Posted on
April 18, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
 When homeowners upsize, they sometimes consider turning their old home into a rental property. This month's article offers some insight if you’re facing this difficult decision.
There are also some body language tips that’ll help you tell if someone’s lying as well as some ideas for upcycling old household items into something new and beautiful!
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 W. |
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March Vancouver Island Market Characterized by Marginal GrowthSelling vs. Renting – What Makes Cents?The Language of LyingReduce, Reuse, Upcycle
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March Vancouver Island Market Characterized by Marginal Growth
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 Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area continued its marginal trend upward for the month of March.
A total of 357 single-family homes sold on the MLS® system in the VIREB coverage area in March 2014.
This represents a 27 per cent increase over the 281 sales recorded both last month, and last year at this time.
According to BCREA chief economist Cameron Muir, "although unit-sales seem strong, it is important to compare these figures to the ten-year average to gain a more accurate picture of market trends."
"When comparing unit-sales over a longer period of time, we are actually down 12.6 per cent from the ten-year-average, but it is encouraging to see the market moving in the right direction."
In March 2014, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the VIREB coverage area was $312,800 with an MLS® HPI index value of 147.0. This represents a 47 per cent increase since January 2005, when the index was 100. The benchmark price is down 0.75 per cent from last month and increased 1.59 per cent over last year. The average price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $345,164, which is up 10 per cent over this time last year.
Even with the positive increase in prices, the Vancouver Island market is very affordably priced for buyers in comparison to some of the larger markets across the country", said VIREB President, Blair Herbert. "In terms of overall value for your dollar, our market is quite attractive."
The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $261,800, up 5.35 per cent over this time last year; in the Comox Valley the benchmark price was $320,700 marking an increase of 1.05 per cent over last year; Duncan reports a benchmark price of $284,300 which is up 1.17 per cent from last year; Nanaimo’s benchmark price was $330,500 rising 2.07 per cent over last year; Parksville/Qualicum has a benchmark price of $344,800, dipping 0.29 per cent from last year; and the price for a benchmark home in Port Alberni is listed at $189,600 increasing 5.10 per cent from last year. |
Selling vs. Renting – What Makes Cents?
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 If you’re not ready to sell your home, you may have considered renting it out instead.
Sometimes a temporary work contract forces you across country or perhaps market conditions and exceptionally low mortgage rates mean it’s a great time to buy but you don’t want to sell at a loss.
As with any major decision, you should carefully weigh up the pros and cons based on your own unique situation. You'll want to do an in-depth financial analysis as well as consider more personal factors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tax Talk - There may be tax implications so contact your tax advisor as laws vary depending on individual circumstances.
- Money Matters - Make sure to have extra money on hand if the rent doesn’t cover your mortgage, taxes, utilities, insurance, etc.
- Step Away - Being a landlord isn't always easy. You’ll need to detach yourself emotionally from your old home.
- Playing the Market - You may be able to increase your equity as the market gains strength but if it tanks, you could come out on the losing end.
- Be Prepared - The future's uncertain so be prepared for unexpected repairs or if your tenant suddenly falls behind on their rent.
- Raucous Renters - Tenants won't treat your home with the same level of care, so your home may be in poor condition when you decide to sell.
Renting out your home is a huge decision so make sure you consider all of the scenarios. If renting's a viable alternative, you'll need to treat it like a business so evaluate the rental market and research landlord/tenant laws before starting the process.
If on the other hand, you decide to put your home on the market, make sure you have a professional real estate agent on side to advise you on how to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions regarding this decision or any other real estate related matters. |
The Language of Lying
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 Being able to tell if someone’s lying is an invaluable skill!
One of the most effective ways to determine if someone’s lying is to examine subtle gestures. Here are a few tips that'll help turn you into a human lie detector:
- Liars Look Away - A deceptive person avoids making eye contact.
- Um, Err - Liars mispronounce words and stutter due to tension.
- Working Overtime - Deceptive answers usually take longer than truthful ones.
- Hands Up - Covering the mouth and rubbing the nose and eyes can indicate lying.
- Fade Away - Their body will take up less room and any movement will be stiff and limited.
- Switch It Up - Liars welcome a change in conversation resulting in their body language becoming more relaxed.
- Pick Pocket - Showing palms is a sign of honesty so people who are lying will often put their hands in their pockets and fidget.
Detecting deceit isn't always easy as some people are better liars than others but body language almost always tells the truth. People will occasionally exhibit some of the above behaviour when they're telling the truth so individually they're only indicators but when combined together, it’s likely that they’re lying. |
| Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle |
 The junk in your garage, basement and attic may be a treasure chest!
Upcycling is a popular trend where existing items that would normally make their way to the curb are transformed into something useful and stylish. Here are a few creative ideas to inspire you:
- Stylish Shelf - Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf or fix it to the ceiling and hang photos or lanterns from the rungs.
- Picture Perfect - Love a painting but don’t have anywhere to hang it? Just add some handles to create a chic, unique serving tray.
- Door Designs - Salvaged doors can be upcycled into tables, headboards, a storage bench or fix a few together to create a folding screen divider.
