The first phase of this project will be opening up to buyers at the end of April and will include 2-bedroom condos with a starting price of $120,000. Other phases of this development will also feature one-bedroom condos.

The developer for this fabulous project is the Carlisle Group based in Calgary who was also the creator of Walker Lake Landing and Heritage Landing. The Carlisle Groups previous developments sold out in a matter of days, so interested buyers will need to be quick to be able to grab one of these amazing deals.

Some of the features of the new development include:

• Easy access to shopping & movie theatres
• Many dining options nearby
• Ideal for golfers, with many courses in the surrounding area
• Nearby nature trails for walking
• Close to parks & greenspaces
• Close to transit
• Close to the main thoroughfares for ease of travel/commuting
• Heated parking

With current interest rates so low, and the price of these units starting at such reasonable prices, its easy to see why it is forecast that these units will sell out fast.

One of the big benefits to buying a unit like this early on—besides actually getting one—is that youll be able to work with the developer to upgrade whichever aspects of your unit that you want.

If you are interested in one of these great condominium homes, check out the developments website at http://elementscondos.ca/ to get an invitation to the launch.

The Index, which was published at the end of March and includes data through January 2011, noted that home prices rose 0.4% in January compared to 0.3% in December. Prices in January 2011 also rose a huge 3.9% versus January 2010.

Overall, however, year-over-year price comparisons point to a 4.1% decrease. And while this statistic may seem like a contradiction on the one hand, prices are rising, and on the other theyre decelerating it actually makes sense when you step back and look at the bigger picture.

In 2009 and 2010 (especially the earlier part of 2010), we saw massive average price increases because of historically low interest rates, the number of families seeing home ownership as a more sensible way to allocate their money than renting, and relatively relaxed lending policies.

Now, as interest rates start to (slowly) move their way up and banks and other lenders tighten their policies, demand is ebbing and so prices are have fallen compared to this time in 2010.

However, as the 0.1% increase in January 2011 vs. December 2010 shows, prices are on the rise again. Will they reach 2009 levels? Almost certainly not. But they will likely rise in areas where demand is still strong the economy is still growing and Edmonton certainly qualifies for both of those.

If youre thinking of buying a home, now is a very good time to move because as prices and (invariably) as interest rates rise, youll be paying more money for the same house next month than you will this month and probably even more the month after that, and so on.

If youre thinking of selling your home, then holding off for prices to rise may not actually be a good strategy if you plan on relocating within Canada (and especially within Edmonton or Alberta). Because whatever bump you get in your asking price will probably be more than offset by the extra money youll pay for your next house.

All of these numbers may seem a bit confusing they say different things but making sense of them is something I can help you with. So if youre thinking of buying or selling, contact me at 780-709-0811. Im here to help!

And of course, it goes without saying that reducing energy use at home helps the environment (though when its -30 outside with the wind chill, its hard to make friends with the Great Outdoors…)

Heres what you can start doing NOW to save some money and save the environment:

• Switch to compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs significantly outlast conventional light bulbs, and actually provide more light. Of course, the initial sticker price of CFL bulbs is higher but dont let that shock you. If you dont have to change your bulb for 5 years, think of the savings!

• Turn off your computer. While its convenient to keep your PC or laptop on all of the time (especially if, like me, you get emails all day and sometimes all night long!), its not good for your wallet or the environment. So either turn off your energy-draining computer, or at least, set it to automatically hibernate (power down without totally turning off). And hey, youll be boosting the lifespan of your computer as well which is a nice bonus!

• Improve your window coverings. Blasting the air conditioning in the summer, or the heater in winter, are serious drags on your energy consumption and major contributors to your energy bill! Instead of throwing that money down the drain, invest in window coverings and blinds that help keep your house cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Yes, youll probably still need to use your air conditioner or heater, but youll use them less and at a lower level.

