What Not to Do Before You Buy an Edmonton Home!
July 27, 2012
 When you get a raise or have saved up some cash in a savings account, you probably will find yourself with a desire known to modern men and women as “spend money”.This is when many people turn to purchasing a new car, and then after a few more months decide to purchase their own home.Or perhaps your current Edmonton Home is a bit small. You want something bigger! Next, you contact a bank to secure a loan and get yourself prequalified for a mortgage. The mortgage broker asks what price range you are looking at, and how much money do you have for the down payment. You give him the answers and provide him with your income and pay stubs. The mortgage broker crunches the numbers.This is why you don’t want to buy that new car or take that vacation.This also applies to any type of major purchase that would increase your current debt like major appliances, furniture, jewelry and even an expensive wedding!Another tip to follow is not to move your money around before purchasing that new Edmonton Home. When the lender starts to review your loan application to approve it, one thing that they look at is where your funds will come from for your down payment and closing costs. You will need to provide the mortgage broker with statements for the last two or three months on liquid assets. These are comprised of savings accounts, checking accounts, money market funds, certificates of deposit, mutual funds, stock statements, and also your company retirement accounts. If you moved money around during this two or three month period, there may be large withdrawals and deposits in some of them. The person who approves the loan will usually require a complete paper trail of all the deposits and withdrawals. It could become a very daunting task, gathering canceled checks, deposit receipts and other inconsequential data.
You become overwhelmed. The mortgage broker and bank are only doing their job! In order to eliminate potential fraud and ensure good quality control, it is necessary on most loans to document completely the source of all funds you have. In the end, moving your money around, even if you are consolidating to make it easier, could just make if much more difficult for the lender and you to properly document your funds. Oh, one last thing, no matter what, do not change your bank while you are in this process! The best solution is to leave your money where it is, and don’t make any major purchases until you have talked to your bank or mortgage broker and gotten that preapproval for your mortgage for that new Edmonton Home! If you are ready to make that big purchase of a new home or ready to sell your Edmonton Home, call the TalkToWalker Team first. The TalkToWalker Team has been selling real estate for over 20 years and offers a free, no-obligation market value analysis to determine homes and sales value. The Edmonton market and economy is booming so many home values are higher than some sellers may think.
|
Some Tidbits About Edmonton
July 14, 2012
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and has the best combination of providing a vibrant quality of life, as well as offering the best of Canada’s thriving economy. Why not discover what living in Edmonton is all about?
If you are looking to buy a home in Edmonton, you should know that Edmonton has both the highest average household income in Canada, as well as a very affordable cost of living. The tax rate is lower in Alberta than anywhere else in Canada. And another great advantage of living in Edmonton is that there is no provincial sales tax. These benefits provide Edmontonians with more disposable income on the average than other Canadian citizens.
The Edmonton economy remains one of the best performers in Canada. We enjoy a stable business environment, and there are very compelling opportunities for long-term growth. So if you are looking to purchase a home and move to Edmonton, you will also enjoy one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. You can certainly find a lot of opportunities here!
Edmonton has the friendliness of a small community with all of the big-city conveniences. Life is good in Edmonton. It is one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. The weather here in Edmonton consists of plenty of sunshine. There are about 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. It is a fact that Edmonton is one of Canada’s sunniest cities. The weather in Edmonton is more temperate than other prairie cities such as Winnipeg and Regina. It is also less humid than Vancouver or Toronto. The summer time is warm with the sun shining at least 17 hours per day. Although winter has snow, the days are often sunny. Winter usually lasts from November through the middle of March. If you bundle up with a warm coat and winter footwear, the cold weather will be reasonably comfortable. And, just think of all those outdoor activities you can enjoy!
While most Edmontonians work 35-40 hours a week, they still have their free time to enjoy the benefits of living in a city rich in both culture and recreation. There are endless options of things to do any time of year. In the summer there are endless festivals, concerts and markets to enjoy. There are also two professional sports teams, art galleries and plenty of shopping to experience. Whatever your taste is, living in Edmonton will allow you to enjoy your free time and enjoy many different activities year round. Tourists come here to enjoy these activities; living here allows you to be close to home and still enjoy these activities.
