Reflecting back on the year gives a deeper perspective as to where you have been and where you want to go. It is an opportunity to look back and celebrate the wins and reflect on ways to improve and grow. At TruHome, we had so much good to celebrate but also experienced new challenges when it came to growth.

Some highlights of our wins:

• We helped over 300 families define what home is. This was both reflective in clients taking a step into homeownership and into our latest rental project 121 west
• We partnered with Regency Developments to lease up their project at 121 west in the heart of the Brewery District
• Our team exceeded our sales goals from RE/MAX Titan Club in 2020 to RE/MAX Diamond Club (second highest club reachable) for 2021.
• Elisse received recognition as a RE/MAX Top 40 under 40 for Canada – an amazing accomplishment to receive and celebrate
• We reached new heights when it came to our average sale prices, navigating this crazy market – both with multiple offer scenarios and some more challenging type of properties to sell.
• We continued to finesse our processes and systems to better support our clients
• We expanded our team further in an effort to be more available to our customers
• We made amazing connections and friendships along the way.
• We coached and educated new agents for their own future growth
• We reached a new milestone with Stollery and you will find our name on the donor wall ($10,000 – $24,000) and we gave back to other charities too.
• We moved too – some of our team members also took time to jump into the market and make their own moves too.

This year gave us time to pause and really consider the value of our team and what we currently provide to both agents coming in and for our clients. How we can continue to shift and grow as leaders to continue to showcase our values and worth and what it means to better come together.

2022 will be all about growth and authenticity – how can we continue to grow while staying true to our value system and what is important to us? How can we show up for our clients better and provide them with the level of service we too would want to experience? How to maintain authentic and trusting relationships within our company? How to show up and give back to this beautiful city we call home and support those most vulnerable?

Each of our Edmonton REALTORS® will have their own unique, authentic goals that will blend alongside our overall team goals.

Most importantly to us though is how can we serve you better? If you have been considering a move, or thinking about how real estate can impact your long term wealth strategy – lets chat. We would be truly honoured to be a part of helping you in 2022. Contact us today to start planning for your future.

– Photography by Tracey Jazmin

Many neighborhoods in Edmonton can be described as having “everything you could ever want”, but there’s truly no neighborhood that embodies this better than Strathcona (or, Old Strathcona). It’s established, authentic, inclusive, and chic.

Homes

Strathcona is a historic community with a large real estate footprint. There is an abundance of single-family homes, infill lots, duplexes, and walk-up apartments to satisfy all tastes, budgets, and lifestyles. With its proximity to the University of Alberta campus and hospital, there are also plenty of opportunities for income properties.

The premiere community of Strathcona fully embraces culture, art, and festivities while offering a unique twist on urban living. It is a popular spot for young adults and university-goers who enjoy the short commute, however there are many long-term residents and families who embrace the pedestrian-friendly and breezy lifestyle.

Places to Visit

With over 600 businesses serving the surrounding areas, there is enough boutique shopping, dining, and entertainment venues to fill the soul. Some of our favorite spots include The Plaid Giraffe, Rocket Fizz, Blues on Whyte, The Junque Cellar, Spotlight Cabaret and the Princess Theatre.

There’s a reason Old Strathcona was recently dubbed Edmonton’s “dessert district”. Whether you’re strolling along Whyte Ave or exploring the hidden gems amongst the alleys and murals, there’s something on every corner to satisfy your sweet tooth! Some of our favorites are Made by Marcus (unique ice cream flavours and frozen treats), Yelo’d (Filipino inspired soft serve ice cream treats), La Boule (French inspired pastries and bread), Cacao 70 (chocolate a million different ways) and Sugared and Spiced (all the baked goods). Just to name a few!

If the options for a night on the town don’t appeal (Hudson’s, O’Byrne’s, Beercade, etc.), there’s a good chance the foodie scene will satisfy some tastebuds.

Under the High Wheel and Pip offer delectable brunches with flare, while Meat and The Next Act are the places to be for friendly gatherings, family-style meals, and high vibe dining. MKT and Malt & Mortar also have great pub fare if you’re looking for something more on the casual side.

Commuting/Schools

Downtown Edmonton is easily accessible via the two major throughfares, Walterdale Hill Road and Groat Road Bridge, while 104^th Street/Calgary Trail make it a quick journey to south Edmonton and beyond.

In addition to the University of Alberta, there are a handful of schools in the neighborhood and surrounding areas which makes Old Strathcona a great neighborhood for families.

Old Scona Academic High School is right in the heart of the community and is recognized as one of the top academic secondary schools in the country. You also have King Edward School (K-6), Strathcona School (Grades 10-12), and McKernan School (Grades 7-9). Additionally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Louis St. Laurentare two of the designated Catholic schools in the area.

Recreation

Even though it’s a wanderer’s delight, there is no shortage of outdoor space and greenery. The End of Steel, Dr. Wilbert MacIntyre, and Light Horse parks are in the neighborhood for evening games of Spike Ball or as a place to take your furry friend on a walk.

Just a few blocks north you’ll find Saskatchewan drive, which boasts panoramic views of Downtown Edmonton with a newly refurbished pedestrian walkway, bike path, landscaping and seating. If you go on the right day, you might find a local artist set up with an easel and a coffee, capturing Edmonton’s finest lookout point. And if you adventure just a bit further east, you’ll find yourself in Mill Creek Ravine that connects you to Edmonton’s network of river valley trails. 

One of the major perks of choosing Strathcona as your new neighborhood is that you’ll never have to fight for parking to enjoy the festivals in the area. No matter the season, there is always something going on. Most notably is the internationally known Edmonton Fringe Festival during August, the Ice on Whyte ice sculpture festival in January, and the Whyte Ave Art Walk in June.

We would be doing a disservice to the neighbourhood if we didn’t mention the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market: In operation since 1983, this indoor market is home to an assortment of vendors offering locally grown and produced goods, delicious treats, and sustainable living options. The best part is, they’re open year-round!

Whatever your reason is for moving to Strathcona, there will be no shortage of reasons for why you’ll fall in love with the community right away. TruHome would love to connect you with your next home in this beautiful community, so drop us a line and one of our agents will be in touch!

2021 Edmonton Holiday Gift Guide

And just like that, the holiday season is back! We’re not complaining though, it is one of our favourite times of the year—except for home-buying season, of course. As hyper-local real estate agents, we always look to support local businesses in the city we love. So the TruHome team put their heads together to bring you a 2021 Edmonton Holiday Gift Guide!

This season it is more important than ever to shop local, support others in the community, and give meaningful gifts. Here are 20 gift giving suggestions for this year’s holiday season.

Clo’s General Leather Co.

For the person in your life who likes long-lasting, high quality, made-with-care leather goods. Clo’s General sells a variety of items such as wallets, bags, belts, gloves, hats and accessories. What’s more—you can get your orders personalized!

Token Bitters

This is the perfect stocking stuffer if you’re buying for someone who is into cocktail making. Token Bitters stocks artisinal, handcrafted bitters that are inspired by Edmonton, and features flavours such as Ritchie Cherry, Strathcona Orange and Highland Mojito.

Floc Boutique

For the woman in your life that loves high-quality boutique apparel while simultaneously supporting local, Floc Boutique is women-run and has some of the most unique fashion items in Edmonton. You can also gift a personal styling or shopping day for someone who claims “I never know what to wear!”.

Poppy Barley

As a long-time Edmonton-based business, Poppy Barley is our city’s best-known footwear company. But did you know that they recently started selling things beyond shoes? Leather coasters, organizational sets, placemats, and even checkers sets were included in their recent launch!

Unbelts

We all have at least one pair of pants that requires a belt, so everyone can benefit from a belt from Unbelts! Made for both men and women, Unbelts’ main product is a lightweight, flat fabric belt that comes in every colour of the rainbow. The idea is that you won’t be able to see the bulk of the buckle under your shirt.

Little Plant Shop

For the person in your life that just keeps on buying more plants, the Little Plant Shop sells all the things you need to make your home even more lively. We’re talking home decor, wall art, handmade candles, macrame plant hangers, pots and of course, plants.

Tikkhu Jewelry

Tikkhu specializes in minimalist jewelry at a fair price. They have pieces that suit all styles, and also have an enviable holiday collection with understated gold jewelry and hair accessories. Having launched only last year, Tikkhu has taken off and is a staple jeweller in Edmonton—get them while you can!

Above Average Drinks

For the person in your life who loves a good cocktail, but hates making them, Above Average Drinks is a ready-to-pour cocktail service that delivers high-quality, delicious cocktails right to your door. All you need to do is pop the cork and pull out your favourite glass.

Hideout Distro

Hideout Distro is one of those shops where you can walk in and leave with half the store. This quaint shop is located on 124th street and distributes quality goods by independent brands, artists, designers and musicians from Canada and beyond. Think: vintage apparel, jewelry, stickers, pottery, trinkets, home goods, and more.

Winspear Centre

You can’t go wrong with buying your friends and family tickets to an upcoming show at the Winspear Centre. Sometimes experience gifts are the best thing to give because you might get invited along to the event! You also get to support local artists and performers while they debut in Edmonton.

Adewunmi Skincare

Adewunmi Skincare is a natural skincare brand in Canada. Located in the basement of the Mercer Warehouse, Adewunmi sells a variety of lotions, creams, body washes and oils. They offer a customization service to help those with tricky skin needs.

Ryspot Design

If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, look no further, Ryspot Design may be the perfect present. Creating one-of-a-kind products made from concrete, you can purchase clocks, candle holders, trinket trays, side tables, planters and more. May we suggest the iconic Edmonton brick, though?

The Prints and the Paper

A quirky shop located on 124th street, The Prints and the Paper sells graphic art prints, books,  cards and other cool stationary. Walk into this store and you will likely get lost for hours checking out all the unique things that it has to offer!

Shop Chop

Shop Chop is an edgy and fun local gift shop with an ever-changing selection of holiday ornaments, plants, pots, decor, home goods, greeting cards, jewellery, hair products, candles and more. Everyone we know absolutely adores this store, and they also have a hair salon in the back if you need to pamper yourself before you shop!

Strathcona Spirits

As Edmonton’s oldest distillery, Strathcona Spirits creates award-winning spirits made using traditional methods & local ingredients. We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like Strathcona Spirits, and we think your friends and family will love them too.

Glass Bookshop

We all need a little less screen time, so why not get lost in a page-turner from Glass Bookshop? This gem is an independently- and queer-owned bookstore that features work by queer and racialized writers to uplifts the industry and support independent publishers from Edmonton and beyond. 

Westmount Soap Company

Inspired by the diverse personalities of the communities and neighbourhoods within the City of Edmonton, the Westmount Soap Co. hand makes all natural bar soap, scented with only high quality essential oils. Get all of your stocking stuffers here!

Fenwick & Co.

If you’re shopping for little kiddos, Fenwick & Co. is the place to go for home and baby textiles. With unique screen prints, you can get toques and outfits for your little ones while grabbing some pillows and tea towels for yourself!

Justine Ma Design and Hand Lettering

Justine Ma Design and Hand Lettering is an iconic holiday gift. With a fantastic array of designs in stunning lettering, there is definitely something for everyone you’re buying for. Pick up ornaments, enamel pins, cards, drinkware, keychains, prints, party decor and more!

Restaurant giftcards

If you’re in a bind or are looking for a last minute gift you can’t go wrong with a giftcards to some of YEG’s best local restaurants and cafes. Here are some suggestions: Bianco, Dorinku Osaka, Nineteen, Cafe Amore, Cosmos, Duchess, Gravy, Ohana Donuts, Farrow, Credo, and Rosewood Foods. All of these places are local faves, but there are endless options for supporting local restaurants!

There are so many other local Edmonton shops you can purchase from and support this season, but we hope this helped kick-start your shopping. If you love any other local businesses we might not know about, let us know – we love to shop!

You’ve probably already guessed it, the TruHome team is a huge fan of Edmonton. Most of us on the team are born and raised Edmontonians with no plans to move to a new city! We know that Edmonton is an amazing place to live, and we want to share our love for it with you.

Because we’re fortunate to work with clients living in every neighbourhood in the city, we’ve come to know Edmonton from many different perspectives. In this blog post, we want to show you all the hidden gems in the neighbourhood of Garneau. 

Ride on the High Level Streetcar

After being closed for the COVID season, the High Level Streetcar is back in action! Take it to get from one end of the river to the other ($4 one-way for $7 round trip), or book it for a special event at an hourly rate, where you can invite friends and family to spend an hour or two on the streetcar. 

Paint your own ceramics

At Crankpots Ceramic Studio, you can pop in to shop or book a time to paint your own masterpiece. Both reservations and walk-ins are welcome! Simply pick your piece, paint colours, then start painting—and with unlimited studio time and paints, you can truly relax and enjoy your painting experience.

Experience French culinary mastery

A little bit of France in the centre of Garneau, Eleanor & Laurent is a French restaurant offering many different French dishes, such as baguettes, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, desserts, wine and takeaway items. This description isn’t giving this restaurant the credit it deserves, so check out their Instagram to see the stunning dishes and treats that Eleanor & Laurent create.

Visit a hidden bistro

And if you wanted to stay in the area (or the same building), La Petite Iza is a rooftop terrace bistro located on Eleanor & Laurent’s uppermost floor. It serves patrons during the day and night, with two different menus for the time of day. With limited hours of Wednesday-Sunday, be sure to snag a reservation before stopping by.

Go thrifting

Though big box thrifting stores like Value Village or Goodwill are in the area, we’re all about supporting local, which is why you should check out Antique Treasure House Edmonton—a hidden gem located at 10701-85 Avenue at the base of an apartment building. Antique Treasure House is filled with everything, such as fine china, antiques, prints, toys, clothes, jewelry, furniture, kitchen goodies and more.  

Upgrade your kitchen knife-wear

It’s hard to find a shop that specializes in knives, but Knifewear in Garneau does. A Canadian business with locations in Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, Knifewear is a destination and hangout spot for those who love Japanese steel. They carry exclusive, scary sharp, high performance blades, and offer expert knife knowledge, expert purchasing experiences and support.

Purchase some antique collectables

If you didn’t overspend at the Antique Treasure House that we featured above, walk on over to Black Swan Antiques & Collectibles. With a lot of different treasures inside, this shop specializes in antique jewelry. You are bound to spend hours in this eclectic store!

Have a spa day

At Healing Waters Spa, you can have a full spa day to relax and rejuvenate—or, you pop on in (by appointment) to get something specific. Healing Waters Spa offers an array of services including facials, waxing, tinting, massages, scrubs and saunas, as well as experiences like full packages or Hammam treatments. Keep an eye out for their monthly specials!

Visit a cigar shop

La Tienda is the friendliest cigar shop in the city, offering service, knowledge and honesty. They sell only cigars—no vapes, chew or cigarettes. Not only are they open for walk-ins, but they also offer private memberships: a monthly or premium private selection cigar club.

And when you’re done shopping, head on over next door to Farrow to grab a sandwich, coffee or donut. If you’re an Edmontonian, you probably already know about this well-loved sandwich shop.

Take a walk down Saskatchewan Drive

Lastly, nothing beats a free walk down Saskatchewan Drive where you can take in the wonders of the view. With a complete view of our Downtown, a walk (or jog!) down Saskatchewan Drive never gets old.

If you’ve fallen in love with all the goodies Garneau has to offer, reach out to one of the agents on our TruHome team – we’d love to show you some homes in the area! 

Home inspections are a crucial step in the home buying process. Not only does it allow you to learn more about your future home, but it is the step that gives you the opportunity to either move forward with your purchase or walk away. We could go on and on about home inspections, so that’s why we decided to write a series on them!

Though many are familiar with the standard home inspection (which we will go further into detail in future blog posts), we thought we start out with why home inspections are important. If you’re thinking of purchasing your first home, be sure to set alerts for when we post new articles on our Instagram! Let’s dive in.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is the buyer’s last chance to learn the details and specifics of the home they put a deposit on and are looking to purchase. If any problems with the home arise during this step in the home buying process, the buyer can contact the seller to negotiate, or simply walk away from the purchase and get their deposit back.

Though home inspections are technically not necessary, we at TruHome strongly suggest performing one before purchasing your home. We get it—buying a home is already a lot of money and hiring a home inspector is just adding to the list of ever-growing costs. However, if you don’t go through with a home inspection, you could be left with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs that you could have learned about before. Beyond the cost, you could also be buying a home that simply isn’t safe to live in. No one wants that!

What do home inspectors look for?

Home inspectors look for anything and everything in a home. Probably not the answer you were looking for, right? Well, inspectors will look at the big and small—from leaks to small dents in the drywall. But in general home inspections, inspectors take a special interest in water damage, the structural integrity of the building (uneven floors, cracked walls, leaning stairs, etc.), roof damage, electrical, plumbing, bug or pest presence, and heating & cooling systems. 

The list above only scratches the surface, but once you get your home report back after the home inspector is finished, you’ll see what we mean.

What to expect during a home inspection

We always recommend that the buyer comes along for the inspection along with your realtor. Not only can you speak with the inspector one on one to clarify any issues that arise, it also gives the buyer another chance to view the home. Sometimes during these inspections, the buyer brings along measuring tapes and paint samples to get some planning in ahead of time before possession day.

Home inspections usually take between 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the home and the amount of reported issues. In very unique circumstances, home inspections can take a full day.

Once the home inspector is done looking at the home, they will chat with you and give you an in-depth report of the things that the home needs fixed. The length of this list differs between each home. Though the list can sometimes be long, you need to remember to pay attention to the severity of the issues. There may be missing light switches and cracks in the sidewalk, which are more of an aesthetic issue and not necessary to fix right away. However, if the inspection report tells you that there are major issues with your pipes or foundation, that is when you need to decide with your realtor if those are deal breakers or not. Always keep your budget in mind during this step—even though the home may seem perfect, it may not be worth it to fork out thousands of dollars to fix the issues.

What to expect after a home inspection

After the home inspection takes place, it’s time to sit down with your realtor. If the report shows only a few minor things, then your realtor will likely suggest to move forward with the purchase without any changes to your deal.

However, if your home inspection report comes back with major issues, your realtor will give you three options: 1) to negotiate with the seller to get a smaller selling price of the home, 2) to negotiate with the seller to have them fix the issues before possession day, or 3) to walk away from the home altogether. If the seller agrees to fix the issues for you, it is important to have a follow-up walk-through before your possession date to ensure that the problems were properly tended to.

If you decide to walk away from the home, your realtor will go back to step one and send you listings of homes that are similar to the one you just walked away from. Though it’s extremely disappointing for our clients (and for us!) when this happens, we have never regretted backing away from a bad investment. 

Hiring a home inspector in Edmonton

Edmonton is filled with many credible home inspection companies. Did you know that Alberta and British Columbia are the only two provinces that require home inspectors to have certifications? This means that here in Alberta, all home inspectors are licensed and you can sleep soundly knowing that trained professionals are inspecting your home. We at TruHome work with a couple specific companies that are amazing. Here they are:

Brent Moffat

Edmonton, AB T5T 2Y5, Canada

Phone: 780-224-5035

brent.moffat@abuyerschoice.com

Visit the website

Edgar Castillo, 

Canadian Residential Inspection Services NE Edmonton

Namao Center PO Box 31085 Edmonton AB T5Z 3P3 (Street Address: 10315 – 178 Avenue NW, Edmonton)

Phone: 780-910-2857

ECastillo@CanadianResidential.com

How much does a home inspection cost?

During most purchases, the buyer usually pays for the home inspection. However, there’s no rule that says that you can’t negotiate that the seller pays for the home inspection when you’re in the negotiation stage before the inspection takes place.

