Karen Hayes: (250) 927-9798 | Susie Mattner: (250) 228-1960 | sold@teamw.ca
TeamW
RSS

Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi Widdershoven - August 2014

Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi Widdershoven August 2014   



It’s important to thoroughly plan a timeline prior to moving day for your pet’s sake as well as yours!  This month’s article discusses a few ways to keep your pets happy during this potentially stressful time.

There are also some great ideas on how to easily transition your family into the “back to school” routine as well as a delicious, healthy frozen treat idea that you’re sure to love!

Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter.  Please 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...
Summer Sales Activity Continues to Heat Up on Vancouver Island
Make your Move, for Pet's Sake
Back to School Survival Tips
Frozen Grape Treats

Summer Sales Activity Continues to Heat Up on Vancouver Island 

Sales activity continues to remain strong in the Vancouver Island housing market area, with the Board outperforming its forecasted sales due to a flurry of activity over the summer months.

A total of 456 single-family homes sold on the MLS® system in the VIREB coverage area in July 2014.  While this figure is slightly lower than the 469 unit sales recorded last month, it represents a six per cent increase over sales activity this time last year.

Inventory levels continue to lag behind last year’s figures, dipping approximately two per cent since last July.  VIREB’s active listings for the month of July were down 5.29 per cent over this time last year.  Currently, the sales-to-active listing ratio is sitting around 12 per cent, which puts the Board in the upper boundaries of balanced market territory across the Island.

VIREB President Blair Herbert is encouraged by the slow and steady growth on the Island; however he noted that “with the combination of lower inventory levels and rising unit sales, we may start to see a bit of upward pressure on pricing in the latter half of the year.

"In July 2014, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the VIREB coverage area was $319,400 with an MLS® HPI index value of 150.1.  This represents a 50.1 per cent increase since January 2005, when the index was 100.  The average price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $346,207, which is an increase of four per cent over this time last year.

BCREA economist Brendon Ogmundson reported that things are looking very positive overall on the Canadian and U.S. economic front.  While healthy economic conditions are likely contributing to our stronger market sales activity, he cautioned that, “We may see mortgage rates start to inch up a bit by the end of the year, as a result.”

The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $271,400, up 2.04 per cent over this time last year; in the Comox Valley the benchmark price was $329,400, marking an increase of 1.48 per cent over last year; Duncan reports a benchmark price of $280,800, which is exactly the same as it was one year ago; Nanaimo’s benchmark price was $335,200 dipping slightly by 0.93 per cent from last year; Parksville/Qualicum has a benchmark price of $356,400, which is relatively unchanged from this time last year, dipping 0.21 per cent; and the price for a benchmark home in Port Alberni is listed at $200,800 dropping 1.32 per cent from last year.

Make your Move, for Pet's Sake 

Like any family member, pets feel the stress of moving.

When moving, it’s important to organize ahead of time so that your pets will be comfortable.  Here are some tips that’ll ensure a smooth move:

  1. Plan Ahead - Create a detailed checklist ahead of time so that you can avoid any last minute stress that your pets will pick up on.

  2. Pet Doc - Ask your vet for a referral if you’re moving out of town and make sure all of the shots are up to date.

  3. Dog Tags - Remember to update all your pet’s tags and microchips with your new contact information.

  4. Keep them Calm - Have someone look after your pets on moving day but if that’s not possible, keep them calm by housing them in a quiet room.

  5. Doggie Bag - Prepare a well labeled and easily accessible overnight moving kit with everything you need to keep your pets happy.

  6. Butter ‘em Up - Keep outdoor cats inside for at least a week so they can get familiar with their new home.  Putting butter on their paws will help imprint the new house as home.

Moving can make pets extra anxious so try to keep to their usual routine as much as possible before, during and after the move as this will make the transition much smoother.  Once you’re all moved in, give them lots of extra TLC!

Back to School Survival Tips 

The “back to school” days are right around the corner.

Adjusting to “back to school” mode is simple if you prepare in advance and set up a regular routine.  Here are a few tips that’ll help make the transition a little easier:

  1. Back to Bedtimes - Your little night owls will benefit from having bedtimes rolled back a couple of weeks before school starts.

  2. Get Organized - Designate a central “information station” where schedules are housed and school notes can be processed.

  3. Adjust Chores - Responsibilities may need to be adjusted depending on the type of chore and change in morning routine.

  4. Plan Ahead - Get in the habit of doing as much as you can the night before.  The morning routine will be smoother if you lay out clothes and make lunches in advance.

  5. Stay Positive - Returning to school is an emotional adjustment for children so help them stay positive and ensure you’re available as much as possible.

Back to school doesn’t have to be about forgotten lunches, unlabelled belongings and lost permission slips!  With a little organization and planning, you'll be able to enjoy the rest of the summer knowing that September will be smooth sailing.

Frozen Grape Treats 

Frozen grapes make a refreshing snack on a hot summer day!

Grapes are a healthy food choice that contain potassium, pectin and vitamin C.  The best part about frozen grapes is that they’re a cinch to prepare!  Here's all you need to do:

  • wash and pull the grapes from their stems
  • pat dry with a paper towel
  • place on a cookie sheet and freeze
  • once frozen, store in freezer bags

Frozen grape treats are just like mini popsicles only they’re much healthier!  You can even use them as “ice cubes” in your summer drinks.  Enjoy!



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 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 / 250-248-1071team@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

Comments:

No comments

Post Your Comment:

* indicates required fields.
Your Name: *
Your email will not be published
Your Email: *
Comment: *
Please type the text as it appears above:

 

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.