Greater Vancouver Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts by tag - real estatehttps://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/Copyright VancouverHouseFinders.com2022-06-30T21:31:54-07:00tag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:12909Popular Vancouver Home Design Trends 2022: 8 Top Looks from ExpertEven amid the COVID-19 pandemic, <a href="https://www.realtor.ca/blog/what-2021s-housing-market-looked-like-and-whats-to-come/23723/1361">2021 saw record home sales</a> in Canada. This market is expected to continue being hot in 2022. That means, if you’re considering selling your home, now is the ideal time to do so.
But when selling your home, there’s a lot you’ll have to consider- from market conditions, cleaning, inspections, appraisals, staging to packing for your big move. One aspect that should top this list is your home’s design. That’s because your designs are some of the first thing potential buyers will notice when they walk into your home.
Fortunately, they’re also a detail you can easily control. To get the most out of your home selling process, consider these 8 popular home design trends that experts recommend to wow buyers in 2022:
Add Eco-Friendly Appliances and Fixtures
Over the past few years, millennials (Canada’s largest demographic), has been a driving force in the country’s housing market. But one common aspect with this cohort is their focus on sustainable living features. In fact, <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf">a survey</a> has found that one-third of millennials will initiate or deepen their consumer investment in an eco-friendly service or product- and that includes the homes they choose to buy and live in.
Some of eco-friendly home design trends that’ll attract millennial buyers and increase your ROI in 2022 include:
Low-Flow Water Appliances: According to <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/make-small-changes-add/21850">NRC</a>, you should replace the water-consuming fixtures, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads with those with flow rates of 4.8L/flush, 4L/minute, and 7.6 L/minute respectively. You could go an extra mile to dramatically save water bills by adding ENERGY STAR® certified appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Doors and windows account for <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/keeping-the-heat/section-8-upgrading-windows-and-exterior-doors/15643">25% of your home’s heat loss</a>. Hence, upgrading to energy-efficient windows will help you or your potential buyer save money on utilities, an attractive feature for millennials.
Native Landscaping: Surprisingly, native flora is an eco-friendly aspect millennials are watching out for. Local greenery and plants helps curb biodiversity loss, creates a better wildlife habitat, and excellent pest resistance. These perks can add your home’s eco-friendly appeal.
Health and Wellness Spaces
With COVID-19 restrictions and work-from-home directives to curb the pandemic, homes have become an “all-purpose” territory for families. From designated offices, study rooms to play areas, everyone now need their own space. Couple that with mental health concerns, reduced access to health and wellness facilities, and competing schedules, and you’ll get buyers with high prioritization of personal care spaces. Today, at-home well amenities that had been deemed as luxuries are most homebuyers’ must-haves.
As such, you can enhance the quality of life in your home and intrigue potential buyers with spa-inspired bathrooms, reading nooks, gym, or meditation areas. If your home isn’t large enough to section off a room for wellness retreat, you can make simple adjustments to air purifiers, natural light, and add indoor plants to make prospective buyers feel better in your home.
A Fresh Coat of Paint- Calming Hues and Tones
Paint colours that give a calming effect are a vital selling point in 2022. That includes natural hues and soft earth tones, as well as different shades of green, blue, beige, and brown. In fact, <a href="http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2021-07-15-Homes-With-Light-Blue-Bathrooms,-Dark-Blue-Bedrooms-Could-Sell-for-Up-to-4,698-More-Than-Expected">a recent survey</a> has shown that using more classic palette will bring the feel of nature indoors in a subtle and calming way. Moreover, some paint hues are known to increase your home’s value by 1.6%, which translates to $11,533 for an average home priced at $720,850.
Exterior Home Improvements
Most Canadians are looking to the outdoors for a break after spending an entire day working indoors. In fact, front porches are seeing a huge comeback. So, don’t forget about your exteriors when considering home design trends- it’ll only take imagination and effort to turn the outdoors into a comforting oasis.
For instance, painting the front door, floorboards, brick, power-washing the siding, and adding lighting fixtures can make a huge difference when sprucing up your curb appeal. You can also consider adding window boxes, flowers, and young trees that require minimal maintenance to add life to your home’s exterior. While at it, add some comfy furniture that blends with your home’s exterior and interior.
Call us for help on how to spruce up your outdoor area to increase value and appeal potential homebuyers.
Designated Work-From-Home Spaces
Did you know that over <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2021001/article/00012-eng.htm">80% of teleworkers</a> want to continue working at least half of their hours from home even after the pandemic is over? Hence, you should try turning a bedroom, basement, or attic into a work-from-home office. Ensure that you make the space is both functional and aesthetically-pleasing to foster productivity. You can do that by positioning the desk near the window for natural light and adding a bookshelf and a few succulents.
Note that Canadians working from home due to the pandemic restrictions are eligible to claim <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-22900-other-employment-expenses/work-space-home-expenses.html">a $500 deduction for home office expenses</a>, which makes this update more feasible. Moreover, given the high demand for this trend, it can help intrigue more buyers.
Call our experts, and we’ll help you highlight your designated workspace and market it to attract more competitive offers.
Luxurious Kitchen Updates
Families have always wanted a place to come together in their homes, making the kitchen a main focal point of the house. In fact, kitchen updates are amongst top home renovations that resonate most with buyers.
But while 2022 buyers want luxurious updates and retouches, you don’t have to renovate the entire kitchen to make a difference. To help you create a kitchen that buyers will love, here are renovations you can do without breaking the bank:
A fresh coat of calm, nature-inspired paint colours can make all the difference
Updating the hardware to make your kitchen stand out and add personality
Adding light fixtures will bring in more light for a fresh look and feel in your kitchen
Accent Walls to Make a Statement
Accent walls are known to give a home character. While accent walls have been a home design feature for a while, you can expect bolder moves in 2022. These on-trend options include:
Textured wallpaper
Jewel or metallic tones
Painted ceilings
Wood paneling
Built-in shelves
Sprawling wall tiles
Key Note: Depending on potential buyers, a design feature might do more harm than good. So, call our top-notch real estate pros before adding an accent wall. We’ll offer insights and tips on how to add an accent wall that’ll make a statement and attract buyers.
Outdoor Siding Upgrades
Renovating the exterior siding can make even an old home feel and look new and increase your resale value. That’s because it not only spruce up the curb appeal, but it can keep your home interior warm and protected from Canada’s harsh winters, hence it adds your home’s functionality.
Typically, adding new sidings ranges from <a href="https://www.renoassistance.ca/en/siding/house-siding-costs/">$4.80- $51.60 per square foot</a> depending on the siding materials you choose. Wood, fibre-cement, brick, vinyl, stone, or metal can infuse the outdoor character and enhance your curb appeal.
However, there are other aspects to consider when updating the siding. For instance, brick adds more sophistication, but it’s costlier and more susceptible to salt erosion, making it less enticing for coastal homes. Conversely, vinyl is affordable, doesn’t fade, and is easy to maintain, but it cracks easily when exposed to weather elements.
Popular Home Design Trends to Watch Out For In 2022
Canadian homebuyers know exactly what they’re looking for in a home. So, give your home an edge over the competition with these simple and attractive facelift before listing your home. These design trends will infuse personality into your home and help you sell faster and for more.
But keep in mind that your home doesn’t necessarily need all these changes to attract qualified buyers. We can help you determine which design trends to add to your home and boost your resale value. We’ll run a comparative market analysis (CMA) on your home to help you understand what features would sell best in your area.
Call us today to schedule your free seller’s consultation!2022-02-17T11:28:00-07:002022-04-19T11:12:34-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:12278Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Protected From any Home IntrudersOur homes are one of the few places where we always expect to feel comfort and peace of mind, regardless of the time of day. This constant expectation of safety is one of the core reasons why most homeowners today share a fear of walking into their homes to discover that someone has broken into them. Yet, with break-ins occurring every 90 seconds in Canada, this fear has become more vivid than it has ever been.
Here are the 7 Safety Tips to Help you shut out any Home Intruders
1. Ensure Your Doors and Windows are Sealed Tight
One of the most common misconceptions about protecting your home is that you need a modern and sophisticated system to keep intruders out. However, this idea could not be further from the case. Although technological systems help boost the security of our homes, traditional safety methods will always act as an excellent deterrent to burglars and intruders.
Recent research from SGI Canda has shown that most burglars tend to gain access to homes through ground-floor windows. Naturally, this means that simply ensuring you seal your windows tightly will go a long way in securing your home. Additionally, if your house has alternative access points, such as backdoors, you will also want to certify that you lock them before leaving your home.
2. Increase Visibility From the Street
The concept of “eyes on the street” has been one of the most popular intruder deterrent methods for hundreds of years. Essentially, the higher the number of people who can spot a burglar, the lower the chance they will commit theft. To help increase the visibility of your home, we always recommend tidying up any overgrown trees and trimming down tall hedges.
While this process may result in slightly less privacy, it will make it tremendously easy for a neighbor or passer-by to spot any suspicious people in your home and report the crime.
3. Evaluate the Conditions of Your Doors and Locks
The cost of modern locks will always remain a small price to pay compared to losing valuables or coming face-to-face with an armed intruder. As most homeowners tend to prefer a brilliant wooden finish for their doors, we always recommend choosing one with a sturdy frame and core. You will also want to ensure that you grab a deadbolt with at least 2.5 cm thrown length for additional security.
