The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is not the only number that lenders use to decide on a candidate, but it is an important tool that can augment the buyer's credit score. Unfortunately, even those with impeccable credit may still miss out on their dream home if their debt levels are too high. Find out more about how to calculate the ratio and what it takes to make it a little more palatable to lenders.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

The Golden Ratio

DTI is calculated by debts to income. These debts include the following:

• Credit card debt
• Car loans
• Student loans
• Mortgage payments
• Official home fees (e.g., condo, HOA,

Canadian homes may be built in all different architectural styles. Mahogany home buyers seeking a home that matches their personality should be aware of all these styles. Knowing which kinds of homes are out there and available can help you decide which type of home is right for your personality. Once you know the types you like, you can focus on those homes in neighbourhoods where you would like to make a home purchase.

Victorian

The Victorian era lasted from sometime in the mid-19th century up to the beginning of the 20th century. Homes constructed at that time were generally multiple storeys high, made up of many rooms and laid out in an asymmetrical shape. Today, these homes are often easily identified because of their elaborate shingles,

When purchasing a new Auburn Bay home, buyers have a lot of things they need to keep in mind - one of which is their finances. Interest rates can vary wildly depending on choices the buyer makes, and those interest rates can add a lot of extra costs to what they’re already paying. Before settling on the type of loan a buyer wants, they need to understand interest and what affects it.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

How Interest is Determined

When someone purchases a home, they first put a down payment on it. This down payment can be anywhere from 5-20%, and it exists to build equity and provide proof to the lender the new

A real estate investment doesn't just mean buying a residential property and then renting it out. Those who want to enter this market should know that they have plenty of options available, and most of them don't include being a full-time landlord. Regardless of how much spare money or time a person has, it's likely they can find a real estate investment that works for them. Learn more about what it takes to jump in the game.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Refresher

Property terms are complex, and it's impossible to share them all in one article. However, there are a few that investors should note from right off the bat:

Did you know that there are a million registered vehicles on the streets of Calgary? That's a crazy number of cars, trucks, SUVs and mini-vans on the road, and of course, all one million of these vehicles need parking spots. We love to drive but hate looking for parking. If you're shopping for a condo and have one or more cars, adequate parking is just as important as the number of bathrooms. Here's what you might expect when considering a purchase in a multi-family development or condo tower:

In A Parking Lot Or Underground

Condo and townhome developments on the outer fringes of Calgary and suburban neighbourhoods most often have a parking lot, also called surface parking, which is not as secure as underground parking which is typically

Millennials are different from other consumers. Their behaviors and priorities are different from Gen Xers, Boomers, and all who came before them. If you're a Millennial, you might be curious to know that there are many myths and rumors around the Millennial home buying process and habits. Knowing the reality of Millennial home buyers can help you decide whether you're ready to enter the real estate market.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Myth 1: Millennials Only Want to Live in the City

Many Millennials start off their professional life living in the city. They're attracted to the city by the job prospects, the convenience, and the

Buying an empty plot of land is very different from buying an existing home. The mortgage process is different, and of course, choosing the property can be different as well. When buying a plot of land, it's helpful to know in advance what you're looking for, and what your priorities are. Doing extensive research and working with an experienced real estate agent can help. Here's what you need to know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Challenges to Expect When Buying Land

Buying land isn't usually as competitive as buying an existing home, but it does come with its own challenges.

Securing a Mortgage

Securing a mortgage for an

Home building technology has been on fire in the last few years, as start-ups near and far rush to bring their ideas to the market. But the adoption of the technology has been sporadic at best, leaving some homeowners to wonder just how the future of construction will be affected. Learn more about the more prominent trends, and how they're influencing the larger market.

Getting Started

Before a construction company starts to build a new construction home, they have to pick a site first. That's where drones come in. Drones aren't technically a building technology, but drones can be used and applied to real estate to cut down on the number of hours a developer spends looking for the right location. Drones do more than just tell a developer the

Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can cause some extra stress if the home buying market is competitive. That doesn't mean buyers can't get a home they really love, but they may need to do some things differently if they want to be the buyer who is chosen by the seller when there is more than one offer made on a listed house. Fortunately, there are some things buyers can do in order to find a home they really want at a price they can afford. Then it's just a matter of getting the seller under contract with them, and moving toward closing. In a competitive housing market, there are several things buyers can consider doing that may help them get a home they really love.

Consider Offering More Than the Asking Price

Among the options

There are several different types of real estate you can purchase but most people focus on houses and other types of prebuilt properties. Purchasing undeveloped Calgary land is also a good idea worth exploring and there are numerous reasons why investing in land makes sense.

The Versatility of Buying Land

Buying land gives you options. You may put a house on the property, get it zoned for a business, or let it appreciate in value and resell the land down the line. The potential of any piece of land is often limitless.

The Increasing Value of Land

Land tends to increase in value over time. Buying land for sale is a great long-term investment. Many people have purchased cheap land for sale, have sat on it for a few years, and then have