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So you’ve decided to take advantage of the booming real estate market and put your house up for sale. As you know, buying a house is the most important purchase a consumer can make.

So it’s understandable that when prospective buyers come through your house, your home will be scrutinized like it’s never been before (well not since you bought it anyway!). Everyone knows you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so consider implementing the following cost-effective suggestions, before you welcome any potential buyers.

Consider the view that people see when they first drive up.

To ensure that you don’t send any potential buyers running down the driveway before they even see the house, make sure the exterior of the home is spotless. Paint or wash as necessary and don’t forget to mow the lawn and spruce up any outdoor greenery.

Upon entering your home, what will they see?

If you have a room that makes a statement when you walk in, perhaps the walls are painted a very bright colour or the style of furniture is eclectic, potential buyers may have a difficult time picturing their own stuff in the room. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour is an inexpensive but proven technique for increasing the appeal of any home. A clean, fresh smell makes a good impression. Try placing air fresheners in closets to eliminate musty smells. The smell of freshly baked bread also goes a long way. Don’t go overboard though – not everyone likes the strong scents of potpourri or incense. Of course, it goes without saying that clean and bright equals a sale. Scrub, clean, wash windows, walls, floors and tiles and shampoo dirty carpets – leaving no stone unturned.

Clean under sinks, repair any leaks and clean up any damage.

Use special cleaning agents to rid toilets, tubs and sinks of stains. If you have lots of stuff, it’s hard for potential buyers to see around it to see the room. Store any miscellaneous items, making sure to keep the garage, basement, attic and any closets tidy. This will make your house look more spacious and clean. Make repairs as necessary. If the baseboard around the cupboard is loose, for example, get out the hammer or glue and fasten it securely. Are the handles on the closet door wobbly? If so, get out the screwdriver and tighten them. Potential buyers don’t want to have to look after a bunch of little things when they move in and they may subconsciously be noting all the little repairs.

In the end, they might reject the house because they think all the minor repairs will amount to a lot of work for them. By implementing these simple tips, you can ensure that your house will be off the market in no time!

John Carle
http://www.knock-knock.ca

John is a real estate agent in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He markets and sells homes throughout the capital region, including St. Albert, Morinville, Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskachewan. His knowledge and experience has garnered him the respect of agents and consumers alike throughout the area. In the past 10 years, John has helped to shape the face of Edmonton real estate.

John is a great resource for any home seller or real estate services. If you don’t live in the Edmonton area, he’d be happy to find you an agent that he would trust…

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Carle

I will be moving to edmonton within the next two months and I dont really know the city too well. What are the areas to avoid? And what are some good areas to live in? I'am single and dont need to know about the raising kids areas! Thanks

Technorati Tags: edmonton condos, edmonton real estate, real estate help edmonton

Loan sharks in edmonton?

I am looking for a loan from a private lender in edmonton, or alberta
I am willing to pay high interest rates $$$
anybody got ideas or know anybody message me ASAP please.

Edmonton Real Estate: Edmonton Home Builders Ramp Up Production Again

CMHC released their housing starts report today showing that Edmonton home builders are very busy once again… There were 1047 starts in April compared with 355 last April. After four months Edmonton builders have started 3439 units …

Edmonton Real Estate: Edmonton Real Estate Inventory on the Rise

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton released their report on the Edmonton real estate market today showing the lowest residential sales since 2003. For the first time this year sales are lower than last year, and seem likely to follow …

April Review of Edmonton Real Estate Market | Terry Paranych’s …

Terry Paranych provides feedback in respects to how the April Edmonton Real Estate market panned out.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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As Realtors, we are often asked, “When is the best season to move?” This is a tough question, one we cannot answer for you. Most people are asking about price, do they fluctuate throughout the year? NO. Just the number of homes on the market changes; of course the number of buyers changes as well. Hopefully this article will help you make this decision for yourself and your family.

Time of Year

A common “urban legend” is that you get more money for your home in the spring. This is simply not true. Seasons have no bearing on how much you get for your home, but it does affect how much competition you have. True, more people look to purchase a home in the spring. At the same time, there are more homes on the market for you to compete with. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when all the “window shoppers” are out. These are people looking for renovation ideas, or who are just “killing an afternoon” looking at open houses. In the winter you will have fewer showings… but they’ll be serious buyers. So, should you NOT sell in the spring? Not at all. There is no good or bad time of the year to sell your home. The best time is when you are financially and emotionally ready to move. Not before, and not after.