Why not come and experience the beautiful city of Edmonton for yourself? Once you come, you may not want to leave! And if that is the case, just call the TalkToWalker Team, when you are ready to buy or sell an Edmonton home. The TalkToWalker Team has been selling real estate for over 20 years and offers a free, no-obligation market value analysis to determine homes and sales value. The Edmonton market and economy is booming so many home values are higher than some sellers may think.
Buying your First Home
June 29, 2012
You have heard it more than once. Friends, family, co-workers all saying you should buy a home. Now you have thought about it and decided that owning your own home is a good decision for you, here are some great tips for that first home purchase.
Where do you begin? Well, why not start on the Internet. Statics say that almost 80% of home searches begin on the Internet. By just clicking your mouse a few times, you can search hundreds of listings online. You can browse through tons of photos and view aerial shots of homes and neighborhoods. You can even take virtual tours. By doing this and having a good idea of where you want to live and the type of house you want, as soon as you meet with your realtor, you are halfway to owning your own home.
You ask, “How long should it take to buy my first home?” If you are a motivated buyer, you should find a home within two weeks. Statistics show most buyers will find a new home within two days. A good realtor listens to what you want in a home and what you need in a home and makes sure they only show you the homes that will fit your parameters.
How many homes will the realtor show me? There are studies that show your memory improves dramatically after you consume carbohydrates and your memory slows down after you consume sugar. So maybe you should have a hearty meal of carbohydrates before going out to tour homes. On an average, you should not see any more than 7 homes in one day. Why? Your brain will go into a major overload!
Here’s a little analysis of Edmonton home buying using the new shoes treatment that women can relate to! You need a new pair of black shoes. You get in your car and head out to the shopping mall. You hit the first shoe store and find a great pair of black shoes. They fit perfectly when you try them on. They look great! Your legs look beautiful in them. They have a great price! Are you going to buy them? Of course not! You go to all the other shoe stores in the mall. You try on black shoes in everyone one of them and you are almost ready to give in to exhaustion. But wait, you go back to the very first store and buy those black shoes! Please don’t shop for a home this way. When you see your perfect home, just buy it!
Inventorying the home you see is a great way for a first-time buyer to rate the home. Some suggestions are to take photos. Bring a digital camera with you and the first photo taken should be a good close-up of the house number. This will help you identify where each set of home photos start and the next one begins. Make notes of any unusual colors, design elements or features. Take a look at the house’s surroundings. What is next to the Edmonton home? Is the home a single-story home and are there two-story homes that tower over it? Is the location what you were looking for? As soon as you leave, you should rate each home using a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 would be the highest.
You should view your top choices a second time before buying your first home. After you spend a few days touring homes, instinctively you will know the one or two homes you would like to purchase. You should ask to see them again. This time you will see them with different eyes. You will notice elements you didn’t see the first time.
Call the TalkToWalker Team, when you are ready to sell or buy an Edmonton home. The TalkToWalker Team has been selling real estate for over 20 years and offers a free, no-obligation market value analysis to determine homes and sales value. The Edmonton market and economy is booming, so many home values are higher than some sellers may think.
Great Tips for Getting Your Edmonton Home Ready to Sell!
June 22, 2012
Here are some more great tips for getting your Edmonton home ready for sale. If you take the time to do these tips, your home will make a great impression on all those prospective buyers.
If you have built-in appliances or fixtures in your home that you want to take with you, then you should remove them now before those happy house hunters come through your home. If you have a chandelier that’s been in your family for years and you want to take it with you, replace it with something else. Any window coverings you want to take, make sure you remove them now. This way if the buyer never sees them, they won’t want them. Pack the items away and if you need to, replace them with inexpensive ones.
Now is the time to make any minor repairs your home needs. Patch up any holes in the walls. If you have a door that sticks or doesn’t close just right, repair it. Kitchen drawers that jam should be repaired. Any leaking faucet should also be repaired. If your Edmonton house has cracked counter tops or floor tiles, replace them. If you have bright colored walls, you should consider repainting them a neutral color. You don’t want buyers to remember your home as “the house with the purple bathroom.” Make sure your lights and lamps don’t have burned-out light bulbs.
Make sure your home sparkles! Wash your windows inside and outside. Try renting a power washer if you don’t have one, and pressure wash the exterior of your home, the sidewalks, and driveway. Make sure your chrome faucets and mirrors are polished and shiny clean. Clean out the refrigerator. Get rid of those cobwebs. Make sure to re-caulk your tubs, showers, and sinks. Wash your floors and vacuum the carpets. Go through the house and dust the furniture, ceiling fan blades, and your light fixtures. Hang up fresh towels in the kitchen and bathrooms. Bleach any dingy grout in the bathrooms and kitchen. Air out and clean any musty areas. One thing is for sure, odors are a big no-no.
