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        <title>Calgary Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/2019-08/</link>
        <description>Justin Havre's Calgary Real Estate Blog brings you the latest market news and property listings, as well as tips for buying or selling a home.</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/understanding-the-five-year-rule-for-buying-a-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/understanding-the-five-year-rule-for-buying-a-home.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Understanding the Five Year Rule for Buying a Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you've been looking into real estate in Calgary you've probably run into the five-year rule and may not fully understand it. If so, here's a brief explanation that will help you get a grip on this rule and where and why it applies.


What is the Five-Year Rule?


This is a very general rule that means you should plan on remaining in the home you purchase for five years at least. If you don't, it will hit you in the pocketbook, in most cases. This is due to the closing costs that need to be paid when you sell your house and can be a substantial amount, depending on the value of the home.


As well, you'll have to look at how much equity you have actually built up in your property. When you first take out a mortgage you'll be paying mostly interest for the first few years. This is when the mortgage and the interest rate are at their highest. It works out for most home purchases that there won't be enough equity in place to substantiate a new purchase until you've hit the five-year mark of ownership.


Outsmarting The Five Year Rule


If you're looking for a home that you can live in for only a few years and then upgrade, you can do it without taking a hard financial hit if you play it smart. Instead of looking for the biggest house that you can possibly afford in terms of mortgage payments every month, check out the smaller houses so that you end up with a lower monthly payment. With the extra money, make extra payments towards your mortgage every month and you may be able to sell your home in a few short years without taking a loss.


The thing that you'll want to take into account here is whether you are willing to compromise and live in a smaller house for 3 years so that you can upgrade earlier. Another thing to consider is whether it's really wise to buy the biggest home you can for your first house purchase anyway. Most first-time homebuyers get quite a surprise once they move into their house and actually see the reality of the bills that they need to confront. It's always nice to have some sort of comfort zone in place so that all of your money isn't going into the mortgage. It's a good idea to plan on having some money left at the end of the month to cover extra costs or to put into paying off the mortgage faster.


Risks of Ignoring the Five Year Rule


The biggest drawback to ignoring the five year rule of real estate buying and selling is certainly going to be financial in most cases. Typically, the first few years of mortgage payments are consumed by interest and paying off sale-related fees such as agent and broker commissions, the remaining balance can be rather hefty depending on the home's current value.


This means that less—if any—profit will be realized from the sale of a home within five years of its purchase if not enough equity has built up. One must further consider that when selling they will be tasked with closing costs and commissions once again in most situations. Overall this can be costly according to industry experts. Waiting until the five year mark of homeownership is often the best move one can make in today's real estate market.


You'll have to crunch some numbers to make sure that your plan can take you towards an upgrade in three years instead of five and you'll have to be willing to sacrifice for a smaller home in the meantime to make it happen. For many, it's worth the small price to pay in order to be in a position where they can afford a new home purchase within a few year's time.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2019 07:26:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/millennial-home-buying.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/millennial-home-buying.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Millennial Home Buying Statistics: How Millennials Are Bucking Home-Buying Norms</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Millennial home buyers would seemingly be the most eager of the population to delve into homeownership. However, current trends, statistics and surveys seem to say otherwise—at least according to details from Angus Reid for CIBC. In all, 42 percent of Canada's millennials have delved into homeownership, with 81 percent of those claiming they intend to sell in the future. Nearly two-thirds of such respondents claim they plan to sell due to the high cost of maintenance, taxes and mortgage payments.


So, what are millennials who have not invested in a home just yet thinking? According to recent statistics, 23 percent of surveyed individuals state that they have no plans to buy a home, while 29 percent doubt that a home purchase will ever be within their budgets due to increased mortgage costs and interest rates. Due to these reasons, a whopping 36 of millennials who haven't bought a home currently believe that renting a home, apartment or condo is the wisest option.


Furthermore, many of Canada's millennials claim that homeownership is making them cash poor, which is why many desire to sell. However, 62 percent claim that they are reluctant to sell their homes due to the fear of having to invest in a new home with the current hot real estate market that abounds today. For the time being, it appears that millennial home buying trends are slowing, but a rebound could just be around the corner depending on economical shifts.


Profile of a First-Time Home Buyer In Calgary


The definition of a first-time home buyer is self-explanatory. The definition of a starter home in Calgary — well, that has changed in the last 30 years.