On the other hand, if your confidence in wooden doors is shaky, you may want to try a steel door instead. This material is far more durable than wood and will always induce a burning headache in any intruder.
4. CCTVs Should Be Your Closest Friend
Modern CCTV and home security often go hand-in-hand. These cameras are capable of capturing a wide field of view and can stay on 24/7. This constant idea of being watched will scare any intruder as they will be aware that the CCTV footage can tie them to any crime they commit. Modern outdoor cameras also allow you to watch their footage remotely, making it possible to check on your home from anywhere in the world.
5. Go the Extra Mile to Secure Your Most Valuable Items
There is no such thing as “too much security.” If you believe an item has intrinsic or sentimental value, you may want to consider grabbing a safe to store them. This safe will reduce the chances of a burglar getting their hands on them unless they know the combination. In most cases, we generally recommend locking up cash and expensive jewelry, but you may also store your firearms and sensitive documents in your safe.
6. Be Careful With What You Share
In recent years, it has become clear that social media can often feel like a double-edged sword. While it allows us to remain close to our families and friends despite vast distances, it can also permit strangers to peek into our lives. This transparency is one of the core reasons we always recommend maintaining a private account on all public social media platforms.
On the other hand, if you must have a public profile, ensure that you cross-check every post before sending it out. None of your pictures or videos should have your address or any visible landmarks in the background.
7. Home Safety is our Highest Priority
The safety of each home we sell will always remain our utmost priority. Before handing over any keys, we ensure that each building is run through a thorough screening process and passes all our safety checks. For additional security, we also recommend best-in-class safety companies and locksmiths to help bolster the soundness of your home.
To learn more about how we keep homes safe during the buying and selling process, please do not hesitate to book a free consultation. Our team has several years of experience providing secure homes and will be glad to answer any questions you may have.2021-11-11T13:00:00-07:002022-06-30T21:18:30-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:12262Building a new house or Buying an existing home: Which is your best option?Is it cheaper to build a house or buy an existing one in Vancouver, British Columbia? The last quarter of last year brought homebuyers a dilemma with the low inventory in the housing market. There weren’t enough homes for sale.
However, the latest statistics from the Canadian Real Estate Association showed a decline in home sales between April and May 2022 by 8.6 percent. With the sales down, inventories are starting to rebuild, putting more houses on the market.
Buying a house is a big decision. There are numerous pros and cons and factors you have to consider. Homebuyers are faced with the choice of building a new home or buying an existing house. Let’s make a side-by-side comparison between both options.
Urgency and Timeframe
Are you in a hurry to move? Timeframe or the urgency to move into a new house is an essential determining factor in your decision to build a new home or buy an existing one.
New Construction
The average timeline to <a href="https://www.lincolnberg.com/blog/2020/05/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-house-canada/">build a house in Canada</a> is between six to ten months, including the processing of relevant permits and plans, depending on the type of home you want. If you prefer to build your house, you may have a longer wait. You can check out Pre construction projects for sale. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused building delays due to the disruption of materials and labor supply. Real estate agents can help you understand the contract terms and advise you of potential risks.
Existing home
If you want or need to move into a new house immediately, your best option is to check homes for sale. Resale homes can be ready as soon as you close the deal.
Depending on the seller, you can typically move into a resale home faster after your closing date. In most cases, you may have to wait for at least 15 days to move to allow the seller to move out. In some instances, the wait could stretch from one to three months. It’s still faster than building a new home. Cash buyers often find it even faster to close and move in.
Location
For many homebuyers, location is a deal-breaker in choosing their new neighborhood. Questions to be addressed include the distance from transportation access, shopping, and other facilities.
New Construction
New construction homes are usually some distance from urban areas, especially with the major construction boom for residential housing in Canada. If you opt to build a single-detached home, you may face longer commutes and years of construction closer to your location.
Existing Home
Buying an existing home gives you the advantage of moving to an older, established neighborhood with grown trees, yard spaces, developed parks, and transportation routes nearby.
If you want a house closer to shopping facilities, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment centers, you may consider looking at presale condos for sale and apartments. <a href="https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-x/2021001/98-200-x2021001-eng.cfm">Statistics Canada</a> showed over 1.2 million people live in the downtown portion of Canada’s urban centers. However, the infrastructure and amenities could be outdated since they had been around for a while.
Maintenance and repair costs
Maintenance is an issue you have to deal with as a homebuyer. What are your expectations in your new home?
New Construction
If you opt to build a new home, maintenance and repair costs could be nothing or less or nothing in the first few years as everything is brand new. However, this depends on your home builder. Even if your house is brand new, surprise repair works could spring up unexpectedly, especially if the constructors used subpar materials.
Check out for options of Pre construction projects for sale. This is why working with professional real estate agents is crucial. The professionals know what to look for and identify the reputable home builders in the area for you.
Existing Home
Buying an existing home or presale condos for sale is buying something that has been used. Even if you got an excellent deal, there would be maintenance and repair costs down the road, especially if you buy an older house.
For example, if the HVAC suddenly stops working in the middle of a three-digit temperature, you may have to shell out from $150 to $450 for repair costs. The worst scenario is you have to <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/">replace the whole HVAC system</a>, which could cost you from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the size and brand.
If a faucet leaked or the roof needs repairs, you’re looking at more expenses. Professional real estate agents can recommend certified home inspectors to check the overall house condition before buying.
House design
The design of your next home depends totally on whether you opt for new construction or existing homes for sale.
New Construction
Building a brand-new house gives you the freedom to incorporate elaborate features and details, like walk-in pantries, kitchen islands, double bathroom sinks, and more. You might also find good deals on presale condos for sale and Pre construction projects for sale.
Existing Home
Your design options are fewer in buying existing homes and presale condos for sale unless you are willing to spend thousands of dollars to redesign an existing house. You can scout around for a resale home that is within your budget and do renovations.
Bottom Line
After considering all the factors involved, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the choice between building a home or buying a resale. The good news is purchasing a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Professionals who have your best interests in mind are there to help.
Real estate agents can provide guidance and expertise, help you avoid costly mistakes, and make an informed decision on your search for your new home. Whatever is your option, call us today to schedule a free consultation.
2021-11-04T16:16:00-07:002022-06-30T21:31:54-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4369Bear Creek Green Timbers, SurreyTake a breath of fresh air in the lush and relaxed neighbourhoods of Surrey and get a tour of the fresh grounds that await the warmth of your starter home!
<a href="https://www.surrey.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Surrey</a> is an area that presents a quiet and quaint ambience, with large green spaces and an abundance of greenery. For those who enjoy spending their leisure hours in the throngs of nature, Surrey is the place to be. It provides a tranquil neighbourhood, an ideal place to build your home.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Lake-at-Green-Timbers.jpg" width="800" height="459" />
Lake at Green Timbers. Photo credit to City of Surrey.
<a href="https://www.surrey.ca/files/Green_Timbers_Heritage_Society.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bear Creek Green Timbers Neighbourhood</a>
This neighbourhood has ample advantages that just can’t be missed. It has a lot to offer for a prospective settler. <a href="http://www.greentimbers.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bear Creek Green Timbers</a> is one of the best places within Surrey, a well-connected area that provides for its residents in all ways imagined. It has an array of services provided to the residents at convenient distances. With over 500+ restaurants, eateries and cafes within the locality, you no longer have to worry about picking out a hangout spot for your brunches or coffee dates. There are over 150 stores available, so forget about grocery hassles anymore, because Surrey is here for you!
Parks and Playgrounds
Bear Creek Green Timbers has a large number of <a href="https://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/2104.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parks and playgrounds</a> in the vicinity as well, known for lush greens. You can now enjoy Sunday picnics in parks near your house. You no longer have to travel somewhere far for a peaceful family outing, here in Surrey, that serene ambience is brought to you at your doorstep.
Education
When it comes to education, the schools in the vicinity are easy to access by foot. Having more than 10 well established educational institutions within a 3km radius, residents have a trouble free and convenient life here at Surrey. The area is also home to some of the province's highest-ranked schools, including Southridge School and Relevant High, within a 15-minute driving radius. The district also hosts some of the other prominent schools, which include the Princess Margaret Secondary, Clayton Heights Secondary and Regent Christian Academy. It also has a good combination of historic restaurants such as The Green Lettuce, Old Surrey Restaurant and New York New York Greek.
<a href="https://www.surrey.ca/city-services/9773.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transportation</a>
The best way to move in Surrey is usually driving, due to easily accessible parking spaces all across the neighbourhood. Recreational spots are generally equipped with large parking lots. Though this is not the only advantage in terms of transport. With the <a href="https://www.surrey.ca/city-services/9773.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scott Road Station, Surrey Central Station and King George Station</a> within an equitable distance of all homes, residents of Surrey benefit greatly from the multiple train stations on the Expo Line available to them. Not only that, there are over 50 bus lines mapping the neighbourhood, eliminating any and all transit issues one could face.
Recreation
With recreational spots at every nook and corner, greenery splashed all across the neighbourhood, schools, stores, malls etc. at convenient distances and easy transport routes, what more can one ask for in a locality. Come experience living in the top of the class neighbourhoods of Bear Creek Green Timbers, Surrey, come be a part of this amazing community, come and build your starter home in the perfect place. Surrey is commonly called as the “<a href="https://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/3113.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">City Of Parks</a>” and is one of the best cities for families and individuals to settle in as it hosts various festivals, celebrations and activities as well.
