Prime Edmonton Real Estate - The pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty in the housing market. Some people are worried that they won't be able to find a home to buy because of the pandemic. But there are still many homes available for sale.

You need to be careful when you're buying a home in the current market. Make sure that you're getting a good deal on the home, and that it's in a good location. You don't want to buy a home only to find out that it's in a bad neighborhood. Of course, one great way to offset that is to make sure that you're getting a good mortgage rate, too. You don't want to be paying too much for your mortgage.

Here are a few tips for each phase and stage of home buying and selling to consider.

Buying an Edmonton Showhome

When you're buying a showhome, you want everything to be perfect. After all, it'll be the house in which you'll eventually reside. You don't want to have any regrets later on. That is why taking your time and reviewing all of your choices before making a decision is critical.

If you're looking at resale properties, you'll get a sense of how the family has used it, what kind of condition it's in, and what modifications, repairs, or updates you'll need to make before you move in. You'll be looking at the exact property that you buy, so there's no mistaking what you're getting.

There are a lot of things to think about when you are buying a showhome. The first thing to think about is what kind of home you want. Do you want something traditional or more modern? Maybe you want something with a lot of outdoor space or an in-law suite.

If you're searching for a new house, you can get an indication of the quality of the workmanship and what's included in the package. This home, for example, has high-quality construction and several amenities. Keep in mind that because you control the floor plan and design aspects, your real house will be distinct.

Pay attention to some of the factors that go into the perfect home showing for both Edmonton home buyers and home sellers.

Factors When Buying a Showhome

When you are looking for a new home, it is important to go to home showings. You need to look at the details in the home so you can see if it is the right fit for you. It is also important to go to home showings when you are serious about buying a home. This will help you find the right

Virtual Showings - Now the Norm?

In the past, many individuals might have rejected the concept of purchasing a property based only on a virtual tour. However, in our current epidemic, it is actually possible. As vaccines become available, life is getting better. People will be able to go outside and do things again. But virtual home sales are still here. Some people think that virtual showings might take the place of traditional home showings in the future. That's because it's easier to look at homes on your own schedule. And for people

I'm already well aware that in the last year, I've done numerous house inspections for my buyer clients, as well as a few Zoom virtual showings. It's definitely gaining a lot of traction! The good news is that in the real estate business, firms have been improving their game when it comes to supplying tools that make touring, acquiring, and selling houses more convenient.

In-Person Showings

If you are going to tour any homes, look at their safety guidelines first. See what precautions they are taking to protect themselves from COVID-19. This is something that both buyers and sellers should be doing. It is more important for showhomes, but even resale homes should have some safety guidelines.

Here are some of the things you should look for:

1. Limited visitors. The seller or builder should limit the number of people in the home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Builders should be able to schedule appointments so that you are the only person viewing a particular showhome at that time.
2. A cleaning plan - Is the house you're considering for sale cleaned on a regular basis? Is it thoroughly cleaned between visitors? Is it once a day, every day? That will indicate how much attention you'll need when touring the home.
3. Masks - All sales staff need to wear masks properly. This means that the mask covers both the nose and mouth. Visitors should also wear masks. If a visitor shows up without a mask, we will provide them with one.
4. Multiple stations for sanitizing hands - Look for hand sanitizing stations throughout the house. Germs may be found in every nook and cranny, so you want to keep yourself safe.
5. Health check - Everyone should have a health check. This usually means having temperatures checked and answering a series of questions about symptoms of the coronavirus. Staff who don’t pass the health check should not work. Visitors who don’t pass should not be allowed inside the home.

Buying Edmonton New Homes Tips

• Quality in details. Builder's showhomes should be of high quality. However, you still need to be careful. Check to make sure that doors close properly and do not stick. Look for anything that looks rough or uneven. Also, pay attention to how the home looks. If it is already showing signs of wear and tear, it might not look great
• When you visit a showhome, it is not the same as your house. Your home may be different. If the showhome has more area than your future home and you like how those rooms feel, you will be disappointed by how they appear after moving into them. Make certain to examine showshomes that are in line with your intended construction.
• Costs to personalizing your home. Customizing a home is both beneficial and hazardous. On the one hand, it allows you to choose the aesthetic features you want. If you wish to make adjustments, be sure they aren't too costly or else your home will end up being more expensive. "Starting from the low $300s" might imply that certain aspects are standard while others are

Viewing a Home - Tips, Tricks, and Musts

When you come to inspect a property, the sellers and builders want to make a good first impression. You may anticipate that a property will appear beautiful from the outside. That's why it's important to do some research before making a decision.

You don't want to have a lot of issues when it comes to the most important purchase of your life! We've compiled a list of some of the things you should be aware of when purchasing resale or new homes.

