The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team is pleased to offer, for another year, FREE TICKETS to the Spruce Meadows National running June 5 - 9 at Spruce Meadows. 

Print this ticket to gain free access to one of Canada's premier show jumping events. Also enjoy shopping and entertainment, bands, pony rides, wagon rides and more! Fun for the whole family courtesy of Re/Max! 

You have decided to take that first step toward purchasing a home and with excitement, you start visiting some open houses. Don't get too far ahead of yourself...

Your first call should be to The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team. We can devise a strategy how it's best going to suite your unique situation to move forward and accommodate your lifestyle and needs. Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime and should not be taken lightly.    

While aesthetics are important, it's crucial to look beyond the window-dressings and staged furniture, look for yourself before you hire a qualified home inspector. While 

Here are some common problem areas to look for while touring an open house:

General Up-keep 

Is it clean or cleaned up? With many years of experience under our real estate belts, the difference between someone who keeps a clean house regularly and someone who has cleaned it up only to sell it is that the latter has likely not maintained the home and doesn't take as much pride in the home as the former.

Also look for cracks, especially above door frames. This may indicate that the foundation is shifting, which is a much larger issue than a quick patch-up.

Water Leaks 
Check the ceilings for brown stains and paint bubbling. This may indicate water infiltration that can be a costly fix. This will often be seen on the main floor ceiling, below an upstairs bathroom. 

Does Everything Work? 
The buyer may be including appliances but check if they are in good working order. This goes for the air conditioner and heating system as well.

Floors 
Observe if the floors are straight or if they are dipping in the corners. Be sure that laminate floors are not lifting. Depending on the floor type, it could be an easy or expensive fix.

Doors & Windows 
In winter, check for drafts and frosted window panes. This might indicate that the windows are not installed or insulated properly and will impact heating expenses. Look for water damage around windows from lingering condensation. 

Poor Drainage 
Make sure to ask about the age of rain gutters and check to see that they empty far away from the house to prevent water leaking into basements.

Grout & Caulking 
Check for deterioration and discoloration that may indicate mold.

Does it Meet Your Size Needs? 
The home may be beautiful and in good condition, but remember to be aware of cupboard and storage space.

With these things in mind, you can visit an open house with open eyes. For a more personal approach contact our Okotoks ReMax Realtors or contact our Calgary ReMax Realtors to have a private viewing of homes that match your needs. Our experienced and diligent real estate pros can help guide you through the process to find a home that is a perfect match!  

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Priddis boasts stunning views of rolling hills and spectacular scenery.

Neighbouring the Bragg Creek area, it is primarily ranch country, but due to its proximity to the City of Calgary, the Priddis area is becoming increasingly popular for city commuters to live and enjoy the glorious vistas, quiet lifestyle and a friendly and active community atmosphere. Perfect for folks who have a passion for horses and other animals. 

A short 15 minute drive to Calgary, Priddis and the Bragg Creek area is the perfect location to enjoy the peace of country living with the convenience of being close to city ammenities. 

If you have been contemplating a move to the Priddis or Bragg Creek area, then consider this well kept and charming 2066 square foot, 2 story, 4 bedroom property with 4.22 acres which is currently established to accomodate horses and bosts a small pond. 

Click here for full details, more photos and a virtual tour of this home for sale in Priddis, Alberta.

To find Priddis, head west on Highway 22X from Macleod Trail. There you will find the Priddis General Store and the Priddis View & Brew for excellent homemade food and specialty coffees. Priddis Greens Golf Course is also a popular draw for lovers of the game. 

Many events have taken place over the years in Priddis and surrounding communities, most often they are based on sports events, such as polo and racing, hunting, and fishing, tennis, hockey and curling, cricket and golf.

Today's home buyers are more savvy and educated than ever before. When buyers are shopping around for a home they know what they are looking for. They will also be working with a real estate agent who is looking out for their best interest and will have educated them on the value and price of type home they are looking for.

Pricing at Market Value

Pricing your home at ‘market value’ from the outset of the listing is one of the most critical actions you can take to sell your home faster.

Market Value: Home listing prices are based on the current ‘market value’ of the properties. The market value of a property depends on many factors, such as its location, size, proximity, size of lot, design, quality of construction, age, condition, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage, etc. The two biggest factors that determines fair market value is the SOLD price of similar homes that have sold in the recent past as well as supply and demand of similar homes. 