147th Street, Surrey
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/44.JPG" width="617" height="409" />
Here is your opportunity to get an ideal place to grow your family. Get your dream residence here along 147th Street, Surrey BC, V3R 3V7, get your key and unlock the doors to greener horizons and new beginnings.
This home is a complete catch where you can build your dream home with the best amenities and décor. You would be nuts if you did not grab this special chance before it slips out of your hand. Get the opportunity of a life time-- if you buy and submit your plans to the city, you may just be able to build a larger home before the city changes its rules in the City of Surrey.
Buy and hold and eventually build your dream home on this larger beautifully manicured 8200 sq. ft. lot. Get to craft your home the way you imagined it. Join hands with us and we’ll help you create your dream home.
With freshly painted walls and well-maintained interiors and a beautiful flat back yard, there is unlimited potential for this plot of land to turn from a house to a home.
Just imagine the possibilities of owning this home. The backyard barbeques with family and friends, the star-filled nights with your partner and the relaxed Sundays spent playing with your kids. Or you can convert into a beautiful office for your business or just buy it for investment.
Can’t wait? You can always call us for a visit and we will be happy to take you around!
<a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15579442">Book</a> an appointment today with Mr. Hani Faraj and be assured to have an amazing experience.2018-10-08T22:25:00-07:002018-10-25T12:05:52-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4368Should I Let Someone Look At My Home Without An Appointment?Selling a house is an anxiety-filled task for any homeowner. It’s their home on the market, and with a large proportion of their wealth tied up in the property, smooth sales are a dream come true. In simple words, for the seller, the buyer is king. A seller tries their best to make their prospective buyers as comfortable as possible, hoping for a sale.
While it is important to keep your potential customer happy, what’s the limit till which you can extend favours or curtsies? Many times, sellers face difficulties when buyers make demands that can’t be met. Sellers feel pressured into making decisions that would go against what they want, just so they can keep their customers happy.
But sometimes, it’s important to evaluate just how much you let happen in regards to the buyer’s request. While every seller’s goal is a fast and smooth sale, inconveniencing yourself is sometimes not worth it. Often, when a buyer requests something, sellers feeling conflicted and don’t know how to say no. One such instance is a request for an impromptu showing by a prospective buyer. This puts the seller in a spot. On the one hand, the buyer is showing enthusiasm and is interested enough to want to immediately see the property. On the other hand, though, the seller has to make a lot of adjustments & compromises to make such a showing happen.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Pros-and-Cons-768x621.jpg" width="768" height="621" />
While there is no right or wrong answer as to how one can deal with this situation, evaluation is necessary. Let us discuss the pros and cons of letting a prospective buyer have a spontaneous showing without a prior appointment with the realtor or owner.
PROS:
They sealed the deal!
Every person that walks onto your property could be the one who finally signs the agreement and helps take a property off your hands. When a prospective buyer views your house, appointment or not, your probability of sale is increasing. Statistics show that 50% of buyers, once turned down for a showing, do not return to view it again.
Spreading the word.
Whenever a client looks at your property, their retaining details. Letting the person see the property without prior appointment appears as a personal favour and thus increases goodwill with the client. A comfortable client trusts you more, thus increasing the chances of a sale. Not only that, even if a person doesn’t buy the property, every happy client, even if they turn you down, is a marketer. In community-based societies, word of mouth is a strong marketing tool, that can take you a long way.
CONS:
Security
This is one of the most important and strong reasons as to why a seller should turn down impromptu appointments, even at the stake of a sale. Through appointment, one knows whom they're getting into their house or potentially going into dealings with. While you may not know a great deal about them, basic details are shared between buyers & sellers, unless it’s an open house. By agreeing to impromptu visitations, you will be trying to make a sale at the stake of your safety. If you feel uncomfortable, refuse.
Privacy
In spite of what buyers may believe, sellers do not sit by the door, waiting for potential clients to knock, so that they can go about trying to sell their property. Sellers lead a normal daily life just like everyone else. This means that a random visit interrupts their schedule, and largely invades their privacy. Often one feels conflicted as to whether to go about their daily routine or make way for a potential customer, even if it is an inconvenience.
During such visits, sellers often don’t even get the time to put away personal belongings
Or valuables, which they would otherwise do.
Missing in Action!
Most sellers have real estate agents who help them to put a property out on the market. These agents help attract potential buyers to help seal the deal. Generally, showings are scheduled by both the real estate agent & the seller personally, but sellers prefer to have the agent present, no matter where the client has been acquired. Agents help in describing the amenities in the property, the attractions of the neighbourhood and handle negotiations with buyers, if necessary.
It is often preferred by prospective buyers that the seller isn’t around while they are viewing the house. Seller’s bias to their own property restricts the buyer to express their concerns about the place. In such situations, the real estate agent steps in, the seller make themselves scarce and the buyer can happily have her/his viewing.
The problem with agreeing to the request is that, if a seller agrees to show a property without an appointment, they may not have the time to call their agent and even if they do, their agent may not be free to come help with the deal.
Make one decision, stick to it.
As a seller, all prospective buyers are equal for you. Conducting impromptu showings defies the purpose of scheduling appointments in the first place. By allowing this, a seller will make a reputation for themselves and this may lead to people believing every day is like an open house day.
Zero set up time.
Generally, before showing a property to a prospective customer, one does many tasks, such as, cleaning the house, maintaining an ideal temperature in the room, keeping flyers handy for them to take home, lightly decorating the property, creating a warm ambience etc. An impromptu showing robs you of the opportunity to prepare and impress. Also, one does not get the time to keep documentation in place, in case the client wants to see any.
While it’s clear that the cons in the situation outweigh the pros of the situation, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the answer to the question is that simple. The points above indicate that while letting someone in may lead to a potential sale, it’s after keeping a lot of things at stake that it will have been done.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/pros-and-cons2.jpg" width="768" height="506" />
It’s up to you as to what you finally decide to do, but here are some things to consider that might help you out.
Is your safety & privacy more important than a sale? Are you comfortable making deals without your agent being around? Are you comfortable allowing an unknown person into your house to see the property? Is it a personal favour? Is it unfair to other prospective clients who have come and gone on the basis of appointment?
Once you answer these questions, you will automatically get your answers. Don’t be scared about offending a potential buyer by refusing the request, it’s your home, your comfort matters most. If you feel comfortable doing a showing without an appointment, then go ahead. But do not agree into situation due to stress or anxiety of the property not selling.
Evaluate all the pros and cons. Do what you think is best for you.
Make a wise and informed decision.2018-09-25T23:21:00-07:002018-10-25T12:06:39-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4364Do I Need a FOR SALE sign board for my property?Recently, it has come to our attention that there are a lot of people in the market at the moment that don’t have a for sale sign board outside their homes.
The newspapers and shop windows are now outdated and people are turning to the internet to start their search for their next property. The rise of the digital world has changed a lot of things we do. Rather than actually speaking to our friends, we tell them what we are up to by posting updates and pictures on social media. We shop online, chat online, even date online. But what about buying and selling houses online?
Before the internet took over the world, people would search for houses by visiting high street estate agents and seeing what they had to offer. But now, it is estimated that 95% of people begin their home search online.
With the ever-mounting use of online marketing, is there still a place for the traditional humble For Sale board?
Sometimes, for sale sign boards are seen as a nuisance. The thought of neighbors knowing you’re moving and might gossip about it is frustrating at times. You might get strangers come knocking on your door and making inquiries about your house but that’s secondary.
Check Also : <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-do-you-prepare-for-an-open-house/">How do you prepare for Open an House ?</a>
No doubt the board outside your house helps your estate agent with brand awareness too, but so what?
We hear many reasons why property owners don’t want a sale board:
“I don’t want to worry the gardener”
“I don’t want my neighbors knowing”
“we don’t get a lot of passing traffic”
There are many pros and cons for putting up a for sale sign which you need to look up for before deciding you want a sign or not.
WHY WOULDN’T YOU?
Not to deny, for sale sign can be seen as an annoyance, a tacky eyesore that helps to blight the look of an area. We often hear stories of local residents and councils being opposed to for sale sign, particularly if there are streets filled to the brim with them. There are also often complaints that for sale sign are left up too long, even once a property has been sold.
What’s more, many people see boards as antiquated and without purpose in an increasingly digital world. The majority of people head online when it comes to browsing for property. Gone are the days where people drive past a for sale sign and immediately pounce on this initial interest. Word of mouth is no match for the power of the internet, where potential buyers can search for thousands of properties at the click of a button. The internet allows property to be advertised on local, national and global basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
If your property can receive huge levels of exposure on the major property portals, is there really any need for a for sale sign? Are there really enough buyers out there who might see your for sale sign by chance and subsequently show an interest in your home? Is it worth it?
WHY WOULD YOU?
If you are on the market trying to sell your property, should you have a for sale board?
Yes, you 100% should.
If you’re selling your home then no doubt you will want to sell it for the best possible price, in the shortest possible time frame- everybody does! The way we see it is that all exposure is good exposure and if you really want to get your property sold, then having a board up outside can only be a good thing. Usually, 7% of all the enquiries are a result of boards outside properties and whilst one may argue that’s a small percentage, its still almost 1 in 10 of all the enquiries. It is potential, where extra viewing or two of your property wouldn’t really harm with someone having spotting your board. Sometimes people spot a board outside, like the house and will like request for the needed information whereas perhaps also the things which didn’t appear on websites under this criterion and so often we find people end up buying properties that are totally different to their initial ideas.
