Fort McMurray Real Estate
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Fort McMurray Housing Market: March 2025 Update

Apr 10, 2025

*5th April Edit: The following is based on there not being an extended stock market/oil market rout.* March rounded out a strong Q1 for sales (up 21% versus Q1 2024), and new listings were down this quarter by 20% vis-a-vis the same period last year. The result? Inventory is low, going into a busy

Fort McMurray Housing Market: February 2025 Update

Mar 26, 2025

Fort McMurray had a busier February and inventory started with a low base this year. Most importantly, the rate of new listings this year has so far been down 20% vis-a-vis last year. The result is that we are heading into real estate season, but the number of homes on the market

Fort McMurray Real Estate Enters A Seller's Market

Mar 03, 2021

Fort McMurray Real Estate Enters A Seller's Market   Seller's Market Since this Christmas, the Fort McMurray housing market as a whole has moved from a balanced position to displaying seller's market conditions. By our calculations, the new listings to sales ratio in February was 1.5:1 (with under 2:1 indicating a seller's market), and

Estate Sales - How To Sell Your Loved One’s Home

Jul 21, 2020

Have you recently lost a loved one and found that you will be responsible for selling their property in Fort McMurray?  Or has a loved one just moved into assisted living or palliative care? Either, way, are you unsure where to start? It can be a daunting process. This article contains all the

A Floaters Guide to Floating the Clearwater River in Fort McMurray

Jul 14, 2020

Let's Get Right to it!   Ok, now this is getting me really excited for our beautiful summers!   Have you ever floated down the river in Fort McMurray? Would you like to know where to go and what to bring? Then read on, and enjoy!   I moved to Fort McMurray in 2013 and it

Home Buying in Fort McMurray: A First-Time Buyer's Story

Jul 09, 2020

What The Heck?   Are you thinking of buying your first home? Are you scared? Trust me, so was I.  My name is Amna Nadeem and I recently bought a home with The A-Team Fort McMurray. Anyhow, I have been getting into blogging recently, and I just bought my first home. It didn’t

HOW 9ROUND CHANGED MY LIFE: KICKBOXING IN FORT MCMURRAY

Jun 30, 2020

Kickboxing in Fort McMurray    Do you have a lot of pent-up anger?  Do you just need a break?  New year, new you?    Well, keep on reading….. Round 1: What Is 9Round? 9Round is a kickboxing fitness centre that provides a full-body workout in just 30 minutes. Our local 9Round here in Fort McMurray is a franchise,

A Newbie And a Pro Go Bowling in Fort McMurray

Apr 13, 2020

Get The Scoop!   Who Are We? My name is Amna, and this wonderful blog that you are about to read is about a shared experience with my best friend/the other A-Team Admin, Sheron. We went bowling for the first time together and it was quite amusing... One of us is a newbie, and

Stonecreek Living: Captivating Fort McMurray Luxury Home

Mar 03, 2020

Inside The Upscale 206 Prospect Drive   206 Prospect Drive is an “A-Team Prestige” listing located in Stonecreek, Fort McMurray, AB Canada. This is a truly exceptional home. To learn more about why listing your luxury home with The A-Team Prestige is so special, click here!   Join us for a tour... Explore The Breathtaking, Chef-Inspired

How To Find Foreclosures in Fort McMurray (Without Signing Up)

Feb 28, 2020

This blog tells you exactly how to find foreclosures on our site, without signing in.  But first... Why Foreclosures?   A couple of years ago, we noticed people asking for the “foreclosure list”. We figure that it’s because people associate distressed listings with “deals”. It’s true that many of the better-priced listings out there are

What’s Near Keyano College?

Feb 19, 2020

Keyano College        [caption id="attachment_35594" align="aligncenter" width="985"] Google[/caption]   Keyano College is a post-secondary institution located in Fort McMurray. I attended Keyano College for 2 years so I know it inside and out.  You may be a Keyano student (or planning to attend), and you might be wondering what there is to do in the neighborhood

Best 50 Date Ideas In Fort McMurray

Feb 13, 2020

WELCOME TO THE MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN CANADA   You may have heard that Fort McMurray was once again rated by Amazon.ca as the most romantic city in Canada; it turns out that Fort McMurrians spend heavily on "romantic gifts/items" online.  Before gifts come dates, so there must be some serious dating going

Fort McMurray Housing Market: January 2020 Update

Feb 08, 2020

*Since this VLOG was posted, we've written a long-form blog. Check it out for more detailed information on this topic!* A-Team leader Tom Albrecht takes a look at the market after the first month of 2020, and gives us a bit of an insight on inventory and market shift. TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS: Hey there! It's

3 Reasons To Live In Thickwood

Feb 05, 2020

I’m home. Though I grew up far far away. I live in Thickwood and I’m not going anywhere. For me, what separates this part of town from others, is that I feel relaxed here.  By the way, at our community pages, you can read blogs about things to do, home listings, more

Fort McMurray Real Estate to Rebound in 2020?

Jan 27, 2020

A Look at the YMM Housing Market 2020 could be the year that home values stop falling. They could even go up. Things have been changing on the ground (tilting away from favouring buyers) in the two months since the federal election, but we wanted to wait until the new year before writing

Fort McMurray Housing Market: December 2019 Update

Jan 16, 2020

  *Since this VLOG was posted, we've written a long-form blog. Check it out for more detailed information on this topic!* As we wade through the first month of 2020, the Fort McMurray real estate market due for another analysis. A-Team leader Tom Albrecht takes a look at the market during the

When, Where (& Tips) to View The Northern Lights Around Fort McMurray

Jan 14, 2020

You may be wondering how to watch for the northern lights before they disappear or without getting frostbite. This blog will help you watch the display during your stay in Fort McMurray (whether it’s for a weekend or a lifetime). Chances are, watching the colours of the northern lights dance in

Canada’s Housing Market Update Shows Some Good News

Dec 03, 2019

The A-Team brings you another roundup of news about the most current housing market in Canada. This week is quite a good one for the real estate sector whether for housing or the condominium niches. According to a recent report from Zoocasa.com, the Canadian housing market is continuously recovering from in

Downtown Community Highlights: Hardin Cafe

Dec 01, 2019

A Fresh, Chic, Cute Coffee Shop Good news! We have a new cafe in town - Hardin Cafe - and it just opened this year in June. This cute, new cafe has been getting better known day by day and offers some excellent options for cafe food. Hardin Cafe is situated right

Relocating to Fort McMurray? 7 Essential Hints & Tips

Nov 28, 2019

Relocating to Fort McMurray? If you clicked the link to come read this, you might have a job offer already, or perhaps one in the pipeline. Or, maybe you’re just planning to relocate to the Wood Buffalo area and search for opportunities once you get here. I’ve lived in Fort Mac for

Flipping Houses in Fort McMurray: A How to Guide (& Can You Make Money?!)

Nov 26, 2019

Flipping Houses in Fort McMurray You’ve seen it on HGTV, and people used to do it around here. The idea of buying a property, fixing it up, and selling it for a profit is inherently exciting! But with people all around us foreclosing, you’re probably asking yourself if the potential profit is worth

Fort McMurray Housing Market: October 2019 Update

Nov 17, 2019

October 2019 brought with it a most important election. How did the political atmosphere affect Fort McMurray's housing market last month? A-Team leader (and economist) Tom Albrecht analyzes the month's stats.  TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS: Hey there! Thanks for joining me! It’s Tom Albrecht, I lead The A-Team at RE/MAX®️ Fort McMurray. And today

Canada Housing Market Update – October 22, 2019

Oct 22, 2019

Real Estate Updates - The Highs and Lows of the Canadian Housing Market For this week’s update on the housing market in Canada, some highs and lows are showing with obvious signs. Key players in the industry are divided in their opinions about what the market would be experiencing in the

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (October 17)

Oct 17, 2019

Upcoming Events in Fort McMurray Whether you are looking for something creative and artsy or just an activity that is worth spending your time on, here's an array of activities happening soon. On October 15, 2019, seniors would surely love the exploration of creativity that would make it worth your while. The

Beyond Franklin: Father Mercredi Street

Oct 16, 2019

Fort Chipewyan native becomes Alberta’s second First Nations minister Father Patrick Mercredi played an influential role in the Wood Buffalo region for becoming the second First Nations minister in Alberta’s history in 1934. Mercredi was born into the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation community in 1904 and came from a family of

Canada Housing Market Update – October 15, 2019

Oct 15, 2019

Selected Updates on the National Housing Market As we get closer to the federal election, housing has become a hot topic on the campaign trail. And understandably so, consdiering the rapid changes it has seen in recent months. For instance, the home rental niche may take the back seat compared to

5 (+1!) Cool Things About The A-Team Fort McMurray Custom Home Search

Oct 07, 2019

Our new search tool is up, and it's a huge shakeup of how online home search in Fort McMurray works. It's such a departure from the usual that A-Team leader Tom made this video pointing out a few cool things you can do with our new system. We hope our new

Fort McMurray Home Search - Create Your Account and Save a Search

Oct 05, 2019

The A-Team's new Fort McMurray home search tool has gone live, and it's not your average MLS experience. We've overhauled the traditional online home shopping search, doing away with unneeded search pages and limited parameters, placing everything on one page. Even better, your A-Team account is redone and better than

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (October 4)

Oct 04, 2019

Fort McMurray ushers in the month of October with lots of fun and worthwhile activities for the whole family. From arts to outdoor activities to a variety of entertainment shows, there is always something to everyone. Locals and guests could join in the fun no matter what age bracket you

Fort McMurray Home Search - A-Team Custom Search Tutorial

Oct 02, 2019

You may have noticed the new look we've got on the A-Team website- it's our redesigned vision of what online real estate should be. Among many improvements, we've overhauled our MLS® search to be the most comprehensive way to find Fort McMurray homes online. Take a look at this primer

Beyond Franklin: Moberly Crescent

Sep 30, 2019

A reflection on the man who named Fort McMurray – Henry John Moberly A builder, hunter, post manager, and, in his later years, a book author, Henry John Moberly is the man responsible for naming Fort McMurray. Today, his name remains in the community on Moberly Crescent, which is downtown, off

Fort McMurray Housing Market: August 2019 Update

Sep 27, 2019

August 2019 has come and gone, and it brought with it some interesting developments in Fort McMurray's housing market scene. The field looks to be stable, but condos and mobile homes seem to be falling. Full story in the video! TRANSCRIPT FOLLOWS: Hi there! it's Tom Albrecht here with the A-Team of

Canada Housing Market Update – September 25, 2019

Sep 25, 2019

The latest updates in the Canadian real estate sector shed some light on what is really going on and if there is reason for optimism in the coming days, weeks, and months. Based on a report from Teranet - National Bank of Canada, the housing prices are reaching a new record

Beyond Franklin: Manning Avenue

Sep 20, 2019

From farm boy to preacher in politics as Alberta’s premier The Manning name is often used for titles of streets, schools and centres across the province to honour Alberta’s longest-standing premier – Honourable Ernest C. Manning. In Fort McMurray, the name is on Manning Avenue, which is in the city’s lower townsite.

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (September 17)

Sep 17, 2019

This week in September, Fort McMurray is highlighting some educational fun as locals and guests delve into some of the events you shouldn’t miss. The activities would absolutely guarantee hours of entertainment but is also great venue for information and new knowledge. The best thing about it is that there’s

Canada Housing Market Update - September 8, 2019

Sep 11, 2019

Real Estate Market Update - Still a Roller Coaster Ride for the Mortgage Sector The Canadian mortgage market is one of the most changeable and challenging industries in the real estate realm today. The latest update on the mortgage sector showed more evidence that the market has turned upside down and

Downtown Highlights: The Alley YMM

Sep 10, 2019

A new family-friendly facility brings local entertainment to the next level The Alley YMM is the newest family entertainment centre to open its doors in the Wood Buffalo region, and it’s gaining popularity each day. With five and 10-pin bowling alleys, an arcade packed with the newest featured games, a walk-up Starbucks,

Beyond Franklin: Fraser Avenue

Sep 08, 2019

How the family of a piper populated the Prairies Located in the heart of Fort McMurray’s downtown core, Fraser Avenue recognizes some of Alberta’s earliest settlers who populated the Edmonton area in the 1800s. Today, the Avenue is home to landmarks and facilities like the Rotary House Seniors Lodge, Chez Dube Country

What's Happening in Fort McMurray? (September 2)

Sep 02, 2019

Fort McMurray Event Updates - Some Sumptuous Treats for Everyone September is absolutely around the corner and these upcoming events would make you anticipate and drool over it too! Check out some of the activities we prepared for you at A-Team and see which of these events are your cup of

Anzac Highlights: Recreation Centre

Aug 30, 2019

Celebrating half a decade in community recreation excellence For the past five years, the Anzac Recreation Centre has been offering guests an outlet for fitness, community events and championship games in its state-of-the-art facility. The 112,000 square-foot structure features a fitness centre, an indoor running track, a youth room, an NHL-sized arena,

Fort McMurray and the Canadian Oil Market: A Quick Look

Aug 27, 2019

The oil industry is one of the bloodlines in overall economy of Canada but it had been a roller coaster ride for this sector in the previous years to the present. From legislation to oil companies changing their business strategies every now and then, the fluidity of the industry is

Canadian Housing Market (August 24)

Aug 24, 2019

The Canadian Real Estate Association recently released the latest figure in the housing market and the sales are showing a massive soar for the month of July. The numbers are indicative of the most sales for July in previous years, showing only two major markets declining. According to CREA, the

