There are a gazillion reasons and articles written on this topic of which I am sure you have read a few…

HOWEVER – this article is written from a REALTOR® perspective.  After ten years of real estate buying and selling here are a few things I appreciate about having a REALTOR® involved in the process:

1. Market and Demographic Knowledge: “is this a good deal?” or “what’s the demographic like in this neighborhood/condo complex?” If you are new to either the market or the city having a REALTOR® at your disposal to navigate the unknown waters of value and demographics is a HUGE benefit and saves time to – as they are able to direct you in the right direction. Demographic knowledge plays a big role when advising on an area/community/condo for downsizers – or for those looking to buy their first condo/home and want to make sure they are buying into the ‘right’ neighborhood/complex.

2. Representation: when the deal is signed that’s when a REALTOR®’s work begins. If they want to get paid, they better make sure that they not only get any conditions/subject to’s satisfied, but  also ensure that the buyer closes on possession day. When you sell on your own – who ‘takes care’ of your buyer to ensure that they close and on time or at all?? I would gladly pay a REALTOR® to ensure my investment gets sold and closes on possession day.

3. Qualifying Buyers: if I were selling my house – I would only want qualified buyers to walk through the door – otherwise it’s a waste of my time and prep time for the showing. REALTOR®s qualify their buyers ahead of time. SO the folks coming through your door are the ones that can actually AFFORD your property. REALTOR®s also have access to awesome Mortgage Brokers that aid in the process of qualifying clients. When you sell on your own – how do you know if your buyer can qualify or afford your home when signing up the papers…oooh this is a recipe for despair…see the tidbit below 🙁

4. As a BUYER’S agent they are free to use! So why wouldn’t you use a REALTOR® when buying a home – in addition to the above – its FREE…and I’ll take anything that’s FREE 🙂

5. Assurance that the deal will get done. REALTOR®s have the knowledge and tools to get the job done. They are also only paid for results. So I know they are motivated to get the job done. They are the ones getting their clients into the homes/condos and making that happen. When you sell on your own – who is working on your behalf to get the buyers in the door? We have 3000 REALTOR®s in town that are all hungry for a pay cheque. They all have access to sell your property. Wow – do I need to go on? That one is a biggie – for sellers anyway. When you FISBO it (for sale by owner) you loose the ability to access a 3000 REALTOR network. Now why would you want to do that?

One other tidbit …

Did you know that if your buyer removes conditions and gives you an additional deposit cheque that does not clear (NSF) – and subsequently leaves for Timbuktu – YOU are hooped! You will be unable to sell it until after said possession day. Yeesh…another GOOD reason to have a REALTOR® on your side AND the buyers side too!

Did you learn something new in this post? Insightful from a REALTOR®  perspective? I hope so 🙂

Find out more about our  fanTABulous bunch of REALTOR®’s

Learn more about how the KENNEDY ADVANTAGE can get the job done for you!

Additional “AGENT 101” Articles…

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Jumping into the Market?

I was asked this question the other day via Twitter = thanks to Mike!

“what’s some good advice for a 25 yr old looking for his starter home!”

Here we go…

What to Buy: Duplex with rentable basement suite

Cost: $200,000 – $300,000

Plan to stay: 5yrs

Why: no condo fees, tenant pays your mortgage. It’s a flexible investment – because they are easy to buy and easy to sell. Tenants of duplexes tend to rent for longer periods – hence less turnover – less headache – or landlord ache 🙂

Build up enough capital in your home and when you are ready to buy your next place- simply rent out the top floor – use the income from the rental towards qualifying for your next place. This way you are building your investment portfolio along the way!

*Any investment is most beneficial if kept  for the long term. By starting off with an easy rentable, affordable property you stand the best chance of hanging on to it for the long haul.

Here’s the numbers for financing:

Purchase price: $250,000

5% down – mtg at 237,500

25 yr term, 3% rate = monthly mtg pmt = $889.15/month*

taxes = $150/month

Heat/Power = $150/month

Total = $1199.15

Rent: $1200**

* this does not take into account the CMHC fees – which could up your monthly payments by $50-$60

** this is the average rent for a decent condition and location 2bdrm unit. You may want to consider furnishing your unit – it will always garner a better rent.

Examples of such properties:

Duplexes in Edmonton

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles… 

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

Living In St. Albert

Owning a home in St. Albert or Edmonton allows you to put down roots, and become a part of a great community. When you rent, your neighbors come and go as quickly as leases change or the weather.  When you own a home you can develop many lifelong relationships with your neighbors, and  your family has room to expand and grow.

Living in St. Albert  you are part of a community that has many opportunities for countless memories for your family, including great school system, 70KM of walking trails, Mark Messier Arena in the state of the art Recreation Center, Lois Hole Enjoy Centre ,farmers market, Arden Theatre only to mention a few.

There is a certain pride that comes with owning your own home.  This piece of property is yours, the land is yours, you can plant your family roots, plant trees or even a garden.  This is your gem, and you can cultivate it to meet your character, your needs  and your wants.  Your GEM, Your HOME will be a lifetime of memories, friendships, good times and important milestones. Owning your own home not only allows you to take pride in ownership, but helps grow home value and  assets.

