Tag Archive for: Downtown Edmonton REALTOR

luxury homes for sale in edmonton real estate

Edmonton Luxury Real Estate is Forecasted to Boom in 2024

Canada’s luxury real estate market remained relatively quiet throughout 2023. However, this year, experts are predicting that luxury homes will start to pick up the pace in terms of sales in the months to come. With interest rates at all-time highs last year, it’s no surprise that several Canadians put a pause on purchasing luxury assets. Now that interest rates are steadying, and rumours of decreases are circulating, eager buyers and investors are looking to make their move on high-end properties. Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver are among the cities looking promising for luxury property transactions in 2024. In this article, I will focus on the Edmonton luxury real estate market and provide some advice for those considering entering the market this spring. Follow along below to learn more!

The 411 on Edmonton Luxury Real Estate

During the bulk of 2023, luxury market sales struggled. Now that mortgage rates are stabilizing, Edmontonians who have been waiting for the right opportunity to purchase, are impatiently waiting to capitalize on the potential upswing in luxury property transactions. 

According to data from the REALTORS® Association Edmonton, the activity in this sector of the market was the lowest it’s been since 2020. This is in part due to the fact that many luxury property buyers were moving away from investing in condos. Rising fees associated with condos led to a perceived increase in value for single-family homes. Consequently, buyers found it more appealing to invest in detached houses than condominiums. 

Edmonton’s neighbour and rival to the south, Calgary, saw tremendous growth in its luxury sales during 2023. Homes with values over $1,000,000 saw sales increases of 13% year-over-year. All the while, properties valued at $4,000,000 and above witnessed a 50% jump in sales year-over-year. Not surprisingly, 88% of these purchases were single-family homes. Although, condo sales in Calgary also remained fairly steady, growing 16% year-over-over. It’s worth noting that the majority of the activity in this sector occurred during the latter half of the year. 

Similar to Calgary, Edmonton also recorded strong activity from the second half of the year onward in the luxury market. This is mainly due to the fact that the luxury market in Edmonton starts at $1,000,000. As a result, it is much easier for buyers to purchase high-end properties compared to cities like Vancouver or Toronto. 

The affordable price tag on luxury properties in Edmonton has been an attractive factor for out-of-province buyers and investors. For those used to the cost of housing in B.C. or Ontario, the value of real estate in Edmonton seems like a bargain. 

Tips for Investing in Luxury Properties

  1. Find Your Limit

When investing in luxury properties, it is critical that you know your limit in terms of price. Having a clear-cut budget is essential as you work towards marking a purchase. Luxury properties are often more expensive to maintain than your average single-family property. This is because many come with additional amenities and features that you wouldn’t normally have with homes in the regular market. Not to mention the average listing price will also be higher than usual. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a great first step to take. 

  1. Choose a Great Location

Location is paramount with luxury real estate. Especially, if you have plans of reselling or operating a business out of your home. You’ll want to ensure that your luxury property is zoned in accordance with your intended uses and in a place where future buyers would consider it to be an attractive investment. Choosing a home that’s near great shopping, dining, educational institutions, or a recreational experience is ideal. Talk with a real estate agent to determine what area is best for you!

  1. Work With a Trusted Agent

One of the best things you can do when investing in luxury real estate is to work with a REALTOR®. A trusted agent is going to know the ins and outs of the local market. This can ensure that you get the best deals, information and advice as you work toward accomplishing your goal. When buying a luxury property, it is often hard to determine a fair price. With the help of an agent, you can guarantee that you are getting the best value for your money. 

Contact me Today!

Choosing to invest in Edmonton luxury real estate is an exciting endeavour. Contact me today to learn more about the luxury market in this area. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about how to achieve your 2024 real estate goals. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related information. I look forward to working with you in the near future.

edmonton houses for sale real estate outlook 2024

Houses for Sale in Edmonton: 2024 Market Outlook

Happy New Year to everyone! If you’re considering entering the Edmonton housing market this year, you’ve come to the right place. Throughout 2023, Edmonton consistently ranked among the top places to live in Canada in terms of affordability and opportunity. Additionally, it boasted some of the most stable housing prices, as reported by CREA. Now, you might be wondering about the changes expected in 2024. What can buyers and sellers anticipate in this year’s market? In this article, I will provide a market outlook for the New Year, offering insights into the latest trends and projections. Join me below as we delve into what to expect from the housing market in Edmonton in 2024!

