The Home Tribe Real Estate Blog

If you are getting ready to sell your home, you have a lot of work to do. First, you will need to get the property ready to put on the market. That might mean cleaning the home inside and out, addressing any maintenance points that need to be handled, and finding an agent to help with the sale. Also, you will want to make sure you have all of the necessary documentation in place, so you can give prospective buyers all the information they desire. One such piece of documentation you will need to acquire is known as a Real Property Report.

The idea behind a Real Property Report – or RPR – is quite simple. It is a legal document which covers the details of a specific piece of property. Not only does it highlight the dimensions of the property, the location of any improvements (structures), and all other relevant info, but it also verifies the property meets zoning laws. With a current RPR in hand, you can quickly prove to sellers that your property meets with code and is ready to be sold.

Being Prepared

When you are selling a home, you are in competition with all of the other homes that are currently on the market. Specifically, you are competing with the homes that are of a similar size, in a similar neighborhood, and listed for a similar price. You can think of this phase of life as opening a short-lived small business. You are temporarily in the business of selling your home, and you are trying to win over a customer. There are a certain number of available buyers on the market at any given time, and you need to attract as much attention as possible in order to get a great deal.

Just like any business, you want to have a leg up on the competition in any way that you can. For instance, you might decide to spend some time and money working on the landscaping around your home, in order to boost ‘curb appeal’. This is a good idea, as you will be able to make a strong first impression with updated landscaping. If a buyer is choosing between your home and a very similar property nearby, it just may be the landscaping that swings them in your direction.

In much the same way, you can think about having a Real Property Report ready from the onset as a potential edge on the other homes in the area. When buyers start to get serious about your home, they will come looking for more details about the property. If you have a current RPR ready and available for them to review, your credibility will instantly get a boost. You will present yourself as a serious seller, and the buyer will know that they don’t have to wait around for a report to be produced. It is already complete, and one big hurdle is out of the way. Either way, as per the Alberta real estate contracts, you will be required to have prepared for closing, however, by purchasing one in advance, you will avoid any unknown problems at the onset.

Cover Your Bases

It is easy to see how having a Real Property Report in place can help a seller when it comes to closing a deal. Buyers will love that this piece of the puzzle is in place, as it will give them significant peace of mind. The peace of mind doesn’t stop there, however, as the RPR can also help the seller sleep better once the deal is done.

The matter at hand here is one of liability. During the home selling process, you are going to make certain representations to the party who is making the purchase. If those representations are found later to be false – or, at least, the buyer believes them to be false – it is possible that legal action will follow. By getting an RPR, the seller can remove much of the risk of winding up on the wrong end of a lawsuit. It will not just be one party against another in court, as the seller will have the support of the RPR to stand behind what was claimed during the sale. If a buyer plans to purchase title insurance in the absence of an RPR, it may be assumed that the insurance will offer protection to the seller by covering costs that come up later. That is not necessarily the case. If the buyer is unhappy about what they feel was a misrepresentation regarding the property, legal action is possible regardless of title insurance.

An Easy Decision

Simply put, the reasons to hold off on a Real Property Report are not nearly as significant as the reasons to get one. Sure, you will have to spend a little bit of money to have this report generated. And yes, it can take a while. But think about what is at stake here before you decide to go ahead without the RPR. You are selling what is likely your most valuable possession, and you probably stand to receive more money than you have ever received before in your life.  With such a large transaction looming, it only makes sense to do everything you can to make this go smoothly. In the long run, getting a Real Property Report is not a big deal, and it can make your life so much easier as you attempt to sell your home.

As soon as you make the decision to sell your home, even if you aren’t doing it right away, get started on bringing everything together. Start thinking about a plan for preparing the property and start the wheels in motion on having a Real Property Report produced. It is also wise to work with an agent early in the process, just to make sure you aren’t forgetting any important steps. Since you will probably be looking for a new home at the same time you are selling your old one, there is a lot going on at this point in your life. Bringing in an experienced professional to help you navigate the market can take significant stress off of your shoulders.

