The Home Tribe Real Estate Blog

We understand that are a lot of fears about what is happening in the world when it relates to this coronavirus and how to proceed. We don’t know how long this will last and how many people will be affected either physically, mentally or financially, however, we can speak about what we do know:

One of Central Edmonton’s best kept secrets, Trinity Pointe offers so much more than your average condo.

Concrete Building

One of the biggest differences between types of condos is construction, specifically having the choice between wood frame or concrete structures. Concrete condos are the preferred choice in most measures since they are sturdy and solid. The noise transfer between units will be far less than a wood frame building giving owners a little more privacy and quiet. Though concrete condos require their own type of maintenance, it’s typically needed less often than a wood frame building and can withstand much more when it comes to the elements, so when thinking long term, concrete is the way to go. Concrete condos also often have a better green rating thanks to their efficiency and durability.

Pet Friendly

Sometimes finding a condo that you can love that allows your furry companion too can be a challenge. This building offers it’s owners relaxed pet restrictions making it easier for you and your family to settle in!

Accessibility

Often overlooked, most buyers are searching in Strathcona and Ritchie. Nestled between the two, this Bonnie Doon condo is perched above Mill Creek Ravine. Allowing quick access to Whyte Avenue, U or A, Ritchie Market, French Quarter, Millcreek Pool, Bonnie Doon Mall, and so much more!

VIEWS!

You would not know it from the street, but this condo offers some of the best views in Edmonton. Where can you find a forest facing condo in Central Edmonton? Trinity Pointe! Enjoy the calm, peaceful nature of  Mill Creek Ravine right from your own private balcony.

Fitness

Tired of paying a costly gym membership? Cancel it and move into Trinity Pointe which offers an amazing fitness room and gym. In the warmer months you can also take advantage of the trail network right outside your door.

“Stellar” Management!

This building is managed by an active board and Stellar Condo Management. A healthy reserve and an incredibly proactive approach to maintenance means a safer investment for you.

We simply can not say enough about Trinity Pointe; however there is one more benefit – you can move into this building immediately. Take a look at the Edmonton Condos for Sale in Trinity Pointe today!

Hello YEG!

All of us at TruHome love our pets and each of us has made choices in regards to our living environments that would be good for our pets and ourselves. For example, I (Caitlin) chose to live in a house over a condo so that my lovely fur-bears can enjoy a doggy door and yard, while my sister (Elisse) knew right away that a condo would be better for her family, including her little dog. 

In retrospect, when I re-consider my lifestyle, I do feel an Edmonton condo would have also worked really well for me and my two bubbly schnauzers. Unfortunately, before I became an Edmonton REALTOR®, I didn’t realize all the amazing Edmonton condo choices that do exist for people like myself and my dogs.

The reality is that there are plenty of options when it comes to living the Edmonton lifestyle while loving and living with your pets. I wanted to share a few of my favourites to get you started on exploring the real possibilities you can consider:

 The Valhalla Located In Oliver

The Valhalla is the ultimate in pet-friendly living in the core. Not only do they allow pets, but they are also one of the most flexible when it comes to the overall size of your dog. Great Dane? No Problem! Your lovable fur baby is welcome here. With sprawling views of the river valley and downtown, a large indoor pool and an incredible gym – this condo provides it all in location and lifestyle. Want to learn even more about The Valhalla, be sure to read about the 10 Things You May Not Know About The Valhalla. 

The View Overlooking Riverdale

Nestled at the top of the hill in picturesque Riverdale, this Edmonton condo lives up to its name. Enjoy some of the best views in Edmonton surrounded by river valley walking trails. Not to mention, it is located only five minutes away from Edmonton’s downtown core. The building has reasonable pet restrictions, massive floor plans, ensuite laundry, underground parking and lower condo fees, making it a great option not to be overlooked!

Cherry Brook Court Situated in Oliver

This condo is situated in a prime location in the heart of Oliver. Only one block away from Jasper Avenue and close to every desirable amenity including a great pet food store, Global Pet Foods. With tree-lined streets, multiple parks and a network of walking paths, Cherry Brook Court is perfect for the young urban professional or first time home buyer. Accepting cats or dogs – all are welcome in this amazing condo!