Check Also :<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-long-will-it-take-to-sell-my-home/"> Average time to sell a house ?</a>
Now you and I both know that virtually all buyers will search online for property these days and so many don’t see the need to have a for sale board but there are many reasons which are valid to have one.
For instance, people still do jump in the car on a Sunday and drive around areas they would be interested in buying in to get a ‘feel for the area’. Friends and family from outside the area visiting the family may well be ‘thinking’ of moving to your area but not actively looking and the fact your house is on the market may just spur them to take the next steps. Having a board can attract the ‘opportunist buyer’ too that is the buyers who aren’t actively looking but would be interested if your house popped up on the market. Also, without one you cannot say you are ticking every box and doing everything possible to find a buyer as quickly as possible for the highest possible price.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/FOr_sale.jpg" />
There are more reasons why we suggest you have a for sale board:
A very high percentage of buyers will drive into an area or a specific street they want to live in live in and will quickly look for for sale boards- we wouldn’t be surprised if you chose your last home by this method?
If you look at it from a buyer’s point of view, when they enter the street we want them to concentrate immediately on your property and nobody else’s. There’s nothing worse than a potential buyer trying to find a property and then they see something else that puts them off the street or worse still, they see a neighboring property for sale?
If you think about it this also applies to a potential purchaser that we may have already spoken to or may have already seen the property on the internet- we want them to be able to <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/property-search/search-form/">find the property immediately</a>.
It goes without saying that if your potential buyer can’t immediately cast their eyes on your property because there’s no for sale board then you run the risk of them missing yours and looking at the next available property on their list.
It is also extremely important at the viewing appointment stage that the buyer is attracted only to your property when they approach your street- we don’t want your buyer being put off at this point by any other potentially negative distractions.
One final, but very important point is, ‘is this seller serious about selling?’. This is a question that is regularly asked when a board is not present. A quality buyer will only want to offer on a property where the seller is genuinely serious about selling. It’s just one of those things.
As usual with these things, you have to measure the pros and cons and work out if the possible advantages outweigh the downsides. It is generally advised that boards are still a very useful marketing tool and bring extra exposure to your house, but in an age where things are now so heavily revolved around the internet and digital marketing, you have to ask yourselves whether they still have enough relevance.
Well, look again at the instances given above, and decide carefully. Is it worth potentially missing those opportunities for sake of upsetting the gardener or feeding gossip to your neighbors. Your neighbors will soon know you are selling when they see people waiting outside to view your house. It is advised to stop with hesitation as due to that, seller maybe be losing some serious buyers.
The bottom line is- for sale signs matter to some extent and you should have one in your yard when you decide to sell your property.
Want to have a chat about the property or about your buying or selling needs?
<a href="https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15579442">Book</a> an appointment today with Mr. Hani Faraj and be relieved of any stress.2018-07-20T21:58:00-07:002022-04-13T02:09:45-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4331Passive Home Buyers in February, Below Historical Sales Turn Out<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/18.JPG" width="784" height="504" />
Home buyers took a more passive stand in February as sales in the real estate industry took a hit as it went below the long term historical average in February this year.
Home sales in February 2018 saw a 21.4% increase in comparison to the previous month that saw a sales of 1,818 homes and a 9% dip when compared to February 2017 which witnessed a sale of 2,424 as reported by The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
This February lost 14.4% sales when compared to the average February sale in over a decade. Both detached and attached property sale were recorded 39.4% and 6.8% lower than the 10- year average February sale while apartment sales exceeded the same by 5.5%.
To quote Jill Oudil, REBGV president, “Rising interest rates and stricter mortgage requirements have reduced home buyers’ purchasing power, particularly for those at the entry level of our market. Even still, the supply of apartment and townhome properties for sale today is unable to meet demand. On the other hand, our detached home market is beginning to enter buyers’ market territory.”
4,223 properties (detached, attached and apartment), for the first time, have been recently listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver this year. This represents a 15.2 percent more than the number of homes listed in February last year and an 11.2% raise when compared to January this year.
7,822 homes are currently listed on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver. This stands to be 3% higher than listed homes in February last year (7,594) and 12.6 % higher than listed homes in January 2018 (6,947). “The spring is traditionally the busiest time for home buyers and sellers in our market. We’ll wait to see how they react to the taxes and other policy measures that our provincial and federal governments have introduced so far this year. To help you navigate these changes in today’s housing market, it’s important to work with your local REALTOR®”, said Jill Oudil.
28.2% properties out of those listed were sold in February, 2018. On further classification on the basis of property type, the ratio was found to be is 13%, 37.6% and 59.7% for detached homes, townhomes and condominiums respectively.<br />Home prices tend to decrease when this percentage is below 12% and increase when the same is above 20% for a prolonged period.
The MLS® Home Price Index compound standard price for all properties intended for residential purposes in Metro Vancouver stands at $1,071,800, currently. This is 16.9% higher than in February 2017 and 1.4% higher than in January 2018.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/19.jpg" width="768" height="380" />
The sale of detached properties recorded a fall from 745 to 621 properties of the same type, this February with respect to the previous year. The touchstone price for detached properties is $1,602,000 currently. This is 8.2% higher than in February last year and represents a negligible change from January, 2018.
The sale of apartment properties recorded a fall from 1,275 to 1,185 properties of the same type, this February with respect to the previous year. The touchstone price for apartment properties is $682,800 currently. This is 27.2% higher than in February last year and 2.6% higher than in January this year.
The sale of attached properties recorded a fall from 404 to 401 properties of the same type, this February with respect to the previous year. The touchstone price for attached properties is $819,200 currently. This is 18.1% higher than in February last year and 1.9% higher than in January this year.2018-03-23T20:32:00-07:002018-10-17T23:40:36-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:43292017 Assessment Values<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/statistic-1820320_960_720-768x587.png" width="768" height="587" />
Last year’s B.C assessment appointed a dollar value on 2,044,482 properties. Though it’s a large number and the data is extremely overwhelming which comes out every year, it still provides valuable insight into a few facts that would help you in 2018.
Prices of Condos are up, detached homes are stagnant.
In many years, this would be the first time that single-family homes in Vancouver the North Shore, Burnaby and Richmond witnessed a decrease in value some of up to 10%.
This is in steady agreement with the figures shown over the past year, the market for higher-end homes have stagnated in the last half of 2016 carrying into the beginning of 2017, following months of explosive growth. But, barring these detached homes in these specific areas, the rise in property values continues to be unabated throughout the Lower Mainland.
"When you look at Richmond, there's been no changes in the single-family assessed values, yet the townhouse market has gone up 15 to 20 per cent, and condos are upwards of 35 per cent," said Tina Ireland, an assessor with B.C. Assessment.
"We reflect market conditions as of July 1, 2017, and there appears to be less demand for the single-family."
Vancouver is a desirable market.
Though there has been some suggestions as well as predictions that the property value boom in Metro Vancouver has actually created a spill over effect into smaller, more affordable communities, there may just be some merit to the same.
In total, there were 39 municipalities in B.C where the average assessed value of residential properties rose more than 15 per cent in the last year. Only 3 were in Metro Vancouver but 20 were right on Vancouver Island.
3.Conduct your due diligence before appealing.
Almost between 1-2% of the people file an appeal with the B.C Assessment every year which has a deadline of the 31st of January every year. Paul Sullivan, a property tax agent suggests that you shouldn’t appeal before you know what you are doing and have done your research.
"It can end up being very time-consuming and a costly experience if you don't do your homework in advance," said Sullivan, adding that he doesn't see many people win cases.
"Just because it doubled doesn't give you an appeal."
UBC economics professor Tom Davidoff said appeals are especially tough for people who live in densely populated areas.
"If you've got a condo in Vancouver, I think they're going to get it pretty right, because there's so many homes they compare to yours, but out in the hinterlands, it gets thinner, and you have to believe if your home is unique in some ways, that they could botch the assessment."
Assessment Increase is NOT equal to a property tax increase.
"When your property value rises or falls, that doesn't really drive your property tax bill," said Davidoff.
Property taxes are in fact based on the change in assessed values of the homes in and around it. If the value of your property increases significantly than the average increase in your municipality, the tax bill you receive will also witness a significant hike as well.
If your property value goes up significantly more than the average increase in your municipality, your tax bill will see a significant hike as well. Davidoff has predicted that condo owners will pay a greater share of property taxes than single-family owners in 2018 as compared to 2017.
Just after the day the assessments were released, the provincial government actually raised homeowner grant from $1.6 million to $1.65 million respectively.
An insight into this data can help you better prepare for 2018.2018-01-10T00:28:00-07:002018-10-17T23:12:16-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4322It’s the season for celebrations especially if you are looking to buy your next home!It’s the season of celebrations and not just because of the festivities. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) has reported that home sales in Metro Vancouver has broken records.
The reports showcase that condo and townhouse purchases have been on a high recording a 15 percent increase when compared to the 10-year October sales average. This is a reason to celebrate for all stakeholders involved.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/17.jpg" width="960" height="720" />
Jill Oudil, the president of the REBGV association believes that the growth in the provincial economy and job market has contributed to the demand so witnessed.
The report recorded total sales of 3022 units in October 2017 which represents a 35.5% increase when compared to the 2233 units sold in October 2016. When compared to last month, there has been a 7.1% increase when compared to the 2821 units sold in September 2017.
