Homes like these energy efficient Oxford area homes are becoming more affordable in Edmonton Photo credit: CTV

This week, RBC Economics released a report that states that overall, Canada’s real estate has become slightly more affordable.

Even with the fast-rising prices in Vancouver and Toronto (and to a degree Calgary), the country is still in relatively good shape.

RBC Economics says that rising household incomes, lowered utility costs and low interest rates are making it easier for people to enter the market.

As you might have seen in our last post, there are many factors at play that can influence affordability and pricing of real estate. The Canadian Real Estate Association quoted a 7.1% year-over-year increase over October 2013. The MLS home price index posted price gains of 5.5% over last year (which is quite a bit lower than CREA’s numbers).

Either way, with the big three markets influencing our national landscape, it may seem easy for some to believe that home affordability is slipping away.

It isn’t.

Across the western provinces, homes have slightly risen in price—once we remove Calgary and Vancouver from the equation. Both cities’ markets have witnessed growth far beyond the national average. In many other markets, we’ve seen only slight to moderate growth at rates that are very comfortable for those markets.

We call the prices respectable because the drop in fixed mortgage rates is keeping the market strong. Also, the gradual rising incomes in the west are also helping to keep homes affordable.

So many of us are preparing to hear panic about the market, but the price conditions of Edmonton homes—as well as other western cities—are robust with a firm foundation.

We have settled into a solid growth trend, and affordability for Edmonton home buyers is improving. It’s never been a better time to get into the market.

If you are thinking about buying or selling your Edmonton home, get in touch with the Edmonton Home Pros team.

We’ve got the experience to help you make sense of the market and find the home that’s right for you and your family.

Did you know that within the first 20 seconds that a prospective buyers enters your home, they decide whether or not they can picture themselves living in it? When it comes to real estate, first impressions always count. Don’t lose out on the right buyer on account of a poorly staged home, with the right decorative staging, decluttering, and depersonalization, your home can sell faster and for more money.

(more…)

This is the second blog to our series ‘Moving to Edmonton.’ Our first blog is Moving To Edmonton: Pre-move Tips.

Congratulations, it’s moving day!

Although your house looks a little like a disaster zone, with packing tape and boxes everywhere, your family is excited to move to Edmonton.
Below are some of Edmonton Home Pros’ easy-to-follow tips for a smooth transition on moving day:

(more…)

So you’ve decided to sell your home, congratulations! With the help of Edmonton’s trusted real estate group, Edmonton Home Pros, we know you’ll sell your home for top dollar. How? Through support, complimentary home evaluations, and our knowledgeable team of agents who help you every step of the way. We are also firm believers in hosting an extensive open house. A picture says 1,000 words, but an open house leaves you speechless.

(more…)