New Edmonton Condo On The Market: Wild Rose condo

We are excited to announce our new listing in the Southeast community of Wild Rose is now available for showings. Listed at $217,500 this 1 bedroom, plus den condo features many benefits. Located on the main level, this is one of the larger units in the whole building with over 900 sq.ft of living space, 938 sq.ft. to be more precise. Upon entrance, you will love the open concept design, with 3 distinct entertainment areas: the kitchen, the living room and the dining room.

The kitchen has been designed well and comes complete with plenty of storage space and stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom includes a 4 piece ensuite and spacious walk-in closet. For guests, there is also an additional full piece bathroom located on the opposite end of the unit. In-suite laundry allows for great convenience in one’s day to day lives. For those with pet’s, this building is also considered pet friendly (pending board approval of course).

In the community of Wild Rose, amenities are prevalent. You are within walking distance to parks, schools, shopping, public transportation and even the new Meadows Community Recreation Centre. Want to learn more about this Edmonton Condo, get the facts here.

Want to take your own personal tour of the property, be sure to get in touch with our team to book a time today. 587-400-SOLD (7653)

Teachings From Marianne Williamson: What’s Wrong With Being A Pollyanna?

This weekend, 100’s of people had the opportunity to experience Bloom, a festival in Edmonton founded by Myrah and Robrindra. A beautiful couple that you can tell truly love our city and the boundless possibilities that we as a humankind can achieve. While, I would loved to have attended the whole event, Edmonton Real Estate was calling. That being said, I did get the amazing opportunity to experience the keynote of the very own Marianne Williamson.

To be able to be in the presence of a woman that has been spoken about so highly from authors such as Wayne W. Dyer and Deepak Chopra, speaks volumes about her vast knowledge and insight into our world. Her most notable work of literature “A Return To Love” is a book that I personally have grown from and continue to read to this day.

It is fantastic to see that Edmonton’s community is growing and that a speaker of her caliber was included in this 2 day event. It was filled with spirited energy both in the physical means and mental means. Participants of the day, enjoyed classes in yoga, meditation, and creative speakers in a collaborative environment. The Winspear Centre embodied the Bohemian vibe including a back drop of many large dream catchers.

For those who do not know who Marianne is, let me provide a brief introduction:

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer. Marianne has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America and Charlie Rose. Six of her eleven published books have been New York Times Best Sellers. Four of these have been #1 New York Times Best Sellers. A Return to Love is considered a must-read of The New Spirituality. via Marianne’s Website

Not only was her talk both thought provoking and enlightening, I was amazed at how calmly and brilliantly she answered some of the audience questions.

One of the key moments from her event that I took away is that it is okay to be the Pollyanna of the group. If one starts to think about it, Pollyanna was truly a transformational figure in the sense that she was able to transform a group of unhappy people and show them how to be happy.

In Real Estate, I strive to be the Pollyanna for my clients. This does not mean that if a true problem arises that I don’t confront it, but more so that I address it and focus on finding a solution. Over the last fews months, I continue to learn each and every day because every transaction is unique, however, I also know that my clients are counting on me for answers, or at the very least finding them.

One case occurred this year  were there was some potential structural issues with the property. My client was distraught by this news, but even then still wanted to find a way to move forward with the purchase. I could have left her to her own merits to find the solution, but rather I suggested that we obtain some contractors to come in quickly to advise on the cost of remediation. We worked together to get quotes from the contractors. Thanks to the quotes, we now had knowledge on our side and were able to go back to the negotiation table to resolve the conflict.  The key solution was to ensure that she was able to move into a place that she could not only repair the issue, but that a majority of the costs were covered.

By staying optimistic through out the process, I was able to find a way for both parties to move forward in win-win manner. With this, I will leave you with a compelling quote from Marianne Williamson:

“When our minds move in harmony with love – through forgiveness or prayer or the simplest tender thought – then mountains move and the universe shifts.”

Downtown Edmonton is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, with world- class attractions and beautiful sights to see. It’s also home to some great historical sites, like the McKay Avenue School, and a variety of great lofts and shops in the Warehouse District. For professionals young and old, Downtown Edmonton is a prime neighbourhood with lots of world-class amenities to offer. Come see why Downtown Edmonton is – and long has been – the area’s trendiest and most popular neighbourhood for those who crave the city life.