The opportunities are endless! Give old items a new lease on life and put your own creative twist on them. You’ll save money and the environment while you’re at it! |
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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 / 250-248-1071 - 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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Posted on
April 7, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
Single Family home sales continue to be strong into March – the number of sales for the greater Parksville – Qualicum Beach region was up 72% for the month of March (74 versus 43 in 2013).
Year to date sales volume is up 57%. Inventory continues to be lower, at the end of March the number of active listings was down 12%.
The activity varies in the various sub-areas as do the average sale prices.
If you would like more details please contact TeamW – Rudi or Trish Widdershoven.
Click Here to view the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Real Estate Stats for March 2014
Posted on
March 24, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from TeamW |
March 2014 |
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 My how time flies, spring is here! March is almost over & Easter is only 3 weeks away! We have been busy with work - the market is very active - and yet have made time to spend with family and enjoy some of this great weather. Over the last couple of weeks we have been blessed to have all of our granchildren stay overnight - what a joy!
The Big News, if you haven't heard yet, is that Trish is feeling better - well enough to come back into the business. Trish reactivated her license at the end of January and put her 1st deal together about 2 weeks ago and it closes this month - go Trish go! She will be trying to pace herself so she does not over do it!
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 would be great to hear from you!
Warmest Regards,
Rudi & Trish W. |
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Balanced Vancouver Island Market Conditions Moving Into Spring
Don’t Kid Around with Facebook!
Is It a Good Buy or Goodbye?
Food for Thought!
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Balanced Vancouver Island Market Conditions Moving Into Spring
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Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area continued its gradual upward climb this February with reports of healthy sales activity across the Board. Single family home sales in greater Parksville Qualicum Beach region saw a 17% increase Year To Date. Active listing inventory for single family homes is basically the same as this time last year.
If you would like to view a summary of the statistics visit: http://rudiw.com/blog.html/parksville-qualicum-real-estate-market-stats-feb-2014-3047014
“Over the past few months, we have witnessed strong year-over-year percentage gains in terms of unit sales; however, it is important to note that last year marked a cyclical low in sales activity, so our numbers are not trending as high as they may appear,” stated Blair Herbert, VIREB President.
“That being said, when looking at our sales figures over a longer period of time, our activity is close to reaching the ten-year average, so things are definitely moving in the right direction in terms of achieving balanced market conditions.”
“Although pricing has remained relatively flat over the last couple of months, we anticipate that this slow and steady market growth could produce a bit of upward pressure on pricing moving forward,” said Jason Finlayson, VIREB President-Elect. “While we haven’t experienced significant gains thus far, the market is still quite price sensitive, so it is important to contact a local REALTOR® in your area to ensure your property is priced correctly.”
Activity varies in our various sub areas and if you would like more details for particular areas, or property styles, contact TeamW and we would be pleased to discuss. |
Don’t Kid Around with Facebook!
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 Are your kids pleading with you to go on Facebook?
Facebook’s current policy (which could soon be changing) is that you have to be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account.
There’s no real way to police this so as with anything, education is key. Here are a few points you should be aware of if you’re thinking of opening an account for your child:
- Fake Friends - Predators prey on unsuspecting children by creating fake profiles to befriend them. Children want to boost their friends list and sometimes accept questionable requests.
- It’s Not Nice to Share - Children don’t always understand the concept of privacy. They often share passwords and release private information that reveals their identity.
- Endorsement Errors - If your child “Likes” a company that’s on Facebook, their image may appear next to an ad for that business when random strangers view their news feeds.
- Assess Access - If your child creates a fake birthdate to sign up, Facebook will think your child is 18 when they’re actually much younger. They’ll then be subjected to ads that are geared towards adults.
- Itchy Fingers - An impulsive rant could easily come back to haunt your child with devastating consequences. Make sure they understand that their posts aren’t owned by them and can never be taken back.
- Monitoring - Our gandson is on Facebook and the rules are that he has to allow his Mom & Oma to be his Facebook Friend and therefore anything he posts he has to be willng us us to see it.
It’s important that parents proactively educate their children in today’s ever changing online world. If your kids are on Facebook, make sure to check their privacy and location settings and teach them about the new age “facts of life”. |
Is It a Good Buy or Goodbye?
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 Is the housing market going to cool down, level out or gain steam?
No one can say for sure what’s around the corner. If you're currently considering home ownership, here are a few points to consider:
- Do Your Homework - It's important to plan ahead so research local amenities and public transportation. Consider features like parks and schools if you’re planning to start a family.
- Financial Accountability - Ensure you're financially ready to buy a home. There are many other costs in addition to mortgage payments so know what you're getting yourself into.
- Go Pro - Have a real estate agent guide you through the process. Get a market analysis of the homes recently sold in the area you're interested in as well as an idea of community trends.
- Stick to Your Budget - Be sure to examine your individual needs and never overextend yourself financially. Make a list of the features that fit your family's lifestyle before looking at homes and stick to it.
- Think Straight - It’s normal for home buyers to experience a full range of emotions during the complex, real estate rollercoaster ride. House hunting should be fun so don’t take things personally or let your emotions rule every decision.
