What Should You Look for When Buying a Home in Edmonton?

The weather is getting colder and despite people not realizing that summer started this year summer is already coming to an end. Was it the hot summer many people were hoping for? Probably not. Was it the busy market that some sellers were hoping for? Nope. But it was a great time to get outside and it was a great time for buyers to capitalize on the higher levels of inventory and great options in the market!

In this week’s blog, we’ll look at what you should look for when buying a home in Edmonton, along with a quick update on the current market. I’ll also highlight a few things happening around Edmonton this week and share a quick real estate tip you can use whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Home in Edmonton?

You don't need to be a home inspector to spot some of the common problems that can come up when buying a home in Edmonton. If you are from a different province or even country there will be some very different common problems with homes here compared to where you are coming from.

A good Realtor should help you identify potential red flags while viewing a home, but it's important to remember that your Realtor is not a home inspector. Now even though some agent may be trying to find these deficiencies that doesn't mean that they will catch them all so it is important for you to have a look around yourself. So, what are you looking for?

The first few things to look at start before you enter the home. Roof, exterior walls, windows, foundation, and grading/drainage. Edmonton has a harsh climate with temperature getting down below -30°C and higher than +30ºC. This shift in temperature can have a major impact on the exterior of your home.

Shingles

Asphalt shingles can often last around 20–30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles, installation, ventilation and exposure to the elements but can be quite expensive to replace. It is very easy to check on most homes to see if the shingles are nearing the end of their life. If you see lifting, curling, cracking, or even some material coming off they may be nearing the end of their useful life. As for problems such as exposed nails or unsealed edges a licensed inspector will be able to see more of that when he goes onto the roof or flies a drone up to the roof.

Exterior Walls

Exterior wall finishes such as siding or stucco also have their tells whether it is cracking, warping, discolouration or falling off. In most cases the worst you will see is the side of the house that is exposed to the most sun throughout the day. The sun is harsh on materials such as vinyl siding but it is even hard on paint that may be on your trim or garage door. In some cases these can be easy fixes but in bad cases the costs can really start to add up.

Windows

Windows on older homes can show wear and rotting from the outside as well. Windows are very epxensive to replace in a home so if that is a cost that scares you it is better to know now rathe than later.

Foundation

The home's foundation is another crucial part of the exterior to look at. Cracks in the foundation can lead to leaks, flooding and water damage inside your home. It is important to note that foundation cracks are normal in Edmonton. You may move from other parts of Canada or another country and think that foundation cracks are unacceptable but minor foundation cracks are fairly common in older Edmonton homes and don't necessarily mean there is a major structural problem. So what kind of foundation cracks should you be worried about? Horizontal cracks, wide cracks, and stari stepping cracks are the main ones to be concerned about. These can lead to further damage in the house and can often be very costly to fix. If you spot any cracks keep in mind where they were located because you can often tell once you are in the basement if there has been any moisture getting in.

Grading/Drainage/Landscaping

Grading, drainage and landscaping are crucial to tell if there are or may be problems in the future. Look around the home and see if there are low spots around the house or grading towards the home. Water is a home's worst enemy so having drainage going towards the house is a major concern. A good trick is to pay attention to where downspouts discharge and whether water is being directed away from the foundation.

Signs of Water

Moving inside, signs of water are another crucial thing to keep an eye out for. This may be stains in the ceiling, walls or floors. It could also be a damp or musty smell. Often times if there is water there may be a dehumidifier or fan going in the house so just be aware of that. Old windows also tend to show some signs of water through rotted window cills or lots of condensation.

Furnace / Hot Water Tank / Air Conditioning

When you are viewing homes it is highly important to go into the mechanical room. Look at the age of the furnace, hot water tank and A/C unit and ask whether they have been serviced or replaced recently. These parts of the house are crucial to living there and they can come at a large expense if they need to be repaired or replaced. On top of the financial consequences of these parts breaking it can also be a potential disaster if they break at the wrong time such as a furnace breaking in the winter. Another good tip is to check if they have been serviced recently!

Sewer

When you are looking at older homes in more mature neighbourhood it is also a good idea to get a sewer scope done. The reason for this is that mature neighbourhoods often have large, established trees. Tree roots can enter sewer lines and contribute to blockages or damage.

Newly Renovated Homes

Newly renovated homes are great if you are looking for something modern in a more mature neighbourhood but they can come with their own problems. In cases where the home was used as a flip invesment there are often corners cut. Some of these can be a major hazard such as electrical or plumbing being overlooked. Small signs of poor workmanship don't necessarily mean there are major problems, but they can be a reason to look more closely at the quality of the renovation. Some minor things may include forgetting to caulk, bad tiling, bad trim work, or painting over light switches instead of removing the covers before painting.

Plumbing

Another major thing that you can find easily when you are looking at a home is polybutylene (Poly-B) pipes for plumbing. Poly-B is a gray, flexible plastic piping that was used in Candian homes from roughly the late 1970s through the 1990s but was removed from the Canadian plumbing code in 2005 because of reports of leaks and premature failure of the pipes. Replacing Poly-B can be expensive because much of the home's plumbing may need to be accessed and replaced. Its presence can also create home insurance and resale considerations, so it is worth finding out whether a home has Poly-B before making an offer.

Electrical Panel

Finally a crucial part of the home to look at is the electrical panel. It is important to look for multiple things such as age/type of panel, signs of damage or overheating, signs of DIY electrical work, or even older aluminum wiring. Electrical issues can create serious safety concerns, so anything that looks unusual or outdated should be investigated by a qualified professional.

So why do we look for all of this stuff? Well, like most things in life, the answer is time and money. You don't need to be a home inspector to spot potential problems when viewing a home, but taking a few extra minutes to look at the roof, foundation, drainage, mechanical systems and other areas can help you understand what you may be taking on as a homeowner.

That being said, your Realtor is not a home inspector, and neither are you. If you notice something concerning or are unsure about the condition of an important part of the home, a professional home inspection can provide a much more detailed look at the property. The goal isn't to find a perfect house, the goal is to understand the house you're buying.

Knowing about potential repairs before you buy can help you make a more informed decision and, where appropriate, give you an opportunity to negotiate based on the condition of the property.

Edmonton Real Estate Market Update

The cold weather is peaking it's head out as we are well into September but the market still has life with people trying to find their next home before the snow flies! For some that is a good thing and for others the addedcompetition amongst buyers may cause some discomfort.

Edmonton's market is looking like it will stay steady for the near future but with an increase in inventory there may be a slight push down on the market's prices over the coming months.

🏡 Average residential selling price: $470,000 (+1.8% year-over-year)

📈 Inventory: Over 8,000 active listings on the market.

🤝 Buyers: More choice and negotiating power than they had a year ago.

💰 Sellers: Well-priced homes are still attracting strong interest, making accurate pricing more important than ever.

Depsite the world of politics and uncertainty of Canada and Alberta the Edmonton market and the areas surrounding the city remain as one of Canada's best real estate markets with some of the best affordability of any of the Canadian major cities!

Check out the full Market update here!

What’s Happening in Edmonton This Week?

Edmonton’s calendar is packed with events that showcase the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Here are some of the key happenings from September 14 to September 20:

1. Jubilations Dinner Theatre: Despicable Minionz (September 12 - October 31):

Come, bring your kids and enjoy the amazing show!

2. Cody Johnson @ Rogers Place (September 17 @ 7:25 PM):

Come out to Rogers place and listen to Cody Johnson perform!

3. Edmonton Terry Fox Run (September 20 @ 11:00 AM)

Come to to Kinsmen Park and run, walk or cycle to help raise money for for cancer research.

4. Jubilations Dinner Theatre: Back To The '80s: The Magic Mix Tape (August 28 - November 1)

Come enjoy the live show and multi-course meal with music and more!

AC Galo Corner

Blake Reimer Real Estate is proud to announce that they have partnered with AC Galo Soccer team here in Edmonton.

Indoor Soccer details to come!  

GALO ROLL!!!!

Edmonton’s real estate market is full of opportunites for both buyers and sellers. Now is your time to beat the fall rush and find that home you've been looking for! Whether you are a buyer or a seller I have resources to help you with your transaction!

Check out the buyers resources here

Check out the sellers resources here