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        <title>Edmonton Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/general/</link>
        <description>We provide insight into market conditions in our Edmonton Real Estate Blog.  Keeping you up to date on the Edmonton real estate market is our top priority</description>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/energy-assessment-government.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/energy-assessment-government.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Energy Assessment = Government $$$$.....</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


A few weeks ago we helped a very nice couple purchase a home in the Newton area. During the home inspection the inspector recommended that the couple get a Home Energy Assessment before they purchase any new appliances or preform any renovations to the home.


I figure that since today the weather sucks and old man winter is upon us, why not explain what a Home Energy Assessment is. Plus it will put some extra money in your pockets.


Energy assessments are usually executed in two stages. Before the home improvements and after implementing the improvements but before sending in the paperwork for your rebates.


The preliminary assessment is also known as the “D” assessment, while the “E” assessment is the post-retrofit evaluation. Most rebate programs require that the assessment be performed by an energy advisor who is certified by the rebate program. Make sure to check with your energy advisor that they are certified.


Do I Need An Energy Assessment?


If you want government money; then YES!! Your energy assessment will show you which home improvements can save energy and water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money on your home’s utility bills.


The Energy Assessment Process




The initial or “D” assessment can take up to 3 hours


A visual inspection of your home, from foundation to rooftop


The energy inspector will measure your insulation the age and efficiency of your heating and cooling system, your appliances, your doors and windows, and your water-using fixtures such as toilets and showerheads.




An accredited energy inspector will perform a blower-door test: This consist of sealing a door with a plastic seal that has a fan built in. The fan blows air out of your house. By measuring the change in air pressure, the test measures how airtight your house is. This allows the energy inspector to assign the home an EnerGuideCanada rating and an air-tightness score.


After The Initial Assessment


Once finished, you will receive a report with a list of suggested improvements. If the assessment is part of a rebate program, the list should also indicate what rebates are eligible for. The report also shows your home’s airtightness and its EnerGuideCanada efficiency rating. Homes are evaluated against other homes of a similar size, age and construction.


The “E” Assessment


A post-retrofit or “E” assessment. At this assessment, the energy advisor inspects the enhancements that have been performed on your home, and again measures your airtightness. If the improvements meet the criteria set out by the rebate program, the advisor will certify that the work has been done and will calculate how much you can expect to receive in rebates and grants. In many cases the advisor will prepare and submit the paperwork, too.


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/first-floor-basement-condos-who-says-they-suck.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/first-floor-basement-condos-who-says-they-suck.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>First Floor &amp; Basement Condos, Who Say's They Suck....</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


Got a call from a user on our website that was looking for some information on an investment property he had. He started talking about the flaws of owning a unit on the bottom floor of a condominium project and the inconveniences it can provided.


Being on the bottom floor of a condo project sometimes isn’t the best situation but there are many benefits to owning a first floor or basement unit.




First floor and basement unit are more times the most affordable units in the building.


First floor and basement units can definitely keep you cool on hot and humid summer days. Saving you money on air conditioning and electric fans.


Perfect for people who have mobility issues.


First floor condos are close to the parking lot, building entrance, mailboxes, laundry facilities and recreational facilities.


Go CRAZY!! If you have kids or like loud music there is nobody underneath you to complain.


If the building ever needs to be evacuated, being on the first floor provides the easiest routes.


In some buildings the ground floor units are larger than most of the other units in the building.




When it comes to main floor or basement condos one of the biggest concerns people have is security. There are some very easy and inexpensive measures people can take to secure their units.




Get an alarm system


Put chimes or bells on your doors and windows


Lines your windows with cacti


Put bars on your windows




Here's a list of some first floor and basement unit condos: Edmonton Condos


 
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            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/to-the-edmonton-international-airport-beyond.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/to-the-edmonton-international-airport-beyond.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>To The Edmonton International Airport &amp; Beyond...</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
&nbsp;

Sometimes the simplest idea can take years to develop. Take for example public transit to the international airport. Well it looks like Edmonton might finally be getting this service; Edmonton, welcome to 2011.

The Citys Transportation committee is backing a regularly scheduled bus to The Edmonton International Airport from the South Century Park LRT station.