Lots of Great Arts & Culture Sites to Explore

Downtown Edmonton is part of a rich cultural tapestry, with the eastern part of the downtown core serving as a world-renowned arts district. This part of the city is home to lots of great arts facilities like the Francis Winspear Centre for Music – home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra – and the Citadel Theatre, a 50-year – old theatre that hosts both classics like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? as well as modern productions like West Side Story. The Downtown area is also home to a vast array of festivals all year round, making it easy to find fun weekend activities for the whole family.

Ample Green Space and Top Universities Make Downtown a Vibrant Centre

Downtown Edmonton real estate offers buyers close proximity to several parks and top schools. Most notably, the Alberta Legislature Building in Government Centre is home to a number of beautiful gardens, fountains, and parks. The south-eastern edge of Downtown Edmonton borders along Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, a 12.9-hectare park with a beautiful 500 metre river view. Love learning? MacEwan University at the north-western edge of Downtown offers 68 different undergraduate programs as well as continuing education and distance courses. MacEwan University has a great reputation, and in the 2011 Globe and Mail Canadian University Report, it was given either A or A+ marks across all categories.

Ditch the Car for Good: Transit Gives Easy Access to the Whole City

The Downtown area is well served by city transit. Central Station on 100 Street NW is one of Edmonton’s original five LRT stations. The station connects commuters to the University of Alberta and northeast Edmonton via the Capital Line. Downtown is also conveniently located close to stops for the Metro Line, and the future Valley Line is expected to run between Jasper Ave NW and 104 Ave NW. There are also several bus routes that run through the area, including the 52 to Southgate, the 309 to Kingsway, the 12 to Northgate, the 125 to Jasper Place, and the 151 to Castle Downs.

Downtown Edmonton is a bustling area with a rich cultural scene to enjoy, as well as a variety of beautiful sites and top attractions. The area is also home to a number of top employers in a host of industries, not to mention where HomeTribe.ca is headquartered.

Are you ready to discover the electric buzz of city life in Edmonton’s much loved downtown core? We can help. Contact us today to view properties in Downtown Edmonton and adopt the downtown lifestyle!

Now officially on the MLS® System:

Your next home or investment opportunity awaits you in the tree-lined community of Canora; featuring a well loved 3 bedroom bungalow on a spacious 50 x 148 fenced lot. Close to schools, parks and daycares, this community is a great place to raise a family in the existing home or build your own dream.  Contact us today to learn more. Discover more about this great Edmonton real estate find, by checking out this Canora listing here.

The goal of most Edmonton homeowners who are preparing to list their Edmonton home for sale is to make their home more desirable to a potential buyer. The underlying goal may be to get the highest sales price possible from selling the property, to sell the home more quickly or to accomplish a combination of both of these. While some Edmonton homeowners will invest a small fortune in improvements to their home before listing it, others may be focused on making small improvements that will add true value and that will raise home value. These are a few great ideas that homeowners can consider as value-added improvements to their Edmonton home.

Dress Up the Kitchen Back Splash

The kitchen is one of the key selling points in an Edmonton home, but it can be costly to replace counters, cabinets and appliances. The back splash, however, is highly visible, and it is rather affordable to update. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the materials that you select to use, this improvement may be only a few hundred dollars to complete. It can make the kitchen more desirable, and this can have a great improvement on the desirability of the entire home to a potential buyer.

Refinish the Cabinets

Outdated or worn cabinets can make a home look older than its years, and this can decrease desirability to a potential Edmonton home buyer. While replacing the cabinets in the kitchen or bathrooms may not be in the homeowner’s budget, there are affordable solutions available to improve the look of cabinets. For example, some cabinets can be painted. There are also refinishing kits available that homeowners can use. Homeowners can dress the finished cabinets up with new hardware, and this can give the kitchen and bathrooms an incredible facelift that makes the spaces look newer and modern.

Update the Front Door

The front door is among the first features that buyers will see when they drive up to the property, and it will continue to be a focal point as they walk into the home. With this in mind, the condition and style of the front door can have a dramatic improvement on value and appeal alike. A very affordable option is to paint the front door and replace the hardware. Re-staining the door is another option for wood doors. For homeowners with a larger budget, there are some attractive front door styles available at the lower end of the price range that can add style to the home. Consider replacing the front door mat and front porch light to finish the look.

When preparing to list a home for sale, it makes sense that homeowners want to focus on making repairs that will add true value to the home. They want to recoup the investment they are making with an increase to the sales price or other related benefits. Those who are thinking about listing their Edmonton home for sale can contact us today for more information about improvements that add value to a home.

