How To Buy Real Estate And Save Yourself Some Money!

Hire a professional inspector to closely inspect the home before you buy it. Have an inspection done that includes a room-by-room review, the exterior home components, electrical systems, foundation inside and out, furnace and air conditioning units, plumbing and any crawl spaces, and the attic. This will enable you to know if there are any major or minor problems with the house prior to purchase.

Don’t make an offer on the first home you see. Even if you think you have found your dream home on the first visit, take the time to really look around before committing. Look at other homes in the area and really get to know the neighborhood. Buying a home is a big commitment, and one that should not be rushed into.

Don’t forget about extra home costs in addition to buying your home. You know about mortgage, taxes and utilities, but don’t forget about household repairs. Plumbing, appliances, roofing and general wear and tear are costs to be calculated. If you do not have money saved for these bills, then you may not be ready to buy a house.

When you are looking to invest in a new property, do not take the process lightly. Buying a home is a huge investment that you will likely be spending much time on.

If it is possible for you to do so, try to get a home in the suburbs. In most area’s, purchasing a home outside of the city can reduce the price of the home. Also, the cost of living in a city can be higher than it is in suburban location.

If you are looking to buy a home, it is advised that you get an agent that represents you and you alone. It does not save you money to use the seller’s agent, they were not hired to help you in the process and have a financial allegiance towards the seller. Take the time to find someone that will fight for what you want.

By now you have read and absorbed a lot of information. After you pick out those tips that apply to your situation, you can proceed with new confidence towards buying your new home. With the help of a real estate professional, you can secure that perfect location.

At We Sell Realty we specialize in buying and selling homes in the Okotoks and Calgary Real Estate market. If you are looking for a Condo, Single Family Home or an Acreage we have an experienced professional available to help you. Our Realtors are based in Okotoks but we also have offices in the NW and SE of Calgary.

Please contact Samantha Clement or Pollyanna Stokes for further information, their contact information can be found by clicking on this Link Contact

When you are in the process of buying a home, you may feel stressed out or overwhelmed or you may be having a hard time finding the perfect home. The following article will hopefully empower you with some useful home buying tips.

The first step is hiring your own people. Don’t share the seller’s agent, inspector or appraiser. Because they were hired by the seller, it’s an obvious conflict of interest and besides, you wouldn’t be doing yourself any favors as they have a fiduciary tie to the seller.

When it is time to make an offer on a home that you want to purchase, be sure to include in your offer that you want a home inspection to determine if the house is in good shape or needs costly repair work. A home inspector will point out potential problems that will be important in your decision to pursue the purchase of the home.

After your offer is accepted make you get a professional home inspector that you can trust. You can’t think of everything you need to inspect the home yourself  and your judgment will be clouded by the many other things that are happening. Make sure your home inspector is a licensed and experienced professional.

When buying real estate be aware that a 20 year old house is potentially the worst because so many components do not last longer than that. You will want to check to make sure the furnace, roof, and air conditioner have already been replaced or know that you will be replacing them soon out of your pocket.

In most circumstances buying a home is actually a better choice than renting one. Sometimes paying a monthly mortgage is cheaper than having to pay rent anymore. Plus, when you own a home, you are free to make any changes you want to it, unlike renting one.

Be aware that purchasing a home is not usually a quick process, most transactions take 6 to 10 weeks to go through although I have done them in 2 weeks in the past. You have to have patience for homeowners to make repairs, and for proper documents to be signed. If time is of the essence for you, try to avoid homes that are foreclosures or short sales.

When selling or purchasing a home, you should also be prepared to compromise. You may not receive everything that you want. Both you and the seller or purchaser, may have to give a little bit. You should try to focus on your top priorities and stick to them. Avoid letting your emotions get the best of you.

Always go for homes with multiple bathrooms, as opposed to multiple bedrooms, if the price is right. If you ever do need the extra room, constructing another room in or onto the home, is a lot cheaper and easier than running more plumbing and creating another bathroom. We’re talking, tens of thousands of dollars and months of labor, for a bathroom.