What to Base Your Price On

1. Current Market Conditions
2. Comparable Properties Active on the MLS
3. Comparable Properties Sold on the MLS
4. Neighborhood & Product Categories
5. Home Improvements & Upgrades

It must be noted that the value of a property does fluctuate over time. The change in zoning bylaws, economic status, mortgage interest rate, supply and demand conditions in the market will have a major and immediate impact on the value of properties.

Pitfalls of Overpricing

Don’t wait to price it right. Many sellers like to believe that they can test a higher price and reduce the price later if there isn’t sufficient interest or if they don’t receive an offer in a predetermined time frame. After 30 or 60 days of your home being overpriced you have lost valuable time and the attention of potential buyers. The longer your home is on the market at an incorrect price the longer it will take to sell.

Overpricing your home can cost you more than just money. While you are waiting for the “right buyer” who is willing to pay the inflated price you are continuing to pay for carrying costs such as mortgage payments, utilities, etc. Depending on your personal situation this cost can be compounded by carrying 2 properties. It is also costing you time and effort (often times stress) with the task of preparing your home for showings, vacating your home for showing and putting off moving onto the next phase of your life.

Your home can become ‘stale’ on the market. The longer a home sits on the market, buyers will ask questions like “what is wrong with this home?” or make assumptions like “if it hasn’t sold after this long there must be something wrong with it.”

The price of a home is the most important factor in gauging if a home has a chance of selling.  An objective analysis of your property and current market conditions will determine how to set a fair market value. To help you understand where to strategically position your home on the market our Okotoks & Calgary Real Estate Team will walk you through a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help determine the best price for your home.

Contact our Re/Max Real Estate Team now to request your free,
no obligation CMA on your property. 

Timing the Market Doesn’t Work

Home inspections are often something a buyer wants done prior to purchasing a home. While it is not mandatory in Alberta our professional Real Estate Team would never recommend anyone buy a home without getting it properly inspected. Sure, it costs money but, it’s money well spent on what’s likely one of life’s biggest investments. Home inspections are to a house what a physical is to a person. There’s no pass or fail but, it’s important to know the overall condition of the house before you decide to move forward with the purchase.

Pre-Listing Inspections

Too many people think home inspections are just for buyers. Inspections are just as useful for sellers. Pre-listing home inspections provide sellers with an idea of maintenance items that need to be taken care of. That small problem that’s been put off for years may have turned into a large one. If you’re like the majority of sellers the last time you had an inspection done was when you bought the house. New problems may have come up that you’re not aware of.

Know The Condition of Your Home

A pre-listing inspection can actually take stress out of the selling process. You know what you’re dealing with upfront. There won’t be surprises coming when the buyer has their inspection completed. If you have taken care of repairs up front it’s less likely you’ll be facing a buyer request to lower the sale price due to repairs or ask for a credit that may be higher than what the actual cost to repair is.

Maintain Your Investment

Homes inspections are a great way to know what needs attention throughout the time you own your home. Why not get one every couple of years? It’s a professional report informing you of areas that need repair or maintenance in your home. Owning a home is a big investment and one that requires maintenance. Failing to maintain your investment will cost you far more down the road than continual maintenance over the course of living there.

If you would like more information on selling your Okotoks or Calgary home home, contact our Okotoks Real Estate Team or contact or Calgary Real Estate Team to discuss your options.

Announcement: Trellis Wells Joins The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team!!!

The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team is pleased to announce the addition of longtime Okotoks resident Trellis Wells to our team. We’d like to take a few minutes to explain what this means to you, our friends, clients and community.

In today’s challenging Okotoks & Calgary Real Estate Market, your choice of Real Estate Professional does matter! For a greater probability of success you need a dedicated team of professionals, one who can guide you through the process.

Growing our team only means that the expertise, professionalism, and unparalleled marketing of The Jay Magnussen Real Estate Team will give you an even greater edge the next time you want to buy or sell real estate.

Find out more about our team at www.SoldbyJ.com.

Trellis has been an Okotoks resident as well as an outstanding business person and community advocate since 2001, winning numerous sales and marketing awards.

Trellis is also a proud mother of 2 - a 10 year old daughter and 7 year old son. “My two amazing kids and all of our endeavors keep me actively connected to our community in many ways”. 

