Choose the Best Agent...

Choose…the best agent!

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

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BC Home Sales Forecast to Rise Through 2016

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

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

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

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

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

5 Things to Think About When Buying Your First Place

Here are 5 things to consider as you begin the process of purchasing your first place.

1. The growth possibilities. Shop for a place that meets your current spaces needs, but also consider one that can adjust to a changing household. A five-year plan may not pan out as you expect, so think about possible life changes that could impact your need for bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.

2. What's under the hood. Your first place may not come with many frills or luxury features – but all the basics should be in good condition. Thoroughly inspect prospective properties. And before any purchase is made, hiring a professional inspector is a must. Your real estate agent can guide you through this key step.

3. Know that no home will be perfect. Your first home may likely not be the perfect place. But make it the right one. Finding the right home is often a matter of prioritizing. Make a list of “must haves,” along with “nice to haves” and “not necessary to haves.” A three-car garage is nice, but would you rather have a larger kitchen or live in a good neighborhood? Only you can measure the importance of the amenities you are looking for.

4. Consider ALL the costs of ownership. When you buy a home​, you take on recurring costs you don’t have to worry about as a renter. Look for a home that meets your budget in terms of full living costs – mortgage, utilities, trash pick-up, sewage fees, homeowner's association dues and other fees. Your lender doesn't take into account these costs when approving your home loan. A good real estate agent can help you calculate estimated monthly costs to determine the most appropriate price range for you.

5. The lifespan of things. In addition to identifying cosmetic and structural flaws before you buy, know what to expect from the home's components. How long until you need to replace the roof, appliances, furnace or carpet? Everything may be in working order now, but all homes need these types of repairs at some point. Researching the expected remaining life on large-ticket items can help you plan for the future.

When you're ready to start the process of buying a home, a local RE/MAX agent will be ready to help. Follow us on Twitter.

9 Ways to Clean the Clutter Before Selling a Home

Bill Gassett, a top Real Estate agents writes:

"Ways to De-Clutter Prior to Moving

• Organize your paperwork. Mail and other paperwork has a way of accumulating for even the most organized people. The next thing you know, you have drawers and piles of it everywhere, and the first thought that comes to mind is to just throw it all away. Take a deep breath and deal with this the only way you can – with patience. Once you begin going through your paperwork you will discover that much of it is no longer relevant and can be discarded. Shred any documents with sensitive information and recycle the rest." read more

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Who Are the Winners Following the BOC Surprise Rate Cut?

The Globe And Mail Reports:

"The most commonly cited catalyst for a correction in Canadian home values has been the possibility of rising interest rates, and the pressure that would put on the finances of marginal borrowers. Higher borrowing rates can reduce housing demand and put downward pressure on prices. The rate cut, which supports the continuation of ultra-low mortgage rates, at least pushes the likelihood of a large group of overextended borrowers running into trouble further out into the future." 

This is good news for the Real Estate Market in the Thompson Okanagan.  Call The Right Agents today!

Notice to North Okanagan Property Owners: 2015

Notice to property owners: North #Okanagan property values increase in 2015! Read more here

The Right Agents

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!