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6 WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME READY TO SELL!
Not sure how to get your house ready to sell? I got you!
From cleaning and staging to repainting and depersonalizing, here are 6 things you can do to get a house ready to sell.ā£
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July Market Update
Residential real estate sales for the month of July in the region slid down to pre-pandemic activity, reports the Association of Interior REALTORSĀ® (the Association).
A total of 1,196 residential unit sales were recorded across the Association region, marking a 33.3% decrease compared to the number of units sold during the hot market of July 2021.
“Seasonally, it is not out of the ordinary to see a dip in sales in the summer, although real estate market activity across most regions in the province was below average last month, not just within the interior. A number of factors, or even a combination of factors such as the interest rate hikes, recommencement of travel and the school break could all be reasons consumers pushed pause on their real estate plans as they focused on enjoying the hot summer days.” – Association of Interior REALTORSĀ® President Lyndi Cruickshank.
New residential listings saw a welcomed upswing of 8.1% within the region compared to the same period last year with 2,488 new listings recorded. The overall active listings also saw a healthy injection with an increase of 56.8% compared to July 2021 totalling 7,698 listings currently on market.
āWe are seeing inventory starting to accumulate, slowly moving upward to healthier levels of inventory, which is a welcomed relief for prospective buyers. However, the higher mortgage interest rates are still impacting the real estate market with some home buyers finding it more difficult to qualify for mortgages,ā notes Cruickshank.
āWe will have to see what the Bank of Canada does come September. Hopefully, we will see fixed mortgage rates come down and bring some relief for buyers, particularly first-time buyers. Any interest rate relief may see an increase in sales activity returning to the market over the fall months,ā adds Cruickshank.
āThe Kootenay region is one of the most affordable regions in the province currently. While unit sales numbers have dropped below the seasonally adjusted levels, unlike other regions in the province, the numbers indicate continued demand for residential homes in the region,ā says Cruickshank.
There were 466 new listings recorded in the Kootenay and Boundary region in July 2022 marking an increase of 0.9% compared to July 2021. The overall active listings in the Kootenay and Boundary region jumped 14.7% with 1,319 listings overall.
Contact me anytime for more info or to talk about real estate!
C: 778-554-9289
E:Ā lisa.nicole@c21.ca
June Market Update!
We saw this coming! Due to the recent mortgage rate interest hikes real estate sales for the month of June in the region have slowed down. Ā Average prices have plateaued since the start of 2022, and we know that our region provides buyers with more affordable options. Our sales performance in June makes us one of the few markets in the province that have not been heavily impacted by the recent interest rate increase. For monthly market updates, sign up to my newsletter HERE.
OPEN HOUSE FUN!
HOW TO OPEN HOUSE! Got creative and had fun with this one!
Always putting in the extra effort for my clients! šš»ā£ā£
This home is now SOLD! If you are looking to list your home and wanting inventive, fresh marketing techniques – then I am your gal for the job!
Taking You From One Stage To The Next
C: 778-554-9289
E:Ā lisa.nicole@c21.ca
āØ NEW LISTING š #304-880 Wordsworth Avenue, Warfield ā£
2 
1 ā£
714 sqft ā£
MLS# 2464340ā£
$219,000ā£
778-554-9289ā£
lisa.nicole@century21.ca ā£
Click HERE to view listing!
SOLD SOLD SOLD!
Happy Spring š· How happy are you that the snow has melted in your yard and warmer temperatures are in the forecast! Ā It’s no surprise we’re starting to see more homes pop on the market this time of the year, but inventory is still incredibly low. In February we had around 13,000 active listings in BC – almost a record low! Whereas a healthy level is around 40,000!
There is a strong demand for real estate.Ā There are many qualified buyers that are ready, willing and able to purchase.
Let’s get your home on the market so you can see it SOLD just like these!
Lisa Nicole
Taking You From One Stage To The Next
C: 778-554-9289
E:Ā lisa.nicole@c21.ca
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A REALTOR
Choosing the person to trust with one of your biggest monetary assets, your home, is a big decision.Ā Be prepared by asking a few important questions to make sure that the agent is right for you and has the experience and skill set to get you to the closing table!
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A REALTOR:
How will you market my home?
Make sure that your listing agent doesnāt plan to list your home by simply uploading it to the MLS & pray someone brings a buyer.Ā That is almost never enough.Ā Ask about their marketing plan & make sure that it makes sense to you! Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
How will you market my property online?
I hate to say it, but some agents are still sticking a sign in the yard, and calling it a day.Ā No thanks.Ā Over 90% of buyers are looking online for homes at some point during their search.Ā If your agent isnāt utilizing digital marketing along with social media then you are losing out on a very large pool of buyers.Ā
Will you hire a photographer?
