Are you thinking about buying or selling? Yay! How exciting! Here are 11 reasons to have an experienced Realtor to help you through your home buying or selling process!

1. MLS & The Who You Know GOLDMINE

   Having access to MLS is huge. MLS is the first place everyone goes for their home search, making it crucial for your listing to be on it and stand out.  However, actually having the “Know Who” is another powerful tool. Real Estate Agents are well connected and help each other help you. Between the two powerful searches (both internal & external) that your Realtor does for you, there is no doubt your home will be sold, or your dream home will be found in no time.
   
   

2. Are You a Wiz in the Marketing BIZ?

   Realtors have access to professional marketing to advertise you're home properly and efficiently to get the job done, without you having to spend money to market it yourself. Realtors have literally everything set up from social media, websites, Google Ads, etc to make sure your home is literally EVERYWHERE! Often, realtors may refuse to show homes that are “For Sale by Owner”, due to the fact they know they are not dealing with a professional on the other end to make the process as easy for their client as possible. If you are looking to be taken seriously by buyer's agents, not miss key steps in the process, and not be at risk of a lawsuit, use a realtor.
   
   

3. Pricing Bullseye

   Do you know what goes into pricing a home? A lot more than a dollar amount that you want to see, and someone is willing to pay. Factors such as; what neighbourhood you live in, what direction your backyard (or windows if in a condo) face, views from your home, nearby amenities, waterfront or near, railroad or airport nearby, quality of nearby schools, home size and unusable vs. useable space, age of home, condition of the home, recent interior and exterior upgrades, the local market, economic indicators, etc etc. The list goes on and on…. Your realtor knows how to price your home based on all of the above and much more to ensure a quick and efficient sale, while still ensuring you receive top dollar for your initial investment.
   
   

4. Above Average Professional Negotiations

   Do you think you can handle going up to the negotiation table against a realtor? Likely not. Realtors are extremely skilled in negotiations to ensure their client(s) are more than satisfied. To ensure you are getting what you want from a deal, make sure to communicate with your realtor exactly what you are looking for, willing to pay, and of course, what you are willing to bend on. Remember, lots can be negotiated in the sale of a home, so never be afraid to ask what might be able to be included or disclosed from a sale. You will likely be surprised.
   
   

5. Objective Info & Opinions

   Sometimes, an outside perspective can be extremely beneficial.
   
   
   

6. Up-To-Date Experience

   Your realtor knows exactly what is happening in the market, the community, and the status of the deals all the time! They make sure you are not chasing homes that are already off the market, over budget, or not in your best interest. They are held to a high standard of ethics and performance set out RECBC (Real Estate Council of British Columbia), with no room for error. Your experienced realtor will provide you with all the up-to-date experience to make the sale or your home or purchase of your home painless and efficient.
   
   

7. Be Your Emotional Rock

   Home buying and selling can be stressful. But it does not have to be, and in reality, it shouldn’t be. Home buying and selling is extremely exciting! It is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make with the potential for a huge return. However, somewhere in the mix of home buying and selling, people can get emotional. And that is because of the unknown. The unknown of how to do this paperwork you have never done, or don’t understand or are unfamiliar with, or if your offer will be accepted, or what you’ll get approved for, etc. Whoa horse! Stop right there. Realtors do that stuff every, single, day. We work in your absolute best interest and will help you through every single step. We turn the confusion, into a phone call with answers to provide relief. We take the scary stuff and turn it into you smiling when getting your keys to your home on move-in day. We understand the emotion behind buying a home and are here to support you through all you might be feeling.
   
   

8. Fair, Ethical Treatment

   Each and every person receives the same treatment. Period. It doesn’t matter if you are a seller or a buyer, you are seen and treated the same. We are here to help you get into your dream home and smoothly and efficiently as possible. And that’s all there is to it.

9. Local Knowledge

   There is no one that knows what’s up in a community as a realtor! They know everyone, know the business owners, know the locals, know the very best restaurants and schools, know what events are happening when etc. If you talk to your realtor about your life, what you like, what’s important to you and/or your family, they will make it a priority to bring you to homes in an area that is best suited to you.
   
