If you’re a resident of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region, you should know that there are many opportunities to get involved in the local community and have some fun. Edmonton’s Community League Day is coming this September, and it’s not an event you want to miss. On September 20th, come out to Community League Day and find out why your local Edmonton community league is “Where Neighbours Meet & Great Things Happen.”

About the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues sponsors this city-wide event, which is held every year on the third Saturday of September. Edmonton’s community leagues are the oldest and most active in Canada. The EFCL was founded in 1921 with one neighbourhood group, and has expanded over the years. Today, there are 147 chapters of community leagues all over Edmonton.

The leagues are all volunteer organizations that focus on creating recreation opportunities in Edmonton. They’ve been responsible for sports fields, community activity halls, and ice skating rinks. Some of the most popular organizations in Edmonton, including the Community Police Radio Network, School Patrols, and Neighbourhood Watch, began with the Edmonton Community Leagues.

League Sponsored Family Events

The biggest event of the year for the EFCL is the Community League Day, although various community leagues throughout the city sponsor family events all year-round. Family days and winter carnivals are fun activities for families and include curling, hockey, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Participants are treated to hot dogs, chili, and hot chocolate around a fire pit, followed by fireworks.

Community League Day on September 20

The annual Community League Day on  Saturday, September 20, promises to be fun and exciting for the entire family. Check with the community league in your neighbourhood to find a schedule of the day’s events. You can expect Edmonton to celebrate this day with lots of fun family activities, like Fall festivals, car shows, street dances, bike rodeos, corn roasts, beer gardens, barbecues, pancake breakfasts, and much more.

The Edmonton Annual Community League Day gives families the opportunity to participate in all the celebrations throughout the city, but it also give residents a chance to celebrate Canada’s multicultural heritage with lots of cultural activities.

What to Expect at Community League Day

Community League Day is set to host lots of great fun like live entertainment, balloon animals, face painting, dog agility demonstrations, dancing, horse-drawn wagon rides, and lots of games for the kids. The annual event has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned fall festival. The 2014 celebration kicks off at 9:00 AM, and ends at 11:45 PM on September 20. Make sure to come early to enjoy all the day’s festivities in your neighbourhood. There’s sure to be plenty of fun activities, music, live entertainment, and great street food to enjoy.

Edmonton’s 2014 Community League Day is sure to be good, wholesome fun. You can join the festivities at one location or plan to visit several around the city.

I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about events in our region.  For more information about Community League Day or any of the other events Edmonton hosts, please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Summer in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region often means welcoming family and friends from out of town, out of the province or even out of the country for a stay in your home. Whether their stay is for one night or several weeks, you want your guests to feel comfortable in your home, and you want the experience to be as easy and stress-free for yourself as possible. Take some tips from the best hotels.

1. Plan, plan and plan some more! Think about the people who will be staying with you. Any special needs that should be considered, such as dietary or mobility issues, or allergies? Any special equipment needed, such as a crib or baby gate for an infant, toys and activities for the kids?  Organize and clean everything beforehand so you can spend your time enjoying the visit.
2. Welcome your guests with a great meal and some relaxation. Show your guests where everything is and how to operate basic equipment, such as that toilet with the touchy flush mechanism. Give them a set of spare keys so they can come and go as they please. It’s also a good idea to supply emergency-contact information and general phone numbers, as well as any other essential details about the house and the neighborhood (appliance quirks, security information, remote control codes, special house rules such as no smoking in the house, etc.)
3. Sleep, and other basic needs! If you have the space, put up your guests  in a private guest room and bathroom. It goes without saying that everything will be spotlessly clean, even if the bedding and towels aren’t new, and make sure the bed and pillows are comfortable. Extra blankets and pillows are welcome. The best guest rooms will also be equipped with a place to sit other than the bed (how about a comfy chair, reading lamp and some current magazines for real pampering?) and a place to store suitcases and their contents. Empty a dresser drawer or two, make room in the closet, supply some empty hangers. If the room you offer your guests usually has another function in your home – not during their residency, please! If the bathroom they’ll be using will be shared, make sure it’s free of clutter and available for your guests’ needs, and well-equipped with essentials such as plenty of toilet paper.
4. Place a basket of basic travel-size toiletries in your guests’ room: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving cream, soap, hand lotion, tissues, and the like, along with a little note encouraging them to help themselves. Plenty of towels too!
5. Use a second basket to hold treat and snack items: bottled water or juice, granola bars, small packages of nuts, fresh fruit, etc.
6. Other nice touches in the guest room: wall-hung mirror, waste basket, USB plug adaptor/charging station, wifi password, fan in the summer or heater in the winter, alarm clock, hair dryer, pen and paper, fresh flowers.
7. Meals: Do as much pre-planning and advance preparation as you can so that you’re not stuck in the kitchen chopping, cooking and cleaning instead of visiting with your guests. Take a tip from many hotels these days that offer a help-yourself breakfast buffet. Plan for some meals away from home, whether it’s a picnic in the park or visits to local eateries. Keep things simple.
8. Plan plenty of activities, or at least have lots of suggestions ready. If your guests will be with you for a while, chances are you won’t be spending every minute with them. If they’re unfamiliar with the area, they would likely appreciate a city tip sheet listing local attractions, restaurants, and shops, along with a map and information on getting around.
9. Household chores: Do as much in advance as you can, and try to do basic household maintenance, such as bathroom cleaning, vacuuming, etc. when your guests are out. Your guests might even be the type who would happily pitch in.  If they offer to help, take them up on it!