Buying a house can be a great investment, houses are expected to appreciate in value as a general rule. If you are currently considering buying or selling a home in the Okotoks or Calgary Real Estate market Samantha Clement and her team would like to help. Samantha is an Okotoks based Realtor who really enjoys helping her clients buy and sell homes. Please view our Website to see how we can help you.

Interior Design: Do It The Right Way

Whether you have just bought a new home, or you have been living in your home for years, you can probably benefit from some design pointers. Interior design does not have to be difficult. With just a few simple ideas, you can make your house a more pleasant and more attractive place to live.

When you are putting window treatments in your living room you should always buy them long enough to brush or hang on the floor. Something that people often do is to hang curtains that are too short and do not reach the ground. Your room will end up looking out of whack.

If your bathroom lacks windows, make sure to implement some moisture extracting methods into your design. This is important to avoid the buildup of mold and mildew in your space. Fans and dehumidifiers work well for this purpose. Consult with a professional contractor if you have questions or do not understand the best methods for your space.

Learn how to paint a wall before painting a wall. That may sound like common sense, but if you are not aware of the quality of your paint, how to apply it properly, and how much you need, you could make a mess or lose a lot of money. Try going to a home improvement store for some pointers on techniques and types of paint.

One of the best ways to decorate is to use plenty of color around the room. If you are not ready to paint your walls a bright and funky color you can try to incorporate some bright accessories. A few bright candles and art work can do wonders when you are trying to brighten up a room.

Add flowers to any room. If you are looking for a cost effective way to perk up just about any room in your home, bring in some flowers. Either gather flowers from your own garden or pick some up, place them in a nice vase and place them on a night stand, book shelf or end table.

Have a theme in mind. Is there a specific color scheme you rather enjoy? Do you have a fondness for retro furniture? Deciding on a theme before you even begin your planning phase can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure you know what you’re going for before you start planning for it.

Do you work from home? If so you might want to think about the colors you use so you can minimize distractions in that area. Blue and green are the best colors to paint the walls because they have calming properties, this will minimize your stress and lessen distractions while you are working.

When redesigning a room, work to make the color scheme in the room cohesive. Having a wide variety of clashing colors will create an unpleasant feeling, and having a dull, bland palette will do the same. Use both bold and neutral colors, and work to integrate them together to create a more pleasing space.

Try to add a rug to as many rooms in your house as you can. Rugs can enliven the atmosphere in the room and complete the overall look. Also, they can last for a long time and can cover parts of the hardwood that you do not see fit for the room.

After reading this article, you should have learned some great tips and techniques for interior design. By putting these ideas into action, you can start transforming your home into an elegant and attractive showplace for your particular sense of style. Before long, your home will be the talk of the neighborhood.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Calgary or Okotoks please give Samantha a call 403.605.7200 or contact us via our website.

Okotoks Alberta Real Estate

There are a variety of reasons that makes living in Okotoks so unique. Situated on the Sheep River, the town of Okotoks is a rapidly growing community just 18 km South of Calgary. A lot of people who work in Calgary choose to live in Okotoks where they can enjoy the sense of open spaces with the quiet and peaceful pace of small town life. Calgary is only a quick 15 minute drive away.

Okotoks boasts many opportunities in employment, education, transportation and leisure. Okotoks is currently the second fastest growing community in Canada.

Alberta Venture Magazine’s stated the Town of Okotoks among the “Top 5 Communities to Watch,” and was recognized as one of the province’s top ten Communities for Business enterprise.

Okotoks Homes & Condominiums

Real Estate in Okotoks is vibrant plus the community continues to experience exceptional growth which means there has never been a better time to invest in the Okotoks housing market.

The town has become extremely popular over the past 10 years and it has plenty to offer its residents. Because the people of Okotoks have been so  careful in planning the new communities,  you will find it’s a really great place to raise a family.

There are many housing designs to accommodate every taste including town homes, villas, condo’s, single family homes, homes on mature lots and luxurious homes. Okotoks also offers some exquisite properties that take full advantage of the stunning scenery, private airfield, golf course’s and Lake.

