The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place. 
 
Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with us to sell or purchase a home, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your transaction has closed. We’ll continue to be a resource, offering advice and referrals whenever you need them on packing, hiring movers and contractors, and acclimating to your new home and neighbourhood. 
 
When it comes to a life event as stressful as moving, it pays to have a professional by your side. Here are some of our favourite pro tips to share with clients as they prepare for an upcoming move. 
 
1. Watch out for moving scams.
 
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No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling in a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible. 
 
Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.
 
For example, here are seven common mistakes that many home sellers make. These can cause anxiety, cost you time, and shrink your financial proceeds. Fortunately, we can help you avert these missteps and set you up for a successful and low-stress selling experience instead.
 
 
MISTAKE # 1: Setting An Unrealistic Price
 
Many sellers believe that p; ...

BCREA 2022 Second Quarter Housing Forecast





 






MLS® residential sales in the province are forecast to decline 22% from a record high 2021 to 97,240 units this year. In 2023, MLS®residential sales are forecast to fall an additional 12.4% to 85,150 units.   





 











 






“After a strong first quarter, BC markets are now adjusting to a much different interest rate environment,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “With mortgage rates surpassing 4 per cent for the first time in over a decade, the housing market over the next two years may have very little resemblance to the housing market of the past year.” 

On the supply side, we have begun to see active listings move from record lows and re-sale inventories trend back toward balance. However, because inventories reached such low levels over the past year, the journey back to balance may tak ...

Canada's housing market hit a boiling point last year as homebuyers clambered for real estate in regions with significantly more demand than supply. But now that homeowners and buyers alike are feeling the pinch of rising interest rates and record inflation, the market appears to finally be simmering down.
 
That, in turn, could create a welcome opening for shoppers to be more selective with their searches. However, buyers hoping for a major downturn in prices may be left disappointed. Although home values in some segments are beginning to sag under the weight of higher borrowing costs, a persistent housing shortage is expected to keep prices high.
 
Read on for a closer look at some of the top factors impacting Canada's real estate market and how they could affect you. 
 
 
RISING MORTGAGE RATES ARE COOLING AN OVERHEATED MARKET
 
Over the past couple of years, homebuyers have faced record-high price appreciation and intense competition—int ...

Staged homes can sell quicker and for a higher price, because they showcase the home’s best features and downplay its weaknesses. 

What is Home Staging? 

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by increasing its appeal to a wide range of homebuyers.  

You want homebuyers to easily envision themselves moving in and living there. They need to see it as their dream home. 

Here’s what you can do: 

1. Focus on the key rooms 

There are several areas that homebuyers are zeroing in on when they look at your home, with the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and dining room topping the list. 

If you can’t get to every room, make sure that you spend your time, energy, and money on these rooms. 

2. Clean, clean, clean 

If you can’t stage every room in your home, you can still clean every room. It’s essential. It signals pride of ownership; ...