Children

Many parents wait until the end of a school year before moving the family. At first glance, this makes a lot of sense. Let them finish the year in comfortable surroundings, and don’t disrupt their lives until summer holidays have begun. But consider this… Children need friends to play with. By moving the kids a couple of months BEFORE the end of the term, they have the ability to meet their new friends in the new neighborhood. By having these friends, the move will be easier and less confusing for the children. And parents?!? If the kids have friends to play with… they won’t be underfoot while you’re trying to unpack and organize the house!

Time is on your side

The very fact that you have time on your side could save you thousands. Many sellers that have waited have put themselves in a “have to sell” situation, and have had to accept offers for less than what they wanted. The fact is, when you have time on your side you won’t feel pressured to accept an offer that’s less than what you want.

Your next property could cost more

If you’re buying a new property that’s more expensive, you could cost yourself plenty. For example, let’s say you’re selling a $100,000 property and looking to buy a $150,000 property. If both properties appreciate at the same rate of 3% over the next six months, you gain $3,000 on your existing property. However, the $150,000 property will now cost you $154,500 or a net loss of $1,500. The best suggestion is to get into the home you want; before it gets out of reach for you!

John Carle
http://www.knock-knock.ca

John is a real estate agent in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He markets and sells homes throughout the capital region, including St. Albert, Morinville, Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskachewan. His knowledge and experience has garnered him the respect of agents and consumers alike throughout the area. In the past 10 years, John has helped to shape the face of Edmonton real estate.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Carle

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102 Grandin Gates 10033 – 110 Street

2 Bedroom 2 bathroom condo for sale in Grandin Gates. Located at 102 10033 – 110 St Edmonton. Visit our site for more details.

12121 Jasper Avenue

… property management, building amenities of a pool, jacuzzi, exercise facility, guest suite and library. 2009 property taxes in the amount of $1181.54. Well cared for complex. $168000. MLS# E3214345. See more Edmonton condos for sale.

Downtown Edmonton Real Estate: The Imperial Condos

2009 year to date, 22 condos have sold in the Imperial, ranging in sold price from 200000 to 406000 with 4 being one bedrooms and 18 two bedroom units. The average sold price for the year was 281727 / 318 per square foot and list price …

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Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: edmonton condos, real estate help edmonton

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes trying experience, whether in larger centers such as Calgary and Edmonton or smaller centers across the nation.

But with a good mortgage broker finding you the best mortgage rates and products to suit your lifestyle, and the information in this two-part article, you’ll find the process is easier than you think.

As a first time home buyer, you can take advantage of many programs, including Home Buyers Plan, Gifted Down Payments, and 100% financing. Regardless of which route you go, there are seven steps you need to successfully navigate:

• Step 1: Get pre-approved
• Step 2: Arrange your down payment
• Step 3: Hire an experienced realtor
• Step 4: Hire a home inspector
• Step 5: Have all your documents ready
• Step 6: Hire a real estate lawyer
• Step 7: Move in

Step 1: Get Pre-approved

A pre-approval is a must in the fast paced real estate market, especially in provinces such as Alberta.

A mortgage pre-approval will determine the maximum amount you will be approved for. It will also hold the interest rate for you while you shop, ensuring that you receive the best mortgage rates possible when it comes time to make your offer.

A knowledgeable mortgage broker can generally help you complete a pre-approval in two business hours.

Step 2: Arrange Your Down Payment

If you are taking advantage of the Home Buyers Plan, you should make sure that you have notified your financial advisor about your plans to purchase.

You will then be required to fill out a T1036 form from Revenue Canada. Your financial advisor or tax office can supply you with this form.

Receipt of your funds may take some time so it is important that you request your funds early on in your home buying process.

If your down payment is coming in the form of a “Gift,” you will be required to supply proof in the form of a letter that states who is gifting you the money and what it will be used for.

Step 3: Hire an Experienced Realtor

Having an experienced realtor guide you through this market can make the experience of purchasing your home a lot easier. An experienced realtor in Alberta will be able to help you find the home of your dreams while negotiating the best price for you.

Real Estate agents in Alberta can be found online or on the Real Estate Council of Alberta website at http://www.reca.ca.

A good local mortgage broker can also recommend the top real estate agents in major centers such as Calgary and Edmonton as well as smaller centers.

Don’t Forget About Part Two

Be sure to read Steps 4 through 7 in part two of this article. And if you’re still looking for more help with buying your first home, contact an experienced mortgage broker in your area for more help.