Starter Homes, Then &amp; Now


A starter home is that first toe into the marketplace – a home with the good, affordable price and excellent value for somebody or some family to enjoy when they are just getting into home ownership.


In the 1950s, starter homes had one or two-bedrooms. A starter home was detached and was either a very old home or perhaps a brand new tract home in one of Calgary's new suburban neighbourhoods and most new home buyers were in their early 20s. The average home price was $22,000 when an average income was just under $5,000 a year. As you can see, prices these days are not quite in sync.


Fast forward to 2006 when entry level single-family homes were priced in the low $200,000s. Today, those prices are still available for new buyers who are willing to purchase an apartment condo or a townhome. But detached product is now $320,000 to $350,000 depending on what area of the city the buyer is looking at. With those entry level pricing, buyers are looking at more for their money.


First-Time Home Buyers Are Getting Older


People that are buying their first home in Canada are getting older according to a new survey. BMO released a new report showing that the average age for purchasing a first home is 36 years old.


On the other hand, the majority of people that currently own their home made their purchase before the age of 30.


A lot of people that are making their first purchases in the country are millennials and many have to put off the home buying decision for a number of reasons. A lot of them are carrying a heavy student loan debt that takes them years to pay off before they can even think about saving for a down payment. As well, rising home prices are also slowing down the process.


First-Time Home Buyers Are Staying in Their Homes Longer


In the survey, some other interesting statistics about home buyers were also released. Of the first-time buyers, 22 are married, 50 are single and 19 are living common- law with a partner. The survey also showed that these individuals plan to stay in their first home for 15 years on average.


The report indicated that 4/10 of the first-time buyers would have to put off buying their new home due to high housing prices. Another report that was issued by BMO back in March, 2014, also showed that the timeline would be delayed for purchasing a new home due to rising prices and that many first-timers were predicting that their parents would be helping them out with a property purchase.


First-time buyers are now budgeting for a home worth $316,100 on average. In 2013, this number was sitting at $300,000. The average amount that is being saved by first-timers is 16 of the total cost of the home. This means that the average Canadian first-time buyer is attempting to save $50,576 to offer as a down payment for a new home.


More Millennial Women Seek Homeownership


Many millennial women are putting aside goals such as having a baby and getting married. While these items are still present on the list, they appear below owning a home. An online survey was recently conducted by Cribsuite.com and the results showed that approximately half of the millennial woman that were surveyed said that their primary goal was home ownership.


These days, many women want to be financially secure before looking at their other goals in life.


The website survey also showed other market trends that came out of this survey including:




56 of single women own their home and reside alone while only 47 of the single men surveyed were homeowners


About 25 of the single women surveyed spent 50 or more of their annual income on housing costs while only 10 of the single men spent this much.


Among the first-time buyers, almost 25 were single females while only 15 were single males




There are a variety of reasons why single women are becoming the majority of homebuyers including the ones below:




Pursuing an education and a career before marriage


Growing rates of divorce


Women are earning more than they used to




It's a brand-new world today when you compare it to the way things were just 50 years ago. Women have a lot more options when it comes to career, family and real estate goals. It used to be expected that a woman would get married, have some children and raise them while the husband went off to work as the main breadwinner of the family. Nowadays, women are more expected to get an education, find a challenging career path and then look at family-oriented goals.


In the meantime, while the woman is establishing her career and supporting herself, she also needs to look at her housing options. With the high cost of rentals, it simply makes sense for anyone, including both men and women, to look at home ownership as a viable housing goal. Single women are doing just that and have now become one of the largest pools of potential home buyers.


Debunking Popular Millennial Home-Buying Myths


Millennials have been a hot topic in the real estate industry for a variety of reasons. From student loans to general changes in priorities, millennials have been buying property in smaller numbers compared to the generations that came before them. It's time to look into millennial home buying facts to separate truth from fiction.


Key Millennial Myths


Here are just a few ways that myths manifest in today's culture. People may believe one or all of the following, even if the evidence doesn't support it.




