Edmonton Real Estate Blog

You’ve found a house that you like but it needs improvements. The Purchase Plus Improvement program will allow you to add the renovation cost to the purchase price, so you can benefit from a low mortgage interest rate and make only one payment.
Before, you go and make an offer, there are a few conditions that will help determine whether this program suits your needs. One of the first misunderstandings with Purchase Plus Improvement, is that most people do not realize that they will have to pay for the renovations themselves, until the work is completed. The lender will mandate that the solicitor “hold back” the additional cost added to the mortgage, that represents the improvement amount. Once the work has been completed, an appraiser will have to supply the lender with an inspection report, to verify the work has been completed as agreed. The lender will instruct the solicitor to release the funds from his trust account, to pay for the improvements. My advice in these circumstances, is to take advantage of family, or lines of credit to finance these costs until completion. Some renovation companies my not require payment until work is complete.
Secondly, CMHC and Genworth both have guidelines regarding maximum improvement allowance. The improvements cannot exceed 10% of improved value or $40,000.
Thirdly, before I can submit this type of transaction to the lending institution, you will need to supply me with a quote and/or a renovation contract. For self-renovations provide cost of supplies from Home Depot/ Rona. Note, lender will not pay for borrower’s own labor.

Please ensure to keep all invoices and receipts. All invoices and receipt must also be provided to the lender before instructions are sent to the lawyer to release funds. The cost of appraisal is the responsibility of the borrower.
Here is an example of a Purchase Plus Improvement mortgage. The house is priced at $300,000 but it needs another $20,000 in renovations. You can add in the renovations cost to the purchase price and CMHC or Genworth will lend against the total value (purchase price plus the renovation cost).
Purchase price $300,000
Renovations $20,000
Total cost $320,000
Lending value $320,000
Max. Mortgage $304,000 (95% of $320,000)
Min. down payment $ 16,000
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.

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

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

The average housing prices quoted by the Board are influenced by two factors. If the prices paid on particular properties are rising then it will push up the average price. But if the actual prices are constant, the average could still increase because of the product mix in the period.

Right now there is a shortage of attractive, lower priced homes in this market because the low interest rates and increased migration have created a demand for housing for entry level buyers. Existing home owners are also taking advantage of the lower interest rates and the equity gain since 2006 and are buying in more expensive neighbourhoods. With less homes sold at the low end, the average price is pushed up as current owners move up-market to find a home. The relative number of homes sold in the $450 – 650k price range increased from 12.2% to 14.5% year-over-year while the percentage of homes under $300,000 dropped from 40.7% of the market to 38.2%.

It is important that REALTORS® explain this phenomenon to their sellers so that they don’t have unrealistic pricing expectations. The increase in average price may not increase the market value of a particular property. Just because the market is rising, does not mean that buyers will pay more than the market price in a given neighbourhood for a home. The CMA will reveal if prices for comparable homes are rising with the market or are showing a more moderate rate of increase.

Source: Realtors Association of Edmonton

Edmonton is the second-best market in the country to invest in housing, says real estate analyst Don Campbell.
“Population growth is strong, job growth is strong and things are supporting this market quite nicely, said Campbell, founding partner of the Real Estate Investment Network, a business that provides resources and information on real estate to members.
“It doesn’t look like it’s going to be another ‘07 where it just got into pure frenzy, but I think you’ll see late this year and early 2014 — which is a year behind Calgary as always — that the market will really start to push up.”
Home-buying demand will start taking off late this year while prices will begin rising next spring, Campbell says.
He bases that prediction on a formula where demand and prices come about 18 months after increased rents, which in turn follow decreased vacancies, increased demand for rental housing and growing population. All of those are triggered by earlier economic and job growth.

“We’re going to see a lot of listings come on during this year as well,” Campbell said, noting a current undersupply of listings.
Investors who bought too many properties in 2007, 2008 and 2009 will see the increased buying demand as a chance to sell, he said.
“The market’s barely moved in Edmonton as far as value. It’s a good window of opportunity before it starts to heat up again to get into the market. From an investment point of view, your rents are going up.”
He said when suites go vacant, landlords will raise rents by $150 to $200 per month.
“That will make renters think twice about renting rather than buying and that will happen over the next 12 or 18 months.”
Edmonton is second only to Calgary as the best place to invest in Canada in residential real estate. Campbell rates Hamilton as third because of its diversifying economy and job growth. Campbell was in Edmonton to promote his latest book The Little Book of Real Estate Investing in Canada. Royalties from the book go to Habitat for Humanity.

By Bill Mah, Edmonton Journal
© Copyright The Edmonton Journal

Homeowners who haven’t listed their property in recent years may be surprised and somewhat skeptical of the advantages of styling or “staging” a home in order to maximize its resale price. However, it is a fact that detailing is very effective. When a professional designer is enlisted to optimize the appearance of a home, it leaves a positive impression on the potential buyers. its not just about style. A proper consultation can identify means of emphasizing a homes best assets, such as improving sightlines with strategic furnishing, or making a room more welcoming with improved lighting, a carpet, or an attractive piece of art. Whether it’s kitchen hardware replacement, new bathroom decor or a fresh coat of paint, property staging is a worthwhile investment. It may require a bit of work, or may involve renting a few items, but is sure to make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

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

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly – and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting.

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy-saving variety. You’ve probably seen these at your local home improvement centre. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy.

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on? Perhaps there’s an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5jAUUHVs4&feature=youtu.be

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 Reteat That Boasts A Walk-In-Closet & A Gorgeous Spa W/Swirl Tub. The Home Also Has P/Fin Basement.

For more information or to schedule a showing appointment call:

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

www.EdmontonHomesforSale.biz