to flee. Here is a sampling of what we heard… Read more...(274 words, 5 images, estimated 1:06 mins reading time)
Imagining How an LRT Station Can Strengthen a Neighbourhood
As you may be aware, the City of Edmonton is planning for a more sustainable future by encouraging Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around existing and future LRT Stations – almost 60 in total. Transit Oriented Development refers to development that is planned… Read more...(254 words, 5 images, estimated 1:01 mins reading time)
The Healthy House is bright, open, energy efficient and welcoming. It can be new or renovated, in downtown or suburbia. Wherever you find it, the Healthy House is characterized by five key elements. Read more...(331 words, estimated 1:19 mins reading time)
Occupant Health
Healthy Housing™ promotes superior quality of indoor air, water and lighting.
Economic growth in Canada had more momentum in the second half of 2011 than the Bank projected in its October MPR, but it expects the pace going forward to slow by more modest than previously expected, due largely to factors outside Canadian borders. This reiterates statements made in December 2011… Read more...(266 words, 5 images, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)
There are many different reasons to renovate a home: to save energy (and save on utility bills), to make room for a growing family, to improve safety or increase the resale value of your home, or simply to bring a fresh new look to your home. There are also a number of different ways to finance your renovation. Read on to obtain information for a number of financing options, along with practical advice to consider before starting your renovation project. Read more...(789 words, estimated 3:09 mins reading time)
Come on admit it – telling everyone around the water cooler you got a 5 year, fixed rate mortgage for 2.99% is prettttyyyy awesome. And it is a fabulous rate, no question about it — but is that all it is? A great rate that ends up costing you much more than you bargained for a couple of years down the road? Read more...(731 words, 1 image, estimated 2:55 mins reading time)
Canadian residential real estate defied conventional logic and outperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year of housing activity virtually across the board. The trend is expected to carry forward into 2012 as Canadians continue to demonstrate their faith in homeownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. Read more...(866 words, estimated 3:28 mins reading time)
Forty years ago a unique planning process, the Mill Woods Development Concept, was set to transform urban development in Edmonton. The goal for Mill Woods was straightforward – create a place for people, a community with a strong sense of place, well connected to its surroundings. Read more...(422 words, 1 image, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)
It would be an understatement to say that a lot happened in 2011. It would also be an understatement to suggest a lot happened in the Edmonton Real Estate market. But for all of the activity, and there was plenty, how far have we come? How much has changed since this time one year ago? As it turns out, not much. The stability that the Real Estate market has shown over the last year gives REALTORS® great confidence going forward. A quick rewind shows us that home prices were remarkably similar at the end of November, to the same time last year! Read more...(250 words, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)
What makes a great Tenant? One that keeps the house / condo clean, pays the rent on time, and lets you know if there any problems.
In turn, you put good quality amenities in the house/condo, treat them with respect, and maybe give them a Christmas gift. Read more...(253 words, estimated 1:01 mins reading time)
Life happens. For thousands of home buyers and sellers this year, life happened, and REALTORS® were there to answer the call. On behalf of all REALTORS® in the Edmonton area, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all home buyers and sellers for putting their Real Estate goals in the hands of a REALTOR®. Read more...(137 words, estimated 33 secs reading time)
There is new evidence to suggest that the Canadian housing market, that has been fervently climbing, is beginning to cool.
The latest release of the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index, which examines repeat sales of single-family homes in 11 major cities across the country, reveals that on a national average, price have fallen modestly- by 0.4% in October from the month prior. This represents the second month in a row that prices have remained fairly flat. Read more...(218 words, estimated 52 secs reading time)
It is a well-known fact that men and women tend to have different approaches to many situations, and purchasing a home is apparently one of those situations. Read more...(405 words, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)
Rentors may be feeling the squeeze in Edmonton as vacancy rates drop. According to CMHC the rental vacancy rate is 3.3% down from 4.2 percent last year. That means that landlords have less pressure to maintain current rental rates because their properties will be easier to rent in the year ahead.
While interest rates are low and the market is stable, many rentors may want to consider their move into a home that they own. They can then control their own future, reduce the risk of rate increases and start to develop equity.
A REALTOR® will be able to explain the benefits of home ownership and help you to select a home to meet your budget and your dreams.
As a REALTOR®, I sometimes get to work with first-time home-buyers. They are a great pleasure to help because they are making a conscious decision to get into a home that they own. They are making a long-term choice to purchase a home, to take care of, and decorate as they choose. Read more...(423 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)