Ben Officer-REALTOR®

Edmonton and St. Albert each have T.U.C.s (Transportation Utility Corridors) around them and they are possible routes for the new power lines. This doesn’t include all the smaller individual transmission towers that course through Edmonton and St. Albert.

The added cost will be off-set by happier property owners, added safety from magnetic fields, and less possible ice-storm damage (not too probable but look at Ontario and Quebec).

I’m willing to pay extra for it.

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

Yesterday I picked up the keys for the new home of a young couple who have been renting. They bought a very nice bungalow on the North-side of Edmonton.

We met at the house and I gave them the keys so they could be the first ones in the door. The seller had done a good job of cleaning and even left a few things the new owners could use.

The best part???  The look of total happiness on the young couple’s faces!!!

I love my job when I see that, because I remember when that was my wife and I.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

St. Albert City council recently voted to transfer 95% of the offsite costs of a water reservoir, pump house, and other infrastructure in the annexed lands being developed, over to the developers and builders.

This was done because homeowners in St Albert have been getting increasingly vocal about issues that are affecting the cities financial operations. Many homeowners feel that they are paying high property taxes and they want to see them capped for the foreseeable future.

This large transfer of development costs for the needed infrastructure over to the developers and builders will ultimately be passed on to the new home purchasers through higher prices.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

What with the reduced number of homes and condo listings in Edmonton and St Albert, there are Buyers that are looking for homes that are not finding what they want.

The first couple I would like to blog about are looking for a townhouse style condo with 3 bedrooms and at least 1.5 bathrooms in North Edmonton.

The other buyers are a couple with kids, looking for a home in North Edmonton that needs some TLC so they can put some sweat equity into it.

Both buyers are pre-approved  up to about 200 K and actively looking at properties with me. If you know of a home that might fit their needs that’s not currently on MLS, please contact me.

Have a great week!

Ben Officer, CD REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

With our first real snowfall on the ground (that earlier one doesn’t count to me) I am still finding the real estate market busy with buyers who have pre-approvals. They are looking for houses and condos in the Edmonton, St Albert, and surrounding real estate market areas for me to show them.

One of the big draw-backs is, in some cases, the lack of MLS listings that fit their criteria. For most of them, if the home is priced reasonably well, matches their criteria for bedrooms etc.., and shows okay it would be something they would purchase.

I have been talking to quite a few prospective sellers who say they are waiting until the spring of 2010 to list their houses or condos for sale. In most cases I can understand their rationale, but considering the market right now it might have been a good time to list, sell, and buy their new home right now.

I know, easy for me to say but I am in the information game. I give sellers and buyers the best information I can so they can make informed decisions that best suit their situation.

We will see how the rest of the fall and first part of the winter of 09/10 market activity fairs out.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have lived on an acreage, we know how enjoyable it can be. The Capital Region Board has made some changes to where new country residential acreages will be allowed.

Years ago, I had a bungalow on 6.14 acres outside Brandon, Manitoba. It had a well and septic system. I say this because I learned first-hand how the amount of land, the impact of the water, and septic systems all have a direct bearing on area land use and agricultural activities.

The Capital Region Board is clustering the new country residential to 4 areas around Edmonton and St Albert to control further growth.

They are looking at preservation of agricultural lands, protection of the environment, proposed city growth (to allow cities to expand around the acreages), plus water and sewage issues.

There are some who suggest that municipalities should be free to approve developments on an individual basis because acreages are more of a personal choice. I would tend to agree but with some caveats.

The whole Walkerton E. coli water tragedy brought forth some sweeping changes on water and septic issues. I have seen some acreages that are too close together and each has a well and septic field. With acreage developments, a close eye must be kept on locations for ease of hook-up to municipal water and sewer systems where possible,along with the prevention of environmental damage.

Further information on the Capital Region Board and the changes to the Priority Growth Areas and Cluster Country Residential Areas can be found at the Capital Region Board website at:

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate (Edmonton)

There are different reasons for renovating our homes. To finish the unfinished basement, modernize the kitchen, or to convert that living space into something more useful?