Here’s to your new home.

Copyright (c) Tom Lam 2010. All rights reserved.

Tom Lam is the President of Urban Mortgage Inc. ( http://www.urbanmortgage.ca ). Whether you’re looking for a Calgary mortgage broker, Edmonton mortgage broker, or a mortgage broker for elsewhere in Alberta, give us a call today: http://www.urbanmortgage.ca/mortgage-products

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Lam

Edmonton condos, parkades and carbon monoxide – Connect2Edmonton

Edmonton condos, parkades and carbon monoxide Ask Ed.

9939 109 St

Equipped exercise room off the state of the art lobby. Within walking distance of Grant MacEwan University, the Arts District, downtown business and government offices. $538000. MLS#E3220949. More Condo Listings in Edmonton.

Condos for Sale in Beaumaris, Edmonton, Alberta $269900

1043.00 sq. ft. Condo for sale in Beaumaris Edmonton, Alberta. For sale at $269900.0000 CAD. 11260-153 Ave, Beaumaris.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

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Are there any good moving companies in Edmonton, Alberta?

I've heard a lot of awful things about movers in Edmonton, however I find that I am in a predicament with moving this month, as nearly all my friends are either moving themselves or helping others. Can anyone recommend someone who is affordable but actually did a good job? Also, I live on a 4th-floor walkup, so that is a concern as well.

202, 9909 – 110 Street Westcliffe Arms

Condo for sale in Westcliffe Arms. Located at 202, 9909 – 110 St Edmonton. Visit our site to see this great 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo.

116 10309 107 ST Seventh Street Lofts

Lofts for sale in Edmonton. Visit our site to see more information on the latest loft for sale in Seventh Street Lofts located at 116 10309 107 ST Edmonton.

904 9909 104 St Edmonton Hillside Estates

Great price, beautiful Hillside Estates condo downtown. Located at 9909 – 104 St Edmonton Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

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The Canadian Press News Agenda for Thursday, May 6

_ Court appearance for Celine de Castro, who is charged with real estate fraud. RCMP allege that an agent offered properties that actually weren't for sale …   Read More…

Prosperity comes to the prairies

A native of rural Kindersley, he finds a certain irony in owning real estate in an old-money enclave. “The area wasn't built for guys like me, and now, …   Read More…

Skogie's corner is being rebuilt to a new car wash experience. (Photo …

Three properties sold in Kelowna in 2009 made the top one hundred list of real estate deals in the province last year. Thirtieth on the list was the sale …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: canadian real estate edmonton, edmonton condos, edmonton real estate

Ok so 3 more posts today that I’ve dug up – I’m an information JUNKIE on this stuff lately. Give em a browse and let me know what ya reckon. They’re just from a few different sites I’ve been surfing lately that are generally good for information like this…

Advisory-Prairie-Calendar

(Provincial Court) RED DEER, Alberta — Court appearance for Celine de Castro, who is charged with real estate fraud. RCMP allege that an agent offered …   Read More…

Toronto stock market heads for lower open as gold, oil prices decline

Citigroup said residential real estate values will likely drop up to 25 per cent from recent peaks, but that shouldn't have much impact on bank mortgages or …   Read More…

Ottawa the best place to live in Canada, magazine decides

Cold in Winter, full of mosquitoes in summer and a population who can't tell the difference between cheap realestate and economic stagnation. All of Canada …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Module body

Wed Jan 6, 7:36 AM

Falling home prices have more Edmontonians scrambling to get into the housing market.

ADVERTISEMENT

Realtors reported their second busiest December on record last month, with sales just shy of what was seen three years earlier near the height of the housing boom.

“It picked up a little late in the year, because the global economy was in turmoil and the buyers definitely didn’t know when it was going to settle down,” said Charlie Ponde, past-president of the Realtors Association of Edmonton.

He said that while 2009 started to slow, it “ended big.”

Some 948 single-family homes, condos and duplexes sold in December, according to the realtors association.

The December sales record was set in 2006. That month, 1,074 units changed hands.

The boost in the number of homes changing hands came at the tail end of a year that saw housing prices fall.

The average single-family home sold for $364,032 in 2009, down from $375,952 the previous year — or roughly 3% less.

The average condo sold for $240,322, falling from $254,296 in 2008, a decline of nearly 6%, according to realtors association figures.

Ponde said lower prices combined with falling interest rates helped kick-start sales.

“There was a strong showing of confidence,” he said.