The town has also gained a reputation for developing clever energy-efficient homes. Okotoks boasts North America’s first ever solar-powered neighborhood. The area consists of fifty-two homes and each home is heated and run by 800 residential solar panels. The solar panels accumulate solar energy throughout the summer and store it below ground for retrieval in the winter season.

Okotoks Communities

Okotoks real estate is spread between a mixed group of communities which range from million dollar luxurious homes to inviting bungalows or single family homes. Furthermore, you’ll also discover one of a kind areas to accommodate individual needs such as Drake Landing Solar Community, Air Ranch which was designed to house not only your car and truck, but also your private plane or helicopter. Here is a guide to some of the communities in Okotoks.

Air Ranch

The first private air park in Canada, Air Ranch includes a 3,100 feet runway situated on 32 acres of natural space. The executive homes have large lots and individual designs. Created in 2005, Air Ranch is definitely an high end community based around a private airstrip . For anyone living there, there’s direct access to the airplane hangars and airport runway.

Crystal Ridge

Residents benefit from wonderful views within this neighborhood located on the North end of the Town. You’ll enjoy a wonderful exclusive lake, beach and beach house. A number of the desirable properties within this community back on to Crystal Ridge Golf Course or the lake itself. The lake is a superb location to spend a warm afternoon swimming or during the winter season ice skating or ice fishing. If you enjoy fishing the lake is fully stocked with Trout, some of which are quite large. You will find protected picnic spots, beach volleyball, fire pits and barbecues. Free of charge fire wood is supplied for your enjoyment.

 Cimarron

This Tristar designed neighborhood features properties for every lifestyle, ranging from homes for first time buyers to breathtaking custom builds. The community of Cimarron extends over more than 640 acres. The area provides a warm and friendly environment with no shortage of amenities all within easy walking distance including parks, recreation, schools and shopping. Cimarron is located near to the Sheep River, the riverside trails provide a excellent opportunity for cycling, walking or running. The area called Cimarron Country Estates provides executive style living with amazing views. Cimarron is conveniently located close to local schools, including Foothills Composite High School, John Paul II and St Mary’s.

 Drake Landing Solar Community

Wanting to reduce your energy bills? Then the Drake Landing Solar Community could be the location for you. The first of its kind in Canada and America, the community is heated by a process created to store solar power below ground during the summer months and then utilize the energy throughout the winter season to heat the homes. The system is fulfilling 90% of each homes heating demands from solar power which lowers heating expenses and also the carbon footprint.

Hunters Glen

Located near to the Sheep River, Hunters Glen is situated in a peaceful location and the properties have the added benefit  of mature lots. The area took more than ten years to develop and the first homes were built in 1982. The area is extremely well established and a number of the homes face the Sheep River Valley. A number of the homes are located within cul-de-sacs  which makes it a very quiet neighborhood. Hunters Glen is also in close proximity to Big Rock Elementary and the Foothills High school.

 Rosemount &Crescent Heights

Rosemount began development in 1970 and was completed in 1982. It is one of the towns oldest communities. The residents get pleasure from mature trees and shrubs plus the homes have huge lots. The neighborhood is near to Percy Pegler Elementary School, Okotoks Junior High School, and the Recreational Center.

Sandstone Point

These luxury homes are complemented by breathtaking mountain views and the homes are located on a hill overlooking  the old town. The neighborhood comprises of a number of small cul-de-sacs which tends to make it feel very tranquil and private. You can often see Deer feeding on the grass banks near Sandstone Point.

 Sheep River Ridge

Sheep River Ridge is situated near to the banks of the Sheep River. This area has a number of high end houses backing on to green spaces. For those who get pleasure from walking the river’s edge features a popular and beautiful walking trail. If you’re looking to live in an urban area environment but want the sense of living in a rural location this neighborhood might be for you. It’s also near to Big Rock Elementary School and Two high schools.

Suntree Heights & Village

This is another old community, many of the homes here have established trees and shrubs and larger lots. The neighborhood is situated in the North West side of the town giving some of the residents mountain views.  Suntree is close to the Good Shepherd School, Percy Pegler School and Okotoks Junior High School.

