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Navigating Homes in Edmonton as a Buyer.

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Understanding the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market is critical when you are looking for real estate. Timing is so important when you want to buy or sell homes in Edmonton. Navigating the housing market as a buyer can be tricky, especially when the conditions aren’t ideal. In this article, we are going to go through some tips and tricks to help you navigate home buying. As well as, the difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market. Follow along below to learn more!

Buyer’s Market Vs. Seller’s Market.

The difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market has to do with supply and demand. A buyer’s market often happens when a change in the market occurs that favours buyers over sellers. For instance, if there is an increase in supply and/or a decrease in demand the market will likely shift to favour buyers. In a buyer’s market homes usually sit on the market for longer periods of time and sell for a lower price. There is often more competition between sellers via price wars during a buyer’s market. 

By contrast, a seller’s market will typically occur in the event that there is a low supply and high demand. This generally causes a seller’s market because buyers will get highly competitive with one another via a bidding war to secure a home. Thus, causing the listing price of homes to drive upwards. The lack of supply during a seller’s market will usually create a tense environment between buyers. 

The most recent example of a seller’s market would be 2021 to early 2022 in most provinces across Canada. Post-pandemic, many people were looking for new homes and supply was at an all-time low across the country. This caused one of the hottest seller’s markets ever recorded. In fact, many major cities are still experiencing the heat of low supply and high demand in Canada. 

How to Buy Homes in Edmonton?

During a Buyer’s Market:

It can be tricky to buy homes in Edmonton, especially if you’re new to the city or a first-time buyer. Now that we have gone over the difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market, it is important to identify which of these you are stepping into as you look to buy homes in Edmonton. If the market is favouring buyers, then you shouldn’t have too much of an issue when it comes to securing a property. In fact, you may have more time to make a decision and shop around for a home you love. 

During a Seller’s Market:

On the other hand, during a seller’s market, it is crucial that you are overly prepared. Seller’s markets can be extremely heated for buyers and it can be hard to secure a home. So, before you begin the house hunt, you need to determine a few key factors. 

First off, you will want to decide on the area(s) that you are interested in buying a home in. Then, you can see what houses are selling for and how long they are sitting on the market in that location. This will give you a good idea of what budget you’re looking at and how quickly you’ll need to make an offer on a home. Secondly, you will want to hire a great real estate agent. Having an experienced real estate agent by your side will help smooth the process. Especially when the market is scorching hot. 

Next, you’ll need to determine what you are willing to compromise on. Whether that be location, number of bedrooms, size, yard space, etc. It is important to know what your negotiables and non-negotiables are. Furthermore, as a buyer, you’ll need to line up your financing. This means going to a mortgage broker and getting a pre-approval from 2-3 lenders. Having a mortgage pre-approval can help you prove to sellers that you are serious about buying their home.

Contact Us About Homes in Edmonton.

It is vital that you understand the difference between buyer’s and seller’s markets when you go to purchase homes in Edmonton. If you are looking to buy a home during a seller’s market make sure you are prepared. Deciding to buy homes in Edmonton can offer you more financial comfort. If you have any questions or concerns about buying houses in Edmonton, contact us today. Be sure to visit our social media for the latest updates and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in a specific property. Our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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What to Know About Houses in Edmonton as a First-Time Buyer?

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Buying your first home is a huge milestone! It takes a lot of time and effort in order to be able to finally afford such a big-ticket item. In Canada, it can be hard to find a home that is suitable for your needs and within your price range. Before you pull the trigger on purchasing a home, it is important to consider how this will affect your future. If you are a prospective first-time home buyer, we encourage you to read this article before making the decision to buy houses in Edmonton. For more information on what to keep in mind during the buying process, continue reading below. 

Houses in Edmonton Won’t Hold For Your Future or Your Budget. 

Your current lifestyle is undoubtedly going to change as you and your family get older. Finding a property that suits your future plans is vital. Purchasing a home is surely one of the biggest purchases a person will make during their lifetime. To guarantee your bank account stays happy and healthy, it is important to consider your future plans. This will allow you to find a home that gives you a good return on your investment. Your home buying plans must account for your various life changes. For instance, if you are considering having children, going abroad, or unsure of where work will take you in the coming years. 

Furthermore, many people will end up purchasing a home that they don’t immediately love. This is done with the hopes of renovating. However, renovating a home can be even more costly than buying one. Houses are great at hiding sneaky issues and costly repairs. Some of which, might not be uncovered until you start to demo the place. These seemingly small issues can quickly add up. This is why it is so important to determine whether it is worth renovating or simply buying a home that you love. However, sometimes a few coats of paint can be enough to refresh a space! 

