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Real Estate Blog

Is Cabinet Refinishing or Cabinet Replacement in Kitchens BestWhen kitchen cabinets begin looking dated or Southeast Calgary homeowners simply tire of the style of color, it is a great time to consider cabinet refinishing or cabinet replacement. Here are the differences between these two course of action, so that owners can make an informed choice concerning this costly investment.

The Process of Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing can be a challenging process, even if using an all-in-one kit. The process begins by removing the cabinet's facing and drawers and then removing any hardware present. Refinishing involves removing old stain or paint and sanding the surfaces thoroughly. This is followed by a good cleaning before applying primer, a new color or non-toxic wood stain, and then sealing them.

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What to Know When Renewing Your MortgageHomeowners in Canada who still owe a balance on their mortgage will be faced with making some decisions as renewal time nears. Mortgage holders have the choice of staying with their current lender or in seeking other, potentially money-saving opportunities elsewhere.

Current lenders will send out renewal slips to mortgage holders encouraging customers to take the simple route to renewal. While there are reasons this may end up being the best option, mortgage holders may be better served by exploring alternatives.

Here is your guide to the Canadian mortgage renewal process.

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

Be Prepared

Make a note

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Home Insurance BasicsBuying a home is a large, long-term investment that deserves protection. Home insurance has many benefits and limitations, and can be somewhat difficult for people to understand, especially if they get it mixed up with a home warranty. With the answers to these questions, buyers will have a better idea of what to expect when they go shopping for home insurance.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

People who have homeowners insurance need to know what is typically covered by their policies, and how those aspects of the home are covered. Typically, a policy will provide for compensation based on actual cash value or replacement value of an item that is stolen or destroyed due to a covered event. Actual cash value takes into consideration the

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Getting a Home Survey: Why It Is So ImportantThere are so many things that need to be done when it comes to buying a home. One of them is getting the financing, another is having an inspection. But there's also the need for a survey. Homeowners want to make sure they really own all the property they believe they're buying. If there are discrepancies or problems, they should know about that before they complete their purchase. Then they can decide whether they want to go ahead with that purchase or whether they would prefer to look for a different home. Here's why a home survey matters so much.

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

What is a Home Survey?

A home survey isn't really

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Home Improvement ToolsIt's official: today's housing market favors the prepared seller. While housing crises of years past created a substantial decrease in home sales for years, the return of consumer confidence has caused the housing market to rebound in remarkable ways.

According to recent studies, asking prices are at a record high and increasing in many parts of the country. Home inventory is also on the rise, causing sellers to compete for the quickest sales.

Home Improvement Fundamentals

In a housing market rife with competition, sellers can get creative to stand out and improve a home's chance of selling. Many homeowners make significant home improvements before selling to attract the ideal home buyer.

But what home improvements add the most value?

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The Importance of Universal Design in HomesThere are a variety of reasons for homeowners to turn their homes barrier-free. Whether it's an elderly relative coming to stay or homeowners preparing themselves for the years ahead, making a home as accessible as possible is the only way to encourage an independent lifestyle for a higher quality of life.

But homeowners also need to take into account the demographics of their neighbourhood as well. If the area is skewing toward an older crowd, making some improvements can also be a great way to increase resale value. Here are a few tips for those looking to eliminate the barriers so seniors can move wherever they want, whenever they want.

Thoughtful Designs

One popular idea that has been moving through the real estate world like wildfire is

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How to Use conditions When Buying a HomeA condition of purchase is a stipulation a buyer makes to a seller that must be met before finalizing the home sale. Some buyers submit their Offer to Purchase with no conditions, meaning they buy the property as-is, but this is generally only done when purchasing obvious fixer-uppers or if there's a particularly hot market where a buyer has to do so just to remain competitive. Most people have at least a few conditions that they present to a seller during the negotiation period, so buyers should understand how they work before they begin to structure an offer for their City Centre home.

Financing

An offer to buy normally comes with a financial backing of either cash-in-hand or a letter of pre-approval from a bank. While a bank's pre-approval

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5 Things to Know About Lenders Mortgage InsuranceHome buyers who make a down payment of less than 20 percent are usually obligated to pay insurance for the mortgage itself. With this information, borrowers can understand how lenders mortgage insurance works, and what they can expect to pay for a home in East Calgary or elsewhere.

How Does Mortgage Insurance Differ from Home Insurance?

Mortgage insurance is typically called "Lenders Mortgage Insurance" simply because it is designed to protect the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the mortgage. Home insurance exists to protect the homeowner and the items inside the home. Mortgage insurance is typically obtained by the lender, and the lender has the option to pass on that cost to the borrower. Many lenders expect home buyers to

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What You Need to Know About Deferred MaintenanceHomes need constant repair in order to remain functional, because appliances and equipment that are used on a regular basis will deteriorate with time. Homeowners who put off repairs and upgrades will find themselves dealing with all of these problems at once when the time comes to sell. Deferred maintenance can devalue a property. Some deferred maintenance, like plumbing leaks, can lead to other costly issues, like mold. Repairing problems in their early stages can prevent a more costly problem from occurring.

What to Do About Deferred Maintenance When Selling

Homeowners who want to sell their North West Calgary property must make repairs to their home before putting the house on the market. Once the home is put on the market, the homeowner

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What to Know When Buying a New HomeLike most major purchases, home buying is a major step in the buyer's life. Between the financial responsibilities, the negotiations, and the seemingly endless numbers of homes to tour, it's common for new home buyers to be unsure about how to get started. However, once buyers know the basics, they'll be far more likely to choose a home that works for them at a price they can afford.

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

Managing Your Finances Before a Home Purchase

Home buyers need to know their price range before they can do anything else. How much a buyer can afford is not necessarily as intuitive as it may seem, so buyers are encouraged

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