Do some online research.Ā See that home with the agent in the mirror, taking a picture of the bathroom with the toilet seat up?Ā Itās getting less views, which means less showings, which means it will be on the market longer, potentially resulting in it selling for a lower price.Ā Thatās a pretty big downward spiral donāt you think?Ā Make sure your agent hires a professional photographer so that your home stands out & looks itās best!Ā
What is your experience in general?
See what their background is and what skill set they are bringing to the table.Ā While real estate experience is important, having a professional background in other things can be a great way to round out their experience.Ā
Do you have another full time job?
While I respect the hustle, itās important that your real estate agentās focus is on you and your home!Ā If they are only moonlighting as an agent, their focus is going to be limited and it can potentially effect their performance.Ā In addition, there may be some times that they are unavailable to provide the service you hired them for since they will be working another job.Ā Hire a full time, dedicated real estate professional.Ā
If I list with you, will you be the person I deal with?
Make sure the person you are speaking with will be the person you will work with.Ā Some agents have additional staff that they pass their listings or buyers on once the contract gets signed.Ā While having a support team is great, hiring one person but never being able to communicate with that person is another.Ā
How often do you communicate?
Selling your home is stressful! You should never be left guessing what is happening with the sale of your home.Ā Make sure that your agent has systems in place to keep you up to date on what they are doing to get your home sold.Ā Once your home is under contract, there are lots of details that need to be done & deadlines that need met.Ā Your agent should keep you on track & communicate with you often!Ā
What is your negotiation style?
Real Estate is a team sport ā everyone has to work together to get to finish line.Ā While your agent should always have your best interests in mind, itās important they play well with others.Ā Being bull headed and hard to deal with can often lead to lost deals & lose you lots of money! On the other side of that coin, your agent should be able to stand their ground when it matters.Ā
How much should my home be listed at?
Are you ready for the most shocking answer of all?Ā You should not just list with an agent who brings you the highest number & call it a day. Wait, what?!?Ā While a higher number is tempting, remember that buyers will only pay what the market says your home should be valued at.Ā And most of the time, buyers wonāt pay anything higher than the appraised value of your home.Ā What your home should be listed at should be based on multiple factors. Your agent should do research and be able to show you why & how they came up with the numbers for your home.Ā Be wary of an agent who brings high numbers with no data backing it up ā youāll end up with your house on the market for too long, resulting in it actually selling lower than what it would have if it was priced correctly to being with!Ā
Why should I hire you?
Bottom line is no two agents are the same.Ā Make sure that you are able to connect & build rapport with the real estate agent you are interviewing.Ā Ask what makes them different from all the other hundreds or thousands of agents in your town.Ā If at the end of the interview you have doubts or donāt feel confident that they are the right agent for you, listen to your gut!Ā Itās okay to āno thanksā and interview someone else!
Buying or selling a home is a huge financial and emotional event and itās important that your agent is able to confidently help you navigate the transaction.
Need help finding a real estate professional in your area?Ā I have a huge network of amazing agents all over the country and would love to help you find one that is perfect for your needs! Reach out to me & I can provide you with a list of agents you can interview in your area.
The Board Room Cafe is FOR SALE!
Located in the heart of Grand Forks, BC, is the regionās first board game cafe with loyal local clientele and a Summer tourist attraction. The Board Room Cafe is well known for, well, their board games! Along with their fantastic, freshly made food including vegan options, plus their delicious beverages! Although board games are their niche, the majority of their sales and the reason they are frequented is primarily from their food and drink.
Customers purchase memberships which allow them access to the game library. Memberships are regularly renewed and clients also purchase food and drinks while they stay and play! Business also includes a liquor license.
The Board Room Cafe has experienced staff and systems in place with current owners prepared to assist the transition of the new cafe owners.
The sale includes the building and a full line of equipment and game inventory. The 2000 sqft building sits on a .086 size lot with room for parking in the back. The same space out back could be used to add onto the building as there is ample parking on the side.
A turn-key operation! Providing good income and a substantial client base as well as additional opportunities to grow.
Get on board this building and business and contact your REALTORĀ® today!
353 Market Avenue, Grand Forks | Listed at $650,000Ā |Ā MLSĀ®Ā 2462448
šš» TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR šš»
WWW.THEBOARDROOMCAFE.CA
Seller FAQ!
Here are some seller frequently asked questions!
Selling a house is a big undertaking. And if you want to ease the process while also maximizing profits, then being prepared is key.
Are you thinking of listing your house in the near future? Make sure you ask yourself these important questions before moving forward.
Q: When is the best time of year to sell a house? 
A: You can sell your home at any time of the year, but there are definitely some months (and even specific days) when selling is easier, faster, and more profitable. Peak selling seasons vary from year to year in most market places and weather usually has a lot to do with that. Often early spring and early fall are the prime listing seasons as houses tend to āshowā better in those months than they do in the heat of summer. Be aware that there are also more houses on the market during the prime seasons, resulting in more competition. While seasonality is a factor, itās not something that should dominate your decision on when to sell. Winter has it’s upsides such as a low inventory. When you’re the only home for sale in the neighbourhood, your chances of selling are pretty good!
