Karen Hayes: (250) 927-9798 | Susie Mattner: (250) 228-1960 | sold@teamw.ca
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi & Trish Widdershoven January 2016

  Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi & Trish Widdershoven January 2016   


Happy New Year!

We hope that you wer able to spend time with family and friends over the Holiday Season.  We spent Christmas in New Brunswick (Christmas was green, snow came 2 days later) celebrating my parents' 85th & 90th birthdays - still in their own home.

New Years was spent with neighbours & frineds - home made horseraces in their living room, it was lots of fun.

The real estate market continues to be very active and so far indications are that 2016 will be another strong years.  Inventory is low so if you are thinking of a move this might be a good year to do so.

Please don't keep us a secret as we love your referrals for buyers or sellers.  We thank you for your continuing support.  Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles, or real estate in general -- it'd be great to hear from you!

Warmest Regards,
Rudi & Trish W.
In this issue...
TeamW's Year End Review!
BC Assessment Values
How to Make a Grand Entrance
New Year, New Resolution
An Appy Lifestyle!

TeamW's Year End Review! 

Real estate market statistics for the year of 2015 have been released by VIREB and are not a surprise, showing an increase in sales and upward pressure on values.

The greater Parksville – Qualicum Beach area, for single family homes, recorded an increase of 2% in the number of listings while there was a 18% increase in the number of homes sold.  The average value of sale prices rose by 2% and inventory is relatively the same as the end of 2014 at 185 active listings now versus a year ago at a 189.

The numbers vary within the various sub-areas in the district, ranging from
-6% to +22% in number of sales and the average price for homes sold range from $354,217 in Parksville to $681,055 in Fairwinds.  If you would like more detailed information please contact us and we would be pleased to supply you with the details desired.

The forecast for 2016 is that demand will continue to remain strong, indication is # of sales may be down slightly, however prices will remain stable if not continuing to increase slightly.

BCREA Chief Economist Cameron Muir predicts that housing sales in 2016 will remain robust throughout most of the province although we may not see the same level of acceleration that presented in 2015.

“The housing market is in a very healthy position heading into 2016, fueled by consumer demand and low interest rates,” said Muir.  “Lack of inventory throughout much of the province will see home buyers competing for properties, particularly in the single-family-detached market.”

TeamW – Trish & Rudi would be pleased to discuss your situation with you if you are planning on making a real estate change this coming year.”

BC Assessment Values 

No doubt you have received your new BC Assessment Value in the mail.  There seems to be a wide range of changes in values:  some are down, some are up slightly and some are up dramatically (over 20%).  If you are not already aware you can visit http://evaluebc.bcassessment.ca/ and query your street address and be able to view what property sales they used to determine your new assessed value.

If you still have questions or concerns about your new value do not hesitate to call us for additional market information or opinion on your new assessment - a number of clients have already done this and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation.  Also keep in mind you can appeal your assess value.  The first step would be to call the Assessment Authority and discuss your case, if still not satisfied you can file an appeal.  Keep in mind the discussion and appeal must occur by February 1st.  For more information on the appeal process visit http://www.bcassessment.ca/Services-products/appeals .

How to Make a Grand Entrance 

Enhancing your home’s entryway can make a huge difference!

Your foyer's the first impression people get when they enter your home so it’s critical to properly showcase this severely underrated area, especially if you’re trying to sell your home.

Transforming your foyer from a dumping ground into a grand entrance is easy!  Here are a few ways to create an amazing first impression in an area that typically experiences a lot of wear and tear:

  1. Clear Clutter - A chaotic looking hallway will turn buyers off so remove clothing that’s no longer in season.  Organize hats and scarves in stylish baskets and stack footwear in an orderly fashion.

  2. Lighten Up - Foyers are usually fairly dark so clean light fixtures and use a brighter bulb to cast more light.  Painting the walls a light shade will open up the area and a strategically placed mirror will create the illusion of additional space.

  3. Add Some Style - Check out antique markets or yard sales for unique pieces of furniture.  A small bench for guests to sit on while taking off their shoes works well for larger areas while a small table to catch keys is perfect for compact spaces.

  4. Spruce It Up - Breathe some life into your gloomy hallway by adding a few plants or fresh flowers.  If you’re selling, don’t forget to replace the cluttered mass of family photos that creep up the stairs with a few neutral pictures.

A functional yet welcoming foyer will create an amazing first impression that'll maximize your home's appeal to potential buyers.  Transforming your lacklustre hallway is important even if you’re not selling because this space sets the tone for the rest of your home.  If you walk into a dark, cluttered mess it won’t generate the positive feelings that help put a smile on your face :)

New Year, New Resolution 

Sometimes it’s easier to break them than it is to make them!

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably set a few New Year’s resolutions.  Making them is one thing but keeping them is a whole different story!

Setting goals instils a sense of discipline but it’s easy to become disillusioned if you’re not achieving them.  It’s therefore important to set realistic goals and then break them down into bite-size pieces.

If you find yourself giving up after a few weeks because your enthusiasm tapers off, it might be time to try something new.  Instead of just setting a traditional goal, try exploring how you’d like to feel in 2016.

For example, if you want to feel healthy this coming year then you may want to set a goal to take a 30 minute walk each day.  If on the other hand you want to feel calmer, you could reduce your caffeine or join a yoga class.

When you focus on the positive feeling behind your goal, it’s easier to achieve because you’re not just blindly saying “go to the gym” which likely won’t last.  If you write down your goals, review them regularly and place them in a prominent place so you can visualize the end result, you’re sure to succeed!

An Appy Lifestyle! 

Apps can help kick-start new habits that will change your life!

If you’re looking to make some changes in the coming year perhaps your smartphone can help you out!  Here are a few apps that are worth a look:

  1. Duolingo - An absolute must if learning a new language is on your to-do list for 2016.

  2. Walk Me Up - Instead of just hitting snooze, this app forces you to get up and walk a number of steps before you’re able to turn off the alarm.

  3. Happify - This app is designed to help you overcome negative thoughts by offering a series of games that train your brain and build skills for lasting happiness.

There are a variety of apps that will help you set and monitor your goals for 2016.  Some even give you the option to make them public in order to motivate you further.  Whatever your goals or interests are, you’ll most definitely find an app to suit your needs!


PS  Oh by the way, we are never too busy for any of your introductions.  If you know of anyone that may benefit from our individualised help please contact us with their name and number and let them know that we will be in touch.  We would be privileged to assist them!

If you would like to keep up on the market and would like automatic email notifications of new listings, sales, etc. Click here or drop us an email or give us a call:  250-468-1498 / 250-248-1071 - team@teamw.ca

 For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on  Twitter  and "LIKE" us on Facebook
 

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TeamW - Susie Mattner & Karen Hayes
Susie:250-228-1960
Karen:250-927-9798
Office:250-752-6926
TeamW at Royal LePage Parksville - Qualicum Beach Realty
679 Memorial Avenue
Qualicum Beach, BC
V9K 1T4 CA

MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.