Sonia's Real Estate Blog

The baby boomer generation in Sherwood Park and Edmonton is getting to the point in their lives that the larger home they have may too much. It may be too much space, or they may find that the upkeep is just too much. Many of those in this generation prefer to downsize in order to save money and time so that they can do those other things that they have always wanted to do. However, what should a person look for when downsizing? Having been around the real estate business in both Sherwood Park and Edmonton, I’ve gathered quite a bit of expertise on the subject and will take you through some of the things to look for when downsizing. Read on!

Look at the House Design

You want to find a new home that is going to work for you for years to come. In fact, many baby boomers say that the downsizing move is their last move. With this being said, here are a few elements to consider in the house design:

1. Wider doorways
2. Flat thresholds
3. The indoor air quality, which refers to having all the vents in the home going outdoors
4. A bathroom that can have support bars installed if needed later
5. A one level home is often the best choice for people, as they don’t want to be ageing and still having to go downstairs to do their laundry.

The Neighbourhood

Be Sure to Consider your Cash Flow

The Location

Take your time to make this decision, as this is a major financial move and give me a call at 780-707-6015. I’ll help you not only find the perfect home for this wonderful stage in life, but I’ll also help get your current home sold, cause with Sonia it’s SOLD!

For those who are shopping for a home in Sherwood Park or Edmonton, whether this is their first home or their third home, the mortgage options you have can make it even harder to make a decision. So, once you have found the home of your dreams, what type of mortgage do you need? Well, you’re in the right place! Not only am a top 100 REALTOR® with Re/Max Worldwide, but I am also a licensed mortgage broker – an expertise combo that’s a rarity within the industry. I have put together some information on the differences between the two main types of Mortgages: fixed and variable mortgages.

What is a Fixed Mortgage?

What is a Variable Mortgage?

Which is Better?

If you’re ready to talk mortgages and real estate, call me at 780-707-6015 today or get in touch to get the mortgage pre-approval process started!

When you buy a home, part of the buying process is the closing costs. These closing costs can be a significant chunk of your total amount owed. And it is important that people who are buying a home are taking their closing costs into consideration when it comes time to save for their home.

What are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the costs that are paid at the end of the transaction when a buyer and seller have come to a decision on what is to be paid and everyone agrees. During this time, the home is transferred from the buyer to the seller. These costs are incurred by either the buyer or seller and sometimes even a combination of both.

What Fees make up the Closing Costs?
There are several fees that can make up the closing costs. These fees are not going to be seen in every transaction, it really depends upon your location, the type of property you are purchasing, and the type of loan that you may be using. Here are a few of the fees that could be included:
– An application fee
– Appraisal
– Fees for the attorney
– Closing fee or the escrow fee
– Courier fee
– Credit report
– A deposit into your escrow account
– Mortgage insurance premium
– Home inspection
– Lender’s policy title insurance
– Origination fee for the loan
– Transfer taxes
– Underwriting fee
– Recording fees
– Property taxes
– And so on…

How Much Should you be Saving?
If you are saving for a home, then knowing what closing costs could be, this can help you to save for these costs. The key is to know just how much your closing costs may be. The rule that most people follow is that the closing costs are often two to five percent of the total home cost. When you do get a loan, more than likely the payback will include your closing costs in the total amount. This loan estimate is only an estimate, and this may change as other fees may be added, increased or decreased. Therefore, don’t think that this is a concrete figure.

Once you have closed on a home, you will receive a Closing Disclosure statement that is going to state what fees are being included in the closing costs. You can then sit down and look at these for a concrete amount. This way, you are not going to be surprised by how much your closing costs are going to be.

So, how much should you be saving? If you have a certain amount that you are wanting to pay for a home, be sure to save up to five percent of this loan for the closing costs. There are times in which you can get the sellers to pay this closing cost but do not count on this. Instead, take the time to make a budget that includes an extra 5% of what you wanted to pay for a home. Not only can I help you find your next home, but I am a licensed Mortgage Broker with Invis in the province of Alberta. Let me help make your home buying experience easier, faster, and way more fun!! Sonia is your one-stop shop for all your Mortgage and Real Estate needs!

Sherwood Park is a wonderful community for raising your family, and when a baby is born, most first-time parents are eager to get their home baby proofed. They buy all the most expensive gadgets and tools that they can find in order to make their home one that is completely safe. However, babies are not the only kids that you should be protecting your home from. Even those with toddlers or young kids in school are going to realize that childproofing goes past the days of kids wanting to put everything they touch in their mouth. So, what are some tips that can help you to childproof your home, no matter what the age of your children? I have a few that can help!