Beyond Franklin: Hospital Street

Aug 21, 2019

A street surrounding the health care of the region Hospital Street’s name comes from the location where the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s hospital – The Northern Lights Regional Health Centre (NLRHC) resides. The NLRHC is in Fort McMurray’s lower townsite area at 7 Hospital Street. It’s the community’s third hospital facility

Parsons Creek Highlights: Skatepark

Aug 20, 2019

Fort McMurray skatepark provides one of many outdoor experiences to Parsons Creek North The Parsons Creek Skatepark is an outdoor hub for skateboarders and creates a safe and designated environment for youth in one of Fort McMurray’s newer neighbourhoods. Parsons Creek North is north of Timberlea and is the first architecturally controlled

Canada Housing Market Update (August 10)

Aug 10, 2019

The Bank of Canada has released mortgage credit figures for June, and it is overwhelmingly positive. This is indicative of an improvement in mortgage growth and follows an unusually darker phase in the country’s real estate sector. While this growth is slower than desired, especially when compared to previous years,

Beyond Franklin: Dickins Drive

Aug 07, 2019

Canadian flying ace legend lives on in Fort McMurray Canadian aviation pioneer Punch Dickins made his mark in the Wood Buffalo region for delivering the first airmail to the Northwest Territories (NWT) on January 23, 1929. Dickins was born on January 12, 1899, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and moved to Edmonton,

Eagle Ridge Highlights: Banquet Bar & Grill

Jul 29, 2019

The newest entertainment facility to open in the Commons The Banquet Bar & Grill has been the latest establishment to open in the Commons in Eagle Ridge – and just in time for summer. The new pub held its grand opening on June 6 which allowed it to cash in on the

Beyond Franklin: Draper Road

Jul 26, 2019

Paving the focus to commercial oil sands product Draper Road is one of Fort McMurray’s most predominant ones as it connects Waterways to the community of Draper. It was also where one of the city's earliest innovators once lived. Thomas Draper is recorded as the first entrepreneur to pave the focus of

Canada Housing Market Update (July 24)

Jul 24, 2019

Canada Housing Market: Interest Rates and the Rising Cost of Real Estate in Canadian Cities July came with the Bank of Canada continuing with the eight months long overnight lending rate of 1.75%. This is happening on the heels of the decline in global GDP. Due to the trade wars

Beacon Hill Highlights: Frank Lacroix Arena

Jul 21, 2019

Beacon Hill ice rink iconic to NHL pros Located in Beacon Hill, the Frank Lacroix Arena is one of the various municipal hockey rinks in the Fort McMurray area. As home to many winter sports athletes, the ice rink is regularly frequent by residents and league competitors who travel to the community

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (July 17)

Jul 17, 2019

This Fort McMurray summer, there is always something exciting, intuitive, and adventurous for you, family, and friends to do or participate in. Why not check out some of these exciting events and activities over the next couple of weeks? July 15th through 19th is another date to keep with The District

Are Fort McMurray Property Prices Starting to Stabilize?

Jul 15, 2019

After what we’ve been through, few questions matter more to Fort McMurray residents. When we were evacuated, we posted this to our Facebook page:   But we knew the economic recovery would take a lot longer. Both from the fire, mortgage rule changes, and the sudden shift in the global oil market. The period

Beyond Franklin: Railway Avenue

Jul 13, 2019

When Railway Comes to McMurray Railway Avenue is solely named after its location and the railways' local station when it operated out of the Waterways community in the early 1900s. In 1901, the population of Fort McMurray was twenty-eight residents. However, the signing of Treaty 8 with Chipewyan and Cree Indians of

Fort McMurray Housing Market: June 2019 Update

Jul 12, 2019

June 2019 has come and gone, and those 30 days have done a lot to the Fort McMurray real estate scene. What's the deal with a split in price ranges between bigger smaller homes? Are luxury homes staying strong? A-Team leader and buyer specialist Tom Albrecht returns with a housing

Beyond Franklin: Tolen Drive

Jul 08, 2019

The Home Address to Heritage Village Tolen Drive is a historically rich road in Fort McMurray as it starts at Heritage Park and leads over the Hangingstone River into Waterways. The location of Tolen Drive is close to some of the first neighbourhoods built in Fort McMurray in the early 20th century, which

Canada Housing Market (July 4)

Jul 04, 2019

The First Time Home Buyer Incentive With the Canadian housing market crawling and elections scheduled for October, the government has pushed forward a new mortgage equity sharing program - the First-Time Buyer Incentive (FTHBI). Here is a slight breakdown of the FTHBI program according to the national housing strategy from the

Anzac Highlights: Zee Bar & Grill

Jul 02, 2019

Home to the region’s best beef, bison and elk burgers Great entertainment, delicious meals and a fresh perspective on the traditional pub fare are what guests can find at Anzac’s Zee Bar & Grill. Located only a short 40-kilometre trip southeast from Fort McMurray at 240 Stony Mountain Road, Zee Bar &

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (June 17)

Jun 17, 2019

Fort McMurray brings you all the best activities and events for both kids and adults and they are just around the corner. Here are some of the latest happenings set to take place over the next two weeks. On June 25, the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation is holding a one-day

Beyond Franklin: Franklin Avenue

Jun 14, 2019

Franklin Avenue lies in the heart of Fort McMurray’s downtown core and its where the early development of businesses and residential buildings settled. According to the Fort McMurray Heritage Society, Franklin Avenue became the main street after the rebuild from the 1934 fire. During this time, it was a dirt road

APPLE Schools Wood Buffalo Support

Jun 10, 2019

A city of healthy schools Fort McMurray is a healthy city, and it starts in the elementary schools. Since 2011, schools began taking part in a health promotion program called APPLE Schools, working with the organization to make the healthy choice an easy choice for students. APPLE Schools works with 70 schools

Canada Housing Market Update: A Look at Toronto

Jun 07, 2019

Toronto's Housing Troubles The month of May was a beehive of activities for the Greater Toronto real estate market. According to Zoocasa.com: A total of 9,989 homes traded hands, up 18.9% from the same time period last year, and an increase of roughly 10% from April’s activity. However, while the uptick in

Canadian Housing Market Update (June 3)

Jun 03, 2019

Canada Housing Market: Interest Rate Remains Unchanged Borrowers can breathe a sigh of relief as the Bank of Canada has left the overnight lending rate unchanged. According to a press release on the bank’s website: the oil sector is beginning to recover as production increases and prices remain above recent lows. Meanwhile,

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (May 31)

May 31, 2019

Fort McMurray brings you all the best activities and events for both kids and adults and they are just around the corner. Here are some of the latest happenings set to take place over the next two weeks. On June 6, 2019, Color Me Mine will be holding a Kids Paint

Beyond Franklin: The Street Names of Fort McMurray

May 22, 2019

By Dawn Booth May – it’s a historical month for the city of Fort McMurray. It was the same month it was founded by Henry J. Moberley in 1870. Back then, the hamlet surrounded the fur trading post developed by the Hudson Bay Company. Moberley named it after William McMurray, who was

Waterways Highlights: The Royal Canadian Legion

May 17, 2019

A Homebase for Local Veterans Ninety-three years ago, the Royal Canadian Legion was established with a purpose to bring veterans together in a place where they could unite with their comrades. Today, the Legion has over 260,000 members with 1,400 branches across Canada and welcomes all members of the public to come

Housing Market Update May 15, 2019

May 15, 2019

We bring you the latest Canadian real estate market updates and this week’s roundup is an interesting one, with interest rates and laundering schemes galore. For starters, a possible interest rate hike that seemed likely after last year's wave is now looking less so: 2019 Interest Rates in Canada Still a Debatable

Fort McMurray Highlights: Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria

May 11, 2019

A taste of the Naples at YMM Airport Locals and frequent YMM flyers can get a taste of Naples at the Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria inside the Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM). Located at 100 Snowbird Way, the Neapolitan pizzeria is the only Famoso franchise in the region. It was one of the

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (May 10)

May 10, 2019

Fort McMurray brings you all the best activities and events for both kids and adults and they are just around the corner. We bring you the latest happenings and fun stuff that are set to take place over the next two weeks. On May 11, 2019, an early Mother’s Day dinner

Fort McMurray Housing Market: April 2019 Update

May 05, 2019

April 2019 brought with it better weather, a provincial election, and new housing market action. What will the political impact be on our community? Are prices still falling? A-Team leader and buyer specialist Tom Albrecht returns with a housing market update for April 2019. ?Transcript Follows: Hi guys. Thanks for joining us.

Housing Market Update: May 2

May 03, 2019

The Latest Canadian Housing Market News Shows Fluidity More than Ever The housing market in Canada is one of the most promising and flexible industries and the latest updates we bring you only show more proof of this than in the recent years. Check out the most recent news and see

Downtown Highlights: The Redpoll Centre

May 01, 2019

The Red Poll Centre unites social profits at Shell Place The Red Poll Centre has been settled in its Shell Place location for five years and continues to be home to numerous social profit agencies. Once settled on Franklin Avenue, The United Way of Fort McMurray - and its original tenants from

What’s Happening in Fort McMurray? (April 30)

Apr 30, 2019

The events that are happening in Fort McMurray this month are absolutely going to escalate things up in excitement for everyone. The A-Team brings you some of the most awaited activities that you should definitely never miss if you want to be part of the fun-filled celebrations this May 2019. On

Canada Housing Market: April 29

Apr 29, 2019

The downturn in the Canada Housing Market looks set to continue as living quarters are priced off the reach of Canadians in the country's biggest markets. This has affected the number of mortgages held as shown by figures on the Canadian Bankers Association. And this isn’t the first time mortgage figures

How Much Have Fort McMurray Home Values Fallen?

Apr 26, 2019

How Low Have Prices Reached? People keep asking us: “How much have Fort McMurray home values fallen?” They also ask: That, and “Will home prices go up?” We can’t answer the second question, but we can definitely answer the first one. [January 2020 update! Check out the blog we just published called "Fort McMurray Real Estate

Fort McMurray Highlights: The Clearwater River

Apr 24, 2019

A Canadian Heritage River found in Fort McMurray The Clearwater River is one of 42 Canadian Heritage Rivers, and it runs from Saskatchewan westward joining to the Athabasca River in Fort McMurray. Clearwater is one of the 39 rivers designated (three others are nominated) by the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS). In 1984,

Canadian Housing Market: Mixed March Feelings

Apr 24, 2019

Apparently, the month of March hasn’t bucked the negative trend. The sales to new listings ratio for the country witnessed a drop in March. This is according to the figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association. Frankly, from these figures, much of the drop recorded in the month of March

Canadian Housing Market Update: April 19

Apr 19, 2019

As the curtain closes on the first quarter of the year, we're starting to see trends begin to form regarding the activities of the housing market. The national housing market has taken a hit recently, and a lot of fingers have been pointed in different directions. A few factors are

The Fort McMurray Golf Club

Apr 17, 2019

The Fort McMurray Golf Club completes its rebuild three years post-wildfire “It’s not as green but it’s still our golf course, right? ason Vaughan, former Fort McMurray Golf Club’s Head Golf Professional, told Golf.com in a December 2017 feature story titled: “Rising from the ashes: How a golf club that burned to

What's Happening in Fort McMurray? (April 12)

Apr 13, 2019

A look at Fort Mcmurray's next events As spring sets in, Fort McMurray events are starting to pop up, and we've decided to cover a few of the coming week's happenings right here on the A-Team blog. On Saturday, April 13, the Stonebridge Hotel is playing host to a Night of Disney,

Fort McMurray Housing Market: March 2019 Update

Apr 13, 2019

With winter come and gone, it's time to look at what it meant for our local real estate market. Are we still balanced? Which home types sold most? A-Team leader and buyer specialist Tom Albrecht returns with a housing market update for March 2019. ?Transcript follows: Hey guys, it's been about months

Downtown Highlights: Tavern on Main

Apr 09, 2019

Fort McMurray’s favourite taphouse Home to independent music lovers and open mic fanatics Tavern on Main – Taphouse & Grill is a place where the beer taps flow and open mic nights are most favoured by its regulars. Located at 9708 Main Street, motorists can see the tavern’s pub front entrance from Fort

Dickinsfield Highlights: Jaguar Lounge

Apr 05, 2019

Jaguar Lounge brings comfort and charm to Dickinsfield nightlife The Jaguar Lounge is a hidden nightlife favourite for those looking to enjoy a night out in a lowkey atmosphere with a Cheers-like-setting. Located at 142 Dickins Drive, the Lounge has been serving its Dickinsfield neighbours and the community for over a decade. It

Fort McMurray Highlights: Spring Moon

Mar 30, 2019

Downtown & Timberlea Highlights Spring Moon brings traditional Japanese entrees and tantalizing tastes to its Fort McMurray guests at two different locations downtown and in Timberlea. First established in 2012, the Eagle Ridge location at 180-151 Loutit Road in Timberlea offers a larger guest capacity with booths and barstool seating options. When

8 "Must Join" Fort McMurray Facebook Groups

Mar 27, 2019

Moving to Fort Mac? Been here for a while but not yet feeling connected? I am an introvert, so when I arrived a couple of years ago, I thought it might be stressful trying to connect with people around town, too. But, thanks in part to facebook, it wasn’t as hard

People are Downsizing in Fort McMurray. Here's why...