Tower Hill

Developed in 1980 this is another well established, desirable neighborhood to live in. Ideally located near to three schools and also the Okotoks Recreation Center, Tower Hill homes are a perfect place for active and busy families.

Westmount

The south west community of Westmount offers a variety of single family homes, townhouses and villa style condos. Many homes in Westmount enjoy unobstructed views of the mountains and prairies. There are many trails, parks and open spaces and a newly opened school.

Westridge

Westridge is a very popular Okotoks community. Many of the homes were built from the 1990′s to the late 2000′s. The newest subdivision is locally known as ‘The Hill’. Many properties enjoy over sized lots, valley views and lots of green space. This area is uniquely styled and has something for everyone including high end condominiums and executive homes.

Woodhaven

Woodhaven is an area made up of older homes with mature yards and well established trees, the neighborhood was developed from the late 70′s to the early 90′s and is close to the Sheep River Camp Ground and pathways. Walking to the local Schools and shops is very easy from Woodhaven.

Okotoks Recreation & Amenities

During the summertime, it’s common to see locals river tubing or sport fishing along the banks of the Sheep River. The town is extremely proud of its  walking cycling and jogging trails which snake throughout the town covering more than 40km’s. Okotoks has over 90 parks and playgrounds, 12 soccer fields, 7 tennis courts, 11 ball diamonds, BMX track, free outdoor gym and track and field facilities.

The Okotoks Recreation Center offers two ice skating arenas, a swimming pool, fitness room, sauna and curling rink. The Recreation Center is also home to the Okotoks Pro Rodeo and annual Classic Car Auction.

The Centennial Center is a mulch-cultural complex comprised of a seniors’ center, youth area and conference rooms. There’s a protected terrace, commercial cooking area, along with a 10,000-square-foot hall which can be split into smaller halls.

Shopping

Okotoks has a large assortment of local shops located in various quadrants of the town. You will find many big stores such as Costco, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Sobeys, Safeway’s, Staples, Reitman’s, M&M Meats, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Source, Hallmark, Marks and many more. If you prefer the smaller more quirky shops, be sure to visit the Old Town shopping district on Elizabeth Street.

Dining

If all that shopping makes you hungry Okotoks also has plenty of great places to eat including, Blackstones, Rickys, KFC, Taco Time, Vietnamese, Chinese, Original Joes, Rylie’s Cattlebarn, Kebab’s, Opa, Two Tim Hortons, Extreme Pita, A&W, Dairy Queen, Macdonalds, Coras, two Indian Restaurants, Tom’s House of Pizza, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Heartland Cafe, Divine, Bistro Provence, Mikes Steak House and many more places to eat.

 Schools

The schools in Okotoks are governed by the Foothills School Division and The Christ the Redeemer Catholic School  board. The schools are conveniently located in the North and South of the Town and a bus service is provided by Southland Transportation.

Nursery & Kindergarten

• Dr Morris Gibson Kindergarten
• Percy Pegler Kindergarten
• Big Rock Kindergarten
• Serendipity Pre-Kindergarten
• Sunshine Nursery School

Catholic Schools

• Good Shepherd Kindergarten & Elementary
• St Marys Kindergarten& Elementary
• John Paul II
• Holy Trinity Academy High School

Public Schools

• Okotoks Junior High
• Dr Morris Gibson
• Percy Pegler School
• Big Rock School
• Alberta High School of Fine Arts & Foothills
• Composite High School
• Westmount School  (newly opened in Sep 2012)

Private Schools

• Edison School
• Strathcona Tweedsmuir School

Golfing

For those of you who enjoy a round of golf Okotoks has three golf courses.

• Crystal Ridge
• D’Arcy Ranch
• River’s Edge Golf Club

Crystal Ridge opened in August 2004 and is a 9 hole, 3125 yard, par 35 course. This is an excellent 9 hole course featuring water obstacles on every hole. The clubhouse has two amazing restaurants and fantastic views.

D’Arcy Ranch 18 hole Golf Course is among the most unique courses in Western Canada with spectacular mountain views. This course has been kept in a natural condition which gives both beginners and experts  an exciting and challenging game of golf.