• Wash in cold. Store aisles are full of cold water detergents, and thats great news for anyone who wants to get their clothes clean and “springtime fresh” (or whatever scent you may choose), while still saving money. Indeed, the switch from hot-water washing to cold-water washing will show up significantly on your next bill, and put a smile on your face.

• Cool foods before refrigerating them. You know that half-eaten pizza that you want to hang onto in case you have another 3:00am pizza craving? Or those yummy leftovers that youre planning on taking into work tomorrow? Before putting them in your refrigerator, let them cool on their own to room temperature. This puts less strain on your refrigerator, which means less energy. (Of course, dont forget to put that stuff in your refrigerator -- pizza left outside for several hours has a tendency to get a little scary and take revenge on whoever eats it…).

Looking for an Energy Efficient Edmonton Home?

When choosing your next Edmonton home, your future utility bills should be a part of your buying decision. Indeed, you dont want to fall in love with a house and find out that youre paying much more each month just to maintain it than you expected!

Ill help you get the complete picture on various home options, and help you determine which ones are energy efficient (or could affordably be made into energy efficient homes), and which ones you should avoid. Call me at 780-709-0811. Im here to help!

It is customary for credit bureaus to use the following criteria to calculate your credit score:

• History: what were these payments, were they made on time, etc.?
• Amounts owing: this includes who you owe these amounts to
• Length of your credit history: this indicates how long youve maintained credit
• Frequency of new credit: this shows the times youve applied for new credit and how you handle them
• Type of credit: this shows what kinds of credits you applied for or currently have (car loans, credit cards, furniture or appliance financing, etc)

Credit Reports and Mortgages

When you apply for a mortgage, a potential lender looks at three fundamental factors:

• income
• the amount of your down payment
• your credit report (and specifically, your credit score)

Most people know about the first two, but the third one is a surprise. Yes, as weve discussed, the credit report/score is a major factor that lenders take into consideration. And that means, if your credit report is good, youll most likely be able to borrow money to purchase property. On the other hand, if your credit report has some serious “dings” on it, then you may not be approved or you may not get the best rates, options and terms. A less-than-great credit score may also oblige you to provide a lender with security (collateral) before a mortgage is offered.

Also, its interesting to note that while your credit score determines whether or not you get approved for a mortgage, your mortgage payments are NOT used to calculate your credit score.

5 Steps to Repairing/Improving your Credit Score

1. Start by getting a copy of your credit report. This is the only way you will know that “somethings not right.” When you get your report, go over it carefully. Make a list of errors. Any inaccurate information will affect your credit score. Keep records of your payments so you have something to show when the time comes for you to dispute your credit score.
2. Call the credit bureau(s) and say you want to dispute your credit report. Youll be asked to submit a letter outlining the items in question, and for documented proof. The more evidence you submit, the better and faster the credit bureau can investigate.
3. While you wait for the credit bureaus response, try to stop incurring new debt. Use debit or cash for purchases, and avoid the temptation to use your credit cards.
4. Settle all delinquent accounts. Remember that your payment history constitutes a significant percentage of your credit score.
5. Reduce your debt-to-income ratio. If your debt level is disproportionately higher than what you earn monthly, lenders tend to look at that as a red flag. They may conclude that you cant afford the mortgage payments. If possible, try to bring your debt level to 12% of your income. For example, if you make $3,000 a month, your monthly debt payments should generally not exceed $360.00. When you get approved for a mortgage loan, your debt-to-income ratio will go up significantly, but try to keep all debt and mortgage payments at 43% of your income. So taking the same figure of $3,000 a month, your debt and mortgage payments should generally not exceed $1,290 a month.

Need More Help Understanding Credit Scores and Mortgages?

Do you need help understanding how credit reports work, and how to position yourself to secure a great mortgage? Then call me 780-709-0811 and Ill be happy to help! Ill personally connect you with experienced and certified mortgage brokers or financial planners who will work with you 1-on-1 and give you the advice, guidance and insights you need.