   

10. Legal Protection!!

    There is A LOT of paperwork involved in buying a home. Lots of processes, lots of paper, lots of coordinating. Do you truly understand it all? Do you understand where you stand legally? Do you understand what you are legally able to ask for when buying a home? Do you understand what legal processes to take if and when things go south from doing it yourself? Realtors do! They know what to look for, how to combat it, and always make sure it’s done in your very best interest.
    
    

11. Expert Guidance Through the Process

    As mentioned and listed everywhere above, one point to sum it all up is expert guidance. From legalities, local knowledge, contracts, negotiation, marketing, pricing, levelling emotions, and a friend to help you find exactly what you want, where you want, to build your perfect future.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… 

Make sure you pick a realtor you like and will get the job done to your standard. The most experienced (and successful) realtors will have a Real Estate Team who are all working to get you exactly what you need as efficiently as possible. They will have multiple agents so you can pick who you want to work with the most, while still having the benefit of the whole team supporting you for maximum success. 

What would you do for an extra $1,000, maybe $5,000, or maybe even $10,000+? Here are a couple reasons why a seller may not choose the highest dollar value offer. 

1. Cash Offers > Loan
   
   

   Cash offers are a whole lot more reliable than any offer with a loan. Especially a loan-contingent offer. If the seller has a priority to close quickly, they may be more inclined to accept a cash offer even if it was lower than an offer with a loan.
   
   
   

2. Contingencies Kill
   
   

   Contingencies can kill a deal. Even the highest of offers can be turned down if they have too many or “all the wrong” contingencies. A lower offer with less to no contingencies can offer peace of mind to the seller and less complications. If prospected buyers wave inspections, appraisals, financing, then you know the odds of them backing out are slim.
   
   
   

3. Qualification
   
   

   A well-qualified buyer may be your very best bet. A qualified buyer may start low, but expresses serious interest in your home. They may be the best and safest bet. Ask your realtor to qualify each buyers potential. The ones with the most potential and who have expressed high interest may be the best to offer a counter offer.
   
   
   

4. Time
   
   

   Your time is valuable. Chances are, if you're selling a home, you are working with an important deadline. If you need to stay as long as you can so you can save money on rent and storage, choosing an offer that allows for that may be the best choice.
   
   
   

5. Personal Property
   
   

   If there are multiple offers, do not ask for personal property, especially personal property that was listed as not available. Your offer could be similar to many others and asking for additional personal property can get you booted from the runnings.

   
    

Keep in mind these helpful tips when making an offer on a home. They could get you the home of your dreams, and make for an easy move for the seller! It’s a double win! 

We have all been thinking it… “man, if I listed my home this year, I would be so happy with the price I would get!…”. For those of you (and by you, I mean me too!) that are still on the fence wither they should sell or not, here are four great reasons to sell your home before the summer is over. 

1. Your House Will Sell Quickly

   A recent market update from Ocean Pacific Remax in Courtenay showed an average of home staying on the market for 17 days in June of 2021, and 25 days in July of 2021. Having a low amount of average days on the market is a very strong indicator of buyer competition, meaning, buyers are more willing than ever to do what it takes to buy their perfect home (being your home!).

2. Buyers Are Willing to Compete for Your Home

   Multiple offers (as scary and threatening as they may feel) are a constant reality in this market. It can be a bit menacing to buyers, although it does not need to be, however it is a great situation to be in for sellers! The National Association of Realtors is reporting sellers seeing an average of five “competitive offers”. This is a wonderful situation to be in as a seller because you can select whatever offer makes the most sense for you in your situation.

3. When There Is a Low Market Supply, There Is a Hight Market Demand for Homes Like Yours!

   As more homes become available on the market as the months of 2021 go on, we see less and less competition in the market. Meaning less competitive offers, less multiple offers, and less flexible offers coming in. When the supply is low (as it still is now), more competitive offers, higher priced offers, and unconditional offers keep flowing in! Homes that are new on the market stand out like shining stars (when priced correctly). As we move along in 2021 and into 2022, we will see a lot more inventory become available meaning less people interested in your home if you miss the window of opportunity.