The River Grande in Riverdale

Named “Edmonton’s Garden”, Riverdale is a premiere community hugged by the curve of the North Saskatchewan, surrounded by walking trails and home to one of the best off-leash dog parks in the entire city, the Dawson off-leash park which is less than a five-minute walk from the building. Large balconies, friendly 18+ neighbours and amazing floor plans make The River Grande a top choice for any dog parent! 

Morris Lofts in Downtown

Situated in the best location in downtown YEG, this exclusive loft building welcomes your pets. Residents love the generous floor plans, well-managed board and underground parking. What more could you want for your furry friends? Your steps away from Work Nicer (a fantastic co-working space), TEC Edmonton, 104th Street, Start-up Edmonton and the Ice District. 

Trinity Pointe in Bonnie Doon

One of Edmonton’s best kept secrets facing Mill Creek Ravine, this steel and concrete building is well-constructed and sound-proof. Connected to the ravine and trail networks, this building is ideal for pet owners all around. You will want for no amenity living near Whyte Avenue, Bonnie Doon mall, and downtown if you choose this as your next home! Not to mention with the expansion of the LRT network and its hub will bring even more exciting news to the area.

Want to discover more pet-friendly buildings in Edmonton? Our Edmonton Real Estate team would be thrilled to find the ideal home for you and your furry friend. Let us share our expertise to help you on your way!

Your TruHome Advisor,

Caitlin Heine

When Caitlin Heine isn’t out and about helping buyers and sellers navigate the Edmonton Real Estate market, you’ll often catch her out enjoying Edmonton’s beautiful river valley with her two schnauzers, Lumi & Hilli.

This Fall we are not only changing seasons but also gaining access to a new incentive program through the Government of Canada for first time home buyers. The First Time Home Buyer Program aims to relieve qualified applicants of some of the financial burden they face after taking on a mortgage. But how does it work?

Simply put, qualifying first time home buyers receive an interest-free 5-10% loan on their mortgage from the government for the opportunity to have a stake in your home’s future equity. The loan acts as a second mortgage on title that would only be paid back when you sell the property or after 25 years. 

Brand New Edmonton Homes: receive an additional 10% towards your down payment

Take a $350,000 new home in YEG. You would need to put a minimum downpayment of 5% ($17,500). The government would provide an interest-free loan of an additional 10% ($35,000), bringing your down payment to $52,500. This would translate into a monthly mortgage payment decrease of approx. $190/month or a savings of $2280/year. 

Resale Edmonton Homes: receive an additional 5% towards your down payment

Now take a $350,000 resale home. You would still need to put a minimum downpayment of 5% ($17,500). In this case, the government would provide an interest-free loan of an additional 5% ($17,500), bringing your down payment to $35,000. This would translate into a monthly mortgage payment decrease of approx. $100/month or a savings of $1200/year. 

How Do You Qualify For The First Time Home Buyer Program? 

• At least one of the buyers has to be classified as a first time home buyer, meaning:
  • You have never purchased a home
  • You are going through a divorce or separation (married or common-law partnership)
  • In the last 4 years, you have not lived in a house that you or your spouse have owned
• Your gross income is less than $120,000 per year
• You have the minimum down payment of 5% available
• You are borrowing no more than 4 times the qualifying income. (ex. If you earn $100,000, you could be eligible up to $400,000, plus your down payment)

Just remember, like any loan… you must pay them back eventually. The Government is gambling on the Edmonton real estate market (just like you), and hope that your home benefits from a positive ROI when you sell. 

Now, if you plan to stay in your home for more than 25 years (which happens a lot, just ask us how we help many Edmonton seniors who have lived in their homes for 30-40+ years) or if you choose to sell, then you will simply have to pay back the government the percentage borrowed based on the current market value.

So, let’s take the first example of buying a $350,000 home that you live in for 5 years. 

New Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $375,000 (+$25,000)

You will owe the Government of Canada $37,500 (10%) back. During this time, you saved $11,400 which means you kept $8,900 more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Resale Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $375,000 (+$25,000)

You will owe the Government of Canada $18,750 (5%) back. During this time, you saved $6,000 which means you kept $4,250 more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Now, imagine a scenario in which your home is worth less than what you bought it for? 

New Edmonton Home: Goes down in value to $325,000 (-$25,000)

You will only owe the Government of Canada $32,500 (10%) back. During this time, you saved $11,400 meaning you still kept more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Resale Edmonton Home: Goes up in value to $325,000 (-$25,000)

You will only owe the Government of Canada $16,250 (5%) back. During this time, you saved $6,000 meaning you still kept more in your pocket over the course of those 5 years. 

Reading this, the First Time Home Buyer Program is a great option for many buyers but won’t be the best option for all. It is important to take time connecting with a YEG real estate agent and mortgage broker to collaborate so they can recommend the best option for your lifestyle and financial goals. 

Connect with us today to learn more about the home buying process – we’re here to help!  

We often hear people brag about the loft space in their designer home or their loft-style condo, but with only 200 true converted industrial lofts in Edmonton, those who own them belong to an exclusive club with a lineup of buyers hoping to get in. 

At the heart of the core surrounded by every possible amenity, endless entertainment and downtown nightlife, YEG’s converted industrial lofts are an excellent choice for today’s urban singles and power couples. These properties are well-built and efficient with a minimalist aesthetic. Not only are they smart real estate investments, but they come with a coveted lifestyle inside a rare piece of Edmonton history. 

True converted Edmonton industrial lofts represent just 2% of residential properties in the core and only 6% of those have been listed/sold within the past year. Which means to get into the 200-Loft Club you need an Edmonton real estate advisor with the expertise to help negotiate your membership. That’s where I and the TruHome Real Estate Team come in. 

The TruHome team started researching Edmonton’s lofts because we are passionate about our local history when it pertains to how Edmonton became the city it is today.

Did you know Philips Lofts used to be a storage warehouse with a 20-foot arcade?

Or that Cobogo Lofts is built on the foundation of the Ker Building which burned down in 1913? 

Our team and myself personally, appreciate the uniqueness of loft living and have dedicated time and energy to specialize in these types of properties, we are well connected with current Edmonton loft owners and building managers. If you don’t see what you are looking for on the Edmonton MLS® System, get in touch, as often we have our beat on the pulse and can keep you informed of “not yet on the market” opportunities.

So let me help you jump the lineup into the 200 Loft Club and close the deal on your new life in the core. 

Michael van Butselaar

Your, TruHome Advisor

Michael van Butselaar, your TruHome Real Estate Advisor of RE/MAX Real Estate has a keen eye for finding the unique properties right for his clients. His expertise in high-quality renovations also aids his clients in visualizing the possibilities.

Searching for the ideal Edmonton loft? Learn more about many of Edmonton’s amazing lofts right here, with the latest Edmonton lofts for sale and news.

That uneasy, gut reaction of not feeling safe can give anyone the heebie-jeebies and deep desire to “run” for safety. Feeling safe is a goal that all cities strive for and citizens want to be comfortable where they work, live and play. That being said, how can a city track when and how people aren’t feeling safe in order to better understand the issues at hand and to work with citizens to improve the overall safety landscape of the city?

The answer: A crowdsourced map making it easy for Edmontonians to report when they don’t feel safe. 

SafeCityYEG allows citizens like you and me to share our positive and negative experiences around feeling safe in our city. We are able to mark locations that feel bright, vibrant and welcoming and we can mark areas where it feels too dark, or if we have been harassed or just generally scared.

According to cbc.ca:

“Participants can state whether they feel “safe” or “unsafe” in a particular location. The tool then prompts people to answer questions about why they feel that way, with a pull-down menu of options that covers topics such as lighting, signage, and whether a person was harassed.The data on the map is updated constantly, with people updating or deleting their reports”

The idea of Safe City YEG, came from an initiative to make Edmonton overall safer for women from their involvement in the United Nations Women Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces global initiative.

The difficulty will come down to the city combing through this plethora of data to determine validity when it comes to aiming to resolve concerns and ultimately improve general “safety” for most residents. Like any data, it can be skewed, so it will be up to the people involved to weigh how to use the data provided optimally.

Either way a great data initiative and one that we will be investing time looking over, as ultimately, we as real estate agents are asked our opinions about this question very often. In an effort to help many clients establish their “boundaries” for safety, we also offer private walking tours of most neighbourhoods, as we truly believe that we have to zone in on each of our client’s own comfort levels when it comes to safety.

Do you think sharing “safety” viewpoints could positively or negatively impact home values in a neighbourhood?

It is exciting and impressive to see that the Toronto Raptors have made the playoffs this year in the NBA. Being our only basketball in this league here in Canada makes it extra special, considering that basketball was in fact invented right here in our northern country.

Canada is literally standing beside these athletes as they venture into their final games. Of course, the unprecedented hype comes from the fact that the Raptors have never won a championship since their inception in 1995. To me, it sounds like 24 years without a championship has our Raptors hungrier than ever. This hunger has manifested itself in the dominant performance that the Raptors have displayed in their current NBA finals run.

Recently, I have been reading the book “The Captain Class: The Hidden Force that Creates the World’s Greatest Teams” by Sam Walker an in-depth look at what makes a great captain and why certain teams have had unbelievable legacies over others. In basketball fashion, people often talk about the “great ones” like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal and while these athletes contributed greatly to the sport if I were to pick I would want to imitate Bill Russell.

“Bill Russell played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during his thirteen-year career.” – Wiki

In the end, Sam Walker explains in his book that it was ultimately the team captains and seven key traits that allowed a team to elevate itself to all-time greatness.  

1. They served the team, often leading from the back.
2. They focused on the competition with extreme doggedness – keeping going during injuries did not phase them.
3. They thought intelligently while playing to the edge of the rules
4. They practised practical communication
5. Verbal wasn’t the only way they communicated
6. They had the courage to stand apart
7. They could regulate their emotions

I am hoping that our own Raptor’s captain is exuding these traits to help bring his team to victory. While I cheer on our very own “Canadian basketball” team, I too am reflecting on how these traits can impact a team and how I can become a better leader in the industry I have chosen to show up in: real estate.

Time will tell if we (the Raptors) can take home the win! Like you, I am anxiously watching the games and the final outcome.

When you really start to dive in and look at what to do on the weekends, there really is a lot of interesting, cool things to check out in our wonderful city. When you have 2 kids under 3, staying active and keeping them engaged becomes an even bigger priority. Here is one of the awesome places that have actually been around for over 40 years that we just had the chance to experience, The Alberta Railway Museum.

Our very own railway museum dedicated to the history of everything to do with trains and the history of the railway. The Alberta Railway Museum, located in Edmonton, Alberta (24215 34 St NW) preserves and interprets significant railway artefacts, including locomotives, railway cars, track maintenance equipment, and buildings. Their collection and interpretation efforts focus on the Northern Alberta Railways as well as a few specialized Canadian railways. The Museum features hands-on interactive fashions, over 75 onsite locomotives, ride on vintage trains, and archives of railway history. Of course the best part for all the “kids at heart” is riding on the steam train.

The Alberta Railway Museum is operated by the Alberta Pioneer Railway Association (APRA). The APRA is a non‐profit organization of volunteers whose interest is the collection, preservation, restoration, and interpretation of artefacts that represent the technology and history of the Canadian National and Northern Alberta Railways as well as industrial and short line railways in Western Canada.

Whether you are looking for an educational, yet fun experience with your kids, looking to dive into Canadian history, or simply a lover of vintage machines this is a worthwhile and wholesome experience run by truly passionate and knowledgeable individuals.

