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Finding The Perfect Home For Sale: Top Things You Need To Consider

When you are looking for a new home, there are a lot of factors to consider. You want to find a house that is within your budget but also has the features you are looking for. You also want to ensure the home is in a good location. With so many houses on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start. 

Here Are Some Pointers To Help You Find The Ideal House For Sale.

1. Location Is Key

Location is key when it comes to Searching Homes For Sale In Magrath or anyplace else. You want to find a home in a good neighbourhood close to the things important to you. Consider your lifestyle and what you need in a neighbourhood. You want to find a home in a good location, near schools, parks, and other amenities. It’s also important to find a safe neighbourhood.

2. Consider The Home Size

When it comes to locating the perfect home, size truly matters. While a small home may be cute and cozy, it may not have the space you need for a growing family. Conversely, a large home may be too much space and not practical. Make sure to find a home that’s the right size for your needs. As long as you consider your lifestyle, budget and plans, you should be able to find a home that’s just right for you.

3. Price Is A Major Factor

Price is a major factor when finding the perfect home. When you’re looking for a new home, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. You want to ensure you can afford the monthly mortgage payments and other associated costs. You’ll want to find an affordable home, so set a budget with a mortgage specialist before you search.

4. Take Your Time

Don’t rush into buying a home. It’s a big decision, so you’ll want to be sure you’re happy with your choice. Remember, the perfect home is out there somewhere. With patience and perseverance, you’ll find the perfect Magrath homes for sale. When you do, it will be well worth the effort.

5. Get Professional Help

Work with me, I’m Clark Paul Your Professional RE/MAX Realtor. I will help you find the perfect home for sale here in Lethbridge and the surrounding area. I have access to every MLS listing and exclusive RE/MAX listings you won’t be able to find on your own, I assure you I’ll give you great advice and guidance throughout the process., that includes negotiations. For more information check out one of my many testimonials on this website or google me Clark Paul RE/MAX Real Estate – Lethbridge.
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What You Need To Know: Real Estate Suites - Legal Vs. Illegal

There are many benefits to having a secondary suite in your home. For one, it can provide additional income by renting it out. It can also be a great place for guests or older family members who need more assistance. 

A secondary suite can be a major selling point if you ever decide to sell. It can also be a fantastic way to downsize without moving out of your beloved home. However, before making a secondary suite or

buying a home with secondary suites, it is important to work with me Clark Paul Your Professional RE/MAX Real Estate Realtor. First, lets figure out if the home is “Legally Suited” or not. The majority of suites here in Lethbridge are not legal. It is critical to know the difference between the two so you can avoid issues.

Illegal Real Estate Suites

A secondary suite is considered illegal if it does not adhere to all zoning regulations, construction requirements or was constructed without the necessary permits. These suites may not have proper exits, fire safety measures, or electrical wiring. Illegal suites can be found within single-family homes, duplexes and even town-homes.

Legal Real Estate Suites

A secondary suite is considered legal if it complies with zoning regulations, fulfills all of Alberta’s building requirements, and has all necessary building, electrical, and plumbing permits. This means they must have proper exits, fire safety measures, and electrical wiring. They must also be registered with the city or municipality they are located.


So, Which Is Better? Legal Or Illegal Real Estate Suites?

There is no easy answer. Illegal suites are often cheaper to purchase and make great financial sense but you should weigh the positives and the negatives before making a decision. If you’re considering purchasing an illegal suite here in Lethbridge call me I’m happy to help. Clark Paul at RE/MAX Real Estate- Lethbridge 403-308-6613
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Top Considerations When Buying Property for Sale

One of the most significant decisions you will ever make is purchasing your first home, so you want everything to go smoothly. But for many people, the urge to look for a new home strikes usually resulting in a mad dash to discover the perfect place. While the process is thrilling, buyers should take note of specific do's and don'ts before investing. The road to homeownership can be long and rocky, with many stops. Numerous components must come together, and you must meet crucial deadlines throughout the process. Please keep in mind that's why I'm here. With over 10 Years of experience and hundreds of clients helped, I'm going to smooth out the road so you can enjoy the ride.

1. Consult Trustworthy Real Estate Agents

It is crucial to exercise sufficient caution when purchasing a property. It is likely the most significant investment a person will ever make. Do your research, and find well-respected real estate agents. Find me, Clark Paul at RE/MAX Real Estate - Lethbridge. Here you will find many past client testimonials. You'll also find Lethbridge Suited Homes for Sale. I will provide helpful insights on any investment, rental yield, and lifestyle queries you may have.

