Yes, Brian Cyr can provide you with his expertise as both as a long time Realtor and former Home Renovator in Edmonton.  This unique combination of expertise will benefit those buyers looking at older properties or properties that have been renovated.  Brian has years of experience dealing with  homes, condos, acreages and investment properties in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Morinville, Beaumont, Leduc, Sturgeon, Strathcona and Parkland.

As your BGRS local expert Brian will ensure you get the home of your dreams at a price you can afford.

Preparing for a house hunting trip is essential for military personnel who often face time constraints due to relocation requirements. Here are some steps to ensure a successful house hunting trip:

1. Research: Conduct thorough research on the housing market in the area where you’ll be stationed. Explore neighborhoods, school districts, amenities, and commuting options to narrow down your search criteria effectively.
2. Set a Budget: Determine your budget for housing expenses, considering mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. Don’t forget to factor in any housing allowances or stipends provided by the military.
3. Contact a Real Estate Agent: Reach out to a real estate agent specializing in working with military personnel or familiar with their housing needs. They can offer valuable insights and assistance throughout the house hunting process.
4. Compile a Wish List: Create a list of must-have features and preferences for your new home, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, yard size, and desired amenities. This will help your agent identify suitable properties that meet your criteria.
5. Schedule Appointments: Coordinate with your real estate agent to schedule appointments to view potential properties during your house hunting trip. Try to arrange multiple viewings in a single day to make the most of your time.
6. Gather Necessary Documents: Bring essential documents required for the home buying process, such as proof of income, pre-approval letters from lenders, and identification. Having these readily available can streamline the process if you decide to make an offer on a property.
7. Prepare Questions: Develop a list of questions to ask the real estate agent and homeowners during property viewings. Inquire about the property’s condition, recent renovations or repairs, neighborhood amenities, and potential future developments.
8. Take Notes and Photos: Document each property you visit with detailed notes and photos to remember key features and compare options later. Pay attention to any concerns or red flags that may arise during the viewings.
9. Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind during the house hunting process and be prepared to adjust your criteria based on what you find during your trip. The perfect home may not meet all initial expectations, so flexibility is key.
10. Review and Reflect: After each day of house hunting, take time to review your notes and discuss your impressions with your real estate agent. This will help refine your search criteria and narrow down options as you progress through the trip.

By following these steps and staying organized, military personnel can maximize their house hunting trip’s effectiveness and find a suitable home in their new location.

Mortgage pre-approval is crucial when embarking on a house hunting trip for several reasons. Here’s why it’s important:

1. Understanding Your Budget: Mortgage pre-approval gives you a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend on a home. This helps you focus your house hunting efforts on properties within your price range, saving time and avoiding disappointment.
2. Seriousness to Sellers: Sellers are more likely to take you seriously as a potential buyer if you have a mortgage pre-approval. It shows that you’re financially prepared and capable of following through with a purchase, making your offers more credible in competitive markets.
3. Negotiating Power: With a mortgage pre-approval in hand, you have stronger negotiating power when making an offer on a property. Sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price or terms knowing that you’re a serious buyer with financing already secured.
4. Avoiding Delays: Obtaining mortgage pre-approval before your house hunting trip can help streamline the home buying process. It allows you to move quickly when you find the right property, reducing the risk of delays and potentially losing out to other buyers.
5. Identifying Potential Issues: Mortgage pre-approval involves a thorough review of your financial situation by a lender. If there are any issues or discrepancies, they can be addressed early in the process, giving you time to resolve them before making an offer on a home.
6. Confidence in Your Decision: Knowing that you’re pre-approved for a mortgage gives you confidence when making an offer on a property. You can proceed with more certainty, knowing that you have the financial backing to secure the home you want.
7. Streamlining the Closing Process: Having a mortgage pre-approval can help streamline the closing process once you’ve found the right home. Since much of the financial legwork has already been done, closing can proceed more smoothly and efficiently.

In summary, mortgage pre-approval is essential for military personnel, or anyone else, embarking on a house hunting trip. It provides a clear understanding of your budget, enhances your credibility with sellers, strengthens your negotiating power, and streamlines the home buying process, ultimately helping you find and secure the right home more efficiently.

Whether you need to sell your home prior to buying a new one when relocating depends on several factors, including your financial situation, preferences, and the specific circumstances of your relocation. Here are some considerations:

1. Financial Considerations: If you need the equity from the sale of your current home to finance the purchase of a new one, selling before buying may be necessary. This is particularly relevant if you’re not able to qualify for a new mortgage without the proceeds from selling your existing home.
2. Timing: Selling your current home before buying a new one can help simplify the timing of your relocation. It ensures that you have the funds available to purchase a new home and can avoid the logistical challenges of coordinating two separate transactions simultaneously.
3. Market Conditions: Market conditions can influence whether it’s advantageous to sell before buying. In a seller’s market where homes are selling quickly and prices are rising, you may feel more confident in selling first. However, in a buyer’s market with more inventory and less competition, you may have more flexibility to buy before selling.
4. Bridge Financing: If you find your dream home before selling your current one, you may consider bridge financing to cover the gap between buying and selling. This short-term loan can provide the funds needed to purchase the new home while you wait for your current home to sell.
5. Rental Options: In some cases, you may choose to rent temporarily after relocating and selling your current home. This can give you more time to explore the new area, assess your housing needs, and find the right home to purchase without feeling rushed.
6. Employer Assistance: Some employers offer relocation assistance packages that include benefits such as temporary housing or assistance with buying and selling homes. Check with your employer to see what options are available to you.

Ultimately, the decision to sell your home prior to buying a new one when relocating depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. It’s essential to carefully weigh the financial implications, market conditions, and timing considerations to determine the best approach for your situation. Consulting with a real estate agent or financial advisor can also provide valuable guidance in making this decision.