Mar 22, 2019

Downsizing happens at any age If you’re reading this, it has probably crossed your mind, that you may want to live in a smaller (less costly) home. Perhaps your children have grown, and it’s quiet at home. Is the home you currently own feeling a little empty? Or maybe you just

5 Tips: Surviving Mud Season in Fort Mac (Spring)

Mar 20, 2019

As I write this, I can feel a breeze through my open window, and I’m not getting frostbite. It’s March, so we’ll chalk that up in the “win” column. I can hear birds singing, and the trickle of water running down a downspout, too, so chances are there’s a trickly downspout near

Wood Buffalo Brewing Company

Mar 19, 2019

Fort McMurray’s only microbrewery and distillery The Wood Buffalo Brewing Company brings a collection of flavoured beer from its housed microbrewery making it a local staple in the community. Located on 9914 Franklin Avenue at the Morrison Centre, the Wood Buffalo Brewing Company first opened its door in January 2013. It’s the

Canadian Housing Sales

Mar 18, 2019

Is the Market in Really Bad Shape   The Canadian housing market seems to be on the bend since the start of the fiscal year 2019 and the slow sales continue its trend up until the month of February and March, apparently. Potential buyers, property developers, and other key players in the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 15)

Mar 15, 2019

Controversial Stances in Canadian Energy Sector Not Slowing Down We collated a series of hot news in the energy sector in the Canadian forefront and it seems that the controversies are not slowing down at all. For this week’s roundup, the legislative system and the response of the public spark a

Most Recent Canadian Housing News

Mar 13, 2019

Why You Should Buckle Up Now   The housing market is one of the ever-changing industries in the world but you most probably know that already. Our latest set of news in the real estate niche will show you just that yet it would be wiser if you take the trends as

Thickwood Highlights: The Fish Place

Mar 11, 2019

A local seafood restaurant with East-coast charm The Fish Place has been serving the Fort McMurray community for the past 25 years to bring the East-coast taste to residents in the North. Throughout the decades and during Alberta’s oil-booms, Fort McMurray has drawn in Easterners for work in the Industry. In the village

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 10)

Mar 11, 2019

For this week’s roundup of local and national news, the oil industry in Canada is not slowing down despite some recent blocks. You can refer to the following news in the energy sector to find out more about this significant niche in the overall Canadian economy today. First on the news,

What to Ask When Buying a Condo

Mar 09, 2019

Are you considering buying a condo? If so, then this blog is for you!   I have helped many people buy condos over the past 22 years and so I am here to tell you about things I have learned along the way. There is a lot to know, but don’t worry

Canadian Housing Market: Are Homeownership Rates Increasing?

Mar 06, 2019

With February come and gone, 2019 is starting to take shape. Amidst an economic slowdown in the country, here's some news on the real estate side of things. Our first entry shows that although our national market has seen better days, the country still enjoys high homeownership rates relative to the

Downtown Highlights: Bailey’s Pub

Mar 04, 2019

Fort McMurray’s headquarters for local laughter When locals want to enjoy an evening out for laughter or trying out their vocal talent, Bailey’s Pub is the place to do it all. Situated within the Stonebridge Hotel Stonebridge Hotel at 9713 Hardin Street downtown, the Pub is in the same neighbourhood as

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 1)

Feb 28, 2019

In this week’s round up of local and national news, the Canadian energy sector is showing promise but the industry’s unpredictability is something that could never be ignored. We give you the facts and trends that could have a huge impact on your future decisions. First, updates on the tailings pond

Changes in the Canadian Housing Market

Feb 27, 2019

Our latest roundup up of news on the Canadian housing market could be anything but expected for most people, whether you are in the buying or selling sector. Local and national real estate trends only showed that the housing industry is one of the most fluid and ever-changing niches in

Downtown Highlights: Podollan Pub

Feb 26, 2019

Podollan Pub feels like home for sports fan and friends The Podollan Pub – Restaurant & Bar has been a long-loved establishment in Fort McMurray for sports watching, dining out and taking in the local nightlife. The Pub is part of the Podollan Hospitality Group franchise located within the Podollan Inn at

Fort McMurray is Running Low on Vacant Lots

Feb 23, 2019

Listings for Sale Here’s a chart to show the inventory of vacant lots listed for sale on the Fort McMurray MLS®️ since the 2016 wildfire: Chart 1: Inventory of Vacant Lots over Time[efn_note]Data used for the charts in this post is sourced with the following criteria: Residential SF vacant lots in Abasand,

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 22)

Feb 22, 2019

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. First, the Alberta government is making some important moves regarding the crude-by-rail plan and its impact locally and on a much wider scale: Province to Reduce Crude-by-Rail Plan with 4,400 Rail Car

Canada Housing Market: The Slowdown in January

Feb 20, 2019

It is time for another set of important news in the Canadian housing market. With numbers for the first month of the year coming in, it's a good opportunity to see what January did for the market. First up is the latest news on the national home sales for last month,

Fort McMurray Highlights: Boston Pizza

Feb 18, 2019

A local franchise focused on family dining Boston Pizza has been a hotspot for local family dining in the Fort McMurray community since 1982 with now two locations downtown and in Timberlea. Founded by Greek immigrant Gus Agioritis, it first opened as the Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House in Edmonton, Alberta, in

How Will The Camp Moratorium Affect Fort McMurray Real Estate?

Feb 16, 2019

Introduction The question in the title is easily the most common one we've been asked in the last two weeks. ------- Do you live in camp? Are you wondering how long that might last? Or, do you own a home and have been concerned about its value over the last few years? Or,

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 15)

Feb 15, 2019

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. For our first news, the decline of average home sale price plummeted for the third consecutive month and Fort McMurray agents have unanimously reported a slower start: Average home sale price drops

Downtown Highlights: Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre

Feb 13, 2019

Setting the Stage for Local Talent Keyano Theatre has been a pinnacle platform for local, national and international performers to entertain the residents of Fort McMurray for almost four decades. The Theatre first opened in 1980 under the Keyano College umbrella which has “grown to become a modern series of buildings on

Fort McMurray Housing Market: February 2019 Update

Feb 09, 2019

What does the recent moratorium order on camps around Fort McMurray mean for prices? Has the pipeline effect run its course? A-Team leader and buyer specialist Tom Albrecht returns with a housing market update for February 2019. Transcript follows: Hey everyone, it's Tom Albrecht with the A-Team. It's been a little while

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 8)

Feb 08, 2019

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. February is undoubtedly one of the coldest months this year and Environment Canada is reminding everyone about it with additional caution: Environment Canada Predicts February to be Colder than Average A mild December

Real Estate News – Trends Affecting the Housing Market

Feb 05, 2019

In this week’s real estate news in Canada, numerous trends have been affecting the housing market with an impact of great intensity. Here's a look at some of the week's impactful stories. One of the week’s top stories tells us of the sales drop in the Canadian real estate following the

Downtown Highlights - The McMurray Experience

Feb 02, 2019

A digital media space for all to discover McMurray Experience is an interactive space located in Fort McMurray downtown’s core to highlight the communities found within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Found at the Jubilee Plaza at 9909 Franklin Avenue, the facility’s purpose was to create a digital-friendly experience for

The Ups and Downs of the Canadian Real Estate Market

Jan 30, 2019

From Hong Kong to Paris, the housing market is facing a lot of changes on a global scale. Canadian real estate is certainly not an exception to these changes. Here's a look into some of the latest updates in the housing market in Canada to best understand where it is right

Paddy McSwiggins

Jan 28, 2019

Local Irish pub looks to March 2019 for reopening Paddy McSwiggins – Celtic Ales & Eatery – has been the go-to spot for hundreds of locals to take in the taste of Ireland in Fort McMurray. The pub first opened two decades ago and brought many residents in with their Irish-inspired menu

Canadian Real Estate Prices – Should You Be Worried?

Jan 22, 2019

A continuously changing beast, the latest in the Canadian real estate market is something to keep tabs on. It's important to know that the market is facing another daunting reality with current trends. So what's been happening in the last week? Here is rather interesting news that all industry watchers might

Thickwood Highlights: Doug Barnes Cabin

Jan 19, 2019

Built for outdoor enthusiasts Doug Barnes Cabin is a one-of-a-kind public indoor facility offered to residents and community groups to experience Fort McMurray’s beautiful backyard and enjoy outdoor recreation. For over 40 years, the Cabin has been nestled on the border of the Birchwood Trails and has allowed residents to escape the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 18)

Jan 18, 2019

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Since last fall, Husky Energy has been attempting to acquire MEG Energy Corp, a merger that was widely anticipated to succeed. However, Husky canceled the bid this week, surprising the industry: Husky

Canadian Housing Market: Was December 2018 a Sign of Things to Come?

Jan 16, 2019

The beginning of 2018 saw the implementation of new stress tests for mortgages, casting a pall on home sales at the beginning of the year. Combined with the gradual increase in interest rates throughout the summer and fall, the national housing market was challenged considerably as buyers found it harder

Downtown Highlights: Avenue Coffee

Jan 12, 2019

Inside Fort McMurray’s trendiest coffee shop For over two years, Avenue Coffee has been mastering the art of brewing exceptional cups of hot and cold beverages at 8102 Fraser Avenue. Dubbed as a “hip and trendy coffee shop and bakehouse,” its menu options offer the cups of classics with its specialty long

Canadian Housing Market – What’s in Store for 2019

Jan 07, 2019

The New Year is full of new things for the Canadian mortgage market. We have lots of things to tackle when it comes to such a fluid and versatile market, to begin with. Economists are making predictions while trends in the financial field, as well as international agreements, have much

The Athabasca River

Jan 06, 2019

Widening the local scope on Alberta’s longest river’s history The Athabasca River is Alberta’s longest river at 1,538 kilometres in length and flows adjacent from Fort McMurray’s downtown core. It’s also the second largest river in Alberta, and the largest undammed river. It’s one of the five rivers that flow through the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 4)

Jan 04, 2019

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. As announced last month, government-mandated oil production cuts took place this week, keeping prices at the stronger position they've been hovering around since the announcement: Western Canada oil prices remain strong as

Shell Place on MacDonald Island

Dec 31, 2018

Fort McMurray’s premier sports and entertainment experience People often come to the Wood Buffalo region to get a chance to see the Northern Lights and, while this can be hit-or-miss, there is one place a replica of them shine brightly year-round. The lights can be found on MacDonald Island over the Nexen

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 28)

Dec 28, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. In the wake of the province's problems with pipelines, transporting crude by rail has grown considerably this year: Crude-by-rail exports rise to record level of more than 300,000 barrels per day The National

The Snye River

Dec 22, 2018

A place of modern tranquillity with historic connections The Snye River is a calm backwater found between Fort McMurray’s downtown area and MacDonald Island. It settles between the Clearwater and Athabasca River. Through time, the Snye River has become a place of tranquillity for residents, and local photographers regularly frequent to capture

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 21)

Dec 21, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. After the provincial government forced producers to cut oil production next year, Suncor criticized the interference, being joined by Husky this week: Husky Energy trims capital budget, criticizes Alberta oil curtailment plan In its

Fort McMurray's 2018 Real Estate Market in 7 Charts

Dec 19, 2018

The Fort McMurray Housing Market in 7 Charts: 2018 vs. 2017 After what we have been through since 2014, it’s easy to understand why, if you are a homeowner, you might be tempted to despair. Or as a potential buyer, you may have been delaying your purchase up until now. Perhaps like me,

Vista Ridge Ski Hill

Dec 15, 2018

Vista Ridge – Ski, ride and slide at Fort McMurray’s ski hill Fort McMurray residents don’t have to travel to Banff or Jasper to get the thrill of the downhill skiing experience, as Vista Ridge All Seasons Park is close to their doorsteps. The Wood Buffalo region receives an average of 160

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 14)

Dec 14, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Although the provincial government has announced oil production cuts to start next year, Suncor plans to increase its output, albeit within the set limits: Suncor to increase production by 10 per cent

When Will Fort McMurray Homeowners Be Able To Sell Again?

Dec 10, 2018

Introduction You may want to sell, but can’t (or have family members in this position). You may be thinking of buying, but you’re nervous about the future. You may want to understand the Fort McMurray housing market more deeply. If any of these is true, this blog is for you... xxxxx The housing market has changed

Syncrude Sports & Wellness Centre – Home to the Huskies

Dec 08, 2018

Community sports facility highlights local professional athletes Syncrude Sports & Wellness Centre was the first of its kind when it opened at Keyano College in 2007. Over a decade later, the facility continues to carry the vision to be “the premier choice for those pursuing excellence in education, sport, recreation and

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 7)

Dec 07, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. With the price of Western Canadian oil falling so far behind, the provincial government announced production cuts last Sunday, causing shares of oilsands companies to rise: Shares in Cenovus, Canadian Natural soar

Money Supply and the Canadian Housing Market: November 2018

Dec 04, 2018

With November 2018 past us, it's a good time to look at what last month brought to our housing market. Among other things, the effects of the October interest rate hike began to appear, and debt levels continued to grow. Looking strictly at housing, you may get the wrong idea about

Celebrating the Season with Fort McMurray Heritage Society

Dec 01, 2018

Heritage Park brings holiday cheer in its historic setting For decades, the community of Fort McMurray has gathered together to celebrate the holiday season with traditional Canadian winter activities like skating on the Syne River and enjoying Maple syrup on a stick. Christmas time and the winter season is something the Fort

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 30)

Nov 30, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. The RMWB is considering more utility rate increases following the one that took effect in September 2017. Council revisited the topic this past week: RMWB continue to consider increasing utility fees The utility

Can Canada Cope With Current Housing Unaffordability Levels?