- Inspect the Unexpected - Just because you've checked over the house thoroughly doesn't mean all’s well behind the scenes. Making an offer conditional on a home inspection means there won't be any nasty, expensive surprises.
An uncertain real estate market can make it difficult to know whether you should hold off purchasing a home in case prices fall or jump right in before prices skyrocket. The time to buy is when your budget matches your needs so always consider your personal circumstances carefully before making decisions. |
Food for Thought!
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 "I live by this credo: Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough." - Red Skelton |
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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 I 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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Posted on
March 15, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
The single family real estate market in the greater Parksville Qualicum Beach region begins the new year with similar strength from 2013. January & February has seen a 21% increase in the number of listings that have come to market as well as 17% increase in the number of sales YTD. Active listing inventory for single family homes is basically the same as this time last year.
Activity varies in our various sub areas and if you would like more details for particular areas or style of homes contact TeamW for details.
Click Here to view the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Real Estate Stats for February 2014
Posted on
February 24, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi Widdershoven |
February 2014 |
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Whether you’re thinking of selling or simply updating your home, it’s important to keep an eye on the latest trends. This month's article highlights five hot home trends for 2014!
There are also some great tips if you’re looking to step outside of your comfort zone, as well as a website that helps you make decisions by offering side-by-side comparisons of popular products.
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 W. |
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Vancouver Island Market Showing Signs of Vitaity in the New Year
Hot Home Trends for 2014
How to Jump Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Your Online Personal Shopper
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Vancouver Island Market Showing Signs of Vitaity in the New Year
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Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area is in full swing this January, with reports of healthy inventory levels and unit sales across the Board.
A total of 212 single-family homes sold in the VIREB coverage area on the MLS® system in January 2014. This represents a 15 per cent increase over the 184 sales recorded in January 2013, and almost no change from last month, which reported 210 unit sales.
VIREB president, Blair Herbert, is encouraged by the healthy sales activity occurring across the market coverage area. “The market began to show signs of vitality in the latter half of 2013, and this momentum has continued to build as we move forward into January. The numbers definitely bode well for our spring market,” he stated.
In January 2014, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the VIREB coverage area was $307,700, with an MLS® HPI index value of 144.6. This represents a 44.6 per cent increase since January 2005, when the index was 100.
The benchmark price is down 0.1 per cent from last month and increased 0.8 per cent from last year. The average price of a single-family home in the VIREB area was $318,628, which is the same as it was this time last year.
According to BCREA economist, Brendon Ogmundson, VIREB is right on-target to meet its forecasted growth for the year. “Currently, VIREB is on-track to meet its 1.5 per cent projected sales growth for 2014. Pricing continues to remain relatively flat; however, we do anticipate a slight increase later this spring.”
The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Campbell River area was $259,700, up 5.7 per cent over last year; in the Comox Valley the benchmark price was $319,000, an increase of 2.4 per cent over last year; Duncan reports a benchmark price of $272,700, dipping 5.8 per cent from last year; Nanaimo’s benchmark price was $324,200, up 0.8 per cent from last year; Parksville/Qualicum has a benchmark price of $346,000, up 3.4 per cent last year; and Port Alberni is listed at $186,000 for a benchmark home, increasing 5.3 per cent from last year. |
Hot Home Trends for 2014
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 There are plenty of new and exciting home trends this year!
Although your home reflects your personal style, trends help trigger your creativity and provide the opportunity to shake things up a little. Here are a few hot home trends for 2014:
- Shower Spa - Homeowners are seeking a serene, spa like shower environment with a curbless design for a spacious open shower experience.
- Open It Up - Open plan kitchens are expanding even further with glass front cabinets and open shelving units to give the feeling of even more space.
- Smart Sensors - Smart thermostats are the latest environmentally friendly gadget to hit the market. They save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your daily routine.
- Back to Nature - Homeowners are adding value and comfort by blending their indoor and outdoor living space. All-weather furniture and outdoor fireplaces are top picks in this department!
- U-Sockets - The smallest upgrade can make the biggest difference! U-sockets are wall plugs with two built-in USB ports that can be used to power devices such as tablets and smartphones.
It’s always good to keep your finger on the pulse of emerging trends but ultimately your personal style will dictate your choices. Hopefully these trends have inspired you whether you’re looking to stage and sell your home or just want to add a little pizazz to your space! |
How to Jump Outside of Your Comfort Zone
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 If we never leave our comfort zone, we’ll never realize our full potential.
If you want to make 2014 your best year ever, you’ll need to dive (or at least step) outside of your comfort zone. Here are a few ideas:
- Risk + Reward - Take a risk every day so you don't lose your edge. Risks challenge your brain and allow you to move forward in ways you didn't know were possible!
- Just Do It - Tackle a "to-do" you've been putting off by taking small, steady steps. Your new found confidence and motivation will make it seem much easier than ever before.
- New You - Take up a hobby that excites yet scares you such as rock climbing or scuba diving. Instead of gaining weight you’ll shred pounds and gain confidence.