Q: How in-demand is real estate in my area? Is it a buyerās market or a seller?
A: Real estate is in high demand in the Kootenay’s. We’ve seen quite the spike in real estate when the pandemic hit. Work from home became popular, which meant you didn’t have to live in the city to do your job.
Youāll maximize profits and minimize your homeās time on the market if you list it in a sellerās market.
Q: What are local market conditions?
A: You might consider gauging local market trends like the number of active listings or median sale price before deciding to list your home. Every month I release local real estate statistics – sign up HERE for my newsletter to receive them!
Q: How long will it take to sell my house?
A: Time to sell really depends on where youāre located, the conditions of your local housing market, your listing price, the condition of your home, and you (or your agentās) marketing and staging prowess can also play a role. Currently the average days on the market for single family homes is 62 days, and 55 days for multi family homes.
Q: How much does it cost to sell my house?
A: There are many costs involved in selling a house. Fortunately, most of them donāt require an out-of-pocket payment, such as the real estate commission. Many come out of your sales proceeds at closing.
Q: Should I make repairs before listing the house?
A: Many times, homebuyers want a āmove-in readyā property ā one that doesnāt require much work and elbow grease before moving in. This is especially true of younger buyers, 76% of whom say a move-in ready home is a must. For this reason, you may want to consider making some repairs before putting your home on the market. Smaller, cosmetic repairs can be a good idea to make your home more marketable (and more valuable).
Q: Can I take my favourite light fixture (or other favourite home feature) with me?
A: Anything thatās attached to the house is something youāll need to leave behind for the buyer. This includes light fixtures, built-in shelving units, blinds, door hardware, and more. If thereās something specific you donāt want included in the sale, make sure you bring it up during negotiations. Youāll need to note it in your sales contract.
When you are thinking to list your home, contact me for a complimentary market evaluation and staging advice!
C: 778-554-9289
E: lisa.nicole@century21.ca
What is an appraiser and do I need one?
What is an appraiser?
Appraisers are licensed or certified professionals who provide a qualified, unbiased opinion of value. Appraisers are required to be licensed or certified to provide appraisals to federally regulated lenders. Meaning, youāre working with a highly trained individual who understands current real estate market conditions in your area.
Appraisers are considered third-party participants in the transaction. Their work assures mortgage lenders that the amount they are lending does not exceed the homeās true value. Yet, it also assures that you (as the home buyer or homeowner) are receiving a fair, unbiased price for your property.
What does a home appraiser look for?
The appraiser researches recently sold properties in your area with features similar to your prospective home, called ācomparables.ā Comparables are sales records of recently sold homes. Appraisers and real estate agents use at least three comparables, usually through the Multiple Listings Service (MLS), to get the most accurate estimate possible of a homeās value. The three comps must be sales that have closed within six months of your appraisal date to be considered accurate.
You can expect the following factors to be reviewed:
- The condition of the home (are there any cracks, damages, leaks, etc.)
- The size of the home and the property lot
- The quality of landscaping
- The quality of roofing and foundation
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- The quality of lighting and plumbing
- The number of fireplaces
- The condition of a swimming pool or sprinkler system
- The quality of the basement (whether itās finished or unfinished)
- The finishing details in the home (such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, and appliances)
A home appraisal is not the same as a home inspection. Learn about the differences and the importance of home inspections.
How long does an appraisal take?
For home buyers or borrowers looking to refinance: you can expect an appraiser to be at your home from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of the property. Theyāll use that time to take photos of all areas of the home which will document the condition of the home.
Once the physical appraisal is complete, the appraiser creates a written report of findings for the mortgage lender. This generally takes three to five days. The appraiser must confirm all data, so this takes some time.
How to prepare:
Maximize your home value ahead of time, so your home appraises as high as it can. This may include significant work such as home renovations, or simple tasks like the ones listed in the checklist below:
Appraisal checklist for selling or refinancing a home:
- Ensure your landscaping is on point as ācurb appealā is considered during an appraisal
- Repairing damaged drywall or painting rooms can factor into your valuation
- Make sure every light switch, wall outlet, fan or vent works
- Document recent home improvements with estimated prices and dates
- Provide copies of previous appraisals
- Make sure all rooms of the house are accessible
- Be flexible and coordinate the appointment around the appraiserās schedule
- Let the appraiser do the inspection without distraction
Be aware of the $500 rule!
Appraisers tend to value property in $500 increments ā like $300,000, $300,500, $301,000, etc. Because appraisals with $500 increments are common, itās in your best interest to make small repairs if you are selling your home or refinancing. Even the smallest of changes can contribute to the overall condition of your property.
For any real estate questions – do not hesitate to reach out to me!
C: 778-554-9289
E: lisa.nicole@century21.ca
