The Sarasota Team

First Time Home Buyer’s Incentive

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

Live in Cobalt Beach with the help of the First Time Home Buyers Incentive

Interested in living in Cobalt Beach with exclusive access to Jensen Lake? Purchasing a new home is a HUGE investment, especially if it’s your first home. Well everyone, the Canadian people have spoken and the Canadian Government has responded… with the introduction of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive program! What a time to be alive! If this is the first time you’ve heard of the program and you’re interested in buying a new home, listen up.

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive focuses on helping middle-class Canadians purchase their first home. The Government of Canada wants to take part in the investment, providing ten per cent towards the purchase of your new build home. Therefore, decreasing your mortgage amount, your monthly payments AND the stress on your wallet. However, every great thing comes with conditions (sorry to be a downer.) The Canadian Government acts as a silent investor, sharing the losses and gains of the constantly changing market. The article “Determine if the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive makes sense for you” published in the Edmonton Journal states that the Government “holds a second mortgage on your home, which will require payout when you sell, or in 25 years, whichever comes first.” Now we’ll hit you with some good news again. The article written by Heather Faulkner goes on to explain that if you choose to purchase a brand new home for the first time, the Canadian Government will put ten per cent towards your down payment. She goes on to write that “it doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you think the average home is still more than $400,000, the dollars add up!”

For example, say you are a first time home owner. You put $17,500 down (5 per cent) on a $350,000 home in Cobalt Beach. Purchasing a new build home, you can apply for the incentive of 10 per cent.

You could save $200 in monthly savings and a reduction on CHMC mortgage insurance premiums of approximately $5,000!

The qualifications for the program are pretty straight forward. Whether you’re divorced and a first time home buyer or even if you haven’t owned your own home is four years, you can still qualify. Some of the qualifications are:

-Mortgage must be insured and be less than 20 per cent down payment from traditional sources

-Can be one to four residential units

-At least one person on the title who has never owned a home

Buying your first home is a HUGE step in life, but the price tag shouldn’t stop you from doing so. If you’d like more information on the First Time Home Buyer’s Incentive, check out our podcast https://sarasotarealty.ca/podcast/episode-2-8-listed-season-2-a-new-incentive-for-first-time-home-buyers/ or head to https://www.placetocallhome.ca/fthbi/first-time-homebuyer-incentive

To check out our units available in Cobalt Beach, go to https://sarasotahomes.ca/cobalt-beach/

Sources:

https://edmontonjournal.com/life/homes/determine-if-the-first-time-home-buyer-incentive-makes-sense-for-you

September 10, 2019

6 Ways to Repurpose a Spare Bedroom

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

Give your spare bedroom a purpose

Maybe your kids have finally moved out (woohoo!) or maybe you bought a home with a couple spare bedrooms. Whatever the case may be, don’t let that room go to waste! There are so many different functions a room can have. How exciting is it to take a room and make it into something you’ve always wanted? If you’re not quite sure what you want yet, here are some ideas to get you started!

Home Office

When working from home, it’s extremely important to establish a place that you can work where you won’t have any interruptions or distractions. It also makes it easier to clock in and out of your work day so you don’t overwork yourself. The nice part about creating your own custom home office is that you can decorate it the way you like! Maybe you don’t like to work at a formal desk but instead prefer a comfortable lounge area. Or maybe you would prefer multiple work stations for different parts of your job. The options are endless.

Walk-In Closet

Is your master closet getting a little cramped? Want more clothes and shoes but don’t have enough room? Are you picking up what we’re putting down? Turn your spare bedroom into the walk-in closet you’ve always DREAMED of. Install some shelves so you have a place to show off all your babies (sorry we meant shoes) and colour coordinate your clothes so you can see what colours you need more of… okay we’ll stop. You get the idea.

Fitness Room

We know what you’re thinking. That can get pretty pricey. But it depends on what you enjoy doing when working out! If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, invest in a couple dumbbells from Walmart, a bosu ball and a jump rope! Or if you want to save up for a fancy treadmill, you now have the space to store it. The money you save from not paying for a gym membership can be used to furnish your awesome new fitness room. Just remember… once you create an exercise room it’ll be harder to make excuses not to work out. Prepare yourself for that.

Art Studio/Crafts Room

Do you love to paint in your free time? Maybe you love DIY-ing but have no place to do it. Turn your spare bedroom into a studio! There’s nothing better than being able to unwind and put a paint brush to a canvas or sand down an antique dresser you just bought. Whatever you’re into, your spare bedroom could be a perfect place to store your projects and keep any creative explosions from happening in the living room.