4. Higher Home Equity, Lower Interest Payments

   Currently, in the months of August and September 2021, your home will likely sell for a higher price due to market demand. You will therefor have more equity in your home, increasing your buying power. This higher home equity combined with low interest rates strengthens your overall buying power to buy a new home closer to the home of your dreams.

What If I Sell My House and Find Nothing I Want To Buy or Keep Getting Out Bit?

Always make sure you go into selling your home with a plan. Know roughly where you are going to move, have a backup, know for roughly how long, and how much you want to spend and can spend. In such a competitive market place, you may even want to consider moving back in with your parents or in-laws temporarily, renting, or even going full hippie ad moving into a trailer for a couple months. The world is your oyster and you are the one who needs to figure out what is realistic for you and your situation. There is currently more and more inventory becoming available on the market every week. It all just depends on your wants and needs. 

If you are thinking of selling, call your trusted realtor and see what makes the most sense for you. 

Capital Gains. When you read that word did you cringe? Because I sure did. Below are some pointers to help you lower Capital Gains paid after the sale of your home! 

WHAT EXACTLY ARE CAPITAL GAINS? 

Capital Gains occur when you make money on something you bought. In our situation, it’s real estate. So capital gains on a home is when you make money on the sale of your home because it increased in value from when you originally bought it. But isn’t a home increasing in value the whole point of buying and selling real estate? Sure is, but getting taxed through the nose for it doesn’t need to be the main focus. 

The idea behind Capital Gains is to encourage people to invest in long term assets. 

WHEN AM I SUPPOSED TO PAY CAPITAL GAINS? 

In short, whenever you have an asset that appreciates in value, you will have to pay capital gain on it. In most cases, you do not pay tax on a capital gain until you sell that asset. 

Capital gains can be considered “realized” or “unrealized”. A realized capital gain is when you sell an asset and sold if for more than you bought it for. An unrealized asset is when you have an asset increasing in value, like a home or stocks, and have not sold them yet. 

HOW MUCH ARE CAPITAL GAINS? 

Capital gains is a form of income tax. It is added to your annual earnings. In Canada, 50% of the value of capital gains are taxable. Meaning, 50% of the total profit made on the home. So for simple math sake, if you bought a home for $500,000, and sold it for $800,000, you would pay 50% of the difference to add to your annual income tax. So the total you would add to your annual income tax would be $150,000 and the other $150,000 we will show you some tips and tricks on what to do with below. 

This “50%” is added onto your annual income. Meaning the amount of actual tax you will pay, will vary based on your total annual income. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY CAPITIAL GAINS? 

In short, yes (depending on situation). CRA will ensure you pay your portion to them. But there is an exception. If it is your principal and only residence, and meets all the requirements. Here they are below: 

1. How long do I need to live in a residence to claim it as a principal residence and qualify for Principal Residence Exception?The CRA does not CURRENTLY have a hard rule on how long you must live in the dwelling to qualify for PRE. However, consult with a lawyer or real estate professional prior to making those decisions.

   The CRA does analyze evidence such as length of time in the dwelling, all sources of income, real estate purchasing patterns, to establish if the dwelling is actually a principal residence or if they are making an income on their principal residence etc. CRA may challenge your claim and ask what the reason for moving is.

2. Can secondary properties, such as cottages, be made a principal residence and eligible for PRE?
   Most properties can be designated as a principal residence as long as the owner or the family inhabit it regularly throughout the calendar year being claimed. However, be aware, only one property, per year, per family, can be designated a principal residence. A capital gain can also arise if the residence is lived in for some but not all the years or ownership. When selling one of multiple properties, an owner can make it their principal residence for all or part of the years of ownership to be able to use the most of the exemption as they can and reduce the amount of capital gains paid.

