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Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate

Choosing a real estate agent is not easy.

It is important to hire with experience, expertise, integrity, honesty, and enthusiasm. Since 1991 Jeff & Sandy Johnson with Realty Executives Focus has excelled in all of those aspects. For many years we have been a top real estate team in helping sellers and buyers navigate the complex world of real estate; pre owned, investment and new home sales. Our expertise in first time home buyers, investors, mature sellers and buyers, rural acreage customers and clients has propelled us to the top of the class.

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5 THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER TO GET THE MOST OUT OF FALL

October marks the height of the fall seasons: The temperature finally dips--and actually stays chilly. Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are ripe for the picking. Cafes have hit their ture pumpkin spice latte strides. And throughout most of the county, the colorful chang in fall foliage will peak sometime during the month of October.

There are so many ways to relish in the season's offering both big and small, near or far from home. Here are some classic fun things to do in October to take advantage of the beautiful weather, seasonal changes, gorgeous foliage, and calm before the holiday storm.

CHECK OUT FALL FOLIAGE

Whether it's right at a local park or a drive into the suburbs, look up the best places to see all the gorgeous, vibrant fall foliage near you. Bring your camera and get ready to marvel at the yellows, oranges, and reds of the season.

GO PUMPKIN PICKING

Head to a pumpkin patch with your family or friends to find the perfect pumpkins for an October-themed doorstep or natural fall decor inside. Kids will love being able to choose their favorite pumpkins and take them home to carve or paint.

GO TO A FALL FESTIVAL

Look into local fall festivals coming up near you and take some friends, your kids, or a date out for a day hayrides, pumpkin picking, haunted houses, local food stalls, outdoor entertainment, and caramel apples. Yum!

TAKE A HIKE

There's nothing like a good hike through nature surrounded by cool, clean air and fall-touches trees. Bundle up, and don't forget to pack a picnic for the end.

WATCH SCARY MOVIES

'Tis the season for scary movies! Whether it's a Stephen King inspired classic or a contemporary thriller - watching a scay movie in October will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween. It's eerie-sistible!

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Home Sold in Fort Saskatchewan
Home Sold for 98% of List Price. Fort Saskatchewan Real Estate is still steady. Thinking of selling your home, give us a call and lets get Started!
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New property listed in Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Saskatchewan

I have listed a new property at 654 MEADOWVIEW DR in Fort Saskatchewan. See details here

Built in 2021 Bungalow, everything on wish list. 2364 sq ft of fully finished living space. Landscaped & fenced with extra storage under deck. Reserve on east side. Open main floor, vaulted ceilings, vinyl planking throughout. Exquisite floor to ceiling stone gas fireplace sets the mood. Huge island with sink, pot draws & seating. Over abundance of cabinets & counter space. Quartz countertops throughout home. Built in oven, microwave & countertop induction stove. Garden door to maintenance free deck & rails, gas BBQ. Main floor laundry with sink. Extra bedroom/den & full bath on main. Master bedroom suite w coffered ceiling, side bed lights, walk-in closet. Ensuite: double glass door shower w seat, tile floor. Lower level, 9' ceilings, 2 bedrooms w walk in closets. 1 bedroom has access to the 4 piece bath! The rec room will be your time to relax with family. 2 large windows leaves this room bright & open. Central air conditioning. Heated garage w hot/cold running water and floor drain. Now time to View!

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New property listed in Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Saskatchewan

I have listed a new property at 100 8530 94 ST in Fort Saskatchewan. See details here

Welcome Home! Clio is centrally located close to hospital. 1619 sq ft. Large welcoming front entrance from the front door and your double attached garage. Plenty of storage. Upper level great room is open and welcoming. Vinyl floor planking throughout. Bright and open with plenty of natural light. Functional kitchen with huge island with quartz countertop and seating. Plenty drawers, cabinets and pantry. Great for all those family functions. All appliances are included. Garden door to balcony with BBQ natural gas line. Family size eating area over looking living room. Stairs leading you to the master bedroom suite. Large enough for king size bed. Three piece ensuite with double stand alone shower. Two other good size bedrooms. Upper level laundry too! Double attached garage. Central air conditioning too! Best part no yardwork. Condo fees $155.00 per month includes yard and snow removal. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

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How Will Higher Interest Rates Affect Me?

Canadians have enjoyed low interest rates for the last decade but even more since the onset of the global pandemic. during that time, the Bank of Canada responded with a trio of rate cuts, bringing us to 0.25%. However, fast forward to 2022, we have already seen three interest rate hikes in response to soraring inflation rates which reached a 39-year high in May, at 7.7%

What does an interest rate hike mean if you're planning to buy a home, if you already have a mortgage, or are carrying any othe debt? Let's take a step back to better understand what causes these changes in interest rates and how a higher rate might impact you.

What causes Interest Rates to Rise or Fall?

The bank of Canada is our central bank, and alon with its Governor, is responsible for setting monetary policies, printing money, and the Bank's interest rate. Per the Bank, it principal role is "to promote the economic and finacial welfare of Canada" as defined in the Bank of Canada Act.

A good example of this is March 2020, when the Bank implemented a trio of interest rate cuts in an effort toprotect the Canadian economy from the fallout of COVID-19. The Bank's key interest rate remained unchanged for about 2 years, sittiing at 0.25%. A low rate aims to boost the economy when a slow-down is anticipated. It serves as a guideline for othe banks and lenders when they set their own interest rates- including mortgage rates. The hope is that reducting the cost of borrowing will encourage consumers to keep spending and thur. the economy keeps humming along.

Fast forward to post-pandemic July 2022. Bank of Canada has implemented multiple interest rate hies to slow down soaring inflation.

How will Higher Interest Rates Affect Me?

What happens when interest rates rise? As the econom recovers, interest rates will typically rise. However, as we saw in the wake of COVID-19 in a down economy, they will fall. When the Bank makes changes to the policy interest rate, similar chages can occur in short-term interest rates. This includes the Bank's prime rate which is often a reference point for big banks andothe lenders when they determine their own interest rates.

Different Scenarios

A higher interest rate means borrowing money is More Expensive. This applis to all debt. From car loans and student loans, to lines of credit, outstanding credit card balances and yes... mortgages. On the flip-side, if you have investments or money parked in a high-interest savings account, you may see higher returns.

If you already own a home and are locked into a fized mortgage rate, a higher interest rate won't affect your mortgage payments for the term of your mortgage. When it's time to renew, you may be doing so at a higher rate, which means less of your hard-earned mone is going towards paying down you principal loan.

If you have a variable-rate mortgage, an interest-rate hike would mean a larger portion of you regular mortgage payment will be allocated to interes, versus principal.

Meanwhile, those who are in the market to buy a home will feel a more-immediate pinch, in the form of a higher mortgage interest rate. And if you'rehoping to buy a home in a pricey market, such as Toronto or Vancouver, that pinch would feel more like a punch. Depending on the amount borrowed, even an increase of one percent can mean thousands more paid in interest over the life of a mortgage.

Those who are also carrying other forms of debt, such as credit card balances, will also get it with a higher cost of borrowing.

How Could This Change Impact Canadian Real Estate?

Might a higher lending rate cool the Canadian housing market? Potentially, One reason for the high demand and flurry of market activity that took place in 2020 and 2021 was the rock-bottom interest rate. This prompted many prospective homebuyers to get off the fence, so to speake, and expedite their purchase to take advantage of the attractive rate. (That is, if they could find a home to buy in this tight market.)

On the other hand, oculd a higher interest rate heat up the market? This scenario is unlikely once the higher rate is in effect. However, it's not unheard of for home-buying activity to pick up before an expected increase.

How To Prepare for Higher Rates Ahead

It's sale to say interest rates will rise, eventurally. Now that you have a better idea of how higher interest rates may affect you, what can you do to prepare for the inevitable pinch to your pocketbook?

  • Pay down your loans as much as possible, while interest rates are still low. Wheather it's a mortgage or another type of loan, a lower interest rate means more of your payment goes toward paying down principal
  • If you're carrying multiple debts, consider a debt payment strategy, There's many types of programs and guides such as debt avalance or debt snowball to help pay down those debts.
  • If you'll be shopping for a home, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Not only does this give you a good idea of your home budget, but doing so also locks in the current (lower) rate for a period, often 90 or 120 days. And getting pre-approved cost you nothing.
  • If you have a variable-rate mortgage, discuss your options with your lender or financial adviser, Consider locking it in for a fixed term at the current lower rate. 

