This Fall we are not only changing seasons but also gaining access to a new incentive program through the Government of Canada for first time home buyers. The First Time Home Buyer Program aims to relieve qualified applicants of some of the financial burden they face after taking on a mortgage. But how does it work?

Simply put, qualifying first time home buyers receive an interest-free 5-10% loan on their mortgage from the government for the opportunity to have a stake in your home’s future equity. The loan acts as a second mortgage on title that would only be paid back when you sell the property or after 25 years. 

Brand New Edmonton Homes: receive an additional 10% towards your down payment

Take a $350,000 new home in YEG. You would need to put a minimum downpayment of 5% ($17,500). The government would provide an interest-free loan of an additional 10% ($35,000), bringing your down payment to $52,500. This would translate into a monthly mortgage payment decrease of approx. $190/month or a savings of $2280/year. 

Resale Edmonton Homes: receive an additional 5% towards your down payment

Now take a $350,000 resale home. You would still need to put a minimum downpayment of 5% ($17,500). In this case, the government would provide an interest-free loan of an additional 5% ($17,500), bringing your down payment to $35,000. This would translate into a monthly mortgage payment decrease of approx. $100/month or a savings of $1200/year. 

How Do You Qualify For The First Time Home Buyer Program? 

• At least one of the buyers has to be classified as a first time home buyer, meaning:
  • You have never purchased a home
  • You are going through a divorce or separation (married or common-law partnership)
  • In the last 4 years, you have not lived in a house that you or your spouse have owned
• Your gross income is less than $120,000 per year
• You have the minimum down payment of 5% available
• You are borrowing no more than 4 times the qualifying income. (ex. If you earn $100,000, you could be eligible up to $400,000, plus your down payment)

Just remember, like any loan… you must pay them back eventually. The Government is gambling on the Edmonton real estate market (just like you), and hope that your home benefits from a positive ROI when you sell. 

Now, if you plan to stay in your home for more than 25 years (which happens a lot, just ask us how we help many Edmonton seniors who have lived in their homes for 30-40+ years) or if you choose to sell, then you will simply have to pay back the government the percentage borrowed based on the current market value.

So, let’s take the first example of buying a $350,000 home that you live in for 5 years. 

New Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $375,000 (+$25,000)

You will owe the Government of Canada $37,500 (10%) back. During this time, you saved $11,400 which means you kept $8,900 more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Resale Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $375,000 (+$25,000)

You will owe the Government of Canada $18,750 (5%) back. During this time, you saved $6,000 which means you kept $4,250 more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Now, imagine a scenario in which your home is worth less than what you bought it for? 

New Edmonton Home: Goes down in value to $325,000 (-$25,000)

You will only owe the Government of Canada $32,500 (10%) back. During this time, you saved $11,400 meaning you still kept more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Resale Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $325,000 (-$25,000)

You will only owe the Government of Canada $16,250 (5%) back. During this time, you saved $6,000 meaning you still kept more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Reading this, the First Time Home Buyer Program is a great option for many buyers but won’t be the best option for all. It is important to take time connecting with a YEG real estate agent and mortgage broker to collaborate so they can recommend the best option for your lifestyle and financial goals. 

Connect with us today to learn more about the home buying process – we’re here to help!  

We often hear people brag about the loft space in their designer home or their loft-style condo, but with only 200 true converted industrial lofts in Edmonton, those who own them belong to an exclusive club with a lineup of buyers hoping to get in. 

At the heart of the core surrounded by every possible amenity, endless entertainment and downtown nightlife, YEG’s converted industrial lofts are an excellent choice for today’s urban singles and power couples. These properties are well-built and efficient with a minimalist aesthetic. Not only are they smart real estate investments, but they come with a coveted lifestyle inside a rare piece of Edmonton history. 

True converted Edmonton industrial lofts represent just 2% of residential properties in the core and only 6% of those have been listed/sold within the past year. Which means to get into the 200-Loft Club you need an Edmonton real estate advisor with the expertise to help negotiate your membership. That’s where I and the TruHome Real Estate Team come in. 

The TruHome team started researching Edmonton’s lofts because we are passionate about our local history when it pertains to how Edmonton became the city it is today.

Did you know Philips Lofts used to be a storage warehouse with a 20-foot arcade?

Or that Cobogo Lofts is built on the foundation of the Ker Building which burned down in 1913? 

Our team and myself personally, appreciate the uniqueness of loft living and have dedicated time and energy to specialize in these types of properties, we are well connected with current Edmonton loft owners and building managers. If you don’t see what you are looking for on the Edmonton MLS® System, get in touch, as often we have our beat on the pulse and can keep you informed of “not yet on the market” opportunities.

