A month ago, my husband Roberto approached me with the idea of wanting to do something in the face of the tragedy of the Russia and Ukrainian war—navigating what we could do as a family and how we could best help those truly in need. 

While neither my husband nor I am of Ukrainian descent, imagining what these families were enduring was unimaginable to us.  Roberto remembers the hardships of coming to Canada as a young boy, what it was like to learn a new culture, a new life and let go of his previously known life. For me, a lot of my family resides in Finland, and knowing how close they are to the wrath of Russia is definitely scary too… 

We recently moved into a new home with a lot more space (transitioned from a 2 bedroom condo) and so decided to explore the journey of hosting a family. We connected with a group on Facebook and started discussions with one of the organizers. They have a long list of people waiting to find family partners. After getting to know our family through a couple of conversations, they recommended 3 family profiles to us and we had the opportunity to chat with them via video with the help of a translator. Scheduling between different time zones was tricky, but within a few days we were able to chat with the husband of the family we ended up choosing to host. Overall it was a really, really fast experience, from connecting to them, to flying here was less than 3 weeks in total. We are now a week in and learning a huge amount as well.  Below is some advice that we are learning first hand with our family – week one: 

1. Not every family will be the right family for you and that is okay. 

We really had to consider what type of family we were comfortable housing. How many people? Is it a single mom and kids, or an entire family? How many children and what ages would fit well with our family? How can we best help them navigate the things they need to both live and thrive here in Edmonton? How long would they be with us? Do they have pets? Do they speak much English?

Each of these questions would be different for everyone. One of the toughest for us was whether we wanted children the same age as our boys (3 and 6) or a different complimentary age/gender. Another one was understanding what supports were in place to assist the family when it comes to finding employment in Canada. In truth, we are still navigating this one. 

In the end, the right fit ended up being more people than we originally expected, a family of 5 – 3 girls (8,11 and 13) and their mom and dad. 

1. We Need To Communicate Somehow

Seriously, google translate is such a lifesaver for us. Our guests are slowly learning English but for the most part, we have relied heavily on Google Translator to connect. Sometimes it feels like we are playing a game of charades but overall the apps have greatly improved how we can communicate on a daily basis. Something we didn’t realize or consider was what language we were needing to translate. The dad was raised mostly speaking Russian, while the mom and girls do know Ukrainian too. In fact, ⅓ of the Ukrainian’s native language has been Russian, however, due to the war, this appears to have caused some conflict and many are trying to distance themselves from speaking Russian due to this. That being said, ultimately getting clarity of communication is most important and whether we speak/translate in English, Ukrainian or Russian, for us it doesn’t matter. We just wanted to ensure we could understand each other best. 

1. There are many steps to get started here in Canada – be patient and take one step at a time

There were so many things we needed to organize for our guests, beyond the physical space. 

• Arriving At The Airport: If you can, it is best to organize transportation from the airport to your home. Many people that arrive will have limited funds for getting from point A to point B, so it is important to be mindful of this. When you get to the Edmonton International Airport, there is a booth set up with information for Ukrainian travellers pertaining to some of the items that need to be done. The good news is that this information is available in both English and Ukrainian. The Red Cross presently is set up there too but only open from 3 pm – 8 pm. The red cross has some handouts, but may vary – our guests received some gift cards to Save on Foods. 
• Getting their SIN Cards: While you can mail in your SIN card application, we decided to visit Service Canada and walk in. It did take a couple of hours, but it was worth it to get it done quicker. We went to the West End Service Canada location, here in Edmonton as we knew downtown would have much longer wait times. 
• Getting A Bank Card: We decided to go with Servus, as it seems like they were offering the most value for Ukrainian refugees. This was recommended to us by another Ukrainian refugee who has been a great help in helping us better understand the culture. Presently for opening a bank account, a Ukrainian refugee gets $250.00 cash back, 24 months of no bank fees and a MasterCard with $1500 worth of credit. 
• Applying For Alberta Health Care – Simply fill out the form from AHS and drop it off at any Alberta registry, however, do note that there is about a 2 month lag in processing time due to high volumes. 
• Getting A SIM Card For Their Phones: Phone packages in Canada, again a higher fee than most would expect. The red cross at one point was giving free SIM cards from Roger’s Chatr, but these have been long gone in Edmonton for months. We ended up finding a fairly good rate through Fido as it allowed them to be on a month-to-month with high data (20 GBs) and no credit check. People have also expressed Bell has some good options too. 
• Getting A Bus Pass: Edmonton Bus passes for Ukrainian refugees are significantly reduced, but the cost of it will still most likely come as a surprise as many of our basic costs are higher than what our families have experienced in their home country or other parts of Europe. Compared to our normal bus pass fee of $100.00, it is $35.00 and includes a leisure pass. You can read more here. 
• Applying For Finanacial Aid: The government of Canada has a one time financial assistance program that is a non-taxable benefit. Each person 18+ can receive $3000 and each dependent child $1500.  