Nov 27, 2018

With Canadians borrowing more and more, even in the face of higher interest rates, the national housing market has become increasingly unaffordable. While this has stoked fears of a crash, a look at the bigger picture shows that this scenario isn't very likely based on historical precedents. As the following excerpt from

Lifeforce Herbal Healing Centre

Nov 24, 2018

Serving holistic healing in mind, body and spirit for over 30 years LifeForce Herbal Healing Centre is a one-of-a-kind shop in the Wood Buffalo region and provides treatments for health and holistic services along with a long list of products and gifts focused on natural healing. Located at 12-102 Signal Road, the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 23)

Nov 23, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Two and a half years after the 2016 wildfire, the Wood Buffalo Food Bank reported this week that demand has grown substantially, with as many as 30 new clients arriving monthly: Food

Are Higher Interest Rates Set to Pull Back the Housing Market?

Nov 19, 2018

Since the Bank of Canada decided to raise interest rates yet again last month, the effect on the country's housing market has yet to be fully realized. While the true impact will take a few more months to measure, early indicators look to be foreshadowing an unfortunate yet expected slowdown. For

Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

Nov 17, 2018

Local health centre built on a foundation of history For over 50 years, the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre has provided medical services to the growing population of Fort McMurray and its surrounding area. The Centre is located at 7 Hospital Street, just off Highway 63 in Fort McMurray’s lower townsite area.

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 16)

Nov 16, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. A three-year housing market report by Fort McMurray REALTORS® was released this week, providing more evidence of our current balanced market: Fewer listings, more sales continue to stabilize housing market As for the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 9)

Nov 09, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Statistics Canada released employment figures this week, and while national and provincial unemployment rates saw a solid drop of 0.2%, Wood Buffalo outperformed both in October: Unemployment rates drop to 5.5 per

How Hard is it for First-Time Buyers in Today's Housing Market?

Nov 06, 2018

In the wake of the Bank of Canada's latest interest rate hike, first-time home buyers may become apprehensive about the possibility of owning a home. With even current homeowners going deeper into debt, it's not the most ideal market. But how much of an impact are increased debt and higher

Downtown Highlights: Wood Buffalo Regional Library

Nov 04, 2018

A wealth of resources and much more inside Canada’s largest recreation centre Like all public libraries, the one found in Fort McMurray is an essential part of having an educated and literate community. However, the Wood Buffalo Regional Library (WBRL) is unlike any other in the nation because it’s nestled inside Canada’s

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 2)

Nov 02, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. More than two and a half years after the 2016 wildfire, it was announced this week that almost 800 homes have been completely rebuilt: RMWB expects 'many more' homes to be complete in months

Interest Rate Hike: October 2018

Oct 30, 2018

As was expected, the Bank of Canada rose interest rates this week, the third time it has done so this year. The rate has risen to 1.75%, and the impact it has on the housing market is sure to be felt, in a number of ways. The rate hike didn't come

Downtown Highlights: Bob Barrett Men’s Apparel

Oct 27, 2018

Dressing Fort McMurray in their best for over 25 years Bob Barrett Men’s Apparel has been dressing Fort McMurray’s gentlemen in the finest threads with its top choices in contemporary clothing for over 25 years. The store has a long list of items from suits to outerwear with brand names like Kenneth

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 26)

Oct 26, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Much news has been of Alberta's oil price differential in recent weeks; that is, the price difference between heavy oil from the oilsands and light oil from the U.S. Premier Rachel

What Does Fall 2018 Have in Store for the Housing Market?

Oct 22, 2018

The gradual month-to-month real estate sales rise that started earlier this spring has been reversed. As reported last week, August to September showed a decrease in sales, and a decrease in housing starts. This contrasted with many analysts' projections of a continuous (but slow) recovery. Given this development, what can

The Casman Centre – Home of the Oil Barons

Oct 20, 2018

An arena built for hockey legends with heart from the community Since 1980, the Casman Centre in Thickwood Heights has been home to the city’s Alberta Junior Hockey League – the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. Located at 110 Edmundson Road, the sports arena has a space capacity for 1,477 spectators with an

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 19)

Oct 19, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Local real estate numbers for September are in, and in another sign of our current balanced market, sales increased from August while prices dropped: Fort McMurray housing market continues to stabilize The report,

What Does a Slow September Mean for Canadian Real Estate?

Oct 15, 2018

September is behind us, and this week housing statistics from the month released. The results aren't the best: September saw the first monthly decline in six months. Until now, there were hopes the market was recovering from a change in mortgage rules that made buying more difficult. While it does

The Hangingstone River in Fort McMurray

Oct 13, 2018

Revitalization showcased through award-winning bridges in the city’s lower townsite The Hangingstone River is iconic to Fort McMurray and draws in a wide range of people from residents to tourists to photographers to architects. Located in the city’s lower townsite, the Hangingstone is one of the five, local rivers, which also includes

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 12)

Oct 12, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Syncrude is looking to extend it's Mildred Lake operations significantly by opening more mines, and a public hearing has been announced: Public Hearing Scheduled For Syncrude Extension Project Syncrude is planning on adding

How Unaffordable Has the Canadian Housing Market Become?

Oct 08, 2018

The state of Canada's housing market in 2018 has been stagnant overall. The first half of the year saw a slowdown caused by revised mortgage rules, and while the market has mostly adapted to that shakeup, multiple other issues, like excessive borrowing by homeowners and constant interest rate hikes, have hurt

Prime Test Kitchen at the Merit Hotel and Suites

Oct 06, 2018

The Prime Social Group rebuilds its establishments after the Wildfire Prime Test Kitchen (PTK) has been tantalizing the taste buds of local foodies, and frequent travelers, since opening its doors in the Spring of 2018. Located at 8220 Franklin Avenue and within the Merit Hotel and Suites franchise, the restaurant caters regularly

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 5)

Oct 05, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. It looks like two major oilsands companies are to merge next year. Husky Energy is planning to buy MEG Energy Corp for $6.4 billion: Calgary-based Husky Energy makes $6.4B hostile bid to

September 2018 Fort McMurray Market Update: A Normal Fall?

Oct 02, 2018

What Did September Mean for Fort McMurray Real Estate? Fort McMurray's real estate market is constantly changing, and the constantly updated MLS® does a good job of recording these statistics every month. Buyer agent (and A-Team leader) Tom Albrecht takes a look at the data and shares his thoughts: Following is the

Chamber Business Award Nomination

Oct 01, 2018

A-Team Nominated for Best Professional Services When I found out we were nominated for the 2018 Fort McMurray Chamber Business and Gold Star Awards, my first reaction was “WOW!”. There is no doubt in my mind, that every day my teammates and I wake up and do the absolute best job,

Points North Gallery - Downtown Fort McMurray

Sep 29, 2018

Local gallery showcases the works of Canadian talent Points North Gallery is a local art gallery, gift store, wool shop and framing businesses located in downtown Fort McMurray at 10015 Centennial Drive. Walking into the Gallery is like stepping into a visual portal of local and regional expression. It’s well-known in the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 28)

Sep 28, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Amidst the turmoil surrounding pipelines, Cenovus managed to land a rail transport deal, moving oil from Northern Alberta to the USA: Cenovus signs rail deals to move 100,000 bpd CN will start moving

Why Did Canadian Home Sales Decrease in August?

Sep 24, 2018

The Canadian Real Estate Association released sales figures for August 2018 this week, and in a bit of good news, numbers were up from July, rising a slight 0.9%. However, with year-over-year sales decreasing by 3.8%, there's a lot more to the story. Until now, analysts have forecast the second

Dave Hill’s Pharmacy – PharmaChoice

Sep 22, 2018

A historic name focused on local health Dave Hill’s Pharmacy is unlike any other pharmaceutical centre in Fort McMurray because it comes with a long-standing, respected reputation for service in health care. It’s located on the top of Thickwood Heights at 1-200 Thickwood Boulevard. By providing a drive-thru service with operation hours

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 21)

Sep 21, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. It's been a newsworthy week for the oil sands, as the Frontier oilsands project, initially opposed by the Athabasca First Nation, has received their approval: ACFN, Teck sign agreement on Frontier oilsands project The participation

Are Canadians Taking on Too Much Household Debt?

Sep 17, 2018

The fallout of the new nationwide stress test rules for mortgages, which came into effect this year, has slowed down. The housing market has mostly adjusted to those changes, even though the increasing possibility of more interest rate hikes threatens to shake things up next month. Even without the new

The Rotary Club Gazebo in Thickwood Heights

Sep 16, 2018

Popular meeting point for local residents with a birds-eye-view The Rotary Club Gazebo is one of Fort McMurray’s most popular lookout points and acts as a central meeting spot for outdoor enthusiasts and residents. Located at the top of Thickwood Boulevard at 373 Thicket Drive, the Gazebo’s bright colours of yellow and

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 13)

Sep 14, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. Local real estate statistics for August have come out, and as we theorised earlier this year, the market looks to be stabilizing: Fort McMurray REALTORS® reporting stabilization in market Sales of single family detached

Can Canada's Housing Market Afford More Interest Rate Hikes?

Sep 11, 2018

Amidst a slow recovery in Canada's housing market, one key constant over the last year has been the slow rise in interest rates. With a variety of factors playing into the Bank of Canada's decisions, the rate hikes have had their intended effects, and the market has responded in kind.

Downtown Highlights: Cedars Restaurant

Sep 08, 2018

Cedars Bakery and Restaurant at The River Station Cedars Bakery and Restaurant offers Fort McMurray residents a one-of-a-kind, Lebanese cuisine eatery with a variety of meats, nuts, signature coffee, and tobacco products. Located at 51-8102 Fraser Avenue, Cedars opened in July 2015 to become a part of the group of local residential

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 7)

Sep 07, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. The monthly employment report from Statistics Canada has released, showing that Fort McMurray's job market somewhat improved in August: Local Unemployment Rate Drops For Second Straight Month According to Statistics Canada’s latest labour

Peter Pond Shopping Centre

Sep 05, 2018

Fort Mac's Premier Shopping Mall Since 1981, the Fort McMurray community has been home to a large-scale retail shopping mall with the development of the Peter Pond Shopping Centre. The mall's name comes from the American explorer Peter Pond, who lived between 1740 and 1807. He was known for founding Fort Chipewyan

How Will Canadian Real Estate Grow Moving Forward?

Sep 03, 2018

Following the slump of activity in the first half of 2018, the Canadian real estate market is predicted to slowly heat up in the fall. It's not certain, but if growth is going to happen, there are a few likely factors. As we reported last month, analysts from major banks see an

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 31)

Aug 31, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. As you may have heard already, the Trans Mountain pipeline is facing more trouble on the road to construction. The Court of Appeal overturned it's approval this week: Federal Court of Appeal

Tips for a Less Stressful Move

Aug 29, 2018

Bri Lords represents Monkey Bar Storage, a local garage storage and organization company. As an expert in moves, she will be sharing a little about managing them without trouble. Moving Out Without Stressing Out Moving can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. With so many tasks to

How Has the Market Responded to New Stress Test Rules?

Aug 27, 2018

How Stressful is the New Stress Test? Over the last two years, the Bank of Canada enacted new rules for home buyers looking to get approved for mortgages. The changes are designed to ensure that buyers can pay off their mortgage, but they also made it that much harder for many

The TOTAL Aboriginal Interpretive Trail on MacDonald Island

Aug 25, 2018

A Tribute to Aboriginal Culture Fort McMurray is rich with history and the community recently honoured the region's first residents through an artistic and educational walking trail. In the fall of 2016, the TOTAL Aboriginal Interpretive Trail held its grand opening, after redeveloping the existing trail to showcase the work of western

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 24)

Aug 24, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. As communities north of the bridge continue to gain traction in terms of population and businesses, the city council has taken action on plans to revive the lagging downtown area: Request for

Fort McMurray Housing Market Update (August 2018)

Aug 22, 2018

How's the Market Doing This Summer? The real estate market is a good indicator of economic health in Fort McMurray, so keeping tabs on its performance is always a good idea. Buyer's specialist and market veteran Tom Albrecht recently provided an update through our Youtube channel. Want more market news? Stay up to

Is the Canadian Housing Market Set to Improve?

Aug 20, 2018

Amidst interest rate hikes and stress test adjustments, the national housing market has been on a slow decline this year. The malaise isn't drastic, but it's certainly present, although things may be changing. Last month marked the first year-over-year increase in home prices nationwide, in a first for 2018. While the

Fort McMurray Highlights: Earls Restaurant

Aug 19, 2018

Earls Restaurant – Downtown Fort McMurray Earls Restaurant has two Fort McMurray locations – one downtown at 9802 Morrison Street since 2005 and the latest within the Air Terminal Building at the YMM International Airport at 100 Snowbird Way, which opened in 2014. The first-ever Earls restaurant opened over 30 years ago

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 17)

Aug 17, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. As reported this week, Wood Buffalo's unemployment rate has fallen to 6.3 percent in July from 6.5 percent in June: Unemployment rates fall in Wood Buffalo region According to information released by Statistics Canada, the Wood

How are Interest Rate Hikes Affecting Canadian Buyers?

