Friday, February 27, 2015

Just Listed Lovely Lakeview 5 Bedroom Family Home

So you're ready for the big move, and you've been thinking about a family home in the area of Shannon Lake, but just haven’t found “the one” or thought you couldn't afford "the one". Well look no further, this house has a lot to offer at a "won't break the bank" price point. Quiet no through street, flat driveway, RV parking, nice flat pool sized back yard, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a just a lovely lake view from the kitchen and dining room right through to the living room. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening sunsets gazing at the lake and the skyline beyond. Kids can walk to Shannon Lake Elementary, the convenience store down the hill and also to the Shannon Lake Regional Park and Walking trails and kids play area…. this area has it all.

Don’t wait on this one, you’re just minutes to everything!


 For more information and details go to www.connectwithkaren.com & then call Karen Guy, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty #102 - 3480 Carrington Rd., Westbank BC V4T 3C1 at 250.768.8001 or 250.878.3605. MLS®10094634



I am the GUY that will make a difference!

I specialize in selling homes in the in the Okanagan Valley including Westbank, West Kelowna, Peachland with a focus on Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates and Shannon Lake.

Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com/

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

"Drive Up Appeal": Get your Property Ready to Show.


 When preparing your property to show, work your way from the outside in. It is essential
that your home possess a certain “drive-up appeal.” Remember, a potential buyer’s first
impression of your house is formed while s/he is still sitting in the realtor’s car. So, first
you need to view your house from this perspective. Go stand on the opposite curb and
observe your property. Compare it to surrounding properties. Concentrate on the
following three areas:


Landscaping:
How does your landscaping measure up compared to the rest of the neighbourhood? If
you guess it would rate below-average, make a few adjustments. You might want to
consider buying some bushes and planting them around the property. Do not buy trees,
however—mature trees are expensive, so you will not see a return on your investment.
And immature trees don’t tend to significantly improve the immediate appearance of your
home.

If the problem with your yard isn’t a case of too little greenery, but rather too much, get
out the pruning shears. The purpose of landscaping is to complement the home, not hide
it. Overgrown shrubs should be sheared to a height near the bottom of the windows.
Remove any ivy clinging to the side of the house. Tree limbs should be high enough that
you’re able to walk beneath. Trim any branches that bar the way.

Your lawn should be freshly cut and watered, and an even colour. If there are brown
spots, make sure you begin to remedy this well in advance of putting the house on the
market. You may want to re-sod areas, and you need to make sure these spots are given
enough time to grow, so they will match the existing lawn. Also, if you decide to use
fertilizer, you’ll want to allow enough time for it to take effect. Rake up any leaves or
grass cuttings.

Planting a few flowers is an easy way to add colour and vibrancy to your yard, enhancing
the first impression of your home. Invest in a full flat of mature, colourful flowers, such
as petunias or periwinkles, which last the length of the growing season. Do not buy bulbs
or seeds—they won’t necessarily grow enough by the time you begin showing to achieve
the desired effect. If you don’t have an area in which to plant flowers, consider
purchasing a few flower pots for your porch and planting flowers or blooming plants.
If you have a pool, keep it sparkling and leaf-free.

House Exterior:
When you view your house from across the street, does it appear weathered or faded? If
so, it’s probably time to treat it to a fresh coat of paint. This is usually a sound
investment; new paint can do wonders to increase a home’s perceived value.
Stay away from unusual or loud colours. The new colour should fit in with surrounding
houses, and complement the style and structure of your house.

Examine the roof closely. Old or leaking roofs should be replaced. If there are leaks,
you’ll have to disclose this detail to the home buyer anyway, and they will want it
replaced. If there isn’t any apparent damage, however, wait for word from the home
inspector before making repairs.

The Front Door and Porch:
The front door and surrounding area should look particularly fresh and welcoming, as this
will be the buyer’s first up-close impression as they enter the house. If you paint nothing
else, at least give the door a new coat. Replace the doorbell if it is broken and polish the
door fixture until it gleams. Wash the mail box.

Keep the porch swept and buy a new plush door mat. All of these little things will contribute to the overall effect of a well cared-for and welcoming home. Ensure the lock works smoothly and the key fits properly. When a home buyer visits your house, the Realtor will open the front door with a key. You don’t want the buyers’ first experience to be of waiting on the doorstep while the Realtor fumbles with the lock.                                         

 I am the GUY that will make a difference!

I specialize in selling homes in the in the Okanagan Valley including Westbank, West Kelowna, Peachland with a focus on Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates and Shannon Lake.

Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001

http://www.connectwithkaren.com/

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Just Listed: Plenty of Room for the Whole Family!