But what isnt so clear is the wide world of interest rates in particular, whether variable is the right way to go, or whether fixed is the smarter option.

Well, to be very frank with you: I cant tell you which one is better.

I wish I could because that would make life simpler for you, and thats part of my goal here with my blog! But anyone who claims to offer you an easy answer to the variable vs. fixed mortgage question is someone to be avoided, because there is no easy answer. It all depends on the rate itself, the options you have available, your current and projected economic situation, your spending and saving habits and tolerances, and even whether you plan on staying in your home for a few years, a decade, or for the long haul.

Indeed, all of these factors combine to create your unique mortgage profile, and your variable vs. fixed decision should be based on that not on some easy answer that you find in a blog, in the newspaper, or even from a well-intentioned friend or colleague. Sure, its great to listen to different opinions, but your decision should be based on objective, accurate facts not educated guesses or information that may have been accurate years ago, but not today.

However…

Even though I cant (and wont) offer a black-and-white opinion on whether variable is better or worse than fixed, I can offer you some wisdom by way of Sharon Essington, who has written an informative article over at Edmonton Real Estate Weekly.

In her article, Essington cautions people with variable mortgage rates to do their homework to see if it may be financially beneficial to switch over to a fixed rate. Thats because fixed rates are still at historically low levels (not as low as they were last year, but still very low), and also because, as our national economy slowly worked its way out of past recessions, it was typically variable rates that zoomed above fixed rates.

Put those two facts together, and it means that people with variable rates may find themselves paying hundreds of dollars more a month thats thousands more a year than their fixed mortgage counterparts.

Essington also points out that while many variable mortgage holders will face a penalty if they make the switch for fixed, the amount may actually be worth it when the total savings are taken into consideration. So in other words: dont let the mere idea of a penalty keep you from exploring whether this is a smart move to make. Spending a few thousand in penalties but saving tens of thousands in payments much of it interest is a wise financial decision to make.

My Advice: Talk to an Expert

You really have nothing to lose and possibly thousands of dollars to gain if you speak to an expert about your mortgage situation, and determine if switching from variable to fixed is the right thing to do at this time (before rates start to rise).

As a Realtor, I can connect you to experienced and qualified Mortgage Professionals who will give you clear, easy-to-understand answers to this rather confusing problem. Youll be presented with various scenarios to help you objectively determine if its smart to switch to fixed, or whether staying with variable is the right move.

Call me at 780-709-0811. Ill help you get the accurate information you need, which can hopefully give you the “problem” of having a few extra thousand dollars in your bank account each year and speed you towards the best kind of mortgage there is, which of course is NO MORTGAGE AT ALL!

And while this is good wisdom to heed, its also possible to overlook just what “location” means in the first place because, surprisingly, there are a lot of factors that go into it; and not all of them are obvious. Lets explore the factors that combine to make a house enjoy the prestige and benefits of location, location, location!

Location Factor #1: The Land. While it goes without saying the condition and functionality of a house is critical to its value, the land that it “sits on” is also important sometimes even more important than the house itself when it comes to making a house stand out and be desirable compared to other houses on the market. So look at the land and get a sense of its past, current and future desirability. You may pay a small premium to get “better land” when you buy a home, but it can certainly pay off handsomely down the road.

Location Factor #2: Facilities and Amenities. How close is a home to malls, movie theatres, playgrounds, museums, arenas and other sporting facilities, fitness clubs, grocery stores, and seniors centres? All of these answers help you understand whether a house is in an ideal location. Remember, even if you dont personally plan on using all of the services nearby (perhaps you dont have kids and dont care about how close a home is to schools or playgrounds), these are factors that future buyers may find very attractive or even critical to their decision to choose your home instead of another.

Location Factor #3: Infrastructure. Things like city water service, sidewalks, even snow clearing (something very important in Edmonton!) are all factors that help determine a homes value and desirability. So is proximity to fire stations, police stations, hospitals, schools, and even the airport or train station.

