The key to an organized home is clutter-free countertops. Whether it's in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, it's hard to keep ...
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Please visit our Open House at 1503 1078 6 AVENUE SW in Calgary. See details here Open House on Sunday, July 20, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM ...
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I have listed a new property at 1503 1078 6 AVENUE SW in Calgary. See details here Welcome to Riverwest! This beautiful 1-bedroom plus ...
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I have listed a new property at 3315 302 Skyview Ranch DRIVE NE in Calgary. See details here This sunny and bright 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ...
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In Calgary, vacancy rates have been incredibly low for the past few years. This means that many people looking for a place to rent are having a tough time finding one. With so few options available, prices for rental properties have skyrocketed, and it's become common for multiple people to apply for the same place.
As a result, it can take months for renters to finally secure a place to live. Unfortunately, this situation has created an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of desperate renters. This most recently happened to a Calgary senior, who found himself in the middle of a rental scam, which led him to be out thousands of dollars.
These scammers prey on people who are struggling to find a place to live, tricking them out of thousands of dollars and even stealing their personal information like their SIN number or bank details. It's really important for renters to be careful and watch out for any signs that something might not be right when dealing with landlords or property managers.
Here are some important tips to help you and your clients avoid falling victim to a rental scam.
Common scams and red flags to watch for
Tips on how to protect yourself from getting scammed
In our virtual world, the convenience of taking property tours from the comfort of your couch can be handy. However, it can be very easy for scammers to hide behind a camera and deceive you into applying for a fake listing.
Take the time to arrange a viewing in person with the landlord or property manager. This will allow you to put a face to the calls or emails you have been receiving. Most scammers will often refuse to meet in person, which should instantly raise your internal alarm.
Meeting in person also allows you to visibly see that the individual you have been speaking with does indeed have access to the property they are advertising.
In some cases, in-person viewings are not possible for tenants coming from out of town. If possible, have a trusted friend, co-worker, or family member conduct the viewing on your behalf.
Sometimes, asking specific questions can be uncomfortable or awkward for some when first meeting the property manager or landlord. However, asking these questions is vital to protecting yourself from scammers.
Asking the right questions can help you spot inconsistencies or hesitations in the property manager or landlord's answers. Licensed property managers and landlords can answer these questions confidently and without hesitation—some may even provide proof. Below are some good questions to ask when viewing a property.
- Are you a licensed property manager or the owner of the property?
- Are you legally able to lease this property to me?
- How long have you been managing/owned this property for?
- What will you require from me to rent the property from you?
- What Brokerage are you working with?
The rental process can be stressful, and skipping or ignoring some common red flags may happen. However, conducting your research before sending over your information and money is vital to protect you from these scammers.
If you are working with a property manager, this process is straightforward. When looking at the rental listing, most property management companies will have their brokerage name, website and contact information somewhere in the advertisement. Look into this information and see if everything looks to be legit. Another step that can be taken is verifying that the property manager is licensed to conduct property management services in Alberta.
The Real Estate Council of Alberta provides the licensing for all property managers in Alberta. Suppose the property manager you work with has identified themselves as a licensed property manager. In that case, you can confirm their license status on the RECA website. This is the best and most accurate way of verifying your future landlord.
Working directly with a private property owner may be tricky when verifying that they do indeed own the property and are legally able to rent it. Outside of meeting with this individual in person, tenants can also look up the title of the property to verify that the name of the person you are interacting with matches the name on the title of the property.
Land titles can be purchased (check website for price information) through Spatial Information System (SPIN2) or at a local registry agency.
Spring has (almost) sprung, and those overlooked places no one cared about in the depths of winter start to make their dirty little appearances when the sun shines through the windows. And, while we never look for an excuse to deep-clean our home, changing seasons is a perfect opportunity to get everything in order—whether we like it or not! So, to help you get a head start on spring cleaning, we wanted to share five spots in your home that may have taken a back seat over the winter but, with a little TLC, can make your home look and feel so much better!
This one is the easiest to do, so we recommend carving out 30 mins THIS week and getting it done! Changing your furnace filter involves a trip to your local hardware store and then a simple switch when you get back home. You should change your filter four times a year (easy to remember, at the beginning of every season!), but every filter/home will have different needs based on use or conditions. Trust your instincts when it comes to this task—if you're a shedding pet owner or notice lots of dust accumulating in your home, you'll know to change your furnace filter more regularly.
