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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/countertop-material-types.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/countertop-material-types.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>4 Popular Countertop Materials for Kitchen Renovations</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Upon determining it is time to renovate the kitchen, homeowners must decide just what countertop material to use. With the right surface, the countertops can act as the focal point of this space and perfectly tie everything together. The surface also matters when it comes to utility, as it acts as the work surface for all the kitchen activities. For that reason, finding the perfect countertop material is well worth the time and effort it takes—and this guide aims to help.


Laminate


Since its development in the 1940s, laminate countertops have been a staple in kitchens all across Canada and beyond. Although they were once made of cheap plastic, advancements have resulted in the creation of high-pressure laminates that are both robust and attractive.


Laminate comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including ones that mimic the look of stone or wood. They are quite easy to wipe clean and resist stains on their surfaces. Since they have seams that can wick up water, they should always be wiped dry after using.


Out of all the countertop options, laminate is the most affordable, though it does have some drawbacks. Exposure to hot pans or sharp knives can damage the surface, for example, resulting in an unsightly work surface. Fixing the damage can prove difficult as well, often requiring full replacement of the surface.


Solid Surface


Over 50 years ago, solid surface countertops came on the scene, and they were intent on stealing the show from laminates. And, for the most part, they succeeded, though they cannot beat laminate in price. Solid surface materials are easily resurfaced using an orbital sander, however, delaying their replacement and potentially saving money over time.


Like laminate, this material is available in a variety of attractive patterns and colors. Popular finishes copy the look of natural materials, such as:




Onyx


Sandstone


Agate


Granite


Marble


Beechwood


Mahogany




There are even finishes designed to look like a clear night's sky, featuring black, blue, and white colors in rich tones.


Across all finishes, solid surface countertop materials are relatively nonporous, which allows West Hillhurst homeowners to work right on the surface without worry about germs. They are prone to scratches, so it is still best to use a cutting board when slicing and dicing. Damage from hot pans can also occur, though trivets easily prevent that problem.


Quartz


Quartz has recently been recognized as a truly beautiful, durable countertop material that suits most homes. These countertops are man made using heat and pressure to combine ground quartz and resin. The manufacturers may also mix in glass and metallic flakes to add a bit of flash to the final product. The result is a truly magnificent finish in a phenomenal array of colors and textures.


Quartz countertops are not just beautiful to look at either. They have a robust, nonporous finish that resists scratches. Heat is still a risk, however, so trivets will need to remain a mainstay in the kitchen when these countertops are installed. Cost wise, they are on the same level as natural stone, but they do not need regular sealing or other maintenance to stay in good shape.


Granite


Granite countertops are a fan favorite due to their exceptional finish, nonporous surface, and immense value. These countertops come from natural stone blocks that are mined from quarries and shaped into slabs using heavy-duty equipment. The stone often features vivid hues ranging from light rose to deep blues in a variety of patterns.


Since they are formed by heat and pressure in the earth, each countertop is completely unique and not fully uniform. This makes the countertops completely heat-resistant, keeping pans from causing damage. They can still be scratched, however, so homeowners should keep their cutting boards on hand. Cracks are possible as well since the stone contains other rocks that can create weak areas.


As West Hillhurst homeowners weigh these options, they can find the perfect countertop material for their kitchens. And if they like their selected material, they can even use it when it comes time to renovate the bathrooms as well.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2021 09:52:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/under-or-over-pricing-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/under-or-over-pricing-a-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Considering Under- or Over-Pricing a Home? Know This First</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Listing a home close to its realistic value is absolutely vital in any home-selling strategy. Experts in the industry claim that pricing a home for sale is the most common aspect of the process where sellers make errors. This is why getting an experienced real estate professional who can properly evaluate and price your home competitively is so essential. Here are some considerations concerning over-pricing a home and under-pricing a home, along with the benefits of playing it smart by pricing it perfectly from the start.


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

Potential Outcomes When Over-Pricing a Home


It's only natural to want top dollar and big return on a home sale; however, this can result in huge setbacks. Statistically, asking too much off the bat typically results in more than 35 percent of sellers having to reduce the price in order to gain serious buyer interest. Often, sellers feel pressured to drop the price more than would have been necessary, had they just started out at a more realistic price.


