Stuart Neal's Real Estate Blog

Senior Residence Spotlight - Chartwell Emerald Hills

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Therese Sheen one of the Retirement Living Consultants at Chartwell Emerald Hills Sherwood Park.

This is what I learned.

The building that she described as ‘the house’ is newer and it was completed in November 2019. It would certainly make for a sturdy home, being constructed of concrete of steel and actually comprises of 2 buildings joined by a ‘bridge’ incorporated into the overall structure. Concrete and steel is widely considered ‘premium’ for communal living, as it tends to be the quietest.

The complex offers several levels of care. Specifically:

1. Memory Care – for those with symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s,

2. Assisted living

3. Independent Supported Living and

4. Independent…

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Marina & Nicolae

Google - 5 Star Review *****

“Awesome experience with Ambergate Realty Advisors. A sincere thanks to Stuart and his team for their efforts in helping us sell our house. Stuart was professional and easy to communicate with. I would recommend Ambergate Realty Advisors.”

About the author:

You can read more about the author of this blog by clicking this link - Stuart Neal, Broker, REALTOR® & Team Lead.

Our FIXED FEE home selling program gives clients proven results & affordability. To learn more call our Broker Owner & Team Lead Stuart Neal at: 780-760-2014 or visit our program page www.FixedFeeRealty.ca

Learn how you can make the rights choices when you buy or sell a home SUBSCRIBE to Stuart Neal – Real Estate Advice

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It Matters Who Says It

Think back to your own experience. If someone tells you something, do you immediately accept it or believe it?

Probably not.

But what happens if you are asked to gather a several pieces of information and then formulate it into a conclusion and you say it out loud?

You are much more likely to believe it, if you came up with the idea.

Now put yourself in your clients shoes.

You can lecture them, you can provide ‘your opinion’, or you can tease them through the process of self-discovery by asking great questions and helping them to piece together a good answer.

Practice this approach the next time you are in a discovery consultation with a prospective client.

Ask far more questions. Don’t be quick to offer your opinion.

Help…

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Are You a Listener or a Talker?

Many of us REALTORS have a lot of experience when it comes to buying or selling homes. We have a ton of information to share.

Many of us REALTORS® are outgoing and friendly. We like to talk.

Is it a good idea to talk a lot and just share our knowledge in order to educate our prospective clients?

I don’t think so. Here is my suggestion.

Talk less. Listen more. That’s right. Talk less and listen more.

What kind of home your client should buy, or how they should go about it, might seem obvious to you, but it’s not to them.

Most folks in Edmonton move every 10 years. They don’t have the same knowledge or objectivity that you have.

Moving for them is a massive upheaval. The entire family will be off balance and buying home carries a…

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Is Your Home an Investment or an Asset?

Is your home an investment or an asset? Some people would say both, but the Government of Canada describes an investment as having the following 3 qualities:

Income,

Risk and,

Liquidity,

Home ownership does not provide income (unless you rent out part of your home) it carries risk in terms of maintenance and upgrades and it’s not very liquid. Selling your home for full retail value takes several months to complete.

According to some, an asset on the other hand has the following attributes:

It has a long life,

It has utility, that is it does something for you and

Its value can be depreciated over time,

Based on these criteria your home, is an asset not an investment.

For most people, owning a home is better than renting…

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What’s Happening to Interest Rates?

According to several sources in the banking industry, interest rates will go UP one more time in December 2022, before a measured and slow retraction commences at some point in 2023 and extending into 2024.

Why are interest rates still going up?

Because our inflation rate is nudging 7%. Interest rate increases make borrowing money more expensive and therefore we are encouraged to curb our spending.

As inflation backs off, the government will reduce the cost of borrowing with the intention that by the end of 2023, inflation will be back down to less than 3%.

What does this mean if you are considering buying a home?

Your payments will be more expensive than before. And you may have to look at a less expensive home.

It also means that…

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3 Reasons You Need An Inspection When Buying a Home

Home inspections are not cheap. Most inspectors these days are charging north of $500 plus GST in the Edmonton market. And if you choose to attend your inspection, you will be committing perhaps 3 or 4 hours of your day whilst your inspector goes through your prospective new home and build the report.

Are they worth the money? Would it be a good idea just to skip this step?. Let’s explore 3 good reasons as to why you should order an inspection when buying your next home.

1.  A Second Set of Eyes

You might be one of the handiest people on the planet. Perhaps you work in construction? Even the most technically competent people are going to miss something and in the same way that airlines employ a pilot and a copilot it could be a very good idea…

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Introducing Randy Agustin

Randy joined us a few weeks ago and already he has made a meaningful impact.

Randy has successfully guided a number of clients toward their goal of home ownership and helped others explore their home selling options too.

Randy’s background in supply chain and operations management truly shows. He is organized, proactive, methodical and trustworthy in his approach to interactions with his clients and prospective clients.

When he’s not working, Randy likes to spend time with his family and their dog. Randy also likes to visit the gym and eat good food. One of his personal goals is to attend an MMA gym one day.

Randy also has an interest in real estate investing and is committed to sharing his knowledge to help others who are on a similar…

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New Listing – 809 Northern Harrier Lane NW Edmonton, T5S 0H5

COMING SOON! An exclusive Ambergate Realty Advisors listing. This home may not yet be on the open market. To view it first, contact us today.

3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, over a walkout basement in Hawks Ridge. This home also backs onto the walking trails.

The kitchen features stainless appliances and you will love the hardwood in this home.

 To see ALL homes listed for sale in Hawks Ridge click this link: ALL Homes listed.

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Google 5 Star Review ***** Ashraf Salem

“Ambergate provides me a great professional service. They were ready to answer all my questions perfectly and arrange for whatever needed to close the deal efficiently. Thanks Ambergate”

About the author:

You can read more about the author of this blog by clicking this link - Stuart Neal, Broker, REALTOR® & Team Lead.

Our FIXED FEE home selling program gives clients proven results & affordability. To learn more call our Broker Owner & Team Lead Stuart Neal at: 780-760-2014 or visit our program page www.FixedFeeRealty.ca

Learn how you can make the rights choices when you buy or sell a home SUBSCRIBE to Stuart Neal – Real Estate Advice

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