There are still more things we are researching and working on, so stay tuned for more updates on this. 

4. There are some unique resources set up for Ukrainians:

• Ukrainian Free Store: There is a Pop-up Ukrainian free store downtown open Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can find toiletries, clothes and other items your guest family may want and need. They are also seeking donations and most in need of basic necessities – shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, socks, underwear and shoes. 
• Children’s Summer Camps: We are still exploring this, but some are offering the experiences at no-cost to Ukrainian refugee children. Check out Camp Bar-v-nok and Camp Oselia
• Useful Facebook Groups: I’m looking on some of the Facebook pages to see if I can find additional information that would be helpful to the family we are hosting. 

5. They Really Become An Extension of Your Family

While we have been helping our guest family navigate many of these things mentioned, they have also blessed us more than we would have ever imagined. Within the first few days, we had heavy rain that resulted in our water wells filling up. They were there helping us reduce the water and even helping us clean out our gutters to avoid further issues. We have enjoyed many home-cooked meals and have extra hands around the house to visit with, play with our boys and aid in the day-to-day. 

They have joined us for our son’s 6th birthday party, have surprised our boys with little gifts (drawing cards, candy and other surprises) and the mom has trusted me to bring her girls to our son’s last day of school activities. We are making new friends and trusting each other to navigate the day-to-day to best support everyone.  

While many describe us as being amazing for this, what people don’t realize is how blessed we are to welcome this beautiful family into our home. They are enriching our lives for the better and our hearts are truly so full because of this experience. 

We have worked together to establish what works in terms of shared roles – cooking, cleaning, spending time with all the children and have worked towards strategies that feel good for all of us and that feels fair and focusing on our individual strengths. 

This is only week one and my family is excited to continue to get to know our guest family and support them on their journey to calling Edmonton and Canada home. 

At TruHome, for me – our role is always to focus on ways we can better build community and I wanted to share this experience with our TruHome friends and followers as being a host family is very much about helping our guests find their TruHome both physically and emotionally here in our beautiful city.  

Saving up for a down payment is difficult—we know that. And what’s more, saving up for a down payment in 2022 is even harder than years past. Inflation in Canada is changing the way many of us look at paying bills and saving money, but that doesn’t mean that buying a home needs to be out of the question.

To save for a home, you must prioritize your spending, cut down on unnecessary expenses, and/or increase your income. And don’t forget—you will also need to be conscious of your credit score to ensure that you can get approved for a mortgage.

1. Find how much you need to save

Before setting a budget and finding ways to get you to your desired saved amount, the first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Doing this will allow you to know how much money you need to save, as well as allow you to shop homes within your budget. The average homebuyer needs to put down between 5% and 20% of the home’s cost. You can do this by going to your bank’s website and using their online calculator!

2. Set a weekly budget

It is so easy to swipe your credit card and forget about your purchases until it is the end of the month and your bills come in. But if you are looking to purchase a home in the near future, your credit card should be left at home.

Canada has access to some incredible Canadian-owned prepaid credit cards that have been proven to help people with budgeting. Companies like KOHO and Neo are just two options to look into. With these cards, you can set a weekly budget while also earning rewards for spending your money at certain places—this is usually in cash back! An additional perk is that these cards come with handy free mobile apps that help you track your spending categories.

3. Increase your income

We know that increasing your income may not come easily to everyone, but this is an easy way to save up quicker for your dream home. You can do this in one of four ways:

• Ask for a raise at your current job
• Switch to a job that has a higher salary
• Start investing
• Pick up a side gig

Nowadays, Millennials and Gen Z are well-acquainted with the side gig. This can be in many ways: freelance writing, dog walking, opening an Etsy shop, voiceovers, taking quizzes… you name it! Any of these side gigs can get you anywhere between $250–$1000 of extra income each month.

4. Save on rent

It goes without saying that living completely on your own can be challenging. With bills steadily increasing, the cost of living is becoming difficult for many.

Consider swapping out that two bedroom for a studio, or maybe even bringing on a roommate or two to split on costs! Do you have a good relationship with your parents or a family member? Maybe they have some space for you to hunker down for a while.

5. Set up automatic withdrawals

Life is busy and it is so easy to forget to move your money around at the end of each month. Book a meeting with your bank to discuss setting up automatic withdrawals that go to a secure account that you don’t have everyday access to. After some time, you won’t even realize that the money is leaving your account. Consider setting up withdrawals of $100–$500 each month. Imagine, after a year you can have $6,000 saved for your down payment!