When you step outside of your comfort zone, exciting changes will start to happen. If you replace negative, fearful thoughts with positive ones, you'll continue to naturally expand your comfort zone which will in turn fuel your personal growth! |
Your Online Personal Shopper
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 The Internet's a great place to review products but it can also be very overwhelming.
If you’re trying to decide between a few different products, help is at hand! Versus is a site that provides online shoppers with a side-by-side comparison of various products and services!
For example, if you have a few tablets in mind, just type them into versus.com for a detailed, side-by-side comparison of their various pros and cons. It can also be used to compare cities and universities if you’re looking to relocate.
Product reviews can be very helpful but nothing beats a side-by-side comparison. The next time you’re not sure which product or service will suit you best, just head over to www.versus.com for some unbiased advice! |
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Oh by the way, I am never too busy for any of your introductions. If you know of anyone that may benefit from my help please contact me with their name and number and let them know that I will be in touch . I 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: 250-248-1071 / team@teamw.ca
For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on  and "LIKE" us on Facebook |
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Posted on
February 4, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
 2014 single family home sales continue with the same increasing volume that 2103 showed. January's sales in the greater Parksville - Qualicum Beach region were up 19% in volume over January 2013. The number of new listings also jumped by 18%, however the overall active listing inventory is down by 10%.
If you are thinking of buying or selling this year give us a call to discuss your plans so you may make an informed decision.
Posted on
January 19, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from TeamW - Rudi Widdershoven |
January 2014 |
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 Happy New Year! Yes 2014 is already well underway. How did that happen?
We had a great Christmas with all of the family in Langley, very busy times and some quiet times. We had the pleasure of visiting my brother in Maple Ridge as well. The family decided this year rather than more 'stuff' as gifts we were to come up with "experiences". 2014 will be very interesting: we will be doing a Widdershoven/McLean Amazing Race, a "Vancouver Canadians" baseball game at Nat Bailey Stadium, (the whole family), a boys fishing charter, a girls spa outtting, family movie and pizza night, cooking & crafts with the grand girls, a trip to Newfoundland for Trish & I and the list goes on. It will be a great year of new family experiences!
Through the last month of 2013 and 1st month of 2014 we have been active 5 deals since Dec 27th! It certainly looks like 2014 will be a balanced market with more activity in general. We are feeling very positive about the market in general!
Also watch for next month's announcelent of changes in TeamW :) Positive news!!
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 -- We would love hear from you!
Thanks for your support!
Rudi & Trish W. |
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Solid Sales in 2nd Half Lead to Strongest Market Activity in 4 Years
How to Get the Most Out of Us... as Your Agents!
No More Wallpaper Woes
New Year, New Attitude
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Solid Sales in 2nd Half Lead to Strongest Market Activity in 4 Years
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 Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area finished on a high note in December, capping off the strongest year since 2009.
After a sluggish 2012, sales picked up some steam in the second half of 2013, resulting in a stronger finish to the year than was anticipated a few months ago. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reports a total of 3,941 single-family homes sold in the VIREB coverage area on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in 2013. (This is all of Vancouver Island "north of the Malahat"). This is 10% increase over the 3,582 sales recorded in 2012. Average sale price remained relatively flat for the year, decreasing by one per cent.
BCREA’s chief economist, Cameron Muir, is cautiously optimistic heading into the new year, but warns that low employment growth and a listless economy will likely have some impact on the BC housing market heading into 2014. “We anticipate that slow economic growth will lead to a slight retrenchment in demand through the first quarter of 2014, but expect that sales will pick up momentum in the latter half of the year”.
A total of 605 single-family homes sold in the greater Parksville Qualicum Beach area in 2013. This is a 18 % increase over 2012. This volume is above the 5 year average of 587 sales and yet significantly below the 10 year average of 663.
We agree with VIREB president, Gary Gray when he stated “We are encouraged by this healthy sales activity, but the market is still quite price sensitive, so it is important to consult with a local REALTOR® in order to get a clear picture of what is happening in your area.”
In 2013 there were 11% less properties that came to market and at the end of the year the active inventory was down 18% from the end of 2012. As a result there is not a lot of choice for buyers and so it is a good time to come on the market. If you are thinking of a change in 2014 there are active buyers looking for the right property. Please connect with us & we can discuss your particular situation so you can make an informed decision as to what you may wish to do and when. |
How to Get the Most Out of Us... as Your Agents!
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 The relationship between you and your real estate agent should always be open, honest and productive. Having an open line of communication is absolutely critical to ensuring a win-win partnership!
Once you’ve discussed and agreed on your agency relationship, start working on how you can communicate effectively. Communication is a two-way street so both parties need to be honest at the outset.
Please help us by starting with the basics. Let us know your contact preferences. Phone, email or text message? Be clear on times you can be contacted, should your dream home suddenly hit the market. At work or on vacation? How late can we call for a showing request? Clarifying these somewhat obvious details ahead of time will mean fewer miscommunications, which is helpful for everyone involved.
Be clear on what you feel is a "must" in your new home. Ranking your priorities will help us "get it right" when we are doing a search; however, try to keep an open mind as it may be a good idea to “look outside the box” at homes that don’t completely match your criteria. Sometimes we come up with a home that seems crazy and ends up being "perfect".
