Renting vs. Buying: Which is Better?

When it comes to making a big purchase, such as buying a home or apartment, many people have to consider the pros and cons of both renting and buying. Renting can be a great option for those who don’t have the means or desire to buy right away, while buying may be the best choice for those who plan on living in one place for an extended period of time. To help you decide what’s best for you and your family, here are some of the pros and cons of renting versus buying.

One major benefit of renting is that it offers more flexibility than owning a home or apartment. If you rent, you don’t have to commit long-term to any one location; instead, you can choose to move at any time without worrying about selling your home or finding someone else to take over the lease. This makes it easier for those who want or need to relocate frequently—such as military families, young professionals, or anyone looking for career opportunities in different parts of the country—to do so without getting stuck with a property they no longer want or need.

A second advantage of renting is that it often requires lower upfront costs than buying a property outright. In most cases, renters will only have to put down a security deposit before moving in; they won’t have to worry about loan payments until they actually buy something. On top of this, all maintenance costs are covered by the landlord instead of being passed on to tenants. This can be especially beneficial if you don’t want to worry about having enough money set aside for potential repairs and upgrades later on.

On the other hand, purchasing real estate usually offers more stability than renting does since buyers ultimately own their homes outright after their loan payments are finished (or sooner if they pay cash). This can work out well for individuals who plan on staying in one place for several years at least and want more control over how their space looks and functions over time; homeowners also see financial benefits from building equity in their properties as prices rise over time.

Finally, purchasing property also offers tax advantages that renters typically don’t get access too—like deductions on mortgage interest payments—which can help buyers save money in the long run if their incomes qualify them for such benefits.

Ultimately, deciding whether to rent or buy depends largely on individual lifestyle goals and financial situations; what works well for one person may not work as well for another depending on where they live and how much money they make each year etc.. That said, taking some time upfront to think through your options carefully can help ensure that whatever path you take ends up being the right choice both now and in the future.

The good news is, whatever you decide, Iconic YEG has you covered.  We will help you find your dream rental such as the new East Junction in Edmonton, or your new dream home. 

Call us to chat:)

Selling your home can be both exciting and stressful. It is important to make sure that your home is in prime condition before you put it on the market. To make your home attractive to potential buyers, take some time to prepare it properly so that its value is maximized. Here are a few tips on how to get your house ready for sale:

1. Make Necessary Repairs: Take care of any repairs or maintenance tasks that need to be done, such as fixing a broken window or patching up holes in the wall. This will help show buyers that they won’t have to do any major work when they move into the house.
2. Clean and Declutter: A clean and clutter-free house will appear more inviting and spacious to potential buyers. Vacuum, mop floors, scrub bathrooms, dust surfaces, and organize closets so each room looks its best. Get rid of furniture and items you don't need anymore or consider renting a storage unit for those items until after your home is sold.
3. Freshen Up Interiors: Give the walls a fresh coat of paint, replacing worn carpets with new ones if necessary and replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones--all of which can give the impression that everything in the home is still new and updated. When selecting colors for painting walls, choose neutral shades such as white or light gray so that buyers can better visualize themselves living in the space.
4. Enhance Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home should look just as appealing as the inside if you want it to sell quickly! Paint railings and door frames if necessary; power wash siding; trim trees; edge lawns; and add colorful plants or flowers near entryways. Don’t forget about lighting either–make sure there are adequate lights around walkways, porches, garages, etc., so people feel safe coming at night to view your property.
5. Consider Hiring a Professional Home Inspector: Before potential buyers come over, hire an experienced local inspector who can examine all aspects of the house from plumbing issues to heating systems ensuring there are no underlying issues with the property that could affect its value during negotiations later on down the line.

Last but not least, contact us at Iconic YEG - we can guide you through each step and what to do to prepare your home for sale and get the best returns. By taking these steps to prepare your home for sale ahead of time will save you time (and money!) throughout the process by maximizing how much interest buyers have in your property from start through close - resulting in potentially higher offers from more qualified buyers who are actually interested in moving forward with buying it!

If you're looking for a place to live that is affordable and has plenty of opportunity, you should consider moving to Edmonton, Alberta. The cost of homes in Edmonton is much more affordable than other major cities in Canada, and the job market is booming. There are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, and the city is constantly expanding and improving its infrastructure. If you're ready for a new adventure, Edmonton is the perfect place to call home! Here are 10 reasons you will LOVE this city!

1. Jobs, jobs, jobs! The unemployment rate in Edmonton is lower than the national average, and there are plenty of opportunities for young adults to find work.
2. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Canada.
3. If you love the outdoors, you'll be happy to know that Edmonton is home to more than 7,400 acres of parkland!
4. There's no shortage of things to do in this city - from catching a game at Rogers Place to exploring the Alberta Legislature Building, there's something for everyone.
5. The people who live here are friendly and welcoming - you're sure to feel right at home in no time!
6. Winter might be cold, but that just means you can enjoy all the winter activities this city has to offer, like ice skating and downhill skiing.
7. And when the warmer months roll around, there are plenty of festivals and events to keep you entertained all summer long.
8. Want to get away from it all? Edmonton is located close to some stunning natural attractions like Jasper National Park and Banff National Park
9. This city is also a great place for foodies! With a thriving restaurant scene, you'll never go hungry here..
10. Last but not least, moving to Edmonton will give you the chance to experience everything this amazing province has to offer! From its rich history and culture To its beautiful landscapes , there's so much waiting for you here.. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and make the move today!

Happy New Year!

As the new year approaches, Michael and I are filled with immense gratitude for all our dear clients, friends and families who have supported us through a monumental journey of creating and starting ICONIC YEG

In our first year of operation, our new Edmonton-based Real Estate company has enabled over 100 people to find or sell their homes in 2022 alone! We've also consistently ranked among RE/MAX's top 15 agents each month - quite an accomplishment that could not have been possible without your support.

What happened in the Edmonton Real Estate market in 2022?  Are you ready for 2023?

There were almost 19,000 sold properties in the greater Edmonton area in 2022. 

With the highest volume of properties being sold before May, the Spring started in January and we anticipate the same for 2023! Are you ready?

Of all the homes sold in 2022, over 70% of them were priced under $500,000.00.  This is an important metric for sellers when preparing for sale as you need to know where the highest volume of buyers are and how to reach them.  Edmonton is an affordable options for anyone planning on buyers or relocating this year, for more information on this, please read more here

As we look ahead and get ready for 2023, there is positive news for buyers looking to maximize their value and options in homeownership.

With over 1000 Single Family homes currently on the market priced BELOW $300,000.  Now is the time to purchase and start investing in yourself and your future.  

If you're looking to move soon whether it be selling your property or renting out space; now is definitely the time to start planning ahead since the spring market has already arrived.

Caitlin Heine

Owner, ICONIC YEG

Have you enjoyed working with us in the past?  Support our new business by writing a review here

Are you in the market for an affordable, high value Edmonton home priced under $300,000?

If so, you've come to the right place! Click HERE to search for a variety of great homes available in Edmonton that all come with price tags well below $300,000. And sure - they may not have all the bells and whistles compared to higher-priced properties in other areas - but don't let that fool you. From modern townhomes close to downtown amenities to established bungalows off the beaten path – there are plenty of fantastic options out there waiting for their new owners. You can find plenty of quality living at a fraction of what some other cities offer – which means more cash stays safely tucked away in your pocket where it belongs!

1.  More Affordable

One of the primary reasons to buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit is that it will be more affordable. When you are looking at homes, it is important to consider not only the price of the home, but also the cost of ownership. The cost of ownership includes things like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. If you buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit, you will have more money left over each month to cover these costs.

2.  More Equity

Another reason to buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit is that you will build equity faster. Equity is the portion of your home’s value that you own outright. Every time you make a mortgage payment, a portion of that payment goes towards paying down your principal balance, which increases your equity. If you buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit, you will have a smaller principal balance and will build equity faster.

3.  More Flexibility

When you buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit, you will also have more flexibility in terms of how much money you can borrow in the future. If you ever need to take out a loan for major repairs or renovations, having a lower mortgage balance will give you more borrowing power. Additionally, if you decide to sell your home in the future, you will have more negotiating power if you owe less on your mortgage than the home is worth.

4.  Lower Interest Rates

If you buy a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit, you may also be able to qualify for lower interest rates. Lenders often offer lower interest rates to borrowers who are seen as low-risk, and one way to demonstrate low risk is by having a smaller mortgage balance relative to the value of your home. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan and make your monthly payments more affordable.

5.  Peace of Mind

Finally, buying a home that is well under your mortgage approval limit can give you peace of mind knowing that you are not overextending yourself financially. When you are house hunting, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend more than you had originally planned. By sticking to homes that are well within your budget, you can avoid financial stress down the road and enjoy your new home without worry

Although it may be tempting to spend your entire budget on a home, there are many benefits to investing in a property that is under budget. Low cost options offer numerous advantages such as being easier to sell in the future and providing more opportunity for customization. If you're looking for an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality, contact Iconic YEG today to view these homes.

The newest and most luxurious apartment building in Edmonton is here. THE BEACON at East Junction offers penthouse amenities, concrete construction, luxury finishes, and stunning views of Downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley. It's everything you could want in an apartment—and more! 

The first tower in this sought-after development is THE BEACON, located at the apex of Edmonton’s East Junction. This premier complex provides residents with top-notch amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, high-end appliances and fixtures, onsite storage spaces for bikes and strollers, underground parking and more! And that's just scratching the surface! In addition to these fantastic amenities, there are also several options for dining and entertaining in the immediate area. From pubs to fine dining restaurants to cafes—East Junction has it all!

For those looking for unparalleled views from their apartment window or balcony (or both!), look no further than THE BEACON. With its panoramic views of Downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley, you can take in the beauty of Alberta’s capital city every day. Whether you’re hosting friends for drinks on your balcony or enjoying your morning cup of coffee while admiring the view from your living room window—you won’t be disappointed. Plus, with concrete construction throughout all units and soundproof walls between each floor—you can rest assured that noise won't be an issue either!

With so many great features available right outside your doorstep (literally) why not make THE BEACON your new home in 2023? In-person tours are starting in Januray and move ins anticipated for March 2023!