The said report by REBGV covers Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, South Delta, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Whistler.
Taking a closer look, the total sales include a total of 940 detached homes sold for an average of $1.6 million which is usually the ballpark for most homes sold in the areas specified above. In addition, condo sales have also touched 1532 with a benchmark price of about $642,000. Townhouses sold in the past month have touched 550 with a benchmark price of $802,400.
Due to the influx of jobs, an increase in the flow of money in the economy, the market is reviving and the demand for homes is at a steady increase. We can be hopeful for the upcoming month of November and aim to end the year with the continued increase.2017-11-06T22:02:00-07:002018-10-16T23:54:00-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4320Hot Summer of Real Estate in B.C.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/15.jpg" width="1920" height="770" />
Known as one of the most ethnically diverse city and a city with beautiful geographical locations, Vancouver is the most expensive real estate market in all of Canada, and it’s continuing to climb, a year after the Foreign Buyers shock-tax.
In the figures published by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the number of sales in the month of August 2017 were pushed from average to above average levels, mainly due to the sustained and continuous demand for the condominiums and townhomes market in the British Columbia (B.C.) region.
In August of 2017, there were 3,043 residential properties which were sold, which marks a 2.8% increase over the previous month and a 22.3% increase from August of 2016.
Also, when compared to sale of residential properties for the month of August throughout the decade, the sales of August 2017 were 19.6% above the average.
President of REBGV, Jill Oudil in a news release said that the “First-time home buyers have led a surge this summer in demand in our condominium and townhome markets. Homes priced between $350,000 and $750,000 have been subject to intense competition and multiple offers across the region.”
The REBGV noticed a strong demand for condominiums and townhomes due to the first-time buyers and long-time homeowners competing for the same type of property.
She also noted that, the real estate conditions for detached homes have entered a balanced market, meaning there is less upward pressure on prices and buyers have more selection.
The heat in the condominium market is highlighted by the sales-to-listings ratio, which was at 76.3% in August 2016 as compared to 16.3% for single-detached houses.
Condominium sales were strongest in transit-friendly suburbs where condominium buyers can purchase a slice of the urban lifestyle.
Prices for condos averaged at $628,800 last month, which is an increase of 19.4% from a year ago and a 1.7% increase as compared to July 2017.
Adding to the price pressure in August there was a decrease in listings. Listings fell by 4.2% as compared to July of this year to 8807 for all types of homes.
Also, in August 2017, there were 4,245 new detached, attached and apartment properties which were listed for sale. That is lower by 1.1% as compared to August 2016 and lower by 19.2% as compared to July of 2017.
As per the REBGV, the composite benchmark price for all residential properties covered by the board is $1,029,700, a 9.4% increase over August 2016.
The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,615,100 in August 2017, which is a 2.2% increase from a year ago.
The benchmark price for an apartment was almost $627,000 in August 2017, which is a 19.4% growth when compared to the same period last year, which is not surprising as there was the Foreign Buyers Tax which was passed in August of 2016.
In August of 2016, the Foreign Buyers Tax which was passed by B.C. government in the Bill 28, the Miscellaneous Statutes (Housing Priority Initiatives) Amendment Act, 2016. The announcement of Bill 28 and the immediate implementation, caused for an uproar in the real estate market in B.C. and eventually caused a downward spiral for the entire province in 2016.
The tax, which was a reaction to pander to the notion of the general public that the foreign investment in the housing market had to be reduced as it was seen as a major contributor to the rapid rise in home prices.
As per Bill 28, The Foreign Buyers Tax by British Columbia, or B.C. ‘foreign buyers tax’ a 15% tax is to be added to Property Transfer when property is purchased in Metro Vancouver by a purchaser who is not a Canadian citizen, or a or permanent resident.
The Foreign Buyers Tax had led to a slowdown in real estate related activities, however it seems like a year later it appears that the housing market is nearly as hot as a cup of tea.
The REBGV does not include White Rock, North Delta, Surrey, and Langley, which are all part of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB).2017-09-11T18:45:00-07:002018-10-18T13:16:46-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4311Burnaby - The perfect cross between Culture and Community.Burnaby is a beautiful city located in British Columbia towards the east of Vancouver. If you want nature alongside the amazing city experience, Burnaby is just the right place for you. Reaching City of Burnaby is easy whether you are travelling by road, air or even the sea with easy connectivity from Vancouver.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Burnaby.jpg" width="517" height="320" />
Once you are in the city, there is something for everyone of all ages, skills and interests. From activities like skating to art galleries to golf and what not. City of Burnaby has a wide range of experiences to offer. Established as a rural setting, Burnaby has become urbanised over the course of time.
People here prefer a simple and a rather quite and eventful life than the metro nightlife. The lakes like the deer are and the famous Burnaby lake are favorites of the locals here. With many burnbay lakes and parks which allows you to walk along the Fraser River like deer lake park, it is a delight to the people who love nature.
Commuting here is an easy and hassle free activity. The city offers Skybuses, buses, taxis and other private taxi services as well which allows for a convenient travelling experience.
If you are looking for a new home, Burnaby North is a great place to be! There are a variety of different types of <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/burnaby-north/">homes for sale in Burnaby North</a>, and all of them are perfect for anyone looking for a new place to call home. Whether you are looking for a single-family home, a townhome, or a condominium, you will be able to find something that is perfect for you in Burnaby North.
People here focus on educating children for a better tomorrow. There is a district called the School Distrcit 41 with 41 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools. It has one of the largest AP programs in Canada and the rates of completion and transfer to post-secondary are well above the district average. Annually, over $6 million in scholarships are awarded here.
Among the top activities and things to do, Burnaby Big Bend Tour tops the list. With about 43 farms producing everything from cranberries to zucchini, it is delight to visit these farms which is referred to as the “Country in the city”. If you want to see the whole city, hop on the the classic model train that goes around the city on weekends.
Looking to buy a house in Burnaby South? Here are <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/burnaby-south/">houses for sale in Burnaby south</a> that you may be interested in
In the must see places list, is the Burnaby Village Museum which is a 1920s style village set up with everything you would find in a village. From local shops to farmhouses, it has everything that would take you years back into 1920s.
If you are an admirer of architecture and art, a few must visit places are the Burnaby Art Gallery, and SFU Museum.
Read Also :
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-do-i-know-if-im-ready-to-buy-a-house/">How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Buy a Home?</a>
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-much-it-will-cost-of-selling-a-house/">How Much Will It Cost To Sell My Home?</a>
This is just a small fraction of what Burnaby City has to offer to you. Metropolis in Metrotown is the largest mall in the whole of British Columbia. It has a whooping number of 480 stores inside it! If this is not a reason enough to visit Metropolis, it is hosting a Fleurs de Villes Festival from April 5th to 9th showcasing fashion focused floral displays which is sure to leave anyone in awe.
Burnaby is hosting an European Festival this year on May 27th and 28th with delicious cuisines and cultural delights from Europe. For all the music lovers, Burnaby blues and roots festival keeps you in the rhythm. Held in August, it is a 9 hour festival which is full of music. The Hats Off day scheduled for June 3rd this year, is a one day extravaganza featuring a colorful one day parade and filled with local flavours and a big street party.
A lesser know but huge part of City of Burnaby are the big film studios which has filmed lots of movies including Fantastic Four I and II.
When it comes to food, Burnaby City has it’s own set of top notch restaurants offering delicacies from all cuisines from around the world. From Chinese to English, you get served everything in the city. The Bao is a go to place for a Chinese meal. 50’s Burgers is where you get the best of Burgers and hotdogs around town. Sushi Bar is one of the best if you are a fan of Japanese.
The city has a lot more to offer even in the day to day activities. It is the perfect balance of modernity and nature being so close each other.
Looking to buy a house in East Burnaby? Here are <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/burnaby-east/">houses for sale in East Burnaby</a> that you may be interested in
The real estate of the city has always been in a rise. The real state data shows that the benchmark prices in all of the sectors of Burnaby’s real estate market has been rising. From the year 2016 to 2017, the rise has been the highest. City of Burnaby ranks sixth in the Lower mainland average home price. It is a promising real estate market which is only flourishing ny the day. Due to the good quality of life here, people want to settle down in this beautiful town. With the growing highrise setting around it, there has been massive pre booking of apartments and condos specially near Metrotown and Brentwood.
In addition to this, British Columbia kicked off a partnership called BC HOME partnership in 2016 which now 25-year interest free mortgage loan for first-time qualifying buyers. They can save up to 37,500$ or up to 5% on the purchase price. The mortgage loan ill also be payment-free for the first five years. Instead of renting, people are now buying their own homes. This is probably the best time to buy a house if you have any near future plans. With the high average real estate price, the houses serves as an excellent investment options and are readily available for selling with so much prebooking taking place all over the city.
The city gives a mix of countryside and a high-rise city life. In a day you can have the best of both worlds. It is a place where you would not need a vacation from life, and if you do, it is just 10 minutes away from wherever you are in the city. People here are warm hearted and are known to lend a hand to one another in times of need. Everyone works for the betterment of the society and try to live in harmony and peace. They welcome you with great support and enthusiasm whether you are a tourist or a new neighbour.2017-04-28T17:30:00-07:002022-04-20T23:29:12-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:42957 Reasons Why Buying and Selling House Online is Better<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/image-745161328-854531.png" width="1000" height="666" />
Traditionally buying or selling houses, buildings, and real estate’s were dependent upon agents. But now, no more!