The realtors association figures come on the heels of assessment numbers released Monday by the city that showed the value of the average house in Edmonton dropped roughly 10% in 2009.

According to city assessors, the average value of a condo fell 15% last year compared to the previous year.

Property assessments are used by the city to calculate the property tax a home-owner must pay.

Rod Risling, branch manager for assessment and taxation, said the difference between the city’s numbers and those produced by the realtors association are likely due to a number of factors.

The biggest, he said, is that the city’s assessment department looks at what a house would have sold for on July 1 compared to the previous year — a date mandated by the provincial government.

The realtors association figures are year-end numbers.

According to the realtors association, the average selling price of a single-family home varied from a low of $347,000 in February to a high of $373,000 in July — a $26,000 or 7.5% spread.

Average condo prices varied from $227,000 in February to $247,000 in June, a difference of 9%.

FRANK.LANDRY@SUNMEDIA.CA

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According to January 4 notices of property assessment, a ten percent drop in value exists for the typical Edmonton single-family home. This decrease has occurred twice in as many years.

Per Rod Risling, Edmonton’s assessment and taxation manager, the typical value of a single-family residence was approximately $330,000, versus $365,000 last year. Speaking at a press conference, Risling advised that this is the first year-to-year price drop since 1999, when Alberta initiated the requirement of annual assessments of market value. He said that a consecutive price decrease probably has never happened since the 1980s, when the province’s economy experienced significant weakness.

Every neighbourhood in Edmonton saw a shortfall in 2009. However, five areas, including Boyle Street, Oliver, Inglewood, the rural northeast region and Prince Charles experienced declines of 17 percent to 24 percent. Other areas were less affected, with value losses ranging between four percent and six percent. These include Chambery, Gold Bar, Cloverdale, Westbrook Estates and Griesbach. The priciest community in Edmonton continues to be Windermere, in which 101 residences had an average value of $1.1 million, down from $1.2 million last year. The next most affluent neighborhood is Westwood Estates, with an average property value of $923,000.

New legislation passed by the province permits homeowners contesting their assessed home values an additional month in which to file complaints. The statements must be in writing. The deadline for 2010 is March 5. Risling requests that property owners considering filing complaints should contact his staff to address their concerns. He stated that in 2008, his offices received calls from some 7,000 owners of property, and that half of the issues were resolved without filing complaints.

Homeowners should also review Edmonton’s city website to ensure the accuracy of details concerning their residences. Homeowners are now able to view a password-protected array of selling prices for comparable neighbourhood homes. This year’s assessment notices contain these passwords. To check the neighbourhood sales information, visit: http://www.edmonton.ca/assessment.

Ryan Philipenko
Real Estate In Edmonton

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Philipenko

Technorati Tags: canadian real estate edmonton, edmonton condos, real estate help edmonton

I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Hart mansion formerly owned by Calgary wrestling family for sale

… Alberta Saturday, January 9, 2010. Wrestler Stu Hart at the Navy gymnasium, Edmonton, Alberta. Hart founded Stampede Wrestling, a promotion… Bret Hart hits the ring for WrestleMania · Is Calgary's Bret 'The Hitman' Hart making a WWE comeback? … “I'm not so keen on some developer just buying it that's going to sell a bunch of townhouses or condos on it and change the landscape, the traditional look of the yard and the character of the home itself.” …

Downtown Edmonton Real Estate: Omega Condos

This downtown high rise building was designed by architect, Fraser Briusmead and constructed in 2004 by Edmonton based Langham Properties Ltd. Omega is a home to 58 condo units, which range in size from 64.8 to 141.4 square meters, …

Condominium For Rent Edmonton (South West) Alberta 2 bedrooms 2 …

Edmonton (South West) Alberta Condominium For Rent 201 11620 9 A Ave 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms $1175.00 Monthly.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Me and my family are thinking of moving to Edmonton due to the fact that my dad got a job, but we need to know about the whole quality of life, and the attractions, the crime, all that kind of stuff, this is an easy 10 points!

Sat Jul 4, 8:11 AM

Edmontonians locking in that all-time low mortgage rate were buying up the neighbourhood last month, says the Realtors Association of Edmonton, reporting record sales numbers.

There were 2,552 residential homes sold in June, up from 1,852 sales last year and blowing the previous record of 2,203 in 2007 out of the water.

Up almost 38% from last year, “consumer confidence” is bullish despite tough economic times, says Realtors Association marketing manager Jon Hall.

“I think Albertans woke up every day and realized the sun was up,” said Hall.