2. Be Sure About Your Finances

Before going to property viewings or considering putting an offer on the house for sale in Taber Alberta, it's crucial to know exactly how much you can afford. Again I'll help find you a great mortgage provider by offering you broker recommendations. Once you know the amount you're qualified for and comfortable with those payments, you will be able to focus on your property search. 

3. Carefully Read the Sales Contract

The Offer To Purchase (OTP), after being signed transforms into the Agreement Of Sale (AOS). This is a lengthy document. It is imperative to read the terms thoroughly and ask questions. Not to worry, I will walk you through the entire process including the contract.

4. Conduct an Exhaustive Property Inspection

Making a wise investment requires you to have your eyes wide open when looking at the best-suited homes in Lethbridge. Before the sale is complete you need to know the condition of the home and all upkeep requirements. I will help with recommending multiple inspectors who have made a full-time career of finding defects that need the seller's attention before the sale becomes final.

5. Removing Conditions and Final Sale Preparations

Having the right Realtor (Clark Paul RE/MAX Real Estate - Lethbridge) goes a long way toward confidently purchasing the right Lethbridge Property For Sale. Once you are in complete agreement and ready to purchase, you will remove the conditions from the contract by using a waiver. After that, it's about planning the move, meeting with your lawyer, and doing a pre-possession walk-through. It'll help with those items as well.


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How To Find the Best Deals on Property for Sale

If it seems complicated to find fantastic real estate deals, well that's because it is. You will need to look beyond the MLS system. The truth is that many real estate transactions occur before they are listed on MLS. If you have patience for extensive research, you can find great deals on property for sale. With a little effort, you will find the perfect home or investment property that fits your budget. Here's a detailed look at how to find amazing real estate deals in today's market.

1. Do Your Research

The first and most crucial step to finding a great deal on a property is to do your research. Before looking at properties, clearly understanding what you're looking for, is essential. You should look at factors such as location, type of property, and price. It's also necessary to research the market to see if prices are rising or falling in the area you're interested in.

2. Hire A Qualified Realtor

Although it may seem obvious, hiring a knowledgeable real estate professional is one of the finest methods to discover incredible real estate offers that many people miss. Professionals have access to listings unavailable to the general public. So include Clark Paul Realtor in your search. I'll be able to help in many ways from the very beginning; looking into your financing, finding the right property for sale, negotiating a lower home price, understanding the paperwork, closing procedures, finding a good lawyer and so much more.

3. Foreclosures

Foreclosed properties are available for sale at a fraction of the price. When a homeowner cannot make their mortgage payments, the bank or lender forecloses the property and seize it. This is a fantastic opportunity for you as a buyer, however, you should be aware that you may not always get the property in the condition you want.

4. Negotiate

The experience of purchasing a home with Lethbridge & Southern Alberta Real Estate is always thrilling. The urge to buy the ideal home instantly is understandable, however, have your Realtor (Clark Paul) create a Professional Home Evaluation. Once you know the actual value of the home you will be prepared to negotiate with confidence. Lethbridge Home Sellers are always willing to negotiate. The trick is to find out their motivation.

5. Be Patient

Now that you have spotted the best value property, keep calm rather than act quickly. Be patient when looking for a family residence or investment property. It would be best if you don't hurry into anything because you need peace of mind to make this significant decision. After all, most times if the deal doesn't go together then it just wasn't meant to be.
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Monthly Real Estate Market Report for Lethbridge and Area End of March 2022
The month of March gave us much of the same as last month in terms of market conditions, as the market continues to be in heavy Sellers market territory as we have a lack of listed properties available. Having said that, we are far from a "runaway train" so to speak, as the increases were quite reasonable considering the lack of listings. Below are some key metrics for both Southern Alberta as well as the City of Lethbridge.
Southern Alberta
Sales transactions across Southern Alberta were up 8% when compared to last year. Average sale price rose 6% over last year which is pretty steady and the number of listings continues to lag behind last year by approx 25%.
City of Lethbridge
Sales transactions in the city showed a 17% increase when compared to March of 2021. Average home price showed a nice healthy increase of 7.5% when compared to the same month last year. Again, the common theme is that listings are down. In the city they were also off 26% when compared to a year ago.
 
