It’s important to factor condo fees into your decision when thinking about buying a condo.

Unexpected costs can really mess up a budget. A little miscalculation or a few unknown expenses can compound and either ruin a well laid out plan or stretch your budget to an uncomfortable level. The more of these you can avoid, the more enjoyable buying an Edmonton condo is going to be.

We know you’re busy, and there is an overwhelming amount of information from an equally overwhelming number of sources. How are you supposed to process it all and find exactly what you need to know? Don’t worry about it. We’re constantly collecting this information to support and inform Edmonton’s buyers; so, let us do the hard work for you.

We looked back at the last few years to see what condo fees were for condos for sale in the Downtown and Oliver areas. We took the median price for each condo building, although some only had a single condo. We hope this will give you a general idea of the condo fee per building.

Most of the condos had information on condo fees. However, if you do not see a condo that you’re interested or you have any questions, please contact us so that we can help you get this information. Different condos will provide different services or amenities with these fees, and we can also help you get this information.

Downtown Condo Fees

The lowest condo fee we found in Downtown was at Ultima, which was less than $300/month. The highest fee was at Valley Towers, with a median fee over $1000/month.

Less than $400/month

• Ultima
• Cambridge Lofts
• Fox Two
• River Valley Condominiums
• Fifth Street Lofts
• Fox One
• Melrose Manor
• Monaco II
• River Vista
• The Parliament

$400 – $450/month

• The Residence
• Quest
• Mcleod Building
• Terrace Court
• The Cosmopolitan
• Marquis
• The Legacy
• Railtown Estates
• The Jefferson Lofts
• Railtown on the Park

$450-500/month

• The Madison
• Icon II
• Capital Centre
• Alta Vista in Railtown
• Morris Lofts
• Renaissance Place
• Vivacity One
• Alta Vista North

$500-550/month

• The Monaco
• Seventh Street Lofts
• Peregrine Point
• Liberty on Jasper

$550-600/month

• The Omega
• Phillips Lofts

More than $600/month

• Beatty Lofts
• Churchill Exchange
• The Executive
• Hillside Estates
• The Ten
• The Horizon
• Icon I
• Excelsior Lofts
• Mcdougall Place
• Valley Towers
  

Oliver Condo Fees

The lowest condo fee we found in Oliver was at The Five, which was on average $200/month. The highest single condo fee was at The Carlisle at over $2400/month.

Less than $300/month

• The Five
• Chancery Lane
• Collage Place
• Marjorie Manor
• The Hargate
• Park Manor
• Seasons on the Park
• Cherry Brooke Court

$300-350/month

• Studio Lanes 1
• Hardwood Plaza
• Neu Manor
• Espania
• Oliver Ridge
• Ellis Lofts
• Grandin Court
• Oliver Gables
• Royal Oak
• Oliver Park Condos
• Oliver Village
• Oliver Manor

$350-400/month

• Oliver Arms
• Gates on Twelfth
• Tudor Park
• Grandin Gates
• Cedar Manor
• Providence 1
• Lord Simcoe
• Whitehall Place
• Kenwood Place
• Glenora Manor
• Panache on 12th
• Dorchester House
• Carnaby Lane
• Inner Town Manor
• The Tuscany

$400-450/month

• Quinn House
• The Meridian
• The Venetian
• The Wesley
• Oliver Gardens
• Centurian Tower
• The Villa
• Tower on the Park
• The Solarium
• Academy Place
• Grandin Manor
• Oakwood Towers
• Tara Woods
• Brandon Court
• Traditions

$450-500/month

• The Fifteen
• Oliver on the Park
• Pearl Tower
• Victoria Promenade
• Concordia Place
• Top of the Valley
• Chanticleer
• Trademark Luxury Condos
• Cedar Village
• Canterbury Place
• Ironwood
• Madison III
• Crestview Towers
• Torrey Pines
• The Marquis
• Park Towers
• The Imperial
• Crofton House

$500-550/month

• Court 112
• Victoria Park Tower
• The Metropol
• Meridian Plaza
• Rosedale Place
• The Luxor
• The Saskatchewan
• Uptown Lofts
• The Athabascan
• Uptown Estates
• Hudson House
• Cardinal
• B and H Towers
• Shaughnesssy House

$550-600/month

• Parkview on 116th
• Fontaine House
• Illuminada II
• Valhalla
• Tretheway
• Oliver Pointe
• Grandin Green
• Westcliffe Arms
• Ravine Mansion
• The Berkeley
• Valleyview Manor
• The Savoy
• Serenity
• Riverview Towers

$600-650/month

• Central Park
• The Gainsborough
• The Westminster
• The Puffin
• The Dakota
• Victoria Court

Greater than $650/month

• The Galleria
• The Glenora
• Park Place
• Eton Park
• Westwind Est
• Grandin House
• Victoria Plaza
• Le Marchand Tower
• Illuminada
• Hyde Park
• Rivercliff Place
• Grosvenor House
• Fairmont
• Arcadia
• The Carlisle
• Lessard House

While this gives a general idea of what each condo charges in condo fees, keep in mind, it isn’t that simple. Not all condo fees include the same things (ex. heat, water/sewer, landscaping, management etc). Each condo also varies based on costs due to long-term maintenance and number of units per building.

