Buying

Buying

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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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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