When you’re looking for a new home, it is important to keep these factors in mind. As soon as you start toying with the idea to redo a major area like the kitchen, that’s when the cost will start to rise. Be mindful of your budget now and how it may look down the line. You may realize that a fixer-upper is a great solution for you and your budget. Or, that you’d much rather something move-in ready! 

Edmonton Has One of The Best Markets for First-Time Buyers!

Stretching your budget too thin when you go to buy houses in Edmonton can be scary. Buying a home that you are financially comfortable with is going to help you maintain stability throughout the duration of your mortgage. This can seem hard to do given the high real estate prices across Canada. However, Edmonton has recently been ranked as one of the most affordable and easy-to-enter markets for first-time buyers! Compared to other major cities in Canada like Vancouver and Toronto, Edmonton is a great place for new and young buyers to start. Real estate in the City of Edmonton is roughly 30% cheaper than in Calgary and surrounding cities. Most citizens have no trouble finding an affordable place to live within the city. The average price for a single-family home is within the $400,000-$500,000 range. This is incredibly affordable given real estate prices everywhere else in the country. 

Purchasing real estate and getting a mortgage that matches your financial situation will save you a lot of stress. During uncertain times, having a more affordable home can allow you to have more flexibility. Mortgage brokers often suggest a home with payments that total 28-33% of your gross income. Edmonton is a great place to get your feet wet in the housing market. There are plenty of job opportunities and it is overall more budget-friendly. Many Canadians are making the move to Edmonton for these reasons.  

Entering the Edmonton real estate market is likely to be more forgiving for first-time buyers. This is because of the low risk and higher inventory. New homebuyers often obsess over the initial price of the home without considering the other costs involved. For instance, homeowners insurance, taxes, repairs, maintenance costs, moving fees, strata fees, etc. These costs can quickly amount to an unbalanced budget. Have a discussion with your real estate agent if you have any questions or concerns about what costs could arise while living in the home. 

Contact Us Today!

The real estate market in Edmonton is the perfect place for new and young buyers to get on the property ladder. It is crucial that you think about your budget, future plans, and needs when you go to buy a home. Making the decision to buy homes in Edmonton can offer you more financial comfort. If you have any questions or concerns about buying houses in Edmonton, contact us today. Be sure to check back on our blog next month for the latest updates and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in a specific property. Our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible! We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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Properties in Edmonton Vs. Canadian Real Estate Market

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Canadian real estate listings are continuing to sell for an astronomical price. For most Canadians, the concept of homeownership is out of the question. Unless you are willing to spend half of your household income, owning a home is nearly impossible for those in the middle class. Almost all of the cities within Canada have sky-high housing prices. Despite these facts, properties in Edmonton are selling for substantially less money. Find out more about the affordability of the Canadian housing market by reading below.

Skewed Income to Homeownership Ratio in Canada.

In the past, it wasn’t as difficult for middle-class families to afford a home. In large cities, people were able to move to smaller areas and find more affordable real estate. However, this is no longer the case. Cities where families were once able to find refuge from high real estate prices are now too far out of reach for most people’s monthly incomes. The average middle-class family now needs to fork out over 50% of their monthly income in order to take on a mortgage. This has contributed to a large gap in affordability across the country. 

For instance, in a place like Toronto, the average household would need to spend 75% of their income on their mortgage. This is over 50% more than what the previous generation needed to spend on their mortgages. Thus, making it extremely difficult for anyone to purchase a house in the Toronto area. 

Another city in Canada that lacks affordable housing is Vancouver. Vancouver’s real estate is up there with some of the most expensive housing in the world. The discrepancy between income and housing price is vast in the Vancouver area. For example, the median household would need to spend nearly 82% of their income to pay monthly mortgage payments. This is the most extreme example in all of Canada. 

The average family income would need to be 50% higher than what it is currently in order to comfortably afford your average home in Canada. Affordability has rapidly dissipated from the Canadian housing market. It has been over 27 years since the cost of living has been this high, this fast. Getting on the property ladder has never been so difficult for young buyers. This is because the average household needs to make 154k per year to afford a home.

Properties in Edmonton Are More Affordable than in Other Canadian Cities.

If you don’t make 154k per year, owning a home might seem impossible. Or, too risky for your budget. However, for those looking to make the move to Alberta, homeownership might be in the realm of possibility. Calgary and Edmonton are the only two major markets that boast affordability. Contrary to the rest of Canada, those living in Calgary only need to spend 27% of their income on their mortgages. This is a considerable decrease in price compared to cities like Vancouver or Toronto. In addition, Edmonton has seen an even bigger reduction in price. Edmonton homeowners only need to pay 25% of their income in order to carry a mortgage. Buying a home is more comfortable for middle-class families in Edmonton and Calgary. 