Upgrading from a smaller Edmonton condo to a larger house can be an exciting and memorable event for anyone. There are many benefits associated with living in a large space, and these range from functional considerations like having more storage space to decorating benefits like finally having enough space to walk comfortably around all of your furniture. However, some who are preparing to make this transition may also be concerned about a larger home being too spacious. After all, a smaller space can have a cozy, intimate feel that is desirable. It is possible to upsize a home while also retaining an intimate feeling in it, and these are a few tips that can be used to accomplish this goal.

Bring Furniture Closer to Together

In a smaller room, it may have been necessary to place larger furnishings directly against the wall, such as sofas, chairs and end tables. In a large, airy room, there may be ample space available for these items to float in the room. For example, pushing a sofa, armchairs and side tables around a central coffee table or area rug in the heart of a large room can enable ample walking space for foot traffic around these pieces while also creating a sense of intimacy for those who are sitting on the sofa or chairs.

Include Warm Colours in the Rooms

Another idea is to use warm colours when decorating. Warm colours like yellows, reds and oranges can be used as accent colours or on their own as the primary colour in the room, and these can create intimacy and warmth. Cool colours like blues, greens or even stark white can have the opposite effect, so it is best to incorporate at least some warm colours into larger rooms if intimacy and cozy warmth are desired.

Add Soft Textures Through Accent Pieces

Larger rooms have a way of making those in them feel intimidated and uncomfortable at times, and a great way to overcome this feeling is to incorporate soft textures into the space. With soft textures used for throw pillows, area rugs, lamp shades and other accent pieces, a touch of intimacy can be created. These are features that can make those in the room feel more relaxed and at peace. Even in rooms where accent blankets and pillows may not be appropriate, such as in a dining room or kitchen, soft tapestries on the walls or even softer, feathery-looking features in a vase may create a warmer and cozier environment for people to enjoy.

Decorating may come naturally for some, but it can be very challenging for others. When spatial concerns are present, decorating can become even more complex. Everything from colour choices for the space to how to arrange furnishings can be impacted by the space available. Many who have larger rooms want to create a cozy, intimate and home-like feeling in those spaces. These are a few of the ideas that can be incorporated in decorating plans to achieve desired results. To learn more about how to decorate a larger space, be sure to gain more tips and advice on our blog.

The neighborhood of Oliver is one of Edmonton’s oldest and most densely populated communities in the city. As you’ll soon see, these two factors make Oliver one of the more coveted places to live in Edmonton.

Oliver Is Rich In History

Named after Frank Oliver, the neighborhood of Oliver was one of the first communities to be founded in the city. As such, the area is home to many historical buildings, including the Lemarchand Mansion. Other historical buildings include the Buena Vista building and Guiles Grocery. Many beautiful churches were constructed in this area around 1914 which still remain active today. Beautiful row houses, single family dwellings, and high-rise condos are all found within this neighborhood. Amazingly, they all blend together to make a very charming community.

124 Street (Edward Street) was the commercial district for Oliver in the early 1900’s. Home to trolley cars and street cars until the end of World War II, this area always was a booming part of the neighborhood. 124 Street has recently undergone a major renovation. New brick inlayed sidewalks, street lighting, and barrels of beautiful flowers have been added to the area. This revitalization has brought life back to 124 Street.

Superior Urban Edmonton Lifestyle

One of the things that residents of Oliver appreciate most is how everything they need is within walking distance of their homes. Shops, restaurants, entertainment and outdoor activities can all be found within minutes of any area of the neighborhood. Many residents brag that they only take their car out for special occasions because they walk or ride their bicycles everywhere.

Great For Those Who Love The Outdoors

Oliver has many activities for those who enjoy the outdoors. A community pool, several parks and a community garden are all found within this neighborhood. The Victoria Promenade is located in the western part of Oliver. The Promenade is part of the Edmonton Historical Trail and provides visitors with an exceptional view of the river valley. For those who love to follow trails or simply walk around town, Oliver is filled with well-kept walkways and is very pedestrian friendly.

Perfect Combination Of Downtown And Suburbs

One of the most exciting features of Oliver is how all of the structures within this neighborhood flow together. High rise buildings are scattered amongst the row homes, giving the perfect flow to the skyline. The old railway stations have been converted to strip malls, and many of the old warehouses have been refurbished to contain beautiful apartments and unique shops. In between all of the buildings, Oliver still remains green. You will find beautiful landscaping, trees, and open green spaces. All of this combines into the perfect living area.

