First-time homebuyers often face a dilemma: buy a modest home with a tiny backyard in order to live close to downtown or invest in more square footage in suburbia but expect a lengthy commute. It’s the kind of compromise homeowners in Edmonton’s central oasis of Blatchford don’t need to worry about. The unique neighbourhood just northwest of downtown has it all: residential diversity, affordability, walkability and a village culture. 

Blatchford is putting down roots on the former site of Canada’s first licensed airfield - the Edmonton City Centre Airport - which closed in 2013. Developing such a large, urban parcel of land for a community of 30,000 people has been a dream for development manager Tom Lumsden.

- Energy Centre One - Stormwater…

1274 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

It feels like you can see the whole world from any rooftop patio in the Community of Laurier Heights. 

Tucked away at the end of 142 street, Laurier Heights boasts abundant river valley trails, North Saskatchewan River Valley access and mature trees as far as the eye can see, with captivating views of the Edmonton downtown skyline.

   

“It’s a quiet, almost island like community,” says Kerri-lyn Holland of Holland and Associates with RE/MAX River City. “Once you’re here you really feel protected and private. There’s trails everywhere! You can jump into the river valley from so many different vantage points, with the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Edmonton Rowing Club and pathways to Hawrelak Park, it is a river valley oasis. And the views, you just…

3449 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

On June 3rd, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) took the mortgage industry by surprise when they announced significant changes to their underwriting guidelines, effective July 1st. We’ve teamed up with Mortgage Associate Michelle Lapierre of Mortgage Tailors to share a breakdown of some of the changes and how they’re impacting buyers. Here’s her advice:

These will impact buyers with less than 20% down. The following week the other two mortgage default insurers in Canada, Genworth and Canada Guaranty, announced they would not be following the same tightening measures. This has taken most of the impact out of CMHC's changes, as lenders will just send files that do not fit CMHC's tighter measures to the two insurers that allow them. That…

544 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Belgravia has always been one of the most exclusive communities in Edmonton to live. 

You won’t find cookie cutter homes in Belgravia, but rather a neighbourhood full of diverse and uniquely designed luxury homes sitting on top of some of the largest lots in Edmonton.

New developments have continued to breathe new life into the neighbourhood and even today there is redevelopment happening in both commercial and condominium spaces and as well in the renewal of residential properties and infills. 

“We’re seeing a lot of development in Belgravia,” says Jason Holland, with Holland and Associates. “There is some subdivision of lots happening with some really beautiful infill properties being built. A lot of the older bungalows are being renovated…

1550 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Our homes should be beautiful reflections of our personalities, fill our growing needs and offering comfort to our families as a safe spot to spend our days. Now that spring is here and we’re all spending more time in our spaces than usual we wanted to connect with Designer Lauren Kyle of Kyle & Co. Design Studio to offer some great style inspiration to all of you! Here’s what she had to share: 

Tell us a little bit about some of the design trends we're seeing this year? 

2020 is going to be the year to be bold with interiors. 

Bold colours:

Painting trim, baseboards, and crown moulding all one colour will be the new norm. Playing with colours will help exaggerate spaces and create a melded flow.

Dark Doors and Trim: 

Out with…

2914 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

COVID-19 is impacting all areas of our lives right now, including mortgages and the current lending environment. We’ve teamed up with Mortgage Associate Michelle Lapierre of Mortgage Tailors to share a breakdown of some of the mortgage questions that are popping up in recent weeks. Here’s her advice: 

Is Real Estate Open?

Yes, real estate is still considered an essential service in Alberta and realtors, mortgage lenders, appraisers, and lawyers are allowed to be working right now. And, YES, people are still buying and selling homes right now. Wherever possible our industry members are meeting and working remotely and when in-person work is required, there have been adaptations to make it as safe as possible. Recent changes in real estate include…

1050 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 



We’re so excited to have partnered with The DIY Mommy herself - Christina Dennis for a little spring design inspiration to get you started on refreshing your home now that you’re spending so much time there! Here are her top tips for decorating this spring:

---

Hi everyone! Christina here :) Creating a cozy and beautiful home for Spring doesn’t have to cost a lot, and by creatively using things you already have on hand your space can be transformed for the new season. I find creating a lovely home on a budget a fun challenge, and these 5 ways to decorate your home for Spring each cost $20 or less! 

Play “musical furniture”

Cost: free

Swapping furniture between rooms might sound silly, but it can make a huge difference in how your…

1286 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Are you dreaming of a European getaway, but the 8-hour flight might be a little too long for your taste? Good news! Now you can get a taste of the stunning European architecture that the continent is so well known for mere minutes outside of Edmonton’s downtown core.

The beautiful new development is called Manchester Square and it’s located on the northwest corner of 120 Street and 107 Avenue in Queen Mary Park. This one of a kind building replaces an old brick warehouse and will now be home to 20 locally owned shops and businesses.  

“The project is trying to emanate Europe and the European lifestyle. The whole strategy behind the design is to entice tenants and patrons to enjoy the design and style," said Anton Morgulis, the developer from 76…

7142 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Edmonton has some incredible local chefs who turn out even more incredible dishes, making  Edmonton’s food scene one of the best in Canada. We’ve had some really amazing dining experiences all over YEG, and we couldn’t help but share our top five favourite spots to grab a bite. Whether it’s a special occasion, a night out with friends or a quick cocktail after a long day, these local restaurants have you covered! Here’s our favourites in no particular order. 

Braven RestaurantJW 

Tucked away beyond the lobby of the new JW Marriott in Edmonton’s ICE District is the incredibly intimate and equally as tasty Braven Restaurant. The upscale steak house is a blend of leather, forest green walls, expertly crafted cocktails and of course steak. At the…

2318 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Edmonton Basement Rentals Guide

How often do you use your basement? Once a week? Once a month? If you can’t remember the last time you used your basement for anything except storage you might want to consider the potential of turning your space into extra income. Basement suites are surging in popularity  and offer homeowners the financial flexibility to pay off their mortgages sooner, save for the future or even travel more often.  

From offering your space for longer term 12-month leases or even exploring the potential of turning your basement into an Airbnb rental there are plenty of attainable options out there. “The biggest thing is making all of the available space in your home usable,” says Realtor Kerri-lyn Holland. “Whether that’s turning your basement into more living…

3224 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post