Go through your Edmonton home and scrutinize it. Take a walk outside and then open your front door. Does your home say welcome? Do you want to walk inside? Stand in the doorway of every room. Picture how your home will look to those happy house hunters. Make sure your furniture is arranged in a neat presentable manner. Look at your windows and window coverings. Make sure they hang level and look nice. Do your rooms have impact and pizzazz? Make sure they do!
Lastly, make sure your home has curb appeal. The buyer needs to get out of the agent’s car to see the inside of your home. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, they may not want to come in. Keep your lawn mowed. Make sure your sidewalks are clear. If your window trim is faded, paint it. Plant flowers or put some potted plants together. A great tip, yellow evokes a buying emotion. Try planting yellow flowers like marigolds. They are pretty and bright and not very expensive. Make sure your bushes are trimmed and looking ship-shape. Your house numbers should be clearly read by visitors.
Call the TalkToWalker Team, when you are ready to sell or buy an Edmonton home. The TalkToWalker Team has been selling real estate for over 20 years and offers a free, no-obligation market value analysis to determine home and sales value. The Edmonton market and economy is booming, so many home values are higher than some sellers may think.
Getting Ready to Sell Your Home
June 15, 2012
You have decided to sell your home. Here are some tips you should follow when getting ready to sell your beautiful Edmonton home.
First, you really need to detach yourself from your home. What does this mean? Well, you need to tell yourself, “This is a product to be sold; it is a house.” It’s like a product on a hardware store shelf. You need to let go. Release your emotions. Focus on the fact that you are selling this house and pretty soon there will be new owners. Make a mental picture of you handing over the keys and warranties to the new owners. Never look back, always look forward. Say a fond farewell to every room.
Next, you need to box up all your family photos and special heirlooms. Most buyers have a hard time seeing past these items, and you want them to be really focused. You really need the buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls. You want buyers to say, “I see myself here in this home.” This step is called de-personalizing.
You will also want to de-clutter your home. While living in a home, you collect quite an amazing quantity of junk. Think about this one: It’s been a year and I haven’t used it. If you haven’t used it and don’t need it in your new home, then you can either donate it or throw it away. You should take all the books out of your bookcases and box up all the little knickknacks you have around the house. Make sure your kitchen counters are clean. If you have items in the kitchen you use every day, put them in a small box and store them in a closet. Take them out when you need to use them.
One more great tip is to rearrange kitchen cabinets and bedroom closets. Buyers will open a closet or cabinet door to look inside. If something falls out, what kind of message are you sending? Now if everything is organized, just think what the buyer will think of you. Some great tips are to make sure dishes are neatly stacked. Make sure your glassware is neatly organized and shiny clean. Make sure your kitchen staples are neatly organized. Line up shoes in your closets, and make sure everything is on a hanger neatly.
One last tip, if you have pieces of furniture that hamper or block pathways or walkways, why not put them in storage. A home looks a lot better with less furniture in it. If the bookcases are empty, try storing them away. Make your dining room or kitchen look larger by removing the extra leaves and storing them. Make each room have just enough furniture in it to look great but not be overcrowded.
Next week we will have some more great tips on getting your home ready to sell!
Call the TalkToWalker Team when you are ready to sell or buy an Edmonton home. If you are looking to sell your home, we offer a free, no-obligation market analysis. We offer personalized service to meet your needs in finding the perfect home too! You can trust the TalkToWalker Team to provide you with great service. We have been in business for over 20 years and want to be your Realtor® whether you are buying or selling a home.
Tips to Make Your Move More Successful!
June 8, 2012
So you have decided to sell your home and your realtor is working his magic to get your home sold for you as quickly as possible. You should start thinking of your move and all the things you have to do to get ready for it! Here are some things to start thinking about before moving day.
It is going to take you some time to get packed up. First step is to make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Estimate the time you need to pack everything. Then double that time frame. You will need to have time to pack your house, sort through your things and even time to discard items you don’t want to take to your new home. Try getting rid of the clutter first. You can do this by making piles. Sort them by items to donate, throw away and give away. There may be things you don’t need or want any longer or items you just can’t take to your new home. You can arrange for donations. Many organizations will even come to your home to pick up your items. If you have time, you can even have a garage sale and end up making some quick pocket money!