Trends to Expect From Houses for Sale in Edmonton in 2024

In 2024, buyers and sellers can expect to see some shifts in the market. One of the predictions outlined by experts this year is that the market will shift from one that is balanced to one that favours sellers. This means lower inventory levels and more demand from buyers. So, for those who have been waiting for the right time to list their homes for sale, now may be your chance. 

In Edmonton, RE/MAX forecasted that the two greatest trends that will impact the area will be rising interest rates and interprovincial migration from Ontario. Interest rates will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of the real estate market. As interest rates go up, the cost of borrowing will follow suit which is likely to affect the decisions of both buyers and sellers. Higher interest rates in Edmonton may cause changes in affordability in Edmonton which is something the city has yet to see thanks to its stability over the past year. 

As for new residents migrating from Ontario, this will likely equate to more competition for housing. Thus, influencing the value of property in Edmonton and surrounding areas. With Ontario being one of the least most affordable provinces to live in Canada, it’s no surprise that many will be making the move to Edmonton this year. 

Sellers should be aware that single-family homes will be the most popular in 2024. This prediction suggests that among all property types, single-detached homes will be preferred among buyers. If you’re looking to list your single-family home, be sure to tailor your listing in accordance with this trend. Factors such as a growing desire for more space and a heightened sense of privacy are driving the popularity of this housing type. 

Other Items to Note Going Into the Edmonton Real Estate Market in the New Year

Whether you are a buyer or seller going into the Edmonton real estate market, there are some other items worth noting. For instance, in 2024, the city is expecting to experience a four percent increase in average residential prices and a decline of five percent in regard to sale transactions. 

During 2024, experts envision that the top three most desirable neighbourhoods in Edmonton will be Oliver/Downtown, Rutherford/Heritage Valley, and Terra Losa. Recognizing the desirability of these areas holds value for both sellers and buyers. For instance, buyers may want to begin their search in one of these neighbourhoods, as current popularity often signals a smart investment opportunity. Furthermore, sellers in these locales can enhance their market appeal by highlighting unique characteristics that make their property stand out. Thereby, minimizing their home’s days on the market and attracting prospective buyers!

It has also been noted that similar to national trends, the rising interest rates have had a cooling effect on the Edmonton market. However, despite the growing rates, Edmonton has been able to remain relatively affordable. Thus, reinforcing the province’s resilience. Edmonton’s low housing prices and high household incomes are two of the main reasons driving Canadians from out of province to relocate to this city. 

Contact me About Houses for Sale in Edmonton in 2024!

If you’re looking to jump into the real estate market in Edmonton in 2024, now is the time to begin. 2024 is going to bring plenty of opportunities for sellers and buyers alike. Contact me today to learn more about buying or selling houses for sale in Edmonton this year. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about how to achieve your New Year’s real estate goals. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related information.

I look forward to working with you in 2024! 

blog recap steve leddy real estate in edmonton

Houses in Edmonton: A Year-End Blog Recap!

2023 is quickly coming to an end! In lieu of this, I thought it would be best to keep with our annual theme of writing a year-end blog recap. After all, one of the best ways to move forward is by reflecting on the past! In this post, I’ll go over all of this year’s content so that you can catch up on any missed articles. All of the content will be categorized by the season/month in which it was published. Follow along below to see what was on my blog about houses in Edmonton during 2023!

Houses in Edmonton – Winter and Spring Recap

donwtown edmonton real estate

Jan – Want to Buy Houses in Sherwood Park? Then, here are 5 Goals to set in 2023

When the New Year hit, I kicked off 2023’s blog content with an article that listed five goals to set for those who were looking to purchase a house. Check out the post if you haven’t already to get inspiration for your 2024 New Year’s resolutions!

Feb – Owner’s Rights of Condos in Downtown Edmonton

Buying a condo and buying a house is very different. In this article, I answered your most commonly asked questions about owning a condo. 

Mar – Condos in Edmonton: All About Condo Fees

Often, condos are praised for their affordability compared to traditional homes. However, once you dig past the surface, you might find that condo fees are the catch. If you’re curious about the fees associated with condos in Edmonton, read this article.

Apr – Energy Efficiency & Sherwood Park Homes for Sale!

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. With the rise in climate concerns, a number of homeowners across the country are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. To learn more about how to make Sherwood Park homes for sale energy efficient, check out this April blog post!

May – All About Home Inspections For Properties in Sherwood Park

Having a home inspection conducted by a trusted professional will ensure that your dream home doesn’t come with any costly issues. Although home inspections aren’t mandatory in Canada, they are strongly recommended! In this article, I discussed everything you need to know about home inspections for properties in Sherwood Park. 