So let me help you jump the lineup into the 200 Loft Club and close the deal on your new life in the core. 

Michael van Butselaar

Your, TruHome Advisor

Michael van Butselaar, your TruHome Real Estate Advisor of RE/MAX Real Estate has a keen eye for finding the unique properties right for his clients. His expertise in high-quality renovations also aids his clients in visualizing the possibilities.

Searching for the ideal Edmonton loft? Learn more about many of Edmonton’s amazing lofts right here, with the latest Edmonton lofts for sale and news.

That uneasy, gut reaction of not feeling safe can give anyone the heebie-jeebies and deep desire to “run” for safety. Feeling safe is a goal that all cities strive for and citizens want to be comfortable where they work, live and play. That being said, how can a city track when and how people aren’t feeling safe in order to better understand the issues at hand and to work with citizens to improve the overall safety landscape of the city?

The answer: A crowdsourced map making it easy for Edmontonians to report when they don’t feel safe. 

SafeCityYEG allows citizens like you and me to share our positive and negative experiences around feeling safe in our city. We are able to mark locations that feel bright, vibrant and welcoming and we can mark areas where it feels too dark, or if we have been harassed or just generally scared.

According to cbc.ca:

“Participants can state whether they feel “safe” or “unsafe” in a particular location. The tool then prompts people to answer questions about why they feel that way, with a pull-down menu of options that covers topics such as lighting, signage, and whether a person was harassed.The data on the map is updated constantly, with people updating or deleting their reports”

The idea of Safe City YEG, came from an initiative to make Edmonton overall safer for women from their involvement in the United Nations Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces global initiative.

The difficulty will come down to the city combing through this plethora of data to determine validity when it comes to aiming to resolve concerns and ultimately improve general “safety” for most residents. Like any data, it can be skewed, so it will be up to the people involved to weigh how to use the data provided optimally.

Either way a great data initiative and one that we will be investing time looking over, as ultimately, we as real estate agents are asked our opinions about this question very often. In an effort to help many clients establish their “boundaries” for safety, we also offer private walking tours of most neighbourhoods, as we truly believe that we have to zone in on each of our client’s own comfort levels when it comes to safety.

Do you think sharing “safety” viewpoints could positively or negatively impact home values in a neighbourhood?

It is exciting and impressive to see that the Toronto Raptors have made the playoffs this year in the NBA. Being our only basketball in this league here in Canada makes it extra special, considering that basketball was in fact invented right here in our northern country.

Canada is literally standing beside these athletes as they venture into their final games. Of course, the unprecedented hype comes from the fact that the Raptors have never won a championship since their inception in 1995. To me, it sounds like 24 years without a championship has our Raptors hungrier than ever. This hunger has manifested itself in the dominant performance that the Raptors have displayed in their current NBA finals run.

Recently, I have been reading the book “The Captain Class: The Hidden Force that Creates the World’s Greatest Teams” by Sam Walker an in-depth look at what makes a great captain and why certain teams have had unbelievable legacies over others. In basketball fashion, people often talk about the “great ones” like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal and while these athletes contributed greatly to the sport if I were to pick I would want to imitate Bill Russell.

“Bill Russell played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during his thirteen-year career.” – Wiki

In the end, Sam Walker explains in his book that it was ultimately the team captains and seven key traits that allowed a team to elevate itself to all-time greatness.  

1. They served the team, often leading from the back.
2. They focused on the competition with extreme doggedness – keeping going during injuries did not phase them.
3. They thought intelligently while playing to the edge of the rules
4. They practised practical communication
5. Verbal wasn’t the only way they communicated
6. They had the courage to stand apart
7. They could regulate their emotions

I am hoping that our own Raptor’s captain is exuding these traits to help bring his team to victory. While I cheer on our very own “Canadian basketball” team, I too am reflecting on how these traits can impact a team and how I can become a better leader in the industry I have chosen to show up in: real estate.

Time will tell if we (the Raptors) can take home the win! Like you, I am anxiously watching the games and the final outcome.

When you really start to dive in and look at what to do on the weekends, there really is a lot of interesting, cool things to check out in our wonderful city. When you have 2 kids under 3, staying active and keeping them engaged becomes an even bigger priority. Here is one of the awesome places that have actually been around for over 40 years that we just had the chance to experience, The Alberta Railway Museum.