Game Room

Remember… what happens in the game room, stays in the game room. You may have a HUGE collection of board games or maybe you’ve been dying to purchase a foosball table. You could host family game night and contain all the sibling arguments that go down. It’s a great way to bond with your family or to entertain some friends.

Library

Are you an avid reader? We know you can read everything online nowadays (ironic, we know) but there’s just something so nostalgic about holding a hard cover book in your hands. If you love collecting and reading books, maybe its time to finally turn your spare bedroom into a library to show off your collection! You could add shelves and a cozy reading nook. It would be a great place to take naps and spend your cold winter days.

There are so many different options when it comes to repurposing your spare bedroom. Even if you still want your spare bedroom to house your guests, you could keep a futon in the room and use the rest of the space for one of these ideas. Let us know what you use your spare bedroom for!

August 20, 2019

Showhome Spotlight – 3 + 5 Jacobs Close

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

Imagine being on vacation everyday. When you enter into 3 and 5 Jacobs, you’ll feel like you’re on an exclusive getaway without having to hop on an airplane and travel across the world. Instead, you get the view of soon-to-be Jubilation Beach from your front step.

3 Jacobs Close

When we think of the perfect beach bungalow, we think of 3 Jacobs. With nautical accents, our showhome includes amazing features. Features you’ve always wanted but were always out of reach. Sink your toes into this unique and elegant home that magically merges beach life with city living. When you step into 3 Jacobs, your eyes will meet the vaulted ceilings complimented by the rustic wooden beams. Hovering over the grand greatroom is a canoe handcrafted by Sarasota’s owner, Gary Acheson. Your hands will trace along the quartz and marble countertops of the bountiful kitchen and a serene master retreat will greet you.

As you journey your way through, you’ll find a second main floor bedroom flooded with natural light and a spacious bathroom. The vast back entry completes the main floor and is the perfect place to wash the sand from your toes.

When you venture down to the basement, enjoy a drink at the custom built bar and notice plenty of space perfect for an entertainment oasis accompanied by two additional bedrooms. Find yourself imaging all the possibilities within 3 Jacobs and let us be the first to welcome you home.

5 Jacobs Close

Transport yourself to this contemporary 2 storey home that embodies chic and modern designs. Every detail was carefully selected and quality crafted, from the intricate staircase to every little detail that created this one of a kind kitchen. The dark accents contrast the reflective backsplash and white cabinetry, creating a masterfully designed kitchen. The open concept main floor concludes with a sleek great room, den, mudroom and half bath.

As your eyes scan over the artistry of the staircase, you’ll find yourself arriving to the second floor. You’ll be drawn to the luxurious sanctuary of the master suite. Sip a warm cup of coffee made at the private coffee bar and immerse yourself in the spa-inspired ensuite. Imagine putting together the perfect outfit as you start your day in the enormous walk in closet.

Completing the second floor are three additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a bonus room and a spacious laundry room finished with plenty of counter space that will make you fall in love with doing laundry.

End your day by soaking in the sun on the large back deck or on the front veranda.

At Sarasota Homes, our Design Team strives to create the home that perfectly matches your lifestyle. Call today – your dream home awaits.

July 22, 2019

Jensen Lakes Timeline

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

The Lake is Coming!

Jensen Lakes will blow you out of the water!

St. Albert’s First Lake Community is on its way! At Jensen Lakes, every day is a getaway. This family friendly community offers a wide variety of exclusive amenities within walking distance. For the first time ever, this St. Albert community offers private access to Jubilation Beach and the beach club 364 days of the year. Once the lake is complete, it will contain 6,000 tons of sand, 400,000 cubic meters of water, and rocks that have been imported from Moyie and the Kootenays in British Columbia.

Not only will you have exclusive entry to St. Albert’s first beach, but your membership card will allow you to access the beach club and all the activities it has to offer!

Keep your fishing rod out all year! The lake will have plenty of fish stocked during the summer and winter for recreational fishing. Wanting to sit back and relax instead? The beach area offers a sandy play area, a boardwalk, lounge chairs, a volleyball net AND umbrellas. Once summer turns into winter, a skating and hockey area will be created so residents can continue to access the lake! The ice will be maintained by a Zamboni and will include temporary lights on the surface all season long.

Residents of Jensen Lakes will also be able to access the beach club which will include change rooms, washrooms, a concession stand, and space for rentals and events. Have a birthday party coming up and need an awesome place to throw it? The Beach Club makes it simple for residents to access the facility rentals and can host events such as weddings, birthday parties, and meetings. The Jubilation Beach House will be putting on various free community events/programs, as well as paid programs for children and adults of all ages.