After a couple of months on the market, the property can become stale, meaning no one's biting for one reason or another. At this point, sellers often have to deal with low-ball buyers who've been watching the home sit and smell a hint of desperation. Another point to keep in mind is that sellers with mortgages will be paying expenses while the home is listed—an issue that could cost more than any surplus reaped from getting a higher price point.


Under-Pricing a Home Could Work Out… Or Cost Sellers Big Bucks


A solid strategy to under-price a home might benefit sellers, but this tactic can work out to benefit buyers or both parties equally for a number of reasons. Savvy real estate professionals know how to situate pricing below the competition on highly desirable homes that have the potential to incite a bidding war.


The right time to take the strategy is in a buyer's market when there's an imbalance in supply and demand that gives buyers a sense of having the upper hand while getting the listing attention. Buyers who fall in love will battle it out urgently with other potential buyers and likely end up paying a price close to (or more than) what the sellers wanted to start with.


Bidding wars can have a downside if sellers get too covetous, which could shoo away buyers. After all, they eventually might grow weary of the constant back and forth and continually pitting against other buyers and look down the street at other options. That being said, under-pricing a home that needs repairs in lieu of dealing with seller concessions or making repairs can be a booster for a solid sale for both parties.


Not Getting Offers Within Two Weeks?


If no offers start coming in after about 10-14 weeks, a real estate professional will likely express concerns that the house will go stale on the market. Agents may ask sellers to set timeline boundaries as to when they'll come down on price so the house can incite interest. A pricing strategy needs to be discussed in situations where sellers plan to try to sell low or high to avoid losing money by holding out or shortchanging themselves.


Essentially, the bottom line is that listing an Elbow Park home at a price point that's comparable to others in the neighbourhood will reap the best results.


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

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2021 09:52:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/things-to-know-before-buying-a-historic-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/things-to-know-before-buying-a-historic-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>3 Things to Know Before Buying a Historic Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Buying a historic home gives prospective Discovery Ridge homeowners a chance to be a part of history. However, buying and owning a historic home is a lot different from owning a modern home. Here's what homeowners with a love for the historic should know about buying historic homes before taking the plunge.


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

Be Aware of Possible Defects in the Home


The older a home, the greater the risk of defects and damages caused by outdated building practices or wear and tear over time. Many older homes have not been sufficiently maintained over the years, so homeowners looking to purchase a historic home should account for additional repair and renovation expenses. These expenses can be difficult to manage, so homeowners should have space in their budget before committing to the purchase of one of these homes.


Additionally, many unsafe materials may be included in older homes that are no longer allowed today. Asbestos, for example, is used in homes as recently as the 70s and 80s, and homeowners will need to bring in specialized teams to remove any trace of this hazardous material.


By anticipating high renovation expenses, buyers can better prepare themselves for the ownership of a historic home.


Be Aware of Binding Historic Easements


A historic preservation easement is a legal agreement that protects a historic property and preserves its character. These easements exist in perpetuity, allowing the architecture and character of significant properties to be preserved even after the owners change hands.


New buyers interested in purchasing a historic home need to be aware of if such an easement exists on their desired property, as this will impose restrictions on the allowed renovations to be done within the home. Modern upgrades may be refused, and homeowners will have to consult with a qualified organization that will manage and enforce the restrictions of the easement.


Work With a Real Estate Professional to Navigate the Historic Home Buying Process


Buying a historic home comes with its unique risks and requirements, but the joy and enrichment of owning one is worth it for many owners. By planning ahead and knowing what should be planned for, prospective historic homeowners can make the best decision on whether a historic home is right for them. Work with a licensed real estate professional so you can buy with confidence when you decide to purchase and care for a historic home.


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

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:38:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/maintaining-an-hvac-system.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/maintaining-an-hvac-system.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How to Take Care of Your HVAC System</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Some Upper Mount Royal homeowners may know their home has an HVAC system but not know exactly what it is. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and from that name, it’s easy to see what makes it so important to a home. An HVAC system keeps a home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and moves air around so it doesn’t get stale. Like any sort of household appliance, it’s easy to forget that it’s a machine that needs occasional maintenance—especially if it’s located outside the home where it isn’t seen very often. If a homeowner doesn’t take care of their HVAC machine, it could break down, and that would cause many problems in extreme weather conditions. To prevent this from happening, here are some easy ways for homeowners to take care of their HVAC systems.