Does your child plan to attend a post-secondary institution once they graduate from high school? If the answer is yes, then it’s never too early to start thinking about purchasing an Edmonton investment property they can live in while attending school.

Whether you are looking for a second property you can rent to family, or you desire a well-maintained home your children can live in (and you can visit!) while attending college or university – there are a variety of options available in many central Edmonton neighbourhoods.

Step One: Determine Your Budget

There are a host of variables at play when choosing the right property, so determining your budget from the get-go will help you zero-in on finding the perfect place.

Remember that properties closer to post-secondary institutions are often easier to rent, which also makes them more expensive to buy. So if price is a concern, consider looking for places on direct transit routes within a reasonable commute from the school. This will increase your options and provide more opportunities for getting a better deal.

Another factor to remember is to budget between $300-500 per month for condo fees.

If close proximity to school is more important than the price point, try looking for places built with solid construction and multiple bedrooms close to your preferred post-secondary institution. Properties with well-maintained character and curb appeal will help set you apart from other market properties when the time comes down the road to sell.

Step Two: Map the Commute

Again, it is always a great idea to purchase housing for post-secondary students close to major transit routes. This will increase the chances of finding other student tenants if your child will have roommates.

Surprisingly a typical commute using transit in certain neighbourhoods can be shorter than driving and parking. Google Maps is an excellent resource for verifying a true commute time. For example, Queen Mary Park is a 20 minute transit commute to the U of A compared to a 30 minute commute from Ritchie – even though they are on opposite sides of the river.

Step Three: Identify Parking Needs

If you are in need of permanent parking, remember that heated and underground parking can add some extra costs to the purchase price. However it may be a gain when it comes to resale. You can find some good deals in older and smaller buildings with outdoor parking. If it is a house with an older garage, you might want to consider rebuilding a garage suite to add more value and rental opportunities to your investment property, while also solving any covered parking needs

If you plan to buy a condo, determine if an elevator is essential, as this will help you focus your search. 

Step Four: Elbow Grease + Creativity = Good Value

If you have the skills, doing cosmetic improvements and renovations as a family can save a lot of money, and will also give your child the opportunity to personalize his/her space. Look for properties that could really be improved with some new flooring, paint, and modern light fixtures. Not only will you get some added-value down the road, it could also turn out to be a really memorable bonding exercise with your adult (or soon-to-be-adult) child.

Step Five: Make Some Room For Sharing

When it comes to bedrooms, it is always a great idea to have at least one extra bedroom for a potential roommate, and even more if you plan to visit often, or if you have multiple children who plan to share the home.

It’s helpful to look for properties with bedroom layouts that have more privacy between bedrooms. Other “must-haves” include a functional kitchen with adequate storage space, and at least one bright and spacious communal space. In-suite laundry that is organized for shared use can be a real bonus for busy post-secondary students.

Step Six: Identify House Rules Before Move-In

Once you have purchased the property, sit down with your child (or children) and discuss expectations of the living arrangements prior to them moving in. Writing out the rules, terms of agreement and  expectations will help keep everyone on the same page and will reduce conflict and misunderstandings.

Here are a list of some relevant topics for conversation:

• Is the housing only available while the child is attending school?
• What will the rent be and when and how should it be paid?
• Will a security deposit be required? How about for roommates?
• Who gets to decide the appropriate roommates?
• Are overnight visitors allowed?
• Who will take care of renovations and fixing problems?
• Who will pay for the utilities and maintain any outdoor spaces?
• What are the rules for parents stopping by and entering property?
• Are romantic partners allowed to move in? Will they need to pay rent, and how much?
• What are the building by-laws regarding pets, smoking, children and long-term visitors?

If you are considering purchasing a property for your child or children attending an Edmonton post-secondary institution, the TruHome team can help you choose the best options when it comes to condos and homes in some of these Central Edmonton communities: Downtown |  Oliver | Queen Mary Park | Garneau | Strathcona | Ritchie

Love your space but want to make it feel more like your own? Try adding texture to your walls and get an instant feeling of personalization.

 Whether you’re renting, renovating, or the proud new owner of a home, here are some simple ideas to help make your space your TruHome.

