Renata & Ziggy Trawinski
IQ Real Estate
Buying & Selling, Calgary, Alberta
P: 403-208-2368
F: 403-776-6075
Email
IQ Real Estate
Buying & Selling, Calgary, Alberta
P: 403-208-2368
F: 403-776-6075
Friday, January 10, 2020 - New Listing - C4280893
posted in Listings at Fri, 10 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000
Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - New Listing - C4273380
posted in Listings at Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000
Sunday, October 20, 2019 - New Listing - C4273289
posted in Listings at Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000
Thursday, October 17, 2019 - New Listing - C4273022
posted in Listings at Thu, 17 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000
Monday, February 6, 2012 - Buy now or Wait?
Even a slight increase in mortgage interest rates can offset a significant drop in home prices. There is little to gain and much to loose by waiting to buy in the current Calgary's real estate market where home prices rebound and interest rates are at their historical low. Many clients ask if they should wait or buy now? Consider the following scenario assuming the prices go down (not likely) and interest rates go up (likely):
Buy now scenario: Home price $350,000 Interest rate 3% Monthly ...
posted in Real Estate News at Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:49:34 +0000
Saturday, October 29, 2011 - Interest rates to remain on hold for longer
The Bank of Canada kept its trend-setting Bank Rate at 1.25 per cent on October 25, 2011. This marks the ninth consecutive announcement in which interest rates have been held steady.
The tone of the accompanying statement was very dovish, with the Bank noting that ?the global economy has slowed markedly as several downside risks to the projection outlined in the Bank?s July Monetary Policy Report (MPR) have been realized.?
Of particular note, the Bank said it now expects a ?brief recession? in ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:13:50 +0000
Thursday, August 25, 2011 - How Much Home Can you Afford?
Excerpted from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.'s Homebuying Step by Step
The first step in determining the price you can afford to pay for a home is to get a clear picture of your current financial situation.
Be aware of your monthly payments on any loans or credit cards, and of your total gross (before taxes) monthly household income.
Lending institutions follow two simple affordability rules to determine how much you can pay.
The first affordability rule is that your monthly housing costs ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:42:50 +0000
Friday, May 20, 2011 - Calgary - Best Housing Affordability
Calgary and Edmonton are the major Canadian cities where housing affordability is the most attractive, says a new real estate report released Friday.
But the RBC Housing Affordability report says signs are accumulating that the Calgary housing market is finally overcoming its protracted slump and entering a more vigorous phase.
?Home resales grew for the second consecutive time in the first quarter of this year, advancing the most since the middle of 2009,? says the report. ?This helped remove ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Fri, 20 May 2011 16:44:56 +0000
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - Calgary House Prices to Rise
Real estate expert Don Campbell says Calgary house prices will rise in the next few years because of a strong Alberta economy.Photograph by: Christina Ryan, Calgary HeraldCALGARY ? Average house prices in Calgary could flirt with record levels within the next two years due to a commodity boom in the province, says a real estate industry analyst.
Don Campbell, president of the Real Estate Investment Network, said house prices could increase five to seven per cent this year and another five to ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:17:41 +0000
Thursday, April 7, 2011 - It's time to Buy Again (USA)
'It's Time to Buy Again,' says Fortune
TIME TO BUY: The cover story in the April edition of Fortune magazine trumpets that "housing is back."
"After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing," proclaims Fortune magazine, one of the world's premier business publications, in its April cover story.
The article, headlined "The Return of Real Estate," explains that several market forces have created a more promising outlook for the industry. An ...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:33:16 +0000
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 5 Top Mistakes Sellers Make
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:54:47 +0000
Friday, March 11, 2011 - Buy now or wait
Even a slight increase in mortgage interest rates can offset a significant drop in home prices. There is little to gain and much to lose by waiting to buy in the current Calgary's real estate market where home prices rebound and interest rates are to go up. Many clients want to wait hoping the prices will decrease. Consider the following scenario assuming the prices go down (not likely) and interest rates go up (very likely):
Buy now scenario: Home price $430,000 Interest rate 5% Monthly ...
posted in Real Estate News at Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:34:48 +0000
Thursday, February 24, 2011 - Alberta is the most affordable house buying province
CALGARY - Alberta officially became the most affordable province in the country for home ownership in the fourth quarter of 2010 and affordability in Calgary is now the best it's been in almost six years, says a new report released Thursday by RBC.