6. Look for a cheaper way of doing things

It can be so easy to get used to a life of luxury—but just because you are saving up for one of your largest purchases yet doesn’t mean that you have to give it all up. Here are some suggestions on common everyday purchases that can be made cheaper:

Nails: instead of heading to the salon every 2 weeks for a new set of nails, purchase a kit online and do it yourself at home. Kits usually cost ~$50 to get set up, which is around the same cost of your bi-weekly nail appointment.

Clothing: stop purchasing brand new clothes. If you are in need of a new article of clothing, check out your local thrift shops first. If you didn’t find what you were looking for, try shopping on Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace.

Vacations: traveling is a privilege, but you can still make do on a budget. Check out Swoop or Flair for cheap flights, and once you get to your destination, consider renting out a private room at an Airbnb or staying in a hostel. Better yet, do a getaway to close-by Canadian cities like Vancouver, Calgary or Winnipeg.

Eating out: we all deserve a nice night out every once in a while, but if you are a true foodie, consider getting takeout and sitting in the park with a friend. This removes the need for a tip! Or, get crafty in the kitchen and invite your friends over for a potluck.

Entertainment: concerts, shows and movies can easily rack up your chequing account. Instead of spending money during your spare time, find free things around Edmonton! Thankfully for us, our city is filled with many free activities—especially in the summertime. Check out the Fringe, Edmonton Street Performers, free concerts in Churchill Square and more!
Books & movies: there is something so special about opening up a brand new book and getting started on the story. But what do you do with those books once you’re finished with them? The Edmonton Library has so many free books, movies and games—all when you sign up for a library card.

The list doesn’t end there. Let us know if you think of any more ways to save money easily!

7. Invest your savings

Though we are far from being financial advisors, it is proven that investing your money can be the easiest and fastest way to increase your income. Investing can be daunting and worrisome, so if you don’t trust yourself to make the right decisions and grow your investments, hire someone to do it for you! Edmonton is filled with so many talented investment brokerages. Send us a message to get our suggestions!

8. Borrow from your RRSP

If you have been building up your RRSP for some time, did you know that you can withdraw up to $25,000 from it (without any penalty) to put towards your first home? But be warned—there is a catch. Within 15 years, you are expected to pay back the full amount. If you don’t repay in time, the borrowed amount is considered income and you will be taxed on that amount. If this is something that you are considering doing, please contact your financial advisor beforehand!

9. Find programs or incentives you can utilize

The City of Edmonton, Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada offer incentives that can empower first time home buyers to purchase their dream home. This is done through programs like the First Time Home Buyer Program, the City of Edmonton’s First Place Program, Down Payment Assistance Program and many more. We highly encourage every first time home buyer to do their research and see what programs apply to them!

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We hoped this inspired you to start saving for your dream home! If you have any questions regarding down payments, homes in your budget or anything in between, feel free to reach out to us at any time. We hope to work with you when you are ready!

The snow is melting, the Canadian Geese are returning and the days are getting longer. You know what that means…Wedding season is just around the corner! Because the last couple of years have been uncertain due to the global pandemic, we suspect that the 2022 and 2023 wedding season will be busier than usual. So, if you plan on getting married over the next couple of years, it may be time to start planning!

Lucky for you, Edmonton is home to so many incredible event spaces for your special day. There are countless options for you and your spouse-to-be to get married, but we thought we would list a few of our favourites. Here are 15 unique wedding venues in Edmonton that you are sure to love. 

Winspear Centre

You may be familiar with the Winspear Centre’s shows and concerts, however the space also makes for an incredible wedding venue! Though it may seem like an unusual venue to host your big day, it is actually a first choice for many Edmontonians. The Winspear Centre has many different areas to book, such as the bright and spacious lobby, the entire concert hall, or the numerous other areas of the space. Your options are endless! The pricing for Winspear Centre bookings is transparent and you can find it out directly from their website. Take a look!

Royal Glenora Club

Though the Royal Glenora Club may seem like a no brainer when it comes to a central Edmonton wedding, the venue has recently stepped it up a notch (or ten). Over the past couple of years, the Royal Glenora Club has been expanding to bring Edmontonians an entirely updated facility, including three new ballrooms! With floor to ceiling windows, beautiful lighting fixtures and wrap-around balconies, the new Braemer Ballroom, Strathcona Ballroom and Glenrose ballroom will make for a remarkable wedding day.

Brew & Bloom Cafe

The Brew & Bloom Cafe is a new cafe in North Downtown that showcases a beautiful display of flowers and plants. It is a breathtaking place to grab a bite to eat, but imagine what it would look like as a wedding venue? Two areas of the restaurant are able to be rented for your special day—the main cafe that can seat up to 35 people, or their Secret Garden with a private patio that can seat up to 70 people. Believe us when we say that this location will absolutely stun your guests—and it will make for some beautiful photos!