Scheduled bus hours will be every half-hour during peak times which are 5am-9am and 3pm-7:30pm, and once an hour during mid-day and evenings until 12:30am. The fee will be $5 or a monthly fee for $100.

The new service is not only a good alternative for flight passengers, but it also provides a new mean of transportation for airport employees. With the future closing of the municipal airport and the new expansion of the Edmonton International Airport, the commute to and from the airport will only be increasing.

The new service is set to start in the spring of 2012. 


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            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:30:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/edmonton-mortgage-documentation-checklist.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/edmonton-mortgage-documentation-checklist.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Mortgage Documentation Checklist</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Verification of Income:

Salaried or Hourly Wage Employees



Letter of Employment on company letterhead with name and contact information for party authorized to verify the information; must state minimum guaranteed income/hours, rate, tenure and position



Most recent pay stub: showing year-to-date earnings if possible



Most recent T4 or ROE*



Most recent 2 years Notice of Assessment



*These items may be requested if you are not guaranteed hours

Self  Employed**



Most recent 2 years Notice of Assessment



Most recent 2 years T1 General with Statement of Business Activities



Articles of Incorporation with list of directors or shareholders



Business Registration



Corporate Tax Return/T2 General



**Any two or more items in this category may be requested, depending on the particulars of your business structure. NOTE: If you are a retiree, please provide documentation to verify pension, CPP, disability income, etc.

&nbsp;

The Property (House, Condo, etc..):

For Purchasing



Purchase Contract (including all amendments and addendums)



A copy of the MLS Listing



Copy of Deposit Cheque (this often makes up a portion of the down payment)



For Refinancing or Mortgage Transfer



Recent Mortgage Statement



Property Tax Assessment



Fire (House) Insurance Policy



Legal Description of the property



Appraisal (check with the mortgage broker)



&nbsp;

Down payment



3 months account history for the source of the down payment. Make sure the statement has your name and account number showing so the lender can see youre the owner of the funds. If any portion of the down payment was recently deposited into the account the lender will request documentation to verify the source.



If youve received the down payment as a gift, then a gift letter (template available) will be required.



If funds are coming from the proceeds of sale of another property, you will need to provide the Purchase Contract, MLS Listing sheet and Mortgage Statement for the sold property.



If the down payment is coming from another source not listed please let us know so we can determine what will be required.




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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:33:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/cleaning-up-grow-ops.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/cleaning-up-grow-ops.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Grow Op Homes...</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Royal Canadian Mountain Police, better known as the RCMP has launched a new program outlining the locations of recently busted homes which may have been Marihuana Grow Op Operations in Canada.

According to the RCMP; currently there are 3 Edmonton homes outlined as past grow op operations:


#61-51109 Range Road 220 Strathcona County AB 748 plants Nov. 4, 2010

10-96 106A Ave SW Edmonton AB 484 plants May 10, 2011

8708 150 Ave Edmonton AB 426 plants Jan. 1, 2011


The Edmonton Real Estate Board has expressed their full support of the program. This new program will ensure properties are fully repaired and cleaned up before they can be re-sold and purchased.

Grow op homes that have not been properly repaired can pose as a large heath risk to occupants due to the high levels of mould. The mould in the home can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems.

Homes which have been busted for grow op operations have a very large profit margin if they are properly repaired . Let us know if you have any questions.

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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 09:47:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/join-in-the-fun-festivals-in-edmonton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/join-in-the-fun-festivals-in-edmonton.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Join in The Fun | Festivals in Edmonton</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

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In Edmonton, there are various festivals held each year in the city. Whether you are a visitor to the city or a local member, the atmosphere during the festive season is one of joyous oneness. Each performer will be doing his or her part to create good entertainment while patrons are able to meet as well as speak with them.




The overall festivities consist of actors, filmmakers, street dancers, jugglers, acrobats, musicians, hip-hop dancers, various food, wine tasting, competitions and much more. Various festivities expected to last months typically attract a large number of tourists worldwide.



Each year, the festive celebrations are looked forward to by entertainers as well as by people worldwide who come from near and far to enjoy themselves. During the festival tourist visits to the area increase tremendously thus providing revenue to Canadas economy.