Trellis will be assisting the team in a Real Estate Assistant / Marketing role while working towards attaining her Real Estate license.  “I believe that my success will come from my team and my genuine drive to provide the highest customer service and professionalism while working to build a foundation for an ongoing relationship for years to come.”

Our Okotoks & Calgary Real Estate Team, along with Trellis, would be delighted to assist you or anyone you know with their next real estate purchase or sale. Your referral is our greatest compliment.

Congratulations! You’ve decided that you want to buy your first home. Whatever your motivation, home buying is an exciting step in your life! The best way to enjoy the excitement is to become an educated buyer, so that you will know what to expect along the way.

Step 1: Mortgage pre-approval

It’s easy to get excited about finding your first place! Before you get wrapped up in the shopping stage, don’t forget that the most important part of the process is securing your financing. The first thing to do is to get in touch with a mortgage broker. If you don’t already have one you want to work with, ask our professional real estate team for a referral to one of our most trusted mortgage brokers. Pre-approval is a short process that will let you know how much a bank or financial institution will lend you. This step is incredibly beneficial before you begin your shopping, so you won’t waste time looking at homes above or below your price range.

Step 2: Be prepared for other related costs

When you buy a home, there will be other costs related to the purchase that can catch you off-guard. The most important cost is your down payment. For most residential transactions, you will require at least 5% of the purchase price for your down payment. In some circumstances the down payment may be higher, but this depends on the property you purchase. 

Other associated costs include legal fees, moving costs, home inspection fees, home insurance, mortgage insurance, deposits for utility accounts, and you may need some additional furniture or appliances for your new home as well. Take some time to look at these costs and set out a budget for yourself to ensure that when they arise, you are prepared for them.

Step 3: Separating wants from needs

Before you get out looking at homes, the best way to start your search is to identify what you need in a home, and what you would ideally want to have. Check out our blog post on WANTS vs. NEEDS for more insight. Try making a checklist, starting with things that are a must. As an example: the house must be in town, have 3 bedrooms, at least 2 bathrooms, a finished family room, and a fenced backyard. Once you know what you must have, have some fun and make your “wish list!” It might include things like hardwood floors, a back patio, a rain shower, or a master ensuite.

Step 4: Make sure you are represented!

Working with one of our ReMax Realtors is your inside track to finding the right home. We will ensure that you are finding the right home quickly and are well represented in your purchase. A common misconception is that you need to call the Realtor who has the property listed for sale - not true! Because we are licensed real estate professionals, we can gain access to the properties found on the MLS system. 

We work for you! So keep in mind our biggest concern is to make sure you find a home that will work just right for you, at the best price! Our realtors are experienced and skilled at negotiations to get you fair market value, not a penny more. Learn more about our team by visiting our team BIO page.  

Step 5: The offer and purchase

Once you have found the home that is perfect for you, the next step is making it yours! As your realtor we will prepare an offer, referred to as an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and negotiate the terms of the sale on your behalf. Together, you will look at comparable sales in the neighbourhood to determine a fair purchase price to offer the sellers, and which items you may want to be included in the purchase price (such as appliances).

We will also explaine and ensure the to include the appropriate conditions to make sure you are protected during the process. This could include things like a home inspection and/or a financing condition, among others.

Step 6: Move in and enjoy your new home

Remember: not everything has to be done right away. Take some time to enjoy this experience: cleaning, painting, and tidying will all be complete in good time. Welcome to the wonderful world of home ownership!

If you have more questions about being a first time home buyer, please feel free to email us, or call 403-650-7332 to speak directly with a PRO to have your questions answered right away! 

Beautiful lawns and gardens, groomed and manicured year after year, add real value to your home when it's ready to enter the Calgary or Okotoks Real Estate market. Luckily we get somewhat of a break on yard work for about half of the year. So when spring rolls around it's time to dust the cob webs off of your rakes, brooms and lawnmowers... 

Early Spring is the perfect time to prime your green spaces to nurture grasses, scrubs, flowers, and edibles. Use this handy checklist to prep your garden for the growing season ahead.

For many people, money is a source of stress.

Fortunately, there is hope... Here are seven simple tips to develop good saving habits that are essential to help you take control of your financial future. 