Kitchen cupboards and drawers are prone to grimy build-up, especially in the colder months when you're likely cooking indoors more often. Luckily, this task is relatively simple and provides instant gratification. Start by removing everything from one shelf or drawer, assessing if it needs to stay or go (expired/never going to use), and then wipe the empty interior down with some all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Make sure the surface is completely dry, and then replace your belongings.
Your front entryway and closet can become a dumping ground for shoes, boots, jackets, accessories, junk mail... the list goes on. As the Winter season comes to an end, it's time to get this space in working order for the spring. This means removing everything that is no longer seasonally appropriate, cleaning up all the salt and/or slush stains, and returning your space to a clean slate for the weather ahead. If you don't need the deep freeze-rated parka or boots anymore, put them into storage and keep one coat and a pair of lighter-weight boots for the remainder of the season.
While we're on the topic of putting away your deep-freeze items, now would also be a good time to go through your bedroom closet and decide what you plan to swap out when the warmer weather arrives. If you have a handful of items that never got worn during the colder months, consider moving on from them—selling or donating them will save you space, declutter your space, and potentially bring you in a few dollars! If you'd like a more detailed breakdown of how our founder and cleaning expert, Melissa Maker, handles this seasonal swap, check out our closet changeover guide.
Last but certainly not least, cleaning your exterior windows can make a world of difference in how *sparkly* your home will look this spring. Depending on the size of your home and the number of windows you have, this can be a daunting task that you may need to break up over a few days (or weekends). There are products you can buy to help out, like an extendable squeegee, but ultimately, you want to make sure that you're tackling this job in the safest way possible (please, don't stack two ladders on top of each other to reach your third story windows!!). If it's in the budget, calling in a local window cleaning company can be the easiest way to get this job done fast (and without incident).
And there you have it! Five pretty easy—and a couple more challenging—tasks to kickstart your 2024 spring cleaning! If you'd like a more in-depth walkthrough, we have a comprehensive spring cleaning guide, complete with checklists for each area in the home.
Zoning refers to the local government's regulation of land use within a specific area. It involves dividing a municipality or jurisdiction into different zones or districts, each with specific rules and regulations regarding how the land can be utilized. Zoning laws typically dictate the type of activities or developments allowed in a particular zone, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use.
The primary purposes of zoning are:
Land Use Planning: Zoning helps communities plan and organize their development in a way that promotes orderly growth and protects the overall well-being of the community. It prevents incompatible land uses from being located too close to each other.
Property Values: Zoning can impact property values by influencing the character of a neighborhood. Residential areas, for example, are often zoned to preserve a certain quality of life, while commercial areas are designated for business activities.
Public Health and Safety: Zoning regulations can address concerns related to public health and safety by setting standards for things like building setbacks, fire codes, and environmental protection.
Aesthetic Considerations: Zoning may include regulations on the appearance and design of buildings, ensuring that developments contribute to the overall aesthetic of an area.
Infrastructure Planning: Zoning can help in planning for necessary infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public services by aligning them with the expected development in specific zones
When purchasing real estate, understanding zoning regulations is crucial for several reasons:
Intended Use: Zoning determines what you can and cannot do with a property. Before purchasing, it's essential to know if the property is zoned for your intended use, whether it's residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use.
Future Development: Zoning regulations provide insights into potential future developments in the area. This information can affect property values and the overall desirability of the location.
Compliance and Restrictions: Zoning ordinances come with specific regulations and restrictions. Buyers need to be aware of these rules to ensure compliance with local laws and to avoid legal issues in the future.
Property Value Impact: Zoning can influence property values directly and indirectly. Understanding the zoning regulations in an area can help buyers make informed decisions about the long-term value and potential resale value of the property.
In summary, zoning is a critical aspect of real estate that influences the use, development, and value of properties. Prospective buyers should thoroughly research and understand zoning regulations before making a real estate purchase to ensure their plans align with local zoning laws and to make informed investment decisions.
Global economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter. US GDP growth also slowed but remained surprisingly robust and broad-based, with solid contributions from consumption and exports. Euro area economic growth was flat at the end of the year after contracting in the third quarter. Inflation in the United States and the euro area continued to ease. Bond yields have increased since January while corporate credit spreads have narrowed. Equity markets have risen sharply. Global oil prices are slightly higher than what was assumed in the January Monetary Policy Report (MPR).
