Comox Valley Real Estate News Blog

Nov. 8, 2023

Coastal Black Pumpkin Patch Client appreciation 2023

To all of our amazing clients and friends of Bryce Hansen Team!

We hope this blog post finds you well and brings back sweet memories of our 2023 Pumpkin Patch Client Appreciation Event. As the colorful leaves fall and the air gets crisper, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who joined us for a fantastic day of family fun, laughter, and pumpkin picking!

Please check out all of these beautifully captured memories from our spooky Friday, October the 13th, 2023 Bryce Hansen Team's Pumpkin Patch Client Appreciation Event: https://www.dropbox.com/sc/dt7ih9fygfu24el/AAA82vd8LQLNLiNNNdH19Wv3a

Celebrating Together

Our annual Pumpkin Patch event is our way of saying a huge THANK YOU to our clients, friends, and their families for entrusting us with their real estate needs and being an essential part of our journey. We believe in building not just business relationships but genuine connections, and what better way to celebrate those connections than by enjoying quality time together at a pumpkin patch?

Family Fun Galore

From the moment you walked through the pumpkin-lined entrance, the joy and laughter were contagious. The kids, both young and young-at-heart, had a blast with all the fun activities, games, and the exciting hunt for your pumpkin. The sight of everyone scouring the pumpkin patch for the perfect gourd was a picture of pure happiness.

Delicious Treats

Of course, what's a Pumpkin Patch event without delicious treats? From hot chocolate and treats to warm baked goods. There's something about sipping a warm drink while admiring the beautiful fall landscape that warms the soul.

Gratitude and Community

It's not just the pumpkin patch that makes this event special. It's the wonderful people who make it all worth it. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible community of clients and friends who continue to support us year after year. We wouldn't be where we are without your trust and confidence in us.

Looking Forward

As we wrap up another memorable Pumpkin Patch event, we're filled with gratitude and eager anticipation for what's to come. We'll keep working hard to serve your real estate needs and provide the best service we can. We look forward to many more wonderful moments together in the years ahead.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for being part of the Bryce Hansen Team family. We can't wait to see you again soon and create more cherished memories together.

From all of us,

The Bryce Hansen Team

Sept. 20, 2023

Do's and Don'ts for first-time home buyers

Do's:

 

1. Do establish a realistic budget: Determine how much you can afford by considering your income, expenses, and financial goals. This will guide your home search and help you avoid overextending yourself.

2. Do research loan options: Look into various mortgage options, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages, and compare interest rates and terms to find the best fit for your financial situation.

3. Do get pre-approved for a mortgage: This will give you a clear understanding of what you can afford and strengthen your offer when you find a home you like.

4. Do consider additional expenses: Keep in mind that homeownership comes with additional costs beyond the mortgage, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and utilities. Factor these into your budget.

5. Do prioritize your needs: Clearly define your must-haves and preferences in a home. Consider factors like location, size, number of bedrooms, amenities, and proximity to schools or transportation.

6. Do work with a real estate agent: Enlist the help of a reputable real estate agent who specializes in the local market. They can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide valuable insights.

 

 

Don'ts:

 

1. Don't rush the process: Take your time and thoroughly research your options. Buying a home is a significant financial decision, so engage in due diligence and carefully weigh your choices.

2. Don't make large purchases or open new credit accounts: Avoid taking on additional debt or changing your financial situation while in the home-buying process. This can affect your credit score and mortgage eligibility.

3. Don't skip home inspections: Always have a professional inspection done to identify any potential issues with the property. This will help you make an informed decision and negotiate repairs or adjustments if required.

4. Don't overlook hidden costs: Apart from the home price, factor in closing costs, moving expenses, and any immediate repairs or renovations that the property may need.

5. Don't neglect the neighborhood: Research and visit the neighborhoods you are interested in to gain a sense of their amenities, safety, and overall vibe. Consider factors like proximity to schools, grocery stores, parks, and your workplace.

6. Don't forget about future plans: Think about your long-term goals, such as potential resale value, investment potential, or the possibility of expanding your family. This will help ensure that the home you choose aligns with your future needs.