What do we see?
We really don't see market conditions changing dramatically in the near term. We do think that as we head deeper into spring, there will continue to be listings coming on that will hopefully be enough to satisfy the current demand from buyers. 
We are fully expecting that the Bank of Canada will be very aggressive in the short term by increasing their interest rate. In fact there is a possibility that they will increase .5% in the next announcement which is right around the corner. So what does that mean? Rate increases correlate to how much the banks and mortgage companies can purchase money from the government. Then in turn they loan this money to you. As the interest rate increases so does a variable mortgage. 
Fixed mortgage rates are calculated completely differently. Many factors can affect fixed mortgage rates.The single biggest factor is Government of Canada bond yields. Banks actually use the 5-year bond yield market to determine their fixed mortgage rates, using the forecasted earnings from bond investments to cover the costs and possible losses incurred through their mortgage market. Important to know, recently fixed rates have been increasing much faster than variable rates.
These interest changes will most likely slow demand a bit but rest assured our markets across Southern Alberta are strong for many reasons. Even though we have seen price increases we are still considered very affordable as compared to other markets across the country. More people are relocating to Southern Alberta from out of province to take advantage of the home price imbalances across the country. Even our closest Metro City (Calgary) is posting an average single family home price that is more than $250,000 higher than ours. Lethbridge is a great market to buy and sell.
I hope this helps you understand what the real estate market is going through. If you are thinking of making a change we need to get together and develop a plan that works for you. Having a good Realtor to work with has never been more important. Some people feel it's a pretty easy time to sell their own home. It's also pretty easy to sell underpriced, or worse yet sell and and not be able to find a home to move into. I'm here to make sure neither of those situations happen.
Wishing you happiness, great health, and prosperity throughout  the remainder of 2022.
 
Long Live Ukraine And May God Bless Us All!
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Monthly Real Estate Market Report for Lethbridge and Area


The market conditions seen for the past few months have continued and are keeping our Lethbridge and area markets well within a Sellers Market Territory. The lack of listings continues and some sellers are concerned about their ability to find a home once they sell theirs. Please keep in mind, this is one of the many reasons I'm here to help. As your Realtor® I will make your offer subject to the finalization of the sale of your currently listed home. This technique is very common and accepted by the majority of buyers and sellers. 
The Bank of Canada has just raised interest rates by .25%. Assuming your mortgage company raises their rates by the same amount, a variable mortgage on a $250,000 dollar loan will increase by approximately $33.00 per month. Please keep in mind when you renew a fixed mortgage this will also have a bearing. 
Moving onto the war in Ukraine. Gas, oil, shipping, groceries and more will most likely continue to increase in price as the war progresses. Hopefully the sanctions placed on Russia will force a quick resolution to the conflict. Of course the sooner it is over the better it will be for everyone. We may see a slowing of our economy promoting the Bank of Canada to slow raising interest rates, only time will tell.
 
Highlights below for the month of Feb of both Southern Alberta and also the City of Lethbridge on its own.
Southern Alberta
The number of transactions were flat year over year with an average sale price that increased almost 8% year over year. The number of listings is down 25% when compared to last year which continues to push the market into heavy Sellers Territory.
City of Lethbridge
The number of Transactions were also flat to last year with an average sale price that increased almost 9% year over year. The number of listings in the City fell 23% when compared to last year and also puts pressure on the Sellers side....
We also saw the sale price to list price stay inside 98%.
 
Recommendation For Buyers And Sellers
For Buyers is there is no time like the present to purchase as interest rates are still very low. Pricing in the short run may still increase but should slow as interest rates rise. For Sellers, money is still cheap, you can demand a good price for Real Estate right now. 
 
Please note the information provided in this email has been provided by the Lethbridge and District Association Of Realtors (LRAD), RE/MAX Real Estate - Lethbridge and Clark Paul. 
Wishing you happiness, great health, and prosperity throughout  the remainder of 2022.
 
Long Live Ukraine and May God Bless Us All!