Parlour Italian Kitchen & Bar

If you’ve ever been to the Parlour for dinner, you’ll understand why it is also a sought out venue to get hitched. Not only can you book the entire restaurant (or just the upstairs loft) for your special day, you will also have access to their beautiful courtyard style patio. And let’s not forget—the Parlour would do the catering, which means your wedding would have delicious Italian food! 

Fort Edmonton Park

Fort Edmonton Park is a dream venue for those looking to wow and entertain their guests. With 10+ venues in the park for weddings of all sizes, hotels on site, indoor and outdoor venue options and free park tours for all guests, Fort Edmonton Park is truly a one stop shop. What’s more—the happy couple gets a lifetime admission to Fort Edmonton Park!

La Cité Francophone

It’s not every day that you find a wedding venue that is both easily accessible and has parking spaces! La Cité Francophone is the perfect wedding venue for the French Canadian (or a French food fanatic). The banquet and conference halls open up to floor-to-ceiling windows and have a circular terrace for an indoor/outdoor venue. It has 160 parking stalls available, is fully wheelchair accessible, and has ample washroom facilities!

Pioneers Cabin

The Pioneers Cabin, located directly between Rossdale and Mill Creek, is a beautiful, rustic venue that is perfect for city dwellers looking for a homey rustic place to tie the knot. The venue itself features a huge stone fireplace, planed poplar floor, window frames made of spruce, and cedar shingles on the gable roof. It also has a beautiful view of the Edmonton River Valley and the Muttart Conservatory, can host up to 250 people and is accessible for those with mobility issues!

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Always Occasions

Tucked away in the new Manchester Square right off 124th Street, Always Occasions offers a 3,000 square foot venue (on two floors) that features stunning furniture and decor. Beyond the venue itself, Always Occasions offers full event coordination—they set it up, take it down and are there for its clients every step of the way. It is an intimate venue that fits up to 100 seated guests!

Edmonton Country Club

The Edmonton Country Club is a classic Edmonton venue that is sure to impress your guests. It reclines verdantly on 233 acres located within a 90 degree bend of the North Saskatchewan River about eight miles upstream from the city’s center. With two beautiful room rental options (one that fits up to 150 seated and the other fitting 55 seated), a spacious patio area, and a beautiful well-kept green view of the Rivery Valley, the Edmonton Country Club is a one of a kind wedding venue.

Polar Park Brewing Company

Are you a big fan of beer? The Polar Park Brewing Company should probably be your number one wedding venue choice. Provided to you as a blank slate, the world (or venue) is your oyster if you are looking to get crafty and creative for your wedding. The venue itself has exposed beams, a massive patio and a rustic vibe. The space is just over 5,000 square feet (with 1,000 of that being the patio space), can accommodate up to 200 guests and has a private bar featuring Polar Park beers. As a central location in Edmonton, your out of town guests will have plenty of options for accommodation. Don’t sleep on this incredible wedding venue!

Butternut Tree

Looking for an intimate wedding venue? Well look no further, the Butternut Tree might be your perfect spot. This beautiful venue seats up to 90 people and offers a choice of hors d’oeuvres, a tasting menu, or a pre-set menu. Located right beside Constable Ezio Faraone Park, the Butternut Tree features a beautiful view of the Edmonton River Valley and features locally sourced wine and cocktail ingredients. This unique venue makes for beautiful photos and a memorable experience!

University of Alberta Botanical Gardens

If you love nature or have a green thumb, the University of Alberta’s Botanical Gardens might be right up your alley. With four venues available throughout the gardens, there is at least one that will fit (or exceed) all of your expectations. Not only do all of your guests get full access to explore the entire grounds, but golf carts, signage, space for the wedding party to get ready, rehearsal and complementary engagement photo sessions are all included in the venue price. This event space is such a natural beauty that you won’t even need to decorate it!

Studio96

An incredibly unique location, Studio96 was once a church on the verge of demolition that was saved by an event planner and an architect. Studio96 is a warm, intimate, and unique space to host the wedding of your dreams that can accommodate 150 guests. All you need to do is tell the Studio96 team your vision and they will work with their preferred Edmonton vendors to make your dream a reality!

Foundry Room

For the modern couple, the Foundry Room may be the perfect spot for you, your partner and all of your guests. Located in the new Oliver Exchange building, the Foundry Room offers a unique intimate wedding venue that features exposed brick, cement flooring, exposed beams and bright windows. The venue fits up to 150 seated guests and is also located above local businesses (Plum, Culina To Go, Brio Bakery, Iconoclast Coffee and Odd Company Brewing) where your guests can explore during the break between the ceremony and reception.

Enjoy Centre

Though this may not be a venue that is located directly in Edmonton, the Enjoy Centre is located only a few kilometres away in our sister city, St. Albert.  If you are looking for a venue that will WOW your guests (and yourself!), there is no better option than the Enjoy Centre. Its Moonflower Room is truly breathtaking—it features windows from floor to roof, greenery all around, string lights hung from the ceiling, white and gold furnishings…you name it. It holds 100-650 people, so any sized wedding is welcome! There are other areas in the Enjoy Centre that can cater to weddings of all kinds, however the Moonflower Room is our personal favourite. 

