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!