3. Can properties that generate income be deemed a principal residence and eligible for PRE?
   In short, no. Property that is used primarily to generate income or that is considered inventory does not qualify for PRE. This includes property that is soley rented out, or when the owner occupies one unit and rents out the others.

   Exceptions include, Air BnB type rentals which the owner otherwise occupies as their primary residence. 

SO HOW DO I MINIMIZE HOW MUCH I PAY IN CAPITAL GAINS?

There are a couple factors that can either inflate or deflate how much you pay in capital gains. When looking to sell your home, keep these factors in mind to help reduce the amount of capital gains paid.

#1 Timing is Everything

As mentioned above, capital gains are based on how much income you make total that year. So if you are having a year where you make less than normal, that might be the perfect time for you to sell and claim your capital gains. In short, the lower your income the lower your tax rate, the less in capital gains you pay! 

For example, if you sold an income property for a profit of $65,000. 

If your annual income was $100,000 you would pay $38,515 in federal and provincial tax (Varies based on province and situations) with a marginal tax rate of 43%. 

If your annual income was $50,000 you would pay $17,880 in taxes and your marginal tax rate would drop to 31.5% with total tax savings of $20,635. 

So many families will time the sale of their income property to be when they go on maternal/paternal leave. Or a year they know they will be making less in some regards maybe due to upgrading education or a big job change etc. Every situation is different. 

#2 Defer your Earnings 

A really great strategy to save on capital gains is to defer your earnings on the sale of your home because you only owe tax on earnings you received. 

Again, let’s assume your annual earnings where $50,000 and the sale of your property lands you $100,000 in profit. You would theoretically owe $24,500 ish in taxes for the first year, and about $8,000 in tax each year after that with a total hit of $48,500 ish. However, if you asked the buyer to stagger the payments so that you only receive $25,000 each year for the next four years, the total tax bill would be $46,800 ish. This doesn’t sound like a lot but when applying RRSP contributions, charitable contributions, and self employment expenses the tax savings add up very quickly. 

When looking to defer capital gains, there are a few rules to apply:
1. It can be claimed up to five years.
2. You must pay on a minimum of 20% of the earnings each year.

#3 Create Tax Deductions

Another great strategy is to claim capital losses to offset capital gains. Maybe sell as stock that is less that what you bought it for or sell something as a loss. However, once again, there are some rules that apply to this strategy as well:
1. The asset for sale must be sold for a fair market value. You cannot create a superficial loss by selling an asset for less the it is worth on an open market.
2. To use a loss or offset capital gains the asset cannot reside in a registered account such as a RRSP, RESP, RDSP, or TFSA.

#4 Contribute to Registered Accounts

Another great and beneficial way to offset capital gains is contribute to your RRSP! With the extra money earned from the property sold you can contribute to your RRSP to offset immediate taxes. You will have to pay taxes on it though when you withdraw from the account in the future. This strategy works best when an individual has a significant unused RRSP contribution from prior years.

#5 Avoid a Large Tax Bill as a Retiree or Someone Looking to Retire

People looking to retire and retirees should look to avoid fluctuating annual income as much as possible. Higher income can result in claw-backs of government income based benefits such as Old Age Security.
A great strategy for retiring or retirees is to split their income. Married and common-law couples have the ability to split their income in half (or by percentages) so if there is one spouse earning less they can even it out and pay less on total capital gains. 

Another great way is to use a TFSA to shelter investment income from tax and minimize or avoid reductions. 

#6 Charitable Donations

Another great way to offset capital gains is through charitable donations. If for example you were planning to make a charitable donation of $1,000, instead of selling the asset (say a stock), and paying capital gains on it, donate the stock. The charity will then give you a charitable recipe for tax purposes and it will not trigger capital gains. You can then use this charitable donation to offset capital gains on your home! 

When gifting assets to family it does not eliminate the capital gains. They will still need to be paid. However if the property has lost value, gifting it to a family member is in your best interests to keep it and use it as a capital loss. 

