August 2009

There are 6 blog entries for August 2009.

Mortgage Basics

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 6:12pm. 1158 Views, 0 Comments.

Common Mortgage Types

The following is a listing of the most common types of home mortgages available in Calgary today.

Variable Rate Mortgage -
A mortgage with an interest rate that fluctuates with the market. The rate varies each month, meaning that the interest rate may increase or decrease each month. The total monthly payment will likely remain the same. The rate on a variable rate mortgage is generally slightly higher than a closed rate mortgage, however if you feel the interest rates are going to fall you may be better off with this type of mortgage.

High-Ratio Mortgage -
This type of mortgage must be insured (usually through CMHC or GEMI).This is a mortgage obtained when the down payment is less than 25% of the total purchase price.

Closed…

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Top 10 Home Defects

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 6:10pm. 1112 Views, 0 Comments.

Top Ten List Of Defects Found During A Home Inspection

Retaining the services of Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) home inspector can translate into big savings at the closing table. First, you need to be sure that you retain the services of a qualified Licensed Professional Engineer who can identify subtle defects that are not readily visible to the typical home buyer. Buyers who inspect their prospective homes by themselves are rarely qualified to conduct a thorough home inspection and even if they have a good knowledge base to work from, they are too emotionally involved in the purchase and are usually blinded by the glitter of the cosmetic issues.Buying the home of your dreams usually consumes all of your available resources as well as everything…

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Buyer's Due Diligence

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 6:09pm. 458 Views, 2 Comments.

Home Inspection Checklist

Foundations

As with the exterior walls, long cracks in a foundation aren't good. A zigzagging crack, called a "stairstep" or "Z-crack," usually means uneven settling. Often houses settle early on and stay put thereafter. That's usually OK, but even stable cracks can let water in. A big problem is if the foundation keeps moving and those cracks grow. Inside, check for water damage-peeling paint, efflorescence (white powdery mineral residue on walls) or stains.

Roof and Flashing

Wind, rain, sun and snow-one or another attacks your roof daily. Be safe-a lot can be seen from the ground, and if you do climb onto the roof, be careful. Look at the roof ridge. If it isn't straight, or there are dips in the roof surface, then…

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8 Home Staging Tips

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 6:05pm. 342 Views, 0 Comments.

Preparing your house for sale

Appearance and overall condition play a major role in selling your house quickly and for asking price. The market is only a factor. This is where home staging comes into the marketing. First off this is not your home right now and will not be in the near future either. This is a house, a commodity that is for sale and which you would like to get the maximum revenue for. Look objectively at this commodity and keep your emotions out of the presentation and negotiations.

De-Personalize.

Show homes do not contain highly personal items and neither should yours. Remove family pictures, items that are collectibles such as porcelain dolls, or spoon collections. The idea is to get the prospective buyers imagining their things in…

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New Listings Emailed Daily!

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 5:39pm. 304 Views, 0 Comments.

Get New Listings Delivered To Your Inbox Daily!

You can receive up to date listings from our multiple listing service specifically chosen for you. Please provide us with some search criteria such as a price range, preferred area, and desired amenities. We will search similar properties to provide you with up to the minute information and email you the results DAILY! We must have your permission to send you this information and you may opt out at any time.

You are gaining access to the the most complete, current and concise database of home listings available anywhere. Never again will you have to spend hours attempting to navigate MLS.ca to find a home that interests you only to discover that it has sold and is no longer available. The listings you will…

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Spy On Your Neighbours

Saturday, August 8th, 2009 at 1:45am. 327 Views, 0 Comments.

Receive up-to-the minute graphical reports that answer the following:

  • What is the supply of unsold homes in my neighborhood?
  • How fast are homes selling right now?
  • How do actual selling prices compare to listing prices in my area?
  • How do I get more for the money in a changing market?
With little to no effort on your part, the Market Snapshot provides real-time market trend information that speaks directly to your needs.

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The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The Terms of Use Agreement shall not impose a financial obligation on the Registrant or create any representation agreement between the Registrant and the Participant.

All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate, and should be independently verified.

Disclaimer: Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed by the CREB and EREB.

Last updated on: 2013-05-24 00:17:06

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