If you’re stuck deciding whether to sell or stay, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves reluctant to give up the home they’ve loved and appreciated for so many years, even if it no longer meets their needs. For this reason, homeowners may opt to renovate, in an attempt to get their current property to better suit their lifestyle. 

But are renovations really worth the cost and effort? Here are a few things to consider:

Renovation vs. Down Payment Costs 

According to the experts, most Canadians plan to spend at least $10,211 to renovate their homes. Of those choosing to renovate, nearly 40% go over budget, with average costs ranging anywhere from $10 to $60 per square foot (i.e. a 1,600 square foot home x $10/square foot = $16,000).

…

2215 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Has your home listing expired?

It’s our opinion that your home should have sold. No, really! We know you did everything you could do (or thought you could do) to help sell your home quickly and for top dollar. But the truth is, even with the help of an agent, even the best Edmonton homes don’t sell. And here’s why:

Your Home Needs the Right Positioning 

In today’s competitive market, accurate pricing is crucial. While there’s no doubt you’ve put a lot of love into your property, what you think your home is worth vs. its actual current market value may not be the same (sometimes it’s even worth a whole lot more). The trick is to perfectly position yourself within the market to avoid overpricing (scaring buyers away) or under-pricing (taking a…

822 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and the Alberta Real Estate Association  (AREA) have put active protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of home buyers, sellers and their agents. While now is still a great time for real estate in the capital region, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, here’s what you need to know:

Social Distancing

Tour homes and meet one on one with your REALTOR® from the comfort of your living room. To help flatten the curve, reputable agents are taking to online applications such as Zoom or Skype to conduct virtual showings and attend to the needs of their clients. When an in-person meeting is deemed necessary, be sure to maintain a regular social…

536 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

How much will it cost to sell your Edmonton home? While the answer will vary according to your unique selling situation, here are a few expenses you’ll want to prepare for ahead of time.

Pre-Listing Inspection: 

While optional, scheduling an inspection before you list can help streamline the sale of your home. Not only will a pre-listing inspection allow you to identify and address repairs and hidden issues ahead of time, but it will also instill buyer confidence and minimize negotiation time.

Home Repairs and Upgrades 

Improve your home’s value (and sale price), by tackling necessary repairs and renovations beforehand. These may include addressing larger ticket items such as roof or siding repairs, HVAC, plumbing, etc. You may also want…

2358 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Whether you’re thinking about putting your home up for sale or simply looking for ways to improve its overall value, these top 3 renovations will deliver the biggest bang for your buck:

Kitchen Renovation and/or Update 

While kitchen renovations can be among the most expensive, they also carry the healthiest ROL.

ROI = 75-100%

Average Cost:

Smaller Renovation (i.e. fresh paint, refinishing cabinets upgrading hardware and a new backsplash) = $13,049 – $19,574

Larger Renovation (custom cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood flooring and high-end appliances) = $40,000 and up

Budget Recommendation = 5-15% of your home’s overall value

Tips For Saving On Your Kitchen Renovation:

  • Opt for Stock Instead of Custom – For instance,…

1427 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Sell your home quickly (and for more money) by avoiding these common, costly mistakes.

1. Doing It On Your Own 

Many home sellers opt to forgo commission costs by attempting to sell their own home. However, For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) transactions often result in homes sitting on the market longer – costing the seller the same amount (if not more), than if they’d chosen to work with a REALTOR® in the first place. 

Other expenses FSBO sellers may not be prepared for, but are otherwise covered by a REALTOR®, are real estate advertising and marketing costs – which are absolutely necessary if you hope to attract qualified buyers to your home.

2. Not Pricing Correctly 

Yet another perk of working with a qualified Edmonton REALTOR® is that many…

793 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Don’t let buyer’s market conditions deter you from listing your home for a great sale. Instead, take advantage of these top three buyer’s market benefits.

1. You Have a REALTOR® on Your Side 

Home sellers working with a qualified Edmonton REALTOR® will always have the edge they need to succeed in a buyer’s market. Here’s why:

  • Your REALTOR® will help you capitalize and improve upon your home’s value as much as possible prior to listing, allowing you squeeze every dollar from your home sale. 
  • They’ll list your home for a fair yet competitive asking price, putting you in a good position to sell your home fast and for top dollar.
  • They will create a competitive marketing plan that guarantees you’ll be noticed by buyers (this includes an…

999 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Although selling your current home before buying your next one is an ideal scenario for most homeowners, things don’t always go as planned. Maybe you stumbled across your new dream home before you were ready to list your existing one. Or perhaps you’ve accepted a new job position that requires you to pack up and leave in a hurry.

Whatever the case, it IS possible to buy a new home before selling your old one. Here’s how:

HELOC 

Otherwise known as a Home Equity Line of Credit, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured against your home. In short, this allows you to put your existing home equity to work as a loan, accompanied by a set interest rate and monthly payments.

While homeowners opt for HELOC loans for a variety of reasons (i.e.…

1168 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Are you thinking about selling your home? We’re talking to you! Find out everything you need to know about home evaluations and how they help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar!

What is a Home Evaluation Anyway? 

Contrary to your home’s assessed value, a home evaluation will give you an idea as to what your home is actually worth based on current market conditions (otherwise known as your home’s market value). Typically conducted by a qualified real estate professional, an evaluation will tell you how much buyers will be willing to pay for your home within a 30-90-day period.

Could My Home Be Worth More Than What I Paid?

Yes! Maybe.

As we mentioned above, your home’s market value depends on current conditions. In a seller’s…

1343 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Of course, you can’t believe everything you hear, especially regarding REALTORS® and one of the most significant transactions of your life. In fact, when it comes to your Edmonton home purchase or sale, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction if you hope to save money, time and stress in the process.

Here are our top 4 REALTOR® myths exposed.

1. You’ll Save Money If You Sell On Your Own 

While it’s true you COULD save by opting to sell your home without the help of an Edmonton REALTOR®; it’s a pretty risky undertaking. Here are just a few of the many reasons why selling on your own may cost you more in the long run:

Market Knowledge – If you hope to sell fast and for top dollar, you need to have a keen understanding of…

596 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post