Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?

Potential homebuyers are always cautioned to be aware of mortgage lending standards and the difficulty they might face when trying to obtain a mortgage. Credit availability is expanding, making it easier to get a mortgage now than it was a year ago. The market is still tight however, and homebuyers should be prepared to shop around until they find a lender who is offering something that will meet the needs of their family.

Mortgage lending companies have high standards so it is important to make sure you and anyone else who will be included on the mortgage have their credit in check. The mortgage market is strict because lenders do not want to be put in a situation where they are forced to repurchase loans that are not paid on. They also do not…

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Why Use a REALTOR®?

Industry know-how

To be honest, you won't see as many transactions as a REALTOR® does. An average family buys/sells Real Estate every 5 to 10 years. This is because when you buy a house, you're looking to create a home. You want your family to grow in it and you're only going to look to move from it if your family has outgrown it due to a baby on the way or kids growing up (upsizing) or the house has become too big due to the kids leaving for university or buying their own property (downsizing). This means that you probably don’t have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of real estate.  On the flip side of things, REALTORS® have the experience and education to get things done within the industry. They handle contracts and the real estate process…

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LUXURY & STYLE

THIS CALGARY HOME FEATURES A DREAMY ENSUITE YOU'LL WANT FOR YOURSELF

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design meets open-concept living in this prairie home.

The first step in making a house a home is curating a space that exudes serenity, balance and, of course, privacy. Your home is your retreat from the outside world: a place to recharge and connect with family and friends. Wouldn’t it be nice if the design of the house itself reflected these values?

Brookfield’s exciting development, Artesia at Heritage Pointe, does just that. A quiet estate-only community located only minutes away from the heart of the bustling Seton Urban District, Artesia features homes that have been designed with both style and livability in mind. From…

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Using Your RRSPs to Purchase a Home

When looking at purchasing a home, one thing that many people are concerned about is the ability to put a down payment on the property. A 20% down payment of the purchase price of the home is typically required. If a 20% down payment is not doable, then a 5% option is available. However, you are then required to have mortgage insurance through CMHC to be able to qualify for the mortgage.

Regardless if it is a 5% or 20% down payment, the government of Canada allows home buyers to use their RRSPs to purchase a home without a penalty for withdrawing the RRSPs This is called Home Buyer’s Plan or HBP.

However, before you withdraw anything, the following conditions must be met:

1)     The maximum amount you can withdraw from your RRSPs per year is…

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What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

What if your Ideal Home Isn't Available?

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria.

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough. 

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement. If…

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6 Affordable Ways to Boost your Home's Curb Appeal

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider: 

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.
2. Exterior window washing. Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning.…

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Values are key when looking for a REALTOR®

Looking for a REALTOR® can be a difficult process. Sometimes it seems like every family and friend recommends someone, so where how do you narrow it down? I always recommend starting with core values. When you're looking for your next home, you want to work with someone who understands and aligns with your values. My core values are health, honesty, wisdom and courage. Staying true to those values, I love helping people to live fuller, happier and stronger lives. I love helping people live better! I believe that living in a home that works for you and your lifestyle is a key cog in living better. 

After values, you want a REALTOR® with knowledge and local experience. I have been helping families in the Edmonton area find their perfect…

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Why Live In Westmere? | 188 Aspenmere Circle, Chestermere

With 188 Aspenmere Circle, Chestermere hitting the Real Estate Market yesterday, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live In Westmere, Chestermere?

Chestermere

Chestermere, originally named Chestermere Lake, is a city within Rocky View County, Alberta Canada.  By 1992, the population of Chestermere had increased to 1,043 permanent residents. On March 1, 1993, The Village of Chestermere Lake officially changed its status and name to the Town of Chestermere. The town continued developing amenities and services for its residents and its population grew to 17,203 residents in 2014. In late 2014, town council voted in favour of pursuing city status, which became effective January 1, 2015. As of 2017, the population for the City of Chestermere…

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Why Live In Glenbrook, Calgary? | 2843 42nd Street SW

With 2843 42nd Street hitting the Real Estate Market last week, it is time to answer the age old question: Why Live Here - Glenbrook?

GLENBROOK

Glenbrook is a residential neighbourhood in the southwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located approximately 8 kilometres Southwest of Downtown. The community was annexed to the City of Calgary in two time periods, 1954, and 1956. It is bounded in the north by the community of Glendale and Optimist Park, which provides various recreational facilities for the whole district. There are views of the gentle sloping Strathcona Heights and the Rockies in the west from a number of points in Glenbrook, and especially from the knoll just north of the Co-op Shopping Centre.

Glenbrook is located a…

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Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners

Energy 101

Energy usage is an unavoidable part of everyday life. But the choices we make when it comes to our energy habits can make all the difference for our environment and our daily lives.

What is Energy?
Simply put, energy is the ability to do work. There are two types of energy: stored, or potential energy, and working, or kinetic energy. Energy comes in many different forms, such as thermal, radiant and kinetic, electrical and chemical.

The Difference between Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation
Energy efficiency and energy conservation are two different concepts that go hand in hand when it comes to using energy wisely.

Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency involves using less energy to perform daily functions. For…

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