No matter what, be sure to consult with a lawyer, real estate agent or tax professional. Creative tax strategies can get you in lots of trouble and you could end up paying for life instead of just a couple thousand. The chances of you not paying capital gains at all is very low, however if you can lower them even a little, every dollar counts. 

Looking for some quick and easy ways to transform your backyard into an ultimate summer paradise? Well look no further! Here are some easy, fun and great ideas to add value to your yard and make for the perfect summer hangout spot!  

1. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Pergola

   Especially with the heat we have been having, look into a pergola! This can set you up with some much needed shade to allow for outside time to be comfortable instead if feeling like you are melting.
   Jazz up your pergola with an outdoor dining set, or maybe some chairs and couches, or heck, even a hammock will be great! Go as fancy as you want by adding outdoor rugs, curtains, planter boxes to make your pergola feel like a tropical escape!
   Need a cheaper alternative? Look into Gian patio umbrellas! These can look both elegant and be functional in an outdoor seating space!
   
   

2. Outdoor Lighting

   Seems simple right? But some cool string lights, or tiki torches (when there is no fire bans), or even some cool spot lights, can drastically change the vibe of your yard! There are many types of outdoor lights for many different price points. Check out Pinterest for some great backyard lighting ideas and work within your budget! 
   
   

3. Seasonal Landscaping

   Make sure when landscaping, you choose plants for all four seasons. This will greatly improve your curb appeal and also your mood!
   Choose flowing plants for spring and summer, some lovely changing ones for fall, and something that stays green all winter!
   Include it in all landscaping areas.
   
   

4. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Fire Pit

   Home fire pits are always great. They are an easy addition to your yard and add so much fun to one place. They add an awesome appeal and just give the yard that home feel. However, make sure you check your local fire laws before building one. You may need to select a propane fire pit over a real fire pit. Also always remember to check for fire bans before burning propane fires or real fires. They can cost you more then they are worth!
    

5. Gussy Up Your Garden

   Let’s be real, we all love a home garden. That proud moment when someone is like “wow this is so fresh and delicious” and you flip your hair and say “why thanks, I grew it in my garden”, wink, wink. But the one thing about gardens, is they look bad in the yard. Full honesty! So find a way to gussy up your garden! Whether it’s layered planter boxes, or a vertical wall garden, or a tiny green house in the far back corner of the yard and you disguise it with some shrubs and bigger bushes, etc. Look for some easy and awesome Pinterest ideas. But for the love of your yard and your re-sale value, gussy up that garden!
   
   

6. Make Your Own “Drive-In” Movie!

   Whether it’s the side of your house, or side of the fence with a little projector, you can create such a fun space (we have done this with the kids during fire bans as a fun alternative). Either create a space in your yard or make it up as you go! But all it takes is a projector, a bed sheet, an extension chord, comfy stuff to sit on, and move snacks of course! And viola!
   
   

7. Set Up a Hammock

   A hammock can be an easy and cheap way to really enjoy your yard! Find a comfy spot, maybe some half sun half shade and cuddle up with a good book!
   
   

8. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Shed

   A shed is a great way to hide all the unsightly yard things like cushions storage, gardening tools, lawn mowers, etc. And you can really make a nice looking shed that adds value and compliments your yard depending on how much you want to spend. You can also buy some really nice (Ikea like ready to set up), sets at the end of season. Always make sure the shed is out of the way and not the centrepiece of the yard.
   
   

9. Deck Out

   Again, depending on budget, build, or have a deck built! It can be an aging addition to your yard and extremely functional. Building a deck is not hard if you have the time and are feeling ambitious. There are plenty of build plans online or you can even have a custom build plan done for cheap!
   
   
   

10. New Pillows!

    For a functional outdoor set you already have and it is just, well, not  “doing it” for you, try just changing out or reupholstering the cushions! It can make the whole set look like new and add a whole new vibe to the back yard without having to buy a whole new set!
    Get some matching outdoor decor, maybe a new outdoor rug, and the space will look like a million bucks! 
    