We’re diving into yet another busy wedding season—but we at TruHome can’t wait! No matter what venue you end up booking, we hope you have the most beautiful, unforgettable wedding day.

Over the years, we have helped many clients through real estate transactions that brought them to moving day, so we know there are parts of moving to a new home can be overwhelming and stressful. Here are a few of our tips to make your moving day as low stress as possible!

Set aside personal essentials for 2-3 days.

We’re talking toothbrushes, clothes, medications, personal care products, pet food etc. Anything you need easy access to! Having these everyday items handy will prevent you from searching through taped up boxes before you unpack. We recommend a small suitcase or weekender bag for personal items and an additional bag for any furry family member that would need pet food, medications, or toys. 

Use a robust labeling system.

Labeling your boxes with their contents helps make unloading and unpacking easier when you get to your new place. You can find some cute pre-made labels if having everything look uniform is important to you, or you can get out a trusty Sharpie and start scribbling. You can label boxes with their contents (towels, face cloths, shampoo, etc.) or you can label by room (bathroom, linen closet, etc.) if you’re not reorganizing on the other end. 

Use a moving service.

Hiring a local moving company can take away the stress of heavy lifting on moving day. You can then focus on unpacking and enjoying your space. Many moving companies will charge you a flat rate whereas others will invoice for an hourly rate. Some even offer a packing service to put all of your things in boxes and wrap any fragile items like televisions or glass tables. Whatever the case, there are professionals who will take care of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Ask us for our recommendations for local YEG movers!

Call some friends.

If they’re willing and able, having friends or family join you for moving or unpacking can make the day go by faster and make the whole experience more joyful. You may have to bribe them with pizza and their favourite drink, but a few friendly faces can make the whole process more enjoyable. 

Arrange child care.

If you have children that are too young to help with the move, set them up with family, friends, or a sitter to make sure tiny fingers don’t cause more chaos. You won’t have to worry about curious toddlers getting into mischief or having to entertain your pre-teens when there’s no wifi or furniture. When the day is over they’ll be so excited to see all their stuff in their new rooms!

Enjoy!

Moving day always comes with a few hiccups and the days following can be overwhelming, but remind yourself to enjoy the process as much as you can because this is the start of a new journey! How exciting!!! 

As a well established residential neighbourhood in central west Edmonton, Laurier Heights has much to offer for families, retirees, blooming professionals, and everyone in between! Many of the community’s original homes were constructed between 1950-1980, but the neighbourhood has recently become a desirable spot for infills and new developments. With above-average lot sizes and iconic trees that have grown with the neighbourhood, who wouldn’t want to put their new home here!

Recreation

With some of the neighbourhood overlooking the North Saskatchewan River and other areas bordering popular natural parks, there are ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in Laurier Heights. 

Sir Wilfred Laurier Park, Buena Vista Park, and the off-leash dog park are easily accessible from the neighbourhood, and with a short walk across the foot bridge you’ll find yourself in of Hawrelak Park where all the best summer and winter festivities in Edmonton take place! Once there, you’re a short trek up the river valley stairs where you’ll pop out at the University of Alberta campus. There are also countless walking trails and well-maintained sidewalks where you’ll encounter your neighbours at any time of the year.  

At the bottom of Buena Vista road you’ll find the Edmonton Valley Zoo which is a great place to spend the day with your kids or to plan a local date day. With a recent renovation and makeover, the Valley Zoo is a hub for animal education and care!

Residents in Laurier Heights also have close access to the Royal Mayfair Golf Club, Jasper Place and St. FX Fitness Centres, and Whitemud Park.

Neighbourhood

The boundaries of Laurier Heights are roughly 87 Avenue to the north, 149 Street and the Whitemud to the west, Buena Vista Park to the east, and the North Saskatchewan River valley to the south. 

Laurier Heights features many architecturally unique homes that include single-family detached homes, a few low-rise apartments, and the recent addition of infill, or “skinny”, homes. Many of these mid-century homes have been updated to reflect more contemporary trends but prospective buyers can still expect to find one-of-a-kind style and charm.

Even though the neighbourhood is known for being quiet and tucked away, it is still highly accessible via public transit options and is conveniently located next to major thoroughfares. You can easily access the north side of edmonton and beyond via 149th street, and the Whitemud and Terwillegar Drive are accessible just a few blocks away to take you west or south in the city. 

Schools

While Laurier Heights only has one school within its geographic boundaries, it shares streets with Crestwood and Parkview to offer easy access to some of the neighbourhood’s best schools for kids of all ages.

