Choose Your Agent Carefully & Wisely

Choose Your Agent Carefully & Wisely

Buying or selling a home is one of the most complex transactions you may ever undertake. Your first step involves deciding how you will approach your home search or sale. Who will you work with throughout this process, and how will you work with them?

As a Buyer

Most buyers today choose to have a RE/MAX agent represent their interests in a real estate transaction. This is also known as Agency Representation (or fiduciary representation), which simply means that the agent you hire is legally bound to represent your interests. This involves the highest standard of care and extreme loyalty to you, the “client”, and allows them to provide the full range of services that buyers need and deserve.

Tips to help you select the right real estate professional:

• Ensure the person you select is someone you trust, who listens and respects your views and is someone you feel comfortable working with.
• Make sure they are knowledgeable and know the current real estate market conditions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask them about the experience and past results.
• Choose someone with a good reputation. At RE/MAX, client and agent referrals account for 70% of business. Talk to friends, family and colleagues.
• RE/MAX agents that carry the ABR® designation (Accredited Buyer Representative) are skilled in understanding and responding to the specific needs of buyers. Consider looking for an agent with an ABR® designation before you look for a home and you’ll be served, not sold.

As a Seller

When it comes to selling your home, hiring a real estate agent not only means less work, worry, and risk, it means hiring someone who is knowledgeable and well versed in all aspects of the real estate industry.You want someone who knows your neighbourhood, your community, and has the experience necessary to sell your home quickly and for the best price.

Choosing to work with a Real Estate Professional means choosing someone who will help you with the following throughout the entire transaction:

• Determine the best asking price for your home.
• RE/MAX Agents are professionals who have access to the tools and technology they need to market your home to sell.
• Prepare your home for sale and recommend services to ensure your home is ready for showings.
• You will receive regular updates and information on the progress your agent is making in selling your home and any changes in the market that may affect the sale.
• Review offers with you and handle any negotiations with the buyers.
• Your agent will help on the closing date to ensure all important documents are signed and delivered on time.

What are the Risks of Selling Your Home Yourself?

If you decide to sell your home yourself, it is wise to know the risks you could run into. Take a look at the risks below and do your best to avoid them:

• Incorrect pricing that turns off potential buyers.
• Properly understand all legal matters disclosed in writing to protect your interest.
• Safety is a big issue when showing your home. You must plan ahead when it comes to showing your home, and take all potential threats into consideration.
• Have you been practicing your negotiation skills? Improper negotiation can lose you money or cause you to end up with unrealistic terms.
• No being familiar with all aspects of the transaction including the inspection and financing.
  At the end of the day, the choice to hire a Real Estate Professional is yours to make. Keep in mind that at RE/MAX, we always have agents available who are willing to answer your home buying and selling questions. Visit remax.ca to get in touch with a local agent and for more answers to your top home buying questions in our Ultimate Home Buyer’s Guide.

Get your own copy of the Home Buyers Guide HERE: http://connect.remax.ca/

Visit our TEAM Web Site HERE:  

http://www.gelderman.ca/

The Gelderman.ca Real Estate Team
RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty 

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: 604-743-7653

7 Ways to Make Your Life Easier During a Home Renovation

A home renovation is as exciting as it is hectic. Between coordinating contractors and choosing fixtures, your home is all out of sorts – which is overwhelming in and of itself.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Keep these tips in mind if you’re struggling through a home renovation. When all is said and done, you’ll finish with a gorgeous addition to your home and a still maintain your sanity.

1. Get Your Meals Delivered:

On-demand food delivery services will become lifesavers when dinnertime comes along. This is especially true when renovating your kitchen, which leaves you cooking out of your living room or on the grill every night-all while dodging obstacles like your misplaced table and boxes of kitchenware.

2. Delegate Your Laundry

Whether your laundry room is being remodeled, or you simply don’t have the extra time to get it done during the renovation, sending your laundry to a wash and fold service is a simple way to make your life easier. If there are a number of providers to choose from nearby, keep the following tips in mind, from the guide, Choosing Your Dry Cleaners:

• What services do they offer?
• What do the reviews say?
• Is it easy to get a hold of customer service?
• How affordable are they? (The key: avoiding hidden fees)

3. Escape for the Weekend

Sometimes, you just need a break from the non-stop drilling and paint fumes. Take time to relax and get away from the chaos with a staycation, feeling all the benefits of a getaway without the costs or time away from work.

4. Create a “Me Space”

The most difficult part about renovating your home is having to deal with the excess dust, dirt and clutter, not to mention being surrounded by the workers who are making it all happen. Create a “me” space within your home where you and your family can relax and enjoy quieter alone time.

5. Tackle One Project at a Time

While it might be tempting to get a few home renovation projects done, it’s better to tackle one at a time. Planning to renovate more than one room will not only make it more stressful, but could also leave you with minimal working fixtures to use for everyday tasks like showering, cooking or cleaning. Don’t make your life harder than it needs to be during this time and focus on just one thing at a time.

6. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

A lot of things can (and will) go wrong during your home renovation. Budgets can be blown, contractors can unexpectedly quit, and pipes can break. To put your mind at ease, and be more prepared, Home Advisor shares a few common challenges you’ll likely face:

• Cost and budgeting: “One of the biggest mistakes homeowners commit is not leaving cash in reserve in case anything goes wrong,” suggests Home Advisor.
• Materials: Choosing materials on a whim that don’t fit with your home can be costly further down the road.
• Contractors: Taking too long, charging unexpected fees, or not doing what is asked of them.

7. Prioritize

When you’re being asked to make dozens of decisions in a short amount of time, your priorities have a way of getting lost in the mix. Stay focused on what is most important to you and avoid getting sidetracked or swayed into changing your original plan if you’re not one hundred percent certain. Keep your plans in front of you as you make changes or additions to what you’re doing so you never lose site of what you originally wanted.

Stay Calm and Renovate

Home renovations take a lot of patience and planning, and these seven tips will help make your life easier and less stressful during that time. Delegate where you can-food and laundry-expect the unexpected, and keep your priorities front and center as options and ideas are brought to you from contractors. In the end, you’ll be able to say you survived your home renovation.

RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty
26641 Fraser Hwy 
Aldergrove, BC V4W 3L1
Independently Owned & Operated

 Abbotsford Phone : 604.743.SOLD (7653)

Chilliwack Phone : 604.791.SOLD (7653)

Data courtesy of RE/MAX: https://www.remax.com/blog/7-ways-to-make-your-life-easier-during-a-home-renovation/

How much will it cost to buy a home? The Need to Know...

How much will it cost to buy a home?

Buying a home is a big investment – likely the largest one you will ever make. The cost to buy a home should be carefully considered to avoid the risk of financial difficulty in the future.

Since this decision has a large impact on your wallet, we want to take some time to explore the many costs associated with buying a home. Doing your homework and knowing the average cost of these services in your neighbourhood will help you choose a home within a realistic price range.

Deposit: Depending on your location and the price of a home, you may need to put a deposit on a home as a security measure to ensure you don’t lose it to another interested buyer. If you are required to pay a deposit, it will become part of your down payment once you have purchased the home.

Down Payment: In Canada, the minimum amount you need to put down on a home is 5%. While this is realistic for most first time home buyers, having a down payment of 20% or more will help buyers avoid paying Mortgage Loan Insurance.

Land Transfer Tax: When you buy a home, you are required to pay a land transfer tax to the province upon closing. This tax is normally based on the amount paid for the land, as well as the remaining amount on any mortgage or debt assumed as part of the arrangement to buy the land. Cost will vary depending on your municipality, the size of the land and other factors.  Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of Nova Scotia do not have Land Transfer Tax at all, while other provinces use a tiered system.

Appraisal Fee: An appraisal will normally cost between $200 and $300 but can vary depending on your location. This will help prevent you from borrowing more than you need to, and will prevent lenders from giving you too much.

Home Inspection: A home inspection is a necessary step in your home buying process and will normally cost an average of $350 depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. This helps ensure there are no unexpected maintenance or home improvement costs upon purchasing the home.

Property Insurance: While property insurance is likely already something you have factored into your budget, it’s important to do your research and find a reasonable quote that will ensure you are covered should anything unexpected happen.

Mortgage Insurance: There is mortgage life insurance, which is designed to protect the repayment of a mortgage if anything were to happen to you. There is also mortgage loan insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the total house cost. Premiums for this type of insurance range from 0.5% to 3% and increase if you are self employed.

Lawyer Fees: The fee you will be charged by your lawyer will vary depending on the person representing you and must be paid upon closing. Ask your real estate agent for advice as they likely have a preferred trusted lawyer they can refer you to.

Title Insurance: Title insurance is a one-time-fee that provides protection from losses related to the properties title or ownership. Learn more about what it is in this blog post.

Property Taxes: The cost for property taxes is expressed as a dollar rate for every $1,000 estimated to be the market value of your property.

Maintenance and Energy Costs: Potentially your largest ongoing homeowner expense, these costs include lawn care/ yard work, professional services, additions/upgrades and the cost of keeping the house running year-round. You can use our monthly home budget planner to help map out all of these costs.

Moving Expenses: It’s easy to forget about the small things when moving, but it’s important to remember they can add up quickly! Consider the cost for phone, electricity, and other utility installations and don’t forget about movers, a moving truck and feeding your friends who are helping out!

Now that you have a better idea of the cost to buy a home, it’s time to hit the books to find out how much these services will cost in your area. Make a list, create a budget, and get started!

Download our Hidden Costs of Home Ownership guide to find out more the cost to buy a home. Looking for information on a cost not listed above? Leave a comment & we will do the research for you!

Click below the 'Top 12 Buyer Tips' brought to you by RE/MAX:

TOP 12 BUYER TIPS

Visit our Web Site HERE

RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty

26641 Fraser Hwy

Aldergrove, BC V4W 3L1
Independently Owned & Operated

Main Office: 604-743-7653 

Data courtesy of RE/MAX: https://blog.remax.ca/much-will-cost-buy-house/

Retirees Drive Canada’s Recreational Property Market - May 2018

Retirees Drive Canada’s Recreational Property Market

RETIREES AND BABY BOOMERS CAPITALIZE ON HIGH-VALUE PRINCIPAL RESIDENCES TO ENTER ACTIVE RETIREMENT AT RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES, BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN RECREATIONAL AND RESIDENTIAL.

A recent survey of RE/MAX brokers and agents found that in 91 per cent of popular Canadian recreational property markets examined, retirees were the key factor driving activity. This includes established recreational regions such as Prince Edward County and Comox Valley. This is in stark contrast to last year’s findings, when retirees were a dominant driving force in only 55 per cent of markets examined.

The survey found that in British Columbia, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, more retirees and soon-to-be retirees are purchasing recreational properties outside of urban centres for use as retirement homes, increasingly blurring the line between recreational and residential properties.

• Retirees are fueling demand: 91 per cent of regions surveyed reported that retirees drive demand for recreational properties
• One in three survey respondents (33 per cent) say that they own or want to own a recreational property for investment purposes
• Buyers are increasingly renting in urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver while purchasing recreational properties
• Other than affordable purchase price, waterfront rated as the most important feature to Canadians when considering spending time at a cottage or cabin, beating out reasonable maintenance costs

“Last year, we found that Baby Boomers and retirees were increasingly selling their homes in urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “It’s clear that many put the equity they received from those sales into the purchase of a recreational property with the intention to retire in comfort and away from the city.”

Many of these individuals are engaging in more active forms of retirement, choosing to maintain physical fitness and emotional fulfillment by pursuing passion projects and leading lifestyles that involve farming, hiking and maintaining vineyards. This is particularly the case in regions such as South Okanagan, Wasaga Beach and Rideau Lakes.

Due to the strong US dollar, retirees in the Sylvan Lake and Lake Winnipeg regions are selling their snowbird properties south of the border and purchasing recreational homes for use as retirement properties as well.

In a separate survey conducted by Leger, six in 10 Canadians (58 per cent) enjoy recreational properties as places where they can relax and spend time with friends and family. However, the majority of Canadians (84 per cent) do not actually own recreational properties.

“Many Canadians want to live out the ‘Canadian Dream’ and spend time at the cottage or cabin but today, that doesn’t necessarily mean owning a recreational property outright,” says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President and Regional Director, RE/MAX INTEGRA Ontario-Atlantic Canada Region. “Many are choosing to rent recreational properties, often by pooling resources with friends and family, which speaks to recreational properties still being in high demand.”

In fact, one in three Canadians (33 per cent) say that they own or would want to own a recreational property for investment purposes. In Toronto specifically, the survey of RE/MAX brokers and agents found that in regions such as North Bay-Sunridge, Bancroft and the Bruce Peninsula, many owners of recreational properties actually rent their principal residences in Toronto, where they live most of the year. Using their recreational properties every so often while renting them out for the rest of the year, these individuals are renting a principal residence where they live while buying where they play.

In Leger’s survey, more than half of Canadians (54 per cent) who own a recreational property, or are considering buying one, identify savings as their source of funding. Twenty per cent would use a loan, 20 per cent would rely on home equity and only 11 per cent would rely on inheritance.

The survey also found that other than affordable purchase price, Canadians who own or would consider owning a recreational property named waterfront access (55 per cent), reasonable maintenance costs (54 per cent) and proximity to town (43 per cent) as the most important factors when purchasing. The survey of RE/MAX brokers and agents, waterfront access was considered the most in-demand amenity in most regions, overall.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

The recreational property market in British Columbia is being driven primarily by retirees. Other emerging trends include couples and young entrepreneurs seeking work/life balance, and recreational property buyers cashing in on expensive urban housing markets. Across the board, the region is experiencing a seller’s market due to lack of recreational inventory. The amenities in greatest demand are beaches and skiing facilities.

THE PRAIRIES

Demand for recreational properties in the Prairies is being propelled primarily by young families, followed by young couples and retirees. Retirees are commonly seen selling their recreational properties south of the border in favour of buying closer to home, due to the strong US dollar. The most sought-after recreational amenities are boating, fishing and beaches.

ONTARIO

Ontario’s recreational property market is being buoyed by retirees who are leaving larger metropolitan cities in favour of cottage country. Emerging trends include retirees or semi-retirees buying cottages as retirement homes; couples priced out of expensive urban markets opting for the waterfront lifestyle; and buyers holding cottages as investment properties. Due to lack of demand, the region is experiencing a seller’s market. Properties in greatest demand are those offering beaches and boat facilities.

ATLANTIC REGION

Demand for recreational properties in Atlantic Canada is being driven by retirees moving away from larger cities. Other market trends include young couples and families opting for the saltwater lifestyle; retirees and semi-retirees purchasing homes for retirement; and buyers seeking recreational properties in close proximity to the inland city centres, Across the board, the region is experiencing a balanced market. In highest demand are properties with access to beaches and golfing.

Key Findings from the 2018 RE/MAX Recreational Property Omnibus Survey

1. One-quarter (24 per cent) of Canadians would consider buying a recreational property in the future.

2. Canadians cite the following reasons to own or want to own a recreational property:

• It is where I can go and relax and spend time with friends and family = 58 per cent
• It is a getaway home = 46%
• I can do activities I can’t do at my permanent residence (hiking, fishing, etc.) = 46%
• It is an investment property = 33%
• It is a retirement home = 19%
• Other = 4%

3. Canadians identify the following sources of down payment when considering their current recreational property or their next purchase of a recreational property:

• Savings = 54%
• Loan = 20%
• Home equity = 20%
• Inheritance = 11%
• Other = 4%
• I don’t know = 11%
• I prefer not to answer = 3%

4. More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of Canadians who own or are considering owning a recreation property are willing to travel up to two hours, with 31 per cent saying they would travel two hours. Slightly less (28 per cent) are willing to travel three or more hours.

5. Canadians identify the following features as important when considering their current recreational property or their next purchase of a recreational property:

• Affordable purchase price = 64%
• Waterfront access = 55%
• Reasonable maintenance costs = 53%
• Proximity to town = 43%
• Reasonable distance from primary residence = 37%
• Relative seclusion = 33%
• Land access = 30%
• Proximity to sports/recreation = 25%
• Accessible medical facilities = 24%
• Nearby neighbouring properties = 15%
• Island property = 12 per cent
• Other = 1%
• None, don’t mind which features my recreational property has = <1 li="">
• Don’t know/prefer not to answer = 3%

6. Canadians 55 and older (vs under 55), who own or would consider owning a recreational property are significantly more likely to say waterfront access, reasonable maintenance costs, proximity to a town, reasonable distance from primary residence and accessible medical facilities are important.

VIDEO: 

The Gelderman Team is located at the
RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty 
26641 Fraser Hwy
Aldergrove, BC, V4W 3L1

Phone: 604-743-7653

Web: www.gelderman.ca

Data Courtesy of RE/MAX Blog : http://blog.remax.ca/2018-remax-recreational-property-report/

April 2018 Fraser Valley Housing Market Statistics

Buyer activity in the Fraser Valley stayed coy throughout April despite a bump in inventory across all three major residential types.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,708 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, a decrease of 23.4 per cent compared to the 2,230 sales in April of last year, and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,664 sales in March 2018.

Of the 1,708 sales processed last month 413 were townhouses and 498 were apartments, together representing 53 per cent of all transactions in April.

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley finished at 5,667 listings last month, increasing 18.2 per cent month-over-month, and 15.3 per cent when compared to April 2017.

“While it’s great to see the increase in inventory we were looking for, both buyers and sellers remain careful as pricing continues to climb,” said John Barbisan, Board President.

The Board received 3,429 new listings in April, a 19.7 per cent increase from March 2018’s 2,865 new listings, and a 16.2 per cent increase compared to April 2017.

“This isn’t the same spring market we saw each of the last two years, but listings that are selling are still going fast. If you’re considering buying or transitioning from a strata to a detached home, be prepared to move quickly, and talk to a REALTOR® who can support you through the whole process.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in April was 14, and 16 for townhomes. Single-family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 26 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,009,200, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Valley increased 0.8 per cent compared to March 2018, and increased 13.5 per cent compared to April 2017.
• Townhomes: At $549,900, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.5 per cent compared to March 2018, and increased 23 per cent compared to April 2017.
• Apartments: At $447,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.6 per cent compared to March 2018, and increased 45.8 per cent compared to April 2017.

Click below for an Abbotsford, Mission & Langley Stats Chart for ALL Detached Homes:

STATS CHART

View our Team Website here

CONTACT US:

RE/MAX Aldercenter Realty

26641 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC                                        

Office: 604-743-7653

Email: sales@gelderman.ca