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Buying a home is an investment in the neighborhood as well as the house. In fact, the character and amenities of the neighborhood may be as important to the property value as the house itself. No matter what kind of neighborhood you’re looking for, it's important to know its history and future when you decide to buy. Here’s what to research:

1. Recent sales - Find out if the market is slow and what homes have been selling for.

2. Homes now for sale - What homes are listed in the area, and are they listed above past sales? This will give you a good idea of the area's overall market value.

3. Home appreciation - Historical data on sales gives the best indicator of a neighborhood's potential. Are homes appreciating at 3%, 5%, 10% or higher every year?

4. Schools - School scores and district boundaries are very important to research before moving into a neighborhood. The closest school is not always in your district, and school scores reveal if a neighborhood is invested in the schools' success.

5. Crime - Get the hard facts about any problems in the neighborhood -- don't depend on anecdotal information.

6. Demographics and growth - Find out how the area is growing and changing.

7. Community -- Learn about neighborhood features, such as public schools, shopping areas, parks, commuting options and more.

I can help you with this information—please give me a call or email me any questions you have. You’ll find that the more you know about the neighborhoods you’re considering, the easier it will be to narrow your search for your new home.
 
Thanks,
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
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First-time buyers are often unsure about the financial aspects of buying a home, and you may have many questions swirling in your head. How much can I afford? Do I need a large down payment?

 

Your home price range will be determined by your income, credit history, the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs, and your debt. How much you earn compared to how much you owe will likely determine how much the bank allows you to borrow.

 

The financial rule of thumb is: your total monthly debt service, which will include your monthly mortgage, shouldn’t be more than about 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Most experts say that your monthly housing expense, including taxes and insurance, should not exceed about 28 percent of your gross monthly income.

 

Naturally, every situation is different, and each lender has different rules about working with buyers. A number of choices within your control can affect your monthly payment as well. For example, you might choose an adjustable rate loan, which has a lower initial payment than a fixed rate program. Similarly, a larger down payment may lower your monthly payment.

 

If you’d like more information about how much home you can afford, please call or email. I can help you get the mortgage information you need.
 
 
Thanks,
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
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When you’re thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are:

 

1.     Deciding when you want to make your move

2.     Considering how much money you would like to spend

3.     Thinking about what type of home you would like

4.     Deciding where you would like to live

 

The next step is usually finding out how much loan you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing will work best for you.

 

If you’re in the “thinking about it” stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness.

 

You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search.


Please don’t hesitate to call or email me for additional information about the buying process. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you’re ready to make your move, I’ll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack!
 
Thanks,
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
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Question of the Week: What are the benefits of working with a Mortgage Broker?

 
  1. There are many key benefits in working with an experienced mortgage broker. The main element is the availabilty of a large suite of mortgage products that brokers can offer you as opposed to a limited suite of products that any individual bank can offer.
  2. As experienced professionals who receive updates on mortgage products daily, we are able to source out better rates and specials that specific lenders are offering to get the client the best rate on the market. Most lenders have specials based on times of closing and deal type/client type which enable us to get a better rate for the client by being informed of these specials regularly.
  3. We have relationships with lenders and get volume discounts because we bring lenders volume business so we can get better rates with specific lenders because of our on going business relationship.
  4. There are many other elements to a mortgage that the average person does not think about when getting a mortgage. Most people just think rate. There are other things like pre-payment privileges, penalties if broken, amortization periods and compounding periods. I make sure that I get to know your future goals real well to make sure you get the right product with the best pre-payment privileges and terms.
  5. I get to know my client's portfolio real well so I make sure the product they get is 100% right for them and I provide excellent personal service and a direct line to my cell phone when my clients need me. Beats calling a customer service number and holding on the phone for a different rep every time who does not know you personal portfolio!
  6. Best of all we do all the work for free to the client and the lender pays us a finders fee for bringing them the mortgage. The client gets the best rate, professional advice and the right product.

 

 
If you have a question for question of the week, please post on the comments section of my blog or fire me an email at ryan@edmrealestategroup.ca
 
Thanks,
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
Read

When you’re thinking about making a move, the first steps in the home buying process are:

 

1.     Deciding when you want to make your move

2.     Considering how much money you would like to spend

3.     Thinking about what type of home you would like

4.     Deciding where you would like to live

 

The next step is usually finding out how much loan you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing will work best for you.

 

If you’re in the “thinking about it” stage, you will want to speak with a lender about receiving pre-qualification. If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about how much home you can afford, but does not assess your creditworthiness.

 

You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date. When you decide to buy a home, you will want to become pre-approved for a loan prior to beginning your home search.


Please don’t hesitate to call or email me for additional information about the buying process. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you’re ready to make your move, I’ll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack!
 