Planning ahead will minimize the work and stress of hosting and maximize the enjoyment of the visit, ensuring a memorable and positive experience for you and your guests.

Do you have some great hosting tips to share? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Canadian retirees don’t have to head for the United States to find a great place to retire. Hot and sticky Florida or sunbaked Arizona don’t have anything on the magic of Edmonton, Alberta. If you’re searching for a great retirement haven to call home, you should browse through real estate in the quaint areas of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, and the Edmonton region. Edmonton and the surrounding area is a great place to retire. Here’s what you can expect when you enjoy your golden years in beautiful Edmonton.

Why Retire in Edmonton?

Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and it was first settled during the booming fur trade in the late 1700s. It’s currently a major hub for the technology, mining, and energy industries in Alberta. Its nickname of “Festival City” means there’s always something going on that’s celebrating the heritage, food, film, and music of the region. If you want a city where there’s always something to see or do, then Edmonton is the place. Its lush parks and miles of walking trails are always bustling with bikers, runners, and walkers, making it a great place to stay active. Summer brings hiking, fishing, and lazy afternoons in the backyard, while winter welcomes white Christmases and a thriving skiing industry.

Golf: The Staple of the Retirement Life

Edmonton’s beautiful summers mean there are plenty of golfing opportunities in the warmer months. The Glendale Golf and Country Club opened in 1962 and is home to 18 premier holes. Also known as The Player’s Course, it hosts many national and professional golf tournaments every year. Teaching programs, fine dining, and a full service pro shop are just a few of the amenities that have made this golf course one of Edmonton’s most exclusive country clubs. There are dozens of different golf courses throughout the city, so no matter your skill level, you can find the perfect course to practice your swing.

Recreational Opportunities: Discover Elk Island National Park

Once the summer golf season is over, Edmonton residents flock to Elk Island National Park to soak in the park’s beauty in the fall and winter months. Fall brings the sounds of rutting elk echoing through the golden trees and the gruff calls of the wild bison roaming through the waving grass. Moose, deer, coyotes, and even beavers can be spotted throughout the parkland. No matter how often you visit the park, you’ll always see something different. Endless photo opportunities arise with every visit as visitors meander through the endless trails. When the snow starts falling, you can suit up and explore the wild land on your snowshoes or by cross-country skiing. Elk Island is a great ski getaway as well, and it’s often less crowded than the nearby ski resorts.

Shopping: Everything You’d Possibly Need is At Your Doorstep

Shopping is always in season in Edmonton. The 124 Street shopping area is the city’s premier shopping and dining location. Patrons can browse locally owned art galleries before hitting up ethnic restaurants or even fine dining. West Edmonton Mall is North America’s largest indoor shopping mall, and is home to a water park, a skating rink, a hotel, and an amusement park!

If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat up at the end of the day and need a final place to call home, you need look no further than Edmonton, the Festival City. Whether you enjoy strolling through the malls, skiing in the wilderness or enjoying a fun cultural festival, Edmonton has something to offer you.

Other reasons retiring in Edmonton makes good sense:  excellent health care, affordable real estate, high but affordable standard of living, accessibility to travel opportunities, decent weather most of the year, and many more!