1. Children should never be unattended near water, even those older kids when it comes to the outdoor pool that you may have. Accidents can happen with older kids, and younger kids can easily drown. Having a fence around the pool and a locked gate can help deter little ones from falling in.
2. Medications should be kept in locked cabinet doors. With the number of younger children who accidentally ingest these medications, you need to have these cabinets locked. In addition, it deters older kids from getting access to medications that you may take.
3. Cleaning products should be stored out of reach. How many parents have their cleaning products located beneath their sink? This is fine if you have a cabinet lock. But, you can also put these in a higher cabinet out of reach of little hands.
4. Any firearm should be locked away and have a trigger lock on these to prevent kids from getting a hold of these.
5. Windows should have a lock on these so that kids cannot easily raise these and then fall out of the window.
6. For younger kids, stairways should have a gate so no accidents can happen that involve the stairs.
7. Do you have a basement? Be sure that the door to the basement stays chained or locked so those little ones cannot fall down the stairs.
8. Sharp edges on furniture? Consider getting a bumper to go around some pieces of furniture, such as glass tables or the like. This is a way to ensure that little kids do no get bumps, cuts or bruises from the furniture.
9. Place a gate around the fireplace, if you have one that prevents little ones from getting close and possibly burned by the fire.
10. Place sliding covers on the electrical outlets to deter kids from sticking their fingers or objects into the power supply.
11. Cords from blinds can be a choking hazard for smaller kids. Make sure that these are tied up and tight so that kids cannot get a hold of these.
12. Anchor larger furniture to the wall as many toddlers and young kids will attempt to climb anything, and you do not want this furniture falling on them.

Childproofing a home takes work, and in many cases, you may still see items that need your attention. Which is fine, you need to be vigilant about the safety of your child while at home!

Looking for the best home to raise a family in Sherwood Park, Edmonton, or Strathcona County? When you’ve got Sonia on your side, buying a home is easier, faster, and way more fun!

Let me help you find your family-friendly Sherwood Park home today!

Millennials are in the job market and they are buying homes in Edmonton and Sherwood Park! But, what type of homes are millennials looking for? Knowing this can make all the difference for those who are trying to sell their home as the market is packed with millennials looking to buy. As one of RE/MAX’s Top 100 REALTORS® Worldwide, I have the expertise and experience to give you some great insights into what Millennials are looking for in a home.

The Kitchen and Bath Must Be Updated

Both the kitchen and bathroom must be updated for millennials to even be interested in looking at a property. What are they looking for in an updated bath and kitchen? New and updated fixtures, modern cabinets, and updated flooring is a complete package that turns their heads.

Large Kitchen

A large kitchen seems to be something that draws millennials into a home to buy. Years ago, people would dine in the dining room, but millennials would rather have a large kitchen that enables everyone to hang out in one space.

Open Floor Plan

An open floor plan is something that many millennials are attracted to. They like the space to flow easily from room to room, that way everyone is always included no matter where they are at in the home.

Furnishings that are Low Maintenance

What does this mean? Millennials are looking for furnishings that are low maintenance such as hardwood floors versus having carpets that require a lot more cleaning. They are also looking at the materials used in the kitchen and bathroom. They want countertops that are granite and easy to clean versus the laminate that may stain easily.

Energy Efficient is a Must

Millennials are all about being more energy efficient! If a home has solar panels or other cutting-edge efficiencies, or they find that the home is well insulated, they are going to put this into the win column for a home they are considering.

Technology

This includes the security of the home. A home with a technical side and a security panel are more received than those who do not have either!

Location with Walking Areas

The location is a big selling point with millennials. But, they are looking for a location that has nearby parks, walking paths or is within walking distance of something that interests them.

Room for a Home Office

Even a small bedroom can be a way for the millennial to have a home office. But, if a home already has this office in place, that is even better!

Ready to Move In

Millennials are often looking for a home that is ready to move in. They do not want to see items that they would have to fix…including anything that is simply décor. Keep this in mind when trying to sell to this group of people!

They Want to See it Staged

Yes…staging is really a selling point for millennials. They like to walk into a potential home and see how furniture and décor are already arranged before they commit to buying.

If you are selling a home and trying to reign in a millennial buyer, it may be time to make a few changes to make your home more acceptable to what they want! Get started today with a FREE HOME EVALUATION from me, Sonia Tarabay – RE/MAX’s Top 100 REALTOR® Worldwide!

As many of you know, along with being a REALTOR® I have been a licensed Mortgage Broker for almost nine years which has been a huge benefit to my clients. I love that I can work both sides of the equation which helps save people time, stress and money. However, rules are always changing in the mortgage industry and since I love helping people buy and sell homes so much, I have decided to make some exciting changes!

I am very pleased to announce that I am partnering up with Gerri Vaughan from Invis, whom I have known and trusted for many years. My partnership with Gerri means going forward, she will be there to help my clients obtain financing for their homes. This relationship is definitely a win-win for my fabulous friends and clients. It allows me to focus on what I love doing most and it allows Gerri to let her expertise shine and offer her excellent services to my clients!

We’re so excited to strengthen our team and bring the best of both real estate and mortgages to our clients in Sherwood Park, Strathcona County and Edmonton. We have access to some of the best financing options in the marketplace and we are looking forward to finding you a home and getting you the financing that works for your situation.

Gerri and I can’t wait to work with you!

Warmest regards,

Sonia

There is nothing I want more than to see a smile on my client’s face. Those happy moments when their house sells or they find their perfect new home are the moments I crave every day.

At the same time, I’ve grown to be great friends with many of the people from our Sherwood Park community who started off as clients. Unfortunately, in this business, you have to say goodbye to many of those friends who you’ve grown to know over the years. This just happened to me, as longtime clients were moving out of the province.

As sad as it is to see them go, I take pride in the fact they are leaving Sherwood Park with big smiles on their faces. Their home sold in less than a week and for $8,000 more than the asking price! It was a pleasure to be able to help them and I look forward to helping so many more wonderful people in Sherwood Park!

Warm regards,
Sonia

While it’s still only January, the spring season will sneak up on you quickly, so if you’re planning to sell your Sherwood Park or Strathcona County home this spring, the best time to get started preparing it is now!

Obviously there is still snow on the ground and temperatures are still hovering below the freezing mark, so you’re a bit limited on what you can do, but you can use this time to get a head start inside your home.

Here are some ides to get you started:

– Cleaning and decluttering. Ultimately, you want your home to look open and presentable, so take this opportunity to remove clutter and items that you don’t regularly use. If there are broken or damaged items, use this time to recycle or dispose of them. If you have old paperwork that you no longer need, shred and dispose of it. Straighten out your closets and purge items you no longer wear. Give your major appliances a thorough cleaning so they only need a light cleaning in the spring. An in-depth cleaning of the house will also greatly help with the next task…

– Make interior repairs. A careful cleaning of the house will likely expose some things in your home that need attention. Maybe it’s a dent in a wall that needs to be patched up or a baseboard that has come loose. Pay particular attention to any repairs that may be needed in the kitchen or bathroom. A leaky faucet is a quick and cheap fix and will go a long way!

– Repair or replace fixtures. Took a good look over all light fixtures, cabinet hardware, door knobs and shower heads to make sure they are in working order and look great. If they are in need of some love, repair or replace them!

– Make a plan for what to do next. The snow will be melting before you know it. Make a plan for the exterior of your house and your yard so you can hit the ground running as soon as the weather allows you to.

For more tips and tricks, please call me at 780.707.6015. I would love to help you! The best part of my job is working with all of the great people in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County to help them sell their homes for top dollar. If you’re looking to sell your home too, then let’s put me to work for you!

Warmest regards,

Sonia

When it comes to selling or buying Sherwood Park real estate, you want a TIGER on your side! As Sherwood Park’s Real Estate Tiger, I work extremely hard for my clients ensuring they obtain the best results.

If you live in Sherwood Park, you’ve probably seen me driving in my exotically wrapped Soniamobile and have likely spotted my bus benches and sold signs around town. I love my business and I especially LOVE helping my clients!

I’m proud to have lived in the Sherwood Park community for many years, so it’s quite natural for me to educate my clients on the various neighbourhoods, schools, parks, and other wonderful amenities Sherwood Park offers. We have grown so much as a community over these past few years, and there are so many benefits to living here. There is a strong sense of community with strong family values in Sherwood Park. It’s a huge part of why I love living and working here.

One of the biggest ways I help my clients is by the implementation of my aggressive marketing plan which has been proven to sell homes for top dollar in the least amount of time with very little effort on my clients’ part. Most of my listings have sold for more than 99% of list price!

I believe it’s my commitment to service and my negotiation skills that set me apart from others in my industry. Those skills, paired with my passion for the work is why my business has grown. I love my clients and I am so very grateful for their ongoing support in choosing me time and time again.

So if you are thinking of selling or buying a Sherwood Park home, call me today and let’s get started! I’m excited to be YOUR Real Estate Tiger!

Warmest regards,

Sonia

With Christmas now just behind us, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the holiday season. For me, Christmas has always been about giving and this year was no different. Just before Santa and his reindeer left the North Pole and started delivering gifts, I headed over to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton to do some giving of my own, and it sure felt good!

I credit the Stollery for playing a huge role in saving the life of my son Lennox. They are an amazing institution and I know so many other parents whose children have benefitted greatly from the incredible work they do every single day. I’m so grateful for what they have done for my family, and I try to give back in any way I can. This year, I started with a delivery of little stuffed tiger bears for dozens of the children currently receiving care at the hospital. I also presented the Stollery with a cheque for $8,000.

While this donation is incredibly important to me, I couldn’t have done it without the support of my amazing clients across Sherwood Park, Strathcona County and Edmonton. Everyday I feel honoured that you have chosen me to be your REALTOR® and I’m so thankful for what you’ve allowed me to do.

Enjoy the rest of your holidays and have a safe and prosperous New Year!

Warmest regards,
Sonia