The Housing Trends and Affordability report said a gradual but steady recovery in housing demand in the past half-year has just begun to bolster market conditions in the Calgary area by drawing the prolonged slump since 2007 closer to an end.
In ...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:25:26 +0000
Monday, January 17, 2011 - Minister Flaherty on Mortgages
Here is a brief update on the new requirements for mortgage qualifications:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Video+Flaherty+mortgages/4120884/story.html?tab=VID
posted in Real Estate News at Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:04:48 +0000
Friday, December 10, 2010 - Housing Market Outlook for 2011 by RE/MAX
Activity remains soft in Calgary?s real estate market, which continues to be weighed down by concerns over global economic uncertainty. Consumer confidence has also been slow to battle back fromdownturn, but tentative signs of improvement have become evident in recent weeks. Despite a slight uptick in demand, and the fact that the market has now settled into a stable pace, it won?t be enough to close the gap in year-over year sales. Overall, the city is on track to finish the year down 22 per ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Fri, 10 Dec 2010 18:52:18 +0000
Thursday, November 25, 2010 - Economic Outlook for Alberta
CALGARY - Western Canada will lead the nation in economic growth next year with Alberta just behind Saskatchewan.
Michael Gregory, senior economist with BMO Capital Markets, who is in Calgary today, said Saskatchewan's Real GDP growth rate will be 3.8 per cent in 2011 followed by Alberta at 3.4 per cent and British Columbia at 3.1 per cent. And Manitoba is forecast for 2.7 per cent growth.
All four western provinces will surpass the national average of 2.4 per cent.
"It's very much a story of ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:30:56 +0000
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - Calgary Stats - October 2010
Calgary House Stats - October 2010
2010 Year to Date Average House Price: $462,997 (up 5.3% from same period 2009)October 2010 Average Selling Price:$444,744 (down 3.8% from October 2009)October 2010 Median Selling Price:$387,900 (down 5.4% from October 2009)
Calgary Condo Stats - October 2010
2010 Year to Date Average Condo Price: $290,536 (up 2.9% from same period 2009)October 2010 Avg Selling Price:$287,793 (down 0.5% from October 2009)October 2010 Median Selling Price:$255,000 (down 3.2% ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:34:04 +0000
Thursday, October 21, 2010 - Money is on Sale
Borrowing costs are lower than any time in modern history. This represents an incredible opportunity for those with the foresight (or fortitude) to take advantage.
Here are five strategies to consider:
1) When borrowing, lock in today?s rates. I know that at most times a variable rate is a better solution than fixed. Today is not "most times." If you are getting a new mortgage, lock it in. Even if it is only for three years, you can get a three-year mortgage today for under 3 per cent. The best ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:40:32 +0000
Friday, September 10, 2010 - 7 Little-known Facts That Can Help You Purchase Your First Home
Purchasing your first home can be challenging. Your monthly cash flow may easily cover the proposed mortgage costs, but perhaps accumulating the down payment is what you find difficult. Or maybe you have financial reserves, but cash flow is what's holding you back. Whatever the reasons, purchasing a new property can still be accomplished, regardless of your financial standing. Consider the following facts:
The down payment on your property doesn't have to be as large as you think
Several ...
posted in Real Estate News at Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:09:46 +0000
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 9 Buyer Traps and How to Avoid them
No matter which way you look at it buying a home is a major investment. For many homebuyers however, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the many common and costly mistakes which trap them into either:
* paying too much for the home they want, or* losing their dream home to another buyer, or* (worse) buying the wrong home for their needs.
A systemized approach to the home buying process can help you steer clear of these common ...
Full Article...
posted in Best of Calgary at Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:39:52 +0000
Sunday, July 25, 2010 - My Home Didn't Sell - Now What?
"... The first thing to do is take a step back and analyze the situation..."
You put your home up for sale and it simply didn't sell. Undoubtedly, this has created a lot of stress, inconvenience and anxiety for you and your family. Perhaps you already bought another home. Maybe you needed this home sold because of a job change. Regardless of the reason, it's certainly a burden! What Should You Do?
The first thing to do is to take a step back and analyze the situation. Try to assess what factors ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:25:25 +0000
Monday, July 19, 2010 - Tips for Preparing Your Seller for the Home Inspection.
