Down payment and deposit are terms that come up often when you are buying or selling a home. The terms are easy to mix up, so here is an explanation of the difference between deposit and down payment. In a nutshell; the home buyer pays the deposit to the home seller as good faith money…. [Read More]
Zillow won’t revolutionize Calgary real estate
Zillow sells consumer information to Realtors The United States-based real estate website Zillow will expand into Canada this year. But don’t expect it to revolutionize the Calgary real estate market. Zillow is just another website to explore Calgary homes for sale, except with one major difference: Zillow makes money by selling your information to… [Read More]
Bring your realtor when buying new home from the builder
You are allowed to work with your own realtor when you buy a new build home, directly from the builder. The show homes in Calgary are all staffed by sales people, who work in the best interest of the builder. Sales people in show homes are not licensed like realtors are, and these sales people… [Read More]
Pulling Title or Land Title Search for Calgary homes
Title is a government certification of ownership of the property and it shows any particulars registered on title. Here is an introduction to pulling titles for Calgary homes and land title searches.
Calgary’s real estate statistics explained
As a Calgary home owner (or prospective home owner), it is understandable you want to know the value of Calgary homes and keep up with the real estate trends in your community. We offer a variety of free resources to help you understand the Calgary real estate market.
Guide to buying property from your landlord
Buying the home from your landlord can be a good choice for home buyers. As the renter, you already have a good sense on the benefits and drawbacks of the property and there will be no moving expenses! It does not happen very often in Calgary, but it is certainly possible. Here are a few… [Read More]
Dower Act and selling your home
Dower rights have been around for nearly 100 years. Today, Dower rights protect the spouse of a registered owner of real property. In simple wording, when the spouse is not registered on the title as owner of the house, this spouse must give consent to sell it. What is Dower? When you have lived in… [Read More]
Explore Calgary’s house styles
From bungalows to 5-level splits, Calgary’s real estate offers a variety of house styles. Here is an overview of the type of single-family homes that can be selected in the MLS. While the examples are very general, Calgary real estate is very diverse and some communities are more consistent with a particular home style than… [Read More]
Realtors and Agency Relationship
By law, every realtor must explain to you agency relationship. It is important to make sure you understand it, and to ask questions if you don’t fully understand it. A better realtor discloses this brochure as early as possible. It makes the relationship between you and an agent transparent. You will have to sign this document…. [Read More]
Tips for first time home buyers in Calgary
Calgary offers real estate for everyone. There are a wide variety of Calgary homes and condos for sale, ranging in prices and styles. Even though your perfect first home is out there, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for first time home buyers in Calgary. If you have… [Read More]
Defects and Disclosures
When you buy a house, you must be aware of any defects in a house. And when you sell a house, you have to disclose defects in your house. It is important for both parties (buyers and sellers) to know the difference between material latent and patent defects. What is the difference and when do… [Read More]
How to deal with special assessment
Every condo corporation is obligated to get a reserve fund study done every 5 years. This study must ensure that the funds are sufficient for future maintenance needs. However, unless you keep renting, there is never a 100% guarantee you will avoid a special assessment. It is one risk of ownership. Can you avoid a… [Read More]