During the winter  we think of jobs to do around the house to increase the value of our homes.  If you're thinking of selling in the Spring now is the time to tackle these jobs.

Unless painting a room is a passion, you probably want to finish the task as soon as possible — while still doing a quality job.

Here are some tips for doing just that:

• One-coat paints. Having to do a second coat is time-consuming. Fortunately, there are several “one coat” paints that can get the job done, well, in one coat! They don’t work for every type of project. But, if your walls are in good condition and you’re not dramatically changing the underlying colour, a one-coat paint is worth considering.

• Leverage various-sized rollers. Most people use rollers for the main wall surface and switch to brushes for the tight areas. Instead of a brush, try a smaller roller. That can speed up the painting considerably.

• Use quality brushes and rollers. Cheap brushes tend to not hold paint evenly and can also shed fibres – which you then have to pick off the painted surface. Good quality brushes and rollers may cost a little more, but the paint will be applied more smoothly and evenly — saving you time.

• Wear your painter’s tape. When running painter’s tape to prep a room, wear the roll on your wrist. That way, you won’t constantly be reaching for it.

• Wrap rollers and brushes in plastic. For longer painting jobs, wrap rollers and brushes that are not in use in plastic wrap or baggies (the kind you use in the kitchen.) That will keep the brushes and rollers wet while you take a break.

• Start in the middle. Most people start at the end of a wall and work their way to the center. You’ll paint faster if you do the opposite. In addition, you’ll avoid applying too much paint in the corners (which people are apt to do when they start there).

Want more tips for preparing your home for sale? Call me.  Happy to help.  Call Jay 778-363-0839

Have you ever had to go last-minute gift shopping? If so, you know what that can be like. You don’t have time to amble casually through numerous stores in hopes of coming across something suitable. The clock is ticking. You need to find the right gift, now!

A similar thing can sometimes happen when shopping for a new home. You may not have a lot of time available in your schedule. Yet, you need to view properties and find the right home, quickly. So, how do you do that on a tight schedule?

One way is to be clear on the type of home you want to get into. The more narrow your search parameters, the more likely you are to view properties that are strong candidates. Create a profile of your dream home, including property type, number of bedrooms, features, and other details. Also, be clear on the kind of neighbourhood you’d like to live in — including the type of street. In addition, you should ensure that you’re shopping within the correct price range. Find out what the type of home you want is currently selling for on today’s market. Then, make sure you’re shopping within that range.

If you discover that your budget is below what ideal homes are selling for, adjust either your budget or your property expectations. If you can’t increase your budget, don’t panic. Chances are, you can still get a great home in your price range. When scheduling viewing appointments, see as many homes as you can on each trip. That way, you’ll make the most of your viewing time.

Also, when seeing a property, ensure you get all the information you need to make a decision. You’ll want to avoid having to view a property twice. Want to find the ideal home faster? Call today!  Jay 778-363-0839

When you buy a new home and moving day is looming, it can be tempting to consider doing the move yourself. After all, by not hiring a moving company, you’re saving money.

It is true, the DIY approach can lower your moving costs, which is money you can put towards needed fixes and upgrades to your new property. But, you’re also adding a lot of work! You’ll need to think about boxes, packing, truck rental, gas, lifting and lugging, friends who offer to help but bail last minute, and more.

So, if you’re going to move yourself, plan carefully. Ensure you have all the boxes and packing supplies (tape, bubble wrap, etc.) you need. Most importantly, put together a reliable crew who can stick with you the entire day. In addition to family and friends, it might make sense to hire a worker for the day. If that all seems like too much work and hassle, then using a moving company is a time-saving option.

Yes, you’ll pay more. But you’ll get professional movers, with a truck, who can do much of the lifting and lugging for you. That will take a lot of the stress out of moving day. And, keep in mind, you don’t need to get the moving company to do it all. You can cut costs by having them handle the heavier items, such as appliances and furniture, while you DIY-move other things, such as easier-tohandle boxes.