Millennials don't want space


Millennials don't want to own


Millennials buy and sell property on their own


Millennials are not as wealthy as other generations at the same age




Debunking the Myths


Millennials do by and large want to own a Springbank Hill home or property, but they recognize that this may not make much sense in the current economic climate. If employers aren't willing to show their employees that they're valued, then millennials can't be expected to stay at a company that doesn't treat them well. Instead, millennials are renting so they can stay flexible when it comes to their careers. And because millennials are used to moving around, they're also buying fewer and fewer material goods. They don't necessarily mind living in the larger apartment complexes because they still have space to roam around.


Millennials Want the Same Things


Younger people still want the same things that their older counterparts did. They use real estate agents to buy and rent because they know the sheer volume of paperwork is too much to handle on one's own. They look for neighborhoods with pools and parks so they can enjoy their leisure time, similar to any buyer of the previous generation. And many millennials actually can afford to buy if they factor in the programs that make homeownership more financially viable. In fact, in many parts of Canada, homeownership is actually going up among younger adults. Millennials can not only save for a down-payment and closing costs, they also can usually handle the monthly mortgage payment as well.


Millennials don't necessarily have to be classified as one group or another. Just like any generation, millennials are looking for safe and productive places to live, work, and start a family. Understanding their circumstances makes it easier to predict their overall behavior, but the nuances are really the key to explaining the market.


What Millennial Home Buyers Want


Millennials view homeownership just a bit differently than their older counterparts. This generation tends to place more value on the design and functionality of a space than its size. Millennials are also leading the helm when it comes to having a keen interest in smart home technology and energy efficiency.


Hot Design Trends: Millennials reportedly request design schemes that are considered modern traditional. They also request designers to create budget-minded casual and modern spaces that are functional for everyday living. Energy efficient appliances and solar power integrations are also top trends for millennials in today’s buying market.


Smart Technology: Millennials appreciate technology that allows them to control smart-enabled applications in and around the home. These include features such as remotely controlling door locks, indoor and outdoor lighting, smart thermostats and even certain appliances.


Other Millennial Must Haves: The same home features come up as the most important things these buyers want:




Laundry Room


Linen Closets


Walk-In Pantry


Garage Storage


Exterior Lighting




Outdoor living space also tops the most desirable features, as millennials consider areas for entertaining and relaxing as an important part of their life. Essentially, millennials simply want many of the same things in a home that most others buyers do, but lean towards smart home ready options.


Millennials are Leaving Their Mark When It Comes to Design Trends


A lot of the new and upcoming design trends are focused on the millennial generation. This is the largest generation that Canada has seen since the baby boom. Millennials, which are people that were born from 1982 up to 2004, are causing major design shifts. Recently, the company Hunter Douglas talked to millennial designers to find out what this generation is looking for and how the trends have shifted.


Millennial designers aren't worried about the common rules and preconceived notions that have previously been in place. Informal and formal boundaries have become less distinct. Millennials aren't afraid to mix things up and experiment with the combination of modern and contemporary looks.


Individual expression counts the most and manufacturers are doing to their best to keep up with this design trend. This generation is looking for more options along with distinctive features on both modern and classic items.


Designers are able to make use of modern technology to help with this merging of the new and the old. Technology plays an important role nowadays when it comes to design projects. Clients and designers don't simply have to imagine how a project will turn out since it can be seen on the screen through design applications.


Hunter Douglas is also keeping up with these design trends by offering special design features at its official website to see how window coverings will look. You can upload personal photographs of your home and then try out different window coverings on the screen to see which style and color would best suit your home.


Clients and their designers can work closely together using various computer design programs to combine art and technology into one. This way, the mix of older and newer styles can be achieved graciously and with flair.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2019 10:38:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/how-to-rent-your-home-to-tenants.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/how-to-rent-your-home-to-tenants.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>How to Rent Your Home to Tenants</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Buying a home and then renting your home to become a landlord can be a great way to really take advantage of a property. Tenants not only pay rent every month, but they also maintain the integrity of the property. (Just the simple act of using the plumbing system regularly can help it stay intact.) And if something goes wrong, such as a leak in the ceiling, the tenant will be there to alert the owner. But just because tenants can be a boon for property owners doesn't mean that all of them are worth the trouble. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before moving forward on a candidate.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney before renting your home or proceeding with any real estate transaction.


Start with the Regulations


Canadian rules for tenants will vary depending on the province of the property, and these rules can be exceptionally important to landlords. For example, in most provinces, a landlord can deny the tenant if they have a pet. However, landlords in Ontario are not technically allowed to put a no-pet clause in their stipulations. In Alberta, landlords can't deny subletting without legal cause, but putting clear procedures in place for tenants to request subletting approval smooths over potential problems quite a bit.


