An area home buyers often forget to budget for is closing costs. Whether you're selling or buying real estate in Calgary, there will be certain costs associated with the finalization of the transaction that you should be prepared for. This is a brief rundown, and just a guideline, your REALTOR® or broker can provide you with more exact numbers.

For Buyers:

  • Costs can range from 1.5 to 5% of total purchase price, excluding sown payment. For example, a purchase price of $250,000 would yield:
  • Inspections: $400-$500

  • Mortgage application (could be waived) $200-$400

  • Mortgage insurance $2000

  • Legal fees $900+

  • GST (for new homes only) - varies

  • Home and content insurance $450 

  • Moving and/or storage $500

For Sellers:

  • …

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Should you buy a brand new home that you can customize, or choose a resale one that's move-in ready? Both options present advantages, and there is no right answer, it's totally up to the buyer.

Not sure if you should buy a new build or a resale home? The decision isn’t always simple or obvious. That’s because it’s more than a dollars-and-cents debate, it’s a choice between lifestyles. Some people love the clean lines of a modern space while others fall in love with architectural embellishments of older homes. To help you decides answer these six simple questions. [Money Sense]


We've outlined a couple benefits of each:

Buying New

  • Personalized home: with new homes you can choose the colours, fixtures and upgrades such as lighting and…

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Edenwold Heights, Edgemont
Arriva Calgary Condos

Perched atop of Edgemont and Nose Hill Park is the 252 suite condo complex known as Edgecliff Estates. Built in the early 1990s of wood-frame construction, the complex was always designed for young buyers who wanted to leave their parents’ home and still be close to the University of Calgary and SAIT.

The 9 building, 3 storey complex is completely a walk-up (no elevator), so unless you’re on the main floor, you’ll be carrying your groceries and asking your friends to help you move. The size of the condos vary from 1 bedroom units at 700 square feet to 2 bedrooms nearing 1000 square feet.  The South facing units of Buildings 1 and 2 boast some spectacular views of downtown Calgary and the Mountains. They rarely come up for…

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May is BBQ Month, and with promise, the weather will return to sunny, favourable conditions soon. Now is the perfect time to get your patio or deck ready for sun and grilling with family and friends!

Here's some quick tips for cleaning your patio:

For Wood Patios:

  • Clean off debris from your deck
  • Inspect for damages: loose boards, nails or rough spots
  • Replace boards if necessary
  • Replace or fix protruding nails
  • Smooth/sand out any rough spots (may need to repaint or restain these spots)
  • Use a deck cleaner (available at hardware stores, ask about the best type for your material)
  • Wear protection when using the cleaner, and hose off patio with water after 20 minutes

For Concrete Patios:

  • Check for weeds that tend to…

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The suburbs are still the number one choice for Calgarians choosing to buy (according to the 2014 City of Calgary census), and if you've never considered living in the suburbs, they have a lot to offer. There are some common misconceptions about living the suburbs that may be holding you back, and we're going to dispell them right now.

  • The suburbs are too far from everything: this couldn't be farther from the truth in Calgary. Calgary's suburb communities are self-sustaining neighbourhoods which all have easy access to major roadways and transportation options. Almost every suburb community in Calgary is within a 20-minute drive to downtown.
  • There's no amenities: again, each suburb community in Calgary is self-sustaining. There are plenty of…

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650 - 10 Street SW
Arriva Calgary Condos

The Axxis is a 25 storey building in the Downtown West End part of the core.  Built in 2000, the Axxis offered high quality views bundled with ordinary finishes and affordable prices. These days the Axxis sits in the middle of many high-rises but hasn’t lost its charm or affordability.  View units for sale in Axxis here.  Some of the units have updated the original maple cabinets and the white appliances but the prices are still about $400-450 per square foot. All of the 156 units in the building offer 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with most of the floor plans having the living space separating the bedrooms. There is an owner’s lounge on the main floor as well as an updated gym right next to it.

These days there is renewed interest in…

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The small Northwest community of MacEwan Glen is located at the North end of Nose Hill Park. This mature established neighbourhood consists mainly of single detached homes with a scattering of townhome & half-duplexes. It is located in the Sandstone Valley and is neighbors to it's sister community of Sandstone. Residents have plenty of recreation opportunies at Nosehill Park, one of Canada's largest municipal reserves.

RECREATION

MacEwan Glen a charming area closely linked to the outdoors, with a number of parks and walking paths winding their way throughout the community, linking to Nose Hill Park at its South border. Stoney and Deerfoot Trails are closeby too, so everything from golf courses, the airport and recreational facilities are in easy…

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Sherwood is one of the newer communities in the rapidly developing Symon's Valley region in Northwest Calgary. Dotted with parks and playing fields, this award-winning neighbourhood boasts wonderful views of rolling countryside and ravines. With its location close to major highways, Sherwood is an ideal community to call home.

RECREATION

The Sherwood community is conveniently located close to Nolan Hill, Kincora, and The Hamptons. Residents will enjoy the close proximity to a variety of green spaces, including the beautiful Golf Course of The Hamptons.

SCHOOLS

  • Sherwood Public Schools: Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
  • Sherwood Separate Schools: Catholic Separate School Board
  • Sherwood French Immersion Schools: Calgary Board of…

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It's patio season—that time of year when your backyard becomes another living space. A lot of people will be building decks this over the next few months, so here are some helpful tips we came across to help you pick the right materials for the job.

Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a pro, the key to success is factoring in all the critical design issues, picking the right material for your budget, climate, and lifestyle, and building a structure that will stand the test of time. [This Old House]


CHOOSING THE WOOD 

  • Cedar resists moisture, rot and insect infestations.
  • Douglas fir is very strong, and handles to power tools well. It is also decay, mold and insect repellant.
  • Redwood is easy to work with, naturally…

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Varsity Estates Circle NW
The Groves of Varsity

Tucked into the well established community of Varsity, The Groves of Varsity offers luxurious maintenance free living in a concrete and steel high-rise.   Named the #1 Calgary Neighbourhood by Avenue Magazine in 2012, many residents of Varsity Acres, Varsity Estates and Varsity Village have chosen The Groves for their retirement years, allowing them to stay in the vibrant community they love so dearly.

The area features a variety of amenities including Market Mall, stylish shops and restaurants at Dalhousie Station, and easy access to buses and the CTrain.  Those who live an active lifestyle appreciate the bike lanes and quick access to the Bow River Pathway.  Varsity is also home to the prestigious Silver Springs Golf and…

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