The East Junction and the surrounding area is a great place to visit if you're looking for some local flavor. With restaurants, bars and shops galore the area has something that will appeal in tones of every age group! A diverse mix makes this vibrant area worth exploring - from old school bowling lanes popular with hipsters or relaxing local cafes with sustainable options. There's always something new around each corner here.

The History of Holyrood, Edmonton

History

Holyrood was originally called Mount Pleasant and East Edmonton Gardens in 1912. This area joined together with Strathcona County just one year after it happened during the 1912 amalgamation process where they became part of our city's newest district called 'Edmonton'.  After the amalgamation with Edmonton, this area became known as Balmoral due to its duplication with another subdivision name. In 1953 they were rebranded Holyrood after Edinburgh's famous abbey; likely named so because of how close it is located near many major landmarks like tourist attractions or government offices. At that time there were only about 1000 homes but by 1955 this number grew tremendously due to large numbers of people moving into new developments in the central region which made them famous for being highly energetic and a very young population.

 

The Two Mile Circle

The Housing Boom

Concerns won out and the majority of the redevelopment would officially be turfed at the time, with the exception of a 95 Unit Apartment building at 8543 95 Avenue. Between 1990s and 2020 nothing happened to this site and the townhouses that were to be demolished in the 1990s still stood when Regency Developments purchased the entire site in 2016 and set their own sites on redevelopment.  The first tower in development of the newly coined East Junction, will open in early 2023.

When selling your home, you want to make sure that it is appealing to potential buyers. This means taking some time to stage your home in a way that will make it look its best. Here are a few tips on how to stage your home for a quick sale:

1. declutter and depersonalize - Buyers want to be able to see themselves in your home, and that can be tough when your personal belongings are everywhere. So, take some time to declutter and depersonalize your space. This will make it much easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

2. neutralize - Another way to make your home more appealing to buyers is to neutralize the space. This means painting walls neutral colors and getting rid of any bold or bright décor. By keeping the space neutral, buyers will be able to visualize their own furniture and belongings in the home.

3. focus on curb appeal - First impressions matter, so you want to make sure that your home looks great from the street. This means mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and maybe even planting some flowers. Anything you can do to make your home more inviting from the outside will help attract buyers.

By following these tips, you can stage your home in a way that will appeal to potential buyers and help you sell quickly.

Edmonton is becoming known for being a hub for many young professionals. With a massive migration of working youth packing their bags in Toronto or Vancouver and heading to good ol' Edmonton for the promise of high wages and a lower cost of living.

This younger generation of white-collar professionals often has specific housing needs that differ slightly from those on either side of their age range. For example, while younger students are often looking for cheaper first-time housing or rentals, most young professionals have already finished their educations. They are more likely to seek independent housing space to call their own.

On the flip side, young professionals are often not quite ready to settle down with a family like the older generation before them. In fact, this generation of millennials are settling down later than any before them; as such, locating their homes in areas with the top elementary schools may not be among their priorities.

Though every person’s needs are different; in general, the best places to live in Edmonton for young professionals have a few common factors:

Close to their workplace

Easy access to public transit

Proximity to grocery stores

Lively area with many night-life options

Fortunately, Edmonton has many incredible neighbourhoods to choose from that are perfect for today’s young professionals. Here are just some of the many great areas in Edmonton for young working professionals:

The Brewery District

The communitues of Oliver, Westmount and Queen Mart Park make up this ICONIC area known as the Brewery District. This is a top location for oung professionals as there is incredible shopping, restaurants, amenities and outdoor activities.  With a unique blend of services, shops, and restaurants, The Edmonton Brewery District is perfectly conducive to hassle-free urban living. 

Find Homes and Condos for Sale in the Brewery District Here

Find the Perfect Rental Option in the Brewery District Here

The Ice District

Edmonton's Ice District is an Iconic area in the heart of downtown Edmonton.  A public plaza, sports, entertainment, a chic hotel, 5 star dining options, epic nightlife and access to state of the art shopping.  "It’s much more than a state-of-the-art arena. It’s a place to gather. A place to celebrate. A place where you – and our city – are always at your best!"

Find Homes and Condos for Sale in the Ice District Here

Find the Perfect Rental Option in the Ice District Here

Old Strathcona Area

Anchored by the funky, bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue, historic buildings blend with youthful exuberance to make Old Strathcona one of Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhoods. The city`s celebrated arts and cultural community makes its home here, as does a plethora of unique local boutiques, one-of-a-kind art galleries and music shops, and trendy restaurants and cafés.

