Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. It's exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you're a first-time buyer or you've purchased before, there are a few common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

We recently sat down with several experienced REALTORS® from Liv Real Estate to discuss the biggest mistakes they see home buyers make—and how to avoid them.

Watch the full video below for insights from our team of Edmonton real estate experts.

Mistake #1: Shopping Before You're Ready

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is starting their home search before they've fully prepared financially.

Many buyers begin looking at homes online, attending…

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Why Your Home Search Should Start Before You Type ‘Edmonton Homes for Sale’ in Your Search Bar

Most buyers think the first step in buying a home is scrolling through listings. But the truth is, the best home searches start long before you ever book a showing. If you're thinking about buying in Edmonton, St. Albert, or other surrounding communities, like Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, or Morinville, your first step shouldn't be searching endlessly through listings without a plan.

Your first step should be understanding the following:

  • The lifestyle you want
  • The communities that fit that lifestyle
  • What your budget realistically allows
  • The hidden costs you should prepare for
  • What the market is doing…

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If you’re considering a brand-new home in Alberta, there’s a new incentive that could significantly impact your purchase. Here's what you need to know about Canada’s New First-Time Buyer GST Rebate (Bill C-4).

Through Bill C-4, the federal government has introduced a revamped GST rebate for first-time buyers, offering up to $50,000 back on a new home. This incentive replaces a long-standing program that has become largely irrelevant to most buyers.

What Changed (and Why It Matters):

The previous GST rebate was capped at $6,300 and applied only to homes priced under $450,000, which is well below the current price of most new builds in Alberta. The new rebate is a substantial upgrade:

  • Covers 100% of GST (up to $50,000) on purchase prices up…

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Have you heard the latest buzz from the Bank of Canada? They've recently lowered their key policy rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 percent. While we're still on the lookout for new rates from the banks, this drop might just bring some delightful savings your way if the banks decide to follow suit. Let’s crunch some numbers to see what this could mean for you.

Say, you have a mortgage of $400,000 for example: Under the old rate of 4.44%, on a 25-year mortgage with a 5-year term, you stood to pay approximately $2,200 in principal interest. If banks adjust their rates down to 3.94%, your principal interest would potentially decrease to about $2,091. This means not only less monthly expenditure but also a decrease in your final mortgage balance, allowing…

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Are you planning to buy property in Alberta? Starting October 20, 2024, be prepared for a significant shift in land title registration costs due to the introduction of a new Land Titles Registration Levy.

What Is Changing?

The province of Alberta is introducing a new Land Titles Registration Levy, announced in Budget 2024, to replace the current Variable Fees for transferring land and registering mortgages. Under the new structure, buyers will face a flat levy of $5.00 per $5,000 of property value AND $5.00 per $5,000 of mortgage value, along with a $50 flat fee for each, affecting land transfers, mortgage registrations, and certain caveats.

How will this affect you as a buyer?

Previously, land transfers incurred a fee of $50 plus $2.00 for…

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Are you dreaming of owning your own home but struggling to navigate the challenging housing market? Well, we have some fantastic news for you! The Canadian government has recently announced some significant changes to mortgage policies that could make owning your dream home a whole lot easier. So, let's dive into what these updates are and what that means for you!

What Are the Key Updates?

Increased Price Cap for Insured Mortgages: The price cap for insured mortgages has been raised from $1 million to $1.5 million, effective December 15, 2024. This adjustment aims to reflect the current housing market realities and enable more Canadians to qualify for a mortgage with a down payment below 20 percent.

Expansion of Mortgage Amortizations: Starting…

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In a strong seller's market where competition is fierce, and sellers often receive multiple offers, home buyers can feel the pressure to make their offer shine and stand out among a sea of multiple offers. It's even become common for buyers to consider going condition-free to catch the seller's eye, but hold on—there are risks involved in this bold strategy.

Today, we're shedding light on the risks that come with writing unconditional offers. It's all about safeguarding your journey and ensuring your dream home doesn't turn into a nightmare. So, let's explore how to make informed choices that truly resonate with where you want to Liv.

Understanding Conditions:

Conditions are like safety nets woven into your offer, protecting both you and the…

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It's no secret that buying a home in a seller’s market can be extra challenging, but fear not! We’re sharing our top tips so you'll be well-equipped to conquer this exciting but challenging journey. Let's dive in!

1. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent

In a competitive market, having an experienced real estate agent by your side is a game-changer. They have the inside track to new listings, can quickly schedule showings, and, most importantly, help you craft a winning offer. Their expertise and negotiation skills will give you the edge in this challenging environment. So, choose an agent who's well-versed in the local market and understands your unique needs.

2. Be Prepared with Financing

In a seller’s market, time is of the essence,…

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Are you in the market for a real estate agent? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply looking to make a move, the key to a successful real estate journey lies in choosing the right real estate agent. This decision is not one to be taken lightly, as it can greatly influence your buying or selling experience. At Liv Real Estate®, we understand the importance of this decision, and we're here to guide you through the process of finding your ideal real estate partner.

Define Your Needs and Goals

Before you even start searching for an agent, take some time to define your needs and goals. Are you looking for a home in a specific neighborhood? Do you have a particular budget in mind? Are you a seller aiming for a quick sale or…

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While some may exclaim, "Now's a great time to buy!” we advise you to be cautious of those people. This isn’t to say it’s not or can’t be a good time to buy, just that a good time to buy looks different for everyone, and it's essential to evaluate your personal circumstances. The prevailing high interest rates, unyielding prices, and limited housing inventory can make the idea of homeownership daunting, but the right real estate professional can help you navigate the market and reach your real estate goals. In this blog post, we will explore the three key considerations to help determine whether or not it's a good time for you to buy a home.

1. Start with Monthly Payment:

When considering homeownership, begin by looking at what you can afford for a…

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