In Canada, the economy grew in the fourth quarter by more than expected, although the pace remained weak and below potential. Real GDP expanded by 1% after contracting 0.5% in the third quarter. Consumption was up a modest 1%, and final domestic demand contracted with a large decline in business investment. A strong increase in exports boosted growth. Employment continues to grow more slowly than the population, and there are now some signs that wage pressures may be easing. Overall, the data point to an economy in modest excess supply.
CPI inflation eased to 2.9% in January, as goods price inflation moderated further. Shelter price inflation remains elevated and is the biggest contributor to inflation. Underlying inflationary pressures persist: year-over-year and three-month measures of core inflation are in the 3% to 3.5% range, and the share of CPI components growing above 3% declined but is still above the historical average. The Bank continues to expect inflation to remain close to 3% during the first half of this year before gradually easing.
Governing Council decided to hold the policy rate at 5% and to continue to normalize the Bank’s balance sheet. The Council is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly the persistence in underlying inflation. Governing Council wants to see further and sustained easing in core inflation and continues to focus on the balance between demand and supply in the economy, inflation expectations, wage growth, and corporate pricing behaviour. The Bank remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.
The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is April 10, 2024. The Bank will publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the MPR at the same time.
Feb. 29, 2024 | CREB
Having an exterior deck, energy-efficient doors, and high-tech appliances are common features that improve a home’s value.
Yet, some simple, even peculiar things can add value to a property. From Starbucks to celebrity power, here are a few:
Believe it or not, the house address number can impact a home's value. When a home has lucky numbers, they tend to sell for more.
Many cultures have lucky numbers that symbolize positive traits. For example, in Chinese culture, eight is the luckiest number as it’s associated with wealth, prosperity, success and status. On the other hand, in Judaism, the number 18 signifies good luck.
A research study by Property Reporter showed that in the United Kingdom, odd-numbered houses are typically worth £30,258 (~44,000 CAD) more than those that are even-numbered.
According to Canadian REALTOR® Tatiana Londono, properties close to a Starbucks statistically appreciate faster than those in other neighbourhoods.
The multi-billion-dollar coffee company has teams studying the demographics of an area and working closely with developers who have access to data about sales and growth potential of the areas.
This ensures that the locations they are opening will be a valuable investment for them.
Whether it’s a mansion or a converted warehouse, if a famous person once lived in a home, it will be valued more at resale.
When celebrities live in a particular property or neighbourhood, other celebrities tend to be attracted to that property or neighbourhood, given there might be a certain level of privacy and exclusivity, adding more value to the home.
Having healthy, beautifully lined trees flourishing on the street is another sign that a home’s value can increase. Vegetation adds vibrancy to a community and contributes to positive mental well-being.
Did you know? The City of Calgary provides trees at no cost through its Branching Out program. Applications open in the Spring.
The following eight steps will help you get your financial and mental houses in order so you can search for a new home with confidence.
Lenders want to know that you’ll be able to handle the debt you already have, in addition to your new mortgage payment. An important metric is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. It’s a good rule of thumb if your total monthly debt (including your mortgage payment) does not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports that a maximum DTI ratio of 43% is required to receive a qualified mortgage, which is seen as safer to lenders.
Getting your existing debt under control is imperative before you can begin your mortgage application and your house-hunting process. This includes:
The more debt you pay off before applying for a mortgage, the less stress you’ll likely have when it comes to making your monthly payments.
The better your credit score, the lower the interest rate you’ll get on your mortgage. Checking your credit well in advance of beginning your home search will give you time to correct any errors and improve your score ahead of time.
You can boost your score a number of ways.
While credit scores as low as 500 can qualify you for certain mortgages, most lenders will expect a score of at least 620 to 680 to consider your application.
With a lower credit score, lenders may require a larger down payment and charge you a higher interest rate on your loan. Conversely, borrowers with high credit scores (800 or more) have lower down payment requirements and enjoy lower interest rates.
It’s important to remember that your budget will change when you buy a home and you’ll have new costs beyond just the mortgage payment.
Property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance are just a few of the additions you’ll want to plan for. You may find that your utility bills increase. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money in savings to cover emergency repairs.
For many types of mortgages, lenders will want to see two months of reserves (for the mortgage, taxes and insurance) in the bank. For example, if your mortgage, taxes and insurance payments total $1,000, you’ll need to have $2,000 in readily accessible savings to show. If you’re buying a condominium or townhome, you might also have homeowners association (HOA) fees that will be included when the lender assesses your budget.
