Do I Really Need a Realtor?

Published July 23, 2014

The bottom line is…a Real Estate Professional provides an invaluable service.

Buying and selling a home is a complex process requiring real estate expertise to ensure the transaction is completed competently and professionally.

Realtors have access to pertinent information such as current market conditions, comparable prices and neighbourhood trends, to name a few.

Realtors will assist you in your home search, help you determine your buying power and understand your financing options, help you negotiate and guide you through the closing process and much, much more.

In fact, Realtors will manage all the details of your real estate transaction providing you with priceless advice to save you money, and ultimately…peace of mind.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling, or are ready now and looking for a Realtor with experience, Bill Brandsma can help! Call 403-253-5678. You will get unmatched commitment and turn your dreams into reality.

Bill Brandsma Real Estate – Serving Calgary & the Surrounding Area.

Buying a House – Needs vs Wants

Published July 14, 2014

When considering buying a new home it’s a good idea to make a list of your needs versus your wants. The features that best suit your family’s wants, needs and budget are important, as the type of home you choose to buy will depend on your resources.

Put things your new home must have at the top of your list, and put wants (things you’d like to have but don’t need) towards the bottom. Size, style and price all come into play, so share your list with your real estate agent to help them find listings in your price range that meet as many of your needs as possible.

Bill Brandsma will provide all the essential real estate advice you need. Read through Bill’s Home Buying Step-by-Step section of the site for some very helpful information.

Buying a home can be a challenging process. If you feel a little overwhelmed about how to go about prioritizing your needs vs. your wants list and would like some assistance, contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. He’d be delighted to be of service!

Calgary Real Estate Stats – June 2014

Published July 7, 2014

Housing Supply Improves in June

Condominium apartment benchmark price surpasses previous highs

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market, click here for an excellent overview:

http://www.creb.com/public/documents/statistics/2014/package/res-stats-2014_June.pdf

For more information or details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Calgary Stampede July 4-13, 2014

Published July 2, 2014

Celebrating 102 years of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Join us at the parade Friday July 4th, 2014 with this year’s Grand Marshal William Shatner. The parade is the annual kick-off to the Calgary Stampede. It begins at 8:55 am, but head down to the parade route early to ensure you get a great spot!

For 10 days it’s a citywide celebration of true western hospitality in a party atmosphere!

So much to see and do…

The Calgary Stampede has grown into one of the world’s richest rodeos, one of Canada’s largest festivals and a significant tourist attraction for the city.

The Stampede attracts over one million visitors per year and features an exciting parade, thrilling rodeos, the midway, concerts, stage shows, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, First Nations exhibitions and so much more…

Don’t miss out! Head downtown to the parade Friday morning and on to the Stampede grounds for some foot-stomping, heart-pounding action and a truly memorable experience.

For event information visit http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events

How are Mortgage Rates Set?

Published June 23, 2014

“As with all financial transactions, mortgages are driven by supply and demand, and underlying economic factors.”

To get a better understanding of the differences between variable and fixed mortgage rates, and how mortgage rates are set, read the following article. Knowledge is power and when you’re familiar with your options it will be much easier to find the mortgage that’s most suitable for you.

How Mortgage Rates are Set by Idriss Bouhmouch

For more information contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678, serving Calgary & the Surrounding Area.

Buying a Home?

Published June 17, 2014

Buying a home is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll ever make! Many factors will impact your decision. Bill Brandsma has over 23 years sales experience and will handle all your needs in the professional manner today’s market demands.

If you’re currently considering buying a home, Bill Brandsma will guide you smoothly through a step-by-step real estate process with honesty, efficiency, knowledge and genuine care.

Step 1

Determining Your Housing Requirements

We will provide helpful information to assist you in determining your precise requirements in a home and in choosing your desired location.

Step 2

Understanding Your Local Housing Market

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

Step 3

Calculate Your Costs

We will help you determine if you can afford the type of home you have chosen.

Step 4

Choosing Your Team

There are a lot of people involved when you buy a home. We provide work sheets to help you choose the right people to meet your home buying needs.

Step 5

Arranging Your Mortgage

How do you get the best mortgage for you and at the best rates? Learn more about the range of mortgage options before you make your final decision.

Step 6

Preparing an Offer

Before making your final offer, we will advise you what to include in your Offer to Purchase and what to expect once an offer has been made.

Step 7

Closing the Deal and Moving

There are many small steps when it’s time to close the deal. We will help make sure nothing falls through the cracks and provide tips to make moving day a smooth experience.

If you’re ready to buy Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!

Calgary Real Estate Stats – May 2014

Published June 7, 2014

Sales Improve as Consumers Have More Choice

City-wide price gains and better weather support year-over-year gains in new listings

If you like to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Calgary real estate market, click here for an excellent overview:

http://www.creb.com/public/documents/statistics/2014/package/res-stats-2014_May.pdf

For more information or details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-253-5678.

Sales Tip

Published May 31, 2014

If you’re planning to sell your house this spring, flooring is a smart place to invest some of your renovation budget. Attractive floors add value. From hardwood and tile, to carpet and luxury vinyl, there’s a spectrum of styles, colours, textures and patterns to choose from these days. Upgrading your out-dated flooring is a sure-fire way to see a return on your investment.

For more tips from those who deal with home sales every day give us a call at 403-253-5678.

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

FREE Home & Property Evaluation

Published May 23, 2014

Bill Brandsma knows property values! By utilizing the right tools, Bill can assess what your property is valued at today and provide you with the most accurate home evaluation.

Some of the issues that Bill will advise you on with your FREE Home & Property Evaluation are:

How to sell your home for maximum dollar
Current financing options
About building inspections
Financing questions like whether you should refinance or get a new mortgage
Tips that will help you save thousands buying a home
Low cost repairs that could instantly increase the value of your home
Additional fees to keep in mind when selling

Now’s the perfect time to find out what your property’s worth. Save yourself time and money by using this FREE service!

Bill Brandsma Real Estate, specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area. Call 403-253-5678 today.

Household Tip of the Month

Published May 11, 2014

Check Your Smoke/Fire Alarms

Only a working smoke alarm can save your life.

These are your family’s first line of defense/warning in the event of a fire/smoke emergency. Your fire department reminds you to test your smoke alarms each month by pushing the alarm test button. If your smoke/fire alarm is not hard-wired, change the batteries at least annually. It’s a good idea to mark it on your calendar so that you have a regular date when all are checked each year.

Check back next month for more household tips!

If you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-253-5678. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!