Regardless of which option you choose, make your plans well in advance. When it comes to moving day, you’ll be glad you did! Want more tips on making buying and selling easier? Call  Jay today 778-363-0839.

Imagine you've been waiting for the right moment to sell your home and you're finally ready to pull the trigger and list it. But, just as you're about to put up the sign, you notice that a few other FOR SALE signs have unexpectedly popped up in the neighbourhood. Oh no! Now there are competing listings.

Does that mean you should put your plan to sell your property on hold? Not necessarily. Just because comparable homes are for sale in the area doesn't mean it's not a good time to make your move. In fact, even if there is a sharp increase in local listings, active buyers might still outnumber properties available. In that scenario, you'd likely get several interested buyers.

And, even in the case of a buyer's market, now might still be the ideal time to sell. Don't forget, your home might have desirable features that some buyers are eagerly looking for, giving your home the advantage over others on the market. In addition, a large part of a successful sale is in how a property is marketed and promoted.

With effective marketing, your home is more likely to be noticed by the right type of buyers... buyers who are actively looking for a property like yours. So, waiting for the perfect moment to sell your home rarely makes sense. In most cases, the best time to list is now. That being said, it is helpful to find out exactly what to expect should you list your property in today's market. To find that out, call today.

Call Jay Weeks, 778-363-0839

Spring cleaning can seem like a great idea until you actually get started. Then it often turns out to be more work than expected!

The good news is, there are proven techniques to make the job easier so you can get it done faster.

• Before you begin the project, make sure you have everything you need: hammer, boxes, tape, garbage bags, etc. Think of the supplies you’ll need on hand and the tools that will make tasks easier. You don’t want to have to waste time on frequent trips to the store.

• Consider renting a small moving trolley (AKA hand truck.) That will make it much easier to move heavy objects, such as furniture, as you’re cleaning. Most local home improvement centres rent these.

• Plan how you’re going to dispose of waste and unwanted stuff. Find out where you can donate clothes, toys, furniture, and other items. Note the location of your local garbage disposal site and its hours of operation.

• Divide tasks into “Heavy work” and “Light work” and then do the heavy work first, such as moving furniture, reorganizing rooms, etc. Only after completing the heavy work should you dive into the “light work”, such as packing boxes and sweeping.

• Consider getting help. There are many services available that will assist with cleaning, painting, junk removal, repairs, and more. You can even hire a student to assist you for a weekend.

Spring cleaning can be a big project, but these tips can help make it a lot easier. And, keep in mind that if you’re thinking of selling this year, getting the spring cleaning done will be a big plus. 

When you set a budget for a new home, you’re obviously hoping — maybe even expecting — to find the ideal property within that price range. But, it doesn’t always work out that way.

In fact, there are many circumstances in which you might have to rethink your budget and possibly even increase it, to get the home you want. For example, you might find that properties in neighbourhoods you’re targeting are selling for more than you expected. In that circumstance, you might have to look for a home in a different area, or see if you can bump up your budget.

Another scenario that often comes up is changing wish lists. You may view a few homes for sale and realize that a particular feature is more important to you than you initially thought. For example, you might have budgeted for a three-bedroom home, but once you’ve seen a few properties with four, you think, “Okay, we definitely want four bedrooms!” That might result in a budget bump.

Finally, you might find that you view a property and fall in love with the place. It’s perfect. It has everything you need. You’ve got to have that home! But, its price is outside your budget. In that case, you’ll need to weigh paying a bit more against getting a home that will have a significant and positive impact on your lifestyle and happiness.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a home and trying to stay within a budget.

When searching for a new home, many buyers will focus only on the list price and what they may need to offer to get the property. For example, a buyer might think, “We can get this house for $XX. That’s within our price range!” Of course, the selling price plays the pivotal role in whether or not you can afford a particular home. But, carrying costs should also be considered.

Carrying costs include any regular expenses related to the property. The obvious ones are gas, hydro, water, garbage, and taxes. But there may be others. For example, a home may also have a subscription-based alarm system, high-speed internet, and hot water tank rental. If there are common elements, such as a private street or some other neighbourhood feature, there may be an annual maintenance fee. It’s also smart to factor in predicted maintenance and repair costs, especially when buying an older home.  A property that hasn’t had its asphalt roof shingles replaced in 20 years may be due soon.

So, when shopping for a new home, consider what the carrying costs will be. That will help you make a more informed decision. That being said, having to pay a little more in monthly costs may be worth it if you love the place and it (as well as the neighbourhood) has everything you want.

There are numerous reasons why you might need to sell early in the year. Perhaps you even need to sell this month! Whatever your reasons, preparation is key. Make the right moves now and your sale is likely to go smoothly and successfully.

Follow these tips:

1. Make a list of what needs to be done around the property to prepare it for listing. That includes decluttering, cleaning, getting needed repairs done, and so forth.

2. Schedule those tasks. On a calendar or planner, block out ample time to do everything on your list. Give yourself a time buffer because things can often take longer to do than expected.

3. Get help. You don’t need to do everything yourself. Consider hiring a painter, contractor, cleaning service, and other professionals. Outsourcing can reduce a lot of the stress of selling while ensuring your property is prepared in time.

4. Dispose of unwanted items that may have accumulated over the years in the garage, basement, and closets. You can have a yard sale, sell stuff online, donate items to charity, or take them to your local recycling centre.

5. Free up your schedule during the period you expect your property to be on the market. You want your home to be accessible for showings as often as possible, giving prospective buyers a lot of flexibility when scheduling.

The idea is to get your property as “sales-ready” as possible — as early in the year as possible. That way, when it comes time to list your home, you won’t have to scramble to get it ready. The hard work will be done and you’ll be able to focus on selling your property quickly and for the best price.

Want more tips on preparing your home for sale? Call Jay today 778-363-0839.

Imagine if, for whatever reason, you suddenly needed to find and buy a new home in a hurry.

What if you had just a few weeks?

If you’re like most people, your first instinct might be to panic. Well, there’s nothing wrong with having some apprehension about having to find a new home quickly. But, there are steps you can take that will make the process a lot less stressful and, ultimately, make it more likely that you’ll find a great property you’ll love.

The first thing you need to do is determine your budget. That will give you a price range you can confidently shop within. Your budget should take into account how much your current home will likely sell for, how much you qualify to receive on a new mortgage, as well as any other funds you can put into a new home.

Next, decide on areas or neighbourhoods that have listings within your budget to target in your search. Narrowing your scope will actually help you find the right home, sooner. When viewing properties for sale, be as flexible as you can. You don’t necessarily need to compromise on what you want.

However, if you need to buy in a hurry, it makes sense to consider listings that may be less than perfect, yet still check most of the boxes on your wish list. Keep in mind that if you purchase a property that isn’t exactly what you want, a renovation or other improvement could potentially turn it into your dream home.

Having to find a new home quickly can be challenging. But if you get the right professionals working for you, it’s going to be a lot easier — and achievable.

If you need help to find a home in a hurry, give me a call I'd be happy to help.  Call Jay 778-363-0839

Winters in Canada can be cold and dark, and just like us, our delicate plants – indoor and outdoor plants alike – need some special attention this time of year. So, show your plants a little TLC this winter by giving them a warm, dry place to wait out the cold weather until spring. 

Follow this list of helpful tips to keep your plants happy and healthy through the winter months.

• Keep it bright. Expose your plants to as much sunlight as possible by keeping them by a window. Remember, days are shorter in winter so they need all the natural light they can get. If you see your plants struggling, you may need to move them to maximize exposure.
• Keep them warm. Avoid cold and drafty areas of the house where your plants risk getting frostbite. If it gets too cold overnight, you may need to move your plants away from the window.
• Avoid extreme heat. If placed near a heater or a fireplace, your plants can dry out. It’s best to keep them in a room where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much. If necessary, run a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. 
• Cut down on water. Most plants require less hydration in the winter as they enter a hibernation period. The same rule applies for fertilization – feel free to skip the fertilizer for healthy plants, or dilute with water for those that need a little extra help. 
• Avoid the urge to repotyour plants. They will not be growing much during the winter months, and it’s best to keep them in a stable environment until spring.
• Clean and prune. Gently wipe down the leaves and trim them back before bringing outdoor plants in for the season.