Whatever the reason, do your research and homework well before you start. Ask yourself, “Am I renovating for me or am I renovating to sell?”

I have had some sellers who go about renovating to sell, only to find out that the money they spent was not completely realized when the home sold.

I advise sellers and prospective sellers to check with me for my experience and to also consult a Home Renovation Guide, like the one published by

Henderson and Butt Appraisals.

The guide takes a good look at home renovation costs and projected pay-backs, when you sell your home.

The link to the guide is: http://www.hendersonandbutt.com/renovation.html  (Note: I find it best to download the 1.72 MB .pdf document. It’s easier to read)

Call me, if you have any questions.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate (Edmonton)

Some days you just have to get a pet-peeve out in the open.

Listing and selling real estate in Edmonton, St Albert and area is all about getting the details right and especially getting good MLS exposure. When I see a home or condo get listed, and it takes 3 to 5 days to get the pictures on, I know that marketing time has been lost.

When I list a home, I have the photos ready to go. That way, when the new listing comes on, it has pictures to go with it.

Tell me that you don’t just skip listings with no pictures? I would too. No picture = Low interest.

The system even allows for up to 20 pictures for each listing. I try to get as many good representative photos as possible. (The only issue is when a property is tenant-occupied. You must get permission from the tenant to have inside photos)

If the listing warrants it, I even have a company that comes in to do additional pictures and a virtual tour. I know that pictures and virtual tours normally don’t sell the listing, but they sure do get more interest and more showings.

And that’s one of the reasons why you hired me. 

Call or email me if you have any questions.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

I’ve heard and seen various stats on where people start to look at homes for sale listings. I would say about 80-90% of people looking for a home, begin their search on the internet.

Why not. There are plenty of different sites that are dedicated to showing homes for sale in different areas.

Now, they do vary a little bit in the information given. Sometimes there won’t be many pictures, room sizes etc…  Sometimes that’s also due to the listing REALTOR® making choices on how they list the home too. (I will get into that more in a later blog post)

My recommendations for searches? I’m glad you asked.  You could go to REALTOR.ca and look at the real estate listings there. Or, even better yet you could go through this website and look at the listings.

Even though I am a RE/MAX REALTOR®, all the MLS listings are available for you to search. This is because there is an agreement through our local board.

Is this the best way? I’m glad you asked again. In a word… No.

You might not like to hear this, but the best way is to contact a real estate agent like me.

The search system we use to search is completely up-to-date, with all the information you need. We can even set-up home searches so that when any new listings come on the MLS or the asking price changes, you get the information emailed directly to you.

The other sites are often many hours or could be even days behind because they are not able to have real-time access.

So, please use this website to search for a home, sign-up for extra help, or call me so we can meet and get you the best information and service.

Don’t forget to enjoy this nice fall weather while you can, too.

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

Shopping for a home is a little like shopping for a car. Unless you know what to look for, you risk being swayed by first impressions and buying something that does not truly meet your needs.

For example, you might fall in love with the basement recreation room — complete with a bar and a dartboard — and unconsciously overlook the fact that the home doesn’t have enough bedrooms to accommodate your growing family.

So when you’re viewing a potential new home, or checking out a property during a weekend “open house”, what should you look for?

Here are some suggestions:

· Is there enough room for your family, now and in the future?
Remember, as kids grow so does the space they require!

· Are there enough bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and storage space?

· Is the yard big enough?

· Will your furniture fit the space?

· Do you like the neighborhood? Always take a walk around and explore the area.

· Does anything need to be repaired or replaced? If the seller won’t be taking care of such issues, repairs or replacements could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the true cost of buying the property.

· Will you be as happy there in the winter as you will in the summer and visa versa? Imagine the home in all four seasons, good weather and bad.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when viewing a home. After all, it’s a major purchase. You want to get it right!

Need help finding homes to view that meet your requirements? Call today.