Our very own railway museum dedicated to the history of everything to do with trains and the history of the railway. The Alberta Railway Museum, located in Edmonton, Alberta (24215 34 St NW) preserves and interprets significant railway artefacts, including locomotives, railway cars, track maintenance equipment, and buildings. Their collection and interpretation efforts focus on the Northern Alberta Railways as well as a few specialized Canadian railways. The Museum features hands-on interactive fashions, over 75 onsite locomotives, ride on vintage trains, and archives of railway history. Of course the best part for all the “kids at heart” is riding on the steam train.

The Alberta Railway Museum is operated by the Alberta Pioneer Railway Association (APRA). The APRA is a non‐profit organization of volunteers whose interest is the collection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of artefacts that represent the technology and history of the Canadian National and Northern Alberta Railways as well as industrial and short line railways in Western Canada.

Whether you are looking for an educational, yet fun experience with your kids, looking to dive into Canadian history, or simply a lover of vintage machines this is a worthwhile and wholesome experience run by truly passionate and knowledgeable individuals.

As the rain trickles in and cleans our wonderful city, the trees bloom and the greenery slowly begins to sprout. With the changing of seasons our ravines and parks become more accessible and lush. May is a time for Edmontonians to rejoice and indulge in the well deserved upcoming summer season.

The month of May is also a great summer gateway. As the doors of summer swing open, arguably the first real summer kick-off event approaches of Victoria day. In 2019, the Victoria Day holiday is on Monday, May 20th. Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25 in every province and territory. It honours Queen Victoria’s birthday, however here it is commonly referred to as “May long weekend”. Typically residents of Edmonton like to get out of town for the longer weekend. We at the TruHome team have assembled a little list of events that you can look forward to if you are planning to stay in the city this May long.

Shean Strings Competition At The Muttart Hall Of Alberta

On Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019, six string players from across Canada will take to the stage of Muttart Hall at the Alberta College Campus of MacEwan University (10050 MacDonald Drive, Edmonton) as they vie for the $8,000 top prize in The Shean Strings Competition and the opportunity to play with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at a later date. Entry is only $10 at the door. For the classical music lover or those that love competition this is a unique event that you don’t want to miss. Complete event details

Boarder X At The Art Gallery of Alberta

Boarder X features work by Indigenous artists that use snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing to demonstrate knowledge and relationships to the land. The artwork reflects cultural, political, environmental and social perspectives related to the landscapes and territories we occupy. These boarding lifestyles share synergies with Indigeneity, connected by an appreciation for the land and water. The exhibit reveals how culture, art and board intersect. In this context, board culture works to examine contested spaces, political borders, hybrid identities and traditional territories. The event (which ends on May 19th) is free for youths, $14 for adults, and $9 for seniors. Whether you are a lover or art, or an appreciator of board sports this exhibit is sure to give you a little something out of the ordinary. Complete event details

DieNasty At The Varscona Theatre

Die-Nasty is a live improvised soap opera, running weekly in the city of Edmonton since 1991. Die-Nasty’s award winning improv comedy format features a continuing storyline and recurring characters, live music, and a director who sets up scenes for the audience (and performers) in voiceover. Their current special named “Lord of Thrones” is currently playing every monday at 7:30pm until the 27th of May. Making this upcoming Victoria day the perfect opportunity to catch this show at the Varscona Theatre (10329 83 ave). Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 with the purchase of a membership). So if you are into Game of Thrones parodies or if you just want an unconventional laugh make sure to check out this showing. Complete event details

Monet’s Garden At The Muttart Conservatory

The feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory rotates five to seven times a year to provide Edmontonians with fresh and exciting exhibits year round. This May long Immerse yourself within a living impressionist painting! Inspired by the art of Claude Monet, you will enjoy a vibrant display of fantastic flora, including roses, fuchsia, and baby’s breath. Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement’s philosophy. Monet’s ambition of documenting the French countryside led him to adopt a method of painting the same scene many times in order to capture the changing of light and the passing of the seasons. As spring passes into summer you can celebrate this feature and take a loved one or your entire family on a peaceful and bright stroll through the conservatory. Tickets range from $6.50 (for kids) to $12.50 (for adults). The Conservatory is open daily from 10am – 5pm so you have plenty of time to go and smell the flowers! Complete event details

Chris D’Elia At The Winspear Centre

Chris D’Elia is currently one of the most sought after performers in the comedy world. D’Elia is best known for his stand up and starring role on the NBC comedy series UNDATEABLE. His latest stand-up special, MAN ON FIRE, is now on Netflix. Chris bring his unique and off-the-cut comedy style to our very own Winspear Centre this upcoming Saturday (Show starts at 10 pm). Tickets are available online and start at $45.50. Complete event details

On behalf of the TruHome team, we hope you enjoy your May Long!