Looking for advice and help on securing a Real Property Report or selling your Edmonton home? Let’s chat! Our local Edmonton Real Estate team is always happy to sit down and discuss your unique situation and figure out the right strategy to sell your home.

In partnership with Edmonton Lake Property, we are excited to announce this new listing in the highly sought after community of Seba Beach. Located lakefront to Wabamun lake, this property offers so much to be desired. Featuring panoramic views from virtually every room in the house, this lot offers about 60 to 80 feet of beach in front of home depending on water level. .On the main floor, you’ll find the master bedroom, a large kitchen perfect for baking or entertaining and a sun-filled living room and dining room. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms and a family room and one floor up you’ll find a “top secret” loft perfect for playtime for the kids or for an office. Outside, you have a 3 car garage complete with upstairs living quarters including a kitchen, living room and 2 bedrooms as well as a loft. The water is inviting and will soon be ready to jump into. The lot is one of the largest at 184 depth x 55 feet wide. Lake properties don’t last long here. Call to view or learn more about living the lake lifestyle: 587-400-SOLD.

Just Listed In Newton! This well-cared for bungalow is the ideal find for an investor seeking at the perfect rental property. Zoned RF3, in the up and coming community of Newton, the possibilities for this property are endless. Featuring, new windows, floors, paint, appliances and an updated bathroom, this two bedroom home with double garage is a great find. Learn more about this listing here or check out all homes for sale in Newton here.

Edmonton’s underground scene is a lot deeper than you might think. We all get stuck in our routines, and as a result, we miss out on what’s right beneath our feet. Intimate bars, cozy eateries, and all sorts of amazing venues are scattered across Edmonton’s core just waiting to be unearthed. Every year we get amazing additions, but it’s difficult to keep up so we asked our office to come up with a list of where we love to spend our time in Edmonton’s underground scene.

Redstar | 2 meters | The Local | Downtown Neighbourhood

The local. Every office needs one. The place where, when it’s been too long a week, you can access a drink in under 3.5 minutes. That time frame is really important so we’re lucky to have Redstar nearby. Sometimes you get stuck with something a bit run down with a couple of taps and that 70s parent’s basement vibe. Redstar is not that. It’s that beautiful combination of wood, kind service without the over-enthusiastic EARLitude, and too many beer options. Come check it out for yourself and see if you can figure out which table is ours on most Fridays after work.

New Tagline: Beers Beneath the Earth

Prairie Noodle House | 3 Meters | Send Noods | Westmount Neighbourhood

It’s ramen if ramen had originated on a farm straight out of a Steinbeck novel. (But like, in Alberta you know) I’m sure there are purists out there who take issue, but ramen is so perfect to adapt to the ingredients that define our province. The squad at Prairie does this purposefully. Everything we love about this shop seems intentional. Its got flavours that remind you of home, nostalgia in a broth, and an explanation for every inclusion, exclusion, and tweak to their food.  If you’re a ramen fan, drop by and check it out. If you’re not a ramen fan, I mean we don’t have much left to say to you… are you sure?

New Tagline: East of Ramen, Noodles of Wrath, To a Broth Unknown (Sorry I don’t know enough Albertan writers)

Cafe Bicyclette | 3 Meters | Winter City | Bonnie Doon Neighbourhood

This place needs even more recognition. It centers the French Quarter in Bonnie Doon and it executes winter city ideals better than anywhere in the city. Imagine if your basement was a quaint French cafe. Now make your house a mansion with a walkout leading to a sunken balcony framed in repurposed door and window frames and provençal garden party lighting. Then to keep everyone warm, lay out blankets across all the seating areas, position heaters overhead and build a fireplace that you keep running all day. It’s like a fairytale. Not enough? Just try the food. Come by on a moderate winter day and drink your coffee near the fire. I mean, I can’t make you do anything, but it snows for 8 months of the year here. Are you ready to live two-thirds of the rest of your life inside?

