EDMONTON – The City of Edmonton is negotiating with Leduc County to annex two parcels totalling 15,600 hectares south of the city, including the international airport.
For the complete article visit:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Edmonton+wants+annex+hectares+Leduc+County+including+airport/8052733/story.html
Our homes harbor more than just our families and possessions. Home is also where pollutants, allergens, and other irritants accumulate and thrive, with possible harmful effects on our health. There are simple steps homeowners can take to improve the air quality in their home and increase their comfort and well being.
HANDLE HUMIDITY
High humidity is one of the main contributors to mold and dust mite growth, both of which adversely affect indoor air quality. Keeping indoor humidity below 50% will help prevent further infestation, although once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity. To reduce humidity levels in the home, always use ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. Consider using a dehumidifier in especially humid locations such as basements, which usually have poor air circulation and are prone to dampness.
DUST UP THE DUST
Reducing dust in the home can also improve air quality. Dust can be comprised of pollen, mold spores, lint, animal dander and even bacteria. While it’s impossible to completely rid a home of dust, there are ways to control it. Purchase a quality vacuum cleaner and use it regularly. Many vacuums are now available with HEPA filters that trap small particulate matter and keep it from being blown back into the room. Change or clean furnace filters regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions. High quality furnace filters are more expensive than ordinary types, but are more effective at filtering dust, pet hair, and other particles.
GO AHEAD AND VENT
Opening doors and window whenever possible can also help with indoor air quality. The home will have better air circulation and “breathe” better, and of course homeowners will enjoy fresh air on a nice day.
CHEMICAL SENSE
Many cleaning products are now available in less toxic and environmentally friendly formulations. Manufacturers have made significant improvements to these products over the last few years, and many “green” cleaners and detergents now do an equal or better job than their conventional counterparts. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, and other products so they aren’t leaking fumes into your home. Homeowners should check with their local trash collection company for instructions on how to properly dispose of such items. Check for leaks or damage to packaged household products such as cleaners and solvents, and dispose of accordingly.
By taking these relatively easy steps, homeowners can truly make their home a breath of fresh air.
Source: Pillar to Post Home Inspections
The look of the kitchen is changing — already granite countertops and dark wood cabinets are starting to look a little late 90s. If you’re thinking of renovating or building a house (or just like looking!), here are five of the top trends for modern kitchens. And the best part? Some of these are things you can do right now, without spending much money at all.
For the complete article click on the following link http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-new-kitchen-5-top-trends-184706
Edmonton, March 4, 2013: The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that the housing market in the Edmonton CMA1 remains active. Residential listing activity was up 10% as compared to January and sales increased by 18.2%. The all-residential price (includes single family detached, condominiums, duplexes and row-houses) rose 4.3% in a month.
While the average price for a single family detached home broke through a psychological barrier at $400,973 in February ($399,832 in January), it was up just 0.3%. Condo prices showed stronger gains, rising 7.3% from January to $231,866. Duplex and rowhouse prices were also up month-over-month at $332,285 on average. The all-residential average price was $342,735 (up 2.9% from February 2012).
“REALTORS® were busier last month than in January both listing and selling more homes,” said President Darrell Cook. “As usual, sales activity will continue to increase as we move into spring. The inventory of available homes has increased and we expect hesitant sellers to come onto the market in the face of continuing strong prices.”
The pattern of sales in various price ranges has changed this year. “Confidence in the strength of our local economy and a shortage of attractive properties at the lower end of the price range are both moving consumers to consider higher priced properties,” said Cook. Sales of properties priced $425,000 to $550,000 have increased 19% so far this year, whereas sales of properties in the $200,000 to $375,000 range are down 9.6% compared to the first two months of 2012.
As of February 28, 2013, there were 4,183 residential properties listed in the MLS® System which reflects a 4.14 month supply at current sales levels. The days-on-market was 57 as compared to 53 last year. With an estimated 1,089 (1,008 reported) homes sold and 1,995 homes listed in February, the sales-to-listing ratio was 55%, up 4% from a year ago. Total Board sales for February were $470,309,954.