A home inspection is a visible inspection of all areas of the home and all the major systems of the home as they were at the time of the inspection. It is a non-invasive inspection and the inspector is not permitted to put holes in walls or ceilings etc. The inspector typically will not move furniture, storage boxes etc. and thus will report these conditions as limitations to the inspection.
A prospective purchaser may see too many limitations as a red flag, believing that the seller has ...
posted in Real Estate News at Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:52:31 +0000
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - Passing the Home Inspection
Passing the Home Inspection ? What Buyers Are Looking For
When you put your home up for sale you place it directly under the scrutiny of buyers. Superficial changes, such as new paint and resurfaced floors can do a lot to enhance your home's appeal, but when it comes to an offer, most serious buyers will seek the assistance of a professional home inspector to ensure that the house is sound beneath the surface.
During most home inspections there are over forty problem areas that will be examined ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:43:06 +0000
Saturday, June 26, 2010 - Calgary House Prices likely to Rise 5%
The short-term year-over-year price growth expectation for Calgary's resale housing market is in the range of five to seven per cent, says the Conference Board of Canada.
In its latest Metro Resale Index released today, the board placed Calgary in the second highest level of price growth expectation which includes Victoria, Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Regina, Halifax and Newfoundland.
The board surveyed 28 Canadian markets.
Leading the country in short-term year-over-year price growth ...
posted in Real Estate News at Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:11:18 +0000
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - Benefits of using a Realtor
Teaming up with a REALTOR® provides you with invaluable access to professional real estate expertise and knowledge. You benefit because:
* Your REALTOR® can help determine your buying power and refer you to lenders best qualified to maximize your loan and minimize your cost.* Your REALTOR® has full access to all the features of the Multiple Listing Service®, Canada's most powerful real estate marketing network.* Your REALTOR® provides local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:19:30 +0000
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - Prediction of Fastest Economic Growth in a Decade
Canada's economy is expected to surge in 2010, according to a new report from RBC Economics, which predicts gross domestic product growth of 3.6 per cent as a result of strong demand and increased job creation.
RBC says Canada's real GDP grew at 6.1 per cent in the first quarter, the fastest pace in a decade.
"Canada's economy continued to surge ahead as domestic demand was backed by increases in consumer, housing and government spending," said Craig Wright, senior vice-president and chief ...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:26:54 +0000
Thursday, June 3, 2010 - The Power of Mortgage Prepayments
Canadians seeking a sure-fire investment return should look no further than their mortgage. Paying it down as quickly as you can will, in most cases, result in a stellar return on your investment.
Prepayment options are worth exploring because paying down even a small amount of principal (the true cost of the mortgage loan minus the interest) has huge benefits over the life of a mortgage.Mortgages are front-loaded when it comes to interest meaning, in the early years, most of the money you pay ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:29:58 +0000
Thursday, May 27, 2010 - Is a Low Offer a Good Idea?
While your low offer in a normal market might be rejected immediately, in a buyer's market a motivated seller will either accept or make a counteroffer. Full-price offers or above are more likely to be accepted by the seller. But there are other considerations involved:
* Is the offer contingent upon anything, such as the sale of the buyer's current house? If so, a low offer, even at full price, may not be as attractive as an offer without that condition.
* Is the offer made on the house as is, ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 27 May 2010 15:26:53 +0000
Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Mortgage Rates Update
Over the past few weeks we have seen the fixed mortgage rates take a few jumps in the upward direction. This increase was inevitable as the historic lows we were seeing just couldn?t last forever.
For those of you that got in at rates under 4% on a 5 year fixed, consider yourself lucky and ride those out for as long as you can...we may never see that again. As for the rest of you that just didn?t want to rush into anything, rest assured that rates are still low. A few years ago, a fixed rate ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 18 May 2010 20:04:18 +0000
Monday, May 17, 2010 - Getting Ready to Sell - Listing and Showing
PriceBest chance for selling your property is within the first 7 weeks. Studies show the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net.
Problems with Over-PricingReduces number of potential offersLower?s agents response, consequently number of showingsLimits qualified buyers and could create appraisal issuesCompeting homes become more attractive in comparison CleanlinessBuyers are turned off by even the smallest amount of uncleanliness or odour, resulting in a loss of ...
posted in Real Estate News at Mon, 17 May 2010 23:06:37 +0000
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - Preparing your Home for Sale
Most buyers seek out homes that are well maintained and clean regardless of price. It has been our consistent observation that clean houses sell faster and obtain a better sales price.Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions.Here are some steps you can take for your house to look its best for broker previews, open houses, and buyer showings.
