Buying a New Home Financing Investing 
July 20, 2023
What Is The Average House Appreciation Rate In Canada? In Alberta? In Edmonton?

Whether you’re buying a home for your family or purchasing a home as an investment property, the appreciation rate of homes in Canada is an important statistic for many Canadian homeowners. 

Understanding the average house appreciation rate in Canada, as well as in Alberta and Edmonton specifically, can help inform decisions about real estate purchases. In Canada, the Teranet-National Bank House Price Index is the most commonly used measure of house price appreciation. 

This index uses many sources for data and measures the change in prices of residential houses in 11 major cities in Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Additionally, the Case-Shiller Home Price Index is the most widely used measure of house price appreciation in the United States, which can also affect the Canadian market. By understanding these indices, Canadians can gain insight into the historical real estate appreciation rate and home prices in Canada. Read More

Buying a New Home Financing
July 6, 2023
Can I Use a Line Of Credit For My Down Payment?

Are you considering buying a home in Edmonton but don’t know how to finance the down payment? There are many ways to come up with the funds for your down payment, such as tapping into existing equity or taking out a personal loan. In this article, we’ll explore one option that may be ideal for certain situations and answer a common question: can I use a line of credit for my down payment? We’ll explain why using an LOC might be beneficial and look at what lenders consider when evaluating if it is an appropriate solution. 

Whether you’re just starting your research or already know what approach works best for you, read on to see if using a LOC makes sense for your needs. Read More

Buying a New Home Homeowner Tips
June 29, 2023
Your New Home: A Needs Versus Wants Checklist

Designing and building a new home is an exciting opportunity with endless possibilities. From choosing the right home model to the tiniest detail, every decision counts. However, the abundance of options can quickly become overwhelming. So, how can you ensure that you end up in your dream home? Read More

Buying a New Home Financing
June 15, 2023
What Is The Canada Consumer Confidence Index?

If you’re a home buyer or seller in Canada, it’s important to understand the Canadian Consumer Confidence Index (CCCI) and how it can affect your decisions. Put simply, the CCCI measures the public’s confidence in the health of Canada’s economy and its impact on their finances. It has been around since 1977 and monitors issues such as unemployment rates, inflation, wealth effects, taxes and more. The value given by this survey gives economists an accurate measure of what Canadians think about their current financial well-being. 

As we all know right now with our current economic uncertainty and recent interest rate hikes, understanding these changes can be an invaluable tool in adjusting our spending habits while also considering long-term investments like a new home purchase. In this article we’ll discuss exactly that – What is the Canadian Index of Consumer Confidence and why should it matter to you? Read More

Buying a New Home Downsizing
May 25, 2023
Dreaming About Downsizing: Learn to Make the Most of Your Move

Your family’s home has been a cherished space that holds countless precious memories – from Thanksgiving dinners to birthday celebrations and summer barbecues, it’s been the perfect gathering place. It’s where your children took their first steps, shared hearty laughs, and studied hard for their exams. Your home has exceeded all your expectations and it’s been a true haven of happiness.

As your kids start their own families and move out, your spacious home starts to feel a little too big for just yourself. Cleaning all those extra rooms becomes a hassle when you hardly use them. 

Additionally, the cost of energy consumption is high, especially when you consider the amount of heating and cooling required for rooms that remain unused. Plus, as you age, it can become increasingly challenging to navigate homes with stairs and other obstacles.

You need a new solution. Something smaller. Something more manageable.

Downsizing is a great option for your retirement years. Many homeowners choose this route, and it’s important to consider how you can make the most out of your move. In this guide, we’ll explore all the ins and outs of making this move – from where to look for ideal properties to how best to make use of space once you’re settled in. Read More

Buying a New Home Financing
May 18, 2023
Will House Prices Drop?

Navigating the Canadian housing market can be a daunting task, and one of the most pressing questions that potential home buyers in Canada are asking is: will house prices drop? With so much uncertainty about what’s going to happen over the next few months and years, it pays to stay informed. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what’s happening with real estate prices now – and how they may move in the future. Read More

Buying a New Home Financing
May 4, 2023
The Best Banks For Mortgages In Canada

When it comes to buying a home, Canadians are faced with many important decisions – from finding the perfect neighbourhood and choosing what kind of house they want, to financing their purchase. One of the most important – and longest-lasting – decisions is finding the right bank or mortgage broker to secure a mortgage that fits your budget. So we wanted to give you a list of some of the best banks for mortgages in Canada!

In this article we’ll take a look at several Canadian banks that offer mortgages in Edmonton, and how they vary when it comes to size, interest rates, and services offered, so you can make an informed decision on which financial institution best meets your needs. Read More

Buying a New Home Downsizing Move Up Buyers
April 24, 2023
How To Choose A Home To Match Your New Lifestyle

As your life continues to change and evolve, you’ll want to make sure your home can keep up with you. Whether you need more room for the kids or a smaller space when they move out; if your current floor plan no longer fits what works best for you – it could be time to consider looking at a new home. 

Choosing a new home to match your new lifestyle is no small task, and it may seem overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with tips to help you navigate your way to finding your dream home, one that’s perfectly suited to your life circumstances. Read More

Buying a New Home Homeowner Tips Investing 
April 20, 2023
What Is Freehold vs Leasehold?

Are you considering buying a home in Edmonton? If so, you may have heard there are three primary forms of property ownership: freehold and leasehold ownership. Freehold ownership grants you complete ownership of both the property and the land, and is the most prevalent form of ownership in Canada. In contrast, leasehold ownership only grants you ownership of the property, not the land, which means you must pay ground rent and condo fees. Freehold properties tend to be more expensive as you are purchasing the land as well, but they also appreciate in value more compared to leasehold properties.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly the different components to each ownership type, so that you can be well-informed when making your decision.  Read More

Buying a New Home Homeowner Tips Selling Your Home
April 13, 2023
14 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Current Home Before Selling

Are you thinking of selling your current home? Naturally, you may be wondering how to increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. By following a few basic tasks and making some aesthetic improvements, you can really increase the value of your property before you put it up for sale. Here are a few tips that will help you get started on increasing the value of your current home before you sell it! Read More

Buying a New Home Financing
April 6, 2023
How Can Buying A Car Affect My Mortgage Approval Process?

Are you one of the many prospective home buyers out there searching for a new home? If so, great! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finding that perfect place and beginning to plan the details of your move. That said, it is worth taking some time… Read More

Buying a New Home Floorplans Homeowner Tips
March 16, 2023
14 Great Uses For Your Den or Flex Room

Do you have an extra room in your house that you’re not sure what to do with? These rooms are commonly called a flex room – because they’re just that! A multi-purpose living space in your home designed to have a flexible purpose for what your family needs.

It goes by many names – like a den, flex, or bonus room – but whatever you choose to call it, this family room can be a great addition to your home and it doesn’t have to just be a TV or dining room.  Read More