Buying Edmonton Resale Homes

• Some areas of the home will be freshly painted, but not all. Homeowners often repaint their homes to make it look new, or to make it look more like all the other houses in the neighborhood. But if you see fresh paint in only one part of a room, or only one small part of the house, it could be a sign that the homeowner is trying to hide a problem.
• Strong air fresheners are not good. Some realtors use air fresheners to make a property smell nicer. But sometimes, they use it to cover up smells like mould or plumbing problems. If the homeowner is using an air freshener in a room more likely to have these problems, like the bathroom or basement, be extra careful.
• Appliances at the end of their life span. It's not always the case that old appliances, water heaters, or HVAC systems are a deal-breaker; nevertheless, each of these things has an expiration date. If everything in your house is ancient, you may be facing expensive repairs or replacements shortly after you move in, which can put a strain on your finances. In some cases, older appliances mean the homeowner was good with maintenance so the appliances would last. On the other hand, if they weren’t spending money to upgrade these items, were they also not spending money on other minor repairs? Will this cost you more in the long run?
• That's the Price? You should look at the average home prices in the area before you buy a home. If the home is much cheaper than other homes in the area, there might be a reason why. The home might have problems that you will need to deal with if you buy it. But it could also be a lot of work.

Remember, anything you say to a home inspector is applicable to both resale and new construction... When touring a location, be cautious what you say. Security cameras may pick up on the things you're talking about, giving you less bargaining power when it comes to purchasing.

Sellers Tips

As a seller, you need to think about how you're going to show your home. Remember that people who come to see your home are looking for similar things that buyers look for. Make sure your home is in top shape so people will want it.

It goes without saying you should take care of major and minor repairs before you start to show your home, but here are some other things you should consider.

How Can I Safely Show My Home?

During a pandemic, the last thing you want is hundreds of strangers traipsing through your house and potentially spreading germs. At the same time, customers will be interested in learning what they're getting before making their purchase.

Use these safety standards to make everyone feel better.

• Create a virtual tour. To give potential purchasers a sense of whether or not your house is a strong contender, your real estate agent should take more photos than they would have prior to the pandemic. We also now have the technology to create virtual tours, so make good use of it.
• It is better to have people schedule tours or time slots to see your home. That way, you can allow just one family in at a time and the Realtor can monitor their behavior in the home. This will help keep it clean and organized.
• Require masks and sanitization. When you have a home showing, your real estate professional should provide masks to anybody who doesn't have them. Sanitizing stations should be located throughout the house or at least at the entrance, if possible.
• Open up rooms and closets. People are interested in looking around! If you leave the closet doors open, you won't have to worry about people contacting your door handles.
• Clean after EACH showing. When someone has finished inspecting your property, open the windows to freshen the air and clean any surfaces that may have been handled.

How Do I Keep My Home Ready for Showings?

You're not going to have a big open house, so you'll be doing several smaller showings. In order to sell your home quickly, you need to be ready for a showing at any time. You might not have time for a deep cleaning before every showing, so make sure that things are always neat and tidy.These tips should help!

• Make preparations to store a portion of your belongings. People generally have more stuff than they require. You're used to the way your house looks, but someone else might believe it is cramped and cluttered. To prevent this, put a lot of your things into a short-term storage facility. Out-of-season clothing, ornamental furniture that
• Hide your pets. You love them, but potential buyers might not be as fond. Seeing things like a litter box, a dog bowl, or pet toys on the floor might cause them to worry about lurking pet odours. Ideally, you want your pets gone when you're having a showing.
• Let there be light! Make sure that all of the light bulbs in your rooms are in good condition. If they're not, replace them. You might also want to buy brighter bulbs to make your home look more welcoming. This is especially important during winter, when the days are shorter and people will be turning on the lights more often.
• Front Yard is the 1st impression. Making a good first impression is important. You want people to be attracted to your home when they see it from the street. Make sure that the outside looks as good as the inside.
• Plan for the weather. Make your home comfortable for the weather. If it is summer, open up the windows to let in some fresh air or turn on the AC. You don't want people to think your house is too hot. In winter, make sure it is warm and cozy. Light a fire in the fireplace if you have one, and put down a

Price is all That Matters - Pricing Your Home Right

One of the biggest reasons a home will fail to sell is because it is priced incorrectly. If a home is overpriced, it will be easily recognized as being a bad deal. But if the home is underpriced, buyers might think that something is wrong with it.

You need to find a price for your home that will make people see the value in it, but also make them feel like they're getting a good deal.

Despite all of the statistics to the contrary in other areas of Canada, the price of homes in Edmonton have stayed relatively stable. That's good news for both buyers and sellers. Your Realtor® will help you set the price of your home correctly. They'll look at other homes in your area to see what the right price would be. This might mean that you won't get as much money back for some upgrades you made to your home.

How Many Showings Before I Sell My Home?

