Buying

Buying

 

In the summertime everything comes to life. The trees start growing their leaves, the flowers start blooming, animals come out of hibernation, and people turn off Netflix and head outside. With the sun out longer and holiday time banked, the summer becomes the perfect time to tackle that big project, have cold drinks on the patio, spend time with the family and, for many people, move.

That's right, while the springtime is when many homes get listed for sale in Calgary, Alberta, possession often happens during the summertime. This is because with such nice weather and more holidays, it is easier for people to move out of their old homes and into their new homes. If you are one of these people, we have 3 tips to help the process go smoothly from…

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Calgary is in the midst of an incredibly hot real estate market. Here are some tips for making your home offer stand out: 

Get Background Information: Homes.com suggests, "ask your agent to get the inside scoop of what the seller may want by asking the listing agent... Some sellers prefer you use a specific title company or have a specific possession date that would align with a date that is convenient for them. The more your offer aligns with the seller’s goal, the better a chance of getting your dream home."

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Lindsey Hood writes, "if it’s a home you don’t want to miss out on, make a strong offer from the start. Don’t underbid with the expectation that there’s room for negotiation. In a desirable market, you should…

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Winter is an excellent time to make your real estate move in Calgary, as long as you are motivated and willing to trek through the snow to make it happen. However, the busiest time of the year for real estate transactions is spring. So, is the winter market starting to thaw into a spring market?

YES!

The Calgary Real Estate reported in their last statistics update, "Inventory levels saw substantial year-over-year growth for the second month in a row, rising by 76 per cent to 4,145 units in February. While inventory increases were seen across all price ranges, the largest increases were in homes priced under $500,000." The rise in inventory means one thing: the spring market is about to boom.

What does this mean for sellers? If you're hoping…

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Moving to a new home is a big decision, but sometimes, it becomes clear that a change is needed. Whether it’s for financial reasons, lifestyle changes, or simply outgrowing your current space, there are key signs that indicate it may be time to start looking for a new place. Don’t stay in a place that no longer serves you just because it feels like the least stressful option. We’re here for you.

Here are some of the top signs it’s time to move houses:

  1. The house itself no longer suits you: One of the most common reasons people move is because their current home no longer meets their needs. Whether your family is growing and you need more space, or you have empty rooms that are no longer in use, an ill-fitting home can be a daily…

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So you're buying a home in Calgary, Alberta... now what? As a first-time buyer, the real estate world can feel overwhelming. There are so many considerations to keep in mind when buying a home, and the stakes are high. 

To get you started wrapping your head around everything that is coming up, here is a first-time buyers checklist:

  1. Save for a down-deposit. Moneysense writes, "A down payment is the lump sum of money you will have to put towards the total cost of your new house. Your down payment has to be liquid funds you have access to. The amount you’ll need for the down payment depends on the purchase price of the home, according to the rules set by the government of Canada."
  2. Partner with Ken Richter. Ken's 35+ years of experience in the…

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As the New Year begins, many people start setting goals and planning for the future. For prospective homebuyers in Calgary, January is an excellent time to dive into the real estate market. While winter may seem like an unconventional season to buy a home, it offers unique advantages that make it worth considering:

  1. Less Competition: One of the biggest advantages of house hunting in January is reduced competition. Many buyers wait until the spring or summer months to start their search, leaving the winter market less crowded. With fewer people bidding on homes, you’re more likely to secure your dream property at a competitive price.
  2. More Negotiating Power: Because the real estate market tends to slow down in the winter, sellers may be more…

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Early winter often goes overlooked as a prime time for purchasing a home in Calgary, Alberta, but savvy buyers know it offers many unique advantages. Here is why you should consider making a move during this quieter season:

  1. Sellers Are Extra Motivated: Sellers with homes on the market in early winter are often more motivated to close a deal quickly—whether due to job relocations, tax purposes, or the desire to move before the holidays. This motivation can translate to better deals and flexibility on closing terms and dates.
  2. Year-End Tax Benefits: Closing on a home before the year’s end allows buyers to take advantage of mortgage interest and property tax deductions when filing taxes. There are also some lucrative tax breaks for selling at…

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Since the COVID-19 epidemic, the rise of remote work has dramatically transformed the real estate landscape. Once tethered to specific locations near workplaces, homebuyers and sellers now have a new set of priorities that is reshaping where and how they make real estate decisions. Here is how remote work is influencing home buying and selling:

  1. Location Flexibility: Traditionally, homebuyers focused on living near city centers to cut down on commuting time. With remote work becoming a long-term reality, buyers now prioritize homes in suburban or even rural areas, where they can enjoy more space, privacy, and affordable housing options. This trend has sparked growth in previously overlooked regions, and cities once known as commuter hubs are…

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When it comes to buying an investment property, timing can make all the difference. While many investors focus on the spring or summer markets, fall presents a unique opportunity for savvy buyers to capitalize on several advantages. Here are key reasons why fall is an ideal time to purchase an investment property.

  1. Motivated Sellers: Sellers with homes still on the market in the fall are often more motivated to close a deal before the holiday season or winter. This urgency may translate into price reductions or incentives like covering closing costs. Investors can leverage this motivation to secure a better deal and potentially acquire a property below market value.
  2. Less Competition: By fall, many homebuyers have already completed their…

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When it comes to buying a home or refinancing a mortgage, interest rates play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of your loan. Understanding how these rates affect your mortgage can help you make informed financial decisions and potentially save you a significant amount of money. Here’s a breakdown of how interest rates impact mortgages and what you should consider in today’s market.

First, you need to be aware of how interest rates affect your mortgage on a base level. The most direct impact of interest rates on your mortgage is on your monthly payments. A lower interest rate generally means lower monthly payments, which can make a mortgage more affordable. Over the life of the loan, a lower interest rate results in less total interest…

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