Imagine you're looking for a new home.

You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, none meets all your criteria. What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second look at your list. Does your new home need every single feature on it? Are there one or two features you can do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want? Often, buying a home that's close to perfect is perfect enough.

Second, consider what features you might be able to add to a home later, by way of a renovation or other improvement.  If a property doesn't have a finished basement, for example, you might be able to get that done down the road. Indeed, there are probably many features you can add later to an otherwise desirable property.

Finally, consider the current level of activity in the local real estate market. Is it likely that a lot of new homes will be coming on the market soon? If so, your perfect home may come up on the market within the next few weeks. Maybe even tomorrow! In that situation, make sure you arrange to get immediate alerts for newly listed homes that meet your criteria. You'll want to jump on each new opportunity before other buyers learn of the listing.

The good news is, in most cases you should be able to find and buy a great home, with most — if not all — of the features you want.  

Give me a call I'd be happy to help you with your home search.  Jay 778-363-0839

Your front walkway is one of the first sections of real estate a buyer will set foot on when coming to see your home. So, it makes sense to make that pathway to your front door as appealing as possible.

The obvious way is to make it as clean and clear as you can. Ensure there are no obstacles in the way, such as overhanging branches, kid's toys, or potted plants. What you want is a clear, unobstructed and pleasant walk to your main entranceway.

If your walkway needs deeper cleaning, consider a powerwash. There are special detergents available that are designed specifically for stone, asphalt or cement walkways and other outdoor surfaces.

A deep cleaning isn't a major project. In most cases, the job can be done within an hour. Yet, the result can be stunning. If you're selling in the spring or summer, another way to make your walkway look better is to add flowers or other plants along the sides.

Don't overdo it. You only need a few flowers or a couple of shrubs to make a big difference. The great thing about adding a few flowers or shrubs is the impact they can have on your entire frontage making it more attractive, and adding to your home's overall curb appeal. Making your walkway look better may seem minor, but keep in mind that when buyers make their way to your front door, they're forming their first and often most important impression of your property.

The walkway plays a small but important role in making it a good one. Want more ideas for making your home show better, so it sells quicker and for a higher price? Call me.  Jay 778-363-0839

KELOWNA, B.C. – January 5, 2021. High demand drove the real estate market to finish the last month of 2020 on a high note with unexpected and exceptional sales volumes across the region from Revelstoke to Eastgate Manning Park and into the South Peace River region, reports the Association of Interior REALTORS®.

Residential sales for December in the region of Revelstoke to Peachland increased 65% compared to December 2019’s residential sales, coming in at 661. The South Okanagan region, stretching from Summerland to Eastgate Manning Park also saw an unexpected jump of 201 units sold of overall property sales compared to the previous year’s 107, while property sales in the South Peace River region was up 11% from 18 units in 2019 to 20 in December 2020.

“Last year was a very unusual year, after an initial slowdown due to stay-at home orders from the provincial government we saw a high demand in the real estate market, once orders were lifted that did not wane even in the typically slower months,” says the Association of Interior REALTORS® President Kim Heizmann, adding that “despite unusually high demand, inventory of active listings consistently remained low as buyers snapped up homes almost as soon as they were listed. Particularly in the family-sized homes category.”

Active residential listings for December from Revelstoke to Peachland fell short 35% compared to December 2019’s 2,715, while in the South Okanagan region overall listings saw a slight increase of 11% compared to the previous year’s 158 properties. The South Peace River region had a greater uptick compared to December 2019, jumping up 24% to 34 units listed.

“Shortage of supply continues to put upward pressure on pricing as inventory cannot meet the demand. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming months and into the usually busy Spring season,” says Heizmann.

The benchmark price for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions clocked in double-digit percentage increases in year-over-year comparisons.

In the South Okanagan and the South Peace River region where benchmark pricing is not yet available, the average sales price for single-family homes surged 37% and 15% year-over-year respectively.

The Association of Interior REALTORS® was formerly formed on January 1, 2021 through the amalgamation of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board and the South Okanagan Real Estate Board.

The Association is a member-based professional organization serving approximately 1,600 REALTORS® who live and work in communities across the interior of British Columbia from Revelstoke south to the US border, east to Rock Creek, west to Eastgate Manning Park to communities in the South Peace River region.

Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals. 

It's 2021 and many of you may be thinking about selling your property this year.   Do you dwell on the possible work and stress involved?

You're not alone. Many homeowners share the same concerns. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, there are plenty of ways to add some fun, anticipation, and even a sense of adventure to the selling process. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Plan fun things to do when your home is being shown. That can include walks, sports activities, or trying something you and your family have never done before.

2. Declutter for your own benefit. Instead of thinking about decluttering as a chore required for the sale, focus instead on how much more comfortable your home will be after decluttering. Studies consistently show that less clutter reduces stress and increases a sense of wellbeing.

3. Get everyone in your home anticipating the move in a positive way. Put pictures of your next home, including neighbourhood shots, on the fridge door. Sit together on the computer and explore your new neighbourhood's features and amenities.

4. Celebrate milestones in the selling process. For example, when you're finished preparing your property for sale, go out to celebrate. Make a checklist of milestones and how you'll celebrate each one.

5. Get the help you need. A big part of the stress of selling is the anticipated work involved. Remember, you don't have to do it all yourself. Much of what needs to be done can be handled by contractors and other professionals. There are many other ways to make selling your home a positive and turbulentfree experience. Give me a call if you'd like more ideas and suggestions.  Call Jay 778-363-0839