This is a difficult question to answer. Some people will sell their home after the first showing, while others might have to show it to many people before they find a buyer. The time it takes to sell a home depends on many factors, like the location of your home and the current market conditions. You can't always control these things.

You'll get an offer on your home within the first two weeks if you can hang in there. If you go through more than 10 or 15 showings without receiving a single bid, though, it's time to examine what's wrong.

You'll get the most people looking at your home in the first two weeks after you list it. This is because a lot of people are looking for a home at the same time. After that, you'll get fewer people looking at it. These are the people who just started looking for a home.

Sometimes, it's not the price that is the problem with selling a home. It could be that the home doesn't look interesting to people. Maybe it needs some repairs or updates before someone will want to buy it. You need to take care of these things before you put your home on the market.

The home viewing is one of the most crucial phases of the journey, whether you're searching for your ideal new house or preparing to move on from an old one. A new house is a significant investment and a major decision, so you'll want to be sure that you're making the finest possible selection for yourself and your family. Consider all of your options, then contact me to get started!

Prime Edmonton Real Estate - One of the latest trends in home improvement right now is the mother-in-law suite, also known as a multigenerational unit or a secondary suite. 

If you're thinking about adding a mother-in-law apartment to your home, you might be asking if it's a good idea, if it will pay off in the long term, or whether it provides added value down the road if you're already familiar with the concept. A mother-in-law suite makes it seem like the space is

You may utilize the secondary suite for things like a home office, fitness center, or hobby room. In any case, this sort of apartment must have a bedroom and a complete bathroom.

Some families also utilize a second mortgage to help pay for their children's education. Parents may purchase a flat or a suite for their children on occasion. They may not have enough money to live on their own yet, or they may not want to leave home completely just yet.

Some in-law apartments have a full kitchen and living area. They don't always have to be connected to the house. People may convert their garage or, if feasible, build a tiny freestanding structure that is distinct from the main home.

Depending on mobility difficulties, some homeowners create these types of units in their attic or basement. Are they useful, though?

Up Front Costs

The cost of a mother-in-law suite will depend on how expensive materials and labor are. You might have to spend hundreds of dollars, or even more than $100,000.

It all depends on what you want and how much money you have. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, use your house as usual. It might improve the value of your property if the proper buyer in the appropriate market purchases it. An upgrade in the appraised value of your home may be difficult to detect if there is nothing

However, if you live in a location that is popular with tourists, potential buyers may see the opportunity to earn money by renting out the area.

Key Secondary Suite Takeaways

• A mother-in-law apartment may provide a tremendous return on investment if you're selling in the proper location and to the right buyer.
• The price of your mother-in-law suite will depend on how much value it adds to your home. The more value, the higher the price.
• A mother-in-law apartment can be utilized for more than just guest accommodation when you're selling your house, which might attract a wider range of purchasers.

Adding Value to Your Home with a Secondary Suite

People are always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the value of their homes. A mother-in-law suite may be the answer at times. However, when you might not sell your home again, it might be difficult to justify spending money on these improvements.

The value of a home depends on many factors. Some people think that the price you paid for your house does not matter because it is worth more than just the money spent. It may be how much time was spent renovating the house or if it has sentimental value.

If you live in a place where there are not many other homes with mother-in-law suites, it may be harder to find similar homes to compare your home to. That's why it is important to use a variety of comps when valuing your home.

It's conceivable that creating a mother-in-law apartment may be beneficial. This is because it implies you won't have to spend money on another home or retirement home. By not having to finance another property, you might save a lot of money.

The costs of secondary suites also vary based on the style and type of second home you have. It's also a function of the sort of second residence you have on your property. You may get a different price depending on whether it's a standalone unit or an addition built out of existing space in your house. Because many older people want access to a

The cost of an upgrade to the mother-in-law suite may vary based on how long you own it. If you only live in your home for a short time, the upgrade might not be worth it. But if you plan on living there for a long time, then it could be worthwhile. You'll need to look at how

Many elements influence the worth of your property, including its location. Some buyers may see it as a benefit and assist your home sell faster and for a higher price in some areas. If the region could be leased to tenants, it might make the property more appealing to purchasers and possibly increase its value.

Pre-planned communities typically feature homes that fall within a certain price range. If you spend a lot of money renovating your home, you may not get the same return when it comes to selling.

Secondary Suite Value Adding Takeaways:

• An in-law apartment may be quite useful since it saves you the expense of purchasing another property or living in a retirement home.
• It can be hard to tell how much value an in-law suite has because not every home has one.
• When you are estimating the value of a home with a speciality feature, like a mother in-law suite, location is very important. And homes with an in-law suite may be worth more in Edmonton, which is known for being a great retirement destination.

Step by Step Instructions to Build a Secondary Suite

Having a home in-law suite can provide several financial advantages. To begin with, you may rent out the suite to help pay for the expense of housing your family. Furthermore, if you ever need to relocate, you may simply advertise your property as having an in-law apartment as one of its characteristics and demand a greater price.