Get Your Wallpaper On

Fashion designer Bridget Smatlan of Fridget Apparel brings her design skills off the runway and into your home with her custom wallpaper installation service Tops Wallcovering. The savvy designer has an eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to using correct adhesives and surface preparation techniques. If done correctly, wallpaper can add an instant boost and focal point to any room.

Art for the Commitment-phobes

Looking for a more low-profile way to give your walls a little je ne sais quoi ? Edmonton-based Oliver Apt. designed a series of magnetic frames to hold your beloved art, music posters, and prints. The Prof. Prints series retails for $30 CAD and comes in three sizes and the choice of white ash or walnut finishes. Each kit includes countersunk holes to screw directly to the wall, as well as gold and white twine for hanging.

Plaster on the Warmth

Who says green living can’t be fashion-forward too? High Street’s Carbon Environmental Boutique proudly carries the American Clay line of natural earth plaster. These non-toxic plaster finishes come in a wide selection of earthy-tones, and can be applied on traditional wall surfaces – adding warmth and texture to your living space.

Hang Some Modern Nostalgia

Macramé is back in a big way, and nobody knows how to use it better than interior designer Julie Adams from Of Quartz Interiors. Check out her website and sign up for one of her plant or wall hanging workshops to make your own macramé work of art. You can also purchase ready-made wall hangings from her online shop.

Finnish with Fabric

Sometimes the simplest solutions can make a big (and memorable) impact. This is definitely true when it comes to using textiles as art. If you want a temporary solution to add colour and texture to any size of wall, try framing fabric and watch how it instantly transforms a space. We are especially in love with the selection available from Finnish design company Marimekko.

Spring is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to start preparing your two-wheeled beauty for a few months of glorious bicycle bliss.

Join the Network

If you are an avid cyclist, you will already know that construction is underway for a $7.5-million bike network that will provide seven kilometres of separated lanes for cyclists in downtown Edmonton. When complete, the Downtown Bike Network project will be similar to bike networks found in Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal or other major Canadian cities.

Edmonton Bike Swap

Looking to buy, sell or donate a bicycle?  Be sure to check out the Alberta Bike Swap, Saturday, May 13 from 2:30 – 4 PM at Northlands Edmonton EXPO Centre. This annual event is a perfect opportunity to sell a bike that’s been taking up space on your balcony or collecting dust in the garage, and an awesome opportunity to get a great deal on a new-to-you bicycle inspected and ready to ride off the lot.

Tune-up for Spring

If it’s a spring tune-up that you need, you’ll appreciate the friendly service at MEC’s Bike Shop, located in Oliver. Tune-up packages range from basic to premium, or you can choose individual bike services and repairs. This is also the place to check out for unique bicycle storage solutions for your house or condo.

Hands-on Help

More of the DIY-type? Then you are going to love the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters (EBC) fully-equipped, volunteer-run community bike workshops at BikeWorks North and BikeWorks South. For a small hourly fee, you will have access to specialty bicycle tools needed to repair and maintain your bicycle, as well as access to friendly  mechanics on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Choose Your Ride

When it comes to shopping for a new ride, Edmonton is home to a variety of of bike shops geared for all levels of cyclists. Garneau’s Redbike is the place to go if you are looking for function and European style. They also have a number of group rides you can sign up for on their website. Western Cycle and Revolution Cycle carry a wide selection of mountain bikes, scooters, and road bikes. MEC and United Cycle offer bikes and other sporting accessories at multiple price-points. Also be sure to check out Velocity Cycle at the new Ritchie Market.

Thinking about moving to a cycle-friendly neighbourhood? The TruHome team can help you choose the best options when it comes to condos and homes in Edmonton’s Central communities. Be sure to explore these great Edmonton neighbourhoods: Downtown |  Oliver | Queen Mary Park | Garneau | Strathcona | Ritchie

Come home to this outstanding half duplex condo located in Blackburne Pointe. Space exceeds expectations, making it perfect for those who love to entertain, yet still provides a warm, cozy feeling.  Upon entrance, you are greeted with expansive vaulted ceilings that lead towards the open concept kitchen with pantry, oak cabinets and flooring throughout the main level.  The upstairs features 3 bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and three-piece bath.  The fully finished basement has been professionally designed to the same quality as the upstairs including a living room, bathroom and guest bedroom. Located in the lovely community of Blackburne you will also enjoy a great array of nearby amenities. This community is known for its outstanding natural beauty. There are several expansive public parks in the area that are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and children. Recreational activities in the community of Blackburne include walking and biking along the pathways, while there are also playing fields for those who want to play sports. The residential side streets wind the neighbourhood, making it a quiet place to live.

This beautiful home won’t last long, contact your TruHome team today!

