Tag Archive for: Sherwood Park Homes For Sale

sherwood park neighbourhood buying guide

A Buyer’s Guide to Sherwood Park Real Estate for Sale

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If you’re looking to capitalize on Edmonton’s real estate market and invest in a home, this guide is for you. Buying a home involves many nuances that both new and previously sidelined buyers should review. From understanding the risks of homeownership to making sure you’re financially ready, there’s a lot to consider. For those who are eager to purchase Sherwood Park real estate for sale, we will be going over everything you need to know about the steps to attaining homeownership in this neighbourhood.

Follow along below to learn more about buying in Sherwood Park, Edmonton. 

Taking Your First Steps

As you start on your journey to finding Sherwood Park real estate for sale, it is important that you begin by assessing your needs and wants. This is an essential step that can help you narrow your search and ensure that buying a home is the right decision. To do this, take some time to reflect upon your future plans. Do you see yourself moving in the next five years? Did you just accept a new job? Are you planning on starting a family or approaching retirement? Asking these questions is a critical first step. If you determine that buying is the most appropriate choice for your situation, you can then start considering more specific questions about purchasing a property. For instance, what size and type of home you want, how many bedrooms/bathrooms you need, and so on. 

The next step is to set your budget. Budgeting is likely the most important part of your buying journey. Finding a price range will dictate several factors. For example, what homes are in your price range, what kind of mortgage you will be looking for, and how much your down payment will be. To get a better idea of your budget, it is a good idea to speak with a mortgage advisor or financial planner. During this step, getting pre-approved for a mortgage of your choice is also a smart decision.

Another key step in the early stages of buying a home is hiring a local real estate agent. Partnering with a real estate agent who understands the local market can play a major role in the success of your purchase. An experienced agent will have great negotiating skills, an in-depth knowledge of the area you’re buying in, and several industry connections to help ease the process. 

What to Know About Buying Sherwood Park Real Estate for Sale?

For those who are interested in buying Sherwood Park real estate for sale, it is a good idea to get a sense of the neighbourhood before narrowing down your search. Sherwood Park, formerly called “The Park”, began in the mid-1950s as a satellite community for Refinery Row industrial employees. However, today, Sherwood Park is a highly sought-after community known for its safe and amenity-rich neighbourhoods. From recreational facilities to greenspaces, Sherwood Park is a desirable area that many Edmonton residents aspire to call home. Within the community exist several high-quality schools and nearby police/ambulance services. 

One of the newer developments in Sherwood Park is called Centre in the Park. This neighbourhood combines modern residential homes with retail services, public spaces, and municipal services. Furthermore, it integrates with older amenities in the community such as Broadmoor Lake Park, the Heritage Trail System, and Festival Place. There are also several businesses and schools connected within the area offering a complete sense of community. 

Another important aspect of Sherwood Park is its hamlet status. In Alberta, the term hamlet is used to define an urban centre governed by the municipality in which it is located. To grasp the significance of this classification, it is important to know that Sherwood Park is a part of Strathcona County. Strathcona County was incorporated in 1996 as a specialized municipality due to its combination of urban and rural areas. This means that the county can receive grants and other provincial benefits available to both rural and urban municipalities. 

Contact me Today!

Working towards buying Sherwood Park real estate for sale is an exciting process. Contact me today to learn more about the real estate 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. 

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Should You Renovate or Buy Houses for Sale in Edmonton South?

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Choosing whether to renovate or to buy new is an age-old question that many homeowners often face. Deciding to move is no easy task. However, renovating doesn’t always sound overly appealing either. In order to make the best choice for your family, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both options. Asking yourself key questions about your current living situation and your needs can also be of benefit. To help you determine what the best course of action is, we are going to be going through some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with buying houses for sale in Edmonton South Vs. renovating. Follow along below to learn more!

To Renovate or Not to Renovate…

Renovating is a good alternative to buying for some homeowners. However, to figure out if you are a good candidate for renovation, you should consider what you want to change. If it’s simply aesthetics that you’re looking for, renovating is usually a feasible choice. This is especially true if you already love the area you are in, you enjoy the layout of your home, and there is room for you to grow. 

On the other hand, if you’re not satisfied with the neighbourhood you’re in and you have other concerns about the physical qualities of your home, moving could be the most favourable option. If you need things like additional square footage or you’ll have to make major repairs along the way, renovating may not be worth it. 

Making changes to the appearance of your home is usually straightforward and can often be done on a budget. However, structural changes are much more complex. They generally require building permits, a higher budget, more time and the help of an expert. Moreover, when homeowners make big changes to their existing homes they will often uncover problems that need to be addressed before the renovations can be completed. For example, out-of-date electrical systems, rotting wood, and other factors that may not meet the present-day building codes. 

Another thing you need to think about when renovating is your living arrangements. Living in your own home while renovations are underway presents a unique set of challenges and risks. This is only heightened, if you have young children. As your home gradually becomes a construction site, it’s important to plan around this time to ensure that you remain comfortable during the renovation process. 

Buying Houses for Sale in Edmonton South Instead of Renovating

Moving homes can be easier to navigate when compared with renovating in several cases. For instance, if you are expecting a new baby, but you don’t have enough bedrooms to accommodate their arrival. Or, if you’re not satisfied with the location you’re currently situated in. Homeowners in these situations often find it easier to meet their new demands by moving homes as opposed to renovating. This is because it can be hard, or sometimes impossible to change fundamental aspects of your current home. 

Additionally, by relocating, you’ll get the benefit of avoiding the stress of renovations. This alone is enough of a reason for many Canadians to choose to buy over renovate. Furthermore, by moving you’ll get a fresh start, potentially in a new area. A change of perspective could be just what you need to improve your quality of life! Besides, if you have enough equity on your side, buying new could be a worthwhile investment. However, it’s important that you consider the expenses associated with moving, closing the deal and a new (potentially more costly) mortgage. 

Nevertheless, moving houses is not always all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, a lot of sellers find that searching for a new home can be just as challenging as renovating. This is only amplified in the event of poor market conditions or suboptimal lending rates. Because of these factors, it’s critical that if you choose to move, you do your due diligence to determine when the best window is to sell/buy. In moving properties, you also risk not being able to find your “perfect” home. This can lead to buyer’s remorse and overall dissatisfaction. 

Contact me Today!

Choosing to buy houses for sale in Edmonton South Vs. renovating is a challenging decision. Contact me today to learn more about the pros and cons of buying new or renovating properties in Edmonton. 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

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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!

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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!

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Real Estate in Edmonton: Pros and Cons of Cashback Mortgages

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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.