This may be a fantastic way to supplement your income or work from home without having to set up an office. This article will guide you through the process of turning your basement into a livable area for your in-laws or renters.

Step 1: Decide On The Layout

First, you must decide on the design of the new room. A one-bedroom apartment with a separate living room and kitchenette is available, or a master suite with an attached bathroom may be chosen. The size of your basement, as well as your budget and future property goals, will have a significant role in determining your option..

If you want a separate entrance for your tenants, a one-bedroom home is the way to go. If you'd want to include your in-laws at family gatherings, a master suite would be ideal. This will give your in-laws their own private living space while also allowing them to stay near the rest of your family.

Step 2: Remove Necessary Walls/ Move Heat Sources

To start renovating the new in-law or renter's quarters, you must first remove the wall between the furnace room and basement. This will allow individuals to move about more easily, allowing them to see more of your home.

Step 3: Remove Furnace Room Flooring

When you remove the wall, you must also take down all of the flooring in this portion of your basement. Many homeowners prefer to keep it because it allows them to stand while washing laundry or repairing pipes below ground. If you're using a one-bedroom apartment, there's no need to retain this floor since it's adjacent to your home's

Step 4: Frame Your Rooms & Ensure There Is No Moisture/Heat Leaks

The next step is to plan out your renter suite. This means framing the ceiling and walls. The ceilings and walls need to be able to hold another room's weight, including the window, door, furniture, and appliances. Most of the time you will need 2x4s for framing as well as plywood on both sides for

Step 5: Insulate the room

In-law or renter's suite insulation is a typical choice among homeowners. This saves money on heating bills while also providing greater protection for your family and renters. It's great for soundproofing (particularly if you're using it as a home office) and will keep the new area warm throughout the winter months.

Spray polyurethane or cellulose can be used as spray foam insulation. Spray polyurethane is a more expensive option, but it has better thermal resistance and less moisture absorption than standard insulation. Spray foam also has an adhesive back that allows it to adhere better to surfaces than regular insulation does.

Step 6: Install Proper Windows and Doors

The installation procedure for this stage varies depending on the type of window or door system you pick. If you select a more conventional window and door solution, all you have to do is install them where they're needed based on their size.

If you choose a sliding glass door or wall-to-wall windows, this step may be more difficult. Since many of these components need a few days to a week before they can be used without fear of leaks, it's critical that you don't have a possible tenant or in-laws to have access to a bathroom during this time.

Step 7: Install Your Electrical System

The final step is to install your electrical system. This should include any wiring required for lights, outlets, and appliances as well as the installation of any necessary gas lines if there are no alternative heating or cooling systems accessible in the room (space heater, mini-split AC unit, window air conditioner).

If you already had a wall-mounted electric heater in place before this job began, it should continue to function throughout the process. Some people don't use their heat during renovations, which can be difficult for workers. Workers must also pay for more heating and risk losing their home if it isn't heated.

Consider how your new renter or in-laws will be able to get access to the electricity they require, as it may be difficult for them to use extension cables while they are working.

Installing a phone junction near the spot where their bed will allow renters to use phones and gadgets like computers without having to be concerned about losing power if they move appliances or lamps too far away from an existing outlet (which is generally only a few feet). This phone/device connection should be connected into your main electrical line, allowing it to operate even when there is no available power.

Are the Challenges of Having a Secondary or Garden Suite in Edmonton Worth it?

If you're like the majority of Edmontonians, you'll undoubtedly believe that having a secondary apartment in your house would be a huge pain. You'd have to deal with yet another set of bills, bylaws, and standards. Another group of people would live in your home. But what if I told you that having a secondary suite might improve your life?

Here are four reasons why:

1) Extra money: A second room might be a wonderful source of additional money if you rent it out. You may earn extra money every month.

2) More space: A secondary apartment may be the perfect alternative if you don't have enough room in your primary house. A secondary suite may provide you with much-needed additional area if you're running out of room in your primary residence.

3) Adding a roommate: A secondary suite might be a fantastic chance to have a housemate. If you need someone to assist with the bills but don't want to live alone, this may be the answer for you.

(4) Short-term housing: Finally, if your basement is unfinished or lacks its own bedroom and bathroom, it may be able to be rented out for short-term lodging. For example, if someone from your church comes in from out of town and needs a place to stay before the weekend service, they may be able to stay with you for free (paying for their own utilities. They would want some seclusion and quiet, but not for more than a few days. This is ideal for what we're looking to do.

There are several advantages to having a second dwelling on your property. Yes, there will be extra guidelines and requirements to follow. The City of Edmonton has really established a strong set of development rules around Secondary Suites and Garden Suites in the city. But it's definitely worth thinking about all of the advantages that you can gain as well!