Of course, it's always wise to discuss the details of your financial situation and goals with an accredited financial adviser. And speaking of a professional help, We have over 35 years of real estate experience that can help you navigate the Alberta Real Estate Market. Let's find your next home, investment property and more.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, invest in your first property or tenth property, we can help you with all the things in Real Estate. We have worked with clients all over Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, St. Albert and other surrounding cities. Fell free to contact us direct at 780-699-5018 or email jeff@jjjohnson.com if you have any questions or would like a quick chat. 

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New property listed in Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Saskatchewan

I have listed a new property at 82 WOODBRIDGE LINK in Fort Saskatchewan. See details here

Very well kept desirable 1/2 duplex walking distance to our treasured River Valley Trail system including parks, play grounds, dog park, fish pond, ball diamonds and Andy’s playground. Boasting 1400 square feet. Spacious front foyer leads to great room with gas fireplace and built in entertainment center. European style shaker door kitchen cabinets with corner pantry and functional island with raised breakfast bar. Nice sized dinette. Hardwood flooring. Main floor two piece bath. Direct entrance to attached garage. Three bedrooms up. Master has four piece ensuite. There is also an additional four piece bath. Beautiful low maintenance landscaping front and back of home. Rear patio with additional raised deck lodging area large enough for future hot tub. North facing back large perfect for the evening sun. Yard is fully fenced. This home is a real pleasure to show.

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New property listed in Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Saskatchewan

I have listed a new property at 14 ELLICE BEND in Fort Saskatchewan. See details here

Welcome Home! 2277 sq ft 2 Storey with all the bells and whistles. Spacious front foyer leads you to the Great room. Vinyl floor planking throughout main floor. 9' foot ceilings, extra large windows give an abundance of natural light. Stylish fireplace with tile surround. Extra large island with quartz countertops. Plenty of cabinets with pot drawers. Patio doors leads to your landscaped back yard and stone patio. Bonus the Gazebo stays! Just off the kitchen is den / child's play area. Walk though butler pantry to back entrance with customized mudroom. Half bath finishes the main floor. Upper level bonus room. Master bedroom suite with beautiful 5 pc. ensuite. Large soaker tub, double tiled stand alone shower and 2 sinks. Quartz counters in all bath rooms. Extra 3 bedrooms on upper level! all a great size. Upper level laundry. Basement is unfinished with rough in bathroom. Central air conditioner for the warm summer days. Double attached garage. Stunning home you won't want to miss!

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    A True Cream Puff! Located in Old Fort Saskatchewan

              A True Cream Puff! Located in Old Fort Saskatchewan

This cozy home leaves you feeling warm and content. Bungalow nestled in old Fort Saskatchewan backing onto green belt. Extensively renovated throughout. Newer shingles, vinyl windows, front and back doors, lighting, kitchen, bathroom and flooring. Welcoming front entance. Bright open concept with hardwood flooring in living room and dining area. Functional kitchen with island. Newer stainless steel appliances which are included. Large master befroom with priavate sitting area. Basement with rec. room and 2 extra bedrooms. Huge Lot! Fenced and landscaped. Shed stays. Oversized double heated garage and room for your R.V parking. Back alley access. Patio area and plenty of room for your garden and play area. Quite street close to shopping. Looking for a retirement home or just starting off. This is the home for you!

Check out the Details

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New property listed in Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Saskatchewan

I have listed a new property at 120 DURRAND BEND in Fort Saskatchewan. See details here

Location - Location - Location really applies to this very well kept home backing onto scenic park and pond, with direct access to our Treasured Walking and Bicycle Trial System that adjoins the entire city. Boasting WALKOUT BASEMENT to sunny north facing, incredibly stylish and low maintenance landscaped, fully fenced back yard. Bright and open foyer leads to good sized great room with gas fireplace and upper entertainment center. Rich wood kitchen cabinets with walk through corner pantry and family function island with room enough for four chairs. All adjoining good sized dinette with coffered ceiling. Dinette could handle a variety of different kitchen tables. Patio door from dinette leads to private rear deck. Granite counter tops through out. Main floor laundry. Double attached garage. Upper level features bonus room, three bedrooms, four piece bath. Master bedroom has walk in closet and five piece ensuite with double shower, two sinks and jet tub. Basement is unspoiled and ready for your imagination

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