Find Homes and Condos for Sale in Old Strathcona Area Here

Find the Perfect Rental Option in Old Strathcona Area Here

If you’re a young professional looking for your perfect neighbourhood, we can help make your dreams a reality. With a team of Real Estate Professionals who know this city and the secret gems better than most, we are here to help.

Learn More About Edmonton Neighborhoods Here

Learn More About the Best Edmonton Here

Learn More About Moving to Edmonton Here

Contact us and let us tour you around this incredible city!

If you are considering selling your home or want to ensure you are getting the highest rate of return on your renovations, we have outlined the best, most cost effective and rewarding renovations you can do to your home.

Best Renovations for Increasing the Value of Your Home 

If you plan to be in your home for the next five to ten years, the most rewarding upgrades you can do to your home would be to increase energy efficiency.  Not only will this protect your wallet in the long run, when you plan to sell your home in the future - these upgrades will last longer and hold their value better then the current trending wallpaper. The ways in which you increase or improve the energy efficiency of your home is:

Maintain or Replace your Furnace

New high-efficiency furnaces use the least amount of energy, but older models can also be made more efficient. Annual servicing by a professional is the first step. That will involve cleaning the parts you can’t see or reach and making sure it isn’t working harder than it has to. For your part, replacing filters every three months.

Replace Windows and Doors

Not only do new windows and doors work miricles for the curb appeal of your home, new windows have a high return rate when you eventually decide to sell. New windows will add big savings to you and your family in the monthly cost of utilities. Getting new ones in preparation for selling can not only add a another entry to the list of the home’s positive aspects, and they can bring in a roughly 73% ROI.

Best Small and Affordable Renovations for Increasing the Value of Your Home

Are you looking to sell soon? Now?  With more homes sitting longer on the market and selling for lower values, the best way to prepare for sale is to appeal to the highest volume of buyers.  Also, you need to stand out over the competiton.  We have outlined the best, and most cost efffective renovations you can make to improve the value, time, and return when you look to sell you home:

Upgrade Lighting

Tastes change quickly, and what was the latest in lighting design five years ago could now look horribly dated. Replacing fixtures modernizes a space for very little money. In rooms like the dining and living room, where a chandelier or pendant light can be quite prominent, consider how a different light fixture could improve the space. Check out the latest lighting trends of 2022 here

Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint instantly updates and transforms the entire interior of your home, and when you consider that the average price tag of a gallon of one-coat coverage paint is around $38, that’s about the biggest bang for your buck you can get. Check out the latest paint color trends of 2022 here

Hardware

Just like lighting, hardware styles change quickly.  Give your kitchen and bathrooms a cost effective face lift by painting the cabinets and adding some new and trendy hardware! These simple upgrades require only patience and a screwdriver to accomplish, but the results will be well worth the effort. In fact, you may even find that the hardest part is the shopping, since there are just so many choices out there to put your own stylish stamp on your home. Check out the latest trends in hardware here

Switch Plates and Covers

In most homes, the switch plates and outlet covers are a standard bit of cheap, white plastic. They don't look bad, but they're certainly nothing special. Try paintable covers to match your walls, or go for a natural wood look instead. You can also choose decorative bronze, nickel or brass plates for a luxe look, though you may want to add black switches for a better blend if you choose a dark finish. 

Never forget general house maintenance and how important it is when selling your home

Buyers pay attention to how well a homeowner cares for their property; poor home maintenance can keep buyers from ever committing to a sale, as it may send a message that the home was not well cared for. On the exterior of your property, clean gutters, trimmed lawns, and smart landscaping ups curb appeal and welcomes buyers. For interior maintenance, it is suggested to regularly inspect air filters, floors, walls, and the fireplace to eliminate buildup and replace any home system that isn't working properly.

Making the best home improvements before selling can increase buyer interest and ultimately secure sales. Generally, focus on cheap cosmetic changes that enhance curb appeal and update rooms that attract the most buyers. Keep aesthetics conservative as to not isolate buyers through bold choices. Also, avoid unnecessary structural repairs and any major renovations that would engulf a budget.

Have questions about what you should do to prepare for sale?  Get a free market evaluation by Iconic YEG and we can consult and advise what upgrades or renovations might be worth doing before selling.  