Thanks,
 
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
 
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When you’re thinking about buying your first home, it’s essential for you to be confident in your decision to buy instead of rent. However, you may not know about the many great reasons to buy a home! Here are just a few of them:


Smart investment

When you invest in a home, it offers the possibility for appreciation in value. The equity becomes yours when you’re still paying off your mortgage. You even get to live in it while your investment matures.
 

Tax advantages
Since both mortgage interest and property taxes are tax deductible, homeownership can save you significant amounts of money every year.

 

Planned housing costs
You decide how much you spend on your home, including repairs and improvements. Unlike renters, homeowners with a fixed-rate loan can lock in their monthly housing costs.
 

Improvements to your taste
You can choose which improvements to make your own property, such as a deck, kitchen remodel, or new paint, instead of needing permission from your landlord.

 

If you have more questions about making the decision to buy a home, please feel free to call or email.

 

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How to Obtain Top Dollar for Your Home

 

 

If you are considering selling your home in the next 3-6 months, you are probably asking yourself questions like these:

 

  • Should I replace the tile counters in the bathroom with granite?
  • Does the wallpaper make the house look dated?
  • Is the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets worth the expense?
  • Do I need to put on a new the roof or can I just have it inspected and replace the deteriorated areas?
  • Is it necessary to paint all the interior walls, or would touching-up the obvious areas work just as well?
  • Would installing new carpets and/or refinishing the wood floors be worth the expense?
  • What about exterior paint—should I have the house painted before putting it on the market, or use that as a bargaining point in negotiating the sale?

 

These are all good questions. And none of them has an easy yes or no answer. Your home is unique, as is the neighborhood you live in.

 

Part of my expertise is helping sellers prepare their homes with the right improvements that bring in top dollar. I would be happy to stop by and do a simple walk-through to point out areas to focus on to improve your house’s market value—as well as what projects will not likely give you a good return on your money or time.  

 

There is no charge for this service. My goal is to be the neighborhood expert. The more neighbors I talk to and the more familiar I become with the homes in our neighborhood, the better level of service I can offer to families moving into our area.

 

If you are interested in having me doing this free walk-through to get your house market-ready, please feel give me a call or email me. I’ll also do my best to answer any other questions you have.

 

Best regards,
 
 
Ryan Gillen
 
7807008355
 
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Property Photo: 318 17011 67 AVE in EDMONTON
I have sold a property at 318 17011 67 AVE in EDMONTON.
HIDDEN GEM! This 3rd floor, small pet friendly, condo located close to all amenities has it all. Imagine cooking in your beautiful open concept kitchen that flows to a large living room and dining room area warmed by a Fireplace. This 2 bedroom condo includes 2 full bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite in the master bedroom which is complimented with a very large closet. Off the spacious living room is an even larger balcony perfect for entertaining and BBQ'ing on hot summer evenings. Park your vehicle in the secure, heated, oversized underground parking stall that is included with this suite. The pictures do not do it justice! This one has to been seen in person to appreciate the standard of quality put into this condo. 1 Minute walk to the YMCA and all amenities.
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Property Photo: # 106 530 HOOKE RD in EDMONTON
I have listed a new property at # 106 530 HOOKE RD in EDMONTON.
Enjoy luxury living in Canon Ridge. This beautiful 1 bedroom + den offers scenic views, full air conditioning, an open concept, under cabinet lighting, fresh paint, convenience of parking right outside with access through patio door, fabulous amenities such as a party room with large screen TV and pool table, video security entrance, car wash, fitness room and sauna. Right off the master bedroom is a large balcony with gas hookup. ALso comes with in suite laundry, condo fees of $277 which includes heat and water with almost 1000 sq ft of living space.
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Property Photo: 18 Countryside CL in SPRUCE GROVE
I have listed a new property at 18 Countryside CL in SPRUCE GROVE.
PRICED TO SELL!! LOCATION! LOCATION! Have the best of both worlds!! Peaceful country living close to all amenities & only 5 mins from West Edmonton. You will immediately be impressed with the quality & detail found throughout this incredible estate home on 1/2 acre lot in Countryside Ravines. Stunning curb appeal & over 3650 sq ft of luxury & elegance! Extensive use of top quality materials are evident throughout. Exceptional details can be found in the open concept great rm from it's soaring 20' ceiling, walnut hardwood, gas FP, to it's gourmet chef's kitchen equipped with top end Electrolux Prof Series SS appls, gourment KT boasts granite, & convenient Butler's pantry w/fridge. This home offers A/C, central vac, inslab heating, crown mouldings, transom windows, & much more. Bsmt built w/steel I beams for greater functionality. Hardy Plank siding, triple heated garage & 3200sf driveway
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