New Tagline: The Coffee Bar of Narnia

9910 | 3.5 meters | Hip Hop Karaoke | Oliver Neighbourhood

Like you’ve never seen before. Don’t show up the first time expecting to sing. This is a performance. Sign-ups before the event, no screens, a full stage, 99ten’s hip-hop karaoke is everything we need in Edmonton. One of the coolest nights out in town for sure. It’s a loving homage to hip-hop and an unexpectedly high-performance level. The space is gorgeous and the always have something going on if hip-hop karaoke doesn’t sound like your thing. If that is the case, maybe give your head a shake and then try again.

New Tagline: Basement Mixtapes for the Thirsty

Plaza Bowl | 4 meters | Time Machine Realness | Westwood Neighbourhood

Lanes? Where we’re going, we don’t need lanes. Okay, we still need lanes, but Plaza Bowl really is a relic of the 50s. Lovingly maintained by one family since the late 70s, it’s the most attractive bowling alley in the city. I’m sure we’ll see it play host to a Wes Anderson movie in our lifetime. Now you can grab local beers, a late night grilled cheese, and huck balls at some pins. Chase down that turkey and win a pin that you can show off to all of your friends. True to its history, Plaza is everything good about the fifty’s family legacy values without any of the generation’s human rights hiccups… Don’t forget to stretch. The stairs become a lot more difficult after 50 frames and an adventure through their beer fridge.

New Tagline: Bowling in a Bomb Shelter

It’s almost tax time again so let’s look at the First-Time Home Buyer’s Credit. It’s a fairly simple process and you can claim $5000 if you meet these two standards in 2017: (according to the Government of Canada)

• you or your spouse or common-law partner acquired a qualifying home; and
• you did not live in another home owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years (first-time home buyer).

Qualifying home means…

“registered in your and/or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s name in accordance with the applicable land registration system and it must be located in Canada. It includes existing homes and homes under construction.”

The following are considered qualifying homes:

• single-family houses;
• semi-detached houses;
• townhouses;
• mobile homes;
• condominium units; and
• apartments in duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, or apartment buildings.

If you’re unsure of whether you qualify or just want more information, be sure to read more HERE.

Today really touched our hearts with Joan getting the keys to her new Fort Saskatchewan condo. One of our favourite opportunities is when we get to work with clients who are looking to downsize. This is ultimately a very big decision in ones life and there is always the debate of whether to list first or find the right property to move into first. Our job is to make this journey as fun and stress-free as possible. Often times these purchases involve the whole family, which means we not only get the pleasure of meeting our buyer, but we also get to work with their partners or adult-kids through out the process as well. Such a big moment in ones life and we are always truly honoured when we get the chance to be part of this journey.

Views for days, we hope Joan has many happy days and beautiful new memories here!

Interested in learning about downsizing, age restricted Edmonton condos and buying an Edmonton & Area condo? Let’s chat! 

The best feeling in the world is when you get the opportunity to help first time home buyers, especially when they are looking at homes in some of our most favourite Edmonton neighbourhoods. Kaylee and Justin were so upbeat and optimistic through out the process and we really had a lot of fun going out searching for the right home for them. The community of Woodcroft is such a great choice for them, especially the investment opportunity of the legal basement suite. Woodcroft offers close proximity to downtown, is kid friendly and features beautiful tree lined streets. This neighbourhood is a great option for first time home buyers or growing families, especially with it’s affordable average sale price of $393,473 for 2017.

Looking to buy a home in Woodcroft or would like to learn more about this gorgeous community? Search all Woodcroft homes here.

It’s back. One of the craziest ideas ever executed in Edmonton returns for the world championship. Pitched as “downhill ice cross”, the race involves 4 participants speeding down a steep course completely covered in ice on skates. Yup, downhill skate races are a thing and you need to see it.