Edmonton Real Estate Market Report: Quarter Three, 2022

2022 has been a wild ride with extreme changes, not unlike the weather in Edmonton.  Unprecedented amount of factors including the pandemic, rising interest rates, gas prices, inflation, and the war in Ukraine all contributed to an everchanging and quick adjustments in the Real Estate market.

The first quarter offered sellers an incredible opportunity as interest rates remained low, buyers were highly active, and inventory was sparse.  With lineups out front doors, multiple offers, and quick sales - buyers were at an incredible disadvantage and some were left with nothing to buy. While sellers who acted fast and listed their homes early in the year, enjoyed the quick sales and opportunity to move.

The second quarter of the year brought many more sellers to the market as they were catching wind of how much and how fast properties were trading for at the start of the year and buyers began to get a reprive from the agressive market; however homes in the SW of Edmonton continued to prevail as the hottest and most in demand homes.

This past quarter has been much slower than the previous two, ending with lots of available inventory that does not quite match the current needs of buyers.  A shocking 70% of all Single Family Homes that sold during Q3 in Edmonton were under $500,000; while currently only 60% of available invertory is priced at that level.

Fewer homes sold in Q3 of 2022 than they did in Q3 of 2021:

What is more interesting, is the value of the homes that sold in Q3 of 2022.  Over 70% of all Single Family homes sold, in Edmonton, were under $500,000:

The current available inventory of homes for sale in Edmonton does not match the previous wants of buyers, with a higher level of inventory in the luxury market then is actually selling.

If you are a seller in this market, there are a few tips to stay competitive to get your house sold before winter takes hold:

For Sellers:

• PRICE: Currently, buyers tend to be pickier about the price they’re willing to pay due to rising interest rates and a lower affordability threshhold. Really hone in on the listing price you’re comfortable with — if you want to sell quickly, consider listing it on the lower side.
• CURB APPEAL: Never underestimate the power of a well-manicured lawn and pretty flower boxes to grab the attention of potential buyers. Make sure the front of your house is looking its best — you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Buyers often drive around their preferred neighbourhoods window shopping, so give them show-stopping curb appeal they can’t ignore.
• KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES: While hiring a house inspector is usually done by buyers making an offer, get ahead of the game and hire one as a seller. Having that report available for potential purchasers takes one task off their plate and that might swing the scales.
• SHOW THE BEST: Nothing puts off potential buyers like a home they can’t even see thanks to stacks of papers, overflowing cupboards and messy countertops. Go through each room and pack up 50 per cent of the “stuff” — then store, donate or trash it. When people walk into their potential dream home, they want to see large, airy rooms not shelves packed with personal knickknacks.
• APPEAL TO THE MASSES: Millennials make up the largest cohort of buyers in Canada right now so consider adding features that appeal to this generation. Consider upgrading lighting, hardware or even appliances - $2000 upfront could mean the difference of a sale.
• STAND OUT:  it’s all about making your property stand out in a sea of comparable properties. Offering something more creative than just your regular financial incentives, such as prepaying taxes or a year’s worth of landscaping services or paying homeowners’ association dues are just two examples of outside-the-box incentives.

If you are a buyer in this market - you may be able to secure that high value home at a much lower price; however read below for tips on maximizing the value in this current market:

For Buyers:

1. Get Pre-Approved: There is nothing more defeating then looking at a home you come to learn, you can not afford.  It also gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates. 
2. Work with an Agent: Even before you start looking, even before you attend an open house.  A professional can and will give you more options and ensure you stay on the competitive track when negotiating for your dream home.
3. Have a Buget and a Plan:  Of course, you won’t be able to afford everything on your wish list. So, make two lists: everything you want in a home and everything you can’t live without.   
4. Do Not Get Dstracted by the Pretty Things.  Houses are an investment, they cost money.  Shocker right?  When you have the pick of available homes you should put higher value in the mechanical and structural integrity of the home.  Roof! Furnace! Windows! Plumbing! Electrical! Foundation!  These are the BIG TICKET items that should be the highest priority - not the wallpaper in the bathroom.
5. Consider Future Revenue: With so much uncertainty about the economic future, you might want to consider purchasing a home that could or does have a secondary suite (ie. basement suite).  While you never have to rent it, having the option in the future could offset some expences if jobs, economy, or life took an unexpected turn.
6. Location is Everything.  A home can be renovated, the location cant.
7. Put Together an ICONIC Home Buying Dream Team: including an experienced  real estate agent, professional home inspector and mortgage lender; if you’re buying investment property, add a tax expert and a real estate attorney. All of these professionals should willingly and kindly share their knowledge and expertise. If not, find someone else.