Change the Filter Regularly


Like a furnace, an HVAC system has filters, and those filters need to be changed regularly to ensure it keeps working properly. If the HVAC system’s filter gets too full of debris or gunk, the system won’t be able to suck air in, which causes the motor to have to work harder to do its job, which leads to an increased chance of breaking down. To prevent this, homeowners need to replace their HVAC system’s filter regularly. 


For most HVAC systems, the filter will need to be replaced every 1-3 months. Homeowners can check their manual or the system itself to see what their system recommends. Changing an HVAC system’s filter is easy, and homeowners can do it on their own without professional help.


Clear the Area Around the HVAC System


When the air conditioning portion of the HVAC system is located outside, homeowners may think it’s an eyesore and try to block it behind flowers and other foliage to make the area look nicer. Homeowners who want to do this need to be careful, however. If flowers and bushes get too close to the AC, it can suck them in, and then those leaves and twigs get stuck inside it, leading to an expensive repair for the homeowner.


When planting flowers or landscaping near an AC unit, always be sure to leave a good amount of empty space between them. This empty space will drastically reduce the chances of something getting inside the AC and it breaking down.


Get the HVAC System Professionally Inspected


While there’s a lot of care and maintenance that homeowners can do without professional help, sometimes it’s best to get a professional opinion. Many people choose to have their HVAC system inspected once per year in order to catch small problems before they can turn into large problems.


A professional knows what to look for when examining an HVAC system, and they know what to listen for to identify problems. Professionals have a lot of skills that normal homeowners just don’t have, so their insight is invaluable. Spending money to hire a professional for an inspection today can help save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair or replacement bills tomorrow.


It’s easy for homeowners to forget their HVAC systems because HVAC systems are usually positioned where they will be out of the way. However, it’s vital that homeowners know how to maintain their HVAC systems to prevent future problems. Being able to take care of the system properly can be a great way to lengthen its lifespan.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2020 09:45:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/home-foundation-types.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/home-foundation-types.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>The 3 Home Foundation Types</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


The foundation of the home is the building block on which a home is constructed. Homes can have one of three types of foundations: a slab foundation, a crawl space, or a slab foundation. The type of foundation a home has is important because it changes how certain repairs can be done to a home, and it can even affect the insurance premium for the home. Because of this, anyone buying a new home needs to be aware of the different types of foundations and how to identify them. Here are the differences between the three home foundation types.


Basement Foundations


Basements are a type of foundation that changes popularity depending on the region. While basements used to be formed out of cinderblocks, they’re now made with poured concrete walls to avoid structural failures. Basement foundations are popular because they give homeowners useable space in their home that can be used for storage or even finished and turned into livable rooms. Even small homes that don’t have very much space can gain a lot of extra square footage that would otherwise be impossible thanks to a basement foundation.


While basements are more expensive than other foundation options, they also increase the value of the home because of how useful they can be. Basements give much safer access to a home’s wiring, ductwork, and piping than other foundation types, but they also need to have a sump pump installed in them. Without one, the basement risks flooding.


Slab Foundations


Slab foundations are one of the most common types of foundations for homes because:




Slab foundations are the most inexpensive type of foundation, making them the most accessible because the overall value of the home will be less expensive


Slab foundations don’t require as much preparation work as other foundation types, so they’re easier to build


Slab foundations don’t require very much maintenance to keep them in good shape




While slab foundations have a lot of good aspects to them, they also have some negatives that homeowners need to know about. For instance, because a slab foundation is just one solid piece of concrete, it can be extremely difficult to access the plumbing that goes beneath it should anything go wrong with it. Similarly, if a slab foundation breaks or cracks, it can cost a lot of money to repair it. Having this sort of tradeoff means that home buyers need to fully understand what they’re getting if they’re thinking about buying a home with a slab foundation.


Crawl Spaces


The final type of foundation is seemingly the perfect mix between a slab and basement foundation. With a crawl space foundation, the home is elevated a few feet over the ground, leaving a gap between the floor and the ground. The advantage that a crawl space gives a home is that it leaves access to all the home’s plumbing, wiring, an piping, making it much easier to fix any problems that may occur with them. This will also make repairs much more affordable than they would be with a slab foundation.


