Finding a home that's right for you

Whether downsizing or upsizing a home, finding the right-size home is what everyone is looking for. “Right-sizers” isn’t just an industry buzzword, it is what all new homebuyers strive to be.

Finding a home that fits your lifestyle needs is important, but finding one that fits the budget is just as critical, if not more so. After all, no one wants to be house-poor, meaning having a home that you can’t afford.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says mortgage professionals use two rules to decide how much they’ll lend you. First, your housing costs shouldn’t be more than 32 per cent of your gross income. Housing costs include mortgage principal and interest, taxes, heating expenses and half of your condo fees. Second, your total debt (for housing, cars, and credit cards) shouldn’t be more than 40 per cent of your gross income.
Fortunately, Edmonton’s new homebuilders work with their customers in offering all home types that can fit their various financial and lifestyle needs. We spoke with a few homebuilders to find out how they can help the “right-sizer.”

Front-drive homes

The convenience, functionality, and larger size of the front-drive garage home (or FDG home) has made it today’s ideal family home. This type of home is as ubiquitous as the suburbs they are generally found in and are at the apex of the home-buying cycle. But with the rising interest rates, soaring material costs, and tight housing market, it may not be the most affordable option for many new homebuyers, but homebuilders have strategies in place to keep them as budget-friendly as possible.

Director of Marketing & Communications for Coventry Group, Tara Van Horn says the front-drive garage home is the most common next step for growing families.

“Front-drive garage homes seem to appeal most to young families who are looking for a new home with more space to accommodate their growing families. Front-drive garage homes are typically larger than detached garage homes, duplexes or townhomes that these families may be moving out of,” she says.

Convenience is a major advantage to a front-drive garage home – especially in places like Edmonton, where the weather can be extreme, she adds. “Families with young children can conveniently load and unload their vehicles while not being exposed to the weather.”

Additionally, Coventry Homes offers a wide range of customizable front-drive garage homes in over 18 communities in the Greater Edmonton area. “With our flexible floorplans, home buyers can focus on the list of “needs” and if they are willing to be flexible on their ‘wants’, a front-detached garage home can fit in lots of different budgets.”

One of its most popular designs is the Bianca, that has showhomes in the Edmonton communities of West Secord and Maquis West. “Homebuyers love the Bianca as it offers many floorplan options that range from 1,700 – just over 2,000 square-feet. The main floor of the Bianca can be extended if the home buyers are looking for more living space, and also offers an optional layout to add a 4th bedroom. This home is a great option for first time front-drive garage homeowners.” Find out more at coventryhomes.ca.

Duplex homes

Homebuilders have different names for the duplex. Some call it a side-by-side home, or a semi-detached home, or even a paired home. No matter what it is called, its flexibility, functionality, and perhaps most importantly, its affordability has made it a perennial best-seller for homebuilders.

A duplex is a single structure featuring two residences, each with its own private entrance and one shared wall (there is usually a gap between the walls of the two homes to lessen sound transfer). Each home is individually owned, and unlike townhomes, have no condo fees. It’s twice the nice at half the price.

Homes by Avi has a range of duplexes from 1,415-1,533 square feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. “Our duplexes provide ample space to live and grow,” says Homes by Avi Marketing Specialist, Michael Halak.

“Our duplex homes are ideal for young families and single professionals, most often first or second-time home buyers. They offer a blend of affordability and functionality without sacrificing quality or comfort.”

Homes by Avi’s duplexes take extra care to prevent sound transfer. “Homes by Avi utilizes our innovative Hush-Hush wall system, which employs select materials and smart engineering to minimize sound transfer between units.”

Currently available are Homes by Avi quick possession duplexes in Elan, Beaumont, starting at $414,800. “For a limited time, these homes include a 6-piece appliance package, stylish window blinds, beautiful landscaping, and a move-in concierge to ensure a seamless move,” Halak says.

Go to homesbyavi.com for more information.

Laned homes

Home buyers looking to enter the market of single detached homes can find a great “right-sized” option in the laned home style. These homes offer a unique blend of charm, practicality, and affordability, making them an excellent choice for many homebuyers.

Impact Homes, a Coventry Group company, specializes in laned homes in the Edmonton and surrounding area. “Rear detached homes are generally more affordable than their front-attached counterparts,” noted Van Horn. “The cost savings can be attributed to smaller lot sizes and simpler infrastructure requirements. For first-time buyers or those looking to maximize their budget, laned homes offer an excellent balance of quality and value, making homeownership more accessible without sacrificing comfort or style.”

Another standout feature of rear detached homes is the beautiful streetscape they create. With garages located at the back of the house, the front façade remains uncluttered and inviting. This design often results in charming, picturesque streets that promote a strong sense of community and curb appeal.
“Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, or a growing family Impact Homes has a laned home that suits your lifestyle and budget.”

Find out more at impacthomes.ca

Townhomes

Townhomes are the hottest seller right now as this multi-family type home offers functionality, and affordability in spades. Buyers, however, shouldn’t think it’s all basic, as townhomes with elevated style are also readily available.

“Emerge offers luxury townhome living for those not willing to sacrifice on space,” says Courtney Provencal, Marketing Manager at Carrington.

Emerge townhomes range from generous 1,847-2,049 square feet and feature 3 bedrooms + flex room. The main floor features a dedicated dining area, a convenient powder room, and a kitchen that seamlessly flows into the living space, a perfect place to unwind or host. The upper-level houses 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and the laundry centre, offering privacy and everyday ease. The spacious primary bedroom is a retreat in itself, boasting a generous walk-in closet and an ensuite with a dual vanity and spa-inspired walk-in shower.

“Emerge boasts spacious floorplans and an opportunity to extend your living space through the adjacent building amenities. These amenities open homeowners up to a balanced lifestyle, allowing for year-round activity through the Fitness Centre, as well as fosters connection through the dedicated Social Lounge made for entertaining.”

Nestled along the western edge of Whitemud Creek Ravine, Emerge fuses natural living with urban conveniences as it is located only minutes away from fine dining restaurants, grocery and retail, and boutique shops and services. Starting from $639,900. Find out more at Carrington.ca.