Buying

Buying

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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There is so much to remember when you are moving. This is why it is so important to be working with Ken Richter, your trusted real estate professional! Ken's expertise can help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible on the transaction side, so you have the headspace to focus on all the other little details.

Here is a list of some things to remember and take into careful consideration as you begin the moving process:

Organizing your Move

  • Get estimates from different moving companies to see what works best for your budget. Make sure you also read their online reviews to ensure you've found high quality movers. Two weeks before your move call and confirm the date and time they will be arriving.

  • Sell, give away, and discard…

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Summertime is right around the corner, and is a favourite season for home buyers. The warmer months have so many advantages that make finding a property a fun and fruitful endeavor! Here are the top reasons why summer is a great time to search for your dream home:

  • More inventory! The real estate market tends to be more active in the summer, leading to a higher number of available listings. Sellers often wait until the warmer months to list their homes, resulting in a greater variety of properties to choose from. This increased inventory can enhance your chances of finding a home that meets all your criteria
  • More potential! Homes tend to look their best during the summer. Gardens are in full bloom, lawns are green, and outdoor spaces are…

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Finding a good deal in today’s competitive real estate market in Calgary, AB sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? The Calgary market is booming, and it’s not predicted to slow down anytime soon.

 In the Calgary Real Estate Board’s latest report, they note, “With a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 83 per cent and a months of supply of less than one month, conditions continue to favour the seller, driving further price gains in the market. In April, the unadjusted total residential benchmark price reached $603,700, a one per cent gain over last month and nearly 10 per cent higher than last year's levels. Price gains occurred across all property types and districts of the city. The strongest price growth occurred in the more affordable districts of the…

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There is no question about it: Calgary, Alberta is in the midst of a seller's market. What is a seller's market exactly? Investopedia writes, "A seller's market is a market condition characterized by a shortage of goods available for sale, resulting in pricing power for the seller. A seller's market is a term commonly applied to the property market when low supply meets high demand"

In a seller's market, buyers need to make their offer stand out amongst the rest! Here are some tips on how to do so:

  1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show sellers that you are a serious buyer and can afford the home. It makes it more likely your financing will pull through and not leave…

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Know your limit, stay within it!

This classic saying can be applied to a multitude of things, one of them being purchasing a home in Calgary, Alberta. Know your budget for a mortgage, and stay within it. This is crucial to ensure you do not get in over your head financially. Here are some elements of the home buying process to take into consideration as you endeavor to purchase a property:

  • Personal Finances: Begin by assessing your current financial situation. Calculate your monthly income after taxes and deduct your existing financial obligations, such as car payments, student loans, credit card debt, groceries, utilities, and more. The amount remaining is what you can allocate towards a mortgage payment.
  • Consider Down Payment and Closing…

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We are currently in a very competitive real estate market, favoring sellers. Buyers are feeling the stress to jump on whatever comes their way, no matter what the details are, in a desperate attempt to enter the real estate market by any means possible. While we understand the desire to want to secure property, it is also important to remember that this is a long term investment; and the biggest financial investment you’ll likely ever make. Do not make a bad investment just for the sake of making an investment.

With that in mind, here is what to look for in a good house:

Location: A good location can significantly impact your quality of life and the property's resale value. Look for a house in a safe neighborhood with good schools, access to…

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You have likely read before that the spring is a great time to buy or sell a home in Calgary, Alberta. This is a popular phrase many real estate professionals use, and we are here to tell you that the rumors are true! Spring is indeed a great time to buy or sell a home. Here are some of the reasons why:

For Buyers:

  • Many homes get listed in the spring, which means you need to be ready to scoop up a great property before it is sold. With such a competitive market right now, buyers need to be one step ahead of everyone else in order to secure a property. Contact Team Ken Richter today to get poised to buy!
  • The weather is better! Simply put, it is easier to navigate going to viewings, booking inspections, and more when the weather is nice. As…

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The winter season brings its own set of challenges for home buyers and sellers. Snow, ice, and cold weather can create hazards that need to be addressed to ensure a safe and smooth real estate transaction. Whether you're buying or selling a home during the winter months, here are some essential safety precautions to consider.

For Home Buyers:

  • Wear Appropriate Footwear: When touring properties in winter, wear footwear with good traction to prevent slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces.
  • Watch Your Step: Be cautious when navigating driveways, walkways, and stairs that may be slippery due to ice or snow. Use handrails where available and take your time to avoid accidents.
  • Schedule Inspections Carefully: Schedule home inspections during…

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