Hotels are packed to capacity during Edmonton festival celebrations and some householders are able to rent rooms to visitors thus profiting from the activities. On a whole, patrons are happy as well as homeowners for the mutual agreement expressed by both parties.



Returning visitors come to the Edmonton area during the year to see some of the worlds best entertainment as well as to partake in some of the most enjoyable cuisine offered at the festivals. In addition, for the food enthusiast Edmonton festivals provide an opportunity to partake in unusual menu items.




During the festival celebrations in Edmonton, the best wines are served and this usually gives way to a wine tasting competition held each year. This done through means of the &ldquo;Great Escape; Uncorking California&rdquo; and meals served on wheels take the form of wine tasting.



Artists are able to display their work of arts at the Edmonton festivals thus increasing the publics awareness. These include artists of various backgrounds and there is even a queer known as &ldquo;Exposure: Edmontons Queer Arts and Culture&rdquo; group, which is responsible for exposing queer-arts in a variety of media.



There are different days for various activities and an activity may run for more than a week in Edmonton festival celebrations. Children as well as adults are able to benefit from the festivals in various ways. The &ldquo;Mom, Pop and Tots&rdquo; fair is a one day attraction to be enjoyed by the entire family.



For lovers of books, there is the &ldquo;Litfest: Edmontons Nonfiction Festival,&rdquo; which offers the public the opportunity to meet authors. During this gathering, authors can sell as well as sign their own books at individuals request.




Not forgotten is the free admission day for the family to the citys attractions. This is the citys way of saying, &ldquo;thank you&rdquo; to locals and visitors for their support.



Although there are many other attractions represented yearly at Edmonton festivals, people look forward to attending those that hold special meaning for them. A good time and plenty of fun is had by all while great entertainment is happening all over Edmonton during the festivals.
  


Edmontons festival celebrations are a must-see and because of its popularity worldwide, people flock to the city each year.  Anyone visiting Edmonton during our festivals will be certain to leave with fun, happy memories.













 


           









 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:57:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/what-attracts-homeowners-to-edmonton.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/what-attracts-homeowners-to-edmonton.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>What Attracts Homeowners to Edmonton?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
You may wonder what would attract people to buy Edmonton homes, other than the home itself.  While the homes are quality, beautiful homes that offer that &quot;home sweet home&quot; appeal to families of every size, the events and attractions offered in the area are plentiful.




One favorite for the young and old alike is Whyte Avenue, where trendy, quaint boutiques offer up everything from fashion to homeopathic practitioners, music, live theatre and charming cafes.  With over 600 businesses in the area, there is never a shortage of things to do and activities to enjoy.



Another attraction that makes Edmonton an ideal place to live is the West Edmonton Mall, which offers over 20 restaurants, 800 stores and indoor bungee jumping along with a roller coaster and tropical rain forest.  This is one mall that Edmonton is proud to brag about, considering it is the largest entertainment and shopping complex in the world.




Art galleries, dinner theatres, waterparks, fine golfing facilities, casinos, museums and historical attractions are just a few of the reasons why so many people choose Edmonton as their home.



Edmonton, known as Canada's &quot;festival city&quot;, offers festivals year round that include celebrations of dance, music, sports visual arts and more.  Those looking for adventure will find plenty to do in this city that is alive, vibrant and filled with cultural activities and fun for all ages.





The residents of Edmonton are dedicated to creating great neighbourhoods that offer a friendly, well-maintained environment.  This is a city that continues to build on its reputation as being one of the best places to live in Canada one neighbourhood at a time.



The beautiful homes of Edmonton are reason enough to choose this area where people treat you like a neighbor instead of a stranger.  Throw in the activities and events, and there is really no better place to live.









 
 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:21:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/cost-of-rent-in-edmonton-good-reason-to-buy-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/cost-of-rent-in-edmonton-good-reason-to-buy-a-home.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Cost of Rent in Edmonton Good Reason to Buy a Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
With the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Alberta at about $1,029, it makes good sense to consider purchasing a home.  According to Lai Sing Louie, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation regional economist, rates on rental properties began rising in 2006 due to a healthy economy and increased demand for housing, and rental rates have remained high ever since.