Indeed that was back in the day, but when we talk about the advantages of doing this online, you would certainly realize why the traditional method is outdated.
So, curious to know the reasons? Well, here are the top 7 reasons that have made Selling & buying a house completely online a better option than the traditional method –
There is a mass audience of buyers and sellers, which proves to be advantageous for the property owner.
Price quotations can easily be taken online according to one's budget.
Based on geographical constraints, size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, condition, etc. search process can be made fast.
No matter what is the condition of the property, the seller can easily sell the property.
Check Also :
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-much-it-will-cost-of-selling-a-house/">Cost of Selling a House</a>
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-long-will-it-take-to-sell-my-home/">Average time to sell a house</a>
5. There is not much of waiting time for a property to be sold or bought. This is because of the number of potential buyers. Hence, there is an increased chance of making sales in a very reasonable time.
6. Easy comparisons can be made. With a host of properties listed online, it becomes easy for an individual to either buy or sell the property after getting the satisfactory prices.
7. No overhead costs! There is no need to travel down to Vancouver just to see how a particular site looks as pictures are available on the site. This is quite helpful for the sellers as they won’t need to get into the hassle of entertaining unwanted potential buyers.
Read Also : <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/the-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers/">Tips for First time home buyers</a>
Hence, no more need to look up for contact information in giant telephone directories or from within your personal network. You can easily fetch optimal results online that too with a quicker, simpler, more convenient way.
Thus, making online real estate searches is definitely a better option than traditional methods.
If you are still unsure whether to sell or purchase a house online or offline, you may contact a <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/agents/hanifaraj/">real estate agent Hani Faraj</a>, you can also be reached directly at (778) 881-6781.2016-09-13T23:25:00-07:002022-04-18T04:09:01-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4291Vancouver Witnessed Biggest Building Permit Drop in the Country<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Vancouver-Witnessed-Biggest-Building-Permit-Drop-in-the-Country_Real-Estate-in-Vancouver_BcHouseFinders.jpg" />
Source: <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Vancouver_downtown.jpg">Wikipedia</a>
According to information released by Statistics Canada in August 2016, Vancouver is facing the steepest decline across the country in terms of building permits.
The decrease in permits is associated to a national trend wherein municipalities have issued 5.5% fewer building permits in June as compared to May.
Vancouver has witnessed the biggest drop in building permits as compared to any other province of Canada with a percentage fall of 25.2% amounting to $580 million in June, which is also a 20% drop in comparison to June 2015. Many speculate that the drop was largely due to the lower construction numbers for multi-family dwellings and <a href="http://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/progress-of-commerical-real-estate-in-q1-2016-vis-a-vis-q1-2015/">commercial buildings</a>.
According to the figures released by The <a href="http://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/why-should-you-invest-in-canada/">Real Estate </a>Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), home sales have showcased a dip below the 4000 sales mark in July for the first time since January 2016.
In conclusion, after several months of record-breaking sales activity especially in the months of May and June, the <a href="http://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/buy/">home-buyer demands</a> in returning to it’s normal capacity in July 2016 which may just mark the return of normal market trends and stability in the upcoming months of 2016.2016-08-17T16:17:00-07:002018-10-29T17:05:42-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4260Why Foreign Investors Choose To bet on Canada’s Real Estate Market?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/investing-in-canada-toronto-2.jpg" width="700" height="326" />
The decision of Brexit has been one of the most important ones in 2016 with its impact being transmitted through financial markets that has led to many investors to sell off risky assets and invest heavily in safe options such as the dollar and the sovereign debt of U.S, Germany and Japan. In lieu of the same, central banks have been monitoring the funding and financial conditions of its banks and through the Federal Bank established currency swaps; other major banks have access to the dollar as well.
Investment in Real Estate is a good option during this market condition and Canada is one of the best countries to invest in. This is due to a majority of reasons, ranging from its economy, banking system, social strata and exemptions.
The beautiful country does not require residency or citizenship for buying or owning property and when you purchase the same, a provincial transfer tax is levied which is 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance. But, some exemptions do apply if it’s the first purchase in Canada. In terms of rental property, the owner is liable to deduct two types of incurred expenses to earn rental income, namely current operating expenses and capital expenses.
If you are well aware about the taxes, procedures and exemptions, it’s easy to be profitable while investing in Real Estate. But, profitability is not the only reason to invest in such a beautiful country; it is also one of the biggest frontiers in terms of its economy and people.
Canada ranks 13th out of 144 banks according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2015-16 with powerful tools for home equity loans provided in form of HELOC and Reverse Mortgages. It ranks 9th in the Corruption Perception Index, 12th in the Bloomberg Innovation Index and 7th in the Forbes Best Countries for Business.
While as one of the most important factors pertaining to purchase of a home would be the country’s Human Capital Index on which Canada ranks 4th, higher than Sweden and Japan.
If you are a foreign investor and wondering the credibility and current market situation along with other players, U.S buyers are the dominant players in the market although China comes in second with a 42% share. In 2016 alone, China bought $1.3 billion of Canadian commercial real estate and is fastly becoming one of the largest foreign investor. The total foreign investment up until now has been a total of $1.4 billion in the second half of 2015, while as in Vancouver; the total has been $588 million with a 42% share of foreign investors.
All in all, Canada is a country that has a strong hold on its banking system along with the economy in terms of its business ethics, corruption possibilities and innovation.<br />Not only that, the country is also an ideal abode to imagine your future life ahead and also be at rest if you aren’t a native about other foreign investors who are also forking down to invest in this ever-expanding country.
Source:<br />www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/09/owning-real-estate-canada.asp<br />https://www.biv.com/sections/real-estate/<br />https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1fet89nrichutf5/AADbTsI9weNyHH25QllG209fa?dl=02016-07-14T22:17:00-07:002018-10-31T15:37:23-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:42575 ways to spruce up spaces and attract clients!A lot of times, it so happens that as an agent you are showcasing rental units, commercial or residential spaces, but most of your clients are apprehensive about how the space would look like or what it would be to live/work in such a space.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/real_Estate.jpg" />
This is often the case at hand because clients want to be able to imagine their lives in those spaces and many a times since these units are empty or hardly made-up, the same feeling cannot be imagined.
As real estate agents, it’s important to prepare for such cases beforehand by bringing in bits and bops which have low investment and a greater turnaround possibility.
Hence, we have compiled a list of 5 things that you can bring along to every property you showcase which can help in gaining more business and traction;
1. Bedspreads and Sofa Throws
A little can go a long way, which is completely true in case of quirky and bright sofa throws or bedspreads which assist in adding the oomph factor in any home and let the client imagine the possibilities.
2. Lights – Lamps/Fairy Lights
Adding some lights in form of a Lamp or Fairy Lights can be beneficial to not only showcase the possible lighting in any unit but also to bring about a homely feeling or that of a workspace unit.
Check Also: <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-do-you-prepare-for-an-open-house/">how to prepare for an open house</a>
3. Place-mats/Center Pieces
Another excellent idea if for the clients to possibly witness the dining area where most of their conversations would be held over supper, or even imagine business meetings across tables. Hence, bringing place mats or centerpieces will add that extra value.
4. Flowers!
The smell of fresh and the sight of beautiful flowers always leads to a better and chirpier mood which can lead the client’s psyche to believe that it could be a beautiful space for them to live/work in.
5. Food
It may sound odd, but when you bring in some cookies or doughnuts for the clients, they tend to form a bond with you as an agent but also tend to enjoy their experience during the showcase.
You can always carry en number of elements and accessories, which would beautify the house or even make the design feel more homely and comfortable.
At the end of the day, it’s extremely important for the clients to feel comfortable and be able to imagine the space that they wish to buy/rent which can not only lead to increased business and traction but also build long-term relationships.
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/">House for sale in Greater Vancouver</a> - check out the latest listings! If you are looking for a new home in the Vancouver area, you will want to check out our selection of houses for sale in Greater Vancouver. Whether you are looking for a single-family home, a townhome, or a condo, we have the perfect property for you.2016-06-15T22:53:00-07:002022-04-25T05:37:53-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:424010 Essential Moving supplies for DIY Movers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Essential-Supplies-for-DIY-Movers.jpg" width="300" height="180" />
So you’ve found a new place! It is possible to move without help of a moving supplies company and Do-It-Yourself movers save cost of moving by 1/3 to ½ of the cost if compared with those who hire a moving company.
If you want to move into your new place and have some cash to spend, you can hire someone to do the packing for you. If not, then here are some things you should prepare before packing up.
1. Boxes
The most essential supply you should have. Invest on heavy duty boxes that will be able to hold your household items. There are special boxes for artwork and mirrors. For your wardrobe, there are boxes that have hanging racks.
2. Packing tape
When you have boxes, of course you need tape. You may need the durable, heavy ones to do the job. There is cheap packing tape but it will double your effort and cost. What comes with the price is the quality. Heavy duty packing tape is a bit pricey but it will hold your items and secure your boxes.
3. Moving blankets
When moving, it is important to protect the furniture from scratches or if you are going to use your own truck or car, this is to avoid damaging your own vehicle. There are blue blankets used for moving or you can go to a thrift shop to get enough blankets because you need them when stacking some boxes on top of your furniture or tape/tie some rope to keep the household items from moving while on the road.