Article compliments of Royal lePage Canada

When preparing your home for sale, you need to fix things up, declutter, perhaps slap a fresh coat of paint on a few walls. That’s all part of getting your property ready for buyers. But there’s another type of preparation that you also need to do. And, the sooner you do it, the less stressful your move will be.

You need to get all your paperwork together. Here’s what to gather:

• Property documents such as deeds, easements, surveys, liens, etc.

• Mortgage documents, plus any other loans (i.e., line of credit) that use the property as collateral.

• Maintenance and service agreements that may continue with the new owners.

• Warranties and guarantees that are transferrable to the new owners.

• Recent utility bills, such as water, electricity, etc.

• Rentals (i.e., water heater rental.)

• Home security agreements and codes.

• Contracts for any work done on an ongoing basis. For example, lawn maintenance.

Getting these records together early will ensure you’re not scrambling at the last minute to find them. Some of these documents, such as warranties, also make for attractive selling features.

Ready to list?  Give me a call I'd be happy to help.  Call Jay 778-363-0839

What is it about your property that stands out? What will buyers like most about it? What are your home’s most enticing features? Answering those questions will help you determine which features to emphasize when selling your home.

After all, you want buyers to notice and appreciate your property’s best characteristics. But here’s the challenge... It can be difficult to determine which features of your home are particularly desirable to buyers. You live there!

So, there might be a fantastic characteristic of your property that you’ve gotten used to. You might not even realize its value. One way to gain perspective is to ask friends, “What is it about our property that you like most? What stands out to you?” Ask them to be candid.

Often, they’ll reveal characteristics about your home that may surprise you. You’ll definitely gain insights that will help you when listing. Another technique is to compare your property to others in the neighbourhood.

Buyers often target neighbourhoods, so realizing how your home stands out can be helpful when marketing it. For example, your property might have a larger backyard than most others on the street, or it might have a lot of recent upgrades.

Another way to discover your home’s most attractive features is to talk to me. I can tell you what buyers will like most about your property.  Call Jay 778-363-0839

 Walk-through videos are becoming increasingly popular. The seller’s agent simply films a tour of a home, often including commentary, and then makes the video available to prospects.

When you’re shopping for a new home, you want to get the most out of watching this type of video, especially if you’re relying on it to help you decide whether or not to make a viewing appointment. Consider these suggestions:

• Remember, it’s a video. So take advantage of the ability to pause, go back and forth, and take screenshots you can review later.

• When you’re watching, look for everyday items that can give you perspective, such as a lamp, sofa or chair. These items will help you gain a more accurate sense of room sizes.

• Although that previous tip will help, it’s still difficult to judge room size on a video. So, don’t be quick to dismiss a listing because you think the rooms might be too small.

• Pay attention to what is not shown. Did the agent leave the ensuite bathroom out of the video? That may indicate an issue.

• When viewing the main rooms, such as the living room and kitchen, try to get a sense of how your furniture will fit.

• Make a list of features and characteristics you want in your next home. Have that list handy as you watch the video. You can use it as a checklist.

• While you’re watching, jot down any questions you have about the property.

After watching the video, if you like what you see, take the next step. Schedule a viewing appointment.

After your home has been cleaned from top to bottom, it’s natural to want it to stay that way. Don’t you wish you could just wave a magic wand and the place would clean itself?

Unfortunately, even Harry Potter can’t manage that! However, when you’re preparing your property for sale, you really do need to keep it clean and ready for showings.

There are several ways you can make doing that a bit easier. Try these tips:

1.  The one-minute rule. If a cleaning or tidying task takes you less than a minute, consider doing it right away. For example, keeping the foyer clear of clutter.

2.  One room a day. After you’ve cleaned and tidied your home, maintain it by focusing on just one room a day. That’s manageable for most people.

3.  Prioritize the floors. If you can keep the floors clean, everything else will tend to fall into place. Consider a routine where you do a quick sweep or vacuum of the floors each evening.

4.  Declutter as much as possible. Clutter is the enemy of cleaning! When a room is free of clutter, it’s easier to keep it clean, tidy and looking great.

5.  Get extras. Buy an extra mop or broom so other household members can help with the cleaning. Also, be sure to stock up on cleaning supplies so you don’t run short just before a viewing appointment.

6.  Hire a cleaning service. Having a professional cleaning service come once a week—or twice a week when you’re showing your property frequently—can take a lot off your shoulders. Think of it as an investment in selling your home.

Keeping your home looking “guest-ready” makes your home show better and gets more buyers interested. But, the task doesn’t need to be daunting. Try these tips to make it easier!

Imagine you’re viewing a home for sale. You venture to the basement, check out the furnace room, and notice the water heater. Is it owned or rented?

As a potential buyer, you’d want to know. Now imagine a property you’re viewing has a brand-new gas fireplace. Nice! Is it under warranty? Is that warranty transferrable to you if you buy the home? Again, you’d want to know.

So, when you’re selling, it’s important to pull together all the necessary records you will need in order to answer these types of buyer questions. After all, if a particular warranty transfers to the new owner, that’s a selling point.

Take the time to find receipts, warranty certificates, and other documents related to:

• Renovations (such as a bathroom makeover)

• Major repairs or replacements (such as a new air conditioner)

• Service prepayments (such as a lawncare service paid annually)

• Purchases of major appliances and other items

Keep in mind that you may have purchased extended warranties or maintenance agreements at the time of purchase. Those may transfer to the new owner.

Also note that some guarantees or service agreements transfer automatically while others require the new owner to initiate that transfer. These documents could potentially add a few more benefits to buying your home. So, it’s worth the time it takes to dig them out!

Imagine you’re viewing a home for sale. You venture to the basement, check out the furnace room, and notice the water heater. Is it owned or rented?As a potential buyer, you’d want to know.

Now imagine a property you’re viewing has a brand-new gas fireplace. Nice! Is it under warranty? Is that warranty transferrable to you if you buy the home? Again, you’d want to know.

So, when you’re selling, it’s important to pull together all the necessary records you will need in order to answer these types of buyer questions. After all, if a particular warranty transfers to the new owner, that’s a selling point.

Take the time to find receipts, warranty certificates, and other documents related to:

• Renovations (such as a bathroom makeover)

• Major repairs or replacements (such as a new air conditioner)

• Service prepayments (such as a lawncare service paid annually)

• Purchases of major appliances and other items

Keep in mind that you may have purchased extended warranties or maintenance agreements at the time of purchase.Those may transfer to the new owner. Also note that some guarantees or service agreements transfer automatically while others require the new owner to initiate that transfer.

These documents could potentially add a few more benefits to buying your home. So, it’s worth the time it takes to dig them out!

Looking to sell your home in the near future?  Give me a call I'd be happy to help with the real estate selling process - we'll also give you a binder to house these important documents to help your sale. 

Call Jay 778-363-0839  Royal lePage Kelowna

Spring is almost over, which means summer in the Okanagan Valley is just around the corner! But before you head to the beach, you may want to give your home a once over to make sure it’s ready for the hot summer months ahead. To help you prepare, we have made a list with 10 tasks you don’t want to miss out on. Here is your guide to completing indoor and outdoor home maintenance this summer.

Temperatures are rising and the sun shines warmer and longer each and every day, leaving residents excited for the long-awaited Okanagan summer. While you may be eager to begin planning your vacation and spend your time on the beach soaking in as much vitamin D as you can, it is important that homeowners don’t forget about their own homes in the process. Your home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Whether you want to sell or not, maintaining your property is an integral part of maintaining and protecting your own investment; The work and care that you put into its upkeep will help to ensure your home stays looking and feeling it’s best for years to come. Here are the top 10 summer home maintenance tasks for you to complete to ensure your property is getting the TLC it deserves, inside and out.

