Welcome to Don Cholak Real Estate

the spot to be to search for and find a home in St.Albert or Edmonton!
Featured Listings
Why You Want Don Cholak “On Your Side!”

You want someone with experience. Don has been residing in the St. Albert area for over 25 years, and is very familiar with the area. He is knowledgeable of the local market, and has over 40 years of business and sales experience. Don is well-versed in the world of commercial real estate in addition to residential real estate, and has an in-depth understanding of home buying and selling processes.

You want someone whom you can trust. Don has an outstanding work ethic, and offers an unparalleled mix of honest, down-to-earth guidance together with proven expertise. His passion, honesty, and integrity have earned him a loyal client base. He takes the time to listen to your needs, and prides himself on providing personalized attention to each of his clients.

You want someone who is dedicated. Don understands that a home is a major investment, and whether you’re buying or selling, he will be by your side every step of the way. He develops a tailor-made plan of action for each of his clients, and makes himself available to answer any questions you may have. You can rest assured knowing that Don will go above and beyond to turn your buying or selling dreams into reality.

No matter what your real estate goal is, Don Cholak will be On Your Side.

Why Live in St.Albert?

Perched along the banks of the Sturgeon River is the City of St. Albert, the second-largest city inthe Edmonton Capital Region, with a population of just over 61,000. Originally Metis land, the town of St. Albert was founded in 1861 by Father Albert Lacombe, who built a chapel on what is now known as Mission Hill. Today, the Father Lacombe Chapel still stands atop Mission Hill, an iconic building connecting St. Albert with its small town history. In 1904, St. Albert officially became a town, and by 1906 the Canadian Northern Railway reached St. Albert. A reproduction of the original CN station can be seen today at the St. Albert Grain Elevators Park.

Initially, miles of farmland sat between Edmonton and St. Albert, but with the 1980s came great expansion for the City of Edmonton, transforming St. Albert into a perfectly-situated city, now lying adjacent to the larger City of Edmonton. Today, St. Albert is quietly located just minutes from the bustling City of Edmonton, making it the perfect place to call home.

In the centre of downtown St. Albert is St. Albert Place, its architecture a nod to the gentle twists and turns of the adjacent Sturgeon River. The heart of the community, St. Albert Place houses the St. Albert Public Library, Musée Héritage Museum, Visual Arts Studio, Arden Theatre, as well as City Hall. Boasting a rich arts scene, St. Albert is home to a painters’ guild, writers’ guild, and the Art Gallery of St. Albert, another focal point of the downtown St. Albert scene. Each year St. Albert Place is host to the International Children’s Festival, attracting some 40,000 visitors who come to enjoy music, dance, and theatre performances from around the globe.

Downtown St. Albert is also home to Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmer’s market, where visitors flock each Saturday from April through October to take in the sights, smells, and sounds while shopping for fresh fruits and veggies and handmade arts and crafts. In May, a giant parade kicks off the start of the Kinsmen Rainmaker Rodeo, an annual event with live music performances, a midway, and rodeo events.

The many special events and festivals in St. Albert aren’t the only thing that makes it a unique place to live. The Red Willow Park trails wind through St. Albert, connecting its many neighbourhoods, parks, and schools. For indoor recreation, St. Albert boasts a massive recreation centre, Service Credit Union Place. An aquatic centre, hockey rinks, basketball courts, a gym, and a running track are just some of the services that call this impressive facility home.

Rated the number one city to live by MoneySense magazine, St. Albert has built a strong reputation as a safe, yet vibrant city, and one of the best places to raise a family.

FAQ

How much do I need for a down payment?

The amount you need for a down payment depends on the purchase price of the home. In Canada, qualified buyers can put down as little as 5% on homes under a certain purchase price, making homeownership more accessible than many people realize.

A larger down payment can help reduce your mortgage amount and monthly payments, but 20% is not always required. Every buyer’s situation is different, so speaking with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options.

How Much Do I Need for a Deposit? Can My Deposit Go Toward My Down Payment?

A deposit is the amount of money provided when an offer is accepted to show you are serious about purchasing the property. The amount can vary depending on the market and the property, but it is often several thousand dollars.

Yes, in most cases, the deposit is applied toward your down payment and closing costs when the purchase is completed. It is not an extra cost on top of your down payment.

Are deposits refundable?

The deposit is usually provided after an offer is accepted to show the buyer is serious about purchasing the home.

If the offer has conditions, such as financing or a home inspection, the deposit is typically held until those conditions are either satisfied or removed.

If conditions are not removed the deposit is generally refunded unless stated differently in your contract.

What is a home inspection and do I need one?

A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s condition. It helps buyers better understand the home before moving forward with a purchase. During an inspection, major areas and hidden issues are reviewed.

While a home inspection is not always required, I highly recommend it whenever possible. It can help identify potential concerns, provide peace of mind, and give you a clearer understanding of the property you are purchasing.

I also provide more information on the home inspection process and can help guide you through what to expect when buying a home.

What Is a Foreclosure Property?

A foreclosure property is a home where the owner has fallen behind on mortgage payments, and the lender has taken legal steps to recover the money owed. In Alberta, many foreclosure properties are sold through a court-ordered sale process.

Foreclosure properties can sometimes present opportunities for buyers, but they may also come with additional risks, timelines, and conditions compared to a traditional home purchase. It is important to understand the process and review the property carefully before making an offer.

If you are interested in learning more about foreclosure properties or would like help understanding the process, I would be happy to guide you through your options before you decide.