Buying | Page #7

Buying

Right now is a great time to enter the real estate market.

While many people did not believe we would be saying that anytime soon due to the ongoing shutdowns and restrictions that came from coronavirus, we are pleased to report that Calgary’s current real estate market is hot! Whether you are looking to buy or sell, now is a great time to spring into action.

We are currently in a Seller’s market. If you’ve been considering putting your home on the market, now is a great time to do so. The Calgary Board of Real Estate reports, “Conditions are [strongest] in the detached sector of the market, especially for product priced below $600,000, where strong sellers’ market conditions are present with less than two months of supply.” List your property…

678 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Buying a home is an incredibly exciting process, especially once you have found a home you like! Many buyers are overwhelmed with excitement as they walk through a home that feels like the perfect fit: the neighbourhood is great, it's close to work and schools, the home itself has everything on their 'needs' list and even a handful of things on their 'wants' list. It's sparkling with that staged home look and they're already imagining where their belongings will find a new sweet spot. An offer is made and accepted, and the home officially is set to (hopefully) go to the new owners after the specified time. They find a home inspector just to make sure everything looks okay under the hood, and...

Mold. Cracks in the foundation. Pipes that need…

543 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Welcome to the big, beautiful world of real estate! We are so excited to have you here. What a way to kick off 2021!

If you are looking to buy a home, you have come to the right spot. With thirty plus years of experience helping people buy and sell homes all across the city, Ken Richter is the perfect person to make your home-sweet-home dreams come true. We would love to sit down (virtually, of course) with you and begin the conversation on what you are looking for and how Team Ken Richter can help you get there. Contact Ken directly at 403-630-6363 to set that up.

In the meantime, take a moment to explore our website. It's not just here to look pretty: it's here to be an invaluable resource. Here is a brief breakdown of all the exciting content…

768 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

People are faced with two options when it comes to home sweet home: buying or renting. For some the choice is easy: they can either afford to purchase a property or they can’t so they choose to rent instead. However, in some cases people are on the cusp of either signing a new long-term lease or making a down payment on a home and beginning to pay a mortgage. What are the pros and cons to each decision? Read on so you can make an informed decision about something that will have a massive impact on your future (no pressure)!

Pros to Buying Your Own Property:

  • You get to start building up good credit by making monthly mortgage payments.

  • You are investing in something long-term that one day you can sell to get your money back (plus…

982 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

During the holiday season many people choose to express their gratitude and love for others with gifts. It’s a tangible way to show thoughtfulness and care, and is a long-standing tradition of many religious and nonreligious homes during this season.

Well it may be pious to say you get more pleasure from giving than receiving, it is fun to receive a gift picked out especially for you. Some people even buy themselves a Christmas gift, a little treat in celebration of the end of the year. At Christmas, items such as perfume, books, toys, tech and more are popular gifts for under the tree.

Another popular Christmas gift? A house! Arguably the most extravagant and expensive Christmas gift one can receive, a house is a great option. This long term…

773 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Welcome to the world of investment properties!

An investment property can be a property you use yourself (such as a vacation home), a property you lease to others (such as renters or a business), or a property that you fix up and flip for an immediate return. Whatever you plan on using your investment property for, consider the following:

  • Purchasing an investment property is a major decision, so don't rush it! Take the time to think critically about if an investment property is right for you, what kind of investment property is right for you, and, when you find a property, if it is the best investment property for you. There is absolutely no need to rush! Take your time so that you can be 100% (or at least 99%) confident in your end decision.…

1015 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

For most people, their first home is a rental property.

A rental property is a great way to learn how to live on your own without the responsibility of property taxes or major repairs. It is ideal for people unsure of where they want to settle by allowing you to test out a community, and for people whose lives may require they move frequently. Rental properties are also a way for people to get into housing if they don't have the financial means to qualify for a mortgage and buy a home. 

Rental properties also come with some downsides. It can be hard to fully feel 'at home' when you are living under someone else's roof, potentially with other individuals. You also do not have the creative freedom to paint, complete renovations, or put nails in…

652 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

Trying to decide if the suburbs or an inner-city community is right for you? There's lots to consider. 

Here are some of the Pros of living in the Suburbs:

  • New homes
  • Communities planned out to serve the modern world
  • Quiet / Removed from the stress of the city
  • Typically populated by younger families

Here are some of the Cons of living in the Suburbs:

  • Cookie Cutter homes can lack uniqueness
  • Communities in development lack established amenities
  • Far from City services such as workplaces and schools
  • More isolated community feeling

Here are some of the Pros of living in the Inner-City:

  • Historic and unique homes
  • Larger property lots with bigger resale value
  • Close to all city amenities / well…

584 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Attending an Open House is such a fun part of the buying experience. We've all seen homes and wondered what they look like on the inside. This is your chance to do just that! Open House's are the absolute best way to find out if a home is for you. Virtual tours and pictures can give you an introduction to the home, but there's nothing quite like walking the halls and experiencing it firsthand. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the neighbourhood. 

At an Open House you are in the power seat. After all, the seller wants to woo you so that you submit a good offer! However, you still need to be respectful of the space and the fact that you are entering a stranger's home. There is a certain set of etiquette one should follow during an…

637 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

We're coming to the close of the busy summer Calgary real estate season, but this year is a little different than normal. With COVID-19, many people have waited longer than they normally would to enter the market, whether as a buyer, seller or investor. This means that there are still homes coming on the market, particularly as quarantine rules continue to lift, allowing life to slowly move towards a new normal. So, if you're only just ready to take the first step, this is a great time to do so!

When it comes to preparing to buy a home, there are many things to consider. Here are three of the most important, in no particular order, in our opinion:

  1.  Make sure you know what you need. What kind of home? How big of a home? Where does the property…

537 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post