Owners with homes in a co-op or HOA may not even have the right to have renters, so it helps to check into the specific regulations beforehand.


Look at Each Prospective Tenant


Most landlords already know that they can't use the tenant's ethnicity, religion, disability, sex, or number of dependents to determine eligibility. These rules are set and very strictly enforced. Additionally, there are other discrimination protections in certain cities, counties and states. Check the rules, laws and regulations in your area. The tenant doesn't even need to prove that the discrimination was intentional in certain provinces in order to win their case.


However, what property owners may not realize is that they still have a number of ways to confirm the character of the person in question. For example, a simple credit and background check can show them how a person has handled critical life choices. And while poor credit or a criminal past can't predict the future, it can tell a landlord if the tenant has struggled with responsibility.


Springbank Hill home and property owners are also allowed to delve deeper into a person's financial situation by inquiring into their DTI ration. Debt-to-income accounts for all debt in the tenant's life (credit card, alimony, car loans, student debt, etc.) against the person's total income. Income can be anything from a steady job to stock dividends. If the ratio is greater than half, landlords may want to think twice before renting to someone. The more debt a person has, the more likely it is that rent will be pushed to the side if an emergency situation occurs.


Talk to People


Looking at the numbers of a person may sometimes cause landlords to miss out on some great candidates. That's why it may help to get a little more personal. Here are just a few references a landlord can ask for to help the picture become that much clearer.




Past landlords: The tenant's old landlord can tell a property owner whether they were respectful, quiet, and responsible. 


Character references: While many tenants may list their friends or family members, landlords can still gain insight into a person's life through their character references. If the character references consider each question carefully instead of rattling off superfluous praise for the tenant, it's a good sign the tenant has stable connections.


Employer: The ability to hold down a job and get along with coworkers can be easily dismissed by many people, but these qualities should not go overlooked by a landlord.




Tenants can do a lot of damage to a property—damage that a security deposit can't even come close to covering. Before a landlord allows someone to enter their property, they should have a strong impression on the person they're renting to. These tips can't weed out all the bad apples, but it can go a long way to preventing a big mistake.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a certified tax expert before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/selling-a-home-what-to-disclose-to-potential-buyers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/selling-a-home-what-to-disclose-to-potential-buyers.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Selling a Home: What to Disclose to Potential Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Selling a home often involves presenting the property in its best condition. However, sellers also have obligations to potential buyers. In order to minimize future liability, sellers should confirm that they have given buyers a full picture of the home's condition. Some rules are based on the city or province. Others are more closely related to convention. With this information, sellers will understand how they can provide buyers with useful and accurate data about the property.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


1. Unknown vs. Known Faults


The information that a seller gives to a buyer is primarily a matter of liability. Sellers are liable for the details they provide about the home to buyers. As such, they are on the hook to be honest and truthful when completing disclosure or answering questions. However, as a general rule, sellers are only obligated to answer insofar as they know. For example, a seller who has lived in a 50-year-old home for 5 years may not have a thorough understanding of the property's condition. This is why many disclosure forms give sellers the opportunity to say that they do not know about a particular aspect of the home.


2. Patent vs. Latent Defects


As sellers start to think about the defects of the home, they should consider what is obvious, and which ones may be hidden from buyers' view. Patent defects concern issues with the property that the buyer might be able to see during a showing. Most patent defects would come up during a home inspection. Latent defects may be so concealed that even the current homeowner does not know about them. There are certain kinds of latent defects that could render a home uninhabitable, such as:




mould


unremediated water or fire damage


chemical residue


toxic substances on the property




Sellers must disclose any information about latent defects, and take care not to hide them from buyers.


3. Remediation Records


Of course, during a homeowner's tenure on a property, they are likely to encounter certain types of problems that they must repair. For example, someone who experiences mould or a flooded basement would probably hire a professional to fix it. In these cases, homeowners should be prepared to provide information to show that they have taken the proper steps to solve the problem. Keeping complete records of all repairs and home improvements for buyer review can minimize the likelihood of issues during the selling process.