Aug 14, 2018

The Buyer and the Interest Rate The Canadian central bank has raised interest rates 4 times since last summer. We commented on it then, and in light of the hike last month, it's pertinent once more: buyers are highly affected by these changes. The bank made July's hike due to the strength

Thickwood Highlights: Ross Hennigar Park

Aug 11, 2018

The Rich History of Thickwood's Baseball Diamond The Ross Hennigar Park is one of the earliest baseball diamonds in Fort McMurray and one of the homes to the Fort McMurray Minor Baseball Association. Located at the end of Thicket Drive at Silvertip Place in Thickwood Heights, the baseball diamond offers a full-service

Downtown Highlights - Mitchell’s Café

Aug 04, 2018

Mitchell’s Café - Home to the Famous Sunshine Bread Mitchell’s Café is a breakfast and lunch eatery found in the heart of downtown Fort McMurray. Locals and tourists have claimed it as the “best café in town for lunch” and boasted that “the bread is worth the trip alone.” Famous for their

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 3)

Aug 03, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Oilsand companies are optimistic about the future due to second-quarter results released this past week. From My McMurray: Oilsands companies upbeat about future as Q2 results reveal gains and setbacks The brighter picture

Buying a Home: Signs Of A Good Location

Jul 31, 2018

Even among those uninterested in real estate, the importance of location is universally known. Location plays a major part in the housing market, and is often the deciding factor for home buyers, who often look to a variety of cues to see if the property is well placed: The first thing

Fort McMurray Highlights: Heritage Village

Jul 28, 2018

Heritage Village – A Place to Explore Fort McMurray’s Rich History Fort McMurray Historical Society’s Heritage Village transports guests back in time to what life once was for the residents of the Wood Buffalo region. The Society is a non-profit organization that operates both the Heritage Shipyard and Heritage Village. According to

Gregoire Highlights: The Oil Sands Discovery Centre

Jul 25, 2018

Presenting the Oil Sands The Oil Sands Discovery Centre is located in the heart of the world’s biggest single oil deposit at 515 MacKenzie Boulevard in Fort McMurray, Alberta. It first opened in 1985 as the Fort McMurray Oil Sands Interpretive Centre. It is the key tourism attraction to present the history,

Factors To Consider When Buying a Home

Jul 23, 2018

The Science of Buying The home buying experience is a varied one: no too buyers have the same needs, and everyone ends up with a different story. The multitude of factors involved in the buying process is responsible for this variation. Each buyer deals with many different factors, but some are more common

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 20)

Jul 20, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week. ​ A new commercial development is in preparation for Stonecreek. From Mix News: New Stonecreek Commercial Development In The Works The new area would become home to new businesses, retail stores, offices, hotels, and

Should You Get a Home Appraisal Before Selling?

Jul 17, 2018

Is a Home Appraisal Worth It? A home appraisal is sometimes done by sellers to get a good idea of the real value of their home before listing. The appraised value is often listed in the listing write-up! Despite its advantages however, not every home seller should undergo a home appraisal. Here

MacDonald Island Park in Fort McMurray

Jul 14, 2018

Fort McMurray's Entertainment Hub Situated on the banks of the junction of the Clearwater River and Athabasca River is Canada’s largest community recreation, leisure, and social centre – MacDonald Island Park. This year marks the Island’s 40th year anniversary of being Fort McMurray’s recreation hotspot. According to the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 13)

Jul 13, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ Some positive housing market news came out this week. According to the Fort McMurray REALTORS®, there was a major spike of homes sold in the month of June: Homes Sold See Major

Negotiation Tips When Home Buying

Jul 10, 2018

Every home buyer wants a comfortable advantage in the negotiation stage. While a buyer agent's primary role is to help in these negotiations, it's important for the buyer to be aware of common guidelines. When it comes to negotiations in home buying, research is important. Looking past the surface may uncover

Fort McMurray International Airport: An Overview

Jul 07, 2018

The Wood Buffalo region is rich in aviation history. The earlier days of Fort McMurray flight took place on the waterways, where float planes docked among steamboats. Today, the city offers the largest airport in northern Alberta with the Fort McMurray International Airport. Clenell "Punch" Dickens historic's mail run in a single

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 6)

Jul 06, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ According to Deloitte’s Resource Evaluation and Advisory group, oil prices are expected to drop in the autumn, after hitting new highs this week: Deloitte: Oil Prices Expected To Drop He tells Mix News

A Quick Guide to Listing Your Home

Jul 02, 2018

From Listing to Sale The process of listing your home is a nuanced one. There's timing, price, marketing, and more to take into account. That said, each stage can be prepared for: Unless you suddenly face huge life changes, listing without taking time to consider the timing isn't a good idea. Selling

Canada Day in Fort McMurray

Jul 01, 2018

Canada Day in Recent Years This Sunday marks Canada’s 151st birthday, and plenty of free events will be taking place around Fort McMurray to unite residents for the national celebration. For many years, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo (RRC) have come together

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of June 29)

Jun 29, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ The provincial has provided an update on Alberta's economy, stating that employment has increased yet again this year to record heights: Province’s Economy and Job Numbers Increasing The provincial government says our GDP has

Why You Should Sell This Summer

Jun 25, 2018

Choosing when to sell your house can make a huge difference in the sale price of your house, along with how fast it sells. The right time to sell your house will always depend on many different factors, but this season has its advantages. Here are a few advantages to

Downtown Highlights: Surekha's on the Snye

Jun 23, 2018

Café on the River The newly-opened Surekha’s on the Snye is the first eatery available alongside the Clearwater River. It’s a café and restaurant with a view of the Snye Point Park like no other. Syne Point Park officially opened for the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games and the Games athletes for

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of June 22)

Jun 22, 2018

It’s time for another edition of the weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ A power disruption has affected the operations at Syncrude's site in the north of Fort McMurray. From Mix News: Power Disruption Impacting Operations At Syncrude Spokesperson Will Gibson tells Mix News the disruption

Eagle Ridge Highlights: East Village Pub

Jun 21, 2018

Prize-Winning Local Pub The East Village Pub Eatery in Eagle Ridge has been raising the bar in food and service for Fort McMurray’s pub scene because it not only serves its guests – it serves the community. In 2013, the pub was one of the first commercial spaces to open in Liam

Open House Etiquette for Buyers

Jun 18, 2018

An open house is an excellent opportunity for home buyers to evaluate a home. They may be less stressful than regular showings, but you mustn't assume anything is allowed. There are do's and don'ts to follow. Here are a few tips to help make a good impression when you decide

Are Fort McMurray Home Prices Going Up?

Jun 14, 2018

Are Home Prices Going Up? Can I sell my home more now than last year? Is it a good time to buy? You may be wrestling with whether to buy, sell, or wait. If that sounds about right these are pretty crucial questions to have answered, because having the best information tends to

Features That Help To Sell Your Home

Jun 11, 2018

As a home seller, you might be hesitant to make renovations to your house, due to the feeling of uncertainty. Think again, though, because making small upgrades to features that most home buyers are looking for will go a long way. Even though every home buyer has their own personal

Thickwood Highlights: Birchwood Trails

Jun 09, 2018

Trails North of the Bridge The Birchwood Trails are a popular outdoor recreation area in Fort McMurray as it brings residents out on its maintained trails 365 days a year. The extensive 130-kilometre trail system is a wooded area located in the Con Creek Valley, which is situated in the centre of

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of June 8)

Jun 08, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ The Alberta government announced this week that it is investing $1.6 million in renovating and upgrading Gregoire Lake Provincial Park. From Fort McMurray Today: Province invests $1.6 million in Gregoire Park The park

Fort McMurray Highlights: Tim Hortons

Jun 04, 2018

The Local Quartet of Timmies Fort McMurray residents love their Double Doubles, so much so that it’s a rarity to walk into a local Tim Hortons’ and not stand in line to order. According to the coffee franchise giant, the first Tim Hortons’ opened in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964. In the beginning,

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of June 1)

Jun 01, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ The McMurray Métis bought a nine-acre plot of land in order to build a cultural center: McMurray Métis Buy Land From Province, Plans To Build Cultural Centre On Friday, Minister of Infrastructure Sandra

Sellers: Getting Ready For A Home Inspection

May 28, 2018

Home sellers tend to underestimate the importance of home inspections. Some think home inspections are only for home buyers, but that doesn't mean sellers can rest easy. A home inspection allows home sellers to be sure that the buyer is at ease with their purchase. That said, preparation is key

Fort McMurray Attractions: Vista Ridge Adventure Park

May 26, 2018

Aerial park opens for another summer season The Vista Ridge Adventure Park opens today for another season to bring active outdoor play to residents and tourists in the Wood Buffalo region. Vista Ridge’s summer season offers a variety of outdoor activities including an above-ground obstacle course with ziplines, skate park and playscape,

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of May 25)

May 25, 2018

It's time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ The 2018 Census reached another milestone this week, increasing to 50,000: 63% of the population in Wood Buffalo. From Mix News: 2018 Census Reaches 50,000 So far, 50,000 have been counted – representing

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

May 21, 2018

Location is critical when it comes to real estate. Choosing the perfect neighbourhood greatly matters because it can determine the value of a home. While homebuyers have different preferences and needs when it comes to the location of their house, pthe hyperlocal community also plays big park. Here are a

Downtown Highlights: Heritage Shipyard

May 19, 2018

Shipyard seasonal opening launches for long weekend The Fort McMurray Historical Society’s marine park museum opens today to allow guests to explore their showcased ships and train cars for its 2018 season. Since 2014, the Fort McMurray Heritage Shipyard has provided residents and tourists with a first-hand look at the region’s rich

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of May 18)

May 18, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ The number of homes sold in the community has increased for another month, making for three months of improvement. according to the Fort McMurray REALTORS®. From Mix News: Homes Sold Increase For Third

Reasons to Buy a Home This Spring

May 14, 2018

Buying in Spring When it comes to buying a home, timing matters as different seasons feature different homes and prices. That said, here are a few tips why you might want to buy a home this spring. First, if you're still renting, spring is usually a good time to switch to owning

Downtown Highlights: Boomtown Casino

May 12, 2018

Local casino celebrates forty years booming Found in the heart of downtown Fort McMurray, the Boomtown Casino marks 2018 with its 40-year milestone of bringing gambling entertainment to the community. When first established, Boomtown was a portable, set-up event with various venues hosting gaming nights throughout the city, on a rotation basis.

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of May 11)

May 11, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. ​ Residents from Fort McMurray continue to pay the highest rent in Canada at $1,802, according to the latest report from the 2018 Canadian Rental Housing Index. From Mix News: Report: Fort McMurray

Stonecreek Highlights: Starbucks in Stonecreek Village

May 09, 2018

A Look at Starbucks Stonecreek Whether it’s a latte, caramel macchiato, blonde espresso… or a tall cup of Pike Place Roast, there are many reasons people step into a Starbucks coffeehouse. However, the franchise - on top of the Timberlea hill at 112 Riverstone Ridge - brings a unique experience to

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Sell Your House On Your Own

May 07, 2018

Selling a home can involve many costs, which moves some people to sell without an agent, also called as "For Sale By Owner"(FSBO). In terms of money saved, this might look simple enough, but the opposite can actually happen if you're not careful enough. Here are a few reasons why you

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of May 4)

May 04, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Affordable housing is still available as insurance companies stop providing housing assistance.  From My McMurray: Affordable housing available as insurance deadlines near As the rebuild continues, many residents have found themselves still displaced

Price Negotiating Tips for Home Buyers

May 01, 2018

When you're going to buy a house, you'll likely be hoping to get the best price you can. This is where negotiations come in: as a buyer in a crowded market, you have an advantage. Here are a few price negotiation strategies you need to consider when going after your

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of April 27)

Apr 27, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The City Council meeting last Tuesday heavily focused on the progress report of the 2018 - 2021 Strategic Plan for economic growth in the community. From Fort McMurray Today: Council discusses Strategic

Home Improvements for Spring

Apr 23, 2018

Spring Renovations Spring is considered the best time of the year for selling your home. There are quite a few reasons why, so it's important that home sellers capitalize on the season by making various home improvements to help the home stand out. Here are a few improvements we advise making

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of April 20)

Apr 20, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Alberta colleges, also known as Comprehensive Community Institutions(CCIs), added 4.8 billion to the provincial economy according to a study made by Economic Modeling Specialists International(EMSI). From My McMurray: Alberta colleges add $4.8B

Benefits of Listing Your Home This Spring

Apr 16, 2018

Spring Listings Spring is upon us, and as the snow melts, many households are getting ready to list. As you may know, spring (and summer) is the busiest time of the year for the real estate market, and is probably the best time to pull the trigger on the selling process, for

3 Reasons You’ll Prefer Living South of the Bridge

Apr 14, 2018

Living in South Fort McMurray We recently asked our Facebook followers whether they would prefer to purchase a home north or south of the bridge and we were overwhelmed by the response. I spend my career helping people buy homes north of the bridge (that’s what people ask for) so I

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of April 13)

Apr 13, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Census 2018 started on April 9th. It's set to provide insight on how the wildfire has affected the region and population, according to Nathalia Cordeau-Hilliard of My McMurray: Census 2018 will see

Red Flags To Avoid When Buying A New Home

Apr 09, 2018

Home Warning Signs Buying a new home can be exciting. It can get so fun that home buyers (especially first-timers) often overlook certain warning signs that cost them financially. Here are a few significant tips to avoid these red flags and what signs should you watch out for when buying a