Everyone needs a plan, and we can help.

 If you are a buyer or a seller looking to make a move in Edmonton - contact us for more information on how to be the most competitive and ensure you are getting the highest level of value.

Moving to Edmonton comes with its own unique set of challenges: How do you find a place to live?  What neighbourhood should you choose? This series aims to help you not only help you find your perfect home, but help you find your ideal neighbourhood!

So you are moving to Edmonton?! Whether you’re relocating for a job, to go to school, to pursue a passion, or simply for a new adventure, you’re far from alone, according to Avenue Living:

"Living in Edmonton provides great value for money with lower monthly rent than Calgary, another major city in Alberta. While, oil and gas is the key industry, there are other great working opportunities in education, police services, health & medical, and government"

In this series we will identify the best areas, according to us, that you should consider when you are moving to Edmonton - first up: Riverdale!

Riverdale - Edmonton's Garden Community

History

 The area which would later be called Riverdale was the first industrial suburb of Fort Edmonton and is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Even today, in 2022, it is one of three neighbourhoods nestled among the River Valley in Edmonton.

Once it was home to the Cree, a First Nations people. The search for gold in the 1860s saw early European visitors, and they were followed in the next 30 years by settlers who established wheat fields, steamboat landings, ferries, lumber and grist mills, coal mines and a brickyard. Workers first lived on site, but soon spread beyond the bunkhouses. Everyone called this area Fraser Flats, after the owner of the lumber mill.
Clay, water and abundant trees for fuel made this river flat a perfect place to make brick. The needs of a growing town and the enterprising spirit of James Brown Little combined in 1893 to found a century-long dynasty of brick makers. Said to be “the most consistently high-quality brick of its time,” the Little product helped build early 20th century Edmonton. J.B. and his descendants established many long-standing social traditions of the district and sponsored hockey and baseball teams for years. Today the brickyard has been developed into residential house, but J.B.’s brick house still stands and is home to Little Brick, a trendy café enjoyed by Riverdalians and river-valley visitors alike.
In 1905 the area was subdivided and a land boom quickly saw the present residential shape take form. Determined and hard-working neighbours knit together a highly-textured social fabric that continues to this day: some families are sixth-generation.  - Riverdale Community League

What does Riverdale offer?

Besides the immense River Valley network where the average central Edmontontian can be found cycling, running, hiking, or boating - Riverdale offers so much more, and these are our top destinations:

1. Dawson Park
2. Dog Patch Restaurant
3. Little Brick Cafe
4. Tawatinâ Footbridge
5. Edmontons Funicular

If you are considering a move to Riverdale or have questions, contact me - we can grab a coffee or go for a walk and check out all the best spots!

With a unique blend of services, shops, and restaurants, The Edmonton Brewery District is perfectly conducive to hassle-free urban living. Here are a few reasons why you will want to call it home:

The Brewery District is Home to a Diverse Population of Edmontonians

Students, seniors, and young professionals alike have made their homes in the centre of the city. Families, empty nesters, and young adults out on their own for the first time effortlessly create an attractive vibe in The Brewery District that makes it feel welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. With amenities to support residents of all ages and stages of life, there is something for everyone.

Shop ‘til You Drop

The surrounding amenities provide everything you need just a few steps out of your front door. Loblaw’s City Market is your one-stop-shop for all
your favourite products. Offering fresh produce, ready-made food for on-the-go, and household essentials, you can shop for quality items at affordable prices. They also offer curbside pickup for those continuing to be COVID-conscious. With over 40,000sqft of space, GoodLife Fitness attracts fitness lovers from all over the central core who are looking for an affordable, full amenity workout space. Your journey to optimizing your health and wellness will be well supported with GoodLife’s group classes, personal trainers, and accessible exercise equipment.

Another popular anchor store in The Brewery District is MEC, which serves the adventure enthusiasts of the neighbourhood. Supplying all the essentials for outdoor activities, you’ll find yourself planning your next adventure as you browse the aisles.

Access to Educational Institutions

One of the benefits of The Brewery District is its ideal location for those wanting to be in close proximity to fantastic educational
institutions. MacEwan University is just down the road from The Brewery District – accessible on foot during the warmer months and serviced by frequent public transport for the colder seasons. Students, faculty, and staff will love the ease of living close to the University as they create that “University Town” feel in the middle of the city. Without the stress of a commute, The Brewery District is the perfect place to put down roots if you’re affiliated with the University.

