Real Estate Blog

The familiar rhetoric about location as the primary determinant of North Calgary real estate value is only partially true. Where a property is situated is a part of the equation, but equally important to a home's value are the square footage, the style and the amenities. So, just what should a seller consider when setting a price? And how is it possible to determine that a price is neither too high, nor too low, for current market conditions.

Underpricing can, on occasion and in a hot market, help to promote a bidding war, but it is risky. Overpricing, on the other hand, often means that a home will be on the market longer than it should be, and a seller will often have to reduce the listing price one or more times. Here are some tips about how to set

When the time comes to sell your Calgary home, there is more to selling than simply staging the home. Choosing the right buyer is just as important. A good buyer will help ensure the process of selling your house goes smoothly. Failure to select the right buyer could lead to home selling delays or even a canceled purchase contract. Here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Know the Warning Signs

Home buyers tend to follow a pattern. Good home buyers send their paperwork promptly, ask for what is fair and not more, and work with a real estate professional. Uncooperative home buyers will display warning signs that

When buying a new home, especially in a sellers market, buyers typically have a general idea of what they want out of the home. Maybe three bedrooms, at least two bathrooms. But what about countertops and floors? Keeping everything organized can be difficult, especially for buyers who really want something specific. Keeping a wish list can help buyers make sure they aren’t forgetting anything important when going to showings or missing the forest for the trees. Here are some of the important things buyers need to consider when deciding what they want out of a new home.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Wants and Needs

The first thing a

It is one of the areas of homes many homeowners don't give much thought to until there is a problem. And when selling a home, clean gutters can eliminate a potential inspection item. By then, however, gutter problems may be difficult or more expensive to resolve. Improper gutter maintenance can cause:

• Damage to a home's siding
• Damage to the roofline
• Foundation problems
• Puddling
• Annoying leaks and overspill

Here are some simple ways you can keep your gutters better maintained.

Make Sure Downspouts are Draining Properly

The downspouts are the vertical pipes that take water from the gutters along your roof, down through to the ground, or for dispersal away from the home. It is absolutely critical that these downspouts flow

A wood-burning fireplace can add warmth and coziness on a cold night. A fireplace can also be an item many home buyers may desire when looking for homes to buy. However, a fireplace that is not properly maintained can create a potential safety hazard for occupants. Learn what to do with a fireplace to reduce the potential for injury from a home fire.

Fireplace Safety

Gases and embers are emitted from a fireplace. To ensure the safety of occupants, have a fireplace professionally installed and located on a non-combustible surface. Do not place objects that may overheat or catch fire in a one-metre area around the fireplace. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger as the gas is odorless and hard to detect with human senses. Reduce the risk for

With the advantages of buying a home, many Canadian residents wonder how much home they can reasonably afford. After all, the price of a listed home is not the only factor to consider before making a purchase.

A home buying budget is important, although not the most exciting part of the home buying process. Rather than struggle with mortgage payments and maintenance costs, Canadian residents can feel confident with the knowledge that they have the extra funds they may need for unexpected expenses. Make timely mortgage payments and build equity when starting off with a home-buying budget.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Examine Current

Many homeowners dream of selling their house for cash, because home buyers with mortgages add additional risk to the home buying process. If the mortgage does not fund at the end of the transaction, the home buyer must back out of the contract without purchasing the home. This doesn't happen when selling a home to someone paying cash.

However, there can be dangers when selling a home to someone who pays in cash. Understanding the risks can help you decide whether you want to accept an offer from a cash buyer.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Know the Risks

Typically, cash buyers are investors, not homeowners. Investors buy homes

Historic homes are beautiful, romantic and fun to own. However, if you're thinking about buying a historic home and you've never owned one before, preparing yourself can help make the experience a good one. Here's what you need to know about buying a home with historic value.

Budget for Maintenance

Historic homes may have a lot of deferred maintenance. Original features in particular tend to need extra love and care to ensure that they can continue to function. Homeowners are encouraged to budget at least 1% of their home's value for home maintenance every year. Homeowners with historic properties may need to set aside more to ensure they can keep their home functioning.

One of the factors that affects the cost of maintenance is whether

A home's heating and cooling system (the HVAC system) is an important mechanical device of any home. As the HVAC system heats and cool air, it continually pulls dirt and debris out of circulation using its filters. Over time, these filters start to fill up with debris, reducing the efficiency of the system. With regular use, moving parts start to wear down as well, eventually resulting in the need for replacement.

Homeowners can keep their HVAC system working efficiently year-round by committing to a regular maintenance schedule. With regular service appointments, it is possible to keep the HVAC system in great condition, so it can effectively control temperatures and air quality in the home. A good working HVAC system can be a great selling

A different floor plan can help homeowners meet their unique objectives. Buyers may have to ask themselves what they hope to accomplish before choosing among popular floor plans when buying a new home. Times have changed and so have the options available to today's home buyer. Learn more about the open floor plan and traditional floor plan to get real value from a future home purchase.

What Is an Open Floor Plan?

One of the most popular floor plans seen in homes is the open floor plan. This layout can serve to improve the flow in a home and make spaces look larger. This is achieved through the elimination of some non-essential partition walls. Two or more different spaces may then be joined together. Since the early 90s, this floor plan has