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!

For those who may be in the Sherwood Park area, there are tons of places to eat at! Having lived in Sherwood Park for many years, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge not only about the real estate market, but of the community, things to do, and places to go! There are cuisines that are from around the world, restaurants that offer a home cooked meal and those that are on the funky end of the spectrum. Whatever you want, you can easily find in this area. So here are 5 restaurants in the Sherwood Park that I recommend you visit and that are rated by all those who call this area home and those who visit here!

#1 La Patrona

#2 Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch

#3 Branches Fresh Food Experience

#4 Vicky’s

#5 JOEY Sherwood Park

Looking to make Sherwood Park your home? Call me today! Whether it’s your first time buying a home or you’ve bought and sold property a dozen times before, teaming up with the right Sherwood Park REALTOR® is the critical first step in making a great experience. 

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!

When you think of a library you most often think of a librarian sitting at a desk shushing those who walk by. You think of a dark room with fluorescent lighting and the smell of super old books surrounding you. You may envision people sitting around, barely speaking a word for fear of being told to be quiet. What you are picturing is the typical library scene from almost any movie that has been made. However, did you know that there is tons of fun to be found at the Strathcona County Library? And better yet, most of these activities are free!

So, what kind of programs can you expect to find at the Strathcona County Library? This all really depends. However, one thing is for sure, you must have a library card to access these activities. Do not fret, as a library card is completely free. A few of the activities that are seen at local libraries may include:

1. Summer Reading Games – The Strathcona library offers incentives to keep kids reading. From spinning the wheel to read messages from the many animals that reside in Crittertree Park, to exploring faraway intergalactic civilizations in the city of Meliora, there are many incentives and prizes to help encourage reading throughout the summer.  It is all meant to help kids continue to read and do their best!
2. Various presentations are given at Strathcona County Library by some of the experts in your area. For example, a great upcoming event to check out is The Strathcona Writers’ Circle on June 5th. Hone your writing skills, share ideas, and be inspired by other local writers. This is a great re-occurring event that happens the first Tuesday of each month!
3. Our wonderful library has three dozen PC workstations across both floors of the library including wifi service. You can make use of these workstations for up to an hour each day for free! Need to print off your research or an important article you found online? The library has you covered with easy to access printing services.
4. Family Storytime is offered in the mornings for younger kids and their an older sibling/parent where they explore the world through stories, songs, and other fun activities. It is a time that kids look forward to as the person reading often makes this great fun!
5. The Strathcona library also offers various programs and activities for adults – from the Diehards Evening Book Clubs and Scrabble nights, to the Historical Ride Along where you get to enjoy a guided bicycle tour to a historical site in Strathcona County lead by your very own Library staff.

The Strathcona County Library is more than just a place to grab a book and read. It is becoming the best place for adults and children who want to spend their time enriching their lives and learning about new items or experiencing new activities. That is why, when you are new to the area or simply looking for something to do, do not be too quick to dismiss the fun that you can have your local Strathcona County Library.

Interested in moving to Sherwood Park and want to know more about the community? You can read all about Sherwood Park and the benefits of buying and selling with RE/MAX Elite’s #1 Agent – Sherwood Park & Edmonton (2017), Sonia Tarabay! Ready to sell? Get your FREE HOME EVALUATION today!

What does it mean to get pre-approved for a home loan? Is this helpful? Is it something that everyone should do? These are just a few of the questions that people ask when they are starting their search for their first home or their third home. Anytime that you are looking to buy, having pre-approval is going to help you out immensely in the process. But, what is this and why is it so important?

What is Pre-Approval

When you are pre-approved for a loan, this is the amount of money that you are going to get for the home, car or whatever you are taking the loan out for. This pre-approval is like the golden ticket when looking to buy, as it gives you the exact knowledge of what you can and cannot afford.