Designated Public Schools in Laurier Heights:

Laurier Heights School (K-9, with french immersion)
Ross Sheppard (Grades 10-12)

Designated Catholic Schools in Laurier Heights:

St. Rose Junior High (Grades 7-9)
St. Paul Elementary (K-6)
St. Francis Xavier (Grades 10-12)

Other schools nearby:

Archbishop MacDonald (Grades 10-12, with french immersion)
Crestwood (K-9)
Parkview (K-9)

Shopping and Services

Residents of Laurier Heights have convenient access to some of the city’s most diverse shopping centres. Just five minutes down the road is Meadowlark Health and Shopping Centre – home to DynaLife, Safeway, Wal-Mart, pharmacies, fast food restaurants, banking, and much more! Another five minutes down the road lands you at West Edmonton Mall which is your one-stop-shop for all things fashion, home, and tech.

A few blocks north from Laurier Heights takes you to Crestwood Shopping Centre which has a selection of local boutiques and local restaurants for a night out close to home with your neighbours.

No matter your reason for moving to Laurier Heights, we’re sure you’ll love it and lifestyle it offers! If you’re looking to move into the neighbourhood or relocate within the neighbourhood, get in touch with us! We’d be happy to help you find your dream home in Laurier Heights.

With all this sun and the start of some Spring-like weather, it’s only right to be thinking about all the patios you’ll be visiting this Spring. Here are our recommendations for some local restaurants in Edmonton that have great patio vibes:

Craft Beer Market

Might we say this place is a must see? This fresh space on Rice Howard Way has a rooftop patio fixed with all the things you need to have a good time. Their light, airy space is a major hit with ping pong tables, murals, and the Cocktail Camper. While they’re known for their beer, they have a great selection of wine, cocktails, spirits, and more! 

Odd Company

Nestled in the Oliver Exchange building, Odd Company knows how to put together a good evening. Their cozy street patio (which has been open through the winter, believe it or not!) is decorated with ambient string lighting, picnic tables, and music. They live up to their promise of “good cheer, better beer” with small batch brews to offer something new every time you visit. 

Fairmont Hotel MacDonald

The Confederation Patio at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald is a perfectly chic place to enjoy an afternoon tea, cocktails, or food from their exclusive outdoor menu. With large umbrellas to protect you from the sun on their open patio, you can enjoy a front-row seat facing the river valley and the views that go with it. 

Dogpatch

Tucked away in Riverdale, Dogpatch is the new neighbourhood watering hole with picnic table style patio seating. Their made from scratch bistro eats, hand-crafted drinks, and easy-going atmosphere is everything you need to enjoy a dining experience with friends near Edmonton’s river valley. While you’re there, we recommend checking out Bread and Butter bakery in the same building for some scrumptious pastries!

MKT

As a fan favourite on Whyte Ave, MKT is situated right in the middle of the neighbourhood’s entertainment hub. Their food is locally sourced, they have over 100 different types of beer available, and they’ve got a fantastic fenced patio with heaters, TVs and an outdoor bar. This is a great place to catch an Oiler’s game or share a plate of their giant nachos!

Biera

Located in Ritchie Market’s Bottle Room, Biera is an award winning restaurant known for their creative small plates and delicious culinary experiences. Join them on their covered patio this season and then swing by the market for speciality foods, beer, and gifts! 

Let us know if you try out any of these fabulous patio spots in Edmonton! Maybe we’ll even see you out there!!

Earlier this week, we discussed what was happening with Single Family Homes in Edmonton, but we didn’t want you to miss out on the condo market too.

The condo market is proving to be interesting as well, with prices and demand shifting positively for the first time in years.

As of April 1, 2022, this is the what the numbers were showing:

Of the available, active condos – the price points are shocking, with almost ALL the available inventory priced at under 300k!

Since January 1, 2022 there have been 1474 total condos sold, so when comparing those against the available properties we find we have a fairly balanced level of supply for the demand:

If you are in the market to buy or sell an Edmonton Condo this year – reach out!

What Is REALLY Going On!

Real Estate is a hot topic these days, more so than ever. Every day we are inundated with articles on it be about mortgage rate increases, multiple offers, future predictions, you name it – we have heard about it!

Data is often the best indicator of “what is really going on” We have taken some time to break down the overall Edmonton market over January – March 2022 to show you what we have seen and experienced over the past 3 months. Stay tuned for more updates, as while we are multiple offers in many situations, this is not across the board and is primarily targeted to select sections of Edmonton. Some neighbourhoods are starting to see some minor and more significant shifts.

Edmonton Data as of March 31, 2022:

What is more interesting is how it breaks down in terms of prices. Of the 1575 homes for sale, the number of homes that showed available at each price point reflected the following:

How does this compare in regards to what has sold in the month of March 2022?