    

11. Pave the Pathways!

    Seems simple right? Whether its some simple stones, or a stamped concrete, etc, it will look great and add all kinds of value to your yard. And best of all…. Drum roll please… less grass to cut!
    Seriously though, adding pathways adds dimension and dynamic to your yard while serving a functional purpose.
    
    
    

12. Plant Fruit Trees

    Yes fruit trees! Why not right? These trees normally flower and look beautiful and they can feed the family. Make sure they stay well pruned and groomed and look their best and are not the centre of attention in your yard. Keep them off to the side in the garden with the rest of the landscape.
    
    
    

13. Game Zone

    Make a fun game zone with horse shoes, corn hole, giant jenga etc. You can set up a little enclosed game space with some adirondack chairs and string lights for the ultimate fun backyard!

Summer is not over yet! And with end of season blowout sales it makes it the perfect time to upgrade the backyard. 

Happy backyard reno'ing! 

When buying or selling a home it is crucial that you pick an agent that is right for you! You are going to be dealing with this person up close and personal for a couple weeks to a couple months and entrusting them with likely - your greatest financial asset. 

Here are a couple tips to consider to help you pick your best Real Estate Agent! 

1. Time & Skin in The Game

   Questions such as how long have you been a Real Estate Agent? Why did you pick to become a Real Estate Agent? How do you like being a Real Estate Agent? What is the best and worst thing about your job?
   Questions like these give you information on who your Real Estate agent really is and what their attitude and values are like. I’m sure to some natural conversation will come up in between and you will truly start to see if they are the right fit for you and vice versa.
   To see how serious they are about Real Estate check out their social media, website, and Google them. Does it look like they handle their social media and website themselves? Or does it look professional and like they have put some money behind it? When you Google them, are they on the first page or a top search result? Or are they 5 pages in? This is a quick way to tell how well they are set up and how serious they are about Real Estate and handling your assets.
   
   

2. Full Time, Part Time, Causal, or Team

   It’s also important to ask your potential Relator “How much time a week do you spend working as a Relator?”. A Real Estate agent that “squeezes” you in between another job, kids, friends, sporting matches, a long list of other hobbies, and their daily life, may not be the best fit for you and your schedule. Not to say Real Estate agents don’t have lives and families, but a Real Estate Agent that works full-time as a Relator will be able to help you and accommodate your schedule much better.
   Real Estate Teams are a great service too! You have a group of people working together to make your dream happen! If something were to come up and your agent isn’t able to make it, don’t worry because someone on their team will. Real Estate Teams also typically have a full-time marketing person or agency to ensure your home is marketed properly, effectively, and professionally.
   
   

3. Do You Have Some References to Back That Up?

   Real Estate agents should have many references. Try and look for an agent that either has some listed on their website or has some video testimonials! You really have to like someone to go on camera for them and give them a good referral. So that’s always an amazing sign!!
   Check rankmyagent.com. This is a website that ranks and compares top Real Estate agents in a given area!
   Check their Google and Facebook reviews too!!
   
   

4. How Many Clients Are You Servicing Right Now? What’s Your “Normal” Average of Clients Being Managed at the Same Time?

   Real Estate Agents are human. Just like everyone else in every day life, people can get overwhelmed. And in the home buying/selling process, you do not want to be put on the back burner. So again, choosing a Real Estate Team can be one of the greatest choices for you! Instead of one person doing EVERYTHING themselves, they now have an assistant to finish paperwork, a marketer, a photographer, a client care specialist, and more Relators for backup!! This takes off hours of work from a Relators plate and a lot of stress. So that they can focus on the things most important, you! You can rest easy knowing you’ll be getting the best and most efficient services!
   
   

5. Local Knowledge & Expertise

   How well do you know the area? What’s the best place to get lunch around here? What a great park near here? What’s a good idea for a date night here to show my partner?
   A couple small qualifying questions for how well someone knows the area never hurt! If they can tell you good spots they like and spots you might to, chances are their local knowledge is pretty good! Ask them how long they have been in the area, and how long they have been doing Real Estate in this area. They will be better able to steer you in the right direction for your home buying process!
   
