Testimonial
Reply
When to Consider a Less-Than-Ideal Home
Obviously, when you’re searching for a new home, you want to find one that is ideal. It should be your next dream home. However, sometimes it pays to consider at least some properties that don’t meet all your criteria. After all, you never know whether one of them is actually your next dream home – in disguise!Say you’re looking for a home with a beautiful kitchen – the kind you envy on TV cooking shows. Then, you view a property that has everything you need – except that big kitchen.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Can you fix it?
Perhaps some redecorating or a renovation can turn that so-so kitchen into one you’ve always wanted. Take some time to imagine the possibilities.
2. Can you live with it?
The kitchen might not have everything you want. It may be smaller than you’d hoped. But, can you make it work? Can you compromise a little given that the home has so many of the other features you want? Perhaps you can live with a smaller kitchen – that still looks great.
If you need help considering the possibilities and understanding your options, call today 250-744-0775
Article By Ixact Contact
Smart Packing Tips for Moving Day
The last thing you need after a long moving day is to discover that a valuable item was damaged. That’s certain to dampen your spirits when you’re just getting settled into your new home. Here are some packing tips to help ensure that doesn’t happen•Avoid worn-out or damaged boxes as they are more likely to tear open during a move.
•Pack glass and similar items in bubble wrap or foam chips – but not too tightly. Include just enough to ensure there’s no rattling.
•Use small boxes for heavier items. A big box of books is difficult to lift. (Experts say a box shouldn’t weigh more than 50 lbs.)
•Use anti-static packing materials for sensitive electronics, such as computers, cameras, and flash-drives.
•Purchase specialty packaging for items such as dishes, musical instruments, and valuable clothing. It’s worth the investment.
•Don’t pack a box so full that there’s a bulge.
•Wind and tie electrical cords.
Finally, if possible, personally carry irreplaceable items (such as family photographs) with you to your new home
Article by Ixact contact
Moving is a chaotic time with lots to do! That’s why I send out a moving checklist with everything that needs to be done in order to make moving as easy as possible! Call me if you are thinking of buying or selling 250-744-0775
306 Stewart Ave in View Royal, Victoria is Sold!
Current Market Statistics
We are offering you a real time view of the market each week with these statistics. There were over 500 closings in the last week of August. This bump in closings at the end of the month, especially at the end of August is normal as many young families want to get settled before school starts but is still less than last year, at 83% of last year’s sales. New listings is down from last year, but I expect it to rise as people are getting their homes ready for the fall market. This is supported by the new listing to pending ratio is 124% meaning that the number of listings should be rising. And, the cancelled and expired listings may be referring to those that are being ‘refreshed’ by the agent, to lower the days on market. This is an effective tactic to bring new attention to a listing.
Look for a busier market than this summer, for the fall.
What a Buyer is Thinking While Viewing Your Home
Ask any good salesperson for an effective selling technique and he’ll probably say something like, “Understand the buyer. Try to figure out what she’s thinking.”
That’s good advice for you to consider when you’re putting your home up for sale. You need to imagine what a buyer might be thinking while viewing your property, so you can prepare your home more effectively for that sale.
Here are some things buyers may be wondering:
•Is this the type of home we’re looking for? Does it have the ideal number of bedrooms, etc.?
•Are the rooms spacious enough for our needs?
•Are there any repairs or other maintenance issues that need to be addressed?
•How old is the property? Is there anything major, such as a furnace, that will need to be replaced soon?
•What is the neighbourhood like? Will we be happy living in this area? Is it safe?
•Is this home going to fit our lifestyle? Is there an area for the kids to play? Is there ample room for entertaining? Is the dining room large enough for dinner with family and relatives?
Of course, these are only a few of the many questions a buyer may have while viewing your home.
The more you can anticipate these questions and prepare your home accordingly, the better the chances that you’ll sell it quickly and for a good price.
For example, remember that clutter will make a room appear smaller. So, make sure to de-clutter your home – especially the smaller spaces and cupboards.
If your house is in a desirable neighbourhood, create a list of area features (i.e. local parks, access to public transit, walking paths, etc.) to help buyers appreciate the value of living there.
Basically, when you’re preparing your home for sale, think like a prospective buyer!
Need help? Call today 250-744-0775
Article by Ixact Contact
Welcome to The Briar Hill Group!
Market Statistics
Below are the market statistics for this past year. The first graph explains that the number of listings over the past two years. The beginning of this year started off with a very low number of listings and picked up in May, levelling off over the summer. Compared to last year, however, our sales were still lower and when looking at the third graph, you will see that prices have come down a bit from last year reaching over $900,000 in the spring and dipping down now to just under $825,000 at present. It’s most likely due to buyer fatigue over multiple offers and possibly some speculation about what interest rates will be doing over the next year and how that will impact house prices. Still, it’s a great time to purchase if you are looking to own your home over the long term, as interest rates are still at record lows. If prices start to contract, expect it to start in outlying areas and then move towards city, also the higher end of the market will suffer. Also, expect that if rules around lending tighten, that first time buyers will have a harder time qualifying to purchase and that will also affect house pricing at the lower end. Remember when investing that location is more important than how well the house is decorated. Location! Location! Location is the key!! Call me for more information 250-744-0775!
3 Story For Sale in James Bay, Victoria
• 1692 sqft , 4 bath , 3 bdrm 3 story – FOR SALE 1398000 CAD .
MLS® 382618
in James Bay, Victoria
RARE OPPORTUNITY! Executive James Bay home just steps from Victoria’s beautiful inner harbor, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Dallas Road! No detail has been overlooked in this 1692 sq ft home boasting exquisite custom finishings throughout. The chef’s kitchen is luxury designed with custom cabinetry, marble backsplash, quartz counters, high-end SS appliance pkg, inc. 5-burner gas range. Engineered Oak hardwood, gas fireplace in living room. Gorgeous 14ft vaulted ceilings in the master with spa-like 5 pc ensuite, and a Juliet balcony with views of the Inner Harbour sky line! Enjoy your lovely, professionally landscaped back yard and deck, equipped with fittings for a gas BBQ. The lower level offers a 3rd bed, bath & a spacious rec room. You deserve this incredible home nestled in its peaceful, spectacular location!
3 Story For Sale in James Bay, Victoria
• 1692 sqft , 4 bath , 2 bdrm 3 story – FOR SALE 1398000 CAD .
MLS® 382618
in James Bay, Victoria
RARE OPPORTUNITY! Executive James Bay home just steps from Victoria’s beautiful inner harbor, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Dallas Road! No detail has been overlooked in this 1692 sq ft home boasting exquisite custom finishings throughout. The chef’s kitchen is luxury designed with custom cabinetry, marble backsplash, quartz counters, high-end SS appliance pkg, inc. 5-burner gas range. Engineered Oak hardwood, gas fireplace in living room. Gorgeous 14ft vaulted ceilings in the master with spa-like 5 pc ensuite, and a Juliet balcony with views of the Inner Harbour sky line! Enjoy your lovely, professionally landscaped back yard and deck, equipped with fittings for a gas BBQ. The lower level offers a 3rd bed, bath & a spacious rec room. You deserve this incredible home nestled in its peaceful, spectacular location!