The River’s Edge Golf Club is a 18 hole golf course which has a grass tee driving range, Pro Shop, Licensed Clubhouse and Eatery. The north side of the golf course features the brand new 9 holes.

If you’re thinking of buying a home in Okotoks, please take the time to search for properties using our website or pick up the phone and talk to a Realtor who is passionate about the Town she lives in.  Samantha Clement can help you find homes for sale in Okotoks and Calgary Tel 403 605 7200

Sales gain momentum in the first three quarters of 2011

Calgary, October 3, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continued to gain momentum in Calgary this year, totaling 14,832 after the first three quarters, a seven per cent per cent rise over last year.

“Despite recent turmoil in the global economy, Calgarians are showing confidence in the long term prospects for the city and are taking advantage of affordable and stable home prices,” says Bob Jablonski, president-elect of CREB®.

“Undoubtedly, there are a lot of unknowns in the world’s current financial situation, but Calgary and Alberta may be relatively safe havens amidst this uncertainty. Granted, gains in the housing market have been very gradual—but we are seeing signs of improvement. Our province’s growth is expected to outperform the national average, and this will help buoy consumer confidence in Calgary and Alberta.”

Single family home sales totaled 1,036 for the month of September, 2011, an eight per cent increase over last September. Year-to-date sales totaled 10,518 units a 10 per cent increase over last year. Monthly gains in listings brings inventory to 4,753 units, a level still lower than the previous year.

“Clearly there is a market for well priced listings. In particular, we are seeing strength in detached single family home sales. Relative affordability in this market has meant these homes are selling faster than condominiums and townhouses,” says Jablonski.

“And single family homes are selling closer to asking price—suggesting that homes will move in this market, when priced right,” added Jablonski.

The average price of single family homes for the month of September, 2011 was $466,167, while the median price was $400,000. Jablonski indicated that while prices have marginally improved compared to September 2010 figures, on a year-to-date bases both the average price and median price have remained relatively stable.

After the first three quarters of this year, condominium sales totaled 4,314, a two per cent rise over the same period last year. “While the increase is modest, it is a move in the right direction,” noted Jablonski, adding that a boost in condominium sales, along with a lower number of listings is helping to tighten this market. At the end of September, 2011, condominium inventories totaled 2,008 units compared to 2,204 units recorded in September 2010.

Average condominium prices reached $299,508 in September, 2011, appearing to record a significant increase. However, the increase in price is not caused by a general price rise, but has been pushed up by a $4 million plus sale. In fact, both the median price of $260,000 and the year-to-date figures continue to trend lower than figures recorded last year.

“The recent news of financial turmoil may be a shot across the bow for the world economy, but Calgary and Alberta are relatively safe harbours in the storm,” concludes Jablonski.

“Calgary continues to add full-time jobs to the economy, and migration is moving in the right direction. These are positive factors that will give momentum to our housing market and give wind to the sails of Calgary’s economy.”

The last couple of weeks have been very busy in the real estate market, we have  helped a number of our clients buy and sell homes and we now need more properties to sell.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in the Okotoks / Calgary or the surrounding area’s we would like to help. Nice home’s are selling quickly and we have active buyers looking for their dream home.

Please visit our website or contact Sam or Jason for more information at info@clementeam.com.

A guide to home inspections by the Clement Team, we are redefining service in Okotoks and Calgary real estate.

A home inspection is a consulting service that can help inform would-be home buyers.  It can help safeguard you when you make one of the largest financial investments of your lifetime.  Property inspections grew to become part of the real estate property buying process in the middle of the 1970′s.  Client requirement for home inspections has expanded continuously ever since then.  There are actually now about 25,000 property inspectors in Canada and America and roughly 75% of the 5-million reselling properties in Canada and America are inspected!  A property inspection consists of an evaluation of the condition of the home’s heating system, central air cooling, domestic plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, loft, flooring, foundation and structure.

Some people confuse home inspections with appraisals.  A property appraisal is a formal procedure for estimating a property’s value because it pertains to a home financing loan or mortgage loan insurance policy.  An appraisal will not make a list of defects or indicate possible problems in the house.