Location Factor #4: Neighbourhood. How desirable is the neighbourhood? What is its historical and projected value? Are people “paying too much” because a home is in a certain area, or is that a wise investment that will help boost a homes resale value and attractiveness in the future? These are important questions, and they should all be explored before a buying decision is made.

Indeed, as you can see, location is a BIG factor in choosing a home. But yes, it can be confusing and overwhelming to make sure you cover all of the details, and make sure youre paying attention to all of the factors that add up to location, location, location!

As an experienced Edmonton Realtor, I help make the home buying process simple, easy, focused and built around you. Ill help you understand the ins and outs of “location” so that you can make a smart and satisfying home buying decision. Call me call me at 780-709-0811. Im here to help!

Over the years, Ive had the privilege of working with numerous clients individuals, couples and families -- whove trusted me to make their unique “selling story” a happy and successful one. Reflecting on these great experiences, here are some of the key things that sellers should do, know, and prepare for, when theyre ready to make a move:

1. Use a Realtor. I know that this kind of advice might be perceived as a bit self-serving. After all, Im a Realtor, and so you might think that Id give this advice regardless of whether it was really important or not. Well, Ill take the risk of being perceived that way, because in my experience there is no single more important than engaging the services of a professional Realtor. Why? Its simple: Realtors are real estate experts who have certified knowledge, and know how to safely usher clients through the complex and potentially risky selling process. Realtors are also bound by a strict code of ethics, which mandates that client interests are the top and only priority. And thirdly and something that not everyone knows Realtors are required to carry $1m in liability insurance as an added layer of client protection. Non-Realtors are not bound by that requirement…kind of makes you wonder why not, doesnt it?

2. Get ready for open houses. One of the best ways to achieve full value on your sale is to have potential buyers fall in love with your home. Because, really, often the difference between choosing your home versus another one is not always a matter of money or location; its an indescribable emotional attachment that buyers form with a particular home. Open houses are excellent ways to “foster a love affair” between your home and potential buyers. They can envision how their furniture will look in your rooms, how their kids will play in your yard, how their car will look in your driveway…and so on. A professional and skilled Realtor will work hard to make sure that your open house is a success.

3. Take care of any major repairs. It pays to be proactive and get your home “up to speed” before it goes on the market, because it maximizes the homes value plus it ensures that you reach the widest possible pool of potential buyers (as compared to have a “fixer-up house,” which would only attract people who were looking for that kind of property). Its important, however, not to go overboard with the repairs. You dont want to invest in any renovations that are unlikely to be realized in the selling price (e.g. a new bathroom, sauna, etc.). Instead, focus on what really needs fixing.

4. Stage your home. Staging your home these days isnt optional not if you want to attract the widest possible pool of serious buyers, and get the best offers possible. The services of a professional Home Stager can be a very wise investment, because he or she will know precisely how to give you the most “bang for your buck.” He or she also knows what potential buyers look for and what turns them off more than anything else and will ensure that these details are taken care of.

5. Have a plan. Its possible that your home will receive many quality offers in a matter of days or weeks. Its also possible that you wont see an offer that impresses you for a while longer (remember, the average home is on the market in Edmonton is about 60 days). And there are many factors that determine what your unique scenario will be, including factors beyond your control (e.g. the health of the market in general, interest rates, the selling activity and prices of comparable houses in the area, whether amenities and facilities are being built nearby, and so on). The best way to keep from panicking and making a bad decision is to have a plan. Know what your time horizon is for the sale, your motivation for selling (e.g. whether you need to move ASAP because of a job in a new city), and how it will affect your approach to selling. Again, the services of a professional Realtor are invaluable here, as he or she will create your unique selling plan, complete with options and objectives.

To be sure, there are many more factors that go into a successful sale. But the above are generally “the big 5” and go a very long way to ensuring that my clients are totally satisfied, and can look back on their selling experience with happiness.

If youre looking to sell your home and need some information on how to make your story a happy, successful one, then call me at 780-709-0811. Im here to help!

