Parksville-Qualicum Beach Real Estate News from TeamW - Rudi & Trish Widdershoven May 2018
Posted on
May 23, 2018
by
Rudi Widdershoven
| Vancouver Island Real Estate News from TeamW - Rudi & Trish Widdershoven |
May 2018 |
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Hi,
 Hello summer!!
Well, it appears we skipped spring and ran headlong straight into summer! The market has been active especially since we were removed from the areas affected by the speculation tax! Activity has returned to our new normal with lots of sales. Fortunately, with the slight pause, there is a bit more inventory available. Though most well priced homes are still selling the first few weeks.
Are you one of the more than 65% of British Columbians who own your own home and share concerns about recent and proposed changes along with the negative impact they have on consumer choice? Join myself and other advocates of consumer freedom of choice at www.TheRealBC.ca
You will all be seeing big changes in Real Estate in the next little while as the government is again regulating our industry & making sweeping changes in how we are able to serve you. We have received new forms as of today and they will be effective June 15/2018. Watch for more information from us soon as we sort out what this means for you our clients. We will send out the new forms to anyone who wants them and also try to explain the implications of all the changes as we learn more, all you can count on is change!
Your friends in Real Estate
Rudi & Trish W.
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Vancouver Island Real Estate Market Update
Beware of Buyer expectations
Tips On How to Guzzle Less Gas
Freshen up Your Home Decor for summer!
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| VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE |
 Sales holding steady amid rising house prices.
The media has been reporting a change in the market and that there are considerably less sales of real estate this year than last year. The statistics at the end of April certainly confirm this as in the greater Parksville Qualicum Beach area we have seen 15% less sales of Single Family Homes during the first 4 months of the year when compared to the same time in 2017. However please note that sale prices remain strong and the average price of what has sold has increased by 22%. Average sale price of homes that sold in the first 4 months is $628,294. Interestingly enough the average number of sales in April were only down 3% compared to 2017 though the average sale price in April was $611,880 – less than the 4 month average and yet up 14% from April 2017.
The number of active listings is up 11% from March however the number of sales were up 42% from March.
Personally we have noted a ‘shift’ though unsure what the shift was. However during the last couple of weeks the market has been more active and we are thinking the ‘shift’ was a pause. This pause may have been a result of tightening mortgage rules as well as the Province’s announcement of Speculation Tax – now known not to be directly affecting the Parksville Qualicum Beach region.
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that housing sales in many B.C. jurisdictions are down compared to last year. Guideline B-20 and uncertainty surrounding new provincial taxes appear to be taking their toll on sales in some markets.
BCREA also expects the Bank of Canada to increase interest rates in the next couple of months, which introduces another risk factor into the housing market.
Janice Stromar, 2018 Past President, encourages sellers to take advantage of our current market conditions before any economic headwinds weaken demand. “Our market has favoured sellers for a long time now, but it won’t last forever,” says Stromar. “However, even in a sellers’ market, you need to price your home correctly because overpriced homes take longer to sell.”
We welcome any questions that you may have and would be pleased to discuss your situation or any questions that you may have. Contact TeamW at team@teamw.ca or 250-468-1498.
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BEWARE OF BUYER EXPECTATIONS
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 Address these common turn-offs so buyers don’t run for the door!
When you put your home on the market, it must appeal to a large cross-section of buyers in order to generate a frenzy of activity.
Buying a home is such an emotional decision that even a seemingly small issue can create a bad impression. Here are six of the top turn-offs you need to know:
- Get Out - Make yourself scarce during showings as nothing turns buyers off more than a stalking seller.
- Fido & Fluffy - Pets and their associated smells will put many buyers off so relocate them before showings and hide their bed, bones, toys, etc.
- Declutter & refresh - Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home but most can’t look past other people's "stuff". Remember they all want an HGTV ready house so less is more!
- Problems Down Below - If you have a crawlspace or basement, if so investigate any signs of moisture and correct anything necessary. Perhaps even maybe painting the basement floor could be an option.
- Grubby Grout - It's imperative that your entire home remains thoroughly cleaned right down to the inside of your microwave. Neglected personal spaces like bathrooms will have them running for the door!
- Forgo the Fish Fry - It's best not to cook fish, bacon or other strong smelling foods while your home's on the market. Always air out your home by opening the windows instead of using artificial scents as some people are allergic.
When you sell your home, your goal is to get the highest price in the shortest amount of time. Sometimes the best way to do that is by focusing on the small stuff. It's definitely worth the effort and the good news is that depersonalizing, decluttering and thoroughly cleaning your home doesn't cost a fortune.
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| TIPS ON HOW TO GUZZLE LESS GAS |
 Modifying your driving habits can save you loads at the pump!
Maximizing your vehicle's fuel efficiency will not only save you money but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment! Here are a few tips that'll pay off at the pump:
- Turn it Off - Don't idle as it unnecessarily wastes fuel.
- Take it In - Regular tune-ups will increase your car's efficiency.
- Check & Inflate - Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure.
- Slow Down - Speeding increases fuel consumption by as much as 50%!
- Don't Brake Down - Don't constantly jam on your brakes and then rapidly accelerate.
- There's an App for That! - Download an app that tracks the cheapest local gas prices.
- Lighten Up - Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle as extra weight reduces fuel efficiency.
The best way to save on gas is to keep your car in the driveway, so next time you climb behind the wheel, ask yourself if you can walk there instead. Just a few small changes to your driving habits such as combining errands or carpooling to work will save you a small fortune over time.
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FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME DECOR FOR SUMMER!
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 Transform and refresh your home now that summer is here!
Summer is a time for bringing the outdoors in and for enjoying more of this amazing place we call home! so why not bring the season's vitality into your home by making some simple decorating changes. Here are a few ideas that'll help you create a fresh warm weather feel:
- Swap out heavy curtains for blinds or sheers.
- Bring nature inside with a few plants or some fresh cut flowers.
- Switch your cushion covers to lighter shades such as yellows and purples.
Celebrate summer's arrival by bringing a breath of fresh air into your home.
Just a few simple changes and a good spring clean can reflect the season’s sunny, fresh energy!
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