Welcome to Realestate by Shani
My name is Shani Ahmad, and I have been proud to call Edmonton home for over 40 years. I began my career as an electrician, earning my journeyman certification and working closely with countless families across the city. Through my work, I met many newcomers to Canada and witnessed firsthand the challenges they faced while settling into their new lives.
Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference, I transitioned into real estate over 20 years ago. After obtaining my license from RECA, I have dedicated my career to helping families—especially new immigrants—find their dream homes in Edmonton and the surrounding areas.
My deep knowledge of the city, combined with my commitment to community, has shaped my approach to real estate. My mission is simple: to guide families through the process of homeownership and make it a seamless and fulfilling experience.
Let me help you find a place to call home.
Renting vs. Buying a Home
Renting
If you are at a point in your life where you are considering homeownership, you probably have some questions. Whether you are currently living at your parents’ home and looking to take the first steps out on your own, or are currently renting or rooming with someone and want to break-free, there are lots of things to consider!
From renting an apartment to owning a single-family home, it all comes down to where you see yourself living and what you can afford. The question then becomes renting versus buying. The beauty is, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this discussion, but it is important to look at all the angles before making a decision.
To help you with this, we have broken down the reasons and benefits of renting, as well as the reasons and benefits of buying – and why owning can still be possible, even if you’re unsure.
Buying
When it comes to buying, there are many great reasons to consider owning your first-home – and Canadians know it. In fact, even for Canadians 35 and under, more than 40% of households own their own homes! Overall, Canada’s homeownership rate is close to 70%.
One of the main reasons that people choose to buy is for the stability and peace of mind that comes with owning the place you live. This means you are not at risk of being put in a situation where the landlord wants to move their parents into the basement suite and you have to leave or having to deal with increased costs if you go to renew a lease agreement.
For others, the benefit of buying comes in building up equity and ensuring that nest egg for your future. When you choose to rent, you are paying into someone else’s mortgage and into their future but when you work towards buying your own home, suddenly all that money you invested is going to your future instead. This is an extremely important aspect to consider in today’s age when many are having trouble with the idea of saving for retirement.
Pros of Renting Property:
● Less maintenance
● Fewer repairs
● Lower upfront costs
● Short-term commitment for people unsure of where they want to plant roots
● Protection from potential decrease in property value
Pros of Buy a Home:
● Freedom to renovate or modify your home as you wish
● You are building up equity in a safe, secure investment as you pay down your mortgage
● Potential for additional income if you have a rental suite
● Stability and peace of mind from being in control of your investment and owning the place where you live
Cons of Renting Property
● Monthly payments may increase
● Potential for being evicted / lease renewal not being approved
● Paying into someone else’s mortgage instead of building your own equity
● Requiring permission to paint or remodel
Cons of Buy a Home
● The risk of losing home value when you sell
● Potential for being evicted / lease renewal not being approved
● Paying into someone else’s mortgage instead of building your own equity
● Requiring permission to paint or remodel