There are some cases when the seller performs a home inspection before they put their house on the market. In those cases, it is up to the buyer to either accept that home inspection or perform a second home inspection on their own dime. However, we at TruHome definitely recommend hiring your own inspector—someone that is unbiased and can give you an honest report.

That being said, if you are hiring the home inspector yourself, you can expect to spend between $200-$400. 

In conclusion

We know home inspections can be daunting—especially when you’re a first-time home buyer. But like we mentioned earlier in this article, home inspections are important and necessary, even if they aren’t required to purchase a home. 

More often than not, there will be an issue with your home, even if it’s only a year or two old. But know when this happens, you’re not alone. Your realtor is there to help you throughout your journey to home ownership—even when it gets difficult!

We at TruHome take pride in being a shoulder to lean on during the home buying process. At each and every step, we’re only a call or a coffee hang away! If you’re looking to purchase your next place to call home, feel free to book a Buyer’s Consult with us to get started.

If you didn’t already know, the TruHome team is helping lease up the 121 West Condominiums. 121 West offers high quality concrete construction with a wide array of floor plans (studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom) that allows your home to be as unique as you are. Not only are the suites absolutely gorgeous, but the building itself is located in one of our favourite places in our city: the Edmonton Brewery District.

If you haven’t visited Central Edmonton in a while, the Brewery District is a neighbourhood sandwiched between Oliver, Queen Mary Park, and Downtown. It has everything you need—from shopping and food to entertainment and other businesses that offer everything you need. If you are considering moving to the 121 West condos or even moving to the area, keep on reading to learn more about what this neighbourhood has to offer!

Shopping

Winners

Everyone loves Winners—it’s so hard not to! Our team are frequent shoppers at the Brewery District location and have noticed that there is always a great selection of clothing, shoes, and home goods at this location. Don’t believe us? Guess you will have to check it out for yourself!

Miniso

If you have yet to visit Miniso, this is your sign to do so. Miniso is soon to be your favourite Japanese-inspired, low-cost, lifestyle product retailer, offering high quality household goods, cosmetics, and food at affordable prices. Name a product—they’ve got it. Plan to be there for a while, you will get lost in this store and not want to leave! 

Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC)

Calling all people who love the outdoors! Grab your one-time MEC membership and get shopping. MEC is a one stop shop for all season sports, hiking, camping, footwear, clothing, electronics and more. Even if you aren’t a nature lover, you’ll still probably find something you’ll love there.

124th Street

Even though 124th Street isn’t “in” the Brewery District, we had to include it anyway because it’s an icon in the neighbourhood. Just a short five-minute walk away, this beautiful area of our city has tons of shopping options, such as Shades of Gray, Floc Boutique, The Makers Keep, The Prints & The Paper and so much more.

Food

City Market

The Loblaw City Market is a staple in this community.While there are a few good options for grocery shopping, City Market is a favourite amongst those who live in Downtown-adjacent neighbourhoods. Not only is it a new build, but it also has free underground parking.

Blaze Pizza

Think Subway… but for Pizzas. Blaze Pizza is a build-your-own pizza joint that you will be sure to love if you haven’t tried it already.

Wing Snob

Traditional Wings, boneless wings, cauli wings—you name it, they have it. Wing Snob is new to the Brewery District but has quickly become a community favourite!

Cobs Bread Bakery

Name a food item that is more delicious than warm buttered bread. Cobs Bread Bakery serves a variety of different menu items like bread, scones, tarts, danishes, pizza, croissants… the list goes on.

Wilfred’s & Made by Marcus

A dual concept space in the Brewery District, Wildfred’s Handhelds and Made by Marcus are two delicious places to grab a bite. Grab a beer and a sandwich from Wilfred’s, then snag a locally-sourced ice cream from Made by Marcus—it’s a win-win!

Shojo Izakaya

Located in the same building below Wilfred’s and Made by Margus, Shojo Izakaya is a restaurant that serves fresh, modern Japanese cuisine in Edmonton, AB serving Small plates ranging from fried chicken to sushi. What’s more—Shojo has an incredible cocktail menu!

Nando’s

Peri-peri, anyone? Nando’s is an underrated gem in the Brewery District, offering a variety of food options that will please the whole family. Though the menu is centered around chicken, there are several vegetarian options as well. Just don’t forget to add their iconic peri-peri dipping sauce!

Tokiwa Ramen

It’s not a good neighbourhood without a ramen restaurant, right? Tokiwa Ramen is a fan favourite for ramen lovers, with their soup often selling out well before closing time. They prepare their soup daily using quality ingredients locally sourced whenever possible, which is why they only make a limited amount of soup each day! Prepare to stand in line, but we promise it’s worth the wait. 

…And now for a couple restaurants that aren’t in the Brewery District, but are a short walk or scooter ride away!

Brew & Bloom Cafe

You have probably seen the Brew & Bloom Cafe on Instagram at some point. Nourish your body and mind at this gorgeous cafe that features stunning florals and delicious food, including unique drinks, an abundance of food and a large selection of desserts.

Cafe Amore

Get your pasta fix (and then some) at this classic Italian restaurant! Cafe Amore has a pasta feature for every day of the week, and is guaranteed to feed you for several meals.

Art of Cake

The Art of Cake is an eclectic bakery that serves a variety of different sweets, and you can even order signature cakes for occasions such as weddings! 

Health Services

Divine Spine

 Divine Spine is a unique chiropractor’s office offering a computerized treatment system that is designed to gently restore motion to your joints.  It uses a precise and computerized force to facilitate the body’s correction of nerve interference caused by a misaligned spinal joint. 

Pivotal Physiotherapy

Pivotal Physiotherapy provides essential healthcare and exceptional rehabilitative care to help you live your best, healthiest life. They accommodate all types of schedules with flexible hours, and have a second location near High Street. 

FYidoctors

Whether you wear glasses or not, we should all be getting our eyes checked every now and then. FYidoctors offer complete eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, designer frames, custom lenses and sunglasses. 

Oliver Park Dental

Oliver Park Dental understands that the dental office isn’t always your favourite place to visit, but it is a health necessity. This dental office offers an array of different services, such as invisalign, teeth whitening, dental implants, cleanings, children’s checkups and even botox.

Massage Heights

Everyone needs a massage every once in a while. At Massage Heights, every massage experience will be different because they believe in customizing your massage to your needs. 

Goodlife Fitness 

And of course, a neighbourhood isn’t complete without a gym. Goodlife Fitness is a leader in fitness services, providing high-quality equipment, personal training and group fitness classes. The Brewery District location even offers childcare services while you workout!

Other Necessities

TD Canada

If you bank with TD Canada, you are in luck! But even if you aren’t, this bank offers 24/7 access to bank machines just in case you are in need of cash.

Petland

121 West is pet friendly, so having a Petland close by is a definite perk! And even if you don’t own a pet of your own, you can always stop by when you are in need of some pet cuddles, because why not?

 Citizen’s Salon & Tommy Gun’s

And last but definitely not least, the Brewery District has two hair salons to choose from if you aren’t already tied to a hairdresser. Citizen’s Salon is an independent chair rental hair studio where you can go and get your hair done, or if you are a hairstylist yourself, open up your own business! And, of course, for those in need of a barber, Tommy Gun’s is available for you, too. 

The Edmonton Brewery District has so much to offer, and we would love to talk about it more with you. If you are interested in leasing a unit in the beautiful 121 West, feel free to send us a message to book a viewing.

The purchase of your first Edmonton home is an exhilarating and monumental event. However, many homebuyers are unaware of the “hidden”, one-time expenses that come with buying a home. When you budget for a real estate purchase, you should have a good understanding of what investments will have to be made alongside your down payment. Doing so will allow you to prepare properly, save accordingly, and make the acquisition of your new Edmonton home much less stressful.

Edmonton Home Inspection

While not mandatory, it is often recommended to have a home inspection done prior to closing the deal on your new home. An Edmonton home inspection allows the buyer to better understand the condition of the house, including its structural integrity and mechanics. Doing an inspection before closing a sale means that potential issues can be brought to the seller’s attention before it becomes the buyer’s responsibility. Additionally, knowing that there are no major defects to surprise you in the future may provide more security for your lender.  

Legal Representation

You will require legal assistance to facilitate the transaction between yourself, the bank, and the seller. Only a portion of this cost will pay the lawyer’s fee, while the remainder will be used to execute the title transfer and all other details regarding the purchase (disbursements). Legal feels will vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. 

Adjustment Costs

Adjustment costs refer to the costs that the previous owner prepaid (property taxes, utility bills, maintenance services, etc.). You as the buyer may be required to reimburse the seller for expenses they may have already been paid in a prorated fashion. This cost is dependent upon the possession date. 

Property Appraisal Fee

In order to determine the value of the property you’re purchasing, and whether or not it meets its lending criteria, your bank may hire an independent appraiser to assess the property. This, of course, depends on the type of property being purchased.

Estoppel Certificate Fee

If the property you’re purchasing is a condominium or strata unit, an estoppel certificate allows you as the buyer to know if the previous owner has any unpaid condominium contributions. Outstanding payments and associated interest owing on unpaid condominium fees are carried with the unity and not the owner.

Land Registration

Before the sale closes, you have to register the property’s title under your name. This is also referred to as a land transfer tax, deed registration fee, or property transfer tax. 

If You’re Buying a Brand-New Home

Often only associated with the purchase of a brand-new home (not just new to you), you will likely have to pay goods and services tax (GST) on your home purchase. 

Home Insurance

As a condition of getting a mortgage, oftentimes the lender will require proof of home insurance before approving a loan. The cost of your home insurance policy will vary depending on your personal assets, the features of your new home, and the type of policy chosen. 

A general guide is to have an additional 3%-4% of the purchase price as cash-on-hand. Keep in mind, the estimates of these costs will differ based on the type of property you are buying and what kind of services are available to support your purchase. If you’re unsure of what fees will be associated with your first home purchase, consult your real estate agent. They are on your side and are eager to ensure you are making a quality investment. 

Our TruHome real estate agents take great pride in facilitating your purchase by making sure you’re well-informed before any documents are signed. We are always happy to aide our clients – especially if you’ve chosen us to help you find your first TruHome! 

Whether you’ve moved into a new home and have to find a place to put all your belongings, or you’ve been in your home for years but can’t find anything anymore, optimizing your garage space can save a lot of stress. Your garage offers important square footage and should be treated as such, but you’re not alone if you open the door and think “I don’t even know where to start…”

We can’t fix up your garage for you, but we can offer a few tips to help get you started:

Decide what you want to use the space for

Establishing your list of priorities for how the garage should function is step number one. Are you using it primarily as a car park with a bit of extra storage space? Is it a workshop and utility closet all in one? Will a part of it be turned into a home gym? Whatever the case, you should identify what wants and needs can be met with the space that you have. Start by grabbing a piece of graph paper and a pencil to make a to-scale drawing of your space so you know how much room you have to work with after you fill it with all the essentials. 

Declutter

This is a big step. We know. However stressful it may be, it is just as satisfying. Sorting through old sporting equipment, neglected hobby projects, tools that haven’t seen the light of day, and that old patio furniture you keep saying you’ll brush the cobwebs off for next season, is the second step in regaining garage space. Unless it holds sentimental value, serves a true purpose, or brings you some kind of joy, get rid of the extra clutter so you know what has to be organized. Who knows, you may even part with enough stuff to put on a garage sale (we won’t tell anyone if you secretly want to show off your new and improved garage). 

Pick the proper storage and garage mechanics

Once you know what items have to find homes in the garage, it’s easier to find storage solutions to match. First you have to decide on an organizing system. Some of us like clear bins so we can see everything in them without have to search high and low. Others like closed cabinets to hide the clutter and keep everything organized. After you’ve decided how to organize, find a system that works for you and the people that have to access these things. That might be labels, sections of the garage for certain activities, or a color-coded filing system that would impress Sheldon Cooper. 

Another part of optimizing garage use is making sure the mechanics of the garage work as they should. This includes door hinges and handles, lighting, heat, surrounding foliage, and more. If you can’t even access the garage, what’s the point of making it functional?

Use vertical and overhead space

An often-underused area of space is the wall space that’s just out of reach. Hanging floating shelves or adding a few extra stackable shelves to your storage system can produce new indoor real estate you didn’t have before. Storing the seasonal gear or “dangerous goods” (washer fluid, paint, etc.) keeps them out of the way but still accessible. We’ve also seen many functional garage spaces with racks that hang from the ceiling to hold life jackets, snowboards, and other equipment that’s hard to store. 

Make it a welcoming space

You won’t use your garage to its fullest potential if it’s not a space you want to spend time in (even those 3 minutes to get the winter gear of out storage or to flip a breaker). Maybe this means adding extra light sources (adhesive, battery-operated lights if you don’t want to re-wire), insulation for warmth and sound absorption, or paint to make the space look bigger and brighter. Whatever the case, part of regaining your garage space is making sure you actually want to go in there to access the things you need. 

As the needs of you and your family change over the years, consider tackling the garage every 2-3 years to make sure it’s still functional for you. Who knows, your most recent garage update might be the thing that seals the deal for you to list your Edmonton home with us at TruHome. Homebuyers love a practical garage!

As soon as you move into Parkview you will feel like you have lived there all your life – the whole community becomes your family, and everyone will be waving to you on their morning walks. 

Parkview is a mature, west-end neighbourhood bordered by the Edmonton’s River Valley to the east, 149^th Street, 87^th Avenue/Buena Vista Road, and MacKenzie Ravine. Those familiar with the area know that it is also informally split into two sub- neighbourhoods: Valleyview (east of 142^nd Street) and Parkview (west of 142^nd Street).  

HOMES

With original homes dating back to the mid 1950s and brand-new infill homes, no two houses are alike. Parkview attracts residents in all stages of life: new families, retired couples, young professionals, and all those seeking an authentic community. It is also refreshing to see the community turn over after a few decades, as children who used to live in Parkview are now moving their own families back into the neighbourhood.

Real estate opportunities in Parkview consist predominantly of single-family homes, many with new upgrades and all with lots of character. However, there are also opportunities for semi-detached homes and walk-up apartment style condos. Because of its desirable location, many new homeowners are opting for the trendiest infill homes with less square footage to maintain but just as much pizazz. 

If you’ve ever gone for a Sunday cruise or detoured your bike ride to Valleyview Drive, you’ll be familiar with Parkview’s well-admired luxury homes. Known for boasting some of the west-end’s most fabulous properties, there is no shortage of “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” at Parkview houses. All equally as memorable and inspiring as the next. 

As the years pass, more and more irreparable mid-century homes are being replaced with infills or grand modern homes, a testament to the neighbourhood’s dynamism. But if you’re someone who loves the originality of old character homes, you’ll be pleased to see many homes with their original foundation, finishings, and flare. And if you’re lucky, you might run into someone who is the original owner of their home and would love to have you over for tea to tell you about the history of the neighbourhood.

SHOPS

As most of the neighbourhood can confirm, the hottest place to be is at the Valleyview Shopping Centre on 142^nd Street. Home to the famous IGA and neighbourhood’s social hub, Rebel, this shopping centre is where you’ll run into your neighbours and catch up with old friends. We’ve been advised not to wear our pyjamas there as it’s rumoured you’ll always see someone you know! 

A hat’s off to Parkview wouldn’t be complete without giving mention to Andy’s IGA. As a family-run business, Andy and his family have served Parkview and surrounding areas for countless years. As a strong supporter of the community’s youth and events, Andy’s IGA offers a warm welcome every time you go. The superb customer service, delicious doughnuts, and newly paved parking lot are reason enough to go back every single day. As a Century Hospitality Group restaurant, Rebel is a gathering place for family and friends in the community, offering an innovative selection of menu items. Whether it’s for brunch on the weekends or drinks after work, their casual but upscale dining experience will quickly convince you to become a regular. Fun fact: the manager of Rebel used to own and operate the Italian restaurant that occupied that space before – talk about commitment to the community!

COMMUTING

If the style of the homes, the culture of the neighbourhood, or the nearby amenities don’t win you over, Parkview’s proximity to every major commuting route will seal the deal. Here are some of the highlights:

• 8 minutes from downtown Edmonton
• 5 minutes from the Whitemud (and subsequently the Anthony Henday)
• 10 minutes from the Yellowhead
• 20 minutes from the University of Alberta campus
• 30 minutes to Edmonton International Airport

You’re never far from the action when you’re located in Parkview, including on foot or other! With maintained sidewalks, side roads, and trails, getting around via alternative methods of transportation is convenient and accessible. 

SCHOOLS/RECREATION

Parkview is a great community to support families with school-aged kids. Right in the heart of the community sits Parkview School (elementary and junior high) and St. Rose Catholic Junior High. However, there are numerous schools in surrounding neighbourhoods including St. Francis Xavier, Archbishop MacDonald, and Ross Sheppard High Schools, Crestwood School, and St. Paul Elementary. For families with young children, Parkview Community League also offers Preschool and Kindercare programs. The Community League hosts community soccer teams, has tennis courts in the summer, and floods a community skating rink in the winter. 

Living up to its name, there is no shortage of green space, parks, and places for outdoor recreation in Parkview. If you don’t feel like making your way down to the Buena Vista Dog Park, the Valleyview Drive off-leash area is easily accessible, offering a complete view of downtown Edmonton and the University of Alberta. This is also a great road for a family bike ride, to catch the Canada Day fireworks, or to watch the full moon rise over downtown every month. In the summer (post-COVID, of course), you may want to take your lawn chair to the lookout points to be serenaded by summer concerts in Hawrelak Park as the music drifts up the valley. 

You’re also walking distance from Hawrelak Park so you’ll never have to fight for parking to attend Edmonton’s Heritage Days, the World Triathlon, or a casual park day picnic on the weekend.  

As if anyone ever needed a reason to move into Parkview, we think there are many attractive qualities to Parkview and Valleyview. If you feel dazzled by the community and want to explore your residential options, reach out to one of our TruHome agents who will help you find the perfect home in Parkview – there is no shortage!

In honour of National Pizza Month, we asked our team of pizza fanatics to share their favourite places to get a slice in Edmonton. There is no shortage of pizza places in Edmonton, but here are a few to help satisfy those cravings: 

Sepp’s

As one of the more recent additions to the pizza scene in Edmonton, Sepp’s has taken over the University area by storm. If you’re looking for the perfect New York-style pizza pie, look no further. They don’t do in-person dining but are experts in take out and delivery. Plus, their pizzas make delicious leftovers, so order that second pizza. Our recommendations are the Apulo (if you haven’t had honey on your pizza before, you’ll be converted after this!) and the Funghi.

Campio

Gracing downtown Edmonton with deep-dish pizzas since 2018, Campio take’s the lead for creative pies. The PB&J (pineapple, bacon, and jalapeños), and the Big MacDavid (a Big Mac inspired pizza named after a local legend) are fan favorites. If you’re dining in, take advantage of their brewed in-house beers.

Rosso’s Pizzeria

Centered in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, Rosso’s serves pizza made with organic, locally sourced, and fresh ingredients. Some of our go-to’s are the Soppressata, the Dolce Emma, and the Kale Saltati.

Blaze

With no additives, chemicals, or frozen dough, Blaze gives the city customizable pizzas in eco-friendly packaging. With their assembly line, you can decide what to put on your pizza. 180 seconds in the fast-fired’d pizza oven and then you’re good to go! Great for if you’re in a rush or want something with all your favourite toppings on one crust. 

Bianco

Great pizza tastes even better when you feel like you’re eating it at your family’s home. Authentic ingredients, passionate people, and a lot of love make these pizzas at the top of our list. We recommend the Burrata pizza or the La Famiglia. 

Whatever pizza cravings you might have, there’s a pizza place in Edmonton for that. And we can confidently say our TruHome agents have tried them all!