I am always available to help you get acquainted with our lovely city, so please contact me at any time to find your own little piece of Edmonton!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Homeless or abused animals in the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and Edmonton area may end up in the Edmonton Humane Society shelter or the Parkland County Animal Shelter, but only if they are lucky enough to be rescued by somebody. Recently, my wife, daughter and I became involved with another option.

Hart, or the Humane Animal Rescue Team, is an Edmonton-based non-profit organization committed to rescuing stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs from rural areas around Edmonton and finding them permanent homes. Through this organization, my family’s home has become a temporary home for a few of the dogs rescued by this group, and it has been a rewarding experience!

From the hart website:

“…we rely entirely on the generosity, skills, and compassion of a volunteer network to:
• provide foster care, socialization, and basic training to prepare rescued dogs for adoption;
• coordinate the adoption of rescued dogs through a matching process of the dog’s needs to lifestyles and personalities of adopters;
• administer medical assistance to rescued dogs;
• respond to calls for dogs in need by traveling to rural locations to perform rescues;
• provide food to field volunteers for the dogs who cannot yet be rescued;
• prepare and deliver outreach programs and initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership;
• raise funds to support hart activities; and
• build awareness about hart and about the overpopulation problem.

“hart does not operate out of a facility; instead, we rely on a network of foster homes, volunteers who open their homes and hearts to a rescued animal until a permanent home is found. Supplies such as leashes, collars, toys, dishes, food, treats, and crates are provided to our foster homes.

“A loving, safe and lifelong home is the goal in hart‘s re-homing efforts. A multi-step adoption process is followed to ensure the best match possible between the needs of the dog and the lifestyle of the potential adopters. Many of hart‘s adoptable dogs have been rescued from harsh situations and are therefore adopted out as companion animals to be loved and protected for the rest of their lives. The time we take in the adoption process and the fact that we visit each potential adoptive home is unique to our organization.

“Despite the initiative, the reward for hart volunteers is always the same: wagging tails and wet noses when lonely, scared or sick dogs are transformed into happy and healthy companions.”

Anyone who loves dogs and is able to devote some time and space in their home to helping a dog become adoptable might want to consider getting involved with hart’s foster program. Fostering can take many forms and is very customizable to personal circumstances. You can designate the age of dog you’re comfortable with (young puppies up to 6 months, young adult dogs aged 6 months to 1 year, or adult dogs), as well as the size and gender of dog. Hart welcomes people who can accommodate dogs in all kinds of special situations: mothers and their newborn pups, high energy dogs, low energy dogs, bonded pairs, or dogs with medical or behavioral issues. Hart also needs temporary homes, vacation homes, and emergency homes. Commitment can range from full time till adoption to various short term stays from under one month, up to 3 months and so on.

As mentioned above, there is no cost commitment since hart supplies everything needed by the dog in your care, and the hart foster team is always available for support.  Fostering is a great way to have a companion animal in your life on a temporary basis, maybe allowing you the chance to decide if you are ready to make a life-long commitment.

Other opportunities for fostering animals:

Many of the organizations that rescue abandoned animals operate through foster homes rather than housing the rescued animals in a central facility. Here are a few of them in our area:

Edmonton Humane Society (dogs, cats, rabbits, birds), 780-491-3513

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS), (dogs), Edmonton and Athabasca

Northern Alberta Society for Animal Protection (NASAP), Sherwood Park

Why foster? Because everybody needs a home!

I love to hear your questions or comments. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

An incident occurred recently involving one of my buyer clients, providing another good reason for buyers and sellers to be represented by REALTORS®. There are lessons here for all buyers and sellers of real estate in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, the Edmonton region or elsewhere.

My client’s purchase of a home was nearly complete. All the documents had been signed, conditions removed, keys ready to hand over. My client was very happy with the home. It was in top-notch condition, being exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with a beautifully landscaped yard.

My client happened to be driving past the property when he spotted the current owner in the garden apparently digging up shrubs and handing them over to a friend. This is, of course, a no-no in real estate transactions. Once a deal has been done and a contract in place, anything attached to the property has to stay.

When I represent the sellers in a real estate transaction, I usually warn my clients who are selling their home to make sure they remove everything they want to keep that would normally be considered permanent attachments to the home before we even place the listing on the market. Once a home is on the market, potential buyers have every right to assume that what they see is what they will get. That means sellers can’t take away items such as wall-hung shelves, kitchen cabinetry, drapery rods, plumbing or light fixtures, or parts of the landscaping, nor can they swap out appliances with cheaper or older models, unless those things are specifically mentioned in the contract.