Jensen Lakes also boasts exquisite homes to fit your lifestyle and is surrounded by an exclusive list of amenities. Looking to catch a good movie? Craving a burrito? Looking for a quiet place to read a new book? Jensen Lakes Crossing offers restaurants, entertainment and services right at your back door.

Bar Burrito | Landmark Theaters | St. Albert Public Library | Browns Social House | Canadian Brewhouse

And more to come!

Jensen Lakes will truly have something for you. Sarasota offers a variety of options for every price range and home style. Choose from our selection of estate homes, single family, townhomes and duplexes. Live in the location AND the home of your dreams! Come check us out at our showhomes located in Jensen Lakes or learn more by going to sarasotahomes.ca/jensen-lakes. Water you waiting for?

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July 15, 2019

The Festivals You Need To Check Out This Summer

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

What’s Going Down In and Around St. Albert Summer 2019?

Ever spent an entire summer binge watching multiple Netflix series? We know the answer to that and it is “yes, because every Stranger Things episode ends on a cliff hanger which is super rude and now we have to watch all 8 episodes back to back in an 8 hour period.” Then you’re left at the end of August thinking to yourself… what does the outside world look like? What day is it? Where am I? How did I get here? Well guess what, this guide is going to amp up your summer. We’re about to give you the top events that are going down in St. Albert and Edmonton THIS summer that you won’t want to miss. Goodbye Netflix (we’ll see you later tonight) and hello summer fun!

St. Albert

1.Farmers’ Market

Looking to shop while you enjoy the nice weather? Check out the Farmers’ Market in downtown St. Albert on St. Anne Street and St. Thomas Street! Fun fact: Did you know we have the largest outdoor Farmers’ Market in Western Canada? Whether you’re looking for freshly grown fruit and vegetables, handcrafted items, beautiful works of art, or yummy home baked goods, you’ll find it all here! They’re open every Saturday from 10am – 3pm starting June 8, 2019 to October 12, 2019.

For more info, head to https://www.stalbertfarmersmarket.com/

2. Rock’n August Week

You know what really revs our engines? A sick car show. We’ve been waiting a while to use that line. This summer time tradition attracts people from all over, including from the US! This car show serves as a fundraiser for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. Not only do you get to drool over classics from the past, but you also get to support a great cause. This year Rock’n August hopes to raise $150,000! To date, this amazing fundraiser has raised more than $980,000 for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation! The events run from August 6^th to August 10^th and begin on Tuesday, August 6^th at the Century Casino from 5pm-9pm.

For more info, head to https://www.rocknaugust.com/event/

3. ArtWalk St. Albert

Enjoy some beautiful art created by St. Albert’s finest locals. ArtWalk has brought colour and creativity to downtown St. Albert for over 15 years! Unique exhibitions and artists are presented in indoor venues each month from May to September. An outdoor marketplace joined by talented artists, creators and musicians are featured the first Thursday of the month between 6pm and 8:30pm to celebrate the start of these amazing displays. Check out the famous ArtWalk on August 1 and September 5.

For more info, head to https://www.artwalkstalbert.com/

Edmonton

4. Edmonton Folk Music Festival

Ready to bust out your sick dance moves and dancing pants? Lint roll the cat hair and smooth out any wrinkles because Edmonton Folk Music Festival is fast approaching and you DON’T want to miss it. From August 8 to August 11 in Gallagher Park, Folk Fest will be featuring awesome music and delicious food all while nestled in a natural amphitheater overlooking the beautiful city skyline. Bring your family and check out one of Edmonton’s most talked about festivals of the summer.

For more info, head to https://edmontonfolkfest.org/

photo credit: https://exploreedmonton.com/whats-on/festivals/edmonton-folk-music-festival

5. Edmonton Heritage Festival

Wanna see the world but don’t have the money? We understand. The struggle is real. Luckily the Edmonton Heritage Festival is back on August 3 to August 5 in Hawrelak Park! This festival is the world’s largest multicultural festival! Always wanted to experience Fiji’s cuisine? Or learn more about the Afghanistan and Zimbabwe culture? Presented by Servus Credit Union, this family-friendly and alcohol free event will have you feeling like you just explored the world. Check out delicious treats, amazing works of art and hang out with people who would love to tell you more about their culture!

For more info, head to https://www.heritagefest.ca/

photo credit: http://asian.ca/heritagemonth/event/heritage-festival/

6. Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

Get your mime fix at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival that’s hitting the streets of Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park (Gazebo Park) on July 5-14. Watch over 60 international, national and local dancers, mimes, character actors and performers put on amazing shows. Whether you’re feeling a little kooky, comical or silly, this is the place to be.