Check Also: <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-do-you-prepare-for-an-open-house/">how to prepare for an open house</a>
4. Stretch plastic wrap
Stretchable plastic wrap works wonders. It seals itself and keep your cabinet doors from flinging openly when wrapped around. It is durable and won’t tear up easily, just make sure to wrap your things snugly so the plastic wrap stick to itself.
5. Bubble wrap
We all know that a bubble wrap is essential when packing up and stacking some fragile things. You can even de-stress yourself when you unpack. Ah! The joys bubble wrap brings.
6. Packing paper
Basic rule in packing things in a box is that nothing should move inside. Packing paper is good for stuffing boxes to avoid things wiggling inside. You can also use packing papers to wrap the dishes instead of using newspapers. Newspapers leave stains and smell on your household items and you might need to wash the plates before you use them.
Check also: <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-to-determine-the-value-of-your-home/">calculate home value</a>
7. Paper towels
Paper towels are useful for spills and clean-up, but also a good packing tool. You can use them instead of packing paper if you run out of them. Put paper towels between dishes to avoid friction.
8. Carpet protection
This is what DIY movers mostly forget to have when moving. The carpet protection film is different from stretchable plastic wrapper, it grips onto carpet’s surface and keeps it protected from stain and keep all dirt in and contaminates out. Carpet protection film usually lasts for 30-45 days and some up to 60 days.
9. Sliders & Dolly
It’s great to sometimes sweat it out and flex some muscles but you don’t need to break your back when moving your furniture. Sliders and dollies are perfect helpers to do heavy tasks easier. Take note that there are specific sliders for carpet and hard surfaces, so plan well before getting some.
10. Utility knives
From cutting up and opening some boxes to doing a quick turn of screws, utility knives are essential to have. Get some colorful bright ones to make it easier to spot them when you leave it in the middle of organized chaos.
There are some other things that could help you make it easier to move but for now these are the must-haves to move like a pro – and don’t forget some donuts for you and your crew.
What are your favorite DIY moving supplies? Share them below.2015-09-30T20:51:00-07:002022-04-25T05:52:39-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:42395 Tips Buying and Selling a House at the Same Time<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Real-Estate-Buyer-1.jpg" width="504" height="339" />
Buying and Selling a house is quite stressful especially for new home buyers & Home sellers. But then when you are downsizing or needing a bigger place, it is given that you have to sell your home and buy a new house at same time. The process would be easy. Get a new house, move, unpack, and when everything has been settled you’ll sell your home. Easy breezy. That is easy – but unrealistic. Unless you have a place to stay or extra dollars to spend for two mortgages; or if the bank will allow you to do that.
If you're forced to buying and selling a house at the same time, here are some tips to consider that would help you along the way.
Assess the Market.
Before venturing into any business or making a decision, especially with your hard earned money, you have to know the standing of housing market in your area. Look for different options that would suit your need and serves as a fall back in case you’ll face trouble or if your purchase falls apart.
Assessing the market will give you more insight on <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-to-determine-the-value-of-your-home/">how much you will price your home </a>and how much is acceptable for a new house. It will also give you an idea of how long homes to stay on the market so you can anticipate the market based on facts.
2. Plan your timeline.
Are you going to buy first and then sell or sell and then buy? If you are going to buy first, chances are moving would be easier but it will definitely affect your debt to income ratio. If you are going to buy a new house and still haven't sold the old one, you have to shoulder two mortgages every month.
If you are going to sell your house first and then buy next, you have to plan where you're going to stay while waiting to purchase or close the deal with a seller of your new home. Whether you need to stay in a hotel or rent and store your things in rental storage, you have to shell out some cash before you can move in to your new place. Strategize your finances and have a plan and schedule when you're going to move.
3. Expect the unexpected.
No matter how carefully you have planned and written out your steps, remember you are not the only factor that will affect your plans. In every seller, there’s a buyer and in every buyer there is a seller, not to mention the other variables that will affect your timeline. Anticipating and readying yourself of anything that will come your way will help you visualize and give you ample space to accommodate changes.
Check Also:
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-long-will-it-take-to-sell-my-home/">Average to time sell a house </a>
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/the-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers/">Tips for first time home buyers</a>
4. Prepare your Plan B.
Once you know how the numbers will play (or add up), you have to have a plan B. Know your financial options when things fall apart or you are faced with a wall. You need to talk to professionals who know the ins and outs of financial rules and regulations. Some opt to rent the house you just sold and make plans with the buyer like a month-to-month basis. Know your finances inside and out.
5. Control your emotions.
Don’t let fear control you and force you to make errors in making decisions. Don’t make purchases because of time constraints, or accept low baller offers. If you have done your own homework and laid out a plan, you won't let your emotions put you off guard or take actions outside of your plan. You may need to make quick decisions and pivots but don’t let it hinder you from getting what you need.
Know that it will be stressful to do both, buying and selling a house at a same time, and no matter how much planning you have done, things might not go your way. But anticipating and knowing what you are facing will give you an upper hand when you need to make some tough calls.2015-09-30T12:41:00-07:002022-04-18T05:39:21-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4238Common Things Overlooked when Buying a Home in the Fall<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/fall-season-for-Real-estate-.png" width="690" height="274" />
It’s great to shop around when there are not many people around, noises toned down, and fewer competitors who would be looking at the shoes you have wanted to buy. This is quite similar in home hunting and open houses during fall season. Since, fall is considered as an off-season less people are looking around to find their new house.
It’s quite exhilarating to finally find the house perfect but sometimes certain aspects of the house are overlooked and in a few months’ time, these things would bring nightmares in your dream home.
If you prefer to do house hunting during fall, here are some things you should not forget to check:
Air-conditioning & Heating System
The chilly air of winter is just around the corner, some people tend to forget to check the air conditioner of a house because it’s already cold. Always check the filter to see if it has changed recently. Go out to look at the condenser and hear if it gives out an odd sound. Of course, your home inspector would check it all for you but it is a good habit to do these things yourself so you could anticipate any problem areas that need repairs.
Drainage System
Checking the gutters isn’t the mere thing to do but also look for areas of water puddles in the yard. It will tip you off if there’s a leak in the pipe or a potential backup once you have loaded your laundry or the sink and then try to drain it all at once. If you have a feeling that the sewer has some problems, contact a professional sewer inspector. Prevention is better than the cure. We all know that drainage problems could get messy if not apprehended.
Atmosphere
Look around. Yes, it may feel cozy and quiet when you visited the house but you would not know how it is when construction activities resume in the neighborhood. Walk some blocks away and ask your future neighbors. Once winter season ends, the calm and serene atmosphere of the house might be replaced with loud noises when seasonal street construction comes.
Don’t forget the slopes
Even the land area seems to be flat, always check for slopes especially they are towards the basement. This would indicate that flooding could occur in that area. Steep hills may cause to run off and gather at the end of a slope. Also, try to navigate and visualize yourself driving on the driveway covered with ice.
Stagnant water
Check areas where mosquitoes and insects would stay. Birdbaths, trash cans and buckets are spots that would harbor these insects. They may go away during summer but would come back as soon as the weather temperature drops, especially if there’s water they could lay eggs with. If your potential future home is near a small pond or lake, you may want to plan ahead and anticipate your needs since you cannot do a whole lot about it.
Windows, windows, windows
Open them all up. Check everything that is close if they can open or no. Repairs and replacements are not an easy task and may deem costly. Plan ahead if you may need storm windows or if winter is fast approaching, you might need to cover some windows with plastics until you are ready to do something about it.
It is quite convenient to go around and check open houses since fall is an off-season for homebuyers but the rule of thumb for everything that we purchase is to check the merchandise first before handing out your hard-earned money. All of the things stated above might be small but quite important to check to avoid facing big problems when you move in.2015-09-29T12:51:00-07:002018-10-23T04:57:37-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:42379 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/Splendid-Extra-Large-Floor-Vases-Decorating-Ideas-Images-in-Living-Room-Contemporary-design-ideas-.jpg" width="990" height="660" />
We feel energized when we get a new haircut or a new pair shoes, or a new style of clothing. Imagine the feeling of making an old home look like new to energize your own abode.
Many people move into a new home every 5 to 10 years, but some stay put for decades. Sometimes when we move into a new house, we want to have the same vibe or a familiar feel of our old home to feel comfortable living in this new one. So, whatever reason or goal you have, here are some aspects and tips you could consider doing:
1. Carpets
Clean or replace them. Also, keep in mind what you typically do in that room. It will give a new feeling and do its purpose.
2. Mix patterns or styles.
Mixing designs for every room is a great idea but be cautious not to create a chaotic feel of having it too diversified; this could create a patched up vibe. Coordinate it in a cohesive pattern so it will be different but provide a polished feeling.
3. Doors
You can change the old flimsy door knobs into substantial-looking handle-and-lock set, or if you want a bolder change, switch your doors to Shaker-style doors or six-panel ones. You may want to consider installing a new front door to complement your house’s curb appeal.
4. Update Outlets, light switches, and plates
They can all be done for under $100 to change them all (including light switches and plates). If no one in your household is skilled at changing them, please contact an electrician. As always, safety first! Another thing to keep in mind, with the emergence of smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets, an outlet with USB female plug would give your home a new feel. Just a bonus tip, do you know that switches and outlets are sometimes the source of air leaks? Fixing this would help your cooling and heating system more efficient and cost effective.
check also:<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/tips-to-clean-your-kitchen/"> Tips to clean a kitchen</a>
5. Walls
If you have purchased an old house, it might have some nail holes. I know people who had their walls repaired that had almost 250 nail holes! Fix the blemishes and the drywall will look as good as new.