In the same way, your choice of Realtor is just as important as the home you choose, because the right Realtor will ensure that you get all of the information you need before you make a decision. He or she will keep your best interests in mind at all times (and not their own), and work hard to find a solution to your needs that fit your budget and lifestyle goals.

And yes, just as all homes arent the same, all Realtors arent the same, either. Some are better than others and some are the very best! Since you want to connect with the very best, heres what you should keep in mind as you search for the ideal Realtor:

1. Choose a Realtor who understands the local area. Cities have different characteristics, and neighbourhoods within cities can differ even by just a few blocks. You dont want to choose a Realtor who doesnt know the difference between Abbottsfield and Aspen Gardens here in Edmonton. The Realtor you choose should know Edmonton like the back of his or her hand and then put that in-depth knowledge to work for you in helping you find the ideal home for your needs and goals.

2. Professional ethics. Your Realtor works for you not the other way around. And furthermore, your Realtor is bound by a code of ethics that always puts you (the client) first. Choose a Realtor who is committed to professional ethics, and who demonstrates at all times that you are “the employer” in the relationship, and not the other way around.

3. Courtesy and responsiveness. Even though real estate is a fast-paced, dynamic field, you should never feel like merely a “number” or a “file.” The very best Realtors are extremely courteous, respectful, polite and responsive. And they demonstrate this commitment to true client service in many ways. Elite Realtors are completely aware that their goal isnt to “complete a transaction.” Rather, theyre unwavering focus is on building a relationship, and making their clients happy.

4. MLS access. Its essential that your Realtor have MLS (Multiple Listing Service) access, which is your gateway to finding a wide array of possible homes across the Edmonton and surrounding area. MLS is a powerful search database that can only be accessed by Realtors and other real estate professional (i.e. its not accessible by the general public), and as such its vital that you, as a prospective home buyer, connect with a Realtor who can give you MLS access.

5. Work with a specialist. Just as in hockey you have “Power Play Specialists” and in medicine you have “Ear, Nose and Throat” specialists, in real estate you similarly want to work with a specialist who has proven experience helping people just like you achieve your home buying goals. My specialization (as you can see from my website address!) is helping first time home buyers achieve their home buying goals, and so I really understand the ins and outs of this niche. I deeply understand the enthusiasm, and sometimes the anxiety, and first time home buyers face, and I make the process safe, productive, efficient and fun. At least, thats what my happy clients say!

Remember, your choice of Realtor is as important as any other decision youll make on the journey towards your new home because your Realtor is more than just your real estate professional. He or she is your trusted ally, coach, educator and friend, and someone whose success is based on your happiness.

To get the “very best” level of service and results that you deserve, call me, a certified Realtor who specializes in serving first time home buyers, at 780-709-0811. Im here to help!

In my experience of helping numerous people sell their homes for a variety of reasons the core difference between a successful sale and an unsuccessful one is one word: information. That is, sellers who know more about how the process works are much better off than those who are guessing, or, even worse, have been misinformed by (well-meaning) friends.

While each selling experience is unique and should be treated as such, courtesy of the Globe and Mail, here are the five biggest mistakes that would-be sellers should be informed about and steer clear of:

1. Overpricing their house. The selling price for a house depends on many factors, including some that are simply beyond the control of the seller. These include location, the prices of nearby homes, prevailing economic conditions, and more. Of course, there are also factors that are within a sellers control, such as the condition of the house (both inside and out), whether any improvements have been made over the years, and so on. Ultimately, however, the price that a home is “worth” is determined by what a buyer will pay. Not what a buyer should pay (in the mind of the seller). But what a buyer will pay. This is something sellers need to keep in mind, or else they might overprice their house and keep potential buyers from even taking a first look.