If you're selling your home, make sure you discuss any issues that could help or hinder the sale. We can offer great advice on staging as Trish is an "ASP" accredited staging professional, so show us everything no matter how insignificant. That tiny crawl space you weren't even thinking of mentioning could be marketed as a unique selling feature! Please don't be upset with staging advice, it is not about how you live, its about selling your home!
Finally, let us know if your needs change and don't ever hesitate to ask questions.There are no "bad" or "dumb" questions, we welcome them all. If for whatever reason you're not satisfied with the way things are going, be upfront and honest so we can resolve any issues straight away.
The key to any strong relationship is communication. The partnership between us will hopefully continue for many years after you land your dream home! We want to be your realtors for life, so no matter where you are thinking about buying or selling we may be able to be help. Please don’t ever hesitate to email or call with any real estate related questions you may have. |
No More Wallpaper Woes
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 If you've finally had enough of the dated, floral wallpaper in your hallway, then it’s time to take action!
Removing wallpaper isn’t always easy but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few environmentally friendly solutions that are just as effective as steamers and toxic removal paste:
- Fabric Softener - Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of fabric softener and hot water and apply to the wallpaper. (Downey works best from my experience).
- Vinegar - Mix equal parts of white vinegar and hot water. Use a paint roller or large brush to apply the solution onto your wallpaper.
- Dishwashing Liquid - Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid and 3 parts warm water. It must be a dishwashing liquid that uses a "degreaser".
Once the wallpaper’s been removed, wash the walls with warm water and let them dry thoroughly before prepping them to be painted. If you do it right, wallpaper can easily be removed so if your dream home’s covered in it, don’t let it deter you from putting in an offer!
We also know a great handyman service, (who happen to be our clients, new to the area) and they do wallpaper removal as well! Just ask us for their names. They do bathrooms too, they just finished the 2nd bath reno for us and we are very happy with their work! |
New Year, New Attitude
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 The New Year provides us with an opportunity to plan a fresh new start with a powerful new attitude.
Reading inspirational quotes can help keep our thoughts positive even though the media continuously bombards us with negative stories which can bring us down. Here are a couple to get you started:
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Winston Churchill
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
C.S. Lewis
There are many websites that send daily motivational quotes.
We enjoy TUT.com for sure!
If you post them on your fridge, mirrors & computer screen,
they’ll remind and inspire you to stay positive throughout the whole year!
Have a great 2014!! |
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Oh by the way, I am never too busy for any of your introductions. If you know of anyone that may benefit from my help please contact me with their name and number and let them know that I will be in touch . I 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: 250-248-1071 / team@teamw.ca
For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on and "LIKE" us on Facebook |
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Posted on
January 6, 2014
by
Rudi Widdershoven
Happy New Year and the latest real estate statistics for 2013.
Volume of sales for single family homes continued to be strong throughout the year, in comparison to 2012. Sale numbers for 2013 are up 18% in the greater Parksville – Qualicum Beach region while inventory continued to be lower by 11%. As a result the current inventory is 18% lower than this time last year. Prices appear to have stabilized with little change recently.
If you would like more detailed information with respect to different types of property or various sub-areas contact for more details and to discuss your specific situation. Assisting you in making an informed decision is our objective.
Posted on
December 19, 2013
by
Rudi Widdershoven
 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
From our home to yours we wish you a Joyous Holiday Season and hope that you have the opportunity to spend time with family and loved ones. Take time to reflect on all the events that happened in 2013, every event is like a cloud with a silver lining - you can eventually find the positive in there somewhere, sometime it is a little more difficult.
We are fortunate enough this year to be able to spend Christmas with all of our children and grandchildren on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! With 4 RCMP schedules to co9ordinate around it is not usually possible. Jessica is hosting and we are especially excited to see how the two youngest grandsons enjoy Christmas (they are 14 months & 2.5 years) :). There will no doubt be lots of energy and good times and at the end Opa & Oma will need to come home for a rest.
We have not made plans for New year Eve so we will have to see how we wlecome 2014! It is going to be a great year!.
Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter. Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles, real estate in general, or just for a chat -- it'd be great to hear from you!
Merry Christmas & All the Best for 2014,
Rudi & Trish |
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Update on Local RE/MAX Offices - BIG NEWS !!
Waist Not, Want Not
TeamW Optimum Property Search Tool
Moderate Growth Characterizes Vancouver Island November Market
Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season
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| Update on Local RE/MAX Offices - BIG NEWS !! |
RE/MAX First Realty and RE/MAX Anchor Realty are now owned by the same Broker, Larry Stuart of Saskatoon. Our identities will remain the same however we will be taking advantage of joint advertising and promotion of the brand, our services and listings. This will translate not only into efficiencies but into a larger more dominant presence in the community which will overall benefit our clients.
Trish & I truly thank Ian Lindsay and Frank Fairley for a great 9 years and understand that now they will concentrate on their own real estate business. Ownership and management are now with somone who brings different experiences and skills to the table as Larry now owns 8 different RE/MAX franchise offices in western Canada.