Before you start packing up your Edmonton Home, make sure you have enough packing tape and boxes. When you do start packing, do one room at a time. Finish that room and don’t start packing the next room, until you’re finished with the first room. This way you will stay organized and not feel overwhelmed because you are moving forward in smaller steps. Every box should be labeled. This is a very important job and when you are busy packing, it might slip by the wayside. Every box should be labeled with the contents and its destination in your new home. Try to make your boxes light (less than 50 pounds) and if possible have a handle on them for easy lifting. A great tip is to wrap your breakables with clothing. You will be reducing waste when you unpack and clothing is not as messy as newspapers.
To make the packing a lot more fun and help you stay focused, try timing your packing by room. See just how quickly you can get each room done! Why not get help from family and friends to make the task more enjoyable and to make the time go by a lot quicker!
Last but not least, make sure you keep all your important information in one spot. Either have a “last in, first out” box or a moving binder. Make sure you keep school records, birth certificates, recent bank statements, new job contracts, passports, utility company phone numbers, mover estimates, phones lists, current bills, maps, medical records and closing papers in this safe place to ensure you have them when you get to your new Edmonton home.
If you are ready to buy or sell a home in the Edmonton Area, call The TalkToWalker Team. We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.
More Great Tips for Stepping Up Your Curb Appeal in Edmonton!
June 1, 2012
We have four more tips to help you make your Edmonton Home stand out and catch the eye of that prospective buyer. These tips are sure to beautify your home and won’t cost you an arm and a leg to do either!
First, try tiding up your driveway. Make sure your recycling containers and garbage containers are out of sight. Perhaps, you can store them on the side of your home. Also, make sure your driveway is free of debris and clutter. Put any children’s toys away, wash off the driveway with your garden hose and make sure there are no small branches or grass clippings on the driveway. All this will require is a bit of your time but no real cost to you and, just think, you get to spend some time in the great outdoors.
Want to make your home in Edmonton sparkle? Want to make an impression on that prospective buyer? All you have to do is clean the windows inside and out. If your home has tilt windows, it’s very quick and easy to wash the outside. If you don’t have tilt windows, then ask a family member or friend to hold the ladder while you do the work. Take your garden hose and spray the outside of the windows to remove the dirt and cobwebs. Oh one thing, remember to close your windows before you start this! With a sponge in hand, wipe them down with either a small amount of vinegar or detergent diluted in warm water; then rinse. A quick tip, if you must wash your windows from outside and they don’t tilt; why not try using a long-handled brush. The cost of this sparkly task is just your time and energy!
Another great tip to jazz up your home for prospective buyers, and make a great impression, is to remove outdated front door or garage light fixtures. Before you begin this task, make sure the breaker in the electrical panel is in the “off” position for where the new fixture is being installed. If you think replacement is too costly, why not try spray painting or brush painting the fixtures instead. If the fixtures are gold or silver finish, try painting them black or a color to match your front door or house trim. Painting the fixtures will only cost you the paint and will be a very small fraction of the cost of a new fixture.
The last tip we have to spruce up the appearance of your beautiful Edmonton Home is to make sure your house can be seen from the curb. There is no curb appeal if you cannot see your home through the overgrown landscaping. Cut overgrown trees and bushes; remove branches that block windows and walkways. Make sure you remove branches that block the driveway or the views of your home from the street. The front of your house has to be seen by that prospective buyer. This job can be done, except for very large limbs, with a pair of hedge or pruning shears. If you don’t have a pair, try borrowing a pair from a neighbor or friend. Then, there is no cost to you except your time!
Call the TalkToWalker Team, when you are ready to sell or buy an Edmonton home. We’re standing by to help you with any of your real estate needs!
Stepping Up Your Curb Appeal in Edmonton
May 25, 2012
You have made the decision to sell your house in Edmonton. One of the best ways to make a great impression for the buyer is to step up your curb appeal. What is curb appeal? Curb appeal is one of the first impressions that a buyer gets when they step out of the car and start down the walkway to your home. It’s that wow factor when they first look at your home.
Want to make your house stand out? Want to catch the potential buyer’s eye? Here are four tips to make your house look great and give it that curb appeal that attracts buyers from the moment they step out of the car.