“And that they hadn’t lost their jobs and their house wasn’t being foreclosed and they simply came to the realization that things are pretty good.”

An impressive 80% of listed homes sold last month and most were only on the market an average of 49 days.

House prices on average have dropped 3% from last year’s $381,364, to this year’s $369,859. Condos in Edmonton, meanwhile, have dipped 5.8%, from $262,365 to $247,071.

Hall said that the recession worry in the early months of 2009 slowed sales considerably and that now people are realizing the deals they can get if they act fast on property.

“People were looking at the Canadian situation and suddenly realized that they didn’t work for an automotive plant in Ontario,” Hall joked.

Only six months into 2009, there have been 17,379 listings in Edmonton, about 9,741 of which have sold.

Technorati Tags: edmonton condos, edmonton real estate

Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…

Smaller is better for some lawyers

Today, Winnipeg-based Hesse Law focuses primarily on immigration law, but also provides services in civil litigation as well as residential real estate law. …   Read More…

Young Messier forges his own identity

That would be his father Mitch, a Canmorebased real estate agent, played 20 National Hockey League games with the Minnesota North Stars. …   Read More…

Golf in the summer, ski in the winter

When Allyson Blake, real estate sales director for Mountain Spirit Resort, is not playing her Irish fiddle as part of the local music scene, you will find …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

1805 12303 Jasper Ave The Athabascan

Penthouse for sale in the Athabascan. Located at 12303 Jasper Ave. Visit our site for more information on this great condo in Edmonton.

Condos for Sale in Garneau, Edmonton, Alberta $339900

1131.00 sq. ft. Condo for sale in Garneau Edmonton, Alberta. For sale at $339900.0000 CAD. 10933 82 AV NW, Garneau MLS E3211312.

227 10636 120 ST Pointe Uptown

Great Edmonton condo for sale in the Pointe Uptown. Located at 1036 120 Street. Check out out site for more details.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

I've been doing some research on real estate and was deciding on whether or not to pursue this has my career. I just don't know if it's the right time to go into it with the economy being so low. I don't want to get my certificate and then not be able to find a job. Also I wanted to know if it's hard selling houses, or if other people have a hard time?

Technorati Tags: canadian real estate edmonton, edmonton condos, edmonton real estate

I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Artis releases first quarter 2010 results; reports solid same Property NOI …

Continued to meet the prescribed conditions for status as a tax- exempt Canadian real estate investment trust. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION …   Read More…

HOCHTIEF Concessions Enters North American PPP Market

Five of the locations are in Calgary, three in Edmonton. One school each will be built in Okotoks and Langdon. In future, some 8000 students are to receive …   Read More…

Artis completes $84.5 million of previously announced acquisitions, acquires …

WINNIPEG, May 6 /CNW/ – Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: AX.UN) ("Artis" or the "REIT") announced today that it has closed four previously announced …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

The Edmonton incinerator (1971) is now referred to as London Waste's Lee Valley “Eco Park”. I'm looking into costs for incinerator construction and their running costs as part of a research project. I'm interested in any construction cost information for any similar facilities and any running costs.

Condos for Sale in Downtown, Edmonton, Alberta $209500

797.00 sq. ft. Condo for sale in Downtown Edmonton, Alberta. For sale at $209500.0000 CAD. 9909 – 104 Street, Downtown MLS E3222132.

804 9741 110 St Grandin Manor

Beautiful condo for sale in the Grandin Manor located at 804 9741 110 St Edmonton. Visit our site for more information.

Maple Leaf Square Condos Edmonton model For Sale | Toronto …

Maple Leaf Square Condo Assignment Edmonton model for Sale Maple Leaf Square Condos by Lanterra Developments will be among the best condo to live in the.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Technorati Tags: canadian real estate edmonton, edmonton condos, edmonton real estate

A big debate these days is whether or not to buy a house, or buy a condo. Most of this debate comes from a lack of understanding about condos, and what they are. Hopefully, the following information will prove to be helpful.

When Buying a condo, are you a tenant?

No. That simply isn’t true. When you buy a condo, you are buying a part of the corporation, and are thus an equal owner. It is true that you can be forced to move, if you are really disturbing the other owners, or causing problems. But this is true of residential homes as well. If your neighbors complain repeatedly about smell, health concerns, or criminal behavior, then you may be forced to move. The same holds true in condos and houses alike.

The board can force you to pay thousands of dollars arbitrarily, and without notice.