Something For Everyone

Oliver is also a very diverse community. This diversity brings many things to this area, including fabulous restaurants, unique shops, and many different places of worship. The many different types of residences in this area also draw people from every age group and economic background. This combination of ages and interests makes Oliver a happy place to live.

For more information about the neighborhood of Oliver, please feel free to contact the Edmonton Home Tribe team.

A Recap of What Happened During the Month of June 2015:

A first for 2015, the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton has recorded an increase in year over year sales for the month. Over 2008 sales occurred for residential real estate, up 2.4%, compared to June 2014. The number broke down as follows:

• 1243 Single Family Homes (2.1% increase from 2014)
• 572 Condos (1.6% increase from 2014)
• 156 Duplexes/Row Houses (11.4% increase from 2014)

Compared to last month (May 2015), sales were also up by 13%. The average days on market for June was 49 days, resulting in an average increase of 3 days more to sell.

“The reality of what we are seeing in the market is that the slight hesitation from buyers that came with the drop in oil prices is lessening. Edmonton has not been hit nearly as bad as what many predicted and buyers are becoming more confident that our market won’t plummet. This renewed confidence coupled with low mortgage rates and a healthy selection means that people are realizing that this is still a good time to buy.” [EREB] continues, “People move when their lifestyle warrants a change. This will always be true. There are always buyers and sellers, no matter what the market looks like or what analysts predict. REALTORS® are here to help you decide what move is best for you.”

Choosing to buy or sell is really about making the right lifestyle decisions for yourself. Remember, Elisse Moreno and the HomeTribe.ca team are here for you when you are ready to buy or sell.

4 Key Considerations to Keep in Mind whenYou Start House Hunting!

Looking for a new Edmonton house to purchase can be fun, exciting and even a little intimidating. Many people love searching for new homes online and touring properties with a real estate team like Edmonton Home Tribe.It is often easy to imagine living in or raising a family in some of these homes. Below you’ll find four key considerations that will help you narrow down the desired properties more easily and may even reduce stress while searching for a new Edmonton home to live in.

Get Pre-Qualified First

Some Edmonton home buyers will use an online calculator to estimate a sales price that is affordable for them. However, before getting serious about house hunting, it is important to work with a mortgage company and to actually get pre-qualified. After all, this will tell a home buyer what sales price range and loan amount range they may actually qualify for. Looking for advice on an Edmonton mortgage broker to speak to: be sure to ask as we know many great Mortgage Brokers and can give you a list of recommendations.

Choose an Edmonton Home That is Affordable for your Monthly Budget

The Edmonton home that is selected should be affordable for your budget, and there are several factors that impact affordability. The mortgage payment is one of the most significant factors, but the home that is selected will also impact repair costs, maintenance needs, utilities, taxes, insurance and more. The location, age, construction type, size and other factors will all impact these expenses in different ways, and you as a future homeowner should understand what your budget is for all aspects of the overall housing expense.

Consider Your Needs and Wants

It is easy to lose track of needs and wants in a house when touring properties. For example, a buyer may walk into a truly stunning home that has been beautifully staged and overlook the fact that it does not have the amenities or a layout that are actually needed by the homeowner. Before a buyer begins house hunting, it is important for the individual to make a list of absolute needs in a house as well as desired wants.

Think At Least Three Years Into the Future

A home is not typically something that is quickly or easily sold, and there are expenses related to making it ready to sell and to selling it. With this in mind, most homeowners will not sell a home before approximately three years from their purchase, and some may not sell it for five years or longer. The home that is purchased ideally should meet the buyer’s functional needs for space as well as other defined needs now and for several years into the future.

While house hunting can be fun, it also should end with a desired result for all of the time and effort exerted. These factors all should be considered before buying an Edmonton home, and they all can help a homebuyer remain on track when house hunting. Before beginning a new Edmonton home search or as soon as possible after starting it, the buyer should think about these things.

Know that the Edmonton Home Tribe team is ready to help you at all stages of the home buying process. Wanting to explore what home is right for you? Try out our exclusive “Home Tribe Match” technology where we will show you in less than 3 minutes the best homes on the market based on your personal lifestyle.

Or contact us today to get started on us working with you exclusively to find your next Edmonton home.

Wondering who the typical millennial Edmonton home buyer is? Recently, Endeavor America Loan Services and The Money Source interviewed 5,400 Millennials in the USA and obtained the following info. Do you think these results would be similar to an Edmonton Millennial? Share your thoughts in the comments below.