For those with kids in grade school, Edmonton Academy is in the neighbourhood to offer specialized teaching for students who have learning challenges. Additionally, Oliver School also offers K-9 programs within the Edmonton Public School system.

Nearby Outdoor Spaces

Even though The Brewery District is located just alongside the downtown core, there is no shortage of outdoor spaces. Paul Kane Park offers a
great picnic spot with a water feature, tall trees for shade, paths, and benches for you to relax on your Sunday morning stroll. It is a serene spot loved by the community, and you might just be lucky enough to spot a small wedding or photography session taking place.

If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the summer heat, Oliver Outdoor Pool and a park are just across the road. Kept at a comfortable 29°C, Oliver Pool is a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that is easily accessible for urban residents. There are change rooms on site, a water slide, a sundeck, and a concession stand for when you’re feeling peckish. Keep in mind, their 2021 summer season is running at reduced capacity, so book a spot in advance!

Just a few blocks from The Brewery District sits the new Manchester Square re-development boasting its unique architecture and European-like grace. An outdoor fountain, promenade, and 19 locally owned businesses call this getaway spot home. This is the perfect spot to escape for an afternoon on foot with a coffee in hand and a reusable bag full of goodies.

Of course, most importantly is 121 West – the one place you will want to call home to be nearby all the places you’ll love to explore in The Brewery District. 

The team of ICONIC YEG is excited to announce that our current rental project in Edmonton's Brewery District is almost SOLD OUT!!!!

Check out 121west.ca right away to book your tour before its too late!

Home is about more than the walls you live in. It is about the people & places that define your lifestyle. 121 West brings you that “one place” that encompasses all that you need within a short walking distance from your doorstep. Walk, Shop, Dine, Work – define what is important to you here in the Brewery District!

121 West brings you high-quality concrete construction and a wide array of floor plans that allow your “one place” to call home to be as unique as you are. Act quickly to get your preferred suite, as units are leasing up fast! With stunning views and great layouts – each suite has a lot to offer.

Strength is better in numbers. That statement rang true in November when the final suite in Elm Developments’ 189-unit Hampton Gardens was leased. The strategic partnership between Elm Developments,Iconic, and McCor Property Management ensured that despite the challenges 2020 brought, the Gardens outperformed similar southwest Edmonton properties and was leased at 100% capacity at the end of November.

At Iconic, we held home-court advantage, supporting Ontario-based Elm Developments through their first Alberta development. Our extensive leasing experience, hyper-local marketing expertise, in-depth knowledge of the community, and social media engagement helped Elm understand the exclusive social and demographic needs of the Hamptons. These assets helped future tenants understand the value of the community, the location, and the amenities available to them in the surrounding areas.

With COVID, we could no longer rely on traditional methods like open houses and events to showcase new units. What can you expect from us?

• Highly personalized showings

• A safe environment, sanitizer, and social distancing

• An exclusive atmosphere, just for you.

The above strategies quickly made available Hamptons Gardens units a hot commodity, and we have continued to offer these personalized touchpoints for clients. 

The Hamptons’ rapid lease-up is uncommon, particularly here in Edmonton. Urban Analytics, a partner of Iconic, shared that:

“It’s uncommon for buildings to fill this quickly, especially without incentives. The fact that they were able to outperform the average occupancy time frame by 50% indicates that the units were priced appropriately, and the rent was kept consistent during the leasing process.” 

These are all considerations that you should expect from an experienced real estate team. For reference, the average time to fill similar complexes in Alberta is approximately 18 months, more than 50% longer than the Gardens.

If you’re a developer looking to enhance your next rental or for sale project, our team of experts can help you get the results you want. Let’s chat further about how we can help personalize your project to meet its maximum potential. 

With pandemic restrictions in Alberta for the long haul, residents of the Hamptons are enjoying an indoor oasis in their new homes, with luxurious on-site amenities including European inspired kitchens, and styled bathrooms for spa-inspired relaxation. Sound like the slice of paradise you’ve been dreaming of? 

Give us a call or send us a message to chat more about what we can do for you. Because without the promise of a tropical vacation on your horizon, and dropping temperatures here in YEG, you deserve to have your home be the getaway you’ve always wanted.