1. Pay yourself first

Determine a certain percentage of your paycheck and transfer it into your savings account each payday. You earned the money - keep some of it!

2. Save your tax refund and any work bonuses

It’s tempting to spend your tax refund or bonus as soon as it reaches your bank account; however, if you can, save it in a high-yield savings account so that it can accumulate interest and grow.

3. Cut back on your home expenses

From transitioning to a less-expensive cable television package or mobile phone plan to reducing your monthly grocery bill, there are lots of ways to cut home spending. If you’re not sure where to make cuts, create a list of your discretionary spending, including meals out, gourmet coffee, new clothes, entertianment, etc. Little things like making your own coffee or shopping at outlets can add up to big savings.

4. Set a savings goal

Whether you wish to save enough to cover three months’ expenses or for a down payment on a new home, it’s  helpful to have a number in mind that can be broken down into smaller, more manageable increments. Keep motivated by signing up to receive emails from your bank with your account balances. 

5. Turn saving into a game

If you and your significant other or friend need competitive motivation to save money, create a game to see who  can save the most each paycheck or each month. 

6. Put extra cash or change into a jar

Instead of letting change accrue at the bottom of your purse, on the kitchen counter or in your pockets, toss it into a large jar. Although it may seem insignificant, you may be surprised by how much you can save. 

7. Make saving a habit

Set up a reminder on your phone or place a sticky note on your calendar to remind you to save money. While it may take a month or two of focus and constant reminders to remember to save, it can become a habit that will pay off for years to come.

Picture this: Ms. Jones, a potential buyer, drives by your home prior to viewing it with her Realtor. The red brick, the large windows and the two-car garage looked very attractive in the MLS listing. However, she can not avoid noticing the patchy lawn, missing shingles on the roof, the chipped window frames, soiled siding, and the bicycles and wagons stacked, three-deep, on the side of the garage. The front door is a foul shade of violet.

Ms. Jones shakes her head and drives away, without even getting out of her car. She calls her Realtor and says she would like to look at another house.

It is always a good idea to improve your home's outside appearance. In fact, it is essential to increasing the price you will receive for your home. A prospective buyer will determine, in mere seconds, whether your home is a prospect.

Set the stage with good curb appeal

Curb appeal is the overall impression that your home creates when viewed by a potential buyer. It is the quality that gets buyers thinking about your home as their home. As soon as a potential buyer sees your home, they will begin creating an emotional connection, be that good or bad, with your home. A buyer begins to form a picture in their minds. Could I live here? Can I maintain my current lifestyle in this home? How much work do I have to do? After viewing a home that looks cared for, on the outside, they will want to move inside. Be sure to consider the following areas when enhancing your curb appeal.

Paint: Chipped or peeling paint detracts from the appearance of your home. An inexpensive paint job, including front door, fence, shutter and other surfaces can significantly enhance your homes appearance and value. Choose a neutral color that matches the brick, siding, fence or trim of your home.

Landscaping: Mow and edge your lawn. Repair any unsightly patches. Trim trees and shrubs. Replace old pots with new ones. Water flowers. Store garden tools in the garage or basement.

Sidewalks/driveway: Hose down sidewalks and driveways. Clear any clutter. Store any toys, sporting equipment or bicycles, neatly in the garage or basement. Remove stray weeds from adjoining lawn areas.

Eavestrough: If possible hose them down, along with the siding and sidewalks. Remove any leaves or debris. If they're damaged or loose, repair them.

Fences/siding/exterior: Complete any repairs to these areas. A fence that looks like it will blow over the in the strong wind, leaves a bad impression. Be sure to hose down these areas, prior to viewing.

Cracked/uneven foundation: Have this area repaired. A buyer is less likely to purchase your home if they will be hit with foundation repairs.

Lighting: Upgrade any worn or rusted lighting. Warm lighting around your home's exterior creates an inviting appearance. Even a smaller home can appear cozy with the correct lighting.

Finishing touches: Put out a new, inexpensive welcome doormat. Clean any outdoor furniture and replace old and worn cushions. If you have a pet that lives in the backyard, be sure to advise your Realtor in advance. Even better, arrange for pet boarding when showing your home.

When you pay attention to your curb appeal, your home will likely spend less time on the market.