Crawl spaces do have a couple issues to be aware of, however. Crawl spaces can be prone to collecting water and moisture because of how they’re dug into the ground. Because of this, there is a much higher chance of mold and mildew growth occurring in a crawl space than another foundation type.


It’s important to understand a McKenzie Lake home’s foundation. All types have their advantages and disadvantages, and homeowners can better prepare for potential problems by knowing how they may arise.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:54:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/selling-a-home-during-winter.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/selling-a-home-during-winter.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Top 3 Tips for Selling a Home During Winter</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Many homeowners try to avoid selling their home during the winter months because it’s a less popular season for both buying and selling. However, when a Lynx Ridge homeowner needs to sell their home, they often don’t have the luxury of waiting several months for a more desirable time. While it can seem more difficult to sell a home during the winter, it’s by no means impossible to do so. Just like selling a home during the spring or summer, homeowners need to focus on the home showings and creating a good first impression with potential buyers. Here are some of the best ways to put a home’s best foot forward during the winter season.


Keep the Home Bright


Everyone who lives here in Canada is well-aware of how little sunlight there is during the winters. In addition, many home buyers fit house hunting in around their schedule, which often means going to showings after work, when the sun has already set. Because of this, homes can come off as dark and dreary if the homeowners haven’t done anything to help it. Homeowners should make a round through their home and turn all the lights on in every room. Also, it’s helpful to turn on a porch light to help make the home easier to find for guests. Having a home that is bright can make a home look  and feel more welcoming, which can help improve a buyer’s first impression of the home.


Don’t Forget Curb Appeal


Even when there’s snow covering the ground, homeowners can’t skip out on curb appeal. While many of the typical curb appeal chores are also summertime chores, some of them can be done regardless of season. For instance, homeowners should keep their windows clean and home free from damage. If something happens to the home, the homeowner should be quick to get it fixed up and looking its best for buyers. Another important part of curb appeal is keeping the driveway and walkways shoveled. This makes the home look more welcoming to buyers because it shows them that they are expected guests.


Seal Any Drafts


During a cold winter, everyone can tell if there’s a draft inside a home. Homeowners should walk through their home and feel for cold air coming into the home. The most common places for drafts to occur are around windows and doors, so homeowners should pay special attention to those areas. If drafts are found, there are a few different ways homeowners can remedy them:




Weather stripping, which can be a good option beneath doors


Caulking, which be a good option for use around windows


Door snakes, which aren’t permanent but can be a quick fix




When a buyer goes into a home and feels a draft, it can make them feel like it’s something that they will need to fix on their own if they choose to buy the home, and that’s in addition to anything else they see that they want to fix or change. The more little fixes a homeowner completes before showing their home, the more they can help improve their home’s first impression with buyers.


Selling during the winter can feel like it’s more difficult than any other season, and the winter does provide its own challenges. Following these three helpful tips can be a great place to start, but they aren’t the only things homeowners can do.


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    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Feb 2020 07:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/understanding-the-closing-process.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/understanding-the-closing-process.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What to Know About the Closing Process</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


The home closing process is the tail end of a hectic journey for a Roxboro home buyer. From the pre-qualification letter to the final acceptance of the offer, it's easy to miss a step during escrow. We'll look at how long the process lasts, what affects the outcome, and why buyers will want to consult a real estate agent before agreeing to anything final.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


A Time of Examination


There's a reason why a home isn't sold the day the buyer makes the offer, and it's so both parties have time to examine the details of the sale. On average, escrow lasts for about a month, though this time period is much more of a suggestion than a rule. Now is the time for buyers and sellers alike to ensure their contingency requests are being fulfilled. A seller will confirm the buyer's financing has come through in the same way a buyer will confirm the seller has fixed the fence as requested.


Buyers will typically work with a lawyer as well, and allow them to oversee the transfer of the deed and the funds. If it turns out the ownership of the property is being contested by an ex-spouse, the agent will be in charge of organizing the details if the sale is cancelled. Buyers are highly encouraged to communicate with everyone during this time. It's the buyers who have to feel entirely comfortable with the property before handing over the money, so it helps to have a strong relationship with everyone from the title employees to the real estate agent to the lawyer.