For more info, head to http://edmontonstreetfest.com/

photo credit: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/edmonton/event/edmonton-international-street-performers-festival/

7. Taste of Edmonton

Expand your taste buds at the Taste of Edmonton from July 18-28! Come enjoy the amazing aromas, savory flavors and spices at Capital Plaza. No need to douse everything in ketchup here… Unless its fries. Then we’ll allow it. Taste of Edmonton is Western Canada’s largest food festival and features over 50 food trucks and locally owned restaurants. Wanna learn a couple things or two? The popular festival will also be hosting workshops. Oh, and don’t forget there will be awesome music playing so you can groove AND eat all the food you want. Heck yeah!

For more info, head to https://www.tasteofedm.ca/

8. K Days

Looking for an event that has food, games, rides AND entertainment to experience it all in one? (We suggest not eating before the rides…) Believe us when we say there is something for everyone at K Days from Kids Town and the Kids Entertainment Stage, to testing your luck at the casino. Or if you just want to enjoy the awesome lemonade and deep fried donuts (highly recommend) while living vicariously through the people boarding the terrifying rides, there’s plenty to go around. Check out K Days at the Edmonton EXPO Centre from July 19 to July 28!

For more info, head to https://k-days.com/

9. Edmonton Fringe Festival

“O Fringe, Fringe, wherefore art thou Fringe Festival?” In Old Strathcona and on Whyte Avenue, THAT’S where. The Edmonton Fringe Festival is North America’s oldest and largest fringe festival located in the heart of Old Strathcona. With close to 1,600 local, national and international artists, you’re guaranteed to witness some pretty amazing performances and plays. If you’re looking to bring the fam jam, KidsFringe offers fun activities to families with children of all ages. Check out Edmonton Fringe Festival from August 15 to August 25!

For more info, head to https://www.fringetheatre.ca/festival/

photo credit: https://fringefestivals.com/festival/edmonton-international-fringe-theatre-festival/

So instead of rewatching Friends for the 431,345^th time, check out everything St. Albert and Edmonton has to offer. We promise you won’t be disappointed. If you’re interested in learning more about the events going down in St. Albert or Edmonton, check out

https://stalbert.ca/exp/explore/downtown/festivals/

https://exploreedmonton.com/whats-on?page=4&nextMonth=2019-08&nextSkip=11&more=21

July 5, 2019

Tried + Tested – Best Neutral Paint Colors

By The Sarasota TeamNEW

There you are on a Saturday afternoon standing in the paint section, questioning yourself as to why there are so many different shades of white. We get it, you have more important things you could be doing instead of staring blankly at 10 different types of whites. But we know you won’t give up because you’re not a quitter! That’s why we’re here; to hold your hand on this quest to find the holy grail of white paint.

First thing to consider is how vast the white paint world is. It’s far and wide and can be a scary realm to enter into but when broken down into hues, it’s not too bad. Artists and others who work with colours on a daily basis can tell you that no two white shades are the same. Once you notice the complexity of the different shades of white, you’ll began to understand what type of white paint you’re looking for and which ones you want to avoid.

The type of white paint you’ll want is going to depend heavily on the type of furniture you have. Before hitting up the paint section, take a good look at the room you’re working on. What types of colours are you already using? Do you have a lot of cool palettes going on with blues, greens and purples? Or are there warm undertones to your room such as oranges, pinks, reds and yellows? If you’re flashing those cooler palettes, you may want to go for whites with cooler undertones. If you’re really digging those warm palettes, choose whites with warmer undertones as well. If you find you use mostly neutral tones, we recommend a warmer white. If you are using pops of colours everywhere, maybe try a cooler toned white. Always remember that your furnishings will change your perception of the paint. Any undertone you have in the paint you use will be drawn out by your furnishings.

You may have heard how lighting can really affect the way the paint on your walls appear. You heard right. Picking a paint colour can depend on the room you’re painting, which direction it’s facing and whether or not it gets a lot of natural lighting. North-facing rooms typically have poor, cool natural lighting while south-facing rooms have strong, warm natural lighting. In this case, choose the opposite hue of white when it comes to the state of the lighting in your room. Poor, cool natural lighting can be paired with a warm white where as strong, warm natural lighting can be paired with a cool white.

So, maybe you’ve hit the end of this blog and you’re thinking “just give me some good white paint colours so I don’t have to measure the light in my room.” To which we respond “sure!” Here are our most tried and tested, BEST white and neutral paint colours we swear by.