Rewinding to Summer and Fall

apartment in Downtown Edmonton

Jun – Apartments in Downtown Edmonton: Creating Your Own Space in a Shared Home

Sharing an apartment with another person can help to significantly reduce your cost of living. In this article, I went over some tips for living in a shared apartment in downtown Edmonton! 

Jul – How Does an Agent Help Buyers of Homes in Edmonton South?

Are you looking to buy homes in Edmonton South in the New Year? If you are, you may be wondering how an agent will help you accomplish your goal. In this post, I wrote about all of the ways that an agent can help a buyer. 

Aug – Closing Costs to Consider When Buying Edmonton South Real Estate

Unfortunately, when you purchase a home, it’s not just the house you have to pay for—there are an assortment of closing costs that must be paid before the home is officially yours. To help you out, I created a list of typical closing costs associated with buying Edmonton South real estate. 

Sept – Real Estate in Edmonton: Pros and Cons of a Cashback Mortgage

Many Canadians have been opting for cashback mortgages to aid in the purchase of real estate in Edmonton. In this article, I discussed the pros and cons of a cashback mortgage. 

Oct – 6 Reasons to Buy a Condo in Edmonton

Living in a condo comes with a variety of benefits. Many of which, most homeowners aren’t aware of. In this blog post, I wrote about six different reasons that you should consider investing in a condo in Edmonton. 

Nov – A Buyer’s Guide to Edmonton Condos for Sale!

Buying a condo is very different from buying a single-family home. To help you out, I compiled a list of tips that you can refer to as you work towards buying your first condo!

Contact me Today!

Houses in Edmonton are a great investment for the new year. I’d like to thank all of my clients for another wonderful year in the Edmonton real estate market. For more information on selling or buying homes, contact me today. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about how to achieve your real estate goals in 2024. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related information. I look forward to working with you in the near future. Happy holidays everyone!

condos for sale in edmonton alberta

A Buyer’s Guide to Edmonton Condos for Sale!

Buying a condo is very different from buying a single-family home. There are several advantages that condos provide that single-family homes cannot. This is a determining factor as to why so many Canadians have made the decision to own a condo. If you’re thinking about making the switch to condo living, there are a few things to understand about the buying process. From rules and fees to the age of the unit, it’s good to do your research about what you’re investing in. To help you out, I have compiled a list of tips to help you as you work towards buying your first condo! Follow along below to learn more.

Edmonton Condos for Sale: Buying New Vs. Resale 

  1. Buying a New Condo

Buying a new condo often means buying a pre-sale condo. Pre-sale condos are condos that have been listed for sale before construction has been completed/started. This usually means that you will have to choose your unit based on a set of floorplans and a visit to the showroom. Buying a presale condo has its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that you may be able to request changes. However, the final product may not look like the plan or what you imagined. Additionally, the date of completion could be later than what was initially proposed. 

It’s worth noting that when you buy a new (presale) condo, you typically need to pay occupancy fees—colloquially known as phantom rent. These fees are paid to the developer until the building is registered. According to the Globe and Mail, “[t]he Condominium Act allows a developer to charge tenants for three main expenses in the period between occupancy and condo registration: property taxes, a prorated share of common operating expenses and interest on the unpaid balance of the purchase price”. 

  1. Buying a Resale Condo

While resale condos do not have the same new home feel, you do get the benefit of seeing the unit before you buy it. This makes it abundantly clear how much space there is, the quality of materials, building amenities, noise levels, etc. Additionally, you can get a feel for the condo community to see if the building is in good condition and if the people living there match your lifestyle.

Moreover, when buying a resale condo unit, it’s a good idea to research the building’s operating budget and financial status. You will also want to look into the reserve fund, bylaws, and who manages/maintains the property. 

Understanding the Building

  1. All About the Fees

Before you sign off on buying a condo (new or old), it is important to understand the condo fees and what they cover. Nearly every condo has a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee that must be paid by each resident. These fees are collected so that the building can pay for expenses like insurance and maintenance. However, you should talk with the developer or property manager to get a better sense of what your fees include. Understanding the cost of these fees can make a big impact on whether or not you can afford the unit. Lenders add condo fees to the monthly debts of the buyer. So, if the building has a steep association fee, there’s a good chance that some buyers will be priced out. 

  1. Know the Rules 

In condo buildings, there are often a set of rules and guidelines put in place to keep peace within the community. Unlike living in a single-family home, you cannot always do what you want, when you want to. Finding out about what rules are in place in the building is a good idea. After all, some condos have strict rules against pets, noise, age of residents, smoking, and more. Check to see what these rules are to make sure that they align with your lifestyle. 