Indoor Summer Maintenance

Check Your Air Conditioning: Whether you have window air conditioning or a central air conditioner, yearly checks and maintenance are always needed. Install your window air conditioners early, book a service for your central cooling system, and change out any old filters to ensure you’re not left without a temperature controlled environment on a hot summer’s day.

Clean Your Windows: Inside and out, your windows should be clean to let the sun shine in and keep your home bright throughout the long days of the summer months. Remember to check your screens to make sure they are intact and won’t act as a welcoming spot for bugs into your home.

Ceiling Fans: Check your ceiling fans; if you change the direction of the blades in the winter months, now is the time to change them back! Also, make sure to give them a good clean before running them this summer. Dust of your blades regularly to minimize the amount of dust particles floating around your home.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: It is important to test and change the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. This is an essential part of home maintenance that could be a life saving measure.

Duct Cleaning: Ensure the air quality of your home is at its best by getting your ducts cleaned routinely. While this isn’t essential to be done each year, you should check to make sure it’s completed every 2-3 years to reduce any repairs and health problems from occurring.

Outdoor Summer Maintenance

Reseal The Deck: Your deck may need some attention this summer, but before resealing or staining, make sure to replace any boards that may be rotting and hammer down any loose nails for best results.

Check For Leaks: Check any outdoor spouts or hoses for leaks. If you are losing water through these imperfections, it will cost you money in water bills and potential repairs in the long run. Replace your hoses or give them a quick fix with electrical tape to ensure you aren’t wasting too much water. For leaking faucets, you may want to call in reinforcements to ensure it is fixed and sealed properly.

Inspect Windows and Doors: Ensure to give a good inspection to your windows and doors this summer, to keep bugs and maintain temperature control indoors. You may want to refresh the caulking to avoid any leaks and gaps in the framing.

Clean Out Gutters: Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on if you have a lot of trees around your home. Routine maintenance can help prevent damage to your roof, exterior, and foundation.

Get Your Roof Inspected: No one wants to replace their roof in the winter. Look into getting your roof inspected to ensure it’s strong enough to withstand the rain and weather damage it could incur when conditioners are not so favourable.

Kelowna is British Columbia’s new hot-spot for home-buyers. With an unprecedented number of sales to kick off the spring season in March, and many people relocating from all across the country to enjoy the hillside views and life on the water, preparing buyers for the market is essential. Here is everything you need to know about buying a home in Kelowna in this new era.

What Can A Buyer Expect when buying a home in Kelowna

Spring is in full swing in Kelowna BC, and a busy season in Real Estate awaits, with eager buyers looking to settle into their new homes in the Okanagan Valley. As a result of homeowners and renters re-prioritizing housing and living standards, Kelowna is already seeing an unprecedented influx in sales.

Many buyers are looking to abandon big city living to enjoy the space, the views, and the small town life that Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley have to offer. It is easy to see why the interest exists; Kelowna is an attractive destination for tourists with desirable climate, lakeside location, plenty of wineries and both summer and winter sports to enjoy in this historical centre in southern British Columbia, so why not make it your place to call home?

In any market, when it comes to finding a home that suits your needs, the process can feel time consuming and overwhelming. There is a lot of work to be done to secure the home of your dreams and with the growing demand in Kelowna for single family and townhomes, being prepared is your best bet. Here is what you need to know as a Kelowna-bound buyer in 2021.

Low Inventory or High Demand?

With how competitive the market is today, many buyers are experiencing tremendous frustration. The high demand for single family homes, condos, and townhouses without the inventory to support it is leading to a “buyer’s fatigue”. While it may seem like there is a low inventory, the true story is that the demand for homes in Kelowna is the highest it’s been at in over ten years.

Although homes are being sold quickly, it is important to note that not every home is getting multiple offers or seeing bidding wars. It is because of dynamic situations like this that makes it all the more important to approach buying a house with a certified REALTOR ® who has experience navigating the market. Being prepared will have you putting your best foot forward, and working with your agent will take some of the stress off of you and your family when buying in these market conditions.

