Edmonton Real Estate Blog

Great starter home. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 1135 sq ft, 2 storey home with fully finished basement and covered carport. Tastefully decorated in modern colours and hardwood floors. Brand new bathroom with marble floor tile, new sink and vanity , new tub and ceramic tile surround. Patio door leads to good size deck and backyard. Conveniently located close to schools, hospital, rec centre, south common with easy access to major roadways and bus routes. Only $269, 900. Call for more information or to book a showing appointment.

To View & Search All MLS Listed Houses for Sale Visit Us At:

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz

Consider this scenario for a moment, the individual on the left invested $2,000 a year for nine years, a total of only $18,000 at which time she became disabled and stopped investing. Her friend on the right took the disability as a wake up call and decided it was time to start her own $2,000 a year investment program but she’s starting nine years later. At the age of 65, when they’re both ready to retire, there is still a difference in their investments even after one of them invested $70,000 over 35 years.

Douglas J. Bodtcher                               
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
780-448-1988 ext. 284

Come check out this beautiful home in person this Sunday, the 5th at our open house.

10632 181 Avenue Northwest
Edmonton, AB T5X 6J8, Canada

IT’S STUNNING!!! 1852 sq.ft. 2 Storey, 3 Bdr Plus Main Floor den that could be used as a 4th bdr. It has 2.5 Bath, & Open Great Room Concept. Featuring Gleaming Hardwood, Earth Tone Tile, Neutral Paint & Laminate Floors, An Amazing Foyer With A Full & Open Ceiling That Accents The Beautiful Pillared Archway Which Divides The Formal Dining Room & Living room. A Lovely Traditional Dining Room Is Terrific For Entertaining During Those Special Occasions & Designed For A Full Dining Suite. The Great Room Has a Gas F/P. The Dinette is Bright & Cheery & the Kitchen Area Is Found At The Back Of the Home Opening up To the Deck & Back Garden. Also On The Main Floor Is A Laundry/Mud Room W/Newer Stainless Steel Front Loading Washer & Dryer W/Access To The Garage. Up The Grand Stairway To The Upper Level Is The Nicely Sized 2nd & 3rd Bedroom W/4Pc Bath & The Master Retreat That Boasts A Walk-In-Closet & A Gorgeous Spa W/Swirl Tub. The Home Also Has P/Fin Basement. For more information view realtor’s website.

To View & Search All MLS Listed Houses for Sale Visit Us At:

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz

Edmonton, May 2, 2013: With the a later than expected arrival of spring, average prices for housing in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) decreased month-over-month in April after a surprising uptick in March. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that the all-residential price (including single family detached, condominiums, duplexes and row-houses) decreased 1.8% over March to $348,535. Compared to April 2012, the all-residential price was up 2.0%.

“The second quarter is the most active time of year for real estate sales,” said President Darrell Cook. “Both buyers and sellers want to complete the transaction before school starts in September and get settled into the new neighbourhood.” About 33% of annual sales happen in April, May, and June, while 25% occur in Q3 and 19% in the last three months of the year. In April, there were an estimated 1,645 (1,523 actual) total residential property sales through the Edmonton Multiple Listing Service® as compared to 1,656 (actual) in April 2012.

Estimated SFD sales of 1,037 units (960 actual) were down 4.4% from last year but condominium sales increased 4.1% year-over-year to 459 estimated sales (425 actual). There were 118 estimated sales of duplex/rowhouse properties (109 actual) in April (up 15.4% y/y). Sales numbers are estimated to account for late reported sales and provide meaningful comparison to previous year actual sales.

Market activity picked up in April according to both market activity indicators. The sales-to-listing ratio was up at 55% in April while days-on-market was down from 50 in March to 49 in April. Inventory continues to be relatively low with 5,294 residential properties of all types available on the MLS® System at the end of April. There were 2,769 residential properties listed for sale in April (up just 0.5% from April, 2012). “As many as 100 additional homes are listed everyday so motivated buyers need to maintain contact with their REALTOR® to ensure that they are notified the moment that a suitable property becomes available,” said Cook.

In April, the average price for a single family detached home was $402,270 (down 3.5% from March). The average priced condo sold for $243,503 (down 1.3% m/m) and duplex and rowhouses prices were up 2.8% to $324,975 on average. It is important to note that the average price encompasses all properties and can be driven upward by a higher than average number of expensive sales in any given month.  Contact your REALTOR® to get an accurate evaluation of your home.

Source: Realtors Association of Edmonton

As, April 19, 2010, CMHC made changes to minimum down payment requirement for purchasing rental/investment property. Also, rental income allowance to help qualify has been reduced. Ultimately both initiatives have made it more difficult for investors to purchase additional properties.