The data does indicate that we are seeing significant movement in the price ranges of $300,000 – $500,000. Southwest Edmonton is one of the more popular areas and newer builds (2010 or newer). What this data doesn’t show though is what parts of the city these homes have sold in which would factor into individual buying/selling strategies.

Sellers: What this does tell us is that for many sellers it is an extremely great time to sell – overall we have not seen an increase in the market to this level since 2007 and 2014 respectively. That being said, we are not in the BC or Ontario market and we are seeing fluctuations in the market based on types of homes, condition of the properties and location.

Buyers: Depending on your budget, location and what you are looking for may result in a more competitive landscape. Working with a team of professionals like our team at TruHome is important. We understand the nuances of how to craft a compelling offer, whether we are in multiple situations or not.

Connect with our Edmonton Real Estate team today to discuss how we can assist you with your Edmonton home buying or selling goals.

*Data collected Mach 31, 2022 via the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton MLS® System Data

Edmonton’s Ice District has been underway for quite some time—but we are finally nearing its completion! If you haven’t been downtown in a while, you should plan to visit our beautiful new Ice District (and all the fun areas around it) come summertime, because there will be a lot of new things to see, do and eat when it is all completed.

Here is what you can expect to find in Edmonton’s Ice District over the next few months!

Upcoming in 2022

The Banquet

Even though there are going to be several incredible places to visit in the Ice District, we are most excited for The Banquet to open up.

We already know that this restaurant, bar and entertainment establishment is going to be a staple in Summer 2022. The Banquet will have a rooftop bar, a bowling alley, incredible food, tasty drinks, a pool hall, arcade games and more. The better question may have been: what does this bar not have?

The Banquet even has a rewards system—for every dollar spent, they will give you 15 points. Once you get up to 1500 points, you get $5 Banquet Bucks! You will want to keep coming back.

Canadian Icehouse

A spinoff of the iconic Canadian Brewhouse, the Canadian Icehouse will be located directly underneath The Banquet, on the main floor. This flagship location will feature a patio with fireplaces & outdoor games overlooking the plaza, as well as sub-zero vodka tasting in a room made entirely of blocks of ice & snow. How cool!

More details about this restaurant are TBD, but we know we at TruHome will be one of the first tables seated once it opens up.

Open & Ready for Visits!

Archetype

Looking for a new place to get your sweat on? Archetype might be the perfect fit.

Archetype combines the science of high performance with an invested team of expert trainers and a comprehensive health and fitness offering in one exceptional facility. Archetype is more than a gym—it’s an elevated fitness experience for those seeking the rewards of a high-performance lifestyle.

This facility runs on a membership basis, but you get a lot for your monthly fee. Such as: cardio, strength and performance areas, daily group classes, pool, hot tub, steam room, regeneration lab, meditation pods and more. You have to check it out for yourself!

Bob & Doug McKenzie Statue

We thought we would throw this fun (and free!) experience here. When visiting the Ice District, you need to stop by this iconic statue to really complete your downtown experience.

If you haven’t heard of Bob & Doug McKenzie, they are Canadian culture icons who starred on Second City TV (SSTV)—a show that filmed several of its seasons right here in Edmonton.

You can find this statue at the South entrance of the Ice District—you won’t miss it!

Grand Villa Casino

The Grand Villa Casino offers 60,000 square feet of exceptional gaming, dining, and entertainment in the heart of ICE District. You can enjoy an array of dining and entertainment options including Match Eatery & Public House, Atlas Steak + Fish and quick serve options such as Starbucks.

This one stop shop is a must see when visiting the Ice District—even if you just stop in to see it for yourself!

Alchemy Bar

Located on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott hotel (which we will talk about next!), Alchemy features an intimate indoor cocktail bar and lounge, as well as a large heated patio overlooking Rogers Place.

This stunning cocktail bar serves up handcrafted libations and next-level bar snacks! A few members of our team are regulars here absolutely loved it.

JW Marriott Hotel

Looking for a staycation? The JW Marriott in Edmonton is the place to be!

This contemporary, chic hotel gives guests so much to do without even leaving the area. It is connected to Rogers Place and is just steps away from the Citadel Theatre, The Royal Alberta Museum, the Art Gallery of Alberta, City Hall/Churchill Square, and the Edmonton Convention Centre. The JW Marriott is also home to two restaurants, Alchemy (noted above) and a spa, so you will never want to leave!

GURU Kitchen + Bar

With a successful location already located in West Edmonton, it only made sense to open up a second location in Edmonton’s downtown core.

Located at the main level of Edmonton Tower, GURU Kitchen + Bar operates for lunch and dinner serving as an Indian cuisine all day dining venue. This is some of the best Indian cuisine you’ll find downtown!

Delux Burger Bar

Do you like burgers? Of course you do! Delux Burger Bar has some of the city’s best burgers in a chic setting that you are sure to love. And what’s more—they have a large array of drinks for you to keep the night going after finishing your delicious meal.

