Connect

Find us on...

Dashboard

Login using...

New Search X

Home Buying Blogs – Calgary

Home buying advice for Calgary, Alberta residents.

Found 76 blog entries about Home Buying Blogs – Calgary.

Considering a Home Warranty? 6 Things to Consider Before BuyingHome warranty policies can be a huge asset for many homeowners, yet many still ask, "Are home warranties worth it?" The answer to this question depends on certain situations. Basic policies typically cover most major appliances, plumbing, HVAC systems and electrical systems. However, a premium warranty often covers specialized repairs like hot tubs, swimming pools, garage door openers, doorbells and even ceiling fans. Policies typically range from $250-1200 per year, depending on the coverage desired. When determining whether or not the coverage is worth the expense when buying a home, here are six things to consider.

Lack DIY Skills or Strapped for Cash?

Many homeowners simply don't have the tools or knowledge to accurately diagnose and repair

2,032 Views, 0 Comments

Everything You Need to Know About Closing Costs During the Home Buying ProcessClosing costs can cause stress for home buyers. In addition to being costly, closing costs can be difficult to estimate. Knowing what closing costs are, how much you can expect to pay and when closing costs are due can help you plan for this part of the home buying process.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the costs associated with legal and administrative actions that occur when a person buys a home. Closing costs can run anywhere from 1.5 to 4 percent of the purchase price of the home, depending on the location of the home and the various administrative actions that occur during the sale process. Each home purchase is different, so closing costs are different every time.

Who Pays Closing Costs?

Closing costs are primarily

19,485 Views, 0 Comments

How to Approach Buying in a Competitive MarketThere's no doubt that buying in a competitive market is intimidating, and it's not unusual for sky-high prices to make a buyer think twice about their plans. But there are still a lot of advantages to buying instead of renting, even in high-demand areas in major cities. In fact, it may end up being the smartest investment you ever make. Follow these tip to get the best possible deal (and to crush the competition.)

Timing Is Everything

Those without a lot of patience will love buying in a popular neighborhood because there's virtually no wait time. Buyers have to be ready to see a property as soon as it's up for sale, preferably within 24 hours of the first announcement. That little extra edge can sometimes make an offer seem more attractive

1,841 Views, 0 Comments

What to Know About Making a Down PaymentThe down payment that a home buyer puts on a home can have a significant impact on that home's affordability over the long term. The right down payment can save the homeowner money on monthly mortgage payments while also reducing the loan amount need to make the purchase.

Canada's Minimum Down Payment Rule

Potential homeowners in Canada must be able to make a minimum down payment that is a percentage of the total purchase price. That percentage is tied to the purchase price of the home with it rising as the price rises.

  • A home priced below $500,000 requires a minimum down payment of five percent.
  • Homes that have a purchase price of between $500,000 and $999,999 require a down payment of 10 percent at the minimum.
  • A home that is
4,029 Views, 0 Comments

Choosing the Best Real Estate Investment OptionIt can be hard to decide which type of real estate to include within a portfolio mix. Those not familiar with investing in real estate may want to understand more about this important way to enjoy additional cash flow and tax benefits.

Wondering how to start investing in real estate? Is real estate a good investment? Learn more about the different types of real estate investments and other important considerations below.

Use Real Estate Investment to Enhance a Portfolio

What is real estate investment? In addition to stocks, savings and equity in a home, Canadian investors may want to look into investing into other forms of real estate. Some investors get into non-residential real estate in order to have a hard asset that is tangible and to

3,994 Views, 0 Comments

Sustainable Construction Options for New Construction HomesAs interest in green construction has grown, so too has the array of products offered on the market. For the residential real estate market, these are the most popular sustainable materials on the market today for building a new construction home.

Composite Lumber

Composite lumber combines equal parts of recycled wood fibers with waste plastics (such as plastic bags). The resulting composite lumber offers superior performance in decking, playgrounds, railings, fences, and other purposes. Composite lumber naturally resists mold and rot, unlike natural wood, which requires regular treatment to resist mold or rot.

Since composite lumber is long-lasting and causes less harm to the environment than treated wood, it's a wise choice for

12,122 Views, 0 Comments

Pitfalls in Buying Real Estate Buying a home is a significant and sometimes overwhelming endeavor. Cutting corners can be tempting, particularly in your research. However, dedicating time to these endeavors will give you the best understanding of your options, so you owe it to yourself to do so.

Research your Agent and Lender

All agents and lenders are not alike. Don't settle for the first person you see on a billboard. Know anyone local who's recently bought or sold a home? Ask about their experiences with their agents and do some research online.

Agents are supposed to be there for you to provide helpful guidance. Try to find someone who you feel you can communicate well with. Your agent should be someone as enthusiastic about your home search as you are.

When

4,286 Views, 0 Comments

Red Flags Home Buyers Should Beware OfBuying a new home is a huge investment of time and money, and no home buyer wants to be taken advantage of. It’s important for buyers to be aware of red flags that they might encounter when buying a new home in order to protect themselves and their assets.

Many people get caught up in features like number of bedrooms, the beauty of the garden, the newness of the kitchen and the condition of the appliances. Often North Calgary new home buyers fail to notice red flags because they can be subtle and easy to dismiss.

Here are some of the different home buying red flags that buyers may encounter and why they can be harmful.

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

3,072 Views, 0 Comments

3 Common Myths of the Millennial HomebuyerWhen will we stop believing some of the common myths being attributed to the home buying behavior of Millennials? It's easy to work with Millennial buyers when understanding their specific needs and that they often want what other groups of homebuyers desire, such as convenient methods of communication and to easily get information on a property.

What are the Millennial Myths? Learn the truth about what Millennials want when it comes to home buying today.

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

Myth #1: Millennials Have No Desire to Buy

Some may still believe that Millennials want to rent and are not interested in buying. However, survey

3,484 Views, 0 Comments

Repairing Pet HomeSome pets can do serious damage to homes where they live. If you're a home buyer trying to purchase a property that has sustained damage from live-in pets, knowing what kind of home maintenance projects to expect can help you prepare to make repairs.

Give the Flooring Some Care

Pets can damage floors in a variety of ways. Pets with claws may scratch floor boards, while young pets may have accidents or chew up carpeting. Sometimes this damage is visible, other times it is hidden from view. For example, removing the carpeting may reveal hardwood floors that have been stained.

In a home with carpeting, the carpet may need to be replaced to get rid of pet smells and pet dander. Home buyers hoping to avoid the expense of replacing the carpet

2,552 Views, 0 Comments
CalgaryHomes.ca