4. Types of Disclosures


Sellers may not be required to fill out any disclosures in order to sell a piece of real estate. It depends on the province. Some buyers will request a form like a Seller Property Information Statement or Property Condition Disclosure as part of a purchase offer. Sellers should ask their real estate agents which disclosures are most appropriate for the region and the property. As they fill it out, they may need to consult with the agent about how to answer comprehensively and correctly. The answers put on the disclosure can affect the liability the seller faces, if there is a major problem with the home.


5. Buyer and Seller Responsibility


Above all, sellers should keep in mind that they are required by law to answer any question as truthfully as they can. This applies whether the buyer is personally asking about individual aspects of the property, or looking at a disclosure form. Buyers have the responsibility to investigate the home to ascertain its condition, usually through a home inspection. Buyers can take sellers to court for serious defects in the property. However, they usually have to prove that the seller knew about it and failed to properly disclose it.


The Springbank Hill home selling process often involves answering a lot of buyer questions, particularly about the property's condition. By understanding their responsibility to buyers, sellers can reduce the likelihood of issues that may prevent the sale from progressing.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.





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    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2019 11:30:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/single-home-buyer-tips-to-help-you-find-the-perfect-property.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/single-home-buyer-tips-to-help-you-find-the-perfect-property.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Single Home Buyer Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Property</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Buying a home as a single person is a lot different than buying a home as a couple. When you have another person that is going to be buying a home with you, you have a sounding board to work with during the process. All of your concerns and questions can be discussed with your partner and at the end of the day it will be two signatures that are penned at the bottom of the contract instead of only one. When one person only has to sign, it can be a lot more stressful since you are assuming full responsibility for the new property and all of the payments that are going to go along with it down the line.


In order to help take some of the stress out of the situation, here are some tips you can use if you're a single person that is looking for a home:


Get Prepared


Once you've made the decision to buy a new home it doesn't mean that you should be starting to shop right away. Do some initial preparation work first such as organizing a budget to find out exactly how much house you can afford and applying for a pre-approved mortgage. With a pre-approved mortgage at hand you'll find that you are taken a lot more seriously as a potential buyer by both real estate agents and sellers. Once you know that rough amount, you can start crafting a homebuying wishlist to guide your search.


Stick To Your Budget


Always work within your budget and be firm with your decision to follow it. Let your real estate agent know the amount that you are prepared to spend on a new home and that you won't pay a penny more. With this information, your agent can look for homes that only work with your financial situation so that you don't get tempted by homes that cost more.


Don't Wait Too Long To Go To A Showing


The housing market moves fast. Just because there is a house that looks to be perfect available today does not mean it will still be available tomorrow. Do what you can to get into a showing quickly so you can make your decision on the property before someone else does. There is no worse feeling than knowing you missed out on a place that feels like home because you didn’t get in to see it fast enough. Your agent should be able to help you secure the fastest possible showing--assuming your schedule works out.


Don't Buy A Home That's Too Small


Think about the resale value of your home. If you're planning on purchasing a single-family home with only one bedroom, it can be very difficult to sell down the road. You're better off buying a two-bedroom home and using the second room as an office or a guestroom. If you're looking at condos, you can go ahead and purchase a one-bedroom unit since it will be easier to sell in the future than a one-bedroom house.


Don't Buy A Place That's Too Big


Bigger isn't always better when it comes to owning a home as a single person. It can seem quite cold and empty living in a large home that has little furniture in it. Unless you're planning on inviting roommates in to live with you to help cover the rent, an overly big home can seem quite lonely and foreboding when you're alone.


If you're single and looking for a new place you've got the advantage of finding one that's right for you. You won't have to worry about compromising with a partner and can go ahead and purchase the one that feels most like home to you. Just remember to get prepared ahead of time, stick to your budget and purchase a home that will be easy to sell in the future.


For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.


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    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:04:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/next-generation-homes-skip-the-long-hallways-and-forget-about-formal-dining-rooms.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/next-generation-homes-skip-the-long-hallways-and-forget-about-formal-dining-rooms.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Next-Generation Homes - Skip the Long Hallways and Forget about Formal Dining Rooms</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Any decorator can walk into a home and date it back to its beginnings by its architectural style. Sometimes there are long transition periods from one style to the next but there's no question that throughout the years housing designs have been changing. What's in store for the next generation of homes and what are the latest trends for new design styles?