Properties in Edmonton are starting to become even more affordable. This is thanks to higher salaries within the city, more supply, and slowing demand. Furthermore, taxes in Alberta are lower than in other provinces in the country. This ensures that families have a higher disposable income. In addition, your typical Albertan family is likely to be able to afford a home without any concern. Although, there still remains work to be done for low-income families and marginalized populations. Despite this, it is much easier for young buyers and new families to buy properties in Edmonton as opposed to other Canadian cities. 

Contact Us About Properties in Edmonton!

The real estate market is much more affordable if you live in Edmonton. Make the decision to buy properties in Edmonton today for more financial comfort. If you have any questions or concerns about buying a property in Edmonton, contact us today. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in buying a new home. Our team can put you in touch with the resources you need to get your real estate goals on track. Be sure to check out our social media for the latest updates and more! We look forward to working with you in the near future!

Edmonton Houses for Sale

Foreign Buyers Banned From Purchasing Edmonton Houses for Sale!

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Canada’s housing crisis has come to a head. Provincial and federal governments are struggling to get a hold of the problem at hand. In British Columbia, a new presale policy has been announced to be integrated. And, foreign buyer taxes have jumped up in many provinces across the country. Despite the provincial efforts to cool the housing market in Canada, there continue to be issues surrounding supply and affordability. In an attempt to ease the housing crisis, the federal government is implementing some key changes to help Canadian buyers. Learn more about how Edmonton houses for sale will be affected by the following federal changes in the article below.

How Does the Government Plan to Make More Edmonton Houses for Sale?

The liberal government in Canada is making an effort to cool off the housing market in Canada through two main channels. Over $10 billion in funding has been allocated to help speed up construction and repairs of homes. Furthermore, the government has decided to put a ban on foreign investors purchasing real estate in Canada. As well as, introducing new tax measures to reduce speculation. 

These methods make up a large chunk of the federal budget. In order for everything to proceed smoothly, cooperation from other levels of government will be necessary. Ideally, the government’s plan is to double the number of homes built in the next 10 years. Collaboration from the government, construction companies, and citizens will be essential to the success of the budget. The housing section of the budget has a clear focus on increasing supply. Moreover, there is $4 billion set aside for municipalities to ensure that homes are being built swiftly. The money will go towards the planning and delivery of housing, with an estimated 100,000 new units in the next 5 years. 

$1.5 billion is set to be spent in the next 2 years to create 6,000 new affordable housing units through the Rapid Housing Initiative. In addition, there will be $475 million going towards rental assistance and $2.9 billion to provide housing to vulnerable Canadians. Other commitments include $600 million to attend to homelessness by creating new programs and supporting existing programs. Furthermore, $1 billion will be used to incentivize green energy use at home, including grants and loans. As well as, $150 million over the next 2 years for affordable housing in Northern Canada. 

The Liberal government has said that they will leverage $40 billion-plus in infrastructure to speed up the process across various cities. 

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Record High Months Continue To Add Pressure.

In February, the national average home price climbed 20% to $816,720. All the while, rental rates continue to rise. As for Edmonton houses for sale, supply and demand match current national trends. In March, 472 duplexes were put up for sale and 441 of those were sold. Thus, indicating a 93% listing-to-sales ratio! Nearly every duplex or townhome that gets listed is being sold. 

Although supply continues to be at an all-time low, spring has brought hope for buyers-to-be. More listings have surfaced now that spring is here. There has been an 8% increase in Edmonton houses for sale this March! Additionally, condo and apartment sales have started to grow. March saw the biggest year-over-year leap in sales, at 67%. In the past, condo and apartment sales were few and far between in the Edmonton market. Edmonton continues to be an affordable market for out-of-province buyers to find a home and settle down. 

The lack of supply in Canadian real estate markets is evident. The government has recognized this as the central problem in the housing crisis.  Liberals are hopeful that the budget will provide some relief for Canadian citizens. For the next 2 years, foreign buyers will be banned from purchasing Canadian real estate. Although, there are several exceptions to this measure. 

The Liberal government will also be reviewing the impact of large companies buying homes on the market. And, how they intend to stint the growing trend. A new bill of rights is proposed to include several measures to protect homebuyers. For instance, the right to a home inspection, no more blind bidding, possible mortgage deferrals, and more disclosures from real estate agents. 

Contact Us For Information on Edmonton Houses For Sale!

The real estate market is constantly fluctuating and buying Edmonton houses for sale can appear intimidating. However, with the help of an experienced REALTOR® in the Edmonton area, the process is much less daunting. If you have any questions or concerns about buying Edmonton houses for sale, contact us today. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re curious about the government’s plans for an increased housing supply. Our team can put you in touch with the resources you need to get your real estate goals on track. We look forward to working with you in the near future!