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

Since I’ve been a RE/MAX REALTOR® for several years now, I have realized that when most people find out what I do, they like to talk real estate.

I usually don’t initiate the conversation, and I don’t normally mind discussing the market conditions or other topics.

To most people, just calling up a real estate agent to ask a question makes them feel uncomfortable. They think we will always try to get them to buy or sell.

Well, of course why wouldn’t I ask what you are looking at doing!!!  I’m in sales! 

Although, I will ask in a friendly way, so I can get a good idea of what you are looking to accomplish.

Getting good advice from a caring, honest, hard-working REALTOR® like me can put you in the best position. Use me for what I do best, helping folks like you to buy or sell a home or condo.

Besides, the office coffee is pretty good.  Hasn’t killed anyone I know of.

Please, don’t forget to call first though.

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

Direct # 780-266-4418

I was out for a walk this morning, enjoying this great fall day when I heard a roar. I turned to see a RE/MAX balloon heading north from the Castle Downs area.

The person controlling the balloon was using the burner heavily to gain altitude in the cold morning air.

The RE/MAX Balloon logo
The red, white and blue RE/MAX Balloon, with its "Above the Crowd!^®"slogan, is one of the most recognizable business logos in the world. With more than 120 RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons around the globe, RE/MAX has the one of the world's largest balloon fleets.

As an industry leader
RE/MAX is the No. 1 real estate organization in Canada and in the United States.

With More than 29 Years Above the Crowd

RE/MAX is now an established industry leader – it celebrated its 30th anniversary at the 2003 RE/MAX International Convention. Young in years but mature in experience, RE/MAX looks ahead to even greater development and success in its next quarter century.

Why do I work as a full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX?  We're the Real Estate Leaders. No one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

Give me a call, to get me working for you!

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

The Edmonton, St Albert, and area real estate market has seen a bit of an up and down oscillation in 2009. The number of homes for sale (listings)

on the MLS went down to 1118 from 1894 in November.

The average price of a single family home decreased by about $2600 and condominiums decreased by about $12000.

This could be just another seasonal adjustment, with a bit of a change in the homes and condos sold.

The average days on the market went up slightly to 50 days from 48 days in November, but the Sales to Listing ratio went up to 85

from 67 in November.

The average sale price for a Single family home started out at $352,689 in January, and finished at $366,761. Average Condo sale prices

started at $238,535 in January, and finished at $244,174.

On the whole, I think the market still has done much better than a lot of people thought it would in 2009.

Here is the chart comparing the months average prices, for 2009.

The announcement from the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton forecast was  “We anticipate sales of about 21,000 units in 2010

which is up 10.5% from the 19,000 residential properties sold in 2009.”

The market should continue to improve as 2010 carries on, although condos look they will remain flat in pricing this year.

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If you would like to find out what homes are selling for in your neighbourhood, just go to www.BenOfficer.ca and click on the “Market Snap-Shot” tab.

Fill-in the info and you will get the report. Tooooo easy.

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate

Selling your home in the Edmonton real estate and St Albert real estate markets can be challenging if you and your home are not ready. Listing your home on the MLS system is good, but getting your home in the best shape to sell is important. The way we live in our homes and how we sell our homes can be quite different.

Now, I can offer you the RE/MAX Fit to Sell program. As a RE/MAX REALTOR® I have additional selling tips like the Fit to Sell program.

The RE/MAX Fit to Sell program is designed to to help you prepare your home so it sells faster and for a better price.

In a series of 10 short videos produced for RE/MAX by designer and home-staging expert, Carla Woolnough, she presents home staging tips on how to make your home most appealing.

You can discover how to make simple home improvements that will enhance air quality, curb appear, flooring, painting, lighting and simple updates and repairs. As well as smart home staging ideas to de-clutter, depersonalize, enhance the main selling rooms of your home, ideal furniture and much more.

Please contact me to find out more about the RE/MAX Fit to Sell program.

Ben Officer, CD  REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate