Edmonton Real Estate Blog

It is wise to ask questions (simple or complex) when buying an Edmonton house.  However, sometimes the answers get lost because of the excitement that you feel when you finally see that Edmonton house that could be yours, for the first time!  Emotions may be high but it is best to think with your head and not just with your heart.

In order to help, here are some simple questions to ask when buying an Edmonton house.

About the Price

• How much will you offer?

You should research the location of the Edmonton property and compare prices to know how much is reasonable.  Home values are constantly changing!

• How long has it been on the market?

You can negotiate a discount if the Edmonton property has been on the market for quite some time.  The sellers may be quite motivated to sell and move on!

• How many offers has the Edmonton house received?

You should give a firm offer for an Edmonton house that received numerous offers.  Obviously, it is quite popular.

About the Location

• What are the other types of Edmonton properties in the area?

When it’s time to resell, certain neighbourhoods have better value in this regard.

• How far are main roadways and highways from the Edmonton house?

Traffic brings noise and noise brings discomfort especially if the freeway is close to the Edmonton house.  But not being too far away brings convenience for driving.

• What is the crime rate in the neighborhood?

The safety of yourself and your family is a top priority when buying and Edmonton house.  This can be checked through the City of Edmonton Website.

• Are the amenities close?

From schools, malls, restaurants etc. Knowing that amenities are close by is a comforting sign for an Edmonton property.

Condition of the Edmonton House

• How old is the Edmonton house?

The price could be lower or higher depending on the age of the home.

• What is the material of the roof?

The condition of the roof depends on the material used.

• What type of foundation does it have?

There are different types of foundations and it is important to know what kind has been used in the Edmonton property for insurance and other purposes.

• Are there repairs needed?

Knowing if there are repairs needed in an Edmonton house is important. From roofing, drainage to plumbing and electrical systems etc. you may be able to negotiate a lower price and you will also have an idea as to the amount of savings needed for these repairs.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

Buying an Edmonton house is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make in your life. From picking a location to choosing a mortgage loan, there are plenty of things to decide on when buying an Edmonton house.

With a whole lot of patience and a proper mindset, you can answer these questions without any doubt.

Here are 5 questions to think of before buying an Edmonton house.

Are You Ready to Settle Down?

The first question to ask yourself is: Are you ready to settle down? Deciding to buy an Edmonton property should not be driven by impulse. This will be a big investment and that’s why you’ll need to think it carefully. It will be a nuisance (financially and emotionally) later on to realize that you aren’t ready to settle down yet.

How much is Your Budget?

Money is what will drive this process. Without the proper estimate of your budget, you’ll just be blindly searching for an Edmonton house which could result in failure. You should know your budget. By answering this question, you will also know if you are going to require a mortgage loan. By doing so you’ll know which Edmonton house you can afford.

What’s Your Credit History?

You may find an Edmonton house that is within your price range but you’ll still need to know if you can close the deal. Before making an offer on an Edmonton property, it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage and before that takes place you need to know your credit history.  A damaged credit history can kill your hopes for an Edmonton house even if it’s just a little scratch.  Steps to repair your credit history will need to be taken in order to secure a mortgage loan in the future

Will you be Responsible?

From power outages to faucet leaks, you will be responsible for any repairs that will be needed in your Edmonton house. If you have limited funds available to you after paying for your mortgage, taxes and utilities, it may not be the right time to buy an Edmonton home.

Is This Really What You Want?

At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself is having an Edmonton house really what you want? Nobody will judge you if you want to back out and think about it for a year or two. It is a big responsibility to own your own property, but at the end of the process, there is a sense of fulfillment which only Edmonton homeowners can understand!

Evaluate yourself and your circumstances to see if you are really ready to buy an Edmonton house. Do not be pressured.  Do not think that you’ll never find your very own Edmonton home. Opportunities will eventually arise.  You just need to be ready when the questions come knocking.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

After buying an Edmonton house, you will need to consider the other expenses which will be brought about by the purchase. You may not be thinking about it right now because of the excitement that you feel at the moment but sooner or later the realization will come that you’ll need to buy different items to prepare your Edmonton home.