First Time Selling? Here's What to Expect

Apr 07, 2018

Selling for the First Time Maybe you’ve been in your home for a few years, and your life has changed? You’re out of space. You need a yard. Or perhaps, you’ve got an opportunity elsewhere in Canada and it’s time to say goodbye to your treasured home, even though it’s perfect

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of April 6)

Apr 06, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. According to Deloitte Canada, prices for Canadian crude oil continued to fall behind United States this quarter. From My McMurray: Canadian crude prices continue to fall behind U.S. A report from the firm

Preparing for a Home Appraisal

Apr 02, 2018

Increasing Your Home's Value Home selling is a long process involving multiple steps. One of these steps is the home appraisal. A home appraisal is a comprehensive report that determines your home's value in the market based on a number of factors, taking into consideration the home's location, condition, the year

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 30)

Mar 30, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The Fort McKay Métis has finalized a $1.6 million deal to buy their land from the provincial government. From Mix News: Fort McKay Métis Finalize $1.6M Transaction For Their Land President Ron Quintal

The Benefits of Open House Viewings

Mar 26, 2018

Open Houses and You As a home seller, having to constantly clean up whenever a potential buyer comes to view can get tiring. One way to overcomes this issue is to have open house viewings. Now, open houses aren't for everyone, but there are many advantages to having one. Here are a

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 23)

Mar 23, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) has been a hot topic in town for quite some time now, and debate still rages. In a new report by the Oil Sands Community Alliance highlights FIFO's impact

Smart Home Trends in 2018

Mar 19, 2018

With the quick advancement of technology nowadays, living in a smart home is slowly becoming normal. New innovations in the smart home sector have grown exponentially over the past few years and with their high adoption rate, there's no doubt that smart technology is a must-have feature in homes for

YMM Market Update: Average Discounts Still Favoring Buyers

Mar 17, 2018

The Close to List Ratio It’s 2018, and the oil price crash is long behind us. Alberta has returned to growth, and unemployment in the Wood Buffalo region is down. In the last article we wrote about the market, we noted increased demand and reduced supply vis-a-vis last year. The number

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 16)

Mar 16, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Canadian debt is generally rising in recent times, but it turns Fort McMurray residents carry the highest average debt in the country, according to a new report by Equifax Canada. From

How to Save Money When Buying a Home

Mar 12, 2018

Home buying is a long process and it could take you a while to find the property you want, given the current market situation in Wood Buffalo. Buying a home could cost you more than you bargained for, particularly if you don't know the ins and outs. Luckily, a buyer's agent

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 9)

Mar 09, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. A lack of pipelines is costing the province an average of $7.9 billion revenue every year in a report released by the University of Calgary. From Mix News: Report: Province Losing Billions

How to Set a List Price For Your Home

Mar 05, 2018

When preparing to list your home, care should be taken when deciding the initial listing price. It's pretty easy to overestimate the value of your home, and pricing it outside of what buyers expect can lead to disappointment. Here are some things to keep in mind. First on our list is to

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of March 2)

Mar 02, 2018

It’s time for another edition of the weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Alberta's GDP is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2018 due to the added jobs last year, according to Jaryn Vecchio of Mix News: Report: Alberta’s GDP Expected To Increase By 2.8%

Then & Now: $300K of Fort McMurray Real Estate Over The Last 20 Years

Feb 28, 2018

The Long-Term History of The Fort McMurray MLS® Real estate markets change a lot. ...and the changes impact families significantly. To show you the “bigger picture”, I want to take a little look back at what roughly $300,000 would a person at different times in the last 20 years[note]Disclaimer: Prices approximate. Addresses not

How to Prepare for an Open House

Feb 26, 2018

Open House Preparation Open houses are powerful tools in the home marketing arsenal. Held at the right time, they provide opportunities for buyers to view your property and ideally make an offer. But homes should be ready for the viewers an open house will bring in. First, it's important to declutter the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 23)

Feb 23, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The Alberta Winter Games was held this week, and is expected to bring $3.4 million towards the local economy. From Mix News: Alberta Winter Games Expected To Bring in $3.4M To Local

Selling in Winter: How Snow Affects Your Listing

Feb 19, 2018

Snow and Your Home Although many people don't think to sell their homes in the winter, this time of year is actually a good time to take the plunge. The winter setting is a unique one, especially in Fort McMurray, with snow adding to a listing... to an extent. Although selling

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 16)

Feb 16, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Unemployment went up by 0.1 percent to 6.3 percent locally as the region lost 500 jobs last month. From Fort McMurray Today: Unemployment up 0.1 per cent locally in January Unemployment went up

Trampoline Park & Virtual Reality in Fort McMurray: Aim High Park

Feb 13, 2018

Fun with a New Attraction Okay so usually we’re writing about real estate, but today I wanted to share the best thing about my day yesterday… It’s an amazing business in Fort McMurray called Aim High Park. We’ve written before about the boom in the service sector that we’re seeing due to falling

Home Renovations That Pay Off in Resale Value

Feb 12, 2018

A home is a place where you can relax, but it's also an investment for the future. When you’re selling a home, it is natural to do some repairs and renovations in order to increase the resale value of your home. But it takes money to make money. That's why

Is It a Good Time To Buy an Investment Property in Fort Mac?

Feb 10, 2018

Buying Investment Properties in Fort McMurray It’s a question we’re getting asked often these days (no one asked for about three years). The answer to the question is also relevant to potential sellers. So read on[note]Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with a competing real estate brokerage.[/note]... If you are

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 9)

Feb 09, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The Recovery Task Force is reaching out to help property owners who haven't started the rebuilding process. From Mix News: Recovery Task Force Looking To Help Property Owners Who Haven’t Started Rebuild Process The

Negotiation 101: Ego, Trust, Emotion & Credibility

Feb 08, 2018

Basics of Negotiation I’m THE WORST! That’s precisely what I was thinking after my first ever negotiation. Let me tell you the story, and the lessons I learnt, to save you time and money... Setting The Scene It was 2010 and I was buying my first home; this was before I was a REALTOR®,

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Mobile Home

Feb 07, 2018

What to Consider When Buying a Mobile Home “Should we buy a mobile home?” This is a question I am frequently asked as a buyer’s specialist. The truth is, the answer isn’t necessarily an easy one. If you are thinking about purchasing a mobile home, then I will tell you some of the

New Fort McMurray Listings: Where (& How) To Find Them This Year

Feb 06, 2018

Where Are the Homes? It’s no secret that this year there are fewer homes for sale. What’s more is that a large fraction of the available inventory is distressed listings (specifically, foreclosures). So if you’re thinking about getting into the market, you may be growing a little concerned. If you’re thinking of

What You Should Check During a Home Inspection

Feb 05, 2018

When it comes to buying a new home, you want a house in top condition. That is why home inspections are important in the home buying process. Now, like any careful home buyer, you know that your home inspector is always on the lookout for any error during his/her inspection.

5 Things To Know About Fort McMurray's Residential Market in 2018

Feb 04, 2018

How Has 2018 Been for Real Estate So Far? If you or your friends are looking for up-to-date information[note]The interpretations of the MLS® data are my own and don’t reflect the opinions of the Fort McMurray Real Estate Board or its members. There is plenty of my opinion in here, but

Boom & Bust or Balanced Future: Facebook Poll Results

Feb 03, 2018

What Does Fort McMurray Think of the Housing Market? I posted a fun little poll on Facebook recently. Actually, I posted two. This is NOT the post I’m talking about (see comments for results): In fact, what I asked was: What do YOU think the future of the Fort McMurray housing market

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of February 2)

Feb 02, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. A memorandum of understanding was signed last January 26 to address housing issues in Fort Chipewyan. From Mix News: Affordable Housing Coming to Fort Chipewyan WBHDC President and CEO Henry Hunter tells Mix

Leaving Your Home Vacant: A Checklist for Out-of-Town Sellers

Feb 01, 2018

Selling a Vacant Home So you are planning to sell your Fort McMurray property? - Very exciting! You may be planning to leave town. Perhaps you left a while ago and rented your place? Maybe your tenants just moved out? Maybe both? Whichever is true, this post is for you, as long as

Questions You Should Ask a Home Seller

Jan 31, 2018

What Should You Ask Home Sellers? Going home-hunting is both enjoyable and complicated. There's nothing more satisfying than owning your own house, but without proper experience in the market trends mistakes can be costly on your part. However, there are things you can do that make it easier for you to find

Ultimate Representation: What Makes our REALTORS® Special

Jan 30, 2018

What Makes the A-Team Different? Buying or selling a home is a two-step process. All too often, however, the first step is overlooked because the second one is SOOOO EXCITING. If you really want to knock step two out of the park, then the key is taking care of step 1 first. The

Can I Sell My House For More Than The Appraised Value?

Jan 29, 2018

Can I Sell for More Than Appraisal Value? Great question! The short answer is “yes, it’s possible”... ...but there’s much more to it (not all positive), so read on if you’d like to make your dream happen, but you don’t have a plan yet... If you’re reading this, then you are probably in your

What To Look For When Attending An Open House

Jan 28, 2018

What Should I Look for in an Open House? The exit! Of course, I’m kidding (kind of...more on that later). Buying a house is a big deal. Even deciding whether to buy is serious, let alone where, when, and which one. If you’re just starting to research buying, then this blog is for

Home Sale Preparation: A Guide For "Type-A" Sellers

Jan 27, 2018

Preparing for Type-A Selling Okay, so the title of this blog is a little fun: Personality theory is a little 20th-century for us (we would rather not put people in boxes), but if you are someone who likes to excel at everything, enjoys detail, and you’re about to list your home

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 26)

Jan 26, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. 2018 is looking to continue Alberta's return to prominence, as oil prices are hit a four-year high this week, according to Jaryn Vecchio of Mix News: Oil Prices Peaking Over $65, Highest

When is The Best Time to Hold an Open House?

Jan 25, 2018

Keys to a Great Open House Your life has changed and it’s time to sell. That’s awesome! You’ve got a bright future & we’re excited for you. But between now and then, you’ve got work to do. You have an asset to dispose of, and you’re going to say goodbye to a

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

Jan 24, 2018

Getting ready to sell? Or are you still thinking about it? With only so many funds available, investing smartly in your soon-to-be-sold home can make or break a sale. Here are a few steps that can be done to increase resale value. First impressions are critical in home selling. A home buyer

Why Are Houses So Expensive in Fort McMurray?

Jan 22, 2018

Why are Houses So Pricey? You may be new to town or you’ve been around for a while. Either way, if you’re asking this question, then you probably aren’t a homeowner. Maybe you’re just curious (awesome!) or you could be forming some early thoughts about buying. Perhaps you’re worried you might

What is Title Insurance?

Jan 20, 2018

Today’s post is a guest blog from Corinna Stevens, attorney with the Byron and Company law firm[note]We also recommend Don Scott McMurray Law Office and Allenby Law[/note]here in Fort McMurray. The Real Property Report, Title Insurance, and You The standard Alberta Real Estate Association Residential Purchase Contract, used almost exclusively by all

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 19)

Jan 19, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. More homes were sold last month at a lower price based on the new report released by Fort McMurray REALTORS®. From Mix News: More homes sold in December; average price drops New numbers released

Pitfalls of Pricing Your Home Too High When Selling

Jan 17, 2018

It's common knowledge that if a house isn't selling, then there must be something wrong with the home itself, or the way it's marketed, specifically its price. It's understandable that home sellers want to make a profit on their home. That is why most of them think that it is

New Home Listings in Fort Mcmurray: Where Are They?

Jan 14, 2018

Fort McMurray's New Listings You may be searching for your forever home, or perhaps you plan to stick around for just a few years and are just sick to death of paying rent. Maybe that Syncrude or Suncor money is burning a hole in your pocket (housing benefits). You may also be

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 12)

Jan 12, 2018

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The local unemployment rate has fallen to a nearly three-year low, providing another sign of economic recovery. This is in stark contrast to the situation just last year, according to Elizabeth

Financial Factors to Consider When Buying a Home

Jan 09, 2018

Planning on buying? There are a few things you might consider. The most important factor of all when it comes to home buying Is money. Without proper planning and budgeting, you are making yourself prone to a lot of mistakes that might cost you much more than your budget. Here

Breanna’s Top 5 Activities in Fort McMurray

Jan 06, 2018

Fort McMurray Activities I love when people ask me “Yeah, but what is there to do in Fort McMurray?”. :) I love it because I get excited telling them about all of the amazing things there are to do here! It doesn’t matter if you're into sports or the outdoors or

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of January 5)

Jan 05, 2018

It’s time for the first 2018 edition of the A-Team's weekly column. Here is some important news for this week. Despite the approval of Keystone XL and increased production last year, layoffs in the oilsands are expected to continue into 2018, according to Vincent McDermott of Fort McMurray Today: Layoffs will continue

The 2018 Fort McMurray Real Estate Market

Dec 30, 2017

The Future of Fort McMurray Real Estate Most residents of Fort McMurray have a significant interest the local real estate market, either as owners, landlords, or tenants. It’s a crazy market. And we all know that prices and rents have taken serious falls over the last three years. It has not been at

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 29)

Dec 29, 2017

Christmas has come and gone, but the holidays aren't quite over yet. There are just a few days until the new year, but until then, it’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week of 2018: As we end the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 22)

Dec 22, 2017

It’s time for a pre-Christmas edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week before holidays.. An update from the Recovery Task Force this week revealed that over 270 rebuilds have been finished by December 2017. Families affected by the wildfire have already moved in.

