How much can you comfortably afford?
It’s important to start out by knowing what mortgage you can comfortably afford. You should meet with a lender or mortgage broker to establish how much of a mortgage you can actually qualify for. Going through the mortgage pre-qualification process before you begin your home search will bring your house hunting into focus and give you a better idea of the homes that fit into your price range.
Not only that, mortgage rates vary considerably and it is obviously to your short- and long-term advantage that you shop around for the best rate, terms and options.
You don’t want to sacrifice lifestyle for a house. Determine how much of a home (mortgage) you can afford by considering the following and doing your homework. You won’t regret it!
- Your annual household income
- Your down-payment (you should have 5% of the purchase price (up to $500k) of the home for the down payment, but ideally even more)
- Your debt-load
- Your interest rate
- Your monthly mortgage payment
- Your amortization period (length of time required to pay off the loan)
- Your closing costs
- Your property taxes
- Your homeowner’s insurance
- Your home maintenance costs
A good place to begin is with an affordability calculator. It will help you determine the maximum mortgage you can afford and will give you an idea of what monthly mortgage payment to expect.
Click Buying – Step 3: Calculate Your Costs for more detailed information. If you’d like to discuss mortgage affordability call 403-932-4433 to arrange an appointment.
Household Tip of the Month
Maximize your energy savings (lower monthly bills!) without sacrificing comfort. Install a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically turn heat on and off. Lower the temperature at night or while you’re at school/work and return it to the desired setting before you wake or arrive home. They’re easy to install. All you need is a few simple tools and about 20 minutes!
If you’re looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Calgary & the Surrounding Area contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-932-4433. We’re experienced and ready to help you reach your real estate goals!
Calgary December Monthly Stats
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 2017 summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:
December sales activity rises again but so does supply.
http://www.creb.com/-/media/Public/CREBcom/Housing_Statistics/Calgary_Monthly_Stats.pdf?la=en
For more information about the current market or for details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-932-4433.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Calgary’s November Residential Monthly Stats
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 2017 summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:
Home Improvement
November marks a rise in sales
http://www.creb.com/-/media/Public/CREBcom/Housing_Statistics/Calgary_Monthly_Stats.pdf?la=en
For more information about the current market or for details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-932-4433.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Looking for a quick possession?
83 Bayview St SW Airdrie
- Over 2300 sq ft, 2 storey located in the community of Bayview
- Living room offers a cozy gas fireplace and large west window
- Massive kitchen with huge island, granite counter tops and stainless appliances
- Large dining area with access to rear west facing deck
- Main floor consists of all hardwood
- Lower level awaits your development
- Fenced and landscaped yard
More pics, info & price: https://billbrandsma.com/listings-2/126-83-bayview-st-sw-airdrie/
Call Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-932-4433 – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Countdown to moving day
So you’ve found a new place and have a move coming up this winter. Just the thought of it can be a little daunting.
Moving means a transition in life and can be one of life’s most stressful situations. In fact, the months leading up to a big move can be some of the most hectic and challenging months ever, and then there’s the actual move itself.
Don’t despair, get organized! Check out these moving tips that will help make the move a little less stressful and life a little bit easier.
For more tips and good advice contact Bill Brandsma Real Estate. With over 25 years experience Bill would be delighted to help you make your move the smoothest of transitions. Call 403-932-4433 today.
JUST LISTED in the heart of West Hillhurst
Calling all builders or investors!
50 x 130 ft lot with fantastic potential to renovate now or rent now, renovate later. This property currently has a very livable home offering:
- 1100+ sq ft home
- kitchen, living room, large family room, bedroom
- 3 pc main bathroom; 2 pc lower bathroom
- situated on a fully fenced & landscaped yard
- 23 x 21 detached garage
Great opportunity to to own a detached property in an excellent location! For those who like to be close to downtown this property is a located 2 blocks from Kensington Rd and Crowchild Trail.
More pics, info & price: https://billbrandsma.com/listings-2/125-2235-2-ave-nw/
Call Bill Brandsma Real Estate at 403-932-4433 – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Calgary’s October Residential Monthly Stats
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 2017 summary of Calgary’s residential monthly statistics:
http://www.creb.com/-/media/Public/CREBcom/Housing_Statistics/Calgary_Monthly_Stats.pdf?la=en
For more information about the current market or for details about the Calgary Real Estate Monthly Statistics, get in touch with Bill Brandsma at 403-932-4433.
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Preparing for the winter months ahead
Fall has arrived in Calgary!
Now’s the time to check your windows for drafts and leaks. Improperly maintained windows can be a big burden on your heating bill. Taking care of them not only helps reduce energy costs, but will keep you and your family warm and comfortable through the winter months ahead.
A quick and easy way is to hold a lighted match to their edges on a blustery day. If it blows out and the smoke flutters, it’s time to stock up on new weather stripping! Be proactive…you won’t regret it!
Check back in the months ahead for more household tips!
Bill Brandsma Real Estate – 403-932-4433– specializing in Calgary and the surrounding area.
Moving soon? Don’t forget to change your address!
Moving is such a huge undertaking with many to-do lists. One of those things you can’t forget is to change your mailing address so family, friends, companies and government agencies know where they can reach you.
This simple, helpful Re/Max outline will save you some valuable time.
Happy moving!