We are looking forward to an exciting 2014 and bringing more exposure to our clients and working more closely with our RE/MAX associates in the Qualicum Beach office. |
Waist Not, Want Not
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 Holiday parties make it easy to overindulge. Here are a few simple tips that'll help you enjoy the festivities without having to worry about packing on the pounds:
- Don't Go Hungry - You're much more likely to overindulge if you face a buffet of delicious food on an empty stomach so have a healthy snack before you make your grand entrance.
- Hold the Drink - Limit your alcohol consumption as alcoholic drinks are full of empty calories. Try to substitute alcohol for sparkling mineral water.
- Get Active - Don't give up your usual exercise routine just because it's the holidays. If you do, the weight will pile on and it'll be more difficult to get back into the routine once the holidays are over.
Enjoying festive holiday parties doesn't have to equal weight gain. If you watch your intake and keep your physical activity up, you'll be able to start the year off in style – and in the same size clothes! |
| TeamW Optimum Property Search Tool |
 Are you interested in buying or selling, or possibly just interested in knowing what the local real estate market is doing, check out our new property search tool. With the TeamW Optimum Property Search tool on our web site you have several advantages over other available systems and the information is in real time. You can track new listings, price changes as well as sales.
You can find the link to this tool on our web site at http://www.teamw.ca . It is free and you can unsubscribe at any time. Also if you know of anyone thinking of buying or selling locally, or someone that is considering relocating here, please share the link with them as well.
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Moderate Growth Characterizes Vancouver Island November Market
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Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area was relatively stable for the month of November, dipping only slightly from this time last year.
According to BCREA’s chief economist, Cameron Muir, the dip in sales activity this month is nothing to be concerned about. “Every market in BC has shown a retrenchment in demand this November, which could be attributed to flat employment levels and slow economic growth,” he stated.
In the greater Parksville Qualicum Beach region sales volumes continued to be stronger than 2012 as number of sales of single family homes was up 13% for the month and up 17% year to date. Current inventory of single family homes is down 13% and therefore all indications are that prices have stabilized and the average sale price is within 1% of last year's.
2014 continues to look like the activities levels will be maintained, maybe a slight increase, and the invenotry is expected to increase in the spring as it historically has. Interest rates contine to remain steady and there is no expected change in the bank rate in the near future (maybe not until 2015).
If you sould like to discuss market activity and opportunities, whether buying or selling, please do connect with us as we would be pleased to discuss your situation and assist you in making the right decision for you. Currently there is a lack of inventory and there are serious buyers out there, if thinking of selling give us a call.
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Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season
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 The holiday season is a great time of year but it's also a time of great waste. Here are a few things you can do to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season:
- Decorate Naturally - Bring the scent of nature into your home with holly, evergreens, fir cones and cranberries.
- Think Outside the Box - All those gift bags, ribbons and bows account for an incredible amount of waste so try and reuse old wrapping paper.
- Light Up Mindfully - Everyone loves the twinkle of holiday lights but for the sake of the environment, use LED lights and remember to turn them off before going to bed.
- One, Two, Tree - Real trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen as well as help sustain the rural economy whereas artificial trees can't be recycled, aren't biodegradable and may contain toxins.
The holiday season is a great opportunity to start eco-friendly family traditions that can be passed down from generation to generation. Better still, these methods can be as easy on your wallet as they are on the environment! |
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Oh by the way, I am never too busy for any of your introductions. If you know of anyone that may benefit from my help please contact me with their name and number and let them know that I will be in touch . I 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: 250-248-1071 / team@teamw.ca
For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on and "LIKE" us on Facebook |
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Posted on
December 3, 2013
by
Rudi Widdershoven
VIREB has released the housing statistics for November and in the greater Parksville – Qualicum Beach region.
The number of sales continue to be strong with 13% increase over November 2012. Year to Date the number of sales have increased 17% over the same time in 2012. Listing inventory continues to be lower as well, -13% for the same time last year. Parksville itself has seen an increase of 22% year to date.
If you wish to have more details or wish to discuss your particular area and home style connect with Rudi.
Click Here to View the Parksville-Qualicum Real Estate Stats for November
Posted on
November 21, 2013
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Rudi Widdershoven
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi Widdershoven - TeamW |
November 2013 |
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 Fall is almost over and we had a pretty good October weather wise and the beginning of November has been quite pleasant as well - stayed dry for Remembrance Day ceremonies locally. We hope everyone had a chance to take a few moments to pay their respect to those who gave so much so that we can have the life we do. We got to take in the parade in Comox with our 21/2 year old grandson while his Dad marched with the RMP contingent.
Hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks it will be December no doubt in full swing for the Christmas Season. "Life is too short to waste. Dreams are fulfilled only through action, not through endless planning to take action." - David J. Schwartz
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 W. (& Trish)
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Healthy Vancouver Island Home Sales Continue
Reaping Returns on Repairs
Beware of SMiShing
Moorecroft Regional Park
Food for Thought
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Healthy Vancouver Island Home Sales Continue
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 Sales activity across the Vancouver Island housing market area continued to improve in the month of October, resulting in a 29 per cent increase in unit sales over this time last year.
As sales momentum continues to build after a particularly slow market last year, we are witnessing a return to our historical averages across the board area.
