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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Record Low Mortgage Rates Push Home Sales Higher


The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 7,730 residential sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, up 12 per cent from April 2013. Total sales dollar volume was $4.3 billion, an increase of 19 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose to $561,613, up 6.3 per cent from the same month last year. 
"BC home sales trended higher in April as the typically robust spring market unfolds,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Rising consumer demand coupled with fewer homes for sale has most BC housing markets now exhibiting balanced conditions, where neither buyers nor sellers have any particular advantage."
"Housing affordability improved last month as intensifying completion for new business by financial institutions pushed the posted five-year fixed mortgage rate to a record low of 4.79 per cent” added Muir.
During the first four months of the year, BC residential sales dollar volume was nearly 28 per cent to $13.9 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 18 per cent to 24,165 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 8.3 per cent at $573,965.

For more information visit the BCREA website.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Are you Fit to Sell? Avoid these 10 mistakes!

Are you Fit to Sell?
Getting your home ready to sell can be a tough process - but the Gelderman.ca Real Estate team and Re/MAX are here to help!
Avoiding these 10 mistakes and find out easy tips and steps to get the most for your home!
Here are the Top 10 Mistakes in Preparing Your Home for Sale
1. Neglecting repairs and maintainance - so important! Buyers don't want 
to see a list of things THEY will need to fix or repair once they move in.
2. Not depersonalizing - too many personal photos and items 
can sometimes make it hard to a buyer to picture themselves in the home
3. Not removing odors - those first impressions are important! 
4. Refusing to disconnect emotionally - this is a tough one! Its your home, your 
memories, and there may be things about your home you love, but buyers will not.
5. Spot cleaning versus Q-tip cleaning
6. Not showing a rooms proper function
7. Not having enough light - rooms should be bright!
8. Not investing money in updates - this one can be tricky! But we can help! Give us a call and let us help you determine which renovations and updates are right for your home!
9. Ignoring professional advice - we have the experience and 
knowledge and are here to help you!
10. Listing before staging and renovations - the first few weeks on the market are crucial - have your home ready to go BEFORE listing so you don't miss out on those first important weeks of buyer excitement and showings!