How much is my house worth?

Published March 28, 2019

Spring selling season is here!

There’s a lot to think about before you put up that For Sale sign. Read the article courtesy of RE/MAX Canada to discover more.

https://blog.remax.ca/how-much-is-my-house-worth/

For your free home evaluation contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-606-1765 today – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

https://billbrandsma.com/market-evaluation/

Immaculate bungalow a rare gem

Published March 21, 2019

Don’t miss this spacious bungalow located at 141 Springbank Place SW – quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Springbank Hill .

Highlights include:

Fresh paint & move-in condition
Vaulted ceilings throughout main floor
Bright south facing living room with gas fireplace
Kitchen with center island & lots of counter space
Large dining room with access to rear deck
Main floor laundry
Master bedroom has walk-in closet and 4 pc. bathroom
Lower fully developed basement with 2 additional bedrooms
Yard is fully fenced & landscaped

More pics, info & price:

141 Springbank Place SW

Call Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-606-1765 today. We specialize in Calgary and the surrounding area.

7 Spring Repairs You Need to Make Before Listing Your Home

Published March 14, 2019

Spring’s around the corner (at least we hope!) Time for change — and new listings! Make sure your home is in tiptop shape so you can get top dollar in the current real estate market. Read on to learn more:

https://blog.remax.ca/spring-repairs-listing/

For more tips and information, call Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-606-1765 today. We specialize in Calgary and the surrounding area.

February Market Stats

Published March 6, 2019

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market so that you can make informed decisions, click the link below for an excellent overview of CREB’s 2019 summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:

Oversupply persists in Calgary housing market

https://bit.ly/2Pia3hE

For more information about the current market or for details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-606-1765.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

How to Increase Property Value: Scott McGillivray’s Top Tips

Published February 26, 2019

Wear and tear can take it’s toll on a well lived in home. There are many simple and low-cost ways to spruce things up and increase your home’s value. Leave it to Scott McGillivray, Canadian real estate expert, skilled contractor and accomplished entrepreneur, to offer some of the best advice about giving your house a facelift before you put that For Sale sign on the front lawn.

https://blog.remax.ca/increase-property-value-scott-mcgillivrays-top-tips/

Increase-Property-Value

What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s and Seller’s Market

Published February 20, 2019

It is predicted that Calgary will be a buyers’ market in 2019 meaning that there is currently an oversupply of housing and not enough people interested in buying.

“the bottom line for real estate in Calgary is it will be similar to 2018, with lots of inventory and a decline in overall resale housing prices of about 2.3 percent.” – Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) Outlook for 2019

Read on to learn more about the difference between a buyer’s and a seller’s market. If you’re buying a new home, you may discover that a buyer’s market is the ideal time to make your move.

https://blog.remax.ca/difference-between-a-buyers-and-sellers-market/#101947166

Call Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-606-1765 today. We specialize in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Thinking the time is right to buy a home?

Published February 12, 2019

A buyer’s market occurs when there is an abundance of properties, or more homes for sale than buyers. Currently the Calgary real estate market is experiencing oversupply and low demand as economic uncertainty continues to be a factor. This buyer’s market could be a great time for you to buy a new home.

There are a number of things to consider before you jump right in, including:

Determining your housing requirements – decide the precise requirements you want in a home and choose your desired location.
Understanding your local housing market – everything that happens in the housing market can have an impact on your home purchase.
Calculate your costs – are you financially prepared to buy a home and can you afford the type of home you have chosen?
Choosing your team – you’ll want to have a team of professionals at your service when buying your home.
Arranging your mortgage – we’ll help you get the best mortgage at the best rates that you can afford.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate specializes in Calgary and the surrounding area. We’re here to help you understand the local market and housing prices, current mortgage rates, your down payment, the amortization period, and other key information that will assist you in determining what, where, when and how to buy.

For more information call 403-606-1765 at your convenience. We look forward to helping you find your dream home.

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

Published February 6, 2019

Bill’s Tips & Tricks

Does your home have curb appeal?

It’s not necessary to shell out a lot of money to boost your home’s marketability. On the outside (curb appeal), it may be as simple as shovelling the snow or moving a car out of the driveway.

Since your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, take a hard look at the house from all angles.

What’s good about it? How can you make the most of these features?
What’s not so good about it? What can you do to correct the problems?

Some suggestions:

Overall Appearance – don’t let clutter in the front yard detract from your home.
Siding – unless there is damage, usually a good washing will spruce up the look of siding.
Shutters, screens, windows, and doors have the effect of drawing you into the house. They should be clean, well fitted, and in good repair.

Does your home have open house appeal?

Showings and open houses are part of the marketing plan to sell your home. Follow these tips and your home will always be ready for potential buyers.

Remove:

Pets – your visitors may not like them and strangers in your house may stress your best friend!
Safety hazards – extension cords are a common problem.
Valuables, fragile items, and cash.
Clutter – organize counters and tabletops.

Clean:

Surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen.
Walls and windows.
Carpeting – and be sure to fix worn spots.

Add:

Fresh flowers.
Low wattage light bulbs for areas you’d like to feel cozy.

Remember, there are two kinds of open houses – public and REALTOR – and it’s important that your house looks great for both!

Bill Brandsma Real Estate specializes in Calgary and the surrounding area. For more information about the current market or more tips to help you prepare your home for sale, call Bill Brandsma at 403-606-1765.

Perhaps the timing’s right for a home restoration project

Published January 30, 2019

“According to CREB, issues surrounding the price differential of oil, falling global energy prices and a lack of pipeline access are affecting employment opportunities and consumer confidence in the city. In addition, stricter lending conditions and higher interest rates are also negatively affecting sales.” – Amanda Stephenson, Calgary Herald Updated: January 30, 2019

Yes, oil prices have dropped, jobs have been lost and projects have been put on hold, but this is a normal course of events when you live in a resource based economy. Sounds disillusioning currently, but as always, it’s not all doom & gloom as the silver lining in Calgary is it’s resilient market.

Meantime, spring is just around the corner! If you’re hoping to sell sometime in the next little while, perhaps while waiting for housing prices to recover it would be the best time to consider a home enhancement project.

Head out for some inspiring tips and ideas at this year’s Calgary Home & Garden Show. It runs from February 28 – March 3, 2014 at at the BMO Centre & Corral Stampede Park. Hundreds of exhibitors, retailers and industry experts showcase products and tips for anything and everything pertaining to home improvement, organization and renovation.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate welcomes any questions or concerns about the best ROI reno ideas, housing trends, interest rates, the housing forecast etc. Call 403-606-1765.

Understanding Your Local Housing Market

Published January 23, 2019

Buying a home is an important lifestyle and investment decision. By understanding the housing market, you’ll have a better sense of what, where and when to buy.

Everything that happens in the housing market can have an impact on your home purchase. We will help you track trends in mortgage rates, local housing prices and other key indicators to assist you in determining the best time to buy.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate specializes in Calgary and the surrounding area. For more information about the current market or for information to help you find exactly what you’re looking for call Bill Brandsma at 403-606-1765. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you.