73 acreage listing came on to MLS® for Parkland County during February. Similar to last year Februarys 71 listings.
Parkland County Acreage Average List Price
The average list price of Parkland County acreages was $722.4k in February. This is a 9.3% increase over February 2023 listing price of $661.1k.
Parkland County Acreage Sales
36 Parkland County acreages sold in February. Last February saw 28 acreages sell.
Parkland County Acreage Average Sale Price
$583.3k was the average sales price for acreages in Parkland County. This is an $80k difference from last February when the average sales price was $503.5k.
Parkland County Acreage Days on Market
Parkland County acreages were on MLS® an average of 178 days before selling.
The Edmonton Police Service has highlighted a troubling rise in Edmonton home rental scams, emphasizing the growing importance of rental awareness. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting both unsuspecting tenants and landlords.
There are primarily two types of rental scams to be aware of:
Fraudulent listings for properties that are either non-existent, already rented, or significantly misrepresented, and scams targeting property owners by posing as potential tenants to defraud them.
Stay Informed:
To combat these scams, it’s crucial for both renters and landlords to stay informed about the common tactics used by fraudsters. This includes requests for money before viewing the property, listings with significantly lower than average rental prices, and high-pressure tactics urging immediate decisions. The Edmonton Police Service offers advice on recognizing and avoiding these scams, such as verifying property ownership, never sending money before a contract is signed, and conducting in-person property viewings whenever possible.
Trust Your Gut:
If possible, engage with previous tenants of the landlord or company to gather insights. Perform online research on the property to check for its current occupants or duplicate rental advertisements. Visiting the property personally before any financial transactions is highly recommended to ensure its authenticity. Be cautious, as scammers often exploit individuals urgently seeking housing, using emotional vulnerability to their advantage. Unusually low rental prices in major cities like Edmonton are typically bait used by fraudsters. Compare the property with nearby listings to assess standard rental rates in the area. Avoid sharing your social security number merely for application purposes. Engage with landlords who are overseas only after confirming their identity and property ownership. Prioritize local, face-to-face transactions. Exercise caution if a landlord prefers email communication exclusively, is abroad, or refuses phone conversations. Before opening email attachments from landlords, use anti-virus software to check for malware, which may redirect you to fraudulent websites. Remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and if a listing or process appears too good to be true, it’s prudent to steer clear.
Protect your finances:
Scammers typically request upfront payments, such as security deposits or rent in advance. If you’re uncertain about the payment’s legitimacy, refrain from sending it. Avoid wire transfers or e-transfers, as these funds can be irretrievably lost. Opt for credit card payments, when possible, for additional security. Be especially cautious with requests to wire funds via Western Union or MoneyGram for international transactions, as these are favored by scammers for their immediacy and anonymity. If the landlord evades your queries or pressures, you into making a hasty payment decision, it’s advisable to walk away. An excessively high security deposit or upfront fee may indicate a scam.
Awareness and education are key defenses against rental scams. By staying informed and cautious, renters and landlords can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. As rental scams continue to evolve, the community’s collective vigilance and preparedness will be vital in safeguarding the integrity of the rental market in Edmonton and beyond.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BECOME A VICTIM IN A RENTAL SCAM
If you did send money or share financial information, report it to the financial institution used.
Gather all information pertaining to the situation, including the scammer’s profile name, how you made contact, social media screenshots, emails, etc. and contact your local police. Call the Edmonton City Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377.
If you come across an ad that feels off, contact your REALTOR® to check active listings. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who can safely rent or advertise your rental.
If you have concerns about a rental or are considering renting out your property, let’s talk.
Net Zero vs. Net Zero Ready Homes: Understanding the Future of Home Construction
The evolution of residential construction is steering towards sustainability and energy efficiency, with Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes at the forefront of this movement. These homes represent the pinnacle of energy-efficient living, offering homeowners the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and live in a more environmentally friendly way. But what differentiates Net Zero from Net Zero Ready Homes? This guide explores the distinctions, benefits, and considerations of each, providing valuable insights for homeowners and builders alike.