Lender Needs


During the closing process, the lender will typically require buyers to take care of the following expenses:




Insurance


Taxes


Interest


Payments




Every lender will have their own rules for how home buyers are meant to pay for these costs. They may ask the buyer to roll certain expenses into a single lump sum (sometimes called mortgage escrow), and then pay out on behalf of the buyer. Even if the lender doesn't require this of their clients though, it helps for buyers to be as proactive as possible—especially during this time. Lenders have been known to back out of their agreement at the last possible minute, so buyers should do everything in their power to take the lead. 


Starting Over


As painful as it can be sometimes, buyers may need to call off the sale if the closing process isn't going the way they expected it to. A poorly maintained electrical system, a property division dispute, a failing septic tank: a title company or home inspector could turn up any number of deal-breakers within the month.


Buyers are highly encouraged to work with sellers whenever possible. The end of the escrow period is also a great time to catch a real estate lawyer up on the specifics of the sale. If there are any discrepancies that could lead to trouble somewhere down the line, the lawyer may be able to put their finger on the anomalies that home buyers missed. While canceling the sale and starting over is undoubtedly frustrating, it's also necessary when the risks of buying vastly outweigh the rewards.


Escrow is a time for everyone to go over the numbers and details of each step of the sale. If there are any problems along the way, home buyers need to be aware in order to move forward with both eyes open.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:03:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/how-to-make-a-home-wish-list.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/how-to-make-a-home-wish-list.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What To Include When Making a Home Wish List</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


For many Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill home buyers, house hunting is the most fun part of the home buying process. However, buyers should never go to home showings blind. It’s easy to forget the little things that buyers want in a home or get distracted by all the things they didn’t know they wanted. The easiest way to prevent this is by making a home wish list. Every home buyer should have a list of what they want out of their new home. Here is how to put together the best home wish list.


Wants and Needs


When a buyer is making their wish list, it can be helpful to put all the different entries into one of two categories: want and need. This can help the buyer create a priority for the things they need and decide what they’re willing to pass on. 


Examples of things a homeowner may need include:




First-floor bedroom or laundry


Three bedrooms


Accessibility features




Meanwhile, examples of wants include things such as:




Granite countertops


Wood floors


Bay windows




Many wants can be added to a home after it’s been purchased, but oftentimes, needs have to be built into the home. This is why buyers should always prioritize their needs.


The Home’s Location


No one wants a work commute that’s an hour long, so buyers need to take the home’s location into account. Location also affects other things aside from a work commute. Homeowners need to make sure their home is an acceptable distance away from grocery stores, shopping centers, parks, schools, hospitals, fire departments, and so on. Some home buyers may think they’ve found the perfect home until they realize all the places they like to go are a lot farther away than anticipated.


The Home’s Size


The size of the home is extremely important, especially for buyers who have large families. Buyers may only want a home with two rooms, while others may want a home that has a room for every member of the family. Home buyers need to think about how much space they need in their home, the ideal number of bathrooms for the people living in the home, and so on. Of course, the larger the home, the more expensive it will be, so buyers need to decide what will fit within their budget if they want a larger home.


The Home’s Style


When someone is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new home, it’s a given they will have a certain style in mind. Homes come in different architectural styles that can vary by region. Colonials, ranches, Victorian, and modern are just some of the different styles that home buyers can look for. Some home styles can be more costly than others, and some styles can be difficult to find. For instance, ranches can be found throughout the country regardless of region, but a style like southwestern is going to be seen most prominently in the southwestern US and not many places outside it. A style such as Greek revival, however, is a very niche style that is extremely uncommon these days. Buyers need to know if the home styles they love are accessible where they’re looking to buy the home.


Having a home wish list can be extremely helpful when looking for a new home. They can help keep the buyers on track when going to showings, and they can be given to real estate agents to help find the right type of homes. Every buyer should create a home wish list before looking for a new home.