The next-generation homes are going to be bright and airy with plenty of space. The dark and narrow hallways of yesterday will be transformed into large passageways that lead from one open concept room to the other.


The Flow of Modern Homes Has Changed


There is a lot of concentration on the flow of the home and how the residents of it can make their way from one end of the house to the other without having to trip over each other. Space that is normally used for long corridors is put to better use in rooms that have an open concept and higher ceilings.


There's an Emphasis on Natural Light


Natural light is also becoming a prime focus with higher and wider doors appearing in the next-generation homes. Even the sliding doors are higher than they used to be to add more light and more of an open feel to the room. All of the doors that are leading to the outside will also include a window as will the garage door. Light and energy along with open space -that's what it's all about


Cramped Front Entryways Are Out


Don't expect to open the front door and walk into a small cramped hallway either. The newer concepts in homes include large mud rooms at the front of the house so that people can arrive in groups and be able to enter the home comfortably. There is a natural flow from the moment you enter the door until you leave it again. Family members no longer have to walk in single file along narrow pathways to get from room to room. It's all arranged perfectly and is geared towards maximum efficiency.


Outdoor Living Rooms &amp; Kitchens


Take all those standard living spaces from the traditional home and move them outside and you've instantly embraced the modern style. Homes were once defined by their strict boundaries between interior and exterior, but tomorrow's homes will blur this line more and more. Outdoor kitchens are an obvious positive addition since many of the tastiest cooking activities, including frying, grilling, and smoking, are best done outside to keep interior air clear and pure. Outdoor living rooms also help families spend more time interacting with nature and less time with their faces to screens, although many of the best layouts still include televisions and other entertainment options designed to withstand environmental conditions.


Improved outdoor furnishings allow these living rooms and kitchens to be as clean and cozy as their indoor counterparts with minimal maintenance. Exterior grade carpeting, mildew and fade resistant upholstery on couches and seats, and durable materials like natural stone and tile all allow these outdoor spaces to stay beautiful and functional for years. Instead of just focusing on bring nature inside the home with large windows and decorating elements, consider bringing more of the home's interior outside with outdoor living rooms and kitchens.


Formal Dining Rooms Are Being Eliminated


Formal dining rooms and living rooms have also been eliminated in many cases to add extra emphasis to the kitchen that is wide and open. Entertaining can take place in an energetic yet functional kitchen and the cook can enjoy socializing with the guests during the meal preparation. Large islands in the center of the kitchen with seating also encourages guests and family members to take part in the meal preparation while enjoying a nice relaxing glass of wine before dinner is served.


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    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2019 13:03:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/buying-a-home-research-the-real-estate-market-first.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/buying-a-home-research-the-real-estate-market-first.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>Buying a Home? Research the Real Estate Market First</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Whether you're a first-time home buyer or an old pro, it's helpful and important to research the real estate market before buying a home. Knowing what kind of homes are available and what to expect from the buying experience can help you be prepared. These tips can help.


Look at Listings


Before making any decisions about where to buy and what kind of home to purchase, future buyers should start looking at listings in the neighbourhoods they're considering. Looking at pictures and prices can help buyers get a sense of what kind of homes are available. They'll also start to get a sense of what features are typical in homes, so they'll know what to prioritize when they're making their home purchase wish lists.


Explore Neighbourhoods


Once the buyer has looked at listings, then it's time to start exploring neighbourhoods. It's one thing to see the homes in pictures online, but it's very different to see homes in their actual environments, up close and personal. Wandering into home showings that are happening while exploring these neighbourhoods can also be very useful.


When looking at neighbourhooods, the home buyer should be watching for many things. For example:




What is the condition of the homes in each neighbourhood?


What services are available in the area and are they useful?


What will the buyer's commute time be like?


Are there noises in the area that could bother the buyer (such as noise from traffic or airplanes)?




The buyer should also assess the condition of the roads and sidewalks in the area. Buyers who have children or pets and who go out for walks frequently may prioritize good roads and pathways for walking.


Know Home Prices and Your Budget


Homes clustered together in neighbourhoods tend to stay in the same price range. Once a buyer knows which neighourhoods where they want to purchase a home, they can start talking to lenders to find out if they'll be approved to purchase a home in that price range. This can help the home buyer set a budget.


In some cases, this exercise may reveal that the buyer cannot afford a home in the neighbourhood where they would like to buy. When this happens, they can start looking in other neighbourhoods. This is a part of the research process, and can help the buyer avoid a long and unsuccessful home buying experience.