Now available for pre showing’s, experience this stunning lake view bungalow in the Estates at Water’s Edge brought to you by the TruHome and Edmonton Lake Property Real Estate Group.

Whether you are looking for city or country living, we got you covered with 2 fantastic Open Houses. Both feature picturesque views and amazing lifestyle opportunities.

Visit us in the city at Grandin Green on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 1-3 pm. 

Experience living in the heart of Edmonton, surrounded by beautiful green space and easy access to everything you could need or want. Entering into the lobby and be impressed with a brand new look and feel embracing a more urban youthful style. Walking distance to the LRT, downtown and a quick commute to the University area, makes this condo an ideal choice to live. Learn more about this Edmonton condo.

Visit us in Silver Bell Estates (17,51214 Range Road 260) on Sunday, March 10,2019 from 1-3 pm. 

Luxury living in Silverbell Estates, completely set up for horses or hobby enthusiasts. With over 3.5 Acres, adjacent to an easement (park like setting) where no one can build directly to the south of the home , 34×31 shop fully equipped with 4 horse stalls, water, power and gas; as well two horse corrals. Learn more about this stunning acreage located in a premier SW location, 10 minutes from Windermere.

Love what you see, but won’t be able to make these Edmonton Open House times? Call us today at 587-400-7653 to schedule a private viewing for yourself? Or, hey, if you are looking to buy in general, know that we would be happy to be of service to you.

When you think of February, you often think of love, or more specifically Valentine’s Day. Of course, the meaning and way you celebrate this “holiday” will vary based on your current relationship status. Whether you are single, in a relationship or have kids, we wanted to share some of our own recommendations for making the most out of this day (or week) in Edmonton. Maybe, even some ideas to bring fun into other days of the year. Can you guess which of the TruHome team members recommended which ones?

With Kids

• Valentine’s Day Breakfast: Include your kids in the festivities by making a valentine’s themed breakfast. This is one of my absolute favourite meals, so I love the idea of making it a fun occasion in which the whole family can celebrate this day together. Once you are married with children, this day feels more about taking time to acknowledge and share your love and joy with the special people in your lives. In this case, it definitely includes my sweet boys, Harrison and Elias. I found this fantastic blog called Love & Marriage that features 25 delicious looking Valentine’s themed breakfast recipes. The red velvet pancakes looking especially yummy. If your not much into cooking at home, then I would definitely recommend the latest restaurant to hit the yeg breakfast scene, OEB Breakfast Co. located on Rice Howard Way (it will soon be open on 124th street as well).
• Mini Photo Session: I love getting some professional photos with my kids during the year. Many local photographers offer affordable photo sessions often called “mini-sessions”. The prices typically range from $60-$125.00 for a 15-30 minute session. It is fun for everyone to dress up and make some beautiful memories. The Dress Lounge, is hosting a photography session on February 9th and 10th with Simply V Photography. You can buy tickets here.
• Arts & Crafts With The Kiddos: When I was growing up, my mom always encouraged us to hand make our Valentine’s cards. At the time, I always wondered why we didn’t just go and buy them, but now as an adult I really appreciate the effort my mom put in to get our “creative” brains flowing and to spend quality time with us. Now that Harrison is going to daycare part time, I’m hoping to take a morning to make some personalized Valentine’s cards he can take to school. There are so many great ideas online. Michelle from the Edmonton Mama blog shares a few ones as well. Made Social Co, also offers a fun DIY project of creating a “Limited Edition Valentine’s Day Necklace”.  For only $17.00 dollars, you can purchase the kit and make it at home.
• At Home Date Night: With 2 kids under 3 years old, my husband and I try to make the most of our evenings together once the boys go to bed. Personally, I love when we get a chance to stay in and relax (especially on a colder night). To make Valentine’s a little more special, a trip to 104th street is a great solution to bring a romantic date home. Pick-up a charcuterie board from Cavern to-go, some delicious chocolates from JACEK, and some wine or beer from DeVine Wines and Spirits. Sounds like a perfect Edmonton evening in. Watch a movie, chat or even play one of your favourite board games.