Louie also stated that as migrants start returning to Alberta, incentives that have been offered by landlords (such as free rent for one month) are on their way out because of a substantial increase in demand for housing.

While demand for apartments and rental homes continues to soar because of a strengthened economy, it is getting harder to find apartments and a bit more costly.  While the average cost of renting an apartment in Edmonton during the month of April was $1,029, the average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Canada was $864.

Many people who rent feel that they cannot afford a home, but there are ways that you can become an Edmonton homeowner and stop throwing your money away.  When residents make the decision to purchase Edmonton houses, they are contributing to their own financial future instead of that of the landlord.

How can you become a homeowner?  Here are a few tips:

Programs exist that assist first-time buyers as long as you have never owned your own home before.  This means that you may not have to pay as much down to purchase an Edmonton home as you think. There are still no money down programs.

A seller may participate in a &quot;seller take-back&quot; program in which you essentially obtain a loan from the seller instead of a financial institution.

You may be able to borrow the money to purchase a home against savings in an RRSP.  There are also other options that may be right for you.  For example, you may enjoy a significant tax return by borrowing against certain investments up to a specified amount.

Know your budget and what you can afford.  This will make the search for an Edmonton home easier and quicker, as you won't spend time looking at properties that are not within your means.  A realtor will often be able to help you narrow down the search to those homes that are within your budget.

Be aware that with a little creativity you can become a homeowner instead of a renter, allowing you to invest in your own financial future rather than someone else's!

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            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:58:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/hood-winked.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/hood-winked.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Hood Winked?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do you have a mortgage? Then theres likelihood you have mortgage insurance. This type of insurance is provided by the lender and not the government (CMHC insurance). The purpose of lender mortgage insurance is that if you become utterly ill or pass away before paying off the mortgage, the coverage will kick in and pay it off for you. It is intended to offer the consumer assurance that your family will not have the financial burden of a mortgage when you are deceased or gravely ill. 




Theres a huge grey area when it comes to this. In this video (provided by CBC Marketplace), two families who acquired the coverage and thought they were protected, later realized that their claims had been turned down when loved ones became sick or died.  In each case, the insurer claims that each party falsely filled out the required forms.



It turns out a regular visit to the doctor could be reason to deny your claim, if you don't mention it. Have you had a nurse or doctor put on a cuff to inflate on your bicep? That counts as being tested for high blood pressure.




As the report entails, bank employees who sell mortgage insurance are unlicensed and rarely qualified to explain the details and legalities of these insurance products. The results are people who pay premiums and think they are protected; later realize that they are not.



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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 12:25:00 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/edmonton-residential-property-owners-sees-taxes-go-up-48-percent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bestedmontonrealestate.com/blog/edmonton-residential-property-owners-sees-taxes-go-up-48-percent.html</link>
            <author>info@bestedmontonrealestate.com (Yoofi Gerard Hagan)</author>
            <title>Edmonton Residential Property Owners Sees Taxes Go Up 4.8 Percent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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Homeowners in Edmonton will be paying, on average, $119 more in property taxes this year. That is a 4.8 percent increase. A property with an assessed value of $365,000 will see a tax of $2,599 compared to the $2,480 seen last year. Property taxes go up roughly $10 per month. Apartment suite taxes, however, will go down 4.9 percent. An average tax for a suite in 2010 was $802. This year that amount goes down to $763. Landlords, not tenants, pay these taxes, but they may be figured into the rental price.&nbsp;The manager of Edmontons assessments and taxation department, Rod Risling, advised the reasoning behind this polar opposite in taxing. In the residential home market, the assessments went up an average of eight percent. On the other hand the apartment values decreased by roughly two percent. In the non-residential market, the tax increase is just over 11 percent, going from an average of $1,556 in 2010 to $1,728 this year. All of these proposed rates must still be approved by council, which is expected to happen on Wednesday. The calculated amounts are based on the citys need to collect $952 million to meet the budget for the various city services. Also needing funding is the provincial education budget, which is $34 million. Edmonton has to raise $1.3 billion to stay on point. 

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            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:38:00 -0600</pubDate>
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