Blog - Kevin Klein

7 Great Reasons to Live in Sherwood Park

First established in the mid-1950s, Sherwood Park was originally a small community whose sole purpose was to house industrial employees from nearby Refinery Row. Since then, this flourishing city is now home to over 70,000 people and become a top choice for growing families looking for a safe and friendly place to call home.

1. Affordable Home Prices 

Sherwood Park has many affordable home styles to choose from - including apartment condos, townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes. Due to the city’s popularity among families, however, detached single-family homes reign supreme and include older, updated properties, brand new builds (and everything in between). Average prices in the area typically range between the late $300’s and early…

714 Views, 0 Comments

11 Telltale Signs It’s Time For a New Home

Could it be time for a new Edmonton home? Here are 11 telltale signs.

1. You’re Tired of Paying Someone Else’s Mortgage

Why line someone else’s pockets with your hard-earned money when you could be working towards your own financial freedom? Homeownership won’t just get you out from underneath your landlord’s thumb, it will also help you build valuable home equity and maintain stable monthly payments (goodbye surprise rent increases).

2. Your Family is Growing

Perhaps you’ve met that special someone. Or maybe you and your partner are planning on expanding your home to include children, pets or ageing family members. A larger property will allow you to make room for your flourishing family.

3. The Kids Have Flown the Coop

On the…

615 Views, 0 Comments

Helpful Programs First-Time Buyers

Are you looking to buy your first home but struggling to come up with a down payment? These first-time buyer programs can help.

CMHC Mortgage Default Insurance

Admittedly, mortgage default insurance isn’t a “program” per se, but it is beneficial for helping first-time buyers realize their dream of home ownership. To purchase a home in Canada, you’ll require a minimum down payment of 5% on the home’s overall purchase price. Buyers with a down payment of 19.99% or less will be required to purchase mortgage default insurance, which protects the lender in the event you, the borrower, default on your mortgage loan. 

In short, mortgage default insurance enables buyers to purchase a home with as little down payment as possible. 

First-Time Home…

1104 Views, 0 Comments

The Best (And Worst) Home Renovations For Your Money

Every year, RemodellingMagazine’s Cost vs. Value Report* reveals the average cost of common home renovations and compares them to the home’s final sale price (as estimated by qualified real estate agents). As a result, homeowners are better positioned to determine which renovations will deliver the biggest bang for their buck and which projects come up short on the cost-recouping scale.

According to the report, below are the top five best (and worst) home renovation projects for your money.

Best Return On Investment (ROI) 

Manufactured Stone Veneer = 95.6% ROI

An attractive alternative to conventional vinyl siding, stone veneer consists of finely cut pieces of stone, available in various colours, sizes and shapes. Durable and…

1188 Views, 0 Comments

7 Steps to Selling a Home

Are you thinking about selling your Edmonton home? Unsure of where to start? We’ve got you covered! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your home on the market (and sold) in no time.

1. Partner With a REALTOR®

A successful home sale always begins with a great partnership. Teaming up with an expert Edmonton REALTOR® gives you an advantage over many other sellers on the market, as they know what it takes to sell a home quickly and for the most amount possible. Not to mention, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have an experienced professional representing your best interests from start to finish.

2. Price Your Home Correctly 

Reputable REALTORS® typically provide their clients with a free service commonly referred to as a Property…

1053 Views, 0 Comments

9 Steps to Buying a Home

Even if you’ve done it all before, the home buying process can be downright overwhelming. But the good news is, with the right advice and guidance, your next home purchase can be quick, easy and even enjoyable – all you need to do is take the right steps. 

Here are the nine key steps every buyer should take when purchasing a home: 

1. Find Out How Much You Can Afford

First thing’s first: you’ll want to get an idea of how much home you can afford. This applies to how much you can (and are willing to) pay for a monthly mortgage payment, down payment and other additional expenses (i.e. closing costs). Remember, to afford a home in Canada, you must come up with a minimum down payment of 5%. With the help of a free Mortgage Calculator, you’ll be…

829 Views, 0 Comments

6 Great Reasons to Choose a REALTOR®

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in Edmonton? We recommend getting the most out of your real estate experience with the help of an expert Edmonton REALTOR®.

What is a REALTOR®?

Not every agent carries the REALTOR® designation. Unlike regular licensed professionals or brokers, REALTORS® are formal members of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) of which they are expected to:

• Uphold the REALTOR® code by maintaining a guaranteed level of professionalism and quality service  
• Remain up to date with the latest market information and other real estate developments (market trends, conditions, comparable prices, etc.).
• Undergo regular training, workshops and professional development to maintain the highest level of…

885 Views, 0 Comments