Thursday 26 February 2015

Choose the Best Agent...


Choose…the best agent!

Real estate transactions can be stressful to say the least.  The simplest way to reduce your stress is to choose the right agent to complete the sale.  Be certain of their experience, especially in your area and price range.  Make sure your service expectations are clearly outlined and that your agent is in sync.

Monday 16 February 2015

BC Home Sales Forecast to Rise Through 2016






Vancouver, BC – February 11, 2015. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)
released its 2015 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update today.

“Stronger economic conditions both at home and abroad combined with favourable interest rates and population growth are expected to bolster housing demand over the next two years,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “After a year in which housing demand ratcheted higher across the province, the retrenchment of oil prices is expected to attenuate housing demand in some
regions while bolstering it in others.”

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in British Columbia are forecast to rise 2.4 per cent to 86,050 units this year and a further 3.9 per cent to 89,400 units in 2016. The ten-year average is 82,100 unit sales. A record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005.

The average MLS® residential sales price is forecast to rise 4.5 per cent to $594,000 this year, with most of the upward pressure being exhibited on the South Coast. Elevated consumer demand is expected to be partially offset by resale  inventories and additions to the housing stock in 2016. As a result, the average MLS® residential sales price is forecast to increase by 2.4 per cent to $608,500 next year.

For even more up-to-date real estate market news, visit www.TheRightAgents.com

Thursday 5 February 2015

5 Things to Think About When Buying Your First Place


Here are 5 things to consider as you begin the process of purchasing your first place.
1. The growth possibilities. Shop for a place that meets your current spaces needs, but also consider one that can adjust to a changing household. A five-year plan may not pan out as you expect, so think about possible life changes that could impact your need for bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
2. What's under the hood. Your first place may not come with many frills or luxury features – but all the basics should be in good condition. Thoroughly inspect prospective properties. And before any purchase is made, hiring a professional inspector is a must. Your real estate agent can guide you through this key step.
3. Know that no home will be perfect. Your first home may likely not be the perfect place. But make it the right one. Finding the right home is often a matter of prioritizing. Make a list of “must haves,” along with “nice to haves” and “not necessary to haves.” A three-car garage is nice, but would you rather have a larger kitchen or live in a good neighborhood? Only you can measure the importance of the amenities you are looking for.
4. Consider ALL the costs of ownership. When you buy a home​, you take on recurring costs you don’t have to worry about as a renter. Look for a home that meets your budget in terms of full living costs – mortgage, utilities, trash pick-up, sewage fees, homeowner's association dues and other fees. Your lender doesn't take into account these costs when approving your home loan. A good real estate agent can help you calculate estimated monthly costs to determine the most appropriate price range for you.
5. The lifespan of things. In addition to identifying cosmetic and structural flaws before you buy, know what to expect from the home's components. How long until you need to replace the roof, appliances, furnace or carpet? Everything may be in working order now, but all homes need these types of repairs at some point. Researching the expected remaining life on large-ticket items can help you plan for the future.
When you're ready to start the process of buying a home, a local RE/MAX agent will be ready to help. Follow us on Twitter.