Uncompleted repairs could lengthen the time needed to sell your home. The first impression that a buyer makes of your home is important. It sets the tone for the rest of the walk through. When your prospective buyer falls in love with the exterior, he or she will anticipate an equally appealing interior. With good curb appeal, you are issuing a personal invitation: "Welcome. Come on in."

For more advice on how to get your home ready for sale please contact our Okotoks & Calgary Real Estate Team. 

Over the past number of years we have seen the price of gas inflate in Alberta - affecting daily life, our commute and travel plans. The days of cheap gas are over! To ease pain at the pump follow these easy tips to improve your gas mileage. 

Go the speed limit.

By following the speed limit and swearing off rapid-acceleration and deceleration, drivers can improve gas mileage by anywhere from 12 to 55 percent. Edmunds.com tested the idea and got similar results. They also found that using cruise control improved mileage by an additional 7 percent.

Stop idling.

This leads to mileage improvements of up to 19 percent. If you’re going to be at a standstill for 10 seconds or more, say at the drive-through lane at a fast-food joint or an outdoor deposit at a bank, it’s better to cut the engine and do your business inside.

Avoid hard stops and starts.

Rapid acceleration and hard braking = throwing gas away. Instead of braking hard at a red light, coast from a distance. Come to stops slowly and gradually (if there is no one behind you, coast to the red light if you can). And there is no need to put the metal to the medal on a green light, accelerate slowly. 

Keep your car in shape. 

A well-tuned car burns less gasoline. So make sure that you get your oil and air filters changed regularly, and that your tires are always properly inflated.

No junk in your trunk!

For every 30 pounds of extra weight your car carries, gas mileage decreases anywhere from one-tenth to one-hundredth of a percent. That may not seem like much, but mile per mile it adds up. So de-clutter your car!

Change your commute. 

Sitting in rush hour traffic burns gas and gets you nowhere. If possible, adjust your work schedule so that you avoid the heaviest traffic. 

Are you the type to seek out the cheapest gas you can find?

Try using one of the many GAS-WISE smart phone apps available today which uses your location via GPS and provides you with a list of the nearest gas stations and lists their up to date per litre price. POYNT, Cheap Gas or GasBuddy are a few Canada-friendly iPhone apps. .   

More and more people are choosing an active and environmentally friendly mode of transportation when commuting these days, riding their bike into the downtown core, according to recent statistics released by the City of Calgary.

The number of bike commuters in Calgary increased by 20% in 2012. 

Over 12,000 people cycled to and from work every day in 2012. If you add together all the Calgarians who either walk or bike into downtown, 1 in 10 choose this mode of active transportation. Here are some more numbers to throw at you - out of all the vehicles entering Calgary's downtown core, 1 in 17 is a bicycle.

Bike Calgary advocates for better cycling infrastructure, safely shared roads, and public and government acceptance and support for cycling as a means of transportation. They add that these statistics are impressive since there are no roads in the central business district that have distinct bike lanes.

Check out BIKE CALGARY's infograph on bicycle statistcis for Calgary. 

Another sign of this growing trend is a new skyscaper building, in plans by Brookflied, was recently approved by City Council will see the underground parkade at 225 Sixth Ave. S.W. designed with several special features for cyclists. This new skyscraper will offer cyclists their own entrance & exit ramp, as well as storage lockers, showers and a bike repair facility for riders. About 3% of workers in Brookfield’s other Calgary towers — Bankers Hall, Suncor Energy Centre and Fifth Avenue Place — commute on two wheels. Read more about the new twin skyscraper project. 

WalkScore, which offers a "Walkability" index based on nearby ammenities, pathways, etc., also has a feature to gauge a city's BikeScore (BikeScore not yet available in Calgary, but coming soon). Calgary's overall WalkScore is 48, which makes us a car-dependant city. But if you hone in on a specific neighbourhood you will get an individualized score for each community - Calgary's inner city neighbourhood's are much more walkable with a scores ranging from  90-98 in Eau Claire, the Beltline, bridgeland, etc.  

Avoid Common Buyer Errors

Shopping for a new home in Okotoks or Calgary can be an emotional experience. It is also time consuming and comes with a myriad of details. Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend to overlook some important aspects. Their home purchase turns into an expensive process. These errors generally fall into three areas:

Similar to the list you develop to purchase groceries, it is wise to develop your own list of needs and wants when shopping for a new home in Okotoks or Calgary. This doesn’t mean you can’t have what you want in your home, but rather, that you have a priority list of the most important features - your NEEDS will be met first, followed by your wanted features.