2. Not staging their house. Its unrealistic to expect sellers to keep their house in “model home” condition while prospective buyers trample through it at Open Houses, and at buyer/agent drop-ins or during appointments. However, this is no reason why the house should be messy or dirty. Keep your house as clean as possible, and use the services of a professional Home Stager, who will put your house in the best light possible which is the one that makes it the most attractive to potential buyers.

3. Too much junk. Do you recall scary spare room where you dump all of your “Ill take care of this tomorrow” stuff? Prospective buyers are going to check that room out, just like you would if you were in their house! Remember, prospective buyers want to picture what the house might look like if they buy it and they have a hard time doing that if theyre too busy stumbling over boxes, or unable to see the backs of any closets because of mountains of junk. If you have lots of “stuff” that you cant (or wont) give away or sell at a garage sale, then get some cheap storage space and move your stuff over there.

4. Keeping out buyers and agents. Home sellers, particularly first-time home sellers, are often surprised at just how much listing their home can disrupt their normal routine. Thats because buyers and their agents are “on the lookout” for potential houses at all hours of the day like during your dinner time, when the hockey game is on, or when youre trying to catch some extra sleep on Saturday morning. If necessary, you can limit the times youre willing to show your house. However, if you do this, be aware that it can limit the number of potential buyers who see the house. They generally want to do things on their schedule not yours.

5. Overspending on repairs and renovations.Some sellers believe that if they spend, say, $10,000 on improving their home, then they will get all of that back and maybe some more when they sell. This is not always the case. It really all depends on what repairs and renovations are done, and how much they cost in the first place. The best advice here is to focus on repair/renovation budget on influential and yet relatively inexpensive cosmetic improvements, such as painting or new bathroom fixtures. This could give you much more bang for your buck than, say, putting in a new bathroom or adding a skylight to the kitchen.

The Most Important Tip: Connect with an Informed Realtor

As mentioned earlier, selling your home can be a stress-free, simple and profitable experience but it really depends on how much accurate information you have.

As a Realtor, Ive helped many sellers enjoy an optimal selling experience, and am happy to help you and your family, too. Call me at 780-709-0811 to get the accurate and timely selling information you need when you need it!

Of course, theres a member of your “family” who may not love winter as much as you do: your budget. Why? Because of some small, easy-to-solve problems that waste energy, you might be lighter in the pocketbook this winter than you ought to be.

Fortunately, Geri Hackett of Real Estate Today has 5 practical home winterizing tips that you can take care of before its time to get out the shovel and road salt.

Tip #1: Seal those cracks! You may not realize it, but those tiny, seemingly harmless cracks around doors, windows, and even electrical outlets and water lines can be serious sources of wasted energy. Seal these leak-prone areas with weather stripping or caulk.

Tip #2: Check your insulation. Obviously your home is insulated but it is insulated properly? We all know that Edmonton winters are legendary, and your everyday Toronto-style insulation isnt going to cut it (any odds on whether theyll call in the army if they have another “snow storm” this year?). Check and double-check your insulation, and make sure it makes the grade Edmonton style.

Tip #3: Replace those filters. Most people think that filters only work to keep the air clean. This is half-right. The other half is that clean filters allow for maximum air flow, while dirty ones restrict the air which means youre wasting energy and money. Replace your filters once a month.

Tip #4: Install ceiling fans. Ever wonder why some stores run their ceiling fans during the winter? Theyre saving money! Heat rises, and ceiling fans push the warm air back down, which saves energy. So if youre looking for a great way to conserve energy, while adding a stylish touch to any room, think of installing a ceiling fan.

Tip #5: Install storm doors and windows. If sealing drafts and cracks around windows isnt getting the job done, consider investing in storm doors and windows. Youll notice a measurable savings on your energy bill, plus youll be increasing the overall value of your house which boosts your home resale value.

Staying warm and saving money this winter sound like good combinations, and following these 5 practical tips can help you achieve both!

If youre looking for more ways to keep your house in top resale shape, contact me at 780-709-0811. Ill help you discover the improvements that lead to a higher resale value and help you steer clear of the ones that dont!