The event is a huge draw. It all happens March 9 -10 at a course starting at Jasper Avenue and 96 st. and ends near the river valley below. The course itself is something to see even if you can’t get tickets to watch the races. 455 meters of sheer ice, massive vertical descents, and jumps. Yes, they actually perform jumps on skates while racing.

This one is really weather dependent as the condition of the course requires some cooler temperatures but hopefully not too cold so we can all enjoy a winter day out. SkirtsAFire is happening that weekend too and there are some scheduled events during the afternoon that would make for a great day downtown. Maybe try Yoga in the Art or a Bellydancing workshop if you’re feeling bold. The Nina Haggerty Gallery is hosting an exhibit on that Friday as well. After an afternoon downtown, pick up some coffee and head to the track!

Post Race decisions

Now that you’ve built up an appetite, is it beer, cocktails, or wine?

Tres Carnales (Beer)

Great decision. Now it’s time to head to Tres Carnales for some tacos and beer. It’s been open for a while now but this place still seems like it just opened. There’s always something new and noteworthy on the menu so make sure to convince whomever you’re with to share. There is nothing worse than staring across the table at someone thoroughly enjoying the dish you foolishly passed over on the menu. Make a pact from the beginning to ensure you don’t suffer an unnecessary FOMO.

Woodwork (Cocktails)

We like your style. Find a seat at the bar and commit to getting a hands-on education that, if you’re not careful, you may not remember tomorrow. Start with drinks and ask the bartender to help you pick something if your heart’s not already set. You’ll end up with an incredibly well-balanced drink appropriate for the season which a lot of us stuck in our ways can miss out on. (I unapologetically pretend it’s constantly summer in my mind) Now that you’ve got a drink going, order some food and settle in for the night. It’s one the most relaxing evenings you can have. Good drinks, a beautiful space, and the smell of their wood-fired kitchen.

Tzin (Wine)

Can’t go wrong! Time to book a spot at this cozy wine bar because it fills up fast. Pick a bottle to share with your group and then just fall into a long conversation about Russian authors or some other stimulating topic of your own choice… The Tapas is pretty good here and you should try as much as you can all handle. Spread it out through the night and take snack breaks when the Chekhov discussion gets too heavy. It’s important to pace yourself so that you can complete the entire menu marathon. Good luck.

Hopefully, we’ll see some of you out and about this weekend. Come say hi if you see us!

Crashed Ice Info

Welcome Home to Klarvatten and this lovely 2 Storey home with finished basement. Walk in and view this well-kept home featuring a dedicated living room and kitchen space complete with kitchen island, pantry and updated Stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the natural light from your south facing backyard complete with large storage shed and double detached garage that backs onto Klarvatten park. Upstairs, you will discover 3 bedrooms with the master bedroom boasting a 3 piece ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. Adding to the beautiful appeal of this home is the fully finished basement complete with yet another bathroom and places to sit back and relax. Perfect for a young family with a quick walk to schools, parks and green spaces including a huge sports field with a soccer pitch and baseball diamond. This truly is a move in ready home boasting everything you would want and need!

See the listing HERE

A Day in the Ritchie Life

It’s pretty this morning. Fresh snow, excessively large snowflakes, and all of the other things that help us forget how harsh Edmonton winters can get. At Ritchie Rich (that’s our house) we start our Saturdays with coffee and the premier league. It’s a tradition founded on my dog’s inability to wait past 8 AM for breakfast.

This is Zelda. Zelda likes food. Zelda doesn’t suffer fools.

The most important thing to remember about perfectly snowy days is that they’re best experienced at alternating intervals of outdoor and indoor activity. You don’t need much, but make sure you have warm clothes in layers and large windows (preferably near a fireplace).

When we were looking for houses 3 years ago, we knew we had to be close to the Mill Creek Ravine for the pup. Well worn trails line the creek and the bridges cross and recross the creek for miles. It’s quiet early in the morning if you don’t want company, and you can explore the ravine for hours.  

Okay, dog done.