The reserves required will vary by lender and by loan size. Even if you ultimately secure a mortgage that doesn’t require reserves, it’s not a bad idea to have a couple months’ worth of expenses in the bank as a cushion.
How much you’ll put down on your home depends on the type of mortgage you receive. However, the typical mortgage down payment ranges from 3.5% to 20%.
Essentially, the higher your down payment, the lower the risk you are to a lender. Lenders assume that buyers investing more cash up front are less likely to walk away from the money they have in their home. When you put down less than 20%, lenders often mitigate that risk by charging private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an insurance policy that protects the lender if you default on your loan.
As you consider how much you want to put down, it may help to meet with a mortgage officer to explore possible loan options. An experienced professional can help you determine which loans will require PMI and how much down payment you might need to avoid paying this insurance.
When you save a bit more for a down payment, you may qualify for a mortgage that doesn’t have PMI requirements. Avoiding PMI can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a month.
When you’ve cleaned up your credit and paid down your debt, you’ll want to get preapproved for a mortgage. Preapproval is a valuable process for several reasons.
First, you’ll find out exactly how much you’ll be able to borrow and therefore, how much home you can afford. Knowing your purchase power will help guide your home search and keep you from unnecessary disappointments that come with shopping outside your limits.
Next, preapproval positions you as a serious buyer. Many real estate professionals won’t take on buyer clients if they haven’t already been preapproved. A seller’s agent will know a lender has vetted you and that there’s less of a chance your funding will get derailed in the closing process.
Preapproval lets your agent take you shopping with confidence because they know they can make offers on your behalf with confidence.
When you know your buying power, you can review all the home options available in your area by first understanding the types of homes that are out there.
As you review the types of homes available in your area, consider the space you need, the cost of each type of home and any additional fees that the different home types might incur.
For example, you may find that you would prefer a single-family home, but the cost in your area stretches your budget to the maximum. You might consider townhomes or condos with similar square footage but at a lower cost, if the HOA fees still make it worth it.
Once you’re preapproved and have an idea of the type of home you’d prefer, it’s time to research your favorite neighborhoods.
Consider these neighborhood features when you’re shopping for a home:
You might consider visiting your target neighborhoods several times and at various times of day to get a picture of what life might look like if you bought a home in the area.
As you get ready to commence your home search, it pays to shop around for mortgage loan rates.
According to a study by Freddie Mac, buyers who get mortgage quotes from one additional lender save an average of $1,000 over the life of their loan. Those who get up to five additional rate quotes save an average of $3,000.
As you compare lenders, be sure to look beyond the interest rate. You’ll want to compare closing costs, points and lenders fees, too.
When you’ve done the groundwork above, you’ll be in a prime position to shop for your new home with confidence. Not only will you have your finances in order, but also you’ll have a solid understanding of your local market and the tools you need (like preapproval) to make a competitive offer.
This weekend is all about spending time with the people you love, with Valentine’s Day and Family Day on Monday. If you’re looking for some fun ways to share the holiday long weekend with your family, here are the free (or nearly free) events and activities to check out in Calgary and Airdrie on Monday, February 19th.
CALGARY
AIRDRIE
From our team to your family, we wish you a happy Family Day long weekend!
an. 31, 2024 | CREB
This month, the city will become vibrant with winter and cultural festivals in which you can enjoy mesmerizing art installations, witness outstanding performances, and even become a hot chocolate connoisseur. There will be no shortage of fun, so here's a look at the upcoming events:
Chinook Blast
February 2-19, Downtown
Bundle up and get ready for the fourth annual Chinook Blast. This vibrant winter festival celebrates art, culture and community and will feature several events, free activities, live music, community pop-ups and art installations. Cost: Free
Learn more
Chinese New Year Festival 2024
February 3-11, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, 197 1 St S.W.
Embrace the spirit of the dragon at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre's Chinese New Year Festival 2024. For two weekends, the festivities will include multicultural performances, a sensational vendor market, dragon and lion dances, art exhibitions and more. Cost: Free
Read more
Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture
February 9-10, TELUS Convention Centre, 136 8 Ave S.E.
Celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions of the Afro-Canadian/Caribbean communities at the annual Ethnik Festival of Art & Culture. Discover local and international talents at the emerging artist showcase and please your palate by attending the tasty “food war”, in which professional chefs and cultural ambassadors will compete for the best dish. Cost: $25-40
Tickets
Calgary Hitmen | Home Games
Feb. 4,7,9,10,23,25,28, Scotiabank Saddledome, 55 Saddledome Rise S.E.
