Home Buying Blogs – Kelowna

When it comes time to decide whether it is time to buy a home or continue renting, there are a few things that need to be considered. Some components of the decision rely completely on finances. However, there are some other things that should be taken into account before diving into one option or the other. One thing that should be left out of the equation, however, is emotions. Choosing to buy or rent a home based on emotions alone can be a big mistake. Instead, consider these other components to help you decide.

Knowing Your Finances

The biggest thing to examine before making a decision is whether or not you can even afford to purchase a home. This is likely the biggest purchase that people make throughout their entire lives which means it is

Canada has embraced a number of different architectural styles throughout the years. The sheer number of choices provides buyers the opportunity to express their personality and practicality through their choice of homes. Homeowners starting their home buying journey can use this guide to get a better idea of what they'll find and how they can evaluate which style is right for them and their families.

Cottage Style Homes

Homebuyers with not many occupants can benefit from the smaller cottages in their area. Fewer rooms in a cottage translate to less home maintenance and cleaning. Cottages in Canada typically come complete with a front porch and an attic, so residents can still get the storage and outdoor space they need to enjoy the home.

Shopping for homes can leave your mind spinning. Knowing what to look for can help you weed out the properties with serious structural damage or maintenance problems. If you're looking for a turn-key property and a smooth buying experience, watch for these warning signs when going to home showings.

Deferred Maintenance

Deferred maintenance can take many forms. A drippy faucet, cracked window, or a puncture hole in the wall are all signs that a homeowner has been neglecting their maintenance duties. While these problems may seem small, they can be a sign of larger poor maintenance practices.

Homeowners often fix up their homes before putting them on the market. Those that neglect to do this may have other poor maintenance practices that could

Canadians considering the purchase of a home in the near future should gear up for an exciting and rewarding time in their lives. Before signing a contract on a home, a few steps should be completed to make the entire home buying process run more smoothly.

Learn How Much You Can Afford

Many potential home buyers consider the price of their home without thinking about the other expenses involved in homeownership. Other primary expenses involved in owning a home in Canada include property taxes, renovations as needed, heating and routine maintenance, and these costs can vary from markets like North Calgary and other areas in Canada. Meeting with a mortgage lender or a broker can help a potential homeowner realize how much of a home they can afford

There are laws in Canada that prevent HOAs from placing age restrictions on housing, but the one exception to these regulations is made for senior living. Considering the rising population of retirees, age-restricted communities are popping up at record rates in practically every corner of the country. Before a Joe Rich homebuyer chooses this option, it helps to understand the reality of these communities. Learn more about both the perks and potential disadvantages before getting a home down payment together.

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

Benefits of Living in an Age-Restricted Community

First, because virtually everyone in a senior

All Glenmore home buyers and sellers need to work with a real estate agent to get the best value they can when buying or selling a home. Here's why everyone should hire a real estate agent when working in real estate and what to look out for when choosing an agent.

Why Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent?

In the age of the Internet, many clients ask us why they should hire a real estate professional to help them sell their house. Without a real estate agent, some people do okay, but most don't. Here are five reasons you SHOULD hire a professional agent to help market and sell your property.

Education and Experience

You don't need to know everything about buying and selling real estate if you hire a real estate professional who does. The