Let us suggest getting a side of french fries with their chipotle mayonnaise dip. It is simply the best!

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We hope this sparked some interest in visiting Edmonton’s new Ice District! There are so many things to do in the new neighbourhood that we couldn’t cover everything in this article, so we recommend you schedule some time in Summer 2022 to visit it yourself.

So you have made the decision to put your Edmonton home on the market—congratulations! The right real estate agent should be able to advise on which home improvements will benefit the sale of your home the most, but to start, here are our 10 suggestions for how to increase the value of your home!

Paint your walls & ceilings

The average price for a can of paint is $50, making this the cheapest way to transform your home with a quick turn-around time. Consider investing in a popular neutral colour to give your home a fresh, updated look. While you have the brushes out, consider adding a complimentary accent colour to make a large space feel more inviting. Sticking with neutral, inoffensive colours (we suggest avoiding neon green) will appeal to more buyers once your home hits the market. 

Upgrade your appliances

Depending what your home improvement budget looks like, you may want to consider upgrading your appliances. Many buyers appreciate the value of clean, functioning appliances, but this doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget to upgrade. 

Appliance upgrades are a considerable investment so we always recommend consulting your trusted real estate agent before you commit to upgrading your appliances. It is also important to consider what type of buyer you are planning to target when you list your home – new appliances for first-time home buyers may seal the deal, but buyers who are looking to renovate for their dream kitchen may overlook existing appliances.

Remove clutter

If you have lived in your home for quite a few years, or you caught the online shopping bug during the pandemic, chances are you have collected a few extra things. Even though it is easy to fill up every nook and cranny of your home with decor or furniture, it can be unappealing to prospective buyers who aren’t as familiar with your belongings as you are. If you don’t want to part with what you have, consider renting a storage unit or ask your loved ones if they can hold on to some stuff for you until your home sells!

Stage your home

Similar to the above, home buyers want to view homes that they can picture themselves living in. Neutralizing colour schemes, decluttering, removing seasonal decoration, and displaying inconspicuous decor is a great way to stage your home with what you have. Watch some YouTube videos for cost-efficient inspiration, or consider bringing in a professional home stager to help you out (we know a few fabulous home staging companies in Edmonton if you need a reference!).

Modify your curb appeal

When you list your home, you’ll want prospective buyers to drive up to your home and immediately be impressed—even before they step through the front door. Enhancing curb appeal can be tough in Edmonton winters, we know! Do your best to keep your sidewalks and driveways shovelled, turn on exterior lights, and ensure there is parking available in front of your home if possible. 

During snow-free seasons, keep your lawn maintained, remove dead shrubbery, and make sure any underground sprinklers are turned off during showing times.

Upgrade your lighting

Over the years we have found that people are always surprised at how much of a difference new light fixtures can make.  Lighting goes a long way — a modern chandelier, a discreet wall sconce, or an elegant floor lamp can give your space a real ‘glow up’ (haha, get it?). If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, check out Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore or Facebook Marketplace!

Replace door knobs, cabinet hardware and switch plates 

While this may seem superfluous, high-touch areas often draw a buyer’s gaze so updating these everyday items is a great way to add a bit of pizazz. Research trending styles, like brass or matte black, and find something that fits the style of your home. To take it one step further, consider matching your cabinet hardware to the style you chose for doorknobs. It can be very appealing to prospective buyers to see consistency while walking through your home. As for switch plates, replace any cracked or stained plates with new ones—these are super cheap! 

Remove your popcorn ceiling

Textured stipple ceilings, commonly known as popcorn ceilings, were a popular trend in the 1940s-1980s. Not only does a textured ceiling hold on to dust, mold, and unpleasant odours, it also makes a space look outdated. If you have the time and tools, removing a popcorn ceiling can be accomplished with a ceiling scraper, a spray bottle, protective sheets, and a ladder – but there’s no harm in hiring a professional to remove the texture and finish the ceiling with a skim coat and a fresh coat of paint! 

If you choose to remove your textured ceiling, make sure you test for asbestos or have proof that your home is asbestos free! Disrupting the ceiling like that can disturb any latent asbestos.

Do a deep clean

This one may seem obvious, but deep cleaning your home is the #1 way to get to prospective buyers’ hearts. When you have people viewing your home, there is nothing more appealing than walking into a dust-free, clutter-free, nice smelling home. Take a duster to your baseboards and door trim, steam clean your carpets, wash your walls, and clean out any cabinets with stains or clutter. You will be impressed with how much it makes a difference. 

If cleaning isn‘t something that you are good at (or want to do) there are plenty of low-cost cleaning services in Edmonton. 

We at TruHome are enthusiastic to help you get the best price for your home, always. If you are looking into putting your house on the market and finding your next place to call home, we would love to meet with you! Connect with us to get started—we can’t wait to meet you.