So, if you were the buyer in this situation, what would you do?

I urge people involved in something like this to contact their REALTOR® and have him or her confer with the other REALTOR® to resolve, and possibly defuse, the situation. Buying and selling real estate can be an emotional, nerve-wracking experience, and nothing constructive can come out of a direct confrontation between buyer and seller. Instead, the two agents can determine whether there has been a breach of the contract, and then establish the best way to settle the issue. That way, no one should feel hurt or ripped off, no one loses face or good will, and the end result is what we all want: a successful and positive conclusion for all parties.

Questions or comments about what a REALTOR® can do for you? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

After the purchase of a house in Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Stony Plain and the entire Edmonton region, there could be, for one reason or the other, the need to replace its windows. It is always advisable to keep in mind the tips below when replacing windows.

Decide Whether Or Not the Process Will Be Done By a Professional

The success of any window replacement project depends on the type of window chosen and the quality of workmanship used during the replacement. A buyer can use metallic or wooden windows for replacement. Using a reputable installation company gives the owner an assurance of getting quality services. It is advisable to use a company that offers a warranty on parts and labour in addition to the products themselves. If you as a homeowner plan to replace the window yourself, be absolutely sure that you’re capable of the task before attempting it.

Consider the Amount of Time That The New Windows Should Serve

Where a replacement is meant to increase the house value during resale, the priorities may be different than for those who simply want to fix cracked or chipped glass. Energy saving, ease of maintenance and beauty are the most common upgrade considerations. With vinyl windows, homeowners can get back about 71 percent of their investment. Where this replacement is for the owner’s benefit, it’s important to consider warranties and repairs, quality and durability, design and appearance, ordering and installation, price, and energy efficiency. In short: the price of the window itself isn’t the total cost.

Narrow Your Options on Warranties

Whether the warranty covers broken seals and air leaks, or labour and glass breakage, it is advisable to determine how long this coverage will last. Get these warranties from a reputable company and determine the course of action should this company go out of business. The company has to carry liability insurance and must be licensed to work within the locality of the house. Most importantly, ascertain whether or not these warranties are transferable to the next homeowner.

Carry Out Proper Prior Preparation

It is important to prepare before the replacement process begins. Apart from being sure of the cost, it’s advisable that homeowners remove blinds and curtains from these windows. They should also alert their alarm company and create enough working space around the windows to ensure that the process is done efficiently and fast.

Try To Make the Entire Process Fun

The project will only be fun if the result will bring comfort, a sense of security and beauty. Decisions about the price and energy efficiency should be made with everyone’s comfort in mind.

These tips will also be applicable to anyone with Parkland County acreages, as well as Edmonton acreages. Several years after construction, there may be a need to replace windows; hopefully, the above tips are useful.

Comments or questions are always welcome.  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Whether you’ve been eyeing Edmonton, Parkland, Spruce Grove or Stony Plain real estate, there are a few key considerations to factor in before choosing the home or property that is right for you and your family. Seeking out Parkland County acreages or Edmonton real estate can be done by first considering the factors that are important to you before selecting a neighbourhood as your new home.

Neighbourhood Popularity

Before moving to an unfamiliar area, consider the popularity and population of the neighbourhoods you are most interested in. Whether you prefer a quiet location or if you are looking for a booming town, having an idea in mind is a way to expedite the process when you begin comparing homes and properties.

Property Value and Future Outlook

Consider the average value of the properties in the neighbourhoods you are interested in as well as the future outlook of the area. Researching each neighbourhood individually – whether you are looking for Parkland County real estate or Spruce Grove – is a way to ensure you find a location that is most suitable for your current lifestyle, career and future goals.

Taxes and Living Expenses

Research taxes and living expenses of each of the homes and neighbourhoods you are eyeing. As each location will come with its own set of costs and expenses, it is important to assess which areas are suitable for you and your income range. Don’t just think about now; give some thought to both your earning power and future costs. For example, if you’re part of a newlywed couple, are you planning on having children later? These are the types of living expenses you need to keep in mind.