There are various benefits to choosing the neighbourhood of Parkdale as your home when it comes to this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo.  This 942 sqft. unit has been nicely painted with high quality laminate wood flooring and the main bathroom features a stand-up shower and a soaker bath. It’s located a short distance north of the downtown core and located just to the south of the neighbourhood is Commonwealth Stadium (perfect for Edmonton Eskimo fans AND all within walking distance !).Only minutes away you can benefit from the close proximity to Save on Foods, McDonalds, Subway, schools, and many other businesses and services.  Explore the community of Parkdale and see other listings here!

If you’ve been waiting for an exceptional value in Parkwood, here it is!  Talk to the TruHome Team today!

Callingwood Condo Priced to Sell at: $199, 900

There are various benefits to choosing the neighbourhood of Callingwood as your home when it comes to this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. Freshly painted and boasting over 998 sq ft, this condo in Mainstreet West is located close to major routes including the Whitemud freeway and the Anthony Henday. Explore the neighbourhood with your family at the ever popular weekly farmers market that has been operating for over 32 years. Only a few minutes away you can benefit from the close proximity to grocery stores, schools, daycares and many other businesses and services.  Explore the community of Callingwood and listings here.

If you’ve been waiting for an exceptional value in Callingwood, here it is! Talk to the TruHome Team today!

Hello Edmonton Real Estate – What Is Going On? (A Recap From June)

• 1,785 properties were sold in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (up 0.8% from May)
• 1,117 single family detached homes were sold in the Edmonton CMA (equal percentage from May)
• 465 condos and 173 duplex/rowhouses sold (up 11.5% and down 15% from May, respectively)
• $435,366 was the average all-residential price for June (down by over 1% from May)

“Although June’s residential unit sales are up slightly over May, we did not see the numbers set in June of 2015. Also notable is that the sustained lull in sales we have seen over the past two years has not been reflected in average price. Continued sales of higher priced properties in the region have helped keep average prices strong,” says REALTORS® Association of Edmonton Chair Steve Sedgwick.

What Is Happening In Your Area – Stats Wise?

We are excited to annouce that we are now launching monthly stats based on region. Central Edmonton Dwellers (Downtown & Oliver) – check out your stats below. Don’t live in the core? Contact us to get updated on what’s happening in your hood.

You won’t want to miss this fantastic two storey townhouse located in beautiful Norshire Gardens. The main floor features a bright living room, dining area and upgraded kitchen complete with maple cabinets and newer appliances. The upstairs boasts 3 bedrooms with a great sized master bedroom, a 4 piece bathroom and a large linen closet. This spotless home is ready for new owners and has been meticulously maintained which is apparent with the newer hot water tank/furnace(4-5 years old), roof shingles, windows and the nicely landscaped yard. Did we also mention that your pets are welcome? Act fast, as this listing is a definite must see. To view this Well Kept Home for yourself, simply contact Elisse Moreno for more information!

Building Improvement into Your Mortgage

When prospectivee home buyers get into bidding wars trying to buy the home of their dreams, it can often price out those with lower incomes or first time home buyers with small down payments. In this type of market, it can be more beneficial to purchase a fixer-upper at a lower initial cost and then renovate the home to increase its value. However, the renovations can also be costly, which deters many buyers from taking on such a big commitment. To assist with the process, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which issues government mortgage loans to those with down payments of less than 20 percent, developed the CMHC Improvements Program.

What Is the CMHC Improvements Program?

Under this program, the CMHC allows home buyers to include the costs of renovations into the amount of the mortgage. Qualified borrowers can borrow up to 10 percent of the improved value of the home to cover the costs of the renovations. The upgrades must improve the home itself, so new appliances will not be covered, as you may decide to take them with you if you decide to sell the house.

Benefits to the Home Buyer

This program can be a great option for first time home buyers who cannot afford to make a large down payment and fund renovations at the same time. It is also a great way to quickly build equity in the home, as the home’s value increases as soon as the renovations are complete. By rolling the costs into the mortgage, buyers can take advantage of the low interest rate. This is a much less expensive financing option; funding renovations and repairs with a credit card, personal loan or line of credit will cost the buyer a lot more in the long run as these options come with much higher interest rates. In addition, by increasing the value of the home, the homeowner will make a nice profit when he or she decides to sell the house later on.

Benefits to the Community

This program does not just help the homebuyer; it helps the entire community as well. When the value of one home in a neighbourhood increases, it improves the quality of the area. It can contribute to raising the value of other nearby homes as well. This can help those homeowners afford to make renovations, and the cycle continues.

The process of obtaining a mortgage and purchasing a home can be a daunting one. A qualified real estate agent can help. For all your Edmonton home buying and selling needs, contact Elisse Moreno at HomeTribe. Our talented team is standing by to help get you into your dream home.