You may not be able to obtain all the “want” items on your list, within your budget, but at least you and your real estate agent will have a clearer idea of what to look for. You may have to compromise on a few items to stay in line with your budget.

Here’s a review of example needs versus wants: 

NEEDS – may include:

• Adequate square footage for comfortable living 
• Sufficient bedrooms for your family 
• Sufficient bathrooms 
• Comfortable eat-in kitchen 
• Garage or basement for storage needs
• Backyard for children’s play area 
• Easy access to schools 

WANTS – could include:

• Specific carpeting, paint, exterior color, etc.  
• Hot tub or jacuzzi bath  
• Hardwood floors 
• Bay windows 
• Built-in entertainment center
• Brass lighting fixtures 
• Skylights 
• A pleasant view

Try to establish a happy medium of your NEEDS and WANTS. That is, you’ll want to look for a home that includes all of your needs, with as many wants as practical, while remaining within your budget. Once you have this information in hand, your needs will be clearly defined from your wants. Having this knowledge will establish a clear direction for your new home shopping. 

Family Day is Monday, February 18

Taking time out from the hustle & bustle of everyday life to spend with our family is important. This holiday serves as a reminder of that, and was inaugurated in 1990 and has been a staple of Alberta life ever since, thanks to Premier Don Getty. 

Each member of our Calgary Real Estate Team will be enjoying time spent with our families on this important holiday. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite family-friendly activities and places to visit with our families:

- Visit the Telus Spark Science Center for live science demos & drop-in workshops

- Check out the Penguin Plunge & many other exhibits at The Calgary Zoo 

- Family Quest at Heritage Park 

- Winter Carnival at Fort Calgary (FREE admission)

- WinterFest at Olympic Plaza (FREE event)

- FREE public swimming and FREE public skating at many of Calgary`s recreational facilities

Happy Family Day Calgary! 

Family Day is Monday, February 18

Taking time out from the hustle & bustle of everyday life to spend with our family is important. This holiday serves as a reminder of that, and was inaugurated in 1990 and has been a staple of Alberta life ever since, thanks to Premier Don Getty. 

Each member of our Okotoks Real Estate Team will be enjoying time spent with our families on this important holiday. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite family-friendly activities and places to visit in Okotoks with our families:

- Town of Okotoks `Disconnect to Connect` celebration offering FREE public swimming and FREE public skating at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, open drop-in gym, and more

- Skating party hosted by our friends at Good Time Party Rentals at the Kinsmen Outdoor Rink (just east of the rec. centre)

- The Okotoks Cultural and Historical Society is hosting “It’s in the Bag” from 1 to 3 p.m. when youths and adults can try their hand at making crafts

- Visit Olde Towne Okotoks for shopping, cafe`s & dining

- Enjoy a family walk around town on the impressive pathway system or take your dog for a walk in the off-leash park

If you feel like making he short drive into Calgary, check out our blog post on family friendly activities & events in Calgary. 

Happy Family Day Okotoks! 

Deciding whether to purchase a house or purchase a condo has been a dilemma among first time homebuyers.

Here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of both choices:

Condominiums

Pros:

1. Opportunity to live in a high-profile neighborhood; areas where houses are usually unaffordable, such as the downtown core or entertainment district.
2. Great selection of amenities offered with condominiums; pools, gyms and party spaces being a few examples.
3. No hassles of many property maintenance tasks; no need to cut the lawn, take care of curb appeal or do any building maintenance. These should all covered by the maintenance fee
4. Support from building management for repairs and fixes.
5. Security and peace of mind, especially when travelling.
6. Depending on the building, sometimes utilities are covered with the condo maintenance fee.

Cons:

1. Condo maintenance fees, on top of taxes and such, can become expensive.
2. Depending on location, living space can limit growth, especially if a homebuyer wants to raise a family.
3. You need management/builder approval for major property changes, which can be a tedious process.
4. No real opportunity for an income property. 

Houses

Pros:

1. More bang for your buck, with greater living space.
2. Potential for growing and renovating the property, especially when the homebuyer has a growing family
3. Depending on location, properties come with great backyards which can serve for entertainment purposes and a space for kids to play.
4. Potential for an income property.