Read on to know what items to purchase after buying an Edmonton house.

Security

Securing your new Edmonton house is a top priority. Just like most people, the previous owner might have given his/her neighbors and close acquaintances keys to entrust in looking out for their previous Edmonton home. Change the locks after buying the Edmonton property, ensure there are dead bolts and better yet, consider installing an electronic security/monitoring system for extra protection.

Tools & Equipment

This is a must-have in every Edmonton house. If you don’t have one yet, then buy a well-stocked toolbox for future repairs and emergencies. Essential equipment needed in an Edmonton property could include pliers, hacksaw, hammers, tape measure, wrenches, screw drivers, flashlight, etc.

Appliances

Buying an Edmonton house most often comes with appliances. However, some older homes may have original appliances, and will need to be replaced.  If you have a tight budget,  consider buying gently used appliances which will save you a whole lot of money.

Snow Removal Equipment

Whether it snows a little or a lot, you’ll need to get snow removal equipment such as shovels, ice scrapers and even a snow blower if you have some disposable income to clear your Edmonton property.

Lawnmower

Don’t be that one neighbour whose lawn evolves into a jungle! Unless you plan to hire a professional caretaker for your yard, then it’s essential  to have your very own lawnmower.  And while you’re at it, better purchase some garden supplies for your Edmonton house.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

Humans are very fearful creatures especially of the unknown. As a first time Edmonton homebuyer you’ll have doubts lurking in the back of your mind, wondering how you will know if you have found the right Edmonton house.

Delaying the purchase of the Edmonton property you have found could easily lead to somebody else snatching up the opportunity but rushing the buying process can result in disappointment over time.

With that in mind, we have come up with 7 ways for you to recognize that you have found the right Edmonton house.

Better Than the Rest

You had that “this is it” moment when you saw the Edmonton house. The previous Edmonton properties you had visited seem insignificant compared to what you are seeing right now. You want to finish the endless searching with this Edmonton house.

Inviting Vibe

The Edmonton house gives off an inviting vibe. It wants you to explore the interior of the Edmonton property from top to bottom. The feeling is just so right. Is this a sign? Yes, it is.

Envision

If you are seeing yourself redoing the interior and exterior paints of the Edmonton house, arranging furniture or you can even visualize where the perfect spot to put the Christmas tree, then this is a hint that the Edmonton house is the right one for you.

Defend the Edmonton House

While your Edmonton real estate agent discusses with you the faults of the Edmonton property you can see right thru them. “It could be fixed”, “I can live with that”, with every flaw you rebut without hesitation.

Basic Needs

There are enough bedrooms, there isn’t a swimming pool. There is a garage but no office. Not everything on your list is checked off but the basic requirements are given. Realizing that you can live in the Edmonton house without having fulfilled everything in your list is another hint that this is the one.

Bragging Thoughts

The excitement in you is manifesting after viewing the Edmonton house. Thru social media posts and sending photos to your close friends and family you can’t help but brag about the Edmonton house.

Buy It!

The uncertainties in your mind have suddenly vanished and all you can think about is buying the Edmonton house. You don’t want to sleep on it and your instincts are telling you to move forward –  Buy it!

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

Buying an Edmonton house is full of many steps and decisions along the way.  Sometimes we can make mistakes because we lack certain information which can help us. For the first-time Edmonton homebuyer, it can be a nerve-racking experience to venture out in the open to look for that Edmonton house you’ve always dreamed off.

To help you with your journey, we’ve come up with a list of potential errors that you should try to avoid when it’s finally time to buy that Edmonton house.

Not Saving Enough

An Edmonton house is a huge investment that requires saving a lot of money. It is wise to check your savings in the bank before you buy a home.  Also, consider other expenses like property taxes and utility bills before you purchase in order to save yourself undue financial stress.

Not Wanting to use a Real Estate Agent

First-time Edmonton home buyers often think that hiring a real estate agent may cost them a lot of money.  Not true.  Most of the time, the buyers’ real estate agent will negotiate their commission with the sellers and the sellers’ real estate agent. It is important to secure the services of a real estate agent. They have the experience to guide you through the whole process making it much easier to purchase your home.  As well, they will negotiate the very best price for you so in the end you will actually save money!

Not Doing a Home Inspection

A home inspection may cost you additional money at the outset but it is something that should be embraced. With a home inspection, you will be able to identify if there are any problems in an Edmonton property and help you gauge the possible costs to fix.  In certain situations, you may walk away from purchasing a money-pit.  In the end, a home inspection can actually save you big dollars.

Not Researching

Before making an offer on the Edmonton home that you think might be the right one, do your research. Look into possible neighborhoods, accessibility to amenities and even the crime rate of the area. Knowing your facts will help you keep focused remain smart in your decision making when it comes time to write an offer.

Not Knowing Your Limit

Be realistic when looking for an Edmonton house. Buy what you can afford, not necessarily what you are approved for!  It’s easy to get caught up in the purchase process raising the bar higher and higher.  By sticking within a budget will help you turn an Edmonton property into your Edmonton home!!

The choices we make define who we are.  We make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.  But if you know what to avoid from the beginning, the life lessons may not be so difficult!!

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

There may be a time when the market becomes tight.  This happens when inventory is low and as a result, Edmonton home prices tend to go up in particular areas. It can be an overwhelming process to buy an Edmonton house, especially in a tight market.

Read on to know what to do in this kind of situation.

Know Your Budget

The Edmonton buying process starts with knowing your budget. Besides your savings, you can get pre-approved for a mortgage to get an idea of what your financial limit is. Consider additional costs such as taxes and utilities when buying an Edmonton house.

Work With an Agent

Don’t underestimate the value of an Edmonton real estate agent. With their unparalleled wisdom and years of experience, they can give you an advantage which is badly needed in a tight market. Work with an agent who is familiar with the neighborhood where you are considering buying an Edmonton property.

Choose what is Important to You

With the market being tight you may need to choose between what you really want with what you really need. There are many wants that could be easily added to an Edmonton house after purchase such as hard wood floors or an office. But there are certain wants which cannot be addressed later, such as living in a certain neighbourhood.  Prioritize and then sacrifice where necessary.

Be Ready to Decide

In a tight market, Edmonton properties rarely stay for long. When an Edmonton house becomes available with all the requirements you want, be ready to make an offer on the Edmonton property. If you hesitate in this kind of setting then chances are the only opportunity for you to buy an Edmonton house will come to pass.

You don’t need to over-complicate the buying process on your end when looking for an Edmonton house in a tight market. With the right preparations and the right agent, an Edmonton property will be yours in no time!

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

In this short video, Alison Kobelak, a new member of Serge Bourgoin & Associates – FindMyHouse.ca, provides a great testimonial on how effective Serge’s mentorship and how it helped her quadruple her income!

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

For the first time Edmonton home sellers, selling your Edmonton house is a task which requires backbreaking actions which is rooted with deep responsibilities.

Whatever maybe your reason for selling your Edmonton home a few measures is a must for your Edmonton house to be sold successfully.

Here are some tips on how to sell your Edmonton home.

Cleaning

One of the most minimal cost effective ways to improve the look of your Edmonton home is thoroughly cleaning it. It can be done by hiring a professional cleaner or by yourself. A sparkly clean Edmonton house will always attract buyers

Don’t Forget the Repairs

By determining and completing any repairs to your Edmonton home will increase the value of your property. It will give you less to think about in the selling process.

Enhance:

It’s always a good investment by doing enhancements to your Edmonton house which in return will receive great offers from potential Edmonton homebuyers.

Hire an Agent:

By hiring an experience agent, he/she can sell your house in the least amount of time while obtaining the utmost amount of money for your Edmonton home.

Monitor the Transaction:

By checking with your agent to monitor the transaction will give you the advantage of avoiding unexpected delays in the selling process

Contract:

Work with your agent to generate a ‘firm’ contract in which will benefit both of you and the Edmonton home buyer.

Right Price:

This is one of the most important aspects in real estate which is the price. This can give you a good offer for your Edmonton house and will hand you out the least amount of time for you to wait.

Selling your Edmonton house is no easy task but by taking extra precautions, being patient and doing things one step at a time can lead you to a successful sale.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

When buyers are looking for an Edmonton house factors like location, kitchen, square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms are important. But there are some other less obvious things which can make or break a sale of an Edmonton house and one of them is your so called neighbors.

Even if your Edmonton home is in perfect condition, you neighbors could affect the value of your Edmonton property.

Here are some ways which your neighbors can affect your Edmonton home sale.

Neigborhood Foreclosure

Foreclosure in your neighborhood is a bad sign for homes on the market. It may not deter first-time buyers who are looking for a starter home but more experience buyers may see it as a sign of an awful neighborhood which can cause the buyers to past right by your Edmonton property.

Full Volume

Another prospect of homebuyers is the tranquillity of a neighborhood. Whether there is a teenager’s party or just loud music being heard across the street as a potential buyer visits your Edmonton house, it can destroy the calm environment that you are portraying.

Smoking

A simple turn-off for potential buyers is next-door smokers. Secondhand smoke can pass through open windows which in the process fouling the indoor air.

Dogs

An aggressive dog or just any dog next door can be a real dilemma for sellers especially when dealing with parents with young kids. Safety is one of the top priorities of families in search for an Edmonton house, dogs can compromise that.

Forgotten Paint

There is that one house in every neighborhood that hasn’t tasted a fresh coat of paint in decades. This eyesore may affect your sale especially if it’s one of your immediate neighbors.  Buyers may think twice before making a deal.

Rule Breakers

Troublesome neighbors are hard to be dealt with especially the rebellious ones. If you live in a subdivision that requires citizens to abide by the rules and regulation of the area then neighbors who violate these rules are a big turn-off which in turn makes your potential buyers look elsewhere.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.

In life we want the best for our family as we want it for ourselves, buying and renting is no exception.

Is buying a house really the better choice than renting or the other way round?

Which will you choose?

Down Payment

Buying:

The accustomed down payment for a house is 20% of the acquirement value.

Renting:

It is commonly know when renting a property requires a deposit equivalent to the first and last month’s rent.

Fixed Rate

Buying:

For as long as it takes to pay off the house, a fixed-rate mortgage lets homeowners know what exactly their monthly dues will be.

Renting:

Landlords can change the rate at the end of a leasing period when renting a property.

Taxes

Buying:

Property taxes on a home can be quite the headache.

Renting:

A renter does not have to deal paying property taxes separately.

Maintenance

Buying:

It’s your house so taking care of it when problems appear is your responsibility.

Renting:

Renters typically doesn’t deal with any problematic issues regarding the well-being of the house however they are obligated to report when something goes wrong to their landlord.

Flexibility

Buying:

You cannot easily part with a home. It may take months or even years to sell and by then you may be selling at a loss.

Renting:

Renters don’t have money bounded at their rented property so they have more flexibility of leaving a place at the end of a lease.

Everyone has the choice to buy or rent an Edmonton property it all depends on the circumstances of the person. Buying an Edmonton home is a long term investment which may take years for the effect to be felt but if you are thinking of settling down then buying is a great option but if you are on the move regularly then renting is the best for you.

Remember to follow Serge on Instagram @SergeBourgoin and get a first hand view on how he’s helping Edmonton homebuyers, sellers and investors.

For a complete list of available Edmonton homes for sale, check out the new Edmonton MLS listings.