The real estate directory sells consumer information to Realtors The United States-based real estate website Zillow is expected to 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… [Read More]
guaranteed sold in 90 days or we buy it
“Your house guaranteed sold in 90 days or we will buy it”. It sounds very appealing, until you read the small print. Most likely it is not your best option as a seller. But for the agent, it is a great marketing tool to get contacted by a motivated seller. Looking at the bigger picture,… [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.
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]
The best time to sell your house in Calgary
We are asked on occasion what is the best time to sell your house in Calgary. Like many questions in real estate, there is no simple answer. The Calgary real estate market is always changing direction. Sale prices go up; sale prices go down. The number of sales go up; the number of sales go… [Read More]
Selling a rented house
What if you, as a property owner, want to sell a property that is currently rented out? On occasion, we are asked how that works. As well what rules apply to both landlords and tenants in regards to rights, showings etc. Here is some insights on selling a rented house in Calgary. Type of lease… [Read More]
7 misconceptions about pricing your home
“Everything sells as long as you price it right.” It may be a cliché, but it is true. When you want to sell your home in Calgary, pricing your home is the most important factor. Sellers don’t always like to hear the truth about the sale value of their home. Here is what can happen… [Read More]
Why is my home not selling?
You listed your home. You made it look tip top. The For Sale sign is on the lawn and the listing is launched on the MLS. Months later, your home has not sold. In the meantime your neighbor’s home across the street, which listed after yours, has already sold and you see other homes in… [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]
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]
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]