The Pros & Cons of Buying a Rebuild

Dec 20, 2017

Neighbourhoods once devastated by the wildfire are now showing signs of a bustling recovery. Being a homeowner of a “still-standing” property in the neighbourhood of Abasand, I have watched as the neighbourhood has steadily had its spirit rise as quickly as the new homes popping up within it. Other neighbourhoods,

Inexpensive Ways to Add Value to Your Home Before Selling

Dec 18, 2017

Increasing Value on a Budget Anyone thinking of selling their home wants to get as much value for it as possible. To that effect, making improvements before selling your home is highly recommended. However, repairs and upgrades are not in everyone's budget. Here are a few affordable ways to increase your home’s value, without

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 15)

Dec 15, 2017

It's mid-December, and Christmas is drawing near. But it's also time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. 54 properties with tax arrears are to be sold at public auction. The municipality is owed more almost $400,000, according to Jaryn Vecchio of Mix News: Over 50 Properties With Outstanding

How to Sell Your Home “As-Is”

Dec 11, 2017

When it comes to selling your home, you've probably thought about doing some repairs/ improvements before listing. These measures do much to improve your chances of a good sale, but not everyone has the money (or time) for home improvement. That said, some homeowners sell their property in its current

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 8)

Dec 08, 2017

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Amidst the start of the holiday season, here is some important news for the past week. It's the height of flu season, and 320 Albertans have been hospitalized for influenza according to Alberta Health Services(AHS). There are already 1100

A Home That Works for Anyone: 157 Pitcher Crescent

Dec 06, 2017

Are you looking for a home that is well built and well maintained? Are you wanting it to have 3 bedrooms upstairs? How about a front attached double garage? North of the bridge? Well, I have the PERFECT home for you! :) It really is perfect for a lot of people:

Questions to Ask Before Buying a House

Dec 04, 2017

Home Buying Questions Buying a home can be very exciting: in fact, buyers can get so excited that they neglect to ask important questions and overlook important things. Asking the right questions will help you get the intel you want on the home you're considering. In this article, we’ll talk about

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of December 1)

Dec 01, 2017

December has just begun, and it’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for the week: The province received an encouraging economic update this week, when a 4% growth in GDP was forecasted by an Alberta Government financial report, according to Jaryn

Is Buying a Home in the Winter a Good Idea?

Nov 29, 2017

Although I wasn’t born in Canada, I was fortunate enough to become part of this incredible nation by choice. I cried when Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal in the Olympic finals, but there’s one thing about natural born Canadians that I’ll never understand: “Oh, no I couldn’t move house in the

Things that Turn Off Home Buyers

Nov 27, 2017

Every home buyer has their own idea of what they want out of a house. As a seller, you want to please potential buyers, but sometimes you may be turning them away. You may have the perfect-sized home in a good location, but none of these will mean a surefire sale.

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 24)

Nov 24, 2017

It's Black Friday, and shoppers everywhere are making use of huge sales. But Friday also means another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. The Festival of Trees is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, and the latest edition, held this

What Are We Doing Next? - Making Your Home Stand Out

Nov 23, 2017

Look at what we are doing now! Our amazing team of specialized agents prides ourselves in giving all of our clients service that will far exceed their expectations. And we have a proven track record of constantly raising industry standards in Fort McMurray. How do we do this? Or you may

How Much is Your House Worth? - Determining Listing Price

Nov 20, 2017

The matter of sale price is the first thing potential home sellers consider. No one wants to lose money on the sale, but overpricing leads nowhere. If you're unsure of what your listing price should be, or haven't yet figured out the worth of your house then you've come to the

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 17)

Nov 17, 2017

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Recognition for volunteers of the wildfire recovery efforts continued this week when Marty Giles, owner of Northstar Ford, was presented with a Senate 150 medal for his work in helping the community

What to Expect: Cleaning for Possession Day

Nov 15, 2017

A Clean House on Possession Day This post may seem insignificant, but believe me, cleaning can be key to a stress-free transaction. Here’s why... We find that the most common customer service issue that arises during a real estate transaction has to do with cleaning. The reason, as I have come to discover,

How Important is Social Media When Selling Your Home?

Nov 13, 2017

Social media is a major part of the daily lives of most people these days. With the availability of smartphones, everyone has access to multiple social media platforms. That said, it's easy to see why social media has become a crucial part of real estate: it's where the eyes are. When done

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 10)

Nov 10, 2017

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. Three Grade 9 students and founders of EcoYOLO in Saprae Creek was awarded the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, at the WE Day event. The students planted 1,650 trees in Saprae

Things to Do in Fort McMurray

Nov 08, 2017

It’s that time of year again! Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, and as temperatures drop, often so does morale. It is no secret: Fort McMurray winters can be long and harsh, it can often lead to people feeling like they are going to spend their unforeseen future reclused

Selling Your Home: How to Avoid Overpricing

Nov 06, 2017

When it comes to home selling, pricing your house right will determine how many offers are made for your home. Some sellers, particularly first-timers, don't see much trouble with pricing high. However, overpricing a home can be the sole reason why it doesn't sell, especially in a buyer's market. So

The Effect of Oil Prices, Employment and Interest Rates on the Fort McMurray Housing Market

Nov 05, 2017

What Will Happen Next Year? “What do you think the market is going to do in the next x months/years?” It’s the most common question we get asked. And we can’t answer it. As REALTORS®, we shouldn’t predict the real estate market. We’re not economists and so it’s not our role, so the Real

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of November 3)

Nov 03, 2017

With the first big snowfall of the year, winter is in effect in Fort McMurray. It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. Here is some important news for this week. A new report released this week by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows a drop in

Staging Your Home in the Winter: Tips for Occupied and Vacant Listings

Nov 01, 2017

Listing in the Winter Contrary to popular belief, selling in the winter months can be a good idea if you have strong reasons for selling. If you have your home listed with us (or soon will), then this post is for you! Consider taking the following advice to prepare your home so

How to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Home

Oct 30, 2017

The mantra of "don't judge a book by its cover" is sound advice when it comes to people. In real estate though, appearances are imperative. Curb appeal, for those who are not familiar with the term, refers to the attractiveness of your home's exterior when viewed from outside. If you're planning

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 27)

Oct 27, 2017

It’s time for the pre-Halloween edition of the A-Team's Fort McMurray column. Here is some important news for this week. Last weekend, an application for a new oilsands project in Meadow Creek West was filed. If approved, Suncor Energy would be allowed to build the plant south of Fort McMurray, and

3 Factors That Determine a Home Sale

Oct 25, 2017

What Determines a Home Sale? So you're thinking of selling. You have spent time (and maybe money?) getting your home ready. What is next? Maybe you are wondering what sells a home? Great thought! There are 3 things that really sell homes - let’s explore! Ok, so we’ve been in a buyer’s

How to Increase Sale Price in a Buyer's Market

Oct 23, 2017

Pretty much every home seller wants to get as much return on their home as possible. And that makes sense: it's reasonable to want to avoid a loss, especially in a buyer's market. So how can you improve your chances of selling your home for more money? Here are a

Sell or Rent your Fort McMurray Property?

Oct 21, 2017

Should I Sell or Rent? It’s one of the central questions that a Fort McMurray property owner faces when their life takes them to new pastures, and it’s one that is made all the more difficult by depressed real estate values: What to do with your property? You’ve loved your time here. You

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 20)

Oct 20, 2017

It’s time for another edition of the A-Team's weekly Fort McMurray column. It was a busy week, as the town elected a new mayor and council. That wasn't the only event of note, though. Here are some other important happenings of the week. Community rebuilding is progressing quite nicely, but the

Buying Wood Foundation Homes: Are They a Good Idea?

Oct 18, 2017

No, I’m not here to “convince” you to buy a wood foundation home. But I will ask you to keep an open mind until you’ve heard me out... There are tons of horror stories about wood foundation homes. So much so that, of all the people I help purchase homes, I’d

When Should You Lower the Asking Price of Your Home?

Oct 16, 2017

In a buyer's market, it can be difficult to sell a home. While you can't control the market, there are a few things that you do have power over, the principal one being your asking price. It's not something many sellers would like to do, but sometimes it's the best

“Special Homes” in Fort McMurray: Should You Buy One?

Oct 14, 2017

Okay, so this is another thing I’ve really just made up. But it’s useful!! There isn’t a real thing called a “special home”; it’s a phrase I use to describe a home that is, well... special…and in a good way. It’s not a euphemism for a weird house (I call those weird

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 13)

Oct 13, 2017

It’s time for another edition of our weekly column from the A-Team. We hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend. Here is some important news for this week. Community recovery from the wildfire is underway, as the number of home rebuilds completed reaches 150 as of September 22. Building permits have

How to Stage Your Home to Sell

Oct 09, 2017

Once you decide to sell your home, the most important thing you can do to help speed up the sales process is to stage it for sale. For that reason here are a few valuable home staging tips that you can apply which might help you in selling your home

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of October 6)

Oct 06, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving weekend from The A-Team! It’s time for another edition of our weekly column. Here's what we have for you this week: In health, AHS or Alberta Health Services will be supporting the community over the fall by offering free adult mental health sessions to Fort McMurray citizens. The sessions will

How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays : Tips for Sellers

Oct 04, 2017

Should I Decorate My Home While Selling? Fall is here, the leaves in our city have turned beautiful shades of amber and red. Chunky scarves, trendy boots, and pumpkin spice latte’s are filling the streets. Thanksgiving is approaching next weekend, followed not far after by Halloween, and then for our household

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 29)

Sep 29, 2017

It’s time for another edition of The A-Team's weekly Fort McMurray column. Here's some important news for this week. Over the last month, oil prices have risen considerably to more than $50 a barrel. While this is good news for the oil sands, it's still not enough to encourage growth and

How to Sell a Home with a Tenant In It

Sep 26, 2017

Do you have tenants? Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, then this blog might be useful for you. To start, we are not licensed in property management, so the information below is only things that I have learned while being a REALTOR®, not advice for being a landlord.

How to Tell If You've Found the Right Home

Sep 25, 2017

Finding the perfect house after a long search is exciting. but sometimes people have trouble choosing. Numerous home buyers, mainly first-timers, are curious how they will know if a house is the perfect one for them. Here are a few ways to know if you've truly found the right house: The

The A-Team Ice Cream Van Competition

Sep 23, 2017

This week, instead of writing about our real estate market, I figured I’d write about something more fun (and cheerful)... Ice Cream!! How This All Came About Our friends, David & Gail, are the ice cream people. They drive around Fort McMurray, day in, day out, playing their familiar tunes and dishing out

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 22)

Sep 22, 2017

As the fall season begins today, it's time for another edition of the A-Team's weekly roundup of news from around the region. Here's what we found notable for this week. The 2016 wildfire, along with the oil crash, have done a number on the local economy, but in an optimistic report

Are Fort McMurray Homes Shrinking?

Sep 20, 2017

Sounds like a funny question, right? Well, over the next few months, you may notice that the sizes of properties listed on the MLS® might be smaller than before. It certainly will be changing! Weird, right?! Because the homes themselves can’t be changing size, can they? As well as being a

Common Mistakes First Time Home Sellers Make

Sep 18, 2017

Buying a home for the first time can seem daunting but usually, it works out to be pretty fun if you have the right knowledge & team. But selling your first home can be brutal, especially in a buyer's market. There are a number of steps a seller needs to go through that

From REALTOR® to Retiree: Farewell Paul Cairns

Sep 16, 2017

After a long career in real estate, Paul Cairns retired from The A-Team at the beginning of the month. On Monday, he left to enjoy his retirement in peace, on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, with his beloved Dorothy. We are thrilled to bits for Paul and his family. He

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 15)

Sep 15, 2017

Another week, another roundup of local news from the Fort McMurray area. Amid the chatter over the upcoming local elections, some important developments took place. The oilsands received a major boost this week when the Japan Canada Oil Sands Hangingstone Project started up again after production stopped due to the 2016

Common Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make

Sep 11, 2017

Buying your first home can be an amazing, but pretty complex and difficult experience. Without solid advice and careful planning, you might end up making mistakes that could cost you time, energy and money. It's normal for first-time buyers to make a mistake or two, but knowing some of the

Why Interest Rates Are Going Up and What it Means For You

Sep 09, 2017

Today’s post is a guest blog from Eric Dunham, mortgage specialist at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC®), here in Fort McMurray. The Times, They Are A Changin’ For our Canadian economy to be healthy in the long-term, the prime rate should be in the 5% to 6% range. This is something

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 8)

Sep 08, 2017

Every Friday, the A-Team rounds up some important news from Fort McMurray into a convenient post, and today is no different. Here's what we found for this week: The resurgence of the Canadian economy was shown to be continuing this week, as Statistics Canada revealed the national unemployment rate had decreased from

Infographic: 8 Signs of Recovery in the Fort McMurray Housing Market

Sep 07, 2017

Not too long ago, we released an article about the eventual recovery of the housing market here in Fort McMurray. We went over housing market behavior, as well as 8 signs you can look for that might signify (when it does) that the market is balancing. It went over so well that

Should I Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement?