Prepare each room
If too much furniture is in home, remove to give a more open feeling
Declutter
Pick up toys and shoes
Keep dishes out of ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 11 May 2010 02:22:50 +0000
Saturday, May 8, 2010 - 3 Mistakes Sellers make when choosing a Realtor
3 Mistakes Sellers make when choosing a Realtor:
1. Going with the agent who promises you the highest sale price, the most amount of money (even if the price seems unrealistic).
2. Choosing the agent who promises to save you money by discounting the commission rate.
3. Picking an agent that works with a few agents team.
Consequences of these 3 mistakes:
1. The inflated price you were quoted (in order to get your listing) results in few buyers coming to view your home (because they can get a ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Sat, 08 May 2010 17:38:21 +0000
Monday, April 12, 2010 - Mortgage changes
Many of our clients have asked, so here in a nut shell are the mortgage changes:
* Buyers will be qualified for a mortgage based on their financial ability to handle payments based on a five-year, fixed-rate mortgage, even if they select a shortrt term and a lower rate.
* For those looking to refinance, they will now be limited to 90% of the value of a property instead of 95%.
* When financing a non-owner occupied property (rental), a down payment of 20% will be required if the mortgage is to ...
Full Article...
posted in Real Estate News at Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:20:41 +0000
Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - Fixed mortgage interest rate go up
We knew the time would come for the historically low mortgage rates to come to and end and now is that time. Banks started announcing rate hikes on Monday, first with RBC and TD followed by many of the other major lenders. Although the hikes were anticipated, the amount of the hike did come as a bit of a surprise. Most lenders moved their 5 year fixed rates up 60 to 70 basis points?raising from around 3.89% to 4.39%.
We associate with mortgage professionals who offer a variety of financing ...
posted in Real Estate News at Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:52:46 +0000
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - Sellers wanted
Recent statistics show buyers want to take advantage of low interest rates and favourable mortgage qualification process to buy homes now. If you have been thinking of selling, now is the time to list your home. Give us a call for a free, no obligation market evaluation of your property and let us show you how this is the best time for you to sell. Motivated buyers are searching for their next home. Don't miss out on this great market timing. Call us today!
posted in Real Estate News at Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:45:05 +0000
Sunday, March 28, 2010 - Try yoga
Our health is our wealth and the healthier we are, the more material wealth we are able to generate. Feeling good makes us feel energetic, motivated and optimistic. Yoga is great for the mind and the body. A regular yoga practice can be life transforming. We stress less and confidently face the challenges of life and business. There are many styles of yoga - each having its own flavor and a place in our life. I have tried hot yoga lately and loved it. It's a great workout (if we can call yoga a ...
Full Article...
posted in Best of Calgary at Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:28:42 +0000
Friday, March 26, 2010 - Buy now or wait?
Even a slight increase in mortgage interest rates can offset a significant drop in home prices. There is little to gain and much to lose by waiting to buy in the current Calgary's real estate market where home prices rebound and interest rates are to go up. Many clients want to wait hoping the prices will decrease. Consider the following scenario assuming the prices go down (not likely) and interest rates go up (very likely):
Buy now scenario: Home price $430,000 Interest rate 5% Monthly ...
posted in Real Estate News at Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:31:55 +0000
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - What's great about this move?
Moving can be very stressful, but it can be fun too. So let's change the thinking around and ask "What's great about this move?" New opportunities always come with a change and there is a lot of good that awaits you in your new home. New neigbours, favorite places, decorating ideas, new gardens... And what a great opportunity to clean up the closets and recycle what does not serve you anymore. Moving can be very liberating! And we are always here to help find the home that's perfect for you.
...
Full Article...
posted in General at Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:12:12 +0000
Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Thinking of buying a home?
Thinking of buying a new home? This is a great time to plan your move. The interest rates are lower than ever and we work with mortgage brokers who offer very competitive financing. Spring is here and it brings more listings to the real estate market, so you have more choice. It's time to realize your goals! Looking forward to hearing from you...
posted in Real Estate News at Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:41:45 +0000
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