When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc. It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.

In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move!

It doesn't have to be that way.

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.

Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home.

But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure.

The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things easier for you.

It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting, unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!

That's what a good REALTOR® can do for you. Looking for one? Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!

The Bank of Canada once again chose to maintain it's target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that core inflation, which excludes volatile prices such as energy and food, has risen more rapidly than expected due to unexpected sector-specific factors while CPI inflation has evolved largely as expected.

While the Bank’s preferred measure of core inflation has trended above its 2 per cent target in recent  months, financial market volatility and fresh concerns over stagnant European economic growth provide some cover to maintain the status quo. Our forecast for the Canadian economy matches that of the Bank for economic growth to average 2.5 per cent for the second half of 2014 and for all of 2015. That rate of growth should eliminate much of the estimated slack in the Canadian economy by the middle of 2016. That forecast, and traditional lags in how monetary policy impacts inflation, suggests the Bank will embark on tightening monetary policy sometime toward the end of next year. 

“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”

For more information contact The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

The value of Canadian building permits fell 27.3 per cent in August. Prior to Augusts's decline, building permits had posted double-digit increases for three straight months.  Lower construction intentions were primarily the result of declines in Quebec and Ontario.

New building permits in BC tumbled almost 28 per cent on a monthly basis and 11.1 per cent year-over-year. Both non-residential and residential permits were lower in August. On a unit basis, permits fell 22.6 per cent but were above the monthly average for 2014. The outsized monthly decline in August reflects a moderation of activity following robust construction intentions in July.

Building permit activity was mixed in BC's four census metropolitan areas (CMA). Permits in the Abbotsford-Mission CMA fell 30.3 per cent on a monthly basis, but were 33.8 per cent higher than August 2013.  Construction intentions in the Kelowna CMA jumped 38 per cent from July but were 37.2 per cent below August 2013 levels.  In the Victoria CMA, permit activity increased 3.1 per cent on a monthly basis and was up 6.2 per cent year-over-year. Finally, in the Vancouver CMA, permits were down 32.9 per cent on a monthly basis and were 16.9 per cent lower year-over-year. 

“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”

For more information contact The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team at Royal LePage Kelowna. 

Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see?

One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious.

Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.

One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated.

In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer.

Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.

It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.

Want more home selling tips? Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!