A normal property inspection will take 2-3 hours based on the size of the property.  During this time, a property inspector can extensively examine the house, supply you with a comprehensive property inspection report and answer any queries you might have.

The aim of a property inspection would be to “inform the purchaser on the condition of the property.  Once the building inspection procedure is complete, the client really should have a very clear comprehension of the property, its components and their condition.  With this particular understanding, sensible decisions can be made by the buyer regarding repairs, replacement and routine maintenance.

A general property inspection carried out prior to listing or selling the property can provide existing homeowners an idea of repair items to correct.  A pre-listing examination can also help encourage assurance in potential prospective buyers relating to the condition of the property minimizing time invested in contract negotiation due to the fact a third party, independent inspector has inspected the property.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Okotoks or Calgary and you want to know more about home inspections please give us a call. The Clement Team would like to help you with all your real estate needs.

Okotoks Condo

Are you looking for a nice 2 bedroom Condo in Okotoks ? This Condo is in building 4 which means you are at the very end of the complex making it nice and quiet as no vehicles drive past you. The Condo has a nice South facing  balcony and is very close to all the included facilities:-  gym, hot tub, steam room, pool tables and meeting area. The Condo has under ground heated parking and lake access. This property must be seen if you are considering a new home in Okotoks. First time buyers please contact us to see how we can help with the costs of buying a new home. Thanks for looking The Clement Team

MLS: C3464597
Asking Price: 224,900 Listing Date: 2011-03-07 Address: # 4202 92 CRYSTAL SHORES RD City: Foothills Neighbourhood: Crystal Shores Type: Lowrise Apartment Style: Single Level Apartment Status: Active
The 4th building is tucked away at the end of this wonderful complex. The 2nd floor unit has a SOUTH facing BALCONY and steps away from the well equiped amenities building. With 2 TITLED parking, one UNDERGROUND, this move in ready, spacious home has a great feel to it. An excellent floor plan, this home offers a den area (extra storage or office area maybe). In-suite laundry (very practical), plenty of storage closets, a brilliant sized second bedroom which has a convienent 3 piece second bathroom!!! The living room has a cozy corner fireplace, with tile surround and maple mantle. Plenty of space for all your furniture and a great eating area as well. The kitchen is well equiped, with a stylish tiled backsplash, great appliances and a breakfast bar area. The MASTER SUITE has a welcomed ceiling fan, double closets with sliding doors, and a 4 piece en-suite. The AMENITIES building includes a FITNESS area, SAUNA and STEAM ROOM, and lots more. LAKE Privileges AND easy access to CALGARY -VIEW NOW!!
Rooms
Total Bedrooms:	2	Full Bathroom:	2
Rooms Above:	6	Half Bathroom:	0
Bedrooms Above:	2	Total Rooms:	0
Property
Size:	860 sq. ft.	Basement:	None
Age:	6 years	Basement Dev:
Parking:	Parkade,Stall,Heated	Roof:	Asphalt Shingles
Fireplace:		Exterior:	Stucco
Flooring:	Carpet,Linoleum
Lot Size:		Lot Description:
Frontage:		Depth:
Zoning:		Location:	Okotoks
Financial & Possession
Tax:	1360 (2010)	Monthly Fee:	318
Casth to Mrtg.:		Possession:	30 days,negotiable
Additional
Features:	Balcony,Ceiling 9 ft.,Closet Organizers,No Smoking Home,Sprinkler System-Fire
Includes:	Dryer,Drapes/Curtains,Dishwasher-Built-In,Fan-Ceiling,Intercom,Oven-Microwave,Refrigerator,Stove-Electric,Washer,Garage Opener-1 Control
Site Influences:	Golf Nearby,Level Land,Schools
Amenities:	Club House,Car Wash,Exercise Room,Elevator Passenger,Fireplaces,Intercom,Lake Privileges,Laundry-In-Suite,Parking-Visitor,Parking-Plug-Ins,Recreation Room/Centre,Sauna,Steam Room
Agent
Listing Agent:	Sam Clement
Listing Office:	REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS INC.