Edmonton Real Estate Blog

As home buyers, Millennials have earned a reputation for being different from the other generations. They approach home buying differently and seem to have slightly different priorities. These differences have lead to quite a few myths in the real estate industry. Understanding these myths can help you understand the future of real estate.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Myth: Millennials Don't Want to Buy a Home

It's said that Millennials want to be renters forever, and it's true that a high percentage of Millennials are currently renting an apartment or a house. However, statistics show that while Millennials may be renters now, they

Real estate is much like the stock market in that there's an inherent amount of risk attached. No matter how much instinct the investor has or how much research they do, there are no guarantees when it comes to predicting property prices. However, there are ways to mitigate the risk once people understand more about the available choices on the market. Learn more about the major types of real estate investment and how each one can impact the investment experience.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

An Abridged Glossary

Understanding real estate starts with understanding the jargon attached to the industry.

• Commercial: This term usually refers to

Canadian homeowners may not know the dangers that lurk within their own home. Recognizing potential issues can help occupants create a safer environment, preventing possible injuries and more. Explore the 3 most common home safety hazards today.

Obstacles Resulting in Falls

Older adults are particularly susceptible to falling and as a consequence, breaking bones or suffering from a head injury. Residents living in older homes may need to take steps to avoid this common household hazard. Entrances need to be well-lit, with clutter eliminated from walkways and high-traffic areas. Check that railings for steps are secure and pathways have good traction. Aside from removing debris from outdoor steps, it is also important to avoid the use of throw

In Canada, about 67% of households own at least one pet—that’s millions of homes with furry, feathery, or scaly friends. That’s a lot of pets, and, as all pet owners know, a lot of potential damage that can be done to a home. When preparing to sell a home, it’s important to try to reduce as much of that damage as possible because buyers typically don’t like to buy homes, especially in a hot housing market, that require a lot of fixing unless they’re specifically looking for a fixer-upper. Here are some of the different damage types pets tend to cause and how to fix them.

Scratched or Stained Wood Floors

When dogs, especially big dogs, run through a home to chase after a toy, their nails can cause a lot of damage to floors. And in the event of

At some point or another, many homeowners must decide whether they should get a home security system. This decision can have a big impact on a homeowner's quality of life and might even help sell a home for more money. Understanding the differences between the major types of security systems, and knowing the benefits of each, can help you decide whether a security system is right for you.

Why Get a Home Security System?

Home security systems offer peace of mind to homeowners. After a break-in, many homeowners spend months or years trying to feel comfortable in their own home again. Home security systems can help prevent this problem from occurring, and can also help homeowners feel safe in their own home.

Some types of home security

Is it safe to live in a home with obvious signs of mould? From a musty smell to unsightly discoloration, mould should be a concern for any homeowner. Mould problems may even appear in new construction homes. While most people think they should only be concerned about toxic mould, the non-toxic variety can cause multiple problems for occupants and property owners. Understand why it is necessary to address mould in a home today.

The Surprising Health Hazard

According to Health Canada, mould growth that occurs indoors is considered to be a significant health hazard. Mould growth in a home has been related to asthma and respiratory allergy symptoms. Mould often occurs in basements and bathrooms, but can also develop in hard to reach areas such as

Renters may think that they are finally in the position to buy their first home, looking forward to enjoying many benefits with their first home, including the ability to establish equity and make upgrades to a property to better meet specific needs. Families often appreciate the ability to have pets, entertain in their backyard and spend quality time as they see fit in and around their property.

However, the path to homeownership may not be easy. It is important to be financially ready to buy. Even with a sizable down payment, the majority of potential buyers will need to take out a home mortgage loan from a reputable lender. Credit scores and credit history are important factors influencing the approval process. A good credit score may also be

For a while, it may have seemed as though the construction industry was one that didn't react to the new trends of the day. Modern or green technology may have been used by a few select companies, but most seemed to rely on the tried and true methods that had served them so well for so long.

Today, sustainable technology is starting to see more adoption across the industry (even if not every company is flocking to it with the same enthusiasm). The resounding call for smarter and more sustainable building methods has been heard by developers, builders, and manufacturers alike. It's time to see which trends are garnering the attention for a better chance at predicting the housing market of tomorrow.

All-Natural Materials

A volatile organic

Effective lighting for every room in the home is a goal that can best be accomplished by starting with an overall plan for electrical service. Today, however, the preponderance of high-tech devices, low-voltage options, integrated smart technology and automation have created a whole new landscape of needs. Multiple lighting options encompass everything from 220 to 12 volt, as well as familiar 120-volt AC, LED bulbs and flexible lighting strips. The growing popularity of specialty lights and devices in the home might require low-voltage integrators, wireless integration, motion or voice activation and compatibility with home hubs and smart devices. Great lighting also may help sell homes for a higher prices.

Lighting specialists recommend looking

Buying a new home is one of the most complicated purchases consumers may make in their entire lifetimes. It is complicated by the fact that it happens relatively rarely over the course of time, and homebuyers develop little skill in the aspects involved.

One of the most common decisions associated with purchasing a home is acquiring the appropriate amount and type of homeowners insurance. This, too, is often done infrequently as homeowners will often secure insurance at the time of purchasing their home, and unless they have a claim, will tend to forget about it. This is particularly true if the insurance premium is included along with the mortgage and/or bundled with property tax payments. Policies become “invisible” to consumers until they