It's astounding how many different business models exist in our highly regulated industry. As a real estate agent, how do you determine which is the best model and brokerage for you? There are two main business models for brokerages: desk fees and commission split. From there, you can find combination models, employee (salaried) models, multi-level models (where agents are rewarded for recruiting other agents) and more. In general, desk fee or "100%" brokerages charge a monthly fee, a deal fee, and additional fees for just about everything you can imagine from paper clips to training to answering calls. Meanwhile, commission split brokerages share in your success by taking a portion of your commissions (typically anywhere from 10-50%).…

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We haven't had much summer in Edmonton yet this year but we're getting a taste of it now, and if you're like me, I'm counting on my a/c in this warm weather. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system, including the air conditioner, can prevent major breakdowns and repair costs. Review this air conditioner maintenance checklist and ensure your AC is getting serviced annually. In the meantime, here are some warning signs that something is wrong with your air conditioning and what you can do about it:

There’s water pooling around the AC unit.

Condensation will naturally form inside your AC unit as it runs. This is nothing to worry about. This moisture is drained away by a drain tube, when the unit is in good working order. If you notice pools of water…

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Estimating Edmonton renovation costs before you buy.

By Camillo Esposito, Owner of Independent Bath & Renovations: https://www.independentbath.com/ You found a house or a condo in a mature neighbourhood you love but it needs some attention for you to call it home. Established neighbourhoods provide mature trees and landscaping, shopping, a central location and a ton of convenience many people are drawn to. The trade-off is updates and repairs are sometimes required for homes in older neighbourhoods. The challenge becomes, how can remodelling costs be calculated to ensure the combined totals of your mortgage and improvements do not exceed your budget? Ballparking renovations can be a minefield for established contractors as the scope of work is unique…

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We live in the digital age. It seems that everything is getting more intelligent: from phones and TVs to toasters and washing machines. And home devices are part of this technological trend. In this article, Upkeep Media Inc., after successfully working with many property managers, looks at the best smart home devices that attract new tenants and save you money on your rental property.

Why do you need smart home devices?

Smart home devices make life easier both for you and the tenants. There are numerous different products on the market. Some of them are simple gadgets that have only one task. Others are integrated systems offering a futuristic experience of a talking personal assistant. When properly used, smart home devices save time and money while…

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The real estate market right now feels different from any market we’ve experienced in Edmonton, from the stress test to the economy, to the inventory of homes on the market, we're seeing some unusual things happen. So, we've put together some tips for those looking to buy or sell a home in the Edmonton area this spring.

#1 Be Patient

Typically, when a negotiation fails, that's the end of it. In other words, if a buyer and seller can't come to terms, and one or both parties walk away, there's generally no getting them back together. I've heard of three scenarios in the past couple of weeks at our brokerage alone, where the seller came back to the table "hat in hand" and made an agreement with the buyer. My partner Sheldon has been in the business for 30…

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A kitchen renovation can be a massive investment, but it does have a good return. A new, modern kitchen will improve the aesthetics and personal enjoyment of the space. It can also add resale value to your home and improve marketability if you decide to sell. The most expensive part of your kitchen renovation will be the kitchen cabinets. Not only will the cabinets eat up a large portion of the total renovation budget, they also play the biggest role in how your kitchen looks and functions. If you want to renovate the kitchen to sell your home, or to just enjoy it yourself, there is an alternative to an expensive cabinet replacement.

Cabinet painting can save thousands.

Cabinet painting, or cabinet refinishing, is a budget-friendly alternative to…

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If your family has outgrown your current house, you might be considering a big change. Or, maybe you want that luxurious master suite, a third bathroom or an additional family room. If you need more living space, you have two options: add on to the house you already have and renovate it to make it work OR move into a bigger house.

How much do you love this house?

Homeowners typically build additions because they love the house and neighbourhood that they live in. Perhaps you don’t want to uproot their kids or maybe you had searched for this dream home for years before initially moving in. Chances are you can find a different house that meets you needs for space, but if you’re not willing to move, an addition might be a good option.

Will you get a…

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Moving is often a time-consuming and stressful event, but you can make the process easier by using a variety of tips that are recommended by others. Here are 10 tips to use so that you can make the transition to your new home easier. Tip 1: Contact Professional Moving Companies Right Away  As soon as you know that you are moving, begin contacting moving companies in your city to receive estimates for services. When you have friends with trucks, you can recruit them to help you move a short distance, but you should still buy strong cardboard boxes or plastic totes, and you will want to protect your electronics, appliances and furniture with waterproof tarps. Tip 2: Begin Sorting Through Your Possessions Moving is an excellent opportunity to reduce…

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From creating a space for mindful relaxation, to cultivating your own food, landscaping trends in Edmonton in 2019 are going to be all about getting away from the everyday rush, spending time with loved ones, and getting closer to nature. The outdoor living trend will carry over and grow from 2018, to realize creating unique, exciting ideas that are beautiful additions to your home. Here's what's coming in 2019:

1. Lo-Fi Gardens

The larger the mess, the larger the mess - it's not a concept that’s restricted to the indoors. A messy garden can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Considering the busy lives we lead, landscapes are moving towards minimalism in 2019. Plant perennials that will return each year and group them according to their…

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In August the City of Edmonton updated their Secondary Suite zoning bylaws, making it easier for property owners to add a secondary suite to their property. The city expects to see 500 new legal suites in duplex homes, 600 in row-houses and about 550 in homes on small lots around the city, which has greatly increased interest for Secondary Suites in Edmonton’s Real Estate market. Here are the top 3 reasons you should consider adding a secondary suite to your home Income Properties Adding a secondary suite to your property adds a new income stream, increasing your monthly income without requiring more of your time or effort. This money can easily go towards paying down your mortgage, building up your savings or even paying off debt. The decision to…

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