5 Ways to Beautify Your Yard

Hello, Edmonton home owners! The season is upon us for blue skies and green grass. Want to make your backyard beautiful? Here are my top 5 picks to add charm and character to your outdoor living space.

Upcycled window panes & planter boxes

Wood crate herb garden

Wood pallet walkway

Stone edging for sidewalk

Moveable “fence” for privacy

Edmonton Real Estate

I would like to view a house in Edmonton.

I would like to sell my house in Edmonton.

I would like to buy a house in Edmonton.

Rachel Schofield | KENNEDY Real Estate your Edmonton REALTOR® source for local Edmonton Real Estate

Welcome to Ramsay Heights

Just after I graduated high school, my family made the move from Leduc to “the big city.” My parents selected a bungalow in the Riverbend neighbourhood of Ramsay Heights. Having spent the majority of my 20′s living in downtown (Oliver), I am happy to return to Ramsay Heights and call it “home” again.

What I liked about the community as a teenager still appeals to me today: wide streets, abundance of trees, spacious parks and ample walking trails. Oh, and I can’t forget the river views and the spectacular sunsets! It’s easy to see why this mature neighbourhood is a popular choice with professionals and families: churches, schools and sport leagues are important staples of this community.

Ramsay Heights boasts panoramic views of the North Saskatchewan River and offers a significant number of recreational areas. The single family detached homes are large and unique — no cookie cutter neighbourhood here. The wide roads make driving through the neighbourhood enjoyable.

The southwest Edmonton community of Ramsay Heights offers easy access to downtown Edmonton and the University of Alberta area across the river. Neighbouring communities include Rhatigan Ridge and Brander Gardens.

I took a walk today to show you what Ramsay Heights has to offer:

Ramsay Heights Real Estate

I would like to view a house in Ramsay Heights.

I would like to sell my house in Ramsay Heights.

I would like to buy a house in RamsayHeights.

Rachel Schofield | KENNEDY Real Estate your Edmonton REALTOR® source for local Edmonton Real Estate and Ramsay Heights Homes For Sale.

Attention Sports Fans & Students

Welcome to the season’s finest two bedroom condo in Cromdale. With over 1150 square feet, two FULL baths, ensuite laundry AND a large storage area, this condo is perfect for students, roommates and couples! The large bedrooms are at opposing ends of the condo, allowing for added privacy and quite enjoyment. Not to mention, no need to share a bathroom! Oh, and you have to see the corner balcony that’s just begging to be used for summer-time barbecues.

Kimberley “Moonstone” for Sale | KENNEDY Real Estate

KENNEDY Real Estate presents another Designer Real Estate Property:

www.864ArmitageWynd.com

Visit the above address above and try your hand at virtually decorating this home!

Ambleside Real Estate

I would like to view a home in Ambleside.

I would like to sell my home in Ambleside.

I would like to buy a home in Ambleside.

KENNEDY Real Estate your Edmonton REALTOR® source for local Edmonton Real Estate and Ambleside Homes For Sale.

Edmonton Home Buyers: 10 Tips to Get the Most out of Your REALTOR®

This article brought to you by Rachel Schofield: REALTOR® at KENNEDY Real Estate.

If you’re buying a home, it may be the first time you’ve had the opportunity to work with a REALTOR®. Here’s top 10 list to get the most out of working with a dedicated, professional real estate agent.

1.  Communicate. Take time to respond to e-mails and phone calls.
2. Get pre-approved. Meet with a mortgage broker so you know what you can afford, and secure a great rate.
3. Give time for showings. Agents need time to communicate with other agents to book showings. Also, many properties are tenant occupied and may require 24 hours or more notice.
4. Work with one dedicated REALTOR®. With one focused professional at your side, you can be sure to target your needs with more efficiency.
5. Accept advice from your REALTOR®. Your real estate agent has experience with a wide variety of situations and what it takes to succeed given the circumstances.
6. Pick your professionals ASAP. It’s common to use a lawyer and a property inspector. Pick them before you make a deal. This will take the pressure off you during the transaction.
7. Sign a buyer brokerage agreement. Written buyer service agreements provide the best protection for buyers and their representative.
8. Sell your current home first. Unless you can afford paying two mortgages, sell BEFORE you buy.
9. Take your REALTOR® to Show Homes and FSBO listings. Your agent is not just at your side to “open doors” but to advise, and guide you through your real estate transaction.
10. Ask questions. If there is something you need to know, or something you don’t understand, just ask. We are here to help!