   

6. What’s you Marketing Strategy for My Home?

   Again, before asking this check their social media, website, current listings, and you will get the answer you need. Doesn’t hurt to see what they may offer you though just by asking the question. In today’s day and age, it’s also great to ask if they will do a virtual tour. If they already have a photographer that does that, all the better! You know it is going to be professionally done.
   
   

7. How Can We Communicate?

   Ask your Relator how you can communicate with them! If they say something like only by email, and only between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, chances are, they might not be working so hard for you. If you have a Relator that is very flexible and always ready to help, they will be working for you.
   
   

8. What Makes You Different Than Other Agents?

   This question is a great one to ask. You will find out things about their personality based on if they say things like “well…. I’m just the best….” Or if they can state actual benefits to working with them.
   
   

9. Meet a Couple Different Agents

   Meet with a couple agents and compare them. Ask them the questions above and see what one sits the best with you!
   
   

10. Connections

    Make sure the agent you choose you have a connection with. As cheesy as it sounds, you want to work with someone that you will enjoy your time together during this process. Working with someone who you don’t necessarily personally like can take away the fun from the whole home buying/selling process!

Picking the right agent needs to be a mix of your best local expert, and someone you would call your friend. Make sure you take the time to select one you like. Also ensure you look into Real Estate Teams to maximize the efficiency of your service.

Today we are seeing that supply is not meeting demand in the marketplace. In other words, there are not enough houses for sale and too many buyers! Therefore, we are seeing a lot of homes that are getting multiple offers. Here is how to get into the home of your dreams when facing a multiple offer situation! 

Pre-Offer

1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Qualified, Approved!

Pre-qualified and pre-approved are two different things. As homes get listed in the British Colombia they sell very quickly. To get approved after seeing your perfect home, may be too late. So before starting your home search, find out what you are approved for and work within your budget. This also is a very desirable factor when starting negotiations! If you’re competing against someone who is pre-qualified and you’re pre-approved, the seller is more likely to go with your offer because they can be more confident that the sale will compete with other offers. 

2. Enlist the Help of Your Expert Real Estate Team

Working with an expert Real Estate Team (yes team, not agent) is the best way to go! A team has more than one agent always looking for your perfect home. If one agent is tied up, someone else on their team will be available for you. Your expert Real Estate Team has ample hands to help with your process the whole way, and as quickly as possible.

3. Be Available to View Properties and React Quickly!

Just as quick as properties are being listed, they are selling with multiple offers. So be available to see listings as they show up and potentially make an offer later that day or week! And remember, your Expert Real Estate Team is here to make the process as quick and efficient as possible, so you get your dream house. As scary as it may be to move quickly, they have your back and will make it happen in your best interest.

When Making the Offer

1. Have Fewer Contingencies

When you are in a situation with multiple offers, strive to have the least contingencies possible, while still protecting yourself. This will help make your offer the most desirable in the bunch. Those with many contingencies typically offer a “risk” to the seller. So, they are less likely to accept such risk when there was someone with less risk. Often, a seller will accept an offer with fewer contingencies over one with a higher dollar value but more contingencies.

2. Work with the Sellers

Take the time to understand what the sellers’ plans are with moving. If you can adapt to their needs as closely or as much as possible, the chances of your offer being accepted are much greater. Allowing the seller to select a closing date can be a strong note to make in your offer to make it more valuable to them.

3. Make a Large Deposit

A buyer must provide an acceptable purchase deposit. The larger the value, the more serious and interested in the purchase of the home you will convey, leaning the offer in your favour. Make sure you make a deposit that is generous but that you are comfortable with!

4. Make a Strong Offer

DO NOT LOWBALL, in a multiple offer situation. You will be very quickly shot out of the deal! You want to put your best foot forward in a multiple offer situation to give yourself the best shot at winning the deal. Make a reasonable offer and be flexible with contingencies. If you need more clarity on strong offers and what flexible contingencies you may need to have, ask your Expert Real Estate Team.

5. ASK!

There is no obligation of a seller agent to disclose what offers are on the table, but you can ask questions such as “What has the seller turned down?”, “What might make the offer more desirable?” Etc. You may or may not get an answer, but it does not hurt to ask!

We understand how scary and threatening multiple offer deals are and feel. But do not fret, having the right help and support through the process with some strong leadership will be a huge help and relief to you. Keep in mind that you will likely not get every house you put an offer in on, but keep your chin up and keep trying your time will come! 

Ever have that itch that you want a little home project, but not a massive one? Or are you a procrastinator and have a long list of big things to do that just feels unattainable? Well whichever one you are, here is your sign to do something small to satisfy that little itch, or an easy completion project to make you feel good and motivated to take on more of your list! 

Here are a couple easy DIY’s that will make your space feel even more like home, and give you that satisfaction of completing a project! 

ORGANIZE AND PRETTY-FY THAT PANTRY!

Oh yeah. Do it. Trust me, you will feel a million times better by finally completing the task probably at the very bottom of your tedious things to do!
Take the time to pull everything, yes EVERYTHING, out and sort it by quantity, category, most used, however it works for you. Toss anything expired or if not expired and just no longer enjoyed (and un-opened) donate to your local food bank! Taking the time to organize your pantry saves your mental sanity and your wallet. Once you know what you have, you won’t double purchase things and just keep trying to stuff them in.
If you really want to go all out, get some nice jars and labels for your most common items and spices. This will give it a lovely aesthetic and make you feel good! However, it then may take over 30 min.

ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET

Yes another dreadful one…. But again, you will feel like a million bucks! Get ride of all your old rags by either selling them or donating them! Fold or hang everything nicely and develop a system and flow that works nicely for you! All those wired little things that you don’t know what to do with put in nice baskets or decorative boxes. Maybe even consider putting in a closet organizer! Whatever works and suits you.

PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR 

Over time outdoor paint can, well, let's just say loose its lustre. Especially a high contact point like your front door. Why not mix things us and give it a fresh coat of paint or paint it a whole new colour? Mix things up! But always keep in mind your overall curb appeal. Stay away from bright and unusual colours like bright pink.

SWAP THE KNOBS 

Door knobs, kitchen knobs, bathroom knobs, closets, whatever! Change them up, why not right? Knobs alone can really change the look of a hole space! Just make sure they all match and there is a constant theme across the house. 

UPGRADE LAMP SHADES
I know you read that and you had “that” lamp came to mind. Don’t swap the lamp though, just the shade! The base can be painted or re-vamped, but the shad can change the rooms dynamic yet again. Look to a more modern shade with sharper features and more minimalism so it does not take away from the room, but complements it. 

RE-PAINT FURNITURE 

Let's be real. You don’t need a whole new furniture set… maybe just a fresh coat of paint! Go look for some pin-spo-ration and see what cheap DIY’s can re-vamp your whole homes style! For some wood furniture, maybe just get some stain match pens to fill in those scrapes. You can make a $25 piece of furniture look like a $200 piece of furniture with a little paint/stain and some elbow grease. 

RE-STYLE YOUR SHELVES 

To start, start by decluttering a bit. Find a way to style shelves so they are pretty and functional. Again, I suggest looking for some pin-spo-ration on this one. But it will change they dynamic and look of the room big time! Add some dynamic to them too, books, photos, plants, statement pieces can all look great when paired properly on shelves. The goal is style and functionality! 

HANG SOME ART OR REARRANGE IT

Another simple way to change the space up a bit! You might discover something you like much better than what you currently have. Or you might find that perfect piece now hat your on the hunt. Find something that works with your style and colours and remember not to crowd walls too much. It can make the room seem smaller which is bad for resale value and staging your home. 

As small and maybe tedious as some may sound, you will love yourself for doing them after. It’s a lot of the little things that make a big difference in your everyday living!