Multi-Unit Properties

As Kelowna becomes more and more recognized as a top choice for homeowners and first time buyers looking to relocate or settle down, the trend of multi-unit properties is increasing as well. Multi-units or multifamily properties are an excellent way to invest in Real Estate. Two to four unit properties are a great way for investors to make a safe purchase that could have tenants paying down their own mortgage, especially in an owner-occupied situation, all the while building towards greater financial freedom. When buying a multi-unit property, owners can decide to have as much or as little involvement as they please; They can choose to be an active landlord on the premises, or contract out a company to fill vacancies as they come. With families looking to indulge fully in the Okanagan Valley lifestyle, and AirBnB’s as a popular solution for travellers looking to avoid hotel stays, no matter how you market your multifamily property, retaining occupants for a stable investment can be done easily.

First Time Home-Buyers

While experienced home-buyers may have more capital to use when relocating to Kelowna, first time home-buyers might feel that they are being priced out of the market. It is important to know that there are programs offered in British Columbia to support first time home buyers. Qualified first time home buyers who are applying to this program can receive land transfer tax exemptions, allowing them to budget more money for the downpayment and less for these administrative fees. For more information on benefits you can receive as a first-time buyer, talk to your agent today.

Pre-emptive and Bully Offers

You may have heard of bully-offers when looking to buy a house, and though some people stray from allowing these types of offers, it is a strategy that just might work with today’s market conditions. Presenting a seller with a pre-emptive or bully offer is essentially a way of getting your offer reviewed before its official list date. This tactic allows a buyer to potentially beat out the competition who are waiting for the presentation date before making their move. While these types of offers can give some people an unfair advantage, many who have dealt with disheartening losses, multiple offer situations, or for buyers that are just eager to purchase the specific property, resorting to this strategy and presenting the seller with an offer that has few to no conditions, is usually above asking price, with a pre-approval for financing or cash offers just might be the solution they are looking for.

Not every seller will entertain pre-emptive offers, and buyers have to be sure they want to take the risk that it presents. When submitting this type of offer without conditions or pre-inspections, you may end up taking a financial loss that you were not expecting. It is important to know the pros and cons of this tactic and proceed cautiously with the help of your REALTOR ® in any situation.

Come Prepared, Leave Happy.

Lastly, the best thing any buyer can do in the market we are seeing today is to come prepared. Do your research. By this, we mean have a list of wants and needs, desired neighbourhoods, amenities you are looking for, bedrooms, bathrooms, and anything else that may affect your house hunt. Additionally, ensure to get pre-approval from a lender, as this will play a big role in your quest to buy a home. For any questions, concerns, or for help moving forward, call your Royal LePage agent today. We know that buying a house is a big thing, and we are here to help you navigate this journey to find and enjoy your future home in Kelowna, B.C.

Is there a neighbourhood you drive through occasionally and think, “Wow. I’d love to live here. What a fantastic area”?

Why don’t you take that thought any further? Maybe you think getting into that neighbourhood just isn’t doable – at least, not right now. Perhaps you’re worried about the home prices or the current lack of homes for sale in that area. Maybe there’s some other reason, such as the possibility of higher mortgage payments. Of course, those are all valid concerns.

But why not find out whether or not they would genuinely hold you back? For example, if you’re wondering whether you can afford a home in that neighbourhood, you can find that out with a reasonable degree of certainty.

You can:

• Get a current market value assessment so you know, approximately, what you’d likely get for your home.

• Find out the average selling price of homes in the target neighbourhood.

• Calculate what you’d be able to put down on a new home.

• Find out how much mortgage you’ll need and what your payments would be.

Once you’ve taken a closer look at the actual numbers, you might discover that a nice home in your desired neighbourhood is within reach.

So, get the facts you need instead of assuming you can’t get into the neighbourhood you want. The fact might be, you can!

Call today if you’d like to explore that possibility. I can help you get the facts you need.