Why Buying a Home in Winter is Actually Awesome

 

It might seem counter-intuitive, but buying a home in winter – from house-hunting, to getting 

all your worldly belongings from point A to point B – can actually be easier, cheaper and more 

convenient than any other time of the year. Here’s why the colder, darker months of the year could 

actually be a bright spot for homebuyers.

5 Benefits of Buying a Home in Winter

It’s a buyer’s market (sometimes)

Spring has always been considered the best time to put a house on the market. Warmer weather 

inspires buyers to get out and hit the open house circuit, while gardens and outdoor areas tend to 

show better when they’re not covered in three feet of snow. However, there will always be sellers 

who need to list their homes in the dead of winter. You’re at a distinct advantage if you’re out 

pounding the pavement while other would-be homeowners are busy hibernating. Less buyers means 

less bidding wars, less stress, and more chances for you to score the house of your dreams.

Real estate agents are less busy

The warmer months are prime buying-and-selling times, so it makes sense that the busiest time 

for most real estate agents is April through September. The rest of the year, though? Not so much. 

Make the most of the slow period and work with an agent who can give you 100 per cent of their 

attention and help you explore all your options. You’ll both be happy when you end up with the 

perfect home.

Sellers are motivated

When sellers put their houses on the market during the winter months, there’s usually a 

time-sensitive reason like a new job in a different city, or a baby on the way. Whatever the case, 

they’re often motivated to sell quickly and close the deal with minimal hassle. Luckily for you, 

that translates into possible savings. Sellers might accept a low-ball offer when they’re not flooded 

with other options, or a closing date that fits your schedule. The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to 

negotiate.

Moving companies might be cheaper

Unlike spring and summer, you don’t have to book a rental truck or moving company weeks 

(or even months) in advance. It’s pretty easy to score movers and transportation in the off-season, 

it might just be cheaper also. Moving and rental-truck companies usually offer winter discounts 

to entice customers, and you can even book weekends—which tends to be impossible in June, 

July and August—rather than take time off work to get the job done.

Tradespeople are easier to book

Whether you’re looking to have your new place professionally painted before you move in or 

need an expert to install that gorgeous vintage chandelier, you’ll have an easier time booking 

tradespeople in the off season. Like movers, tradespeople tend to be less busy in the colder months, 

when homeowners aren’t as focused on home improvement. You won’t necessarily score crazy 

deals, but most painters, electricians, and repair technicians will be more than happy to 

accommodate you.

DOWNLOAD THE RE/MAX HOME BUYER’S GUIDE

Know someone moving ANYWHERE in the WORLD? Call us today--we know the BEST agents everywhere!!

 

Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Surrey and the WORLD!

 

Office Phone: 604-743-7653

Fraser Valley Market Statistics - November 2020

 

Unrelenting demand for Fraser Valley detached and townhomes continued in November

For the fifth consecutive month, demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley showed no signs of waning. Overall property sales for the month of November again set a new Board record.  Sales records were also broken in September and October; and since July, all activity including new listings, has continued to be inordinately high. 

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,173 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an increase of 54.7 per cent compared to the 1,405 sales in November of last year, and an 8.3 per cent decrease month-over-month compared to the 2,370 sales in October.

The Board received 2,217 new listings in November, a 28.0 per cent decrease compared to October’s intake and an 18.1 per cent increase compared to the 1,877 new listings received during the same month last year. For November, it was the second highest volume of new inventory in the last decade.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “We’re running out of superlatives. We expected November activity to moderate due to the season, but the desire for family-sized homes and their benefits continues to dominate. Since the summer, we’ve seen the strongest demand in our Board’s 99-year history specifically for single-family detached and townhomes.

“For example, in Cloverdale, demand for detached homes exceeded supply; and in four of our communities the sales-to-actives ratio for townhomes was 50 per cent or more. Meaning, for every 100 active listings, 50 were selling.”

November finished with 5,847 active listings, a decrease of 14.9 per cent compared to October and a decrease of 13.2 per cent year-over-year. November’s total inventory was the fourth lowest for the month in the last decade.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “It’s impressive how consumers – in very high numbers, the highest ever – have adapted to the shifting realities and appreciate our industry’s adherence to strict safety measures. REALTORS® are working very hard currently serving their buyers and sellers using technology and innovation and the numbers clearly show that it’s working.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 34 days, and 25 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 32 days before selling.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,061,500 the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to October and, increased 11.5 per cent compared to November 2019.
• Townhomes: At $570,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to October and increased 5.8 per cent compared to November 2019.
• Apartments: At $435,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased by 0.3 per cent compared to October and increased 4.6 per cent compared to November 2019.

For the FULL statistics package, click HERE

Know someone moving ANYWHERE in the WORLD? 

Call us today--We know the BEST agents everywhere!!

 

Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Surrey and the WORLD!

 

Office Phone: 604-743-7653

Visit our web site for all your regular Real Estate needs www.gelderman.ca

Visit our Luxury Homes web site for everything luxury at fvluxuryhomes.com

Best Places to Live: Canada Liveability Report (Fall 2020)

 

Local pride is key to restoring post-lockdown liveability; one-third of Canadians concerned about the future liveability of their neighbourhood

Canadians have spent the last six months social-distancing and isolating, and with varying degrees of a second wave of COVID-19 now happening from coast to coast, the majority of Canadians continue to love where they live, but one-third have expressed concerns about the future liveability of their neighbourhood. RE/MAX explores the latest Canadian liveability trends in the wake of the pandemic.

Best Places to Live in Canada

In the initial spring release of the RE/MAX 2020 Canadian Liveability Report, RE/MAX looked at Canadian homebuyer lifestyles to determine the best neighbourhoods for their specific needs and tastes, based on a specific set of liveability factors. Location scores provided by Local Logic, a Montreal-based data analytics company who partnered with RE/MAX for this report, were leveraged to determine the top neighbourhoods in Canada for each lifestyle based on the liveability factors that Canadians deem most important to them.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE TABLE

.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

.

Canadians Love Their Neighbourhoods, Concerned About Future Liveability

A new Leger survey conducted on behalf of RE/MAX between August 28-30 reveals that nearly 80% of Canadians are happy in their current neighbourhood, after spending more time at home due to COVID-19. However, 34% of Canadians said they are worried that the liveability factors they love about their neighbourhood will change significantly due to the pandemic, such as access to independent businesses and green space. Only 6% of survey respondents reported feeling “very worried.” Urban residents (versus suburban or rural residents) and renters (as opposed to homeowners) were significantly more likely to be concerned about a change in liveability factors.

Liveability is a contributing factor in the best places to live, based on quality of life at a local level. A neighbourhood’s dynamism, or lack thereof, involves a delicate convergence between independent small businesses, public institutions, arts and culture, green spaces and housing, to name a few.

Being under lockdown has also prompted a recent shift in home-buying trends, which includes growing interest in larger homes and properties in suburban and rural areas across the country.

Regional Fall 2020 Liveability Insights

British Columbia has experienced an uptick in demand for properties with more space since the start of the pandemic. People are willing to leave the city core for a home offering “extras” such as a home office. Liveability factors like closer proximity to green space are also in higher demand as of late, along with the desire for more local outdoor parkettes and patios.

The Prairies are seeing more people making a concerted effort to spend money locally in order to help small, independent businesses stay afloat. The lockdowns prompted Canadians to spend more time outdoors and closer to home, and thus, local tourism in Calgary is seeing a spike in activity from locals. In addition, the increased time spent at home had caused an uptick in home renovations, and continued interest in purchasing and building secondary suites.

In Ontario since the start of the pandemic, more time spent in the home has caused people to reflect on the kind of lifestyle they want, which has impacted their perceptions of “liveability.” People want more space in and around their residences, and easy access to local stores close to home. Access to parks and walkability, while always important, have also recently been in higher demand.

Atlantic Canada saw consumers change their behaviour during the pandemic, with an increased use of their home for work purposes, as well as use of outdoor space being two of the biggest shifts. The desire to move away from large metropolitan areas has also increased demand for properties in the Atlantic Canada region. Overall, the pandemic has further accelerated people’s pursuit of lifestyle changes.

Fall 2020 Liveability Survey

68% of Canadians would like to see more green/public spaces and dog parks, especially among young Canadians under age 35.
• In Ontario, 74% would like to see more green/public spaces and dog parks.
• In B.C., 76% would like to see more green/public spaces and dog parks.

64% of Canadians would like better walkability in their community.
• In B.C. 74% would like more walkability.
• In the Prairies, 65% would like more walkability.

63% of Canadians would like to see more hospitals or medical facilities in their community.
• In B.C., 71% would like to see more hospitals or medical facilities.
• In Atlantic Canada, 69% would like to see more hospitals or medical facilities.

49% of Canadians would like to see more public transit options available in their neighbourhood.
• In Ontario, 53% would like to see more public transit options available.

47% of Canadians would like to live in a rural community.
• In Atlantic Canada, 57% would like to live in a rural community.

Since the re-opening of local economies across Canada, 86% of Canadians say that they are making more of an effort to support local businesses in their neighbourhood than they were prior to COVID-19 lockdowns, with 27% stating they always do this. This sentiment is echoed across age, region, area and living situation. This number is highest in Atlantic Canada, where 91% of respondents reported that they are shopping locally more.

The survey also reveals that 47% of Canadians would like to see more independently owned businesses in their neighbourhood, as opposed to big box stores and chains, which only 28% of Canadians would like to see more of close to home.

Check out our two web sites for more information and to see what we have going on with out Team!

Gelderman.ca Real Estate: gelderman.ca

Luxury Real Estate Division: fvluxuryhomes.com

Know someone moving ANYWHERE in the WORLD? 

Call us today--we know the BEST agents everywhere!!

 

Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Surrey and the WORLD!

 

Office Phone: 604-743-7653

October 2020 - Fraser Valley Housing Market Statistics

 

Sales volumes remain exceptional 

in the Fraser Valley

Ongoing demand for Fraser Valley real estate saw overall sales reach the highest  point for the month of October in the Board’s history. This is the fourth consecutive  month of record-breaking or near-record activity for sales and new listings in the  region. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,370 sales of all property types  on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, an increase of 48.9 per cent  compared to the 1,592 sales in October of last year, and an 6.2 per cent increase  month-over-month compared to the 2,231 sales in September. The volume of new listings received by the Board in October dipped compared to September, however still ranked the highest for the month in the last decade and  the fourth highest of all time. The Board received 3,081, a 12.3 per cent decrease  compared to September’s intake and a 29.3 per cent increase compared to  October 2019. Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, "The situation is unprecedented.  We are in the middle of a pandemic and in many of our communities we are  seeing a strong seller’s market for townhomes and single-family homes priced  correctly. For example, in Langley, our current supply of detached homes would  sell in 1.4 months if no new listings became available. And for Mission townhomes,  we have zero months of inventory.   "If you’re thinking of buying or selling, seek expert advice because every  neighbourhood and property type is unique."   October finished with 6,872 active listings, a decrease of 6.8 per cent compared  to September and a decrease of 7.1 per cent year-over-year. Last month’s active  listings were 11.9 per cent below the ten-year average for October.   Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "As our region faces a  current surge in cases of COVID-19 and gatherings are being further restricted,  it’s important to emphasize that the real estate industry – one of the first to adapt successfully to the necessary safety requirements – continues to be vigilant in  order to contain the spread. REALTORS® are strongly encouraging their clients  to embrace technology and avoid in-person activities."   For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment  in October was 36 days, and 27 days for townhomes. Single family detached  homes remained on market for an average of 30 days before selling. MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity Single Family Detached: At $1,046,900 the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to September and, increased 9.9 per cent compared to October 2019. Townhomes: At $569,200, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.3 per cent compared to September and increased 5.0 per cent compared to October 2019. Apartments: At $434,600, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased by 0.5 per cent compared to September and increased 4.2 per cent compared to October 2019. For the FULL Statistics Package click HERE Know someone moving ANYWHERE in the WORLD?  Call me today--I know the BEST agents everywhere!!   Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Surrey and the WORLD!   Office Phone: 604-743-7653

 

7 Ways Sellers Can Up Their Home's "Screen Appeal"

When selling a home, presentation is everything. Successfully staging a property can help buyers visualize themselves living in your home, which ultimately can lead to more offers. 

While staging your home for photos has always been important, sellers now have to pay even more attention to their home’s “screen appeal” to get noticed. Since there are fewer in-person viewings and even fewer open houses than ever before, paying attention to how your home appears on desktops and mobile devices is critical. Buyers are relying on virtual home tours and virtual neighbourhood tours to browse properties, and sellers are adjusting strategies accordingly. 

By focusing on how your home looks in photos, videos, and online in general, you can give yourself the best possible chance to sell your home in today’s increasingly virtual market. Here are a few tips on upping your home’s screen appeal as you get your listing ready. 

 

Move or hide “accessories” (in other words, declutter)

Before taking any photos or videos, make sure you’re putting your home’s best features forward while also minimizing distractions. Do a sweep of the space and see what small items can be tucked away. This includes small kitchen appliances such as coffee-makers or blenders, remote controls, toys, toothbrushes, lawn ornaments, garbage and recycling bins, shampoo bottles, and so on. You should also remove fridge magnets, and overly personal photos and mementos. By removing clutter (even if it’s not clutter to you), you’ll make your home feel more open, and it will help allow prospective buyers to visualize themselves in the space. 

 

Play around with lighting

Indoor lighting translates very differently on a screen versus in person. So, first things first: take a lot of test photos and videos to see what’s working and where. Natural light looks much better on screen than artificial light. The time of day when your space will photograph best will depend on which directions your windows face. You want to find a balance so that natural light fills the space without casting harsh shadows or glares. Try raising blinds and opening doors to get the most amount of light in. Or, try putting up thin, white curtains to help diffuse the light if needed.

Next, layer lights and lamps at various heights to fill up the room. Test different combinations of overhead lights, standing fixtures and table lamps to find the best amount of coverage. No matter what, ensure the temperature (cool or warm) and type (LED, fluorescent, etc.) are consistent in the room you’re photographing. 

 

Use vertical space

Walls aren’t just for photos and artwork. When staging for a virtual home tour, keep in mind that choosing abstract art is a great way to add sophistication and style, and match many people’s tastes. Beyond that, using vertical space to get items off of the floor can help make a room feel larger, more open and less cluttered when viewed on a screen. 

Use shelves instead of floor-standing furniture whenever possible: hang a floating shelf beside your bed instead of a side table or line up a column of shelves in place of a large bookcase. Take your lighting off the floor, as well, and use wall sconces, table lamps and pendant lights instead of relying only on floor lamps. Check out this blog post on design tips to make a small space feel bigger for more ideas on the best ways to use vertical space. 

 

Organize pantries with glass containers

This trend was pulled straight from Pinterest and echoed by the always-organized Marie Kondo. By decanting all of your pantry staples into clear, glass jars, you’ll remove the distractions and cluttered-feel cause by labels and packaging. Since storage is often a key feature home buyers look for, this tactic will make your pantries a focal point of an image, instead of an eyesore. 

This method also works with bath and cleaning products. You can instantly glamourize your tub area by replacing plastic soap and shampoo packaging with antique-looking glass jars (that you can buy for cheap at a dollar or thrift store).

 

Add greenery

Plants are one of the biggest interior decorating trends flooding Instagram today, which can be attributed to the fact that they really pop in photos. A few well-positioned plants add brightness and life to a space and to an image. Adding a variety of sizes and species brings personality to a room. If you want to jump on this trend to enhance your home’s screen appeal, but don’t think you can keep a real plant alive, there are many artificial plants you can find today that will look real in a photo or video, but won’t require your ongoing attention once the virtual tour wraps. While introducing greenery definitely helps with screen appeal, be careful to not overwhelm a space. The “jungle aesthetic” isn’t for everyone. 

 

Artfully curate your shelves

To keep things visually interesting and make your bookcase screen-ready, there are a few steps you can take. First, don’t simply line books up library-style. Have some lined up vertically, others stacked horizontally. Then, fill up extra space with small plants, candles, keepsakes, artwork and photos (without making them feel cluttered or too personal). Finally, make sure the lighting around your bookcase is appropriate. Add some battery-powered lights to the shelves, surround it with sconces, or place a floor lamp nearby. 

 

Revert rooms to their intended use

If you’ve really customized how you use your space, you’ll want to consider that potential home buyers may not have the same needs as you. For example, many people have set up home offices in their dining rooms. Your potential buyers might want to prioritize an eating space over a working space, so seeing this change might be off-putting. Instead, show off the rooms of your home in the way they were intended to be used. Before starting your virtual tour, tuck away your computer and make the dining area meal-friendly again. If you’re using a patio as storage, tidy it up and make it part of the living space. You can always revert back to the way you use the space after your home tour is done, but this way your potential buyer can see themselves in the space, too. 

Getting your home screen-ready before a photoshoot or virtual tour can be similar to how professional stagers would set up before an in-person open house, with a few exceptions. By paying special attention to lighting, storage, décor, and how a space is used, you’ll create a photo and video-friendly space that will help attract buyers in today’s increasingly virtual real estate market. 

Know someone moving ANYWHERE in the WORLD? 

Call us today--We know the BEST agents everywhere!!

 

Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, Langley, Surrey and the WORLD!

 

Office Phone: 604-743-7653

Web Site: gelderman.ca