Cons:

1. Homebuyer is responsible for maintaining the property, including taking care of the lawn, property maintenance and much more – this can become tedious and very expensive.
2. Utilities are the homebuyers responsibility.
3. Purchasing a house in a high-profile neighborhood is very expensive – thus, homebuyers need to move further away, creating the need for everyday transportation.
4. Unless a part of a gate community or in an area where local services like neighborhood watch are in effect, security can be a big question.

If you are juggling the ideas of buying a home versus buying a condo and you feel you could benefit from some more advice please feel free to contact our Okotoks real estate team or contact our Calgary real estate team - we can offer insights into the two different markets and have Calgary experts who can help you select the perfect neighbourhood / community for your needs. 

The Calgary real estate market, including it's surrounding towns & cities - Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane - is holding strong and boasting record numbers coming off of 2012. The coming year is likely to bring nothing but bounty to our city and outlying areas with many economic factors showing positive and promising increases.  

The Calgary Herald is reporting that many real estate companies like RE/MAX, Royal LePage and others are expecting Calgary house prices will increase 2.5% this year, which would mean an increased of $10,000 on a $400K home.

Todd Hirsch, senior economist with ATB Financial, said Calgary continues to buck the national downward trend in real estate. “Given the high level of incomes, the low borrowing costs, and strong in-migration, the market is likely to remain in balance in 2013,” he said. “There has been no evidence of price bubbles building - and with some moderation in Alberta’s economy in 2013, real estate prices should continue to make steady, healthy gains.”

Average Calgary house price of $428,655 in 2012 - a new record! Not only had there been more people buying homes coupled with the supply of homes coming down slightly there was also a record number of luxury / high priced homes purcahsed, which tows the average up! 

What does this mean for the average home buyer? If you have been considering buying or making a move, now is the time to do so in the interest of saving what could be $10,000 if you wait another year!

There are so many factors that contribute to buying or selling real estate, including borrowing costs, lifestyle, your current employment situation and more - if all the dots connect - contact our RE/MAX real estate team for the BEST service!!! We specialize in Calgary & Okotoks real estate deasl!  

Before you decide to take on the task of selling your own home - this very important and legally complicated process - remember not even most Real Estate Lawyer's recommend selling your own home yourself in today's market. 

Here are a few of the reasons why: 

1. You are limiting your exposure to potential buyers (less than 10% of what a good real estate broker will generate) which theoretically means your home will take ten to fifteen times longer to sell on the market.

2. The longer a home is on the market the lower the selling price is. Why? Because most buyers think that if the home has not sold after this long there must be something wrong with the home.

3. Because of the limited exposure you will very likely end up with a lower selling price. Remember, in order to generate the highest price possible for your home selling means exposure. You need the maximum exposure possible, to generate the highest price possible.

4. Most buyers find it extremely awkward to negotiate or even to talk directly with sellers and therefore avoid FSBO properties.

5. Lack of negotiating experience and lack of pertinent information often will result in a lower selling price, or worse yet, a bungled contract and possible lawsuits.

6. The majority of qualified buyers are working with experienced real estate professionals and realtors tend to avoid FSBO’s.

7. Many serious buyers will pass by a FSBO home merely because they recognize that it is not in the real estate mainstream, this can make people wary.

8. As most local buyers now retain an experienced real estate sales person to represent them as their buyer-agency, you will probably be negotiating against an experienced professional.

9. Expected savings in broker's fees will also be greatly reduced if you offer a selling commission to entice real estate agents to bring potential buyers.

10. If you are planning to use a Lawyer to help you negotiate the offer, then your lawyer's fees will be considerably higher than your realtor’s would have been.

11. Only real estate agents have access to the up-to-date market information. News reports cannot approach the timeliness or specificity available to agents. Further, real estate agents are involved in home sales much more

frequently than the average homeowner is. This familiarity leads to a degree of expertise that provides an edge on negotiating and successful selling.

12. You only pay the commission to the real estate broker if they successfully sell your home at the price you are happy with. 

Get to know our Calgary & Okotoks Real Estate Team by reading some of these interesting facts about our Realtors in a short series bio`s called BIO BLOG. You can also learn more about our tenacious realtors in the Meet Our Real Estate Team section of our website.