General upkeep

• Home is clean and uncluttered
• Lawns are cut
• Walls are clean and free of chipping
• Paintjob on walls is in good shape

Signs of water damage

• Ceilings and walls are free of stains
• Ceilings and walls are free of bulges
• No loose grout or caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles
• No crumbling grout or caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles

Appliances and fixtures

• Lights work well
• Faucets work well
• Toilets work well
• Furnace works well
• Air conditioning works well
• Major appliances included with sale work well

Floors

• Floors are smooth, even and solid
• No soft, springy sections
• No excessive squeaking

Doors and windows

• Doors fit snugly and operate smoothly
• Windows fit snugly and operate smoothly
• No flaked paint
• No loose caulking
• No drafts

Drainage in yard

• No soggy areas near the foundation

Signs of structural damage

• No deep cracks in foundation
• No loose mortar or bricks

Room for my furnishings

• I measured the rooms
• My furniture will fit

Storage space

• There is storage space on each floor
• Enough clothing and linen storage
• Enough storage for tools
• Enough storage for gardening equipment
• Enough storage for sports equipment
• Enough storage for miscellaneous items

Hidden surprises

• I looked behind all closed doors
• I looked behind suspiciously placed wall coverings and area rugs

Professional inspection

There are a lot of preparations that need to be made when you are buying and selling a home. You have to arrange for financing, prepare your property so that it’s as attractive as possible to potential buyers, start the process of looking for a new home, and on and on.

A great REALTOR® will help you do all that.

But there's one item on the list that's as important as the rest: Preparing yourself and your family. 

You want to make sure everyone is prepared for the excitement – and, yes, sometimes turbulence – of selling a home and buying another. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Engage the Kids

Get them involved, as much as possible, in the decisions.  Ask them to make a list of the features they want most in a new home. Get them excited about the new friends they’ll be able to make in the new neighbourhood – and assure them that they can keep in touch with their current friends after the move.

Stay Healthy

With all the additional activities associated with buying and selling a home, it’s all too easy to skip exercises, home cooked meals and other healthy activities. Make a commitment to not let that happen.

Keep Up With Family Time

Like going to the beach with the family on weekends?  Enjoy a game of golf with your spouse? Kids involved in soccer, baseball or other sports? Do your best to keep up with these activities.

Ask for Help

Even the most well organized move doesn’t go smoothly 100% of the time. When you and your family are feeling some stress, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Give your REALTOR® a call! 

Want more ideas for making your move go smoothly? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!! Your best source for Kelowna Real Estate listings. 

Let’s face it. Most of us have strong emotional connections to our homes. It’s where our kids grew up. It’s where we spent time with friends and family. It’s where we went to relax and unwind.  So it can be difficult to let go of those emotions when you put your house or condo up for sale.

But it’s important that you do.

Why? To sell your property quickly, and for the best possible price, you need to think of it as objectively as possible — as a product.

That mindset is especially important when potential buyers drop by to view your home. 

The majority will be polite, but a few will be candid about what they like — and don’t like —about your property.

Buyers may talk openly about their dislike of the living room color that you worked so hard to select and paint. Or they may make tentative plans about converting the backyard flower bed that you adore, into a new sitting area. 

Don’t be defensive. It’s a normal part of the home shopping process to speculate about what can be changed to make a house a home. This is actually a good sign because buyers who make these types of comments are usually the ones who end up making an offer.

If there is a pattern to the feedback you are hearing about your property, you can use this information to your advantage. For example, if enough people comment that a room seems dark and gloomy you can eliminate the problem by installing light bulbs with a higher wattage. Conversely, if you notice that buyers are loving your spacious kitchen, then you and your REALTOR® can make sure this selling feature is highlighted prominently in the promotional materials. 

Always keep in mind that your real home is your next home. The property you’re selling is a product.

Need more tips on selling your house or condo? Call  the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today! Your best source for Kelowna Real Estate Listings!

Selling a home is no small venture. Whether you are selling to move up, move down, move away or for some other reason, you want the process to be relatively fast and painless. You also want to make as much money as possible.

Like fixing a car, some people will be tempted to do the job themselves, reasoning that they can "pocket" the real estate commission. But for most, this is a false economy that makes no more sense than trying to rebuild a car's transmission without the knowledge, training, experience or time needed to do the job properly.

Saving the real estate commission is not a  true bargain because most buyers will expect a "bargain" when they see a For Sale by Owner sign. They will offer less than fair market value and the owner will be forced to negotiate upward to realize a small part of the anticipated commission savings. The do-it-yourselfer will also have to factor in the considerable amount of time and expense required to market the property, respond to enquiry phone calls, show their own property and fill out all the legal paperwork.

Selling your home is a complex procedure that involves large sums of money, stringent legal requirements and has the potential for very costly mistakes. That's why there are plenty of experienced real estate professionals to help you make the best sale possible. A REALTOR® has the qualifications, experience and commitment needed to do the work for you.

By REALTOR®, we mean a licensed real estate professional who is a member of a local real estate board - where there is one - and is also a member of the British Columbia Real Estate Association and the Canadian Real Estate Association. When you work with a REALTOR®, you can expect that person to adhere not only to provincial law governing the real estate industry, but also to a national code of ethics.

In addition to following up on details promptly and accurately, a REALTOR® is an expert in effectively marketing your home. Moreover, when you work with a REALTOR® your home will receive far-reaching market exposure through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). And the more exposure your home gets, the more likely you are to find a buyer willing to pay "your price".

Source: www.omreb.com 

The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group, your best source for Kelowna Real Estate Listings!

Use a yard sale to reduce the clutter in your home and get rid of items you don't want to move.