Sep 06, 2017

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few ways to go about it. Some people prefer to do it alone, calling the phone numbers of listing agents on the realtor.ca website and/or physical real estate signs on lawns. If you are strong-willed, have done multiple transactions, or just

Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

Sep 04, 2017

When you’re deciding on which home to buy, a thorough home inspection is needed to make sure that you know all the faults of the home you want to buy before you make an offer. Home inspections save buyers valuable time and money by alerting them of problems the sellers may

Fort McMurray Housing Market Recovery: 8 Signs to Look for

Sep 02, 2017

You may be reading this, trying to find the “best time to buy”. If so, maybe it’ll be your first home so you’d like to be cautious. Or perhaps you're thinking about purchasing an investment property, and you’d like to maximize your ROI by minimizing the purchase price. Another possibility is

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of September 1)

Sep 01, 2017

It's time for another weekly roundup of news from Fort McMurray. This week, the news covered more economic development in Wood Buffalo. Here it is, straight from The A-Team: Hurricane Harvey has been wreaking havoc in Texas this week, but its effects are being felt all the way here in Fort McMurray.

Am I Ready to Buy a Home in Fort McMurray? - Quiz

Aug 31, 2017

It's a buyer's market here in Fort McMurray, and we're seeing more people decide to take the plunge into homeownership. The decision of when to jump in is an important one. Some potential buyers aren't totally prepared to buy, despite their eagerness while others are totally financially able, but aren't quite

4 Reasons Why You Need a Home Inspection Before SELLING

Aug 30, 2017

So you're thinking about selling your home? That’s awesome! Have you booked an inspection yet? It’s well known that inspections are important when buying a home, but our seller clients often choose not to have an inspection upon deciding to list their home for sale. Today I want to tell you

How To Make An Offer On A House

Aug 28, 2017

Buying a home can be a stressful event, especially if it’s your first time. It's more than likely that you only have limited knowledge about the market. For that reason, it's important to be ready before starting the process, as even in a buyer's market properties can be highly competitive

Cost of Owning The Average Fort McMurray Home

Aug 26, 2017

If you’re new to town, or thinking about moving to the “Great White North”, then you’ve probably heard horror stories about the cost of living in our region! A member of the public reached out to us this week and wanted to get a sense of what it might cost (monthly)

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 25)

Aug 25, 2017

It's time for another of "Fort McMurray News" on the A-Team blog! This week's featured news covers a local construction and renovation story, along with an oilsands report. For many years now, progress on Aging-in-Place continuing care facility on Willow Square has been frozen, with little to no signs of activity.

The A-Team Client Appreciation Event

Aug 23, 2017

The A-Team Client Appreciation Event! We are so excited to celebrate our appreciation for our clients! Giving back to those who are our supporters, who trust us with the biggest purchase or with the biggest sale of their lives is huge! We are grateful for the trust they have in us, for

How to Tell If You're Ready To Buy Your First Home

Aug 21, 2017

At some point of your life, you'll start to seriously consider the idea of buying your first home. Buying a home is exciting and awesome, but buying before you're ready can have repercussions. That’s why It is important to know if you are ready to buy a house emotionally and financially. At

How to Buy A Home You Can Resell

Aug 19, 2017

Avoiding The Curse of Negative Equity So, you’re thinking of buying. That really is exciting! But here’s a sobering thought: We are frequently approached by potential clients who want to sell their homes. Our specialist listing agents meet with them and advise them on pricing and marketing. That is, given the choices

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 18)

Aug 18, 2017

It's been a busy week for Fort McMurray, especially in the real estate industry. As real estate agents, that sits especially fine with us. Let's get into the top developments! First up, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) announced this week that the construction boom is continuing, with nearly 1000 homes

Selling Your Rebuilt Home Doesn't Have to be Stressful

Aug 16, 2017

We've been working for families that are looking to sell their homes that are being rebuilt to replace those which they lost in the 2016 wildfire. It is an ongoing tragedy and it’s an honour to be able to help. Families come to us anywhere from the blueprint stage to the final

Tips for Settling Into Your New Home - What to Do After Moving

Aug 14, 2017

There’s no better feeling of accomplishment than owning your new home, especially if it’s your first. The excitement of living in a new place, new neighbourhood, etc. is unforgettable. There are plenty of tedious tasks, such as unpacking, that you might want to do before you can completely enjoy your new

How to Buy a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) with a REALTOR®

Aug 12, 2017

Buying a FSBO Home It’s easier than you think! Let’s say you’ve decided to buy a home over the next few months. That’s exciting!... Buying a home can be a life-changing event, and your choice of home can have a real impact on finances, your lifestyle and your future. It is an exciting

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 11)

Aug 11, 2017

It's time for another A-Team roundup of all the latest news and developments affecting the Fort McMurray region. In oilsands news, a pilot project operated by Japan Petroleum Exploration Co, which was shut during the 2016 wild fires, will not restart its operations. Low oil prices and technical risks were cited

What’s My Best Housing Option in Fort McMurray?

Aug 09, 2017

Best Housing Options You’ve saved. A lot. Now you’re thinking of buying... For argument’s sake, you’re pre-approved for a mortgage that gives you a budget of around $500,000. What is your best buy? For some folks, it’s an easy decision because they already know exactly what they want and where it is they want to

Home Won't Sell? What You Can Do

Aug 07, 2017

As a home seller, it can be frustrating when your house isn't selling as you expected to. Many sellers blame their troubles on their location, or the market conditions. While those are indeed important factors, they don’t apply in all situations. There are other, more controllable factors that affect your

How Much Are Closing Costs for Buyers in Fort McMurray?

Aug 05, 2017

Buying a home should be exciting, not stressful! We want to avoid costs, especially unknown ones. Potential home buyers tend to focus on saving for the down payment (a huge challenge in itself), sometimes forgetting about closing costs. This blog post is designed to help you learn about these costs early in

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of August 4)

Aug 04, 2017

The first week of August saw some important developments in the region. Here's some of the week's biggest news for Fort McMurray, from The A-Team. In a change of pace from recent economic woes, Statistics Canada reported this week that unemployment in the area had decreased to the lowest it's been

What Closing Costs Should I Expect to Pay When Selling My Home?

Aug 02, 2017

When potential seller clients begin conversations with us about selling their home, one of the first questions they usually ask is “What are your commissions?”. While this is an important question for your calculations, commissions are not the only closing cost involved with selling your home. What other closing costs are there?

How Home Improvements Make Your Home Sell Easier

Jul 31, 2017

Selling your home can be hard in today’s buyer's market. That’s why sellers have to make the most of a buyer's first impression and have all the necessary improvements ready beforehand. There could be a multitude of reasons why your home isn't selling, some of which are out of your control.

Fort McMurray Real Estate Crash: A Timeline

Jul 29, 2017

Introduction: What Has Gone On? “Crash” is a very emotive word. In our profession (REALTORS®), we use the word “correction” which is a more scientific descriptor of our local real estate market since 2014. “Fort McMurray Real Estate Forecast” is NOT the title of this post. I won’t attempt to predict the future

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 28)

Jul 28, 2017

This week was pretty busy one for Fort McMurray. In another edition of our weekly column, the A-Team gives you the most important news for your region. Sadly, last years' wildfire destroyed a large number of homes in the city, but most homeowners were insured. However, some residents have not yet

Canadian Interest Rate Hike: Should Homeowners Be Worried?

Jul 24, 2017

Earlier this month, the Bank of Canada raised the key interest rate from 0.5% to 0.75%. As this was the first rate change in seven years, it's been a hot topic these few weeks. The possible effect of this policy change on homeowners and the wider housing market has raised

Is Buying a Foreclosure a Good Idea?

Jul 22, 2017

Before we get started, if you found this article by accident and are looking for foreclosure listings, you can find them on our site HERE. What follows is a very handy article though!... As a Buyer’s Agent in Fort McMurray, I have become a bit emotionally dulled from viewing foreclosure listings

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 21)

Jul 21, 2017

Our weekly new roundup for the Fort McMurray area continues. Here are some of the biggest developments in the region this week. In rebuild news, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released report this week describing an increase in housing starts in town. From Jenna Hamilton of MyMcMurray: One third of homes

Why (and How) to Keep Your Home Safe And Secure

Jul 17, 2017

As a homeowner, home safety and security are likely one of your top priorities. It's not just because you have a need to keep your family safe; it can also help your home sell. In our increasingly digital world, it makes sense that all the recent home security innovations are electronic.

What To (and What NOT To) Renovate Before Listing

Jul 14, 2017

This week, a client asked on LinkedIn for a list of priorities of what to fix/upgrade before listing their home for sale. Great question. Here goes! Don’t Do Anything This was the first thing that came to mind. “Home prices are falling” is a true statement. In fact, a fairly common motivation

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 14)

Jul 14, 2017

It's time for another Fort McMurray weekly news roundup from The A-Team. Like always, it's been a busy week for Wood Buffalo. In real estate news, the city council approved a land sale for a church in Waterways. Jaryn Vecchio of Mix News writes: Council Approves Land Sale for Church in Waterways,

What to Look for When Choosing a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home

Jul 12, 2017

Big Questions to Ask Before Listing Your Home Putting Your Team Together Selling your home can be very challenging in a buyer’s market.  In this type of market, it’s been more important than ever to make a really good choice when hiring a professional to go to bat for you. A couple

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of July 6)

Jul 07, 2017

From Canada Day to college campus shrinkage, it's been another eventful week for Wood Buffalo. Here are some of the regions' most important developments for the week of July 6. While Canada Day celebrations included a festive parade and a carnival at MacDonald Island, the most poignant event was the honouring

The Art of the Deal: Get a Better Price for Your New Home

Jul 05, 2017

Okay I know, I know...I pinched the title from Donald Trump. (He can bite me, or tweet me, I don’t care ;).) Seriously though, there is an art to negotiations and I want to share some thoughts, especially with those of you who are new to the process. One of the first

Selling Your Home: Fast And At The Right Price

Jul 03, 2017

Thinking of selling your home, but have a short time frame? You may be worried about getting a good price. There will be occasions where people need to get their homes sold fast. It's unavoidable, but keep in mind that it doesn't mean you have to settle for a low

Around Town: Fort McMurray News (Week of June 30)

Jun 30, 2017

It's been another busy week in the Wood Buffalo area, as multiple important developments were made, all of which are integral to the future of the area. Generally speaking, it was a good week for news! In what's sure to be a boon to the Fort McMurray retail scene, town council

Different Styles of Homes in Fort McMurray

Jun 28, 2017

As a real estate agent in Fort Mcmurray, I often get asked about the different styles of single-family homes in the area. Here's a short explanation of the differences. In Fort McMurray, the common styles of single family homes are: 2-storey Bi-level Bungalow Split level 1.5-storey Modified bi-level 2-Storey I find that 2-storey

A Guide For First Time Home Buyers

Jun 27, 2017

Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make in your lifetime, so it is important to do it right. The process can be tedious and might frustrate you if you're unprepared. This post will help you  walk through the steps that you need to do

Around Town: Fort McMurray News

Jun 23, 2017

It's been an eventful week for Fort McMurray. Here are some of this week's biggest stories from around Wood Buffalo. In what's sure to be a huge boon to Wood Buffalo's smaller communities, the city council decided to continue the sewer, water, and road rehabilitation program. Cullen Bird of Fort McMurray

Buying a Home in Fort McMurray - 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Jun 21, 2017

Buying a Home in Fort McMurray Got any questions about home buying? Here are some common queries that the A-Team receives. 1)  Do I need a REALTOR®? You do not need the services of a REALTOR® when buying a home, but a good, qualified buyer’s agent will be able to help with the

What to Know (and What to Avoid) Before Buying a Home

Jun 19, 2017

Buying a home is a momentous occasion, but it can also be a very stressful one, especially for first-timers. While, with the help of a wonderful qualified agent, it's not necessary to do lots of preparation, it can be a very good idea nonetheless! There's advice you can put into practice at every

What is Life Like in Fort McMurray?

Jun 14, 2017

Fort McMurray: The Most Livable of Cities There was a bit of snow flying. It was late and it was dark. On September 30th, 2006, I got off the Greyhound bus, outside the Boomtown Casino. I didn’t know anyone in town, but the same Vancouver friend who had lent me $20 and a

Dream Home or Mortgage Free?

May 31, 2017

Something I have been pondering recently is the big question: “What’s the point?” I mean, I help people buy homes for a living. Different people from different walks of life and with varying professions and perhaps most importantly, people at different stages of their lives. What I do is assess client’s

Living in Hope

May 24, 2017

I’ve heard people criticise others for having false hope. While we mustn’t be naïve about present realities, I believe in the phrase ‘this too shall pass’.  I’m speaking primarily about the current economic climate and the downturn in real estate values. Last year’s fire was a traumatic event and it

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

May 17, 2017

I get asked all the time by potential sellers in Fort McMurray: “What do I need to do to get my house ready to sell?”. There are many things you could do, but it depends on how much money you want/have to spend on these items, how much time you

A Special (Olympics) Thank You

Apr 13, 2017

We’re mailing cards, but I feel like it’s super appropriate to dedicate an early blog post to our clients (and a few strangers) who helped us through random acts of generosity. First thing to know, Breanna is my wifey (she is also #1 listing agent in Fort McMurray, by volume of

Introducing ATeamYMM.ca

Apr 03, 2017

Improving the Experience It’s a TOTAL cliche, but we really wanted to make “more than just a website”. This web-experience is a place where you can get to know The A-Team’s take on real estate before you even meet us. Sounds like BS, so what the heck am I talking about?!... You're thinking