What are Net Zero Homes?
Net Zero Homes are designed and built to produce as much clean energy as they consume over the course of a year. Achieving up to 80% more energy efficiency than typical new homes, these properties use renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to generate power for heating, cooling, and electricity. The result is a home that has a net zero energy bill and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
What are Net Zero Ready Homes?
Net Zero Ready Homes are constructed with the same high standards of energy efficiency as Net Zero Homes but do not include the installation of renewable energy systems at the time of construction. These homes are essentially pre-equipped to become Net Zero Homes, allowing homeowners the flexibility to add renewable energy solutions, like solar panels, at a later date. The primary advantage is the potential for future upgradeability, making them an attractive option for those planning to transition to a fully renewable energy-powered home.
Key Differences
The main distinction between the two lies in the integration of renewable energy systems. While both home types are built to the same efficiency standards, Net Zero Homes come with renewable energy solutions installed, making them immediately capable of offsetting their energy use with clean energy production. Net Zero Ready Homes, meanwhile, are primed for future installations of these systems, offering a path to achieving Net Zero status down the line.
Considerations for Homeowners
Choosing between a Net Zero and a Net Zero Ready Home involves several considerations:
Upfront Investment: Net Zero Homes typically require a higher initial investment due to the cost of renewable energy systems. However, they offer immediate energy savings and a lower environmental impact.
Future Flexibility: Net Zero Ready Homes provide flexibility, allowing homeowners to invest in renewable energy systems when it’s financially feasible or when technology advances.
Energy Efficiency Features: Both types of homes include features such as extra insulation, high-performance windows, and efficient heating and cooling systems, which contribute to their superior energy performance.
Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes are at the cutting edge of sustainable residential construction, offering efficient, eco-friendly living options for the modern homeowner. Whether opting for the immediate benefits of a Net Zero Home or the future-proofing approach of a Net Zero Ready Home, both choices pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. As technology advances and the push towards renewable energy grows stronger, these homes not only represent a wise investment in the environment but also in our collective future.
If you’re interested in further discussion on Net Zero, let’s talk!
The affordability of houses in Edmonton is influenced by several factors:
Geographical Advantage:
Edmonton’s position in a broad, flat plain facilitates easier and more cost-effective construction compared to cities with challenging terrains. This geographic factor significantly lowers the barriers to expanding residential areas, keeping land prices relatively low and making it easier to build in every direction [1].
Market Dynamics:
Edmonton’s real estate market is influenced by its inventory levels and demand. Unlike Calgary, which has experienced record low inventory and high demand leading to higher prices, Edmonton’s housing market has managed to maintain a balance that favors affordability [2].
Comparative Affordability:
When comparing Edmonton to other major Canadian cities, it’s evident that Edmonton’s housing prices are more affordable. This affordability is attributed to the availability of cheap land on the peripheries of the city, which helps keep even the inner-city property values more reasonable [3].
Economic Factors:
Despite the affordability of housing, Edmonton, along with Calgary, offers higher wages, jobs that are not much harder to find, and lower taxes. These economic advantages make Edmonton an attractive option for both residents and investors looking for affordable living costs with good employment opportunities [3].
Historical Pricing Trends:
Over the past two decades, Edmonton’s housing prices have remained lower and more stable compared to other cities, making homeownership more accessible to the average person [4].
Attractiveness to Buyers:
The combination of affordability, economic stability, and a favorable housing market has made Edmonton an attractive option for those looking to invest in real estate or settle down, without the financial strain often associated with larger cities in Canada [6].
To further explore these factors, consider examining the impact of urban planning policies, infrastructure development, population growth, and economic diversification on Edmonton’s real estate market. Such an analysis can provide a comprehensive understanding of why Edmonton remains an affordable and attractive city for homeownership.
If you’re curious about the Edmonton Real Estate Market, let’s talk!
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