In order to purchase a rental property, minimum 20% down is required, hence, making it conventional. For investors to acquire multiple units, they will need to qualify for the mortgages using their own income and rental income.

Different lenders use different formulas for rental income. It is important to ensure you maximize your purchase power by using lenders that will allow more of your rental income.

The most conservative lenders use only 50% of the rental income. This amount is added to the applicant’s income and maximum 44% of that income can be used for housing costs and debt (i.e. Mortgage payment, property tax and heat)

Some lenders will allow you to use all of your rental income given they are declared and verified on your income taxes. These lenders will simply take the positive cash flow to add to your income or add the deficit as a liability.

Other lenders will use a rental worksheet. These worksheets will equate to 70% utilization of rental income.

Since, rental properties are not insured, each lender has their own nuances on requirements. This is where it gets tricky. In cases where investors’ portfolios include multiple units it is important to work with a mortgage associate prior to purchasing to review the portfolio and discuss various options. Also, since large portfolios also involve more documentation it would speed the purchasing process to ensure all documentation is in order.

Feel free to call if you have any questions or would like some more information.

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing. How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators:

• Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.

• Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.

• Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it’s a desirable area. • Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighbourhoods?

• Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check Facebook.com to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.

• City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre. Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy – in the long-term Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to talk to a good REALTOR® who knows the area. Call today 780-634-8151

To view and search all MLS listed houses for sale visit us at www.EdmontonHomesForSale.biz

The average university graduate earns almost twice as much as someone with a high school diploma. Over a 30 year career, that could add up to $1.1 million of additional income.1

A $208.33 monthly contribution to an RESP for 18 years combined with a $500 annual government grant for 14.4 years compounded at 6.5% over 18 years can provide you with a pre-tax market value of $99,018 to finance a post secondary education.2

Feel free to contact with questions or more information

Douglas J. Bodtcher                               
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
780-448-1988 ext. 284

1 2001 Census Data – Statistics Canada. Average earnings for a High School graduate: $34,631; for a University graduate: $61,156. Assuming an average annual inflation rate of 1.99% (Bank of Canada,
June 1997 – June 2012), the difference over 30 working years will total $1,095,765.
2 Assuming a $208.33 lump sum contribution on the first of each month, a $500 annual Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) for 14 years and a $200 CESG in year 15 providing a maximum $7,200 lifetime
CESG. The CESG and Canada Learning Bond (CLB) are provided by the Government of Canada. CLB eligibility depends on family income levels. Some provinces make education savings grants available to
their residents. The rate of return is used only to illustrate the effects of the compound growth rate and is not intended to reflect future values or returns on investment.
Written and published by Investors Group as a general source of information only. It is not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, nor is it intended to provide tax, legal or investment
advice. Readers should seek advice on their specific circumstances from an Investors Group Consultant.
™ Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.
“Kids need to learn to earn”© Investors Group Inc. 2012 MP1286 (08/2012)

Come join us for our open house on this brand new listing!

This Sunday, the 21st from 1pm-4pm at 7511 189 Street Northwest, Edmonton.

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 4 level split. This home and yard is gorgeously developed and well maintained. The home offers a front and back deck which is perfect if you’re looking to grab a little sun in the morning or evening. The neighborhood is quite quiet with very little traffic and mature trees to provide privacy. The home offers a few extra features such as soft close drawers and USB charger outlets in kitchen, low flow toilet and shower head in main bathroom, closet organizers in all bedrooms, automatic light in pantry downstairs, key pad locks, newer shingles, updated trim throughout, and underground sprinkler system. The master bedroom has his and her closets and a large Jacuzzi tub in ensuite. The family room features a stone wall fireplace. Large garage with painted floor, shelving and a work bench. Very convenient location, close to schools, a playground, Whitemud Drive, Anothony Henday, and West Edmonton Mall. This home is really a must see!!!

To View & Search All MLS Listed Houses for Sale Visit Us At:

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hgA0hnt5QQ

Over 2,000 sq.ft. of developed living space in this great 5 bedroom, 4 level split, with 2.5 baths.  Nice size 24′ x 22′ double detached garage. Some of the recent upgrades include new high efficient furnace, hot water tank, new windows, new kitchen cabinets, new siding,  new stainless stove, fridge and dishwasher. Other recent improvements include new laminate floors, painting, new front & back entrance doors. The house shingles were done about 5 years ago. There is a nice size back yard, located close to schools, easy access to all amenities. This is a great home for a large family.

To View & Search All MLS Listed Houses for Sale Visit Us At:

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz