What is the "Secret Sauce" of Real Broker?

What is the "secret sauce" of Real Broker? It's our culture of collaboration, and putting our clients first. In June 2022, we took the time to express our appreciation for all of the Real Broker agents that have joined us on this fantastic voyage. It has been less than one year since we first launched Real Broker in Canada, and despite a growing pain or two, we have exceeded all expectations. We love the community that is being created, and can't wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future. If you would like to know more about Real Broker, contact us today. -Sano Stante Team 403-289-3435 info@sanostante.com Instagram: @sanostanterealestate

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HOME?

What is most important to look for when buying a home has much to do with the Buyer’s lifestyle and stage in life, as well as a other factors that experienced real estate agents evaluate.To flesh out these nuances, ensure that you spend ample time with your real estate agent in a Buyer review. This is an interview where you review every aspect of buying a home, ensuring that there are no issues that would preclude you from buying your home, determining the best criteria for your new home, and  educating you on the entire process from start to finish. Following this review you should have a solid foundation and comfort with the process you will be undertaking, a detailed understanding of the criteria you require in a home, and knowledge of how to go about selecting the best property. Essentially, after this review, all that is remaining for you is to pick the property that you “love” because you will only be viewing homes that fit all of your criteria – making the selection process that much easier and saving you an enormous amount of time. The one common theme that emerges from these reviews which highlights what is most important to look for when buying is to “buy what you can’t change” What do we mean by this? Aspects of a property that you cannot change would be: Location and surrounding neighbourhood Zoning, restrictions, bylaws and regulations Other factors that are outside of your control or too onerous to change such as major structural issues. The components of a property that you can change are: Cosmetics (paint, flooring and decorating) Minor plan shifting (moving or opening a few walls) Non-structural repairs Landscaping Often the best value can be discovered hidden in properties that are the less appealing, but with issues that are easily overcome. Conversely some of the biggest problems we have witnessed arise from properties that had lots of surface appeal masking a location issue, structural problem or other permanent condition. It”s easy to fall prey to these, so be certain to rely on an experienced real estate agent to guide you past these and shed light on the more important aspects of a property. Also, ensure that you insist on a home inspection as a condition of the purchase to ensure that you discover any serious issues that may be hidden beyond obvious sight. There are more permutations and quirks to buying the right home than can be described in a synopsis, however a very important point is to ensure that you get the best representation on your side. Choosing the best real estate agent to find the perfect home won”t cost you any more and can save you much more than dollars – it can affect the rest of your life. Sano Stante real estate group has provided over three decades of expert real estate service to thousands of satisfied homeowners. We can help – call us.

WHY IS MY CONDO SIZE DIFFERENT FROM WHEN I PURCHASED VS WHEN I AM SELLING?

  In Alberta condominiums are surveyed by the builder to determine the respective size of the common and private areas of the individual condo units. Developers have some latitude in deciding what to include in the registered size at the onset of the development and many will include areas such as storage, balconies (including outdoor) and parking areas in the calculation ofregistered unit size. This registered size is then used to apportion the respective fees that condo owners pay for shared resources. This all sounds fair enough, so why do some Buyers protest when they re-sell their condo and their real estate agent tells them that their home is smaller than they claim? The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) has rules for the measurement of homes so that all homes are represented equitably. These rules have been in place for decades and they provide consumers with an assurance that the home they are purchasing is accurately represented. One CREB® rule for condominiums states that the living area must be heated, interior living space.Developers who sell their property through in-house sales representatives who are not members of CREB® are not required to abide by these guidelines. As a result, the living area may be represented to include those unheated areas that show the space larger than CREB® measurements would allow. When the homeowner calls a real estate agent to re-sell the condo they are often surprized to realize that their 1,000 s.f. condo is really only 900 s.f. when measured bythese MLS® System standards and that this standards is a requirement to list the property on CREBs® MLS® System. CREB®, and their provincial counter-part AREA, have been working to protect the public from such issues by lobbying the Government to mandate the Surveyors to standardize the measurement of registered size across the province and eliminate the variance in representation. CREB® is also working to educatereal estate agent’s and the public to the issue and raise public awareness to ask the right questions before buying a condo. To ensure that you are protected make sure you ask the Developer how the registered and unit size is calculated in the project. For the best protection and to assure yourself that you are buying right, enlist the services of a licensed real estate agent to represent you even if you are looking at new developments before you start shopping for a condo. Developers have fees built-in to the purchase to reimburse your real estate agent and this way you can have your real estate agent show you comparative new and used properties, help you determine the best lifestyle and value choices and even provide you with a market valuation of a property before you buy. This is just one of the many reasons to ensure you call a real estate agent before you start shopping and ensure that you won’t be disappointed after the purchase.    

Understanding Condo Fees: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo?

If you're considering buying a condo, you've probably wondered, "What are condo fees and are they worth it?" This question often discourages potential buyers, mostly due to misconceptions about what condo fees actually cover. Debunking Myths About Condo Fees Let's separate the myths from the facts about condo fees so you can make an informed decision. What You Own in a Condo In a condominium, you usually own the internal living space within your unit's drywall and possibly a parking space and maybe storage. You also share ownership of common areas like hallways, lobbies, and amenities such as a gym or a party room. Why You Pay Condo Fees Condo fees are your contribution to the maintenance and upkeep of these shared spaces. The amount you pay is based on your "registered size," which determines your share of the common property costs. Comparing Condo Fees to Home Maintenance Costs The expenses covered by condo fees are not much different than those incurred when owning a home. They can include security, management, and features like elevators and pools in larger buildings. Some argue that the efficiency of maintaining a larger shared space can actually save you money. Importance of Reserve Fund Study Before buying, it's crucial to review the condo's reserve fund study, which outlines the timeline and budget for necessary repairs and replacements of building components, such as roofing and siding. A portion of your condo fees contributes to this reserve fund, making it a vital aspect to consider when assessing the property. Future Financial Health A condo board that sets responsible fees, based on a thorough reserve study, is more likely to be financially stable in the long run. So, don't be quick to write off condos with higher fees; they may actually be more financially secure and better managed. Analyzing Condo Fees: An Example For instance, if the cost of replacing a roof is $8,000 with a life expectancy of 15 years, that's about $44 per month. Add this to other routine maintenance costs, and you'll find that condo fees might be comparable to the sporadic expenses you'd incur with a standalone home. Making the Choice Ultimately, choosing to buy a condo is not just a matter of cost; it's also about lifestyle. With the right approach to evaluating condo fees and reserve funds, you may find that condo living suits you perfectly. Conclusion When it comes to understanding condo fees, knowledge is power. Sano Stante Real Estate specializes in Calgary Condominium properties. Contact us today for expert guidance on making the best real estate decision for your future.