With A Date

• Muttart After Dark: Plan a date night and arrange for a playdate or babysitter for the kids. The Muttart Conservatory offers a great Valentine’s themed night out on February 13th. During the tour, you can plan for dinner at Culina’s with their Hungry For Love dinner with a shareable fondue, delicious main dishes, JACEK Chocolate Couture and wine pairings. You can also purchase some treats from Caramunchies and even make your own corsages to take home.
• Watch A Comedy Show: Take a night on the town to watch Paul Mecurio at The Comic Strip in West Edmonton Mall. This is a great date night activity, especially for a first date because it keeps you entertained (you can avoid those potential awkward conversation moments) and you can gauge yours date’s sense of humour – do you find the same things funny. Paul was a “wall street lawyer” by turned, comedian by night, until his love for comedy won out turning into his full time (very successful) gig. His act will be available for viewing from February 14th – February 17th.
• Murder Mystery Party:  Fun fact, earlier in her career, Caitlin was the general manager of “Hulbert’s” a charming coffee shop/wine bar in the neighbourhood of Belgravia. For A New Year’s party one year, we attended a Murder Msytery and got to act out the scenes as staring characters. Not only was it a super fun night, it was an amazing evening where we met some really awesome Edmontonians. In fact, some of them we still see and call our friends to this day. If you would like to be immersed in the act, be sure to purchase tickets to “Loved To Death: Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner” at Tom Goodchild’s Moose Factory.
• Snowshoe & Stargaze: Okay, this one could probably also fall into an option of including the kids and/or even your favourite fur-babies. Drive out to Elk Island Park on Valentine’s Weekend and experience the stunning winter beauty while you enjoy snowshoeing in the snow during a short hike, followed by some goodies, a bon-fire and a lesson on the night sky. You might even get a chance to see the northern lights.

Going Solo

• Speed Dating: Maybe you will find a Valentine’s Date if you sign up for a fun night of speed-dating on February 10th at On The Rocks. Titled “The Valentine’s Dating Game”, featuring comedian Sterling Scott as your host/singles wrangler, it will definitely be a fun time had by all. Meet interesting people, win some prizes and enjoy a live band 69 Ave and DJ Kenny K. They are also hosting an event on February 15th called Valentine, Meet, Mix & Mingle.
• Galentine’s Day: Our amazing friend Coral, owner of Events by ACE’d is hosting a fabulous event for “ladies to celebrate ladies” on February 12th at Wilfred’s. Experience an exclusive interactive cocktail workshop, with a paired menu tasting. Not sure, what Galentine’s Day is? “It’s a legit question — especially if you don’t watch Parks and Recreation, where it finds its origins — but if you aren’t observing this fictional holiday, you are missing out. As Leslie Knope once said, it’s only the best day of the year. And, well, she’s right.” You can buy ticket’s to this awesome event here and be sure to give a big shout out to our beautiful friend – we adore you.

1. Bigger May Actually Be Better

The Rembrandt offers a range of sizes for condos from 1000-2000 sq ft. You will be able to live a “large” lifestyle in these expansive condo units.

2. Its Named After A Famous Painter

According to wikipedia: “Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a Dutch draughtsman, painter and printmaker. An innovative and prolific master in three media, he is generally considered one of the greatest visual artists in the history of art and the most important in Dutch art history.”

3. It Is A Really Well Managed Edmonton Condo (So Many Upgrades)

In 2018 alone, they completed: New triple pane windows, South side roof was replaced, updated security and locks, updated landscaping and fibre optic internet from Telus.

4. Mill Creek Ravine

Getting to the Mill Creek Ravine from The Rembrandt is less than 1 block away. This ravine is rated #3 on 146 things to do in Edmonton according to Trip Advisor making it a choice location to live for those that like to stay active, enjoy nature or who adore getting outdoors with their dog.

5. Mill Creek Pool

You don’t often get an outdoor pool walking distance from your home. This pool is a popular hot spot for all ages during the summer months.

6. Pet & Children Friendly

This Edmonton condo building welcomes your whole family including your loveable fur-babies.

7. Not To Many Neighbours

There is something to be said about community when you live a condo building with less units. In fact, the 5th floor for example only has 2 units on it.

8. Great Eats

Located within a couple minute walk is some of our favorite places to eat including Route 99 (one of Edmonton’s few classic diners), Mill Creek Ravine (a great place to eat any meal) and Boulangerie Bonjour (an amazing French bakery).

9. The Community of Strathcona

Need we say more? Strathcona and the Whyte Avenue area have so much to offer in terms of a great local scene and commutability.

10. Last, But Not Least, Unbelievable Views

This building offers panoramic views of the river valley and of the downtown skyline. Imagine sipping a glass of wine while taking in the Canada Day fireworks display directly from your balcony.

Even better is the fact that you can move into this building between the low $200,000 and higher $300,000’s. This makes this Edmonton condo an ideal location for many Edmonton home buyers, including people looking to down-size and even investors. Take a look at all the Edmonton Condos For Sale In The Rembrandt today.