Another important thing to remember about snowy days is that they require warm food and drink. Most experts agree that your consumption levels should directly correlate to the type of day you expect to have. For example, today I expect to spend a moderate amount of time outside, several hours walking, intermittent periods of social interaction, and in a state that fluctuates from hungry, to sleepy, to curious, to excited in no particular order. As such, the logical next step is brunch at Tasty Toms.

Tasty Tom’s

It’s incredible what too much food and a little something in your coffee can do to help your day along. This is the spot and there’s almost nothing I wouldn’t order on the menu. Play it safe with the standard breakfast or really commit to it with something like the chilli cheese omelette. If you’re stuck on breakfast, come back another time to try the burgers.

The people running this shop are amazing so drop by and say hello some time. Speaking of amazing people, check out this brunch crew. It’s the moment you’ve given up on finishing your meal and forced yourself to finish your 3rd coffee (because coffee is life) that you look up surrounded by friends and realize that it’s really simple to keep humans happy. Seriously, don’t miss Tasty Toms.

ALHAMBRA BOOKS 

I thought I’d spend some time exploring the shops around here this afternoon. Alhambra Books is the easiest place to get lost so why not start there!
It’s best to come into places like this without an end goal. No title. No author. No genre. Flip through the shelves, read a few pages here and there, and then just take one based on its cover. Even if you don’t like it, it will make you try something new and it’s unlikely going to cost you more than $4.

Tall overflowing shelves, books stacked to the rafters, and overloaded tables make Alhambra one of my favourite places to hide out. It’s been quiet recently so I don’t feel as weird sitting in the rows exploring new authors. It reminds me of library visits when you were a kid. This place is special. Maybe it’s the smell of old books, or just that the owners are holding onto that same feeling I am. Please come and see it.

La Boule

Don’t judge me. Going to La Boule is part of this assignment. It’s my job to stop and get some carrot cake. Look how perfect their display is. Would you have wanted to miss it? Okay, it’s a must visit spot in Ritchie. Thanks to my colleague Sarah for the heads up!

Warp 1

Warp checks a lot of boxes for me these days. I don’t read a lot of comic books but I’m obsessed with board games and D&D. I recently started a campaign in our office and I wanted to get a reward for my new players. They’ve created some hilarious characters but they’re missing dice so this makes sense.  Come by and see it for yourself. If you’re looking to try something, I think they do drop in evenings for a bunch of different games

ACE Coffee

ACE isn’t normally open but since it’s the weekend we get to see the space and get another coffee. It’s like an inverted ark that houses coffee and donuts! I’m not sure who designed this place but they’ve drastically improved my weekend routine. You can come by to try the coffee Friday to Sunday but they’re busy doing other work during the week.

Biera

It’s the local. Ritchie Market’s quickly become the center of this neighbourhood. This is the place that feels the most like Ritchie to me. You run into your neighbours over drinks or get caught in the puppy party outside Transcend, and it just feels like it’s always been here. Blind Enthusiasm brews out of the market as well so you can follow along as they try out new ideas and perfect your favourites. (and they do growlers so you can get a little to go!) The market is also home to ACME meats so Biera has an incredible offering and the partnerships make me happy to be in a place working together.

Bok Choy for sure. Lot’s of drinks. An unnecessary dessert. You can’t go wrong. Just come and enjoy the space, bring some friends, drink some beer, and meet all the neighbours!

There are obviously a ton of amazing shops left out of this day just because of time constraints, pant waist constraints, and my current brunch preferences. I love Ritchie. Yes, it’s central, it’s well serviced, there are a ton of things to do, but, that’s not it. It fits my lifestyle and I feel connected to the people here. I’m so glad we moved here and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Justin Quinn is the director of marketing for TruHome. He’s committed to bringing a strong community focus to our marketing efforts and increasing transparency in the Real Estate Industry. He has lived in the Ritchie neighbourhood for the past three years and obsesses about all things food and drink in Edmonton.