Monday, August 22, 2011

LOOKING TO BUY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD?

Whether you are looking to buy somewhere in Canada, The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, or another Country, I can assist with this process. I work with a group of dedicated professionals who have chosen to specialize in the challenge of moving lives and integrating them seamlessly into new surroundings. 


We’re More Than Realtor®s, We’re Friends
Many of our clients have bought or sold homes in the past, but few are prepared for the exceptional level of customer service that their relocation specialist provides. We work closer to our clients for longer periods of time. We’re always there to provide needed information and an objective opinion and as a result, many clients become genuinely close friends. We have associates working all over the world who work together to help people find the perfect home. You don't have to do this alone, you don't have to hope that the Realtor you locate on your own is educated, professional and has the time for your needs. I work with one of the most advanced Relocation Outfits in the world. Don't hesitate to ask about our services. 

You pay us nothing to assist with your buying process!!


Amber Prue - Realty Executives Challenge

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Economic & Housing Statistics

Edmonton, July 5, 2011: Economic and other external indicators point to a strengthening of the local real estate market according to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
  • Statistics Canada reported that Alberta boasted the highest spike in population in the first quarter with a 0.4% increase.
  • The Conference Board of Canada predicts that housing prices in Edmonton will increase from five to seven percent in the short term although local prices are currently down when compared to last year.
  • Although the Bank of Canada seems reluctant to raise interest rates because of the negative impact on exports, CMHC reports that Canadians are budgeting for an interest rate hike.
  • While housing prices nationally are up by 8.6% (May figures) Edmonton prices are tracking predictably in a stable market.
  • CIBC is of the opinion that Alberta home prices are over-valued by 17% yet RBC names Edmonton amongst the most affordable major metro markets in Canada.
  • A report by Peters and Co. forecast that $180 billion will be spent on new oilsands projects in the next decade with current oilsands operations and maintenance adding another $30 billion a year.
How Realtors Help.....   Call Amber 780-906-0693 or email amber.prue@gmx.com

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

DECIDING WHAT TO BUY

STEP 1:
Choose a location...
Urban
Ahh, the big city. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You’ll also have the widest range of housing options.
Suburban
Newer schools, newer shopping centres, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs.
Smaller Cities and Towns
There are many wonderful self-contained communities and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.
Rural
If you like the idea of owning land how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it’s heaven.

STEP 2:
Next, decide what type of home you want... 
Single-family detached
As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian.
Semi-detached or linked
Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home.
Duplex
A two-family home.
Town house
Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides.
Condo
Some people can’t wait to start gardening on Sunday morning. If you are not one of those people, it’s just an elevator ride away. Condos also make a great first home purchase because they’re often thousands of dollars less than a detached home.
How Condos are owned
You’ll own 100% of your unit and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff like a private gym or party room.
Condo fees - Membership has its privileges and it costs
On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Depending on the condo, fitness rooms, pools & games rooms can be included.

STEP 3: 
New or Resale?
Resale - Previously loved
Nothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much ‘character’ like a leaky roof. Know what you’re getting into. You should always work with a knowledgeable REALTOR® and as we cover in Step 10 never buy a resale home without a Home Inspection.
Ah, that new house smell
You will be the very first person to live in your new home. In fact, your new home may be so new, that it’s not even built yet. Before you commit to anything, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other homes built by the same company. Have your REALTOR® and lawyer review everything before you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process and remember, you have a legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete.
STEP 4:
You know what you want, but let's talk needs
Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it’s too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms and probably a second bathroom. REALTORS® call these must-have features needs. Features you’d like to have are called wants. Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your needs and as many of your wants as possible

Call or Email me for details on buying a property and the steps you take. 780-906-0693

Sunday, April 10, 2011

The REALTOR® Commitment

You’re trusting a REALTOR® with your most valuable possession, your home. REALTORS® take this responsibility very seriously. Here’s what we promise you.

Your REALTOR® is highly trained
REALTOR® training is so rigorous that candidates often fail the pre-registration courses. Those who do pass must master a long, diverse list of subjects ranging from housing construction to family law.
Your REALTOR® is continuously trained
We keep pace with the times. All Licensed REALTORS® must take continuing education courses to make sure their knowledge on subjects like legal issues and technology are up to date.
Your REALTOR® does everything by the book
A licensed REALTOR® must be registered under provincial laws that govern exactly how real estate can and cannot be traded. These regulations are your legal guarantee of professional behavior.
Your REALTOR® is an ethical businessperson
REALTORS® must adhere to the extensive Code of Ethics of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Several provinces have additional Codes of Ethics governing the behaviour of real estate professionals. Your interests must always be put first.
Your dealings with a REALTOR® are insured
For your peace of mind, provincial regulators sponsor consumer protection programs that may require, for instance, that REALTORS® maintain Errors and Omissions Insurance. Often deposits consumers make in real estate transactions are also insured under these programs.
Your REALTOR® has access to the Multiple Listing Service® and Real Estate Weekly
The MLS® System is the single most powerful tool for buying and selling a home. It is a complex information sharing and cooperative marketing network created by REALTORS® to help consumers buy and sell homes. The Real Estate Weekly is an Association-owned newspapers and as such, only REALTORS® have access to this medium, which distributes over 60,000 papers per week. The paper is distributed throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas as far north as Westlock, south to Wetaskiwin, east to Ardrossan and west to Alberta Beach and now includes Strathcona and Sturgeon counties.