Hot or Not? Find Out


Some real estate markets are hot. Homes go quickly, and often for more money than the price on the listing. In a competitive seller's market, home buyers must be financially prepared and highly organized during their home search.


On the other hand, some markets may be cooling, with final sales prices being lower than the list price. The only way to know is to find out what a house sold for.


Buyers who are pre-approved, know exactly what to look for, and are able to make an offer fast are more likely to get the home they want. Buyers who are slow to act and who are not financially ready to get a mortgage may find the buying experience to be frustrating or even impossible.


Buyers who are just entering the market should find out in advance what kind of home buying experience to anticipate. This way, they can be prepared.


Meet with a Real Estate Professional


If you're a West Springs home buyer who would soon like to enter the real estate market in your area, now is the time to find a real estate agent. A good agent can help prepare you for the experience of buying a home by teaching you about what to look for during a showing, what to expect during the purchase process, and other details. Start your home buying experience by finding a real estate professional today.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2019 11:51:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/what-home-buyers-need-to-know-about-home-warranties.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.justinhavre.com/blog/what-home-buyers-need-to-know-about-home-warranties.html</link>
        <author>justin@justinhavre.com (Justin Havre Real Estate Team)</author>
        <title>What Home Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Although a home doesn't quite have as many moving parts as a car or cell phone, items can still break and be in need of repair. Often times these repairs can come out of the blue and can be rather costly to fix.


In the instance of an older home or any situation where a homeowner anticipates something might go wrong, a home warranty can be a beneficial tool. An agreement between a homeowner and a home warranty company, this contract can cover a number of repairs.


The Basics Of The Warranty


Each home warranty might look a bit different, but the ultimate goal is to provide protection and monetary coverage should something break in one's home. Many times a home warranty is included with the purchase of a home as an additional perk, or it can be purchased privately at any time the homeowner decides. Stipulations vary from company to company, but they usually cover items including appliances, plumbing, heating and cooling, or electrical issues.


Let's imagine it's a cold winter day and suddenly the heat stops working. If the furnace is in need of a repair and you are working with a limited budget, the future might look a little chilly. However, if there's a home warranty in place, for a small servicing fee, you can usually have a repair person come out and fix the issue without making too large of a dent in your bank account.


The cost for a home warranty can be paid annually or could potentially be broken up into monthly payments. In many instances, it can offer peace of mind, especially when cash flow is limited or there are questions about how well a home has been maintained by previous owners.


It's Not A Perfect Solution


While a home warranty sounds like a great idea for every homeowner, there are some caveats to think about before automatically making a purchase. Just like auto or health insurance, a home warranty might be a bill that gets paid for years without ever having to use it. While it's not insurance for your home, many compare it to that type of coverage, in that it's costly when it's not needed but great to have when something comes up.


When dealing with an older home, a warranty can be particularly troublesome if certain appliances weren't maintained correctly. In the example of a furnace, if the previous owner did not take proper care and maintenance of it, the warranty you purchased might not actually cover it.


How to Look for a Reputable Home Warranty Agreement


Since home warranties are still a relatively niche product, most homeowners are completely unaware of what they should cover or cost. You may find a plan that sounds great only to see an even better offer after signing up and paying for the first. Shopping around for a reputable and reliable home warranty agreement is easy once you know how to evaluate them. Signs of a reputable warranty include:




Clear and unambiguous terms about the limitations of the coverage so you know what you'll still be covering out of pocket


Affordable rates of less than a few hundred dollars per year, or you might as well just put the cost into savings and self-insure


Information on whether appliances and other systems will be replaced until the plan or only repaired


Maintenance requirements on your end, since many warranty companies can avoid paying if they can prove you failed to keep up with routine maintenance.




 


Evaluate If It's Right For You


Ultimately, a home warranty can bring a plethora of benefits for a homeowner, but people need to remember that it's not a blanket policy that will fix every item in the home under any circumstance. As long as this idea is kept in mind, the comfort and security of having a home warranty in place just might be a great thing for many to protect an investment in a great home in an area like South East Calgary. If in doubt, talk with a real estate professional or even friends and family to find out if it's a smart purchase for your home.


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2019 13:07:00 -0600</pubDate>
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