 

Remember, buying a home is a significant milestone. Being well-prepared, informed, and patient will help make the process smoother and increasing the likelihood of finding the right home for you.

Aug. 23, 2023

Crown Isle Golf and Resort

Hello everyone. Today we are highlighting the prestigious, award-winning golf course and community known as crown isle, a place where you can live, stay, dine and play. I’m standing here at the entrance to the Crown Isle resort where you’ll find lavish accommodations, the timber room, bar and grill, a golf shop and an impressive 18-hole course. 

 

While golfing this par 72 course you’ll be surrounded by lakes, views of the Beaufort mountain range and the Comox glacier. At crown isle you’ll also find a driving range with chipping & putting greens, and practice bunkers.

 

Whether you’re looking for a single-family, detached home, the ease of the condo lifestyle, or a gated patio home complex crown isle truly has it all. Price ranges in this community vary depending on what you’re after but you can expect condos to start around $600K and detached homes up to and around the $2m mark with a bit of everything in between.

 

Crown isle is centrally located between East Courtenay and comox. It is a short, few minute, drive from the hospital, North Island College, the airport, grossers, recreation, and all other amenities.  

 

If crown isle sounds like the right fit for you and your lifestyle, give us a call today. We’d love to chat more in depth about all that it has to offer and answer any questions you may have. Thank you so much for tuning in and be sure to , give us a follow for other upcoming neighborhood tours around in Comox Valley.

 

Head On over to our YouTube channel to watch todays video! 

https://youtu.be/t_wjH7e6_OY

 

July 5, 2023

Preparing Your Home For An Open House

When preparing your home for an open house, it is important to consider the details that will make a lasting impression. Take some time to inspect each room and ensure that they are clean, well-organized, and free of clutter. Additionally, try to create a warm, inviting atmosphere by placing attractive furniture and decor throughout the space.

 

You can also make small updates and repairs to improve the home's value. For example, consider painting walls in a neutral color, replacing outdated fixtures, or fixing any minor damages. Before your open house, take some time to stage each room by arranging furniture and other items in an aesthetically pleasing way.

 

Lastly, make sure that you highlight any unique features of the property. Whether it’s a large backyard or an impressive view, be sure to showcase these assets throughout the tour. Doing so will give potential buyers a better understanding of what your home has to offer and may help you attract more offers. With the right preparation, you can ensure that your open house is as successful as possible.

 

By following these tips, you can confidently prepare your home for an open house and maximize its appeal to potential buyers. With proper planning, you can create a captivating atmosphere that will help sell your property in no time!

 

 

Good luck with the sale of your home!

June 12, 2023

5 Tips For Preparing Your Home For The Market

If you’re planning on selling your home in the Comox Valley area, there are several steps you can take to get it ready for the market. These 5 tips will help make sure your home is presented at its best and give potential buyers a great first impression.

 

1. Declutter - Start packing up those excess items around your house that add to the ‘cluttered’ look. This will open up space and give potential buyers a better sense of how they could use each room.

 

2. Clean - A clean home makes such a difference in how people view it! Spend time deep cleaning, including baseboards, carpets, windows and countertops.

 

3. Curb Appeal - The exterior of your home is the first impression for potential buyers. Consider giving it a facelift with fresh paint, and adding a few potted plants to liven it up.

 

4. Depersonalize - Get rid of personal items such as photos, artwork and other knick-knacks in order to make it easier for viewers to imagine their own belongings in the space.

 

5. Consider an inspection - Have a professional inspector check for any issues that need to be addressed, such as electrical or plumbing problems. It’s also a great way to provide potential buyers with additional peace of mind.

 

By following these easy tips, your home will shine on the market and attract more potential buyers! When you’re ready to sell your home in the Comox Valley, reach out to a local real estate agent who can help guide you through the process. Good luck!

June 5, 2023

Top 10 Tips For Buyers

Are you a first time home buyer wondering what to do? What questions to take into consideration? May it be you're feeling, overwhelmed, stuck, angry, have a look at these top 10 buyer tips that we personally recommend here at the Bryce Hansen Team.