This informative article was brought to you today by our in-house “hybrid” REALTOR®/Interior Decorator:

Rachel Schofield Associate | REALTOR®
Your Downtown Area Specialist

KENNEDY Real Estate
YourEdmontonREALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

I would like to view a home in Oliver.

I would like to buy a home in Oliver.

I would like to sell my home in Oliver.

There are a gazillion reasons and articles written on this topic of which I am sure you have read a few…

 1. Market and Demographic Knowledge: “is this a good deal?” or “what’s the demographic like in this neighborhood/condo complex?” If you are new to either the market or the city having a REALTOR® at your disposal to navigate the unknown waters of value and demographics is a HUGE benefit and saves time to – as they are able to direct you in the right direction. Demographic knowledge plays a big role when advising on an area/community/condo for downsizers – or for those looking to buy their first condo/home and want to make sure they are buying into the ‘right’ neighborhood/complex.

 2. Representation: when the deal is signed that’s when a REALTOR®’s work begins. If they want to get paid, they better make sure that they not only get any conditions/subject to’s satisfied, but also ensure that the buyer closes on possession day. When you sell on your own – who ‘takes care’ of your buyer to ensure that they close and on time or at all?? I would gladly pay a REALTOR® to ensure my investment gets sold and closes on possession day.

 3. Qualifying Buyers: if I were selling my house – I would only want qualified buyers to walk through the door – otherwise it’s a waste of my time and prep time for the showing. REALTOR®s qualify their buyers ahead of time. SO the folks coming through your door are the ones that can actually AFFORD your property. REALTOR®s also have access to awesome Mortgage Brokers that aid in the process of qualifying clients. When you sell on your own – how do you know if your buyer can qualify or afford your home when signing up the papers…oooh this is a recipe for despair!

 4. As a BUYER’S agent they are free to use! So why wouldn’t you use a REALTOR® when buying a home – in addition to the above – its FREE…and I’ll take anything that’s FREE!

 5. Assurance that the deal will get done. REALTOR®s have the knowledge and tools to get the job done. They are also only paid for results. So I know they are motivated to get the job done. They are the ones getting their clients into the homes/condos and making that happen. When you sell on your own – who is working on your behalf to get the buyers in the door? We have 3000 REALTOR®s in town that are all hungry for a pay cheque. They all have access to sell your property. Wow – do I need to go on? That one is a biggie – for sellers anyway. When you FISBO it (for sale by owner) you lose the ability to access a 3000 REALTOR network. Now why would you want to do that?

So let me help you in all your real estate needs and lets get you moved!

Robyn Fisher

Associate | REALTOR®  KENNEDY Real Estate

 REALTORS® : Looking for a great Team environment to grow your business…see our Brokerage Model for info on how to make that happen!

The Current Market is what determines the Value of a home.

Setting a realistic price for your home that reflects current market values will help me sell your home quickly and for top dollar. When you price your home properly, you increase the chances that the offer you receive will nearly match your asking price, and that there will be competing offers—which may net you even more in the long run.

Your property has the best chance of selling within its first 7 weeks on the market. And, studies indicate that the longer a property stays on the market, the less it will ultimately sell for. Sellers will usually over-price their homes if, either, they firmly believe the home is worth more than what the market indicates, or if they want to leave room for negotiation. Either way, if you choose to over-price your home by this amount, you run the risk of increasing the amount of time your home spends on the market, and decreasing the amount of money you’ll ultimately receive.

At the other end of the selling spectrum are houses that are priced below a fair market value. Under-pricing often occurs when the owner is interested in a QUICK SELL. You can bargain on these homes attracting multiple offers and ultimately selling quickly at the asking price. Or even sometimes ABOVE!

The knowledge and skills of an experienced Realtor will be most valuable when determining an appropriate asking price. It is the job of your Realtor to know the current market as well as to be aware of other properties currently for sale in your particular area.

Here are the 3 types of market conditions and how they may affect you:

1. Seller’s Market:

A Seller’s market is considered a “HOT” market. This type of market is created when the number of Buyers exceeds the number of homes on the market. As a result, these homes usually sell very quickly, and there are often multiple offers. Many homes will sell above the asking price.