Local Amenities, Resources and Shops

Whenever you are looking into real estate for your family, it is imperative to consider the surrounding shops and resources that are available within the neighbourhood itself. If you have children, be sure to research the locations of nearby schools as well as the school ratings and rankings. If you prefer local markets and shops, finding a neighbourhood that meets your needs can be done with a bit of research online to get a feel for the atmosphere of each location you are searching in. Comparing surrounding resources and locations in each neighbourhood can help to eliminate those that are simply not right for your preferred way of living.

Finding the perfect Spruce Grove real estate options or Edmonton acreages can be done with a bit of research and an assessment of your own needs and the needs of your family before selecting a neighbourhood that is the most suitable for you. Conducting a bit of background research on various areas you are most interested in living in is a way for you to ensure you have made the best decision for both you and your entire family or household.

When you are ready to make a move to a new home, give me a call for more information and I’ll be happy to help you begin your search!  Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

Despite the fact that Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region as a whole tend to be quiet, situations may still arise where a neighbour is making too much noise. Depending on the circumstances, there are a variety of ways to take action. Here are a few points to consider when you need to raise a noise complaint in Edmonton.

Try Communicating Before Calling the Authorities

There’s a chance your neighbours don’t realize that they’re making too much noise and will reduce the commotion when you open a dialogue with them. A brief, friendly exchange of honest words can do wonders for these types of situations, leading to an understanding that allows both households to enjoy their space. Most of the time, all that needs to happen is a small alteration in noise-making habits, such as reducing the output of a sub-woofer to acceptable levels or agreeing on specific times to allow loud activities. There may be issues with thin floors or walls that make it impossible to prevent the sounds of footsteps and other normal behaviour. Sometimes tenants may have hearing problems, resulting in your neighbour not having the ability to detect abnormal noise levels. If you are uncomfortable with contacting your neighbour face-to-face, leaving a brief, well-intentioned letter is also acceptable.

Ask for Help If the Situation Becomes Difficult

Stony Plain real estate, Parkland County real estate and Spruce Grove real estate are located in safe communities. Nonetheless, there are situations where it’s best to contact the authorities instead of putting yourself in a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation. The first person to contact is a landlord or a homeowner’s association who can act as an intermediary that assures your anonymity. If this doesn’t work, you can contact the city of Edmonton by dialing 311 or 780-442-5311 or by faxing 780-442-5311. Pursuing this action should only be taken in the most serious circumstances, when other avenues of fixing the situation have failed.

Know Your Rights Before Launching a Serious Complaint

If the situation with noisy neighbours gets worse, it’s a good idea to know the legal details of noise complaints. Different types of Edmonton acreages and Parkland County acreages have specific standards of noise allowance. Residential noise standards are stricter than non-residential noise limits. Between 10p.m. and 7a.m., the amount of noise that a residence or a business can legally generate is typically limited to 50 decibels in residential zones and 75 decibels in commercial areas. During the daytime, the limits are more flexible, allowing for noise up to 85 decibels for brief periods of time. Sometimes, permits are granted to authorize sound in excess of normal limits. When filing a complaint, a landlord or employee of the city may need proof of these levels of noise in order to be able to act. Noise complaints can result in serious consequences, due to legal ramifications written into many leases that result in eviction, fines and bills.

When it comes to noise pollution, it’s important to know your rights and stand up for them. Having a quick chat to reach a mutually beneficial agreement can solve most issues quickly and cordially. If the situation becomes difficult, dangerous or uncomfortable, seek help to solve the issue anonymously and dispassionately.

Feel free to contact me if you seek information about noise or other home-related problems. Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County, the Edmonton region, or elsewhere in Alberta using the services of a REALTOR®, expect to be asked to sign several documents during the process. You already know, if you’ve bought property in the past, that your Offer to Purchase states the price you are willing to pay, any conditions on the offer, and the date on which you’d like to take possession of the home. You’re also asked to provide proof of your identity and probably your financial ability to enter into a purchase agreement.

Beginning July 1, 2014, all property buyers in Alberta working with a Realtor will be required to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement.

What is the Buyer Representation Agreement?

This document formalizes the relationship you’ll have with the Realtor. You and your Realtor will agree to a number of things, including:
• when the relationship begins and ends;
• what the responsibilities of the Realtor and the real estate brokerage he or she represents are to you;
• your responsibilities to your Realtor;
• what services your Realtor will provide;
• what is to be done in situations where a conflict of interest arises;
• what fees and expenses, if any, you might be required to pay;
• how your personal information will be handled;
• methods of communication between the parties;
• contact information for both parties.

Why are buyers now required to sign this document?