 

1. Do your research – The Comox Valley is a beautiful area, but it also has its own unique characteristics that first-time home buyers need to be aware of before making a purchase. Educate yourself on the neighborhoods, schools and amenities available in the area to find out where you see yourself fitting into this neighborhood.

 

2. Set a budget – Before you even start looking for your home to be in the Comox Valley, it is important to know how much you can afford. Knowing the price range that you are comfortable with will help narrow down your search and keep you from making any impulse decisions when falling in love with a house outside of your price range.

 

3. Get pre-approved – Before shopping for homes, get pre-approved for a loan. This will show sellers that you are serious about buying and give you a better understanding of where your maximum price point should be before entering into negotiations.

 

4. Find the right agent – The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX is experienced in the Comox Valley Real Estate market and are here to help you find the perfect home. Working with an experienced agent can help simplify the entire process and save you time, energy and money.

 

5. Have realistic expectations - When house hunting it is important to be realistic about your expectations for a home based on what you can afford. It is better to be realistic and have a list of wants versus needs so you can focus on finding the right property for your budget.

 

6. Don’t rush it - Making an offer on the first home you see is not ideal. Take your time searching through the different homes that are available in order to find one that you can see yourself living in long-term.

 

7. Make sure you inspect – It is important to get an inspection done on any house before making a purchase. This will allow you to make an informed decision on whether or not the home is worth buying, as well as alerting you of any potential problems that need to be addressed.

 

8. Don’t forget about closing costs - Closing costs should be taken into consideration when determining the overall price of a home. These expenses can include lawyer fees, title insurance and transfer taxes and need to be factored into how much you are willing to spend on a property.

 

9. Have your finances in order - You should always have all of your financial documents ready to go before making an offer on a home. This includes proof of income, past tax returns and bank statements that can be used for mortgage pre-approval.

 

10. Be patient – With the help of The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX, you can find the perfect Comox Valley home for you. Having patience and not making any rushed decisions will help you to find just what you are looking for in a new home.

 

Good luck with your home-buying experience!

 

We hope that these 10 tips have helped prepare you for purchasing your first Comox Valley property. The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX is here to help make the process easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions arise or if you need assistance with your search.

 

Good luck!

 

May 15, 2023

10 First Time Home Buyer Tips

1. Do your research – Comox Valley Real Estate is a beautiful area, but it also has its own unique characteristics that first-time home buyers need to be aware of before making a purchase. Educate yourself on the neighborhoods, schools and amenities available in the area to find out where you see yourself fitting into this neighborhood.

 

2. Set a budget – Before you even start looking for your Comox Valley Real Estate home, it is important to know how much you can afford. Knowing the price range that you are comfortable with will help narrow down your search and keep you from making any impulse decisions when falling in love with a house outside of your price range.

 

3. Get pre-approved – Before shopping for homes, get pre-approved for a loan. This will show sellers that you are serious about buying and give you a better understanding of where your maximum price point should be before entering into negotiations.

 

4. Find the right agent – The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX is experienced in the Comox Valley Real Estate market and are here to help you find the perfect home. Working with an experienced agent can help simplify the entire process and save you time, energy and money.

 

5. Have realistic expectations - When house hunting it is important to be realistic about your expectations for a home based on what you can afford. It is better to be realistic and have a list of wants versus needs so you can focus on finding the right property for your budget.

 

6. Don’t rush it - Making an offer on the first Comox Valley Real Estate home you see is not ideal. Take your time searching through the different homes that are available in order to find one that you can see yourself living in long-term.

 

7. Make sure you inspect – It is important to get an inspection done on any house before making a purchase. This will allow you to make an informed decision on whether or not the home is worth buying, as well as alerting you of any potential problems that need to be addressed.

 

8. Don’t forget about closing costs - Closing costs should be taken into consideration when determining the overall price of a Comox Valley Real Estate home. These expenses can include lawyer fees, title insurance and transfer taxes and need to be factored into how much you are willing to spend on a property.

 

9. Have your finances in order - You should always have all of your financial documents ready to go before making an offer on a home. This includes proof of income, past tax returns and bank statements that can be used for mortgage pre-approval.

 

10. Be patient – With the help of The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX, you can find the perfect Comox Valley Real Estate home for you. Having patience and not making any rushed decisions will help you to find just what you are looking for in a new home.