 
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It certainly was an interesting month with some very valuable indicators that will help us set compass from the upcoming months. 
It is very clear to us that our market is continuing to sit in heavy Sellers market territory with some risk that the conditions may get worse.
We will provide some numbers for both complete LDAR areas and as well will break out the City of Lethbridge below .
LDAR AREA
Overall sales for the area were very strong but were actually down from 2021. This year's activity saw a 4% decrease in the number of transactions in Jan.
Having said that, the average sale price grew by 10% which is the result of the strong Sellers conditions. 
The number of active listings across the area decreased by 27% when compared to Jan 2021 which is continuing to be the problem. The number of new listings coming on is also down 22% which is not allowing enough listings to be available for the amount of buyers.
City of Lethbridge
Overall Sales for the City of Lethbridge were up 24% in January versus the previous year. The average home sale price also grew almost 10% in the city when compared to a year ago. The issue is that the number of active listings is down 25% this Jan versus last year. As you can see the number of transactions continues to grow and the number of listings continues to drop. This will continue to put upward pressure on sale prices as we struggle to keep enough inventory to satisfy the Buyer demand. 
What do we think will happen next?
With additional sales pressure may come higher prices. The Fed has told us all to be ready for increased lending rates, which should cool the market over the long run (lower prices). Covid -19, inflation, blockades restricting the flow of goods and services, along with local provincial and federal economies are just some of the factors that will affect our local Real Estate prices. My recommendation for buyers is there is no time like the present as interest rates are down and pricing in the short run may be increasing. For Sellers, money is still cheap, you can demand a good price for Real Estate right now. It's a great time to sell and after all a bird in the hand may be worth 2 in the bush.
FOR A FREE HOME EVALUATION WITH NO COMMITMENT, CONTACT ME BY PHONE OR REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. 
Please note the information provided in this post has been provided by the Lethbridge and District Association Of Realtors (LRAD) and RE/MAX Real Estate - Lethbridge. 
Wishing you happiness, great health, and prosperity throughout  2022.
Thanks,
Clark Paul
RE/MAX Real Estate - Lethbridge 
403-308-6613
If you would like to be removed from this list please send me a quick email. 
 
 
Check out this site for the newest in Real Estate Listings in Alberta, clarkpaul.ca
The greatest compliment you can give me is a referral of your family and friends. Thank You!
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A Spring Cleaning Checklist for your Home

The newly budding trees and longer, warmer days can only mean one thing – spring has finally arrived in southern Alberta.  Make sure to take advantage of this season and tackle all the chores that you have been putting off since winter.  As the premier agent for West Lethbridge real estate, here is a spring cleaning checklist to help you get your home spotless and ready for the summer.

Kitchen

Chances are your kitchen is the most used room in the entire house, so why not start here? 

Remember:

A spring cleaning is a more thorough cleaning than just your weekly clean, so put in the extra effort; you will be pleased with the result.

Here is a checklist for some of the cleaning jobs that should be on your spring cleaning checklist:

  • Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator and freezer. While you are cleaning the inside of your fridge, take the time to discard any items that have expired, including sauces and garnishes.
  • Remove the elements from your stove and scrub and degrease them.
  • Clean your oven.
  • Wipe down countertops and if you have granite, quartz or marble counters, you may want to seal them to prevent stains.  The more veins in the countertops, the more porous they are.
  • Wash, wipe and clean out cabinets, drawers and shelves.
  • Sweep, mop and vacuum the floor.

Bathroom

The main bathroom in your home is also a high traffic area, so that extra spring cleaning attention will go a long way in this room.  Your spring cleaning checklist should include:

  • Wash all towels, rugs and cloths.
  • Clean and disinfect the toilet.  Do not forget to wipe behind and around the base of the toilet as well.
  • Scrub down tiles.
  • Spray and scrub the bath and shower stall.
  • Clean the shower doors and apply a water repellent such as RainX to prevent any build-up of soap scum or water streaks.
  • Windex the mirrors and windows.
  • Wash and mop the floor with a disinfectant.

Family Room, Bedrooms and Living Room

These rooms are used far less and are probably cleaned or tidied daily (especially if you have young children) so chances are they will require far less attention than your bathroom and kitchen.  Here are some cleaning jobs that you will definitely want to tackle and should be on your spring cleaning checklist:

  • Clean and dust all bookcases, shelves and ceiling fans.
  • Vacuum and if possible steam clean carpets, rugs, upholstery and furniture.
  • Gently clean electronics and wipe down the television screen with a soft non-scratching cloth.

The Entire House

To finish off your home’s spring cleaning checklist, do not forget to:

  • Sweep, vacuum and mop the floors.  Use a cleaner that provides a protective barrier.  This will not only make them shine, it will also make them more durable. 
  • Wash and wipe down your walls and baseboards with a mild detergent and clean warm water.  Pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

A Clean Home is a Happy Home

Once you have completed your spring cleaning checklist, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.  A thoroughly clean home is something to be proud of and is a better space to live in as well.  A bonus of a newly cleaned home is that it is show-ready if you have been thinking about putting your home up for sale. 

 

If you would like any more information about how to take advantage of the always hot spring real estate market, or other spring cleaning tips, please contact me today.

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