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reports that there were a total of 352 single-family homes sold in the VIREB area on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2013. This signifies a 29 per cent increase compared to the 272 sales recorded in October 2012.
For single family home sales in the greater Parksville - Qualicum Beach area we saw a 41% increase for October (55 sales versus 39) and an overall increase of 17% Year to Date. Current inventory of homes for sale is down 13%.
If you are interested in further market information contact Rudi or visit
http://rudiw.com/blog.html/parksville-qualicum-real-estate-market-stats-oct-2013-2879689 for the October Graphstats. If you would like detailed information on particular areas or particular style of properties contact Rudi directly. |
Reaping Returns on Repairs
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 If you plan on selling your home in the near future, you'll want to tackle any necessary repairs ahead of time as buyers will be completely turned off if your home appears to have been neglected.
Buyers also factor fix-up jobs into the purchase price, often overestimating the costs involved, so it's best to just take care of them yourself. Here are a few repairs to consider:
- Grimy Grout - Dirty grout is a real turn off, so apply new caulking to freshen up the entire room.
- Fresh Paint - Fill in all holes and cracks in the walls before painting. Make sure to repair and paint your baseboards so they don't look beaten up compared to your fresh walls.
- Rough Roof - If your roof needs replacing, it's better to do it before you sell as buyers get so turned off by the cost and hassle that it could be a potential deal breaker.
- Curb Appeal - Your home needs to make a perfect first impression so patch cracks in the driveway, caulk windows, spruce up your porch and invest in some landscaping.
- Dripping Faucets - A dripping tap can signal expensive plumbing repairs to buyers. It'll probably only need a new rubber washer that costs less than a dollar so get it fixed!
- Kitchen is Key - Kitchens are critical and can make or break a sale. Repainting cabinets, adding new hardware or installing a new countertop are all worthwhile investments.
Buying a home is an emotional experience so it's critical to create an incredible first impression that'll make buyers want to own your home the moment they set eyes on it! Although it may initially seem like a hassle to repair a home you'll soon be moving out of, it'll be well worth the time and money in the end. |
Beware of SMiShing
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 Smishing is the SMS (short message or text) version of email phishing where cyber criminals hook you through texts asking you to call a number or visit a website so they can steal your information.
The latest identity theft scam starts with a text saying your debit card is blocked and then directs you to a website that asks you for various personal details in order to lift the hold.
You’ll soon start to see the traditional lottery and cruise scams coming via texts so don't let your guard down just because they're texts and not emails as scammers are relying on this new phishing scheme to lure in their victims.
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Moorecroft Regional Park
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 On Sunday the 17th Trish and I took advantage of the nice weather and checked out Moorecroft Regional Park located at the end of Stewart Road in Nanoose Bay.
It is a wonderful tranquil 85 acres which includes shoreline and spectacular views across the Georgia Strait. There are approximately 32 hectares of natural forest featuring a variety of tree species. Two intermittent creeks run through the property, and two eagle nesting sites have been identified. The property also contains a wetland area known as Skipsey Lake, an open field and a network of walking trails.
It was incredibly quiet, to the point you could 'hear' the sea lion swimming by. We just explored the waterfront portion where Trish found a great heart shaped rock and Rudi got to skip rocks across the water. Even the seagulls were taking advantage of the calmness by lounging on the rocks in the inlet while the sailing club from Schooner Cove Marina were sailing by with the sun glistening on their sails.
It was our first time we had been to the property since it became a regional park (it had been many years ago when our children attened camps there) and we wonder what has taken us so long to explore. We look forward to taking advantage of the trails one day. If you would like more information or directions visit the RDN web site at http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2605.
One word of caution, watch your step on the wet logs - the fall is not an experience you want :) |
Food for Thought
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 "Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Francois-Marie Arouet de Voltaire |
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Oh by the way, I am never too busy for any of your introductions. If you know of anyone that may benefit from my help please contact me with their name and number and let them know that I will be in touch . I 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: 250-248-1071 / team@teamw.ca
For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on  and "LIKE" us on Facebook
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Posted on
November 4, 2013
by
Rudi Widdershoven
 A great article from The Province newspaper explaining why people, young and older, wish to live in the greater Parksville Qualicum Beach area. Weather, opportunities and lifestyle - Live, Work, Play.
Canada's Oldest Community Seeks Infusion Of Young Blood
If you are thinking it may be time for a lifestyle change connect with us for information to begin your research!
Posted on
October 29, 2013
by
Rudi Widdershoven
I have listed a new property at 17 425 STANFORD E AVE in PARKSVILLE.
Great economical location for your business only blocks from downtown Parksville. This commercial strata unit is conveniently located on Stanford Ave E in Parksville, just blocks from downtown and 1 block off of Hwy 19A. Zoned CS-3 allows for a variety of uses. The current owner did vast improvements. Lower level of 1137 sq ft is currently set up with a front display/retail area, reception counter, washroom, separate work/storage area and a 20 x 23 bay access by a 8' overhead door at the rear of the building. The 816 sq ft upper floor contains 4 offices (1 is 20' x 11- large enough for a board room) and a lunch room. You can certainly use it as currently designed or adapt to your personal preferences. Climate controlled by large H VAC installed in 2009. Low strata fee of $118 per month. Available for lease at $8.00 per sq ft per annum + additional rent estimated at less than $3 per sq ft.