Good luck with your first home-buying experience!

 

We hope that these 10 tips have helped prepare you for purchasing your first Comox Valley Real Estate property. The Bryce Hansen Team at RE/MAX is here to help make the process easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your search.

Good luck!

 

 

April 15, 2023

Things To Do In The Comox Valley This Spring

Spring has finally sprung in the Comox Valley, and with it comes a plethora of exciting activities to keep you busy! From scenic hikes to local events, we’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions for anyone looking to make the most of their time in one of BC’s most beautiful destinations. So without further ado, let's dive into some of the top things you won't want to miss doing this spring!

 

Comox Valley Exhibition

The Comox Valley Exhibition is a much-anticipated annual event that celebrates the best of the Comox Valley. This year's edition will be held from May 18-20 at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds featuring attractions and activities such as a carnival, a grand parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and much more!

 

The Springtime Tea Party

This event takes place at the Courtenay Museum on April 28th. It's a great opportunity to learn about the Victorian Era while enjoying some delicious tea and sandwiches.

 

Flower Power Fling

This annual event takes place at the Comox Valley Botanical Gardens on May 12th. It's a celebration of all things floral, with a wide variety of activities and displays to enjoy.

 

Restaurants + Cafés To Try

The Comox Valley is home to a number of great restaurants and cafes, and this spring is the perfect time to try them out! Here are some of our favourites: Locals Restaurant, Islander Pub, Driftwood Café, Little Red Riding Hood’s Bakery, and Crow & Gate Pub.

 

Hiking

With its mild weather and stunning scenery, the Comox Valley is a great place to go for a hike. There are plenty of trails to explore, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging hike. Here are some of our favorites: Mount Washington, Puntledge River Trail, Forbidden Plateau, and Nymph Falls.

 

Spring is a great time to get out and explore the Comox Valley! Whether you're looking to take part in some local festivities or just want to get outside and enjoy nature, there's no shortage of exciting activities in the area. Happy spring!

Posted in Vancouver Island
April 1, 2023

4 Tips To Buying A Home In The Spring Market

Did you know that Spring is peak house hunting season?

Traditionally, the Spring season for selling is March through June although this can vary from region to region. This time of year is the busiest time to buy a home but also the most competitive. Here are a few tips for navigating the Spring housing market.

Act fast – In a hot market, homes will not last long therefore causing low inventory. You want to be as flexible possible to attend open houses and mull over listings.

Be prepared – Ways to prepare yourself are getting a pre-approval, knowing what you can afford, hiring a real estate team, and identifying your needs and wants in a home.

Get ready for competition – With this being a popular time of year to sell, you can be faced with challenges such as bidding wars and competitive offers hence why preparation is key.

Do your research – Get to know the area, talk to locals in that neighbourhood, visit at different times of the day, and research the values of other homes in the area.

If you’re ready to buy a home this Spring, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! We are happy to help you find your dream home.

Posted in Buying a Home
March 15, 2023

Does Social Media Really Matter When It Comes To Real Estate?

Yes, social media is critical if you want your home to reach as many buyers as possible. Marketing plays a significant role in real estate thus, using social media can help maximize your business to the fullest. Platforms that we recommend to use are Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

 

 

Here are 3 ways to use these social media outlets to your advantage in real estate:

 

1. Exposure: Using a platform such as Instagram allows you to showcase photo and video footage of your listings which captures the attention of viewers. Photography and videography are very important parts of selling.

2. Engaging with potential clients: Using your platforms to interact with your audience is one of the best ways to build a relationship with them. Having loyal clients who vouch for you is extremely crucial in this business. 

 

3. Attracting a larger client base: Providing information about real estate can attract new viewers which can eventually translate into potential clients. Creating a memorable experience online can be done through compelling content that will encourage viewers to continually come back for more.

Overall, leveraging your social media is a huge benefit to connect with clients and market your business. Networking and getting your listings in front of the right people will ultimately help gain more leads and grow your company. If you don’t already, follow us on Instagram at @brycehansenteam -  we would love to connect with you!

 

 

Posted in Selling Your Home