With seven games in-house this month, don’t miss out on the fun and watch the Hitmen as they take on several rivals.
Tickets
Calgary Flames | Home Games
Feb. 15, 17, 19, 22, 27, Scotiabank Saddledome, 55 Saddledome Rise S.E.
Join the action and cheer on the Flames as they play against the Sharks, Red Wings, Jets, Bruins, and Kings.
Tickets
Snow Rodeo
February 8-17, Winsport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd S.W.
Discover the world’s best freestyle snowboarders at the FIS Snowboard Slopestyle & Halfpipe World Cups, a weeklong competition where you’ll watch world-renowned riders catch big air and compete for cash prizes and points toward world ranking and Olympic qualification. Cost: Free
Starman: David Bowie
February 15, Jack Singer Concert Hall, 225 8 Ave S.E.
Immerse yourself in five decades of classics as Jeans ‘n Classics and the Calgary Philharmonic come together for a symphonic rock tribute to glam rock and pop icon, David Bowie.
Tickets
Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater
February 15-17, Various locations
Enjoy a musical weekend and be prepared to experience the best in folk music at Calgary Folk Music Festival’s Block Heater. With a lineup of 27 artists performing in 12 different events across seven venues, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Tickets
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert
February 23-25, Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 Ave N.W.
Submerge in the magic of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert series. Witness Harry Potter™ as he soars the big screen in high-definition and experience a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score by Patrick Doyle.
Tickets
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest
February 1-29, Locations across the city.
Get warm and cozy at your favourite establishment and sip novel and exceptional recipes as part of the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest. With over 70 participating locations, there’s a wide variety of drinks to enjoy.
Read more
Feb. 01, 2024 | CREB
Why use a REALTOR®?
Expertise: When you partner with a REALTOR®, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge honed through years of experience. From strategizing your approach to negotiating the best deal, they navigate the twists and turns of the market with finesse, ensuring you achieve the optimal outcome.
Knowledge: The real estate landscape is ever-evolving, with market dynamics shifting rapidly. REALTORS® are armed with comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge, providing objective insights and accurate information for making informed decisions about buying or selling your home.
Dedication: Your REALTOR® is more than just a professional; they're your ally, dedicated to safeguarding your interests throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation to the final closing, they stand by your side, offering unwavering support and guidance.
Protecting consumer interests
Recent events have highlighted the importance of having a seasoned professional in your corner when navigating real estate transactions. In a world where unrepresented buyers can exploit vulnerabilities, a REALTOR® serves as a shield, ensuring your interests are safeguarded at every turn.
Consider the cautionary tale of a homeowner who, without representation, unwittingly sold their property for less than its true value. Such scenarios underscore the critical role of a REALTOR® in orchestrating a successful and equitable transaction.
Find your REALTOR®
Take the first step towards your real estate goals by finding the perfect match for your needs. Whether buying, selling, or renting, a Calgary and area REALTOR® stands ready to guide you through the intricacies of the market with professionalism and dedication.
Ready to embark on your real estate journey? Explore the CREB® Consumer Hub’s wealth of resources tailored to buyers, sellers, and renters alike. Armed with knowledge and expertise, you're poised to navigate the world of real estate confidently, with a trusted REALTOR® by your side every step of the way.
To get connected with a REALTOR®, visit realtor.ca.
To read more about the advantages of having a REALTOR® by your side, read this CREB®Now article.
May 16, 2022 | CREB
According to the Urban Reform Institute’s Demographia International Housing Affordability Study, Calgary ranked 10th out of the 92 cities included in the survey.
Calgary’s affordability, which was based on numbers taken during the fourth quarter of 2021, was up slightly, posting a median multiple of 4.0 compared to 4.1 in the previous study analyzing 2020. Calgary’s 2020 rating placed them 29th on the list.
Cities with a median multiple of 3.0 and under have “affordable” housing markets, while the range from 3.1 to 4.0 is “moderately affordable,” 4.1 to 5.0 is “seriously unaffordable,” and 5.1 and over is “severely unaffordable.”
The median multiple is the price-to-income ratio, which is the median house price divided by the gross median household income, pre-tax. This means that the median house in Calgary costs four times the average annual income in the city.
Edmonton ranked as the most affordable Canadian city in the report, sitting fourth with a rating of 3.6 while Pittsburgh was the most affordable city in the report with a rating of 2.7.
