Pre-shopping

Before you start shopping for your home in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County or the Edmonton area, why not give some thought to your lifestyle, the features you need and want, affordability, and the neighborhoods you prefer. With that information you'll come closer to finding your perfect home – sooner!

What can you afford?
• Before shopping for a home, take the time to determine your budget. Consider your monthly expenses and, in addition, plan for unexpected costs.

Home buying needs and wants
• When you develop a needs versus wants list, try focusing on your needs and you'll come closer to finding a home that meets your criteria while staying within your budget.

Consider your present and future lifestyle
• A home must meet your needs now and for years to come.

House hunting tips
• Location, access to services and surrounding areas are just a few of the items to evaluate before you purchase a home.

Your home buying team
• When you purchase a home, a team of professionals is standing by to assist you such as your REALTOR®, contractor, appraiser, lender, mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector, insurance broker and more. This article explains the important role each of these people plays in your home buying experience.

RRSP can help first time home buyer
• Under the federal Home Buyer's Plan, first time home buyers can withdraw up to $20,000 in RRSP savings to finance a down payment on their first home. These reports will provide further detail regarding this program.

CMHC – helping with the Canadian dream
• Did you know that you may be able to purchase a home for as little as five percent down? Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provides insurance to individuals with less than 20% of the down payment. Read more about CMHC through these reports.

9 biggest relocation mistakes and how to avoid them
• By planning ahead you can avoid some costly and frustrating errors. Here are some suggestions on making your next relocation smooth and problem-free.

How to make the most of your move up
• Coordinating closings, selling a home first, and making improvements on your existing home are just a few of the ideas presented to make your move up easier.

Benefits of buyer agency agreement
• REALTORS® can help! A buyer's agency agreement will further assist you in your home search by helping you find your ideal home at a fair price. Learn more in this section.

Solid reasons for investing in real estate
• Compared to other investments, real estate tends to offer steady returns with low-risk. In addition, you will reap the benefits of building equity, having a place to call your own and ensuring your financial future.