Posted on
October 18, 2013
by
Rudi Widdershoven
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Vancouver Island Real Estate News from Rudi Widdershoven - TeamW |
October 2013 |
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Hi Paul,
 Happy Thanksgiving!
We certainly hope that you have the opportunity to spend time with family and/or friends on the long weekend and take time to give Thanks for all we have in our lives. Personally we are very thankful for this amazing place we call home & the people we share it with (family, friends, clients). Life is pretty darn good! We are also very grateful for your continued support.
Fall is definitely here with leaves changing colors and sunrises being later in the morning - after we awake which gives us the opportunity to enjoy the colorful skies.
Business has been very good this fall as activity has increased. There are still good opportunities in the market for those that are looking at a move, if you know of someone thinking of moving to the Island or making a move locally please let us know. Thanks so much!
Thanks 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 W. (& Trish) |
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| Third Quarter Sales Reflect Steady Market Growth |
Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales summary data for September released by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) shows housing sales activity across Vancouver Island was up 29 per cent compared to last year, while average sale price remained virtually unchanged.
In the Oceanside are the statistics for the month of September shows the increase in sales volumes continues with September showing an increase of 27% over last September in single family sales for the great Parksville Qualicum Beach area (15% for the 1st 9 months of the year) and a decrease of 19% in homes listed (-10% for the year to date). The average price of homes being sold is down 2% for September and year to date.
It continues to be interesting to look at the sub-areas within the region: Parksville’s single family home sale were up 36% for September, 28% for the 1st 9 months; while Fairwinds is down 75% for September and 19% for the year.
If you wish to explore further or know the statistics for different style of properties please contact TeamW or visit our posting of the reports at
http://teamw-parksvillequalicumbeachrealestate.com/parksville-real-estate-sales-activity-september-2013/
Starting next month, VIREB will be introducing a new method of statistical reporting called the MLS® Home Price Index, or HPI. This system provides a more consistent trend analysis and is a better indicator of property value than averages, which are easily skewed by the sale of high-end or low-end properties; particularly in some of our smaller market areas. |
| Planning a Family Fire Escape Plan |
 Planning for a house fire isn't something most people want to think about; however a fire escape plan could mean the difference between life and death. Here are a few points to consider:
- draw up a floor plan of your home that shows at least two ways out of each room
- crawl through escape routes with your family during semi-annual practice drills
- ensure there are no obstacles in front of windows, doors and escape routes
- family members need to know how to open all windows and remove screens
- make sure escape ladders are accessible and not buried in the back of closets
- designate a special meeting place for all family members once you've evacuated
- remind children never to re-enter a burning home under any circumstances
If you live in a condo or apartment building, ensure you know the evacuation plan and do some practice drills. Being prepared and knowing what to expect is key in any emergency situation. Having a fire escape plan could save your family the precious minutes that make the difference between life and death. |
| The Principles of Pricing |
 Pricing your home correctly is critical to a successful sale as it will help your home sell for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time.
Determining a home's asking price involves comparing similar homes that have recently sold while taking past, present and future local market trends into account.
Although you may have your own personal opinion of what your home's worth, it's important to be realistic and unbiased. In the end, the market will determine your home's true value.
There's always a huge buzz when a new property hits the market but if the price is too high, it will quickly become stale and there won't be any incentive for buyers to make a swift, strong offer. Worse yet, buyers will start to wonder what's wrong with it!
Overpricing your property will also help your competition as buyers will see other homes in your area as much better deals since they're less expensive. If your home is priced at fair market value, those same buyers will consider your home more seriously.
Having your property sit on the market is also inconvenient as you'll constantly have to keep it in a show-ready state. Furthermore, carrying costs such as mortgage interest, insurance, taxes and utilities will quickly add up if you get stuck carrying two homes at once.
Pricing a home is part art and part science. Market factors such as the economy, time of year and interest rates can all make a huge difference. Your home only gets one chance to make a great first impression so it's critical to enlist the services of a professional real estate agent to help you get things done properly from start to finish. |
| Extraordinary Uses for Epsom Salts |
 Adding epsom salts, which contain magnesium sulfate to your bath helps to relax muscles and relieve stress. Here are a few lesser known uses for epsom salts:
- use them to fertilize your garden
- sprinkle them around your garbage cans to deter animals
- mix them with dish soap to scrub stains away
- soaking in epsom salts can help draw out a splinter
These are just a few of the many benefits of epsom salts -- an inexpensive, natural product that can be found at any drugstore. |
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Oh by the way, I am never too busy for any of your introductions. If you know of anyone that may benefit from my help please contact me with their name and number and let them know that I will be in touch . I 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: 250-248-1071 / team@teamw.ca
For the latest real estate updates, including new listings, price changes and upcoming open houses follow me on and "LIKE" us on Facebook |
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| Not meant to solicit clients already under contract. |
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