A very easy and inexpensive way to jazz up your home’s first impression, the front door, is to add pizzazz. How can you do this? Paint your door a great color that will coordinate with the house color. A suggestion is to make a contrast between the door and the house. An example would be, if the house is white with black trim and shutters, why not paint the door red. Try adding eye appealing house numbers. There are so many different and unique numbers and ways to display your address that are inexpensive and will make a real impact on your entrance way. Put a pretty wreath or plaque on the front door. Why not hang a plant near the front entrance or put a few potted plants next to the front door? When the prospective buyer steps out of the car, what an impact the entrance way will make. All of this dramatic impact can be achieved with just a gallon of paint, some metal house numbers and a plant or two. The cost would be approximately $50.
Another great tip is to make sure your lawn is well-manicured. This is a great do-it-yourself weekend project that will add instant curb appeal. Take a few hours and get the mower out, cut the grass and try edging your lawn for a great professional look. This is a great no-cost way to make your house stand out to potential buyers.
To let buyers know your Edmonton home has been well maintained, make sure your garden beds are well groomed. Try weeding your flower beds and removing any debris. Next buy a couple bags of mulch and spread just enough to cover the length and width of the front flower beds. Putting down some new mulch will make the landscaping appear fresh and also keep the plants moist, while it keeps the weeds at a minimum level. Add some wonderful summer colors by planting some annual flowers. They can be purchased already blooming in flats and are inexpensive and bloom all summer long. Use colored annuals for the spring and summer and autumn hues of orange, reds and yellow for the fall.
Another great way to make your beautiful Edmonton property have that jazzy curb appeal is to get rid of the dirt. Take an hour and put on your shorts and sandals and take out your garden hose. Put the nozzle to its strongest setting, turn the water on and go to work blasting dirt and debris off the driveway, front of your house and the sidewalks. A word of caution, if you decided to use a power washer, be careful not to use too powerful a stream and stay away from doorways and windows. Pressure from power washers can remove the caulk and sealants from doorways and windows and make more work for you. A simple hose and nozzle will do the trick. This is a great way to make a striking entrance for your home at no cost to you but your time and water.
Next week, we will give you four more tips to make your house have that “Curb Appeal” the buyer is looking for and looking at, if you take some of these great steps.
If you are ready to buy or sell a home in the Edmonton Area, call The TalkToWalker Team. We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.
West Edmonton Offers Residents a Lot
September 27, 2010
The West End of Edmonton has a lot to offer its residents. The Alberta capital is made up of a plethora of neighborhoods, each with something unique in its character. Edmonton’s west end was recently spotlighted in the Edmonton Journal, which pointed out its charm. Local spots can make a neighborhood and the West End in Edmonton has many of them.
Highlights of Edmonton’s West End:
- Callingwood Farmers Market, held on Sundays and Wednesdays
- Three shopping centers for those with an aversion to the huge malls found elsewhere.
- Sweet Krumblz, a bakery with divine cupcakes.
- A variety of restaurants that offer international flavor and unique fare.
- Small locally owned shops.
When looking to buy a home in Edmonton it is a great idea to get to know the different neighborhoods. Contact me today to learn more about Edmonton real estate and what neighborhood might suit your needs best.
Click here to read the article from the Edmonton Journal about the West End.
Contact me for an informed education on Edmonton real estate. Whether you want to buy or sell I can help get the deal done. I have access to all available Edmonton real estate listings.
Edmonton Schools Move Into Future
September 13, 2010
Some Edmonton schools have made a move into the future. Edmonton has nine new schools, each of which offers new technology that puts old fashioned
chalk and blackboards in the past. Computers, smart boards and web-based technology is being utilized to improve education in Edmonton as well as to keep up with, and get ahead of, the times. Students can even use the web to choose their lockers at some of the new schools.
Quality schools and education is an important factor for many when choosing Edmonton real estate. Even people without children benefit from being located near good schools as the resale value of homes will always be better if they are located near a good school. Criteria in choosing a new home typically involves location, education and amenities.
Knowing more about your future neighborhood is an important part of the home buying process. If you would like to learn more about Edmonton real estate and look at houses in Edmonton that are located near the best schools please contact me today.
Contact me for an informed education on Edmonton real estate. Whether you want to buy or sell I can help get the deal done. I have access to all available Edmonton real estate listings.