1.    Check with your municipality to see if you need a permit or license.

2.    See if neighbors want to participate and have a "block" sale to attract more visitors.

3.    Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, put up signs and balloons at major

       intersections and in stores near your home.

4.    Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember,  yard sales are

       supposed to be bargains, so don't try to sell anything of  significant value this way.

5.    Check items before the sale to be sure you haven't including something you want by

       mistake.

6.    Keep pets away from the sale.

7.    Display everything neatly and individually so customers don't have to dig through boxes.

8.    Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances.

9.    Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.

10. Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate? Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Even if you’ve purchased a home before, you may still find the terms and acronyms used in the real estate industry a little baffling. What in the world does “4B/2B” mean anyway? Here’s a quick list that will help you get a handle on the most common lingo you’re likely to come across.

FP. Fireplace. It might also indicate type. For example, FP-gas.

DK. Deck.

4B/2B. The first number refers to bedrooms; the second, bathrooms. So, in this case, there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms. (Sometimes the letters are left out, so you might see “4/2” in a property description.)

HDW or HWF. Hardwood floors.

In-law potential. This refers to a basement or other section of the house that can be converted into a separate apartment. 

MLS. Multiple Listing Service. This is a service that provides its members, primarily REALTORS®, with detailed information on all the properties for sale in the area.

Closing costs. These are the additional costs that are due from the buyer upon closing and often include lawyer’s fees, land transfer tax, and other costs.

AC or A/C. Air conditioning.

WD or W/D. Washer/Dryer.

Fin W/O. Finished walkout.

Of course there are many other buzzwords and acronyms you’re bound to come across when you shop for a home. Don’t be afraid to ask what they mean.

Interested in more tips on how to make your home hunting experience go smoothly? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing. How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators:

• Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.
• Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.
• Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.
• Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighbourhoods?
• Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check Facebook.com to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.
• City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre. Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy – in the long-term.

Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to talk to a good REALTOR® who knows the area. Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Did you know that, next to heating and air conditioning, your lights consume most of the energy in your home? In fact, you can lower your electricity bill quickly – and substantially – simply by being smarter about lighting.

First, consider replacing your conventional light bulbs with the energy-saving variety. You've probably seen these at your local home improvement centre. Compact florescent light bulbs, for example, use up to 75% less energy.

Second, lower the wattage in some outlets. Is it necessary to have a 100 watt bulb in the furnace room? Try a 60 watt bulb.

Finally, think before you turn on the lights. Do you really need them on? Perhaps there's an alternative, such as opening a window blind to let in more sunlight.

When you see a new home you like on the market, it's easy to get distracted by all the features you love – the wrap-around backyard deck or the spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive maintenance issues that could be just around the corner.

Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. Knowing when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a smarter decision about the home you're considering.

How do you do that?

When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and appliances. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they're due to be replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.

Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting, and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon. That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.

Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? Call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today.

Shopping for a new home can be intimidating. With so many things to do and think about, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some good tips for making the home hunting process a lot easier and less stressful.

1. Get your mortgage arranged in advance.

You don’t want to find the ideal home on the market, only to face problems arranging a suitable mortgage. You might end up losing the opportunity. So make mortgage arrangements in advance by getting “pre-approved”. Then you can shop for a new home with confidence.

2. Clearly define the home you want and the neighborhood you want to live in.

You can’t view every home that’s on the market. If you try, you’ll burn yourself out! So write down a clear description of the kind of home you want. How many bedrooms? Big kitchen? Pool? And don’t forget the neighborhood. Upscale? Close to downtown? Lots of trees and parks? Urban and close to shopping and theatres? With this information, a good REALTOR® can quickly create a shortlist of properties that meet your criteria.

3. Take good notes. 

After viewing a few homes, you may easily start to forget the details. Was it property #1 that had the large Elm tree in the backyard? Or was that property #4? If you take good notes, you’ll be able to make decisions later on about which homes to shortlist.

4. Get help.

A good REALTOR® can make the home shopping process go quickly and smoothly.

Want more ideas for finding the perfect home? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today! Your best source for Kelowna Real Estate Listings. 

Does your home have a lot of personality?

There’s nothing wrong with that.

In fact, you may have pictures on the fireplace mantle showcasing happy family memories over the years… or trophies and other awards in the kids’ bedrooms that represent achievements that make you proud… or a fridge door covered with notes, a calendar and other items that make it a de facto family bulletin board! 

These are all things that help make a house truly a place to call “home”.

But when it comes time to sell, all that personality can work against you.When buyers view your property, they want to visualize themselves living there, not you and your family. 

Have you ever noticed how model homes are often furnished and decorated? All the rooms look beautiful and enticing. They draw you in.Why? Because, although all the rooms in the model home look great, they’re also impersonal. There’s no uncomfortable sense that you’re in a stranger’s home. So you can easily see yourself living there.

And that’s exactly what you should strive for when preparing your house for sale.

You can’t get rid of every personal item. That would be impractical.  But there’s a lot you can do to depersonalize your home. For example, you can:

• Take down family pictures
• Clear items from the fridge door
• Store trophies in a box
• Remove personal knick knacks and similar items
• Keep only general titles on a bookshelf and store the rest.

The more easily buyers can see themselves living in your home, the more likely they are to become interested in it and make an offer. 

Want more ideas for making your property look even more appealing to potential buyers? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Like heat, water and air conditioning, insurance is a home expense you have some degree of control over. In fact, there are ways to reduce your insurance costs by as much as 20%.

The thing to keep in mind is that insurance companies will often reward you – in the form of lower rates – when you do something to reduce the risk of damage to your property. That's why you can often get a discount when you install smoke detectors on all floors. Other discounts may be available if you get better door locks, an alarm system, upgraded wiring, and so forth.

Contact your insurance company and ask how you can lower your insurance costs. Sometimes just a few minor changes can save you a bundle.