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    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jan 2020 09:53:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/cash-offer-on-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/cash-offer-on-a-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>4 Benefits of Making a Cash Offer on a Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


How a Canyon Meadows home buyer chooses to purchase their next home is a huge decision that will affect their finances and their life. Most buyers choose to use a mortgage or home loan to purchase their new home, but there is another way to buy a home. Cash can be a great alternative to purchasing a home with a mortgage. It provides a lot of advantages that home loans do not. While not everyone has the means to purchase a home with cash, those who do have the ability to pay in such a way should do so. Here are some advantages that buyers can gain by choosing to purchase their home with cash.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


Sellers Love Cash Offers


When submitting an offer to a seller, the buyer is trying to appeal to the seller as much as they can. Buyers who want to increase their chances of having their offer accepted should consider making their offer in cash instead of with a home loan. Sellers love cash offers because they remove the need for a middleman in the form of a loan broker. Cash offers also have a far lower chance of falling through. Even when a buyer is pre-approved for a mortgage, there’s still a small chance that their lender could revoke their approval. With a cash offer, the chances of a deal falling through due to outside influences is extremely low. This leads to a higher chance of getting accepted when compared to offering with a mortgage.


Cash Can Make Buying Go Faster


Because sellers love getting cash offers, they’re more likely to be accepted than a similar offer made with a home loan. This is just one reason why cash purchases move along faster than purchases made with mortgages. Home loans take a certain amount of time to get approved, for the paperwork to get filed, and so on. Sellers who want to get through the selling process as quickly as possible are more likely to go with a cash offer because there are so few hurdles between accepting the offer and closing.


Buying With Cash Saves Money


It may not seem like buying a home with cash would be less expensive than when using a mortgage, but it’s true. This is because buyers who use cash do not have to borrow money, and therefore do not have to pay interest on that loan. Whether the buyer would have used a fixed rate, variable rate, or another type of loan, choosing to pay in cash instead can save them thousands of dollars. Paying in cash also helps the new homeowner save on their monthly bills. Not having to worry about a monthly mortgage payment means the new homeowner can allot the money that would have gone toward their mortgage to something else.


Buyers Gain Full Equity Immediately


When a buyer purchases their new home with a loan, they naturally gain equity in a few different ways. The two biggest ways is through their down payment and by making their monthly mortgage payments. When a buyer pays in cash, they gain full equity in their home immediately without having to do anything else. Homeowners can use their equity to take out a loan to fund other expenses like renovations or going to college. Having equity in a home also helps bring financial security to the homeowner.


Not all home buyers can afford to pay cash for a home, but those who do have the ability to pay in cash absolutely should. Buying a home in cash comes with a lot of advantages that using a home loan doesn’t, and buyers shouldn’t miss out on them if they don’t have to.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


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    <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2020 09:24:00 -0700</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/backyard-renovation-tips.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.calgaryluxuryhomes.ca/blog/backyard-renovation-tips.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Renovating Your Backyard? These Tips Can Help</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


There are many things you can do to make your backyard more exciting. Knowing what works and what can make a Brittania homeowner's backyard a more attractive and entertaining place to spend time can help you turn it into a valuable outdoor space.


Create a Seating Area


Backyards need seating areas. The best seating areas are shaded and comfortable even in the heat of day. Add a table for eating foods or sharing drinks with friends. To create shade, install a canvas or an umbrella over the space. For a more permanent and stable form of shade, consider a pergola.


When installing a pergola, choose a vining plant to grow over the wooden structure. Something vining, lightweight and perennial is best. A self-seeding plant, like a morning glory, would also be acceptable. Avoid fruiting vines, like grapes, as this will attract bees and make a mess in the later parts of the year.


Add Lighting


Lighting makes your backyard space more enjoyable in the evening. Lighting can take many forms, including solar-powered garden lighting, hanging lanterns and even a fire pit. If installing electrical lights that must be connected to a power grid, contact an electrician to perform the installation. This will help ensure the lights are installed safely.


Install a Path


Paths add visual interest to the backyard, and also make it easier to travel from one side of the yard to the other without cutting a rut through the grass. Pathways are easy to install. Simply dig up the upper crust of the soil where the path with be installed, lay down stone dust, then install pavers over the stone dust.


When In Doubt, Hire a Professional


There are many things about renovating your backyard that can be intimidating if you're not used to performing in-depth DIY projects. When in doubt, hire a professional to get the work done. Hire a contractor to ensure that your pergola, pathway or electrical lights are installed properly. This can ensure the work will be done well, and that your backyard renovation will increase the value of your home.


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    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:18:00 -0700</pubDate>
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