I would be pleased to help you find your next HOME!

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…

Now that winter has hit with a vengence where do we want to go.  On Vacation.  As we prepare for that sun seeking holiday, we must remember to look after our home and pets prior to boarding that plane.  In your excitement it is easy to forget or miss something that is important and needs to be attended to so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.  Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on things, make daily trips to your home, open and close the curtans, pick up mail, newspaper, and just make the home look like it is being lived in.  If you have a pet arrange for pet care or boarding.   It is a good idea to leave a radio on, this might make the would be home invader to rethink that the home is occupied. Have the snow shovelled while you are away. As you are leaving close and lock all the windows.  Unplug small kitchen appliances, larger electronics, like computer, TV, and remember to turn water off, especially in this cold weather. Nothing worse than coming home to a broken pipe.  For insurance you want your home checked every 24 to 48 hours at least.   Taking some of these small measures will mean a great relaxing vacation.

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…

Residents living in St. Albert often refer to St. Albert as a friendly, family oriented community.  This is supported by the many programs, services, and annual attractions  available to the residents of St. Albert.  Many of these include St. Albert Children’s Theatre, neighbourhood block parties, Outdoor Farmers Market, International Children’s Festival, numerous community and sports-related clubs  just to mention a few.  St. Albert is the sixth safest city in Canada and the safest city in the west.  St. Albert Placewhich is a  wonderful architecturally  designed building that houses many facilities for the residents and visitors of St. Albert is a wonder to explore.  Built along the south side of the Sturgeon River, with access to the Red Willow Trail and park area on both sides of the river,  you  get to explore the world of books at the Public Library  where you will find over 160,000 books, the  Arden Theatre where there are numerous year round performances, and the St. Albert Museum where so much of St. Albert’s history is recorded.   Visit the City’s website and find all you need to help make your decision to choose St. Albert as your new home.

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…

Utilizing the Clients’ Furnishings 

Type of Home: townhome

Owner Occupied

Staging: in house client furnishings, decluttering

What we accomplished: this was for all intense purposes a standard stock townhome. Our client used to work in the furniture business – hence all the nice items we had to work with. We had GREAT natural light to work with – which is always a bonus 🙂

We wanted to feature the items in a way that brought out the character of the home: warm and very very charming. Arrangements in three’s and taking simple shots of the accessories – enabled us to showcase this homes DESIGNER potential.

Sometimes its the simplest of pictures that says so much about charm and elegance…

And yet others can just put a smile on your face….

all the while making THIS property that much more memorable in the mind and eyes of the buyer…this one is now SOLD.

At Kennedy Real Estate we spend more time producing your home for sale. Staging with  props and accessories combined with professional stylized photos creates a winning SOLD combination. Helping YOUR home to stay ahead of the pack and on track to a SOLD success.

Give Us a call today and get your home into production for a SOLD!

Additional “Edmonton Home Stager” Articles…

Additional “Edmonton Realtor: KENNEDY Real Estate” Articles…

Jennifer Kennedy
Broker | Owner

KENNEDY Real Estate
Your Edmonton REALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

I just couldn’t resist posting…one for your smile file

I had the pleasure and time to do my last minute shopping in St. Albert  today and it was so nice to be able to have a short drive to any of my destinations.  I was able to reflect on the awesome year we are closing another door on, and look forward to the New Year just a few days away.  What surprises does 2012 have in store for us.  There were so many people out there shopping for family and friends, and I can honestly say that everyone that I met or ran into, (even if it was intentional)  I was shopping and was so sure it my sister-in-law  shopping, that I had to bump her cart with mine.  Was I shocked when she looked up and instead of my sister-in-law (who is an awesome gal) it was a different awesome lady shopping  and we had a great laugh, wished each other  a Merry Christmas and then went on  our separate ways.  This is what  St. Albert  is all about, wonderful friendly people  all over the city, no matter where you are.  We have a wonderful  diverse group of people who live and work  in St. Albert, or those who visit or shop on a regular basis.  St. Albert has everything to offer, you need not go any further to shop, enjoy a meal, enjoy those extra circular activities or find that perfect home.  St. Albert, your one stop shop.

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…

There is no place like Home for The Holidays.  Some of us can’t wait for family and friends to be home for the holidays, and some of us are looking for that perfect home for the holidays.  It doesn’t matter but there is no place like HOME.  Everywhere you look in St. Albert it is festive and getting in the Christmas Spirit.  The downtown is  lite up and so inviting, and enjoyed by all,  residents of St. Albert,  those who are  visiting, or  those who are looking at making St. Albert their home. Last week I had visitors who were prior residents of St. Albert, driving them around to a few of our local stores that they miss so much, their comment was, St. Albert is such a beautiful, wonderful  city.  I had the pleasure of driving on a Crescent in Grandin, and it was wonderful to see so many homes decorated and looking so festive.  To own a home in Grandin Park or anywhere in St. Albert gives you so much comfort and peace of mind.  There are so many homes in St. Albert, that no matter what your preference is, there is one for you.

www.liveinstalbert.com

Additional “Anna’s Advice” Articles…