The figures above represent the sales in the Edmonton CMA1 as defined by Statistics Canada and includes the City of Edmonton and all municipalities in the four surrounding counties of Parkland, Sturgeon, Leduc, and Strathcona. Sales figures for February 2013 have been adjusted to anticipate sales during the month which will be reported after the data cut-off so as to compare more accurately with prior period figures.
REALTORS® in the Edmonton CMA and surrounding areas (including St. Paul and Cold Lake) contribute actual negotiated list and sale prices on a daily basis and are the most reliable source of pricing data in each local area and the entire market.
I am please to announced my continued membership with the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. This allows me additional resources to market homes for sale in the luxury home market. If you are thinking about selling you luxury or executive home here in Edmonton call me so that I can demonstrate how I can give you the most exposure possible to help get the best price possible for you.
When you put your home on the market, it’s important that you make the indoor living space as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The foyer should look spacious and inviting. The bedrooms, neat and uncluttered. The basement, clean and well lit.
All good advice.
But don’t forget the outdoor living space. That too has a significant impact on how quickly your home sells and for how much. You want to make the area around your property, from the front walkway to the backyard deck, as attractive as possible.
How do you do that? Here are some tips for sprucing up your outdoor living space that can be easily implemented.
You can probably get most of this work done in a single weekend. It’s worth it. Making your outdoor living space look great will dramatically increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers.
To view & search MLS listed homes visit us at www.EdmontonHomesForSale.biz
About the ProjectIn July 2008, Council approved the Concept Plan for the South LRT Extension from Century Park to the south city limit. The Concept Plan defined the alignment and station locations for this extension.
Progress on the South LRT project has occurred in stages. Preliminary Engineering from Century Park to Ellerslie Road was completed in 2010. Concept plans for Ellerslie Road to 41 Avenue SW were approved in 2009 and 2010.
The South LRT is part of the Transportation Master Plan’s vision to expand LRT service to all sectors of the City by 2040.
Because land use and transportation are closely linked, LRT growth will be guided by the principle of transit oriented development. Its goal is to create compact neighbourhoods with a mixture of residential, employment, recreational and business opportunities within convenient walking distance of transit.
Preliminary engineering for the Park and Ride at Ellerslie Road and 127 Street is complete. Timelines for completing the detailed design and construction of the Park and Ride at Ellerslie Road are dependent on project approval from City Council.
Land Use Planning
Land use planning is interconnected with the extension of the LRT south of Ellerslie Road. Approval of the NASPs for Heritage Valley Town Centre and Desrochers and confirmation of the LRT alignment, station locations and right-of-way requirements are complete. These will facilitate land use and transportation plans in these rapidly expanding residential areas.
Click here to watch a video on the South LRT Extension Fly-Through and here for all future LRT extensions.
To view & search MLS listed homes visit us at www.EdmontonHomesForSale.biz
Source: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/south-lrt-study.aspx
This is the trend in the USA but we follow them fairly closely.
If you’ve wanted to live in an executive condo overlooking the river value now is your chance! This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit has been completely redone with over 60K in upgrades including slate & hardwood floors, custom maple cabinets with quiet close, quartz counter tops & eating bar, stainless appliances, & renovated bathrooms. Both bedrooms are large with California closets. Enjoy dinner parties with your friends & family with an open concept kitchen & living room. Building features indoor salt water swimming pool, sauna, fitness area, & underground heated parking. There is great access thethe river valley trail system, Located close to shopping, bistros, & easy access to Whyte avenue. What more could you want. Condo fees include heat, water, & power. 1 TITLED UNDERGROUND PARKING with possibility of renting SECOND PARKING STALL.
For more information on this property view our featured homes for sale at www.EdmontonHomesForSale.biz
In the fall of 2012 the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) advised lenders to cease the cashback products for clients to use for downpayment.
However, we have one large provincial lender that was not regulated by this change and is currently promoting this product in the market place.
If you or anyone you know is looking at buying and do not have a downpayment saved up, this may be a great way to enter the housing market earlier than you ancitipated.
Please note, cashback mortgages require the borrower to payback the 5% via a slighlty higher interest rate over the first 5yrs of the mortgage. Please contact us for more details.