2. Buyer’s Market:

A Buyer’s market is a slower market. This type of market occurs when the number of homes exceeds the number of Buyers. Properties are more likely to stay on the market for a longer period of time. Fewer offers will come in, and with less frequency. Prices may even decline during this period. Buyers will have more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower price. Even if your initial offered price is too low, Sellers will be more likely to come back with a counter-offer.

3. Balanced Market:

In a balanced market, the number of homes on the market is roughly equal to the number of Buyers. Prices will be stable, and homes will sell within a reasonable period of time. Buyers will have a decent number of homes to choose from, so Sellers may encounter some competition for offers on their home, or none at all.

***Remember, the right Realtor will guide you through the ups and downs of the market and keep you up-to-date with the types of changes you might expect.

I  would like to schedule a Free Market Evaluation on my Home.

I would like to know more about Listing my home.

I would like to know more about the Current Market.

I would like more information on Purchasing a Home.

Robyn Fisher
Associate|REALTOR®
KENNEDY Real Estate
Area Specialists | Pet Friendly Real Estate Specialist
“GET THE PICK OF THE CROP!”

SEE WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ME!

Pre-MLS listing brought to you by Rachel Schofield: REALTOR® at KENNEDY Real Estate.

Attention Edmonton downtown condo buyers! Are you looking for location, style and affordability? Well, you can have it all! This well maintained, one bedroom condo is located in the heart of Oliver. Enjoy weekend barbecues and morning lattes, on this Jasper Avenue facing balcony.

With this downtown Oliver location, all the amenities you could possibly want are in walking distance. Talk a stroll to the River Valley, Grant MacEwan, Railtown, The Legislative grounds, City Centre & many of the fine establishments along Jasper Avenue. There’s also a bus that stops right in front of the building and the LRT is just a few blocks away. Welcome to the season’s finest apartment style condo in the heart of Oliver for just $129,900!

To see more of this condo, visit www.201-11025JasperAve.com. Click “Style Designer” to see how you can interactively re-decorate this space.

This informative article was brought to you today by our in-house “hybrid” REALTOR®/Interior Decorator:

Rachel Schofield Associate | REALTOR®
Your Downtown Area Specialist

KENNEDY Real Estate
YourEdmontonREALTOR® | Edmonton Home Stager

Call us today…780-485-3010 and GET SOLD!
Area Specialists | Lifestyle Marketing

I would like to view a home in Oliver.

I would like to buy a home in Oliver.

I would like to sell my home in Oliver.

Brought to you by Luc Limoges: REALTOR® at KENNEDY Real Estate

Are you an Edmonton landlord with an income property? Should you wait to sell after the tenant vacates, or list while they are still living there?

Here’s a list pro’s and con’s of having a tenant-occupied income property when trying to sell.

Pro: You will maintain a positive cash flow.

Con: Tenants often require 24 hours notice before showings. This turns off a lot of buyers when they have a tight schedule.

Pro: The property will be furnished and have a lived in look. Instead of being vacant and lifeless. (However, we do have a solution for that.)

Con: Tenants that choose to stay “in” during showings often create discomfort for buyers, resulting in “rushed” viewings.

Pro: The future investment buyer may wish to assume your tenant. This will be a valuable asset in your favour.

Con: If the tenant is not interested in a ‘change of landlord’ they may sabotage the process by keeping the property untidy or being resistant to showings.

Whatever the case may be, we are are experienced with dealing both scenarios and will be happy to guide you through the process.

Brought to you by Luc Limoges: REALTOR® at KENNEDY Real Estate

When assisting our clients in buying homes in Edmonton, we always encourage a full home property inspection. Curtis Wilson, of Full Scope Home Inspections Inc., offers up some advice on what to look for when buying your next home.

Look up at the roof. Is there a lot of snow on the roof? More insulation would reduce the heat loss and keep snow on the roof longer.

Find the mechanical room. Is there dust on the top of the water heater or water stains on the floor. A clean furnace room can also suggest that the rest of the home may have been cared for as well.

Look below the kitchen sink. Simply look under the sink in the cabinet and at the bottom side of the countertop to ensure that there is no damage.

Check out the basement development. Ensure that the proper permits have been acquired and qualified individuals have done the work.

Don’t forget to check out those back yard decks. Most decks are not built with proper knowledge of structure and support. Check for rotten boards, leaning columns and weak or springy sections of the platform.