6. Lights
Adding lamps or bulbs and removing some curtains/screens is an effective way to add light your home. This is an easy way to give your room a new feel and vibe.
7. Paint
Updating your wall paint and having a cohesive color palette brings a present and new feel in your home.
8. Fixtures
Removing old fixtures like lights and hardware is a quick solution to make your old home look like a new one.
9. Hardwoods.
Refinished hardwood with appropriate stains can rejuvenate home decor. If you’re going DIY, I’m going to share a tip that I’ve got “If something feels wrong, it probably is”. Know when to call a professional to avoid unnecessary energy and financial expenditures.
Hope these tips help you to know where to start in creating your new vibe!2015-09-25T17:45:00-07:002022-04-19T23:09:42-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:42366 Important Reasons Why You Should Use a REALTOR®<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/listing_agent.jpg" width="450" height="300" />
To most people, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that they could make. It involves proper and systematic methods to make every hard earned penny worth it for their new home.
Before we go enumerating reasons why you use a REALTOR®, do you know that real estate agent and REALTOR® can't be used interchangeably? A REALTOR® is an agent who is a member and has registered certification mark with The Canadian Real Estate Association (<a href="http://www.crea.ca/why">CREA</a>). They are guided by a strict <a href="http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/code">Code of Ethics</a>, also known as the REALTOR® Code, by National Association of Realtors® (NAR). It means a REALTOR® can guarantee professional conduct and quality service, also they have access to Board MLS® Systems which facilitate the cooperate sale of properties to benefit consumers.
Therefore, not all local real estate agents are REALTORS®, but all REALTORS® are local real estate agents.
Important Reasons to Use a REALTOR®
Because you are entrusting your precious possession, either your property if you are a seller or your hard earned dollars if you are a buyer, REALTORS® take this responsibility very seriously.
According to <a href="http://www.realtor.org/reports/highlights-from-the-2014-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers">2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers’s Report</a>, local real estate agents were viewed as a useful information source by 98 per cent of buyers who used an agent while searching for a home and about 88% of <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/buyers/first-time-buyers/">first time home buyers</a> purchase their home by hiring real estate agent or broker (2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Report).
So, here are some reasons why use a REALTOR®:
Responsibility.
A REALTOR® has a legal duty to act solely in another party's interests, which is you. They are committed and contractually bound to do everything and to look out for your best financial interests, guided with strict NAR’s Code of Ethics. This is legally known as “Fiduciary” responsibility. REALTORS® are professional and experienced in helping out sellers’ investment to be protected and buyers to build theirs.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/why-do-i-need-a-realtor-to-sell-my-house/">What does a Realtor Do ?</a>
Regulations.
Real estate regulations is complex and ever-changing hence, a REALTOR® is trained professionally and continuously. They keep pace with time by continued education courses to upgrade their knowledge and skills to provide up-to-date advice to consumers. You are assured that a REALTOR® is knowledgeable in regulations, laws, contracts and practices on a broad range of real estate related issues.
Information.
Beyond the property’s dimensions and finding the right home, a REALTOR® can offer great resources. From linking things between all real estate and the novice, they are also considered an all-in-one independent contractor. They know the best contractors and can refer them easily to new homeowners and potential sellers. Apart from giving you information about piping and FRT plywood, they can tell you important details about the home which is beyond aesthetic reasons.
Pricing.
One of the REALTOR®’s most important roles is as the unbiased voice of reason. The REALTOR® is the objective set of eyes in the transaction. They know the local market, have access to the freshest sale data, and can price your house in line with the market to maximize your earnings. REALTORS® help a buyer save money and help a seller to make the most money. In 2012, sellers using an agent got $40,100 more: The median sale price for the 88 percent of sellers who worked with an agent was $215,000, versus a median sale price of $174,900 for the 9 percent of sellers who didn’t use an agent.
Contracts.
Negotiating is a tricky business. A real estate contract usually comprises 50 pages which is quite long to read, addendums and riders aside. Someone to help you to craft an attractive offer and navigate these complex documents that makes sense for you is a vital role of a REALTOR®. Also, bear in mind that a REALTOR® is your advocate that has an unbiased voice of reason to a very subjective situation, especially in a negotiation.
Doing Business.
Because a <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/agents/hanifaraj/">licensed professional Realtor</a> is bounded to act accordingly and legally by a strict Code of Ethics. You are dealing with a professional, ethical businessperson which means there are more repercussions if they do not act rightfully for a client’s best interest.2015-09-24T20:32:00-07:002022-04-18T06:27:59-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4235Can Home Staging Really Win Over Buyers?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/3163-Laurel-St.jpg" width="958" height="639" />
Years ago nobody would consider "staging" a home before putting it on the market. Homeowners would think that it is okay to keep the home free from clutter, make every crevice spotless, and fix problem parts of the house will do the trick. Putting up a <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/do-i-need-a-for-sale-sign-for-my-property/">For Sale sign</a> after all those preparations will entice home buyers.
However, according to the National Association of REALTORS survey that was conducted and entitled <a href="http://www.realtor.org/reports/2015-profile-of-home-staging">2015 Profile of Home Staging</a> says otherwise.
According to the survey, a hefty 81% of buyer’s <a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/agents/hanifaraj/">REALTORS®</a> perceived staged homes is easier to sell their property because buyers can visualize their future homes when presented it this way. 46% of buyers agents report that staged homes viewed online are more likely to be toured, and 45% of buyers who view staged homes tend to view the value of a home more positively. Furthermore, 28% of buyers are more willing to look past faults and imperfections and still consider buying the house, according to the NAR survey.
Most buyers form an opinion about a home within the first 7-10 seconds of arriving and according to NAR’s survey, there’s an increase in a home’s dollar value from 1 percent to 5 percent which is at 32% of buyers willing to offer for a home; and also 16% buyers agents surveyed said it could raise offers by 6 percent to 10 percent. Therefore, buyer agents believe that staging can potentially influence buyer’s opinion on how much they would offer for a home.
Check Also:
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-to-determine-the-value-of-your-home/">Calculate your home value</a>
<a href="https://www.vancouverhousefinders.com/blog/how-much-it-will-cost-of-selling-a-house/">cost of selling a house</a>
Seller agents who say they only suggest that sellers de-clutter and fix property faults is at 44% percent and they do not recommend home sellers to “stage” homes in prepping a property. Not everyone chooses to stage a home before putting it on the market as survey depicted in results.
On the contrary, seller agents surveyed say they do “home staging” in properties they list is about 34%; while 13% of them only do “home staging” if the property is difficult to sell; and a mere 4% of seller agents “stage” homes that are high-priced.
Other useful findings that could help you as per NAR survey:
- a consensus of REALTORS® surveyed, yield a result of staging a home focused on living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
- It takes an average of $675 in prepping a home for staging.
- About 62% of agents representing the home offer professional home stager service.
- 39% say the home sellers pay for staging in prepping a home.
- 10% of sellers do home staging after the property is sold.
- About 3% say that the seller agent’s firm will pay for home staging services.
Because home staging has only grown in popularity over the last few years, there have not been quantifiable studies and surveys done. However, with this survey conducted the National Association of REALTORS® has clearly stated how home staging can have an impact on buyers’ opinion.2015-09-23T20:28:00-07:002022-04-19T23:46:11-07:00Hani Farajtag:vancouverhousefinders.com,2012-09-20:4233The Options for Home Renters<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1084/image/renters-insurance.jpg" width="341" height="226" />
One of typical dreams that we have is to own a house. It is not only a dream but a practicality so you will be able to protect yourself in rising rents and lock in your mortgage for a housing cost.
If you have read newspapers or online articles, there is a widening gap between rental costs and household incomes as the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) released their findings of a study early this year.
Know the Situation
In Canada, an average renter has to allocate 30% of their income on housing while in comparison a homeowner can anticipate of 15% of their budget to spend on housing cost.
Just to site another example, in Vancouver, an average renter spends 59% of their monthly income on housing and nearly 65% in Toronto. This may go higher and continue to rise every year for other metro areas.
Furthermore, in Canadian Real Estate Associations (CREA) study revealed there was 15% increase in rental cost while in comparison only 11% growth in household income of renters over the last five years. If you are one of those who rents, this incongruence in growth could put you in a difficult situation wherein you have to raise up the bar just to save for a down payment.
If you have purchased a home over the same five-year period, you have locked in the housing cost and are able to grow household net worth as mortgage balances have gone down and home values have increased.
Know your Way Out
Do not think that you cannot have your own dream house, this is the first mistake you could take.
The current situation is that most homebuyers think that they are not qualified in terms of their credit score or they don’t have enough money for a down payment. But in recent reports, over 60% who recently bought homes had paid less than 20%; and 36% have paid less than 5% for down payments.
Your dream of having a home is more attainable than you could imagine! Just like any goals you may have in your life, first step is having a good mindset. Think that you can and find out what you can do.
Take your First Step
If you really aspire to own your dream home, then know your options. There’s a way out of renting and you could become part of the statistics of homeowners. Have someone help you out if you are eligible for a mortgage, seek a professional’s knowledge and skills to achieve your goal.
Sometimes, it only takes one question to know your options and having your own home.2015-09-22T21:57:00-07:002018-10-23T02:33:58-07:00Hani Faraj