  1. What Does the Condo Include?

Although it may seem silly, understanding what your condo comes with is important in the buying process. After all, you don’t want to assume that your unit comes with something it does not—for example, a reserved parking spot! Before you buy make sure you understand what’s available to you. Some common amenities include:

  • Additional storage
  • Guest parking
  • Reserved parking
  • Underground/covered parking
  • Bike storage
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Outdoor common space

Contact me Today About Edmonton Condos for Sale!

Living in a condo comes with many benefits. From more time to better amenities, you’ll love the lifestyle that a condo affords. Contact me today to learn more about buying Edmonton condos for sale. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about how to achieve your real estate goals. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related information. I look forward to working with you in the near future. 

edmonton real estate mortgages with cashback options

Real Estate in Edmonton: Pros and Cons of Cashback Mortgages

Buying a home in Edmonton is a big purchase. And, it often comes with unexpected expenses like closing costs, moving costs, and any immediate repairs that need to be made. After saving for a down payment and getting approved for a mortgage, you might find yourself scrambling to afford these additional costs. This is why many Canadians have been opting for cashback mortgages to aid in the purchase of real estate in Edmonton. With a cashback mortgage, homeowners receive a lump sum of cash on closing day to assist them in covering the additional costs of buying a home. In this article, I will be going over the pros and cons of a cashback mortgage. Follow along below to learn more. 

What’s a Cashback Mortgage? How Does it Help Me Buy Real Estate in Edmonton?

A cashback mortgage is a type of mortgage that provides homeowners with a lump sum of cash at closing. With a cashback mortgage, a person will take out a loan that is more than what is needed to pay off the house. The excess amount is then provided to the person once their mortgage closes. Homeowners can then use this additional money to pay for an assortment of expenses like closing costs, making renovations, moving, or furnishing their new residence. Typically, lenders offer 1-7 percent of the purchase price in a cashback mortgage. The most common amount is 5 percent. 

There are several lenders in Canada who offer cashback mortgages. In order to receive a cashback mortgage, you need to meet some specific criteria. These criteria may differ from lender to lender, however, they generally are as follows:

  • You need to have a reliable job where you earn a specific salary or are paid by the hour. (Self-employed individuals do not often get approved for cashback mortgages)
  • A credit score of at least 650
  • You are going to occupy the home you are purchasing—ie: you don’t have plans to rent it out. 

Pros of a Cashback Mortgage

A cashback mortgage can be advantageous for a number of reasons. For instance, it can help homeowners pay for the initial expenses of buying a home. Or, refinancing a current mortgage. This is especially helpful for those who are buying a home for the first time or homeowners who need a little extra cash. 

Another benefit to taking out a cashback mortgage is that you can complete any renovations you anticipate need to be done once you move in. It’s also smart for homeowners who need some extra wiggle room to cover basic expenses during the first few months after moving. Some homeowners even use this money to pay down high-interest debt or student loans. 

Those who are looking for some added financial security and flexibility can benefit from a cashback mortgage. The ability to use the lump sum for any expenses makes it an incredibly versatile option. However, this is not to say that a cashback mortgage is an entirely positive decision. 

Cons of a Cashback Mortgage

While a cashback mortgage certainly comes with its pros, it also has some significant drawbacks. One of the biggest being high-interest rates. When comparing the average interest rate of a traditional mortgage with a cashback mortgage, it’s easy to see that borrowers of the cashback option will pay more interest over time. Thus, resulting in a higher overall cost. 

Additionally, since the lump sum is tacked onto your mortgage, you will end up paying more for your mortgage and it will take longer to pay off. 

Besides being more expensive, cashback mortgages are also very restrictive when it comes to refinancing or prepaying. In turn, making it difficult for borrowers to switch their mortgages down the road. There are also major penalties for breaking/changing your contract! As well as, no variable-rate option. 

Lastly, if you have plans of paying your mortgage off quickly, a cashback is likely the wrong fit. This is because borrowers will delay paying off their mortgage and accrue more interest charges over time. 

Contact me Today About Real Estate in Edmonton!

Deciding on a mortgage is a big deal. This is why it is important to understand all of the details before you sign off. Contact me today to learn more about mortgages for real estate in Edmonton. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about how to achieve your real estate goals. Feel free to reach out to me at any time! Be sure to check back next month for more real estate-related information or visit me on Facebook! I look forward to working with you in the near future.