The concept of this agreement is not new. What is new is its use in all Realtor-buyer relationships. Its purpose is to provide clarity and protection for both parties by clearly setting out the requirements and expectations for the relationship. You as a buyer will know exactly what your rights and responsibilities are, and what services you can expect from your Realtor. Having trust and confidence in the person helping you with the most important purchase of your life, and knowing that your interests will be promoted and protected can only be a good thing!

When will buyers be expected to sign the Buyer Representation Agreement?

Most Realtors will likely explain the Buyer Representation Agreement to their clients and request that it be signed near the beginning of the relationship, usually before the buyer’s needs and wants are discussed in great detail and before properties are visited. Clarity and protection!

As a buyer, I’m worried about all the fees mentioned in the Agreement.

Nothing has really changed. In Alberta, Realtors representing sellers and Realtors representing buyers generally split the fees offered by the seller of the property. Payment for Realtors occurs when a property is sold, with the Realtors’ fees being paid from the proceeds of the sale. Usually, a client buying a property does not pay a Realtor directly for realty services. If a given Realtor charges a retainer for helping a client in buying a property, that retainer will be applied toward the fees due from the sale of the property, and this will be clearly stated in the Agreement. Note that all terms of the Agreement, including fees, are negotiable. The Agreement is a legal document, and my best advice is to read it carefully and completely, and ask any questions before you sign it.

Does signing a Buyer Representation Agreement with a Realtor mean I can’t work with any other Realtor?

While the Agreement is in effect, usually…but! When your Realtor signs this agreement with you, he or she is committing to assisting you in all the ways outlined in the agreement. As time goes on, and your Realtor becomes more attuned to your needs and wishes, he or she should be in the best position to help you find just the property you’re looking for. If for some reason you want to end the relationship, note that your contract specifies an end date, and it is also possible to end it early under certain conditions in the contract. In addition, special conditions can be written into the agreement before it is signed.

Comments or questions about the Buyer Representation Agreement, or any other aspect of buying and selling property? Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Parkland County, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove or the Edmonton area, you might be wondering how you can reasonably determine what your price range is. Though you may have the ability to afford up to a particular amount, you should also ensure that you don’t overextend yourself. Make sure to leave room for the “just-in-case” expenses, and follow these tips to ensure you are remaining within your reasonable and affordable budget.

Get Expert Advice: Talk With Your Mortgage Specialist

First things first, before you begin your property search, whether you’re looking for Parkland County acreages, Edmonton acreages, or surrounding area, you should ensure you have an open and honest discussion with your mortgage broker or the mortgage specialist at your bank. When you are preparing for your meeting, ensure that you have your employment and income documentation to bring with you, as well as your previous year’s tax return. You should also have a list of any monthly expenses, and supporting documentation, such as information on car payments, student loans, and other monthly expenses.

Be sure you are honest and provide complete information to your mortgage broker regarding your income and monthly expenses, as this will help them determine what your affordable and realistic purchasing budget is.

Don’t Forget the Extras: Factor In Additional Expenses

When you are planning your affordable budget for your Spruce Grove real estate, either with or without your mortgage broker, you’ll want to ensure that you consider additional expenses on top of the basic mortgage costs. Discuss any additional mortgage insurance costs with your broker, as well as expenses such as maintenance fees and property taxes. Each of these aspects should come together to help you ascertain what you can reasonably afford, and, when considering these additional factors, your actual home budget may be tightened. Therefore, be sure not to forget the extras!

Have Foresight: Consider Closing Costs From the Start

Since your down payment amount on your mortgage for Parkland County real estate can significantly affect your monthly mortgage costs, you’ll want to ensure that you consider the amount of closing costs well before you get to that point in your real estate transaction. A possible problem arises when these costs aren’t factored into the equation from the start, and the buyer has to pull away from his down payment lump sum to come up with the money, thereby increasing his monthly expenses and perhaps overextending him financially. Therefore, ensure you are well prepared for the closing costs on your Stony Plain real estate, and get the figures from your mortgage broker or REALTOR® at the start.

As long as you’ve done your research on the matter, and factored in all of the aspects of your income and monthly expenses, as well as the additional fees of the real estate transaction itself, you will surely arrive at a number that is reasonable and affordable. Get your expert advice, do your research, and have foresight, and you should be in great shape!

If you’re still unsure, I am always willing to answer your Edmonton area real estate transaction questions! Call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.