Friday 16 August 2013

BC Housing Market.

Check out this link to see how the BC housing market is doing!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVE66g3NDmg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUiK9hex2u-kM7UHOXGVboZw

Friday 9 August 2013

Kelowna's Market Remain Strong!

Traditionally, July tends to be somewhat of a quieter month than May or June but this year was certainly not the case. July continued the strong activity we saw in June with 472 properties sold, an increase of 13% over July, 2012 according to the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board statistics. Our RE/MAX Kelowna office saw an outstanding increase of 46% over the same month last year giving us close to a 35% market share in July.

The board stats also show an increase again this month for average sales price at 3.45%. Single family homes were up 2.72% and condos up 14.43% indicating that if buyers are still sitting on the fence waiting for prices to drop likely have missed their window of opportunity. This does not mean we are now going to start seeing significant price increases but it does indicate we are in a solid balanced market. Meaning sellers are still going to have to list their properties competitively but buyer’s can no longer think they can pick up a steal of a deal with a low ball offer.

It will be interesting to see if this momentum continues into August and September before we see the seasonal market slow down.

New Listing #201 250 Dougall Road, N

Bright Corner Unit close to bus loop and shopping. Immaculate Condition. Furnished if desired. Just move in! Walking distance to bus loop and Shopping. Very nice building. Some furniture and dishes included. Verify measurements if important. Call Steve Higgins RE/MAX Kelowna 250.864.7893 for showings.

Thursday 8 August 2013

Vacation Time


Summer vacation time is here, if you are planning on going away. Here are some helpful do's and don'ts.
Most burglars check for four things: something worth stealing, easy access to the house, low visibility, and a home that is unoccupied. If all of these conditions are met, your home is an easy target. Here are some quick Do’s and Don’ts will help towards protecting your home.

Do

  • Fool thieves by making your home look occupied at all times. Use light timers, or timers for the TV or a radio.
  • Change the pattern of the lights you leave on when you’re away. Leaving the same light on always could tip-off thieves and signal you aren’t home.
  • Maintain an everyday appearance by leaving some curtains and blinds open.
  • Turn down the volume on your phone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.
  • Keep outside gates locked.
  • Keep the door between the garage and the house locked.
  • Install motion detector lights outside to ensure the perimeter of your house is well lit.
  • Organize or participate in a community watch program.
  • Lock valuables and important documents in a safe or other secure location.
  • Ask one of your neighbours to park their car in your driveway.
  • Cancel newspapers and have a neighbour pick up fliers and other papers from your porch.
  • Trim back bushes and shrubs that might obstruct entries to your home.

Don't

  • Leave a message on your answering machine saying that you aren’t at home.
  • Let newspapers and mail pile up. Ask someone you trust to collect your newspapers and mail daily while you are away.
  • Leave garbage cans out on the curb.
  • Leave a key hidden outside under a flower pot or window sill. Thieves know where to look!
  • Leave tools or ladders outside which can be used to gain access to your home.
  • Leave valuable items in clear view of the windows.
Also, ask someone you trust to "house sit", especially if you plan to be away for an extended period of time. If possible, leave an itinerary and contact details with a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member. Ask them to keep an eye on your home and report anything suspicious to police.

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Come Check out my Newest Listing 229 Ranchland Court!

Amazing Family Home on Huge Private Lot. Could be 5 Bedrooms or Keep as 2nd family room and office on Main. Suite Potential. Garage can be converted back. All new floors, roof and much more. Open concept. Cul-de-sac location. Room for RV. Bright spacious updated kitchen. 3 beds up. This is a wonderful family home ready with a great layout offering many options for the family. Great for home office or could be suited for the in-laws or mortgage helper. This home shows very well. Call Steve Higgins RE/MAX Kelowna for easy viewing. 250-864-7893