Why Pre-Approval Is Important

Why is getting pre-approval so important? There are several reasons which include:

• Many sellers will not work with those who are not pre-approved. When trying to buy a home in a buyer heavy market, you will find that anything you can do to make your offer go through, you need to do. And having pre-approval is one of those things that you can do. This gives you a starting and ending point in terms of how much you can afford to spend on the item that you are getting a loan for.
• There are no surprises when you have pre-approval. You do not have to go through the process of finding a new home only to be told that this is out of your budget or that you do not qualify for this high dollar loan.
• Did you know that when you have pre-approval you can actually close on a house faster? In fact, it is estimated that if you have pre-approval, find a home, make an offer and everything goes as planned, you could close on a home within 30 days!

What Goes into Getting Pre-Approved

 In order to get pre-approved for a mortgage or any other type of loan, you have to provide your financial stability to the lender. This means gathering all the financial documents that prove how much you earn, your other bills and the like. You then find the lender that you are wanting to go with, or you can choose to go with a broker you will find you the best terms. You complete a loan application and then you later receive a pre-approval letter from the lender or broker.

This pre-approval letter is your golden ticket to making a deal with a seller on a home. This shows that you do have the finances to buy the home and are serious about buying.

For those who are in the process of wanting to buy a home, the pre-approval should be your first step. This will give you all the information that you need to help with the buying process, in knowing what you can and cannot afford. 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!

Staging is a term that is often used by those who are ready to sell their home, as they want to ensure that they are making their home look as attractive as possible to those who are in the market to buy. Staging can be a difficult process, or it could mean making a few small changes that make all the difference in the world. What about staging a home with plants?

Staging a home with plants is a budget-friendly option for those who are looking to enhance the beauty of their home to any buyer. However, this does not mean that you should go to your local nursery and pick up whatever you see first. It does require some planning and tips to help make the most out of the plants that you place in the home.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Plants in Staging

For those who are still on the edge about using plants in their staging process. Remember these benefits:

• They are cheap and can take up large amounts of space, providing you with something that is aesthetically pleasing at a low price.
• Plants give a home atmosphere and the feel that it has been nurtured and cared for.
• When a plant is placed in a home it also shows the potential buyers that there is enough natural light to foster the growth of a plant, thus this is not something that should be an issue.

However, there are some drawbacks. These drawbacks include:

• These plants require maintenance. If you do not maintain these, then dead plants are not going to help your home look better to potential buyers.
• These can be overused since they are cheap people tend to go overboard.
• Plants can create an odd odour in the home if you are not careful about what you buy!

Tips to Putting Plants into a Home

For those who are ready to stage their home with plants, here are a few design tips that can help!

1. Go to large department stores to get your plants, as they will be less expensive than if you were to go to your local greenhouse.
2. Buy low maintenance plants!
3. Do not use plants that are considered harmful to pets or children.
4. Place your plant in an area near artwork, as they often work well together.
5. You can also place plants outside near decks, patios or the like, as they can do wonders for your curb appeal.
6. Plants should be placed in an area of the home that feel as though it needs a little something.
7. Avoid plants that are like cacti, as they are often considered more work than they are worth for staging purposes.

Remember, plants can be a great way to stage a home on a budget. They breathe life into a home without having to spend a fortune to make it feel like home to potential buyers.

Want more information on staging your home for a successful sale? Get started today with a FREE home evaluation from Re/Max Elite’s #1 Agent in Edmonton & Sherwood Park (2017), Sonia Tarabay!

Every new year brings excitement, challenges and new relationships to look forward to. I always get a big burst of energy in January! It’s almost as though I know I’m in for a big surprise and thankfully it’s always been a happy one.

This year I wish everyone lots of happy surprises, excitement, love, and of course an abundance of personal peace. I wish these important things for people as I wish them for my own family. So stay optimistic about your new year and be sure to enjoy all of the excitement along the way.

May 2018 be your biggest and brightest year yet!

Warm regards,

Sonia