On the other end of the scale, Vancouver, Sydney and Hong Kong were rated as the three most unaffordable cities, with median multiples of 13.3, 15.3 and 23.2 respectively.
“Severely unaffordable housing has spread from Vancouver to smaller markets, as metro Vancouver has shed domestic migration to smaller markets in British Columbia, such as Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, and Kelowna and markets on Vancouver Island,” read the report.
Toronto finished 83rd, with a median multiple of 10.5, with the report stating the “severely unaffordable housing” trend in Ontario has spread to smaller markets in Ontario, such as Kitchener-Waterloo, Brantford, London and Guelph, as residents of metro Toronto seek lower costs of living.
According to CREB®’s latest housing statistics, Calgary’s benchmark price reached $526,700 in April, nearly two per cent higher than last month and 17 per cent higher than last year. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s put the average price of a home in that city at $1.2 million in April, while Vancouver’s benchmark house price sat at $1,360,500.
April 28, 2022 | CREB
For most of us, buying a home will be the biggest purchasing decision we make in our lifetime. Adding to the weight of that decision is going through it the first time.
First-time homebuyers can benefit tremendously from receiving extra advice throughout the purchase process. It's difficult to know exactly what to expect, but most issues can be resolved by doing a little homework at the outset.
The good news is first-time homebuyers are not on their own. Here are five tips to help you navigate the journey:
1. Do your research
Ask questions and do your homework. Speak with other homeowners to get a real-life perspective on what it's like to own property. Also take some time to think about where you want to be today and five years from now, and plan accordingly!
2. Get pre-approved
It is best for first-time buyers to get pre-approved for a mortgage so they know how much they can spend.
Talk to a mortgage specialist about mortgage products, terms, payment options and rates. Then, share the pre-approval with your REALTOR® so they only show you homes that fit your budget.
3. Use a REALTOR®
Many homebuyers research potential homes using realtor.ca, but what's really important is the interpretation of that data, and that's where a REALTOR® comes in.
A REALTOR® is a trusted source for all your real estate needs. Not only do they provide invaluable expertise, but they are also committed to a high standard of professional conduct focused on the consumer.
A REALTOR® also provides a homebuyer with all the information to make an informed decision in terms of comparable prices in the neighbourhood, market conditions and the proper steps to go through in a home purchase.
4. Seeing is believing
While most people begin their home search online, shopping that way may not tell the whole story of a property. Photos can be deceiving, so it's important to get inside a house and explore it for yourself.
Things like the size of a home, the condition of the interior and exterior and the neighborhood can vary when looking at a home online versus in person.
Schedule a showing with your REALTOR® or visit an open house to help you make a much smarter buying decision.
5. Get a home inspection
A home inspection could identify a simple cosmetic problem or safety issue that could be potentially life threatening.
Many first-time buyers walk into a home, love the kitchen or the bathrooms or the general layout, and can look right past everything else. That's why you need an unbiased, independent review of the home.
Your home inspector should not care whether you buy the home or not. They have no vested interest in the transaction and present you with the facts.
I have sold a property at 915 Windhaven CLOSE SW in Airdrie on Feb 4, 2024. See details here
Welcome to your dream home! This charming 3-bedroom residence, boasting a den with a stylish barn door, is nestled on a spacious corner lot. As you step inside, you're greeted by an abundance of natural light that bathes the interiors, thanks to the strategically placed large windows. Situated on a corner lot, this property provides ample outdoor space for various activities. The large lot invites possibilities for gardening, entertaining, or creating your own personal oasis. The open-concept home design seamlessly connects the kitchen to the dining area and living room, providing an ideal space for entertaining friends and family. The layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize both functionality and style. Upstairs, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms, each offering a peaceful retreat at the end of the day. The master bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom, and walk-in closet, providing a private oasis for relaxation. The additional bedrooms are perfect for children, guests, or a home office. The heated garage, complete with epoxy flooring, offers a perfect retreat for car enthusiasts, hobbyists, or anyone seeking a functional workspace with added comfort. This residence is ideally located close to schools, making the morning routine a breeze for families. Parks in the vicinity offer opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. Local amenities, including grocery store, nail salon, gas station, and restaurants are just a short distance away. This residence is more than just a home; it's a haven filled with character, comfort, and functionality. To view this home is to buy it!!!!!!! Be sure to check out the VIRTUAL TOUR LINK for hi-tech interactive floor plans/hi-def photos/virtual tours where you can take a "walk" throughout all rooms of the property.