As the rain trickles in and cleans our wonderful city, the trees bloom and the greenery slowly begins to sprout. With the changing of seasons our ravines and parks become more accessible and lush. May is a time for Edmontonians to rejoice and indulge in the well deserved upcoming summer season.

The month of May is also a great summer gateway. As the doors of summer swing open, arguably the first real summer kick-off event approaches of Victoria day. In 2019, the Victoria Day holiday is on Monday, May 20th. Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25 in every province and territory. It honours Queen Victoria’s birthday, however here it is commonly referred to as “May long weekend”. Typically residents of Edmonton like to get out of town for the longer weekend. We at the TruHome team have assembled a little list of events that you can look forward to if you are planning to stay in the city this May long.

Shean Strings Competition At The Muttart Hall Of Alberta

On Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2019, six string players from across Canada will take to the stage of Muttart Hall at the Alberta College Campus of MacEwan University (10050 MacDonald Drive, Edmonton) as they vie for the $8,000 top prize in The Shean Strings Competition and the opportunity to play with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at a later date. Entry is only $10 at the door. For the classical music lover or those that love competition this is a unique event that you don’t want to miss. Complete event details

Boarder X At The Art Gallery of Alberta

Boarder X features work by Indigenous artists that use snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing to demonstrate knowledge and relationships to the land. The artwork reflects cultural, political, environmental and social perspectives related to the landscapes and territories we occupy. These boarding lifestyles share synergies with Indigeneity, connected by an appreciation for the land and water. The exhibit reveals how culture, art and board intersect. In this context, board culture works to examine contested spaces, political borders, hybrid identities and traditional territories. The event (which ends on May 19th) is free for youths, $14 for adults, and $9 for seniors. Whether you are a lover or art, or an appreciator of board sports this exhibit is sure to give you a little something out of the ordinary. Complete event details

DieNasty At The Varscona Theatre

Die-Nasty is a live improvised soap opera, running weekly in the city of Edmonton since 1991. Die-Nasty’s award winning improv comedy format features a continuing storyline and recurring characters, live music, and a director who sets up scenes for the audience (and performers) in voiceover. Their current special named “Lord of Thrones” is currently playing every monday at 7:30pm until the 27th of May. Making this upcoming Victoria day the perfect opportunity to catch this show at the Varscona Theatre (10329 83 ave). Tickets are $15 at the door ($10 with the purchase of a membership). So if you are into Game of Thrones parodies or if you just want an unconventional laugh make sure to check out this showing. Complete event details

Monet’s Garden At The Muttart Conservatory

The feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory rotates five to seven times a year to provide Edmontonians with fresh and exciting exhibits year round. This May long Immerse yourself within a living impressionist painting! Inspired by the art of Claude Monet, you will enjoy a vibrant display of fantastic flora, including roses, fuchsia, and baby’s breath. Oscar-Claude Monet was a French painter, a founder of French Impressionist painting and the most consistent and prolific practitioner of the movement’s philosophy. Monet’s ambition of documenting the French countryside led him to adopt a method of painting the same scene many times in order to capture the changing of light and the passing of the seasons. As spring passes into summer you can celebrate this feature and take a loved one or your entire family on a peaceful and bright stroll through the conservatory. Tickets range from $6.50 (for kids) to $12.50 (for adults). The Conservatory is open daily from 10am – 5pm so you have plenty of time to go and smell the flowers! Complete event details

Chris D’Elia At The Winspear Centre

Chris D’Elia is currently one of the most sought after performers in the comedy world. D’Elia is best known for his stand up and starring role on the NBC comedy series UNDATEABLE. His latest stand-up special, MAN ON FIRE, is now on Netflix. Chris bring his unique and off-the-cut comedy style to our very own Winspear Centre this upcoming Saturday (Show starts at 10 pm). Tickets are available online and start at $45.50. Complete event details

On behalf of the TruHome team, we hope you enjoy your May Long!

Now available for pre showing’s, experience this stunning lake view bungalow in the Estates at Water’s Edge brought to you by the TruHome and Edmonton Lake Property Real Estate Group.