Let’s be really honest for a second – there is just nothing more exciting than buying a new home and it’s so easy to get swept away in the romantic notion of the life you’re going to build there. And, so you should! There are endless possibilities waiting for you whether you’re looking to build a new Edmonton home or buy a pre-existing option. As hard as it may be to imagine, considering you’re only JUST purchasing the house, the reality is that at some point, you may want to sell. A little thoughtfulness today will go a really long way when it comes to enjoying your house more now and in the future if you choose to sell. 

When buying your home, here are a few things to consider investing in that may impact its future sale price:

1. Location: This is about so much more than just the neighbourhood you choose, think about the physical placement of your home within the community. Is it on a main road, facing a commercial property (think large signage), perhaps there’s a condo complex obscuring your view? Just because you may be willing to overlook these things it’s not guaranteed that the next buyers will be so easy going.
2. Lot Size: This becomes especially important in newer neighbourhoods when lot sizes can be on the smaller side. Investing in either an extra long or pie-shaped lot may end up being worth the upfront cost when it comes to the future salability of your home.
3. Demographic Perks: If you find your desired neighbourhood caters predominantly to young families, for example, consider the needs of those families:- Does the home have a desirable yard space?
   – Is there an adequate amount of bathrooms and where in the home are those bathrooms located?
   – In an older community, with your more typical 1950’s bungalow, it is common to have a single shared bathroom on the main level, vs. in a newer neighbourhood where you might find a dedicated bathroom for the primary bedroom, and secondary bathroom for the additional bedrooms upstairs. Maybe even a half bathroom on the main floor.
   – Are there enough bedrooms and are they sizeable enough that kids can grow into them over time?
4. Extra Space: If your budget allows, one of the greatest investments you can make is more usable space. Whether that’s a finished basement, a bonus room, a garage – anything that provides additional living or storage areas is going to be a huge draw for future buyers.
5. Amenities & Commutability: What else does the Edmonton community you’re considering offer? Access to schools, playgrounds, convenience stores and coffee shops for example add to the walkability of a home. Homeowners also appreciate more direct routes to major roads, allowing for quicker commutability to additional shopping districts and to work.

At the end of the day everyone has to make concessions during the buying process. It’s really easy to forgo the above items for the sake of a “good deal” and save yourself a few dollars right now. If this strategy solves an otherwise unsolvable problem for you (for example: this “deal” is the only way you’ll be able to enter the homeowner arena) then it’s not a bad one. But, if you’re looking for long term gains, it might be wise to have an honest conversation with your Real Estate Agent about how you can focus the funds you have available now on the features of a home that will provide you with the best return later on.

Remembrance Day is fast approaching and you might be wondering what’s happening around YEG. Whether you’re looking to stand in memory at a traditional Remembrance Day ceremony or you’d like to participate from home – we have options for you to consider when planning how you’ll spend Remembrance Day in Edmonton. 

1. Join online to watch the National Remembrance Day service take place in Ottawa. Tune in to your local CBC network (television, radio, or social media) to get front row coverage of the largest ceremony in the nation. 
2. Head down to City Hall Plaza to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony planned by the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. This one hour ceremony is led by the Commanding Officer of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment and will be held “to honour the achievements and sacrifices of those who served our country in times of war and peace”. Visit the City Of Edmonton website for more information. 
3. Visit the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum. Take a step backwards in time and immerse yourself in Edmonton’s military history. Operated by The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum Foundation – this Museum is dedicated to “Inspiring communities to discover and connect with their military heritage”. 
4. Take a guided walk through Fort Saskatchewan Cemetery. Visit the gravestones of and pay respects to the veterans who sacrificed their lives during the World Wars. Hosted by The Fort Heritage Precinct, this event is free to attend! You can find details on the Fort Heritage Precinct Facebook page. 
5. Call your local Legion branch and see if there is something you can do to serve the Veterans in your community. There are likely countless ways that your local Legion branch could use your help.

1. Pumpkins After Dark (Family Friendly):

   Located in Borden Park this family friendly interactive Halloween display features over 6000 hand carved pumpkins, live pumpkin carving demonstrations, and plenty of Instagram worthy photo opportunities.
   
   Cost: $21.95/Adults  and $17.95/Youth (4-16 years)

   Details: Visit The Pumpkins After Dark Website

2. DARK (18+ Recommended):

   Ever wonder what lurks around Fort Edmonton Park at night? Well now’s your chance to find out. Featuring 3 separate haunts: Under The Big Top (Knife wielding clowns anyone?), Blood Harvest (The scarecrows are up to no good), and brand new this year, 3AM Dead of Night (find out what happens during the witching hour). Prepare for the scare – this event is not for the faint of heart.

   Cost: $45 per adult

   Details: Visit The Dark Website

3. Old Strathcona Ghost Tours:

   These walking tours are a personal favourite of some of us here at TruHome because it combines the rich history of our city with the spookier side of life. Learn all about the entities that inhabit the Strathcona Hotel, the Princess Theatre, as well as Strathcona High School as told by one of Edmonton’s most experienced storytellers. While there are no age restrictions – this activity may be a little…dry… for the kiddos and does require a fair bit of walking (in rain, snow, or shine) so please plan accordingly.

   Cost: $16.93 – $22.23 per person

   Details: Visit The Eventbrite Page

4. Deadmonton Haunted House (18+ Recommended):

   If jump scares and gore get your Halloween vibes flowing, Deadmonton Haunted House may be just the activity you’ve been searching for. These fine folks have mastered the art of the scare in their 9 years in operation so believe us when we tell you the two featured haunts, Icons Of Darkness and Return Of The Living Dead, will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

   Cost: $36.99 per adult

   Details: Visit The Deadmonton Website

   * Pro Tip: If you’re looking to amp of the level of terror… consider booking the “Lights Out” pass where you’ll navigate the entire haunt with in the Dark

    

5. Highlevel Bridge Haunted Trolley Tour:

   Another deep dive into the creepier side of YEG – this historical tour takes you across the North Saskatchewan River in the Highlevel Bridge Streetcar (a rich part of Edmonton’s history in it’s own right) as your regaled with tales of the ghosts that call our city home.

   Cost: $43.45 per adult

   Details: Visit The Event Page

6. Front Yards in Gloom – Halloween Themed Front Yard Displays in Edmonton (Family Friendly):

   Starting on October 28th, take in the beauty of the city in this self guided tour of all the best Halloween decorations around the city. You can even participate in the process and vote for your favourites. A winner will be selected on October 30th and crowned the winner of Front Yards In Gloom.

   Cost: FREE (This tour is self guided)

   Details: Visit The Event Page

7. Halloween Skelebration (Family Friendly):

   Telus World of Science is the place to be during this spooky season! Whether it’s attending FrightFest and  watching vintage horror movies on the IMAX screen or a Halloween themed laser show with the kiddos – there is literally something for everyone. We’re most excited to learn the Anatomy of Skeletons in the Health Zone and dance with ghosts at the costume party on October 29th. We all know the potential for quick weather shifts here in Edmonton, so this is a great option to keep in your back pocket in the event the weather takes a turn.

   Cost: Varies based on activities

   Details: Visit The Telus World Of Science Webpage

So, here is the deal – we are seeing a shifting market. While July normally is a slower month due to people taking advantage of the summer months for holidays and local festivals/fun, compared to June we are seeing more drastic shifts than what we would consider normal seasonal changes.

Single-family homes in the greater Edmonton area saw a shift of 12.4% fewer sales in comparison to sales from the same time last year (July 2021). What may feel more surprising is the fact that comparing June 2022 and July 2022 – we are seeing an even more drastic change of 24.4%. You can read more about the Greater Edmonton Outlook from our Real Estate Association of Edmonton’s recent market update here.

We here at TruHome decided to dive a little deeper into the market stats for Single Family homes in the city of Edmonton to gauge a deeper sense of what is going on.

We have 9 months of active inventory compared to what is pending, and 4 months of active inventory in comparison to the most recent month of sales data (846). It is important to recognize that first impressions are important and pricing your home strategically will make a difference. The ones that are going pending/selling quicker, are pricing lower than what we may have seen even a couple months ago.

When we look at the sales by price range, it shows that the most competitive price ranges are still between $300,000 – $500,000 for Single Family Homes in Edmonton with some homes still competing in multiple offers. What is important to remember about this data, is that it is a snapshot of what is happening in the Edmonton Real Estate market, we are still more up than previous years in terms of value and there are still great good opportunities for sellers to sell and for buyers to buy. Every person’s situation is unique and it comes down to how your real estate goals can impact and enhance your life as a whole.

We’ve all heard of the Ice District and the Brewery District, but did you know that Edmonton has a district dedicated to warehouses? If you are familiar with downtown, it is likely that you have been in the Warehouse District without even knowing it. A little background on the Warehouse District: during the first decade of the 20th century, the Hudson’s Bay Company began selling its land holdings in this area, and businesses were quick to move in. Between 1909 and 1914, no fewer than two dozen warehouses were constructed.

Located between Jasper Avenue & 104th Avenue & 103rd Street and 109th Street you will find Edmonton’s iconic Warehouse District—filled with, you guessed it, warehouses. Even though it may not sound glamorous, Edmonton developers have turned these buildings into one-of-a-kind spaces that are filled with iconic restaurants, bars and local companies. Here are 7 places you need to visit in Edmonton’s Warehouse District!

1. Warehouse Park

Downtown cores in any city often lack greenery, and Edmonton is no exception—for now. Coming soon, the areas between 106th Street and 108th Street will be turned into an inclusive, multi-use green space featuring large, open areas that invite citizens and visitors to reflect and explore. This new park will expand across a large portion of the Warehouse District, covering 1.47 hectares.

This space will be an “urban oasis” and is destined to be adored by Downtown residents and workers. If you would love to learn more about this incredible project and its timeline, visit this link.

2.  Mercer Warehouse

This building is a not-so-well-kept secret that is home to many incredible businesses. Owned and operated by Gather Co., here is what you can find in the Mercer Warehouse:

Restaurants:

Home and Away  is a sports bar that is originally from Calgary. This restaurant will be home to Oilers games, great food, drinks and good times!

Rostizado is an elevated, creative Mexican cuisine restaurant served in stylish surroundings accented with brick & exposed wood.

Baijiu is an Energetic, hip outlet offering sharable Asian-inspired plates & cocktails in a dimly-lit space. This restaurant serves some of Edmonton’s best cocktails!

Small Businesses:

Weekly – Trim True is a laid-back hair salon that is well-known in the hair industry. Some of Edmonton’s top hair stylists work out of the Mercer Warehouse location

Shoe Shine Shack is a shoe shining service. Bring in all kinds of shoes—they are experts at them all!

HypeFetish is a clothing and shoe store. Shop brands such as Supreme, Bape, Off White, Yeezy and many more.

dealcloser is a legal technology software company with its home base located right here in the Mercer Warehouse. If you’re a lawyer, check out this software!

Betable is a London-based company that develops and markets a real-money gambling platform for the social gaming industry. Their Edmonton office is located out of the Warehouse District!

Communatio YEG is Edmonton’s one and only car sharing service, allowing you to rent cars by the minute through an app!

Todoruk Designs is a fashion designer (Kathleen Todoruk) who has a unique design and a passion for textiles.

3. Metals Building

Located in the Metals Unlimited Erecteo building on 104th Street and 101 Avenue, DOSC (which stands for Drunken Ox, Sober Cat) is a funky local option for informal daytime dining, freshly mixed cocktails & a range of steaks. During the day, you will find business people working while drinking coffee or friends catching up over some baked goods. In the evening, DOSC is known for its one-of-a-kind cocktails, great atmosphere and meat-forward dishes.

4. Cecil Place

After many changes to the exterior of this building, you may not even notice that Tiffin is located in one of Edmonton’s oldest warehouses, now called Cecil Place. Until 2014, this location was home to Sobey’s. Now, it is one of Downtown residents and workers’ favourite places to grab a meal. Trust is, if you are a fan of Indian food, this place is a must try!

5. Icon I and II

Though the name of this warehouse is unknown, the residential condo buildings Icon I and II are built on top of old warehouses. At its base, this warehouse is home to several local Edmonton businesses—here are a few:

Evoolution is an olive oil and accessory store known for its unique flavours and educated staff. At Evoolution you will find oils, vinegars, salts, seasonings, chocolate and snacks that you won’t find elsewhere!

The Black Pearl is a vibrant, maritime-themed eatery offering raw oysters, a range of classic seafood dishes & cocktails.

Credo Coffee is much more than merely a place to run in for coffee: it is a place to connect, to relax, to discuss, and to feel at home.

Ono Poke Co. is a modern, informal outpost serving custom & signature poke bowls with varied toppings.

Kelly’s Pub is a lively hangout with exposed brick walls offering clever pub grub, sports on TV & happy hour deals.

6. Revillion Building

Built in 1912, the Revillon Building was, for many years, the most modern building in Edmonton. Revillon Frères, the international furriers of Paris, built it when members of the extended family came to Edmonton in 1906 to establish a warehouse for their fur-buying business. Now, this building is home to many local businesses. Here are a few:

Evolution Wonderlounge is a hopping gay bar offering cocktails, bottle service, DJs & dancing, with regular drag shows & events.

Sabor is an upscale eatery offering Portuguese & Spanish cuisine, with traditional tapas & wine.

Bodega is a warm, rustic spot for an array of Spanish tapas & paella plus wines served in a high-ceiling room.

7. Phillips Building

Located in the main floor of the Phillips Lofts Building in a repurposed warehouse called the Phillips Building, Cavern is an artisanal cheese joins wine, beer & espresso restaurant that features an intimate, brick-walled cheese shop & wine bar. 

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We hope you learned a thing or two about Edmonton’s Warehouse District and we encourage you to check it out when you’re in the area. Maybe we will even see you there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. We Need To Communicate Somehow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. They Really Become An Extension of Your Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Find how much you need to save

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

2. Set a weekly budget

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

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

3. Increase your income

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

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

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

4. Save on rent

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

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

5. Set up automatic withdrawals

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

6. Look for a cheaper way of doing things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Invest your savings

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

8. Borrow from your RRSP

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

9. Find programs or incentives you can utilize

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

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

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

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

Winspear Centre

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

Royal Glenora Club

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

Brew & Bloom Cafe

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

Parlour Italian Kitchen & Bar

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

Fort Edmonton Park

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

La Cité Francophone

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

Pioneers Cabin

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

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Always Occasions

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

Edmonton Country Club

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

Polar Park Brewing Company

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

Butternut Tree

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

University of Alberta Botanical Gardens

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

Studio96

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

Foundry Room

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

Enjoy Centre

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

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

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

Set aside personal essentials for 2-3 days.

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

Use a robust labeling system.

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

Use a moving service.

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

Call some friends.

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

Arrange child care.

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

Enjoy!

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

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

Recreation

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

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

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

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

Neighbourhood

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

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

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

Schools

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

Designated Public Schools in Laurier Heights:

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

Designated Catholic Schools in Laurier Heights:

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

Other schools nearby:

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

Shopping and Services

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

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

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