At first glance, this may appear to be true. But keep in mind that the condo association is made up of owners who have the same goal as you… Having a comfortable place to live that is building equity. The members of the condo association do not make any money from their positions. They are owners like yourself, who are volunteering their time. There can, however, be “special levy’s” brought about by unexpected maintenance in the building. The same holds true of a house as well; the expenses just come from a different place. Ask anyone who owns a house how much it cost them for their last furnace. Or how much they spent repairing the water leak, and replacing the shingles. The advantage in a condo association is that you share these costs with the other owners, and are forced to save money in advance for these repairs, through the reserve fund.

Condo fees cost too much each month!

Again, not necessarily true. If you were to add up the amount of money that a family spends over 5 years on the maintenance of their house, you’ll usually notice that it equals more than 5 years worth of condo fees. Also, many condo associations pay for their monthly expenses as a group. Heat, water, insurance, and maintenance are examples of such expenses. By purchasing as a group, they can often get these services at a lower rate than a single home owner can.

I could never live in such close quarters

That’s probably true. Condos aren’t for everyone. Every person has to make their own decision, based upon their own lifestyle; now and in the future. If you have 3 large dogs, 3.5 children, and 4 cars… a condo probably isn’t for you. But, if you’re a single young executive who works 80 hours a week, or you’re retired and travel most of the year, then perhaps a condo is the right choice for you. Only you can make that decision, as it is a lifestyle choice. Here are some factors to consider in your decision.

1. How much time do you spend at home?
2. Do you want to shovel walks and mow lawns?
3. Are you used to having your neighbours far away from you?
4. Is the condo association that you’re considering favorable to your children’s lifestyle?
5. Do you want a low maintenance home, or do you like tinkering in the yard and garage?
6. Who’s going to be living there? What are the neighbors like?

In fact, these are issues to consider on any home, not just a condominium. It’s just as easy to get “bad” neighbors when you buy a house as it is when you buy a condo. The best advice that can be given is to research your choices, and be objective when choosing a home. My favorite example of this is as follows:

“A friend of mine asked me to help him find a home. He’s a single young man who travels 75% of the time for his job and is rarely at home. When he is home, all he wants to do is sleep and watch TV. He wanted to buy an acreage so that he could have privacy. After looking at the amount of continuous maintenance required for an acreage, he realized that acreage living wasn’t for him. He’s very happy in his apartment style condo.”

Make your own decisions, based upon what’s best for you. If a condo is where you’ll be happiest, then buy a condo. If a house is what’s right for you, buy a house.

John Carle
http://www.knock-knock.ca

John is a real estate agent in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He markets and sells homes throughout the capital region, including St. Albert, Morinville, Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskachewan. His knowledge and experience has garnered him the respect of agents and consumers alike throughout the area. In the past 10 years, John has helped to shape the face of Edmonton real estate.

John is a great resource for any home seller or real estate services. If you don’t live in the Edmonton area, he’d be happy to find you an agent that he would trust…

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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Carle

Me and my Wife will move to Edmonton in Sept07.
Our rental Budget per month for rental apartment / condo/ or row house is 1200 to 2000 Canadian $ per month.
Can I get a place on rent for this amount?
Since we are only two of us(me+wife) and we are from India,which places would be best to stay in edmonton,which is safe,has access to LRT,markets etc.
(We would prefer to stay in locations where families stay)
Kindly advise which location in Edmonton should be selected.
If rents are not affordable in Edmonton,which locations on the outskirts of Edmonton should we search for rental apartments.
We would like to take outright lease of 1 year and preferable semifurnished/furnished apartments.
I tried searching on the net,(rentfaster.ca etc) but I could not figure out the locations from the addresses given on these sites for the listed properties.

Condos for Sale in Pleasant View, Edmonton, Alberta $279800

1120.00 sq. ft. Condo for sale in Pleasant View Edmonton, Alberta. For sale at $279800.0000 CAD. 5104 106a St., Pleasant View MLS E3221768.

Edmonton Real Estate: Home Prices Rise in Edmonton While Condos Drop

In February Edmonton single family homes sold on average for $372k, up from $362k in January and $348k last February. Meanwhile condos did not fair so well, falling after two months of higher prices to $229k compared to $237k in…

Cosmopolitan Condos (Edmonton)

Cosmopolitan Condominiums Real Estate Market Report. 10909 103 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Located just north of Jasper Avenue and west of 109 street, near Grant MacEwan and Norquest College. 2010 year to date, 6 units have sold through …

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