There is plenty of room for the whole family here! Have you often wondered and asked yourself could I really have a house that gives me everything I need? A nicely landscaped and manicured backyard complete with play structure for the kids that backs onto green space, is walking distance to both the brand new Mar Joc elementary school and a corner store, AND it has income generating potential with a suite? Well look no further it’s all right here at 1463 Rose Meadow Drive. Built in 2003 and with over 3,000 square feet this home has vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and family room area which make this such a nice place just to hang with the family. This kitchen is warm, inviting and spacious. Beautiful (and new) Samsung 4 door stainless steel fridge, corner pantry and an eating bar large enough for the whole family and still enough for a kitchen table. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, living room and dining room all up. 4th bedroom and bathroom down on the main level + a self contained one bedroom suite complete with it’s own laundry. You’re just minutes to everything! Don’t wait on this one.







For more details, photos and virtual tour go to www.connectwithkaren.com
Call Karen Guy, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, 102-3480 Carrington Road, West Kelowna BC V4T 3C1 at 250.878.3605 or 250.768.8001. MLS ® 10093920

I am the GUY that will make a difference!

 I specialize in selling homes in the in the Okanagan Valley including Westbank, West Kelowna, Peachland with a focus on Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates and Shannon Lake.

Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com/

Monday, February 16, 2015

Just Listed! Lovingly cared for Home!


2057 Spyglass Way, West Kelowna, BC

Expect to be impressed upon entering this immaculate &amp.  There is no shortage of attention to detail here! Gracious open foyer leads you to the elegant formal living room & dining room with tray ceilings. The kitchen has an island, maple cabinetry with soft close hinges, silestone counters and a nice bright corner sink area to enjoy the view. Window coverings are all Hunter Douglas. The kitchen nook has direct access to a deck that begs you to enjoy your morning coffee & the beautiful views of Kelowna or the horses on the hillside beyond. Master bedroom has a large ensuite with corner jetted tub & a spacious walk-in closet. Basement is fully finished with an additional bedroom/den and a generous sized family room that leads out the beautiful low maintenance and manicured yard. Shows A++ This home has undergone some impressive and thoughtful updates; re-surfacing of all the hardwood to a beautiful matte finish, new carpeting and paint throughout (inside & out), all the counters in bathrooms and laundry replaced, all new baseboards and new casings around all the windows, plus much more. Proximity to the bridge and the new shopping complex (Extreme Movie Theatre, dining, gas bar and Timmy’s) is so handy.




For more details, photos and virtual tour go to www.connectwithkaren.com
Call Karen Guy, Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, 102-3480 Carrington Road, West Kelowna BC V4T 3C1 at 250.878.3605 or 250.768.8001. MLS ® 10093741

I am the GUY that will make a difference!

I specialize in selling homes in the in the Okanagan Valley including Westbank, West Kelowna, Peachland with a focus on Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates and Shannon Lake.

Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com/

Thursday, February 12, 2015

How to Get Top Dollar for your Home, Fast!

Your home is likely your largest asset, so selling it may be the biggest financial move you’ve ever made, one that requires significant thought and strategy.  However, once you’ve entered the market, the process may move very quickly:  your property has the best chance to sell within its first seven weeks on the market.  Studies indicate that the longer a property stays on the market, the less it will ultimately sell for.  So, you need to ensure you’re ahead of the game.  Get your property into top selling shape before it hits the market in order to increase its chances of selling within the desired window of time and drawing top dollar.

Use the following tips to seize control of the home-selling process before you begin:

  1. Establish the Reasons you Want to Sell your Home:
 These reasons will direct the path you take in the home-selling process.  If, for example, you have already purchased a new home and your goal is to make a quick sale on your current home, this reason will chart your approach.  If, on the other hand, you aim to net the highest price possible for your home, you would need to prepare yourself for a potentially slower process.  Be clear about these reasons, as they will directly influence the amount of time and effort you put into preparing your home for sale, and the amount you set for your asking price.

  1. Pricing:
 It is essential you list your property at a competitive market value right from the start.  The competitive nature of the market means that over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could make the difference between your home selling quickly or not selling at all.  Overpricing your home could potentially yield the following results:  minimized offers, fewer showings, fewer agent responses, limited financing, limited buyers qualified for your type of home, or a smaller net price.  You can avoid these outcomes by setting the price of your home at its market value when you first list. 

If you are unsatisfied with the current market value of your home and unwilling to list it as such, consider putting off the sale of your home at this time.

  1. Do your Homework:
 Perhaps the most “hands-on” approach to educating yourself about the nature of the current market—what works and what doesn’t—is to explore other homes on the market.  Take advantage of Open Houses in your area, particularly in those homes similar to your own.  Take some notes.  Observe floor plans, lot size, appearance, location, and other features of the property.  Then compare asking prices.  Go through this process before setting your own asking price.  Remember:  you want to get a selling price as close to your asking price as possible.  And if you want to attract this price quickly, you won’t accomplish this by setting your price higher than your neighbour’s.

  1. Decide Whether to Invest in an Appraisal:
 Getting an appraisal can be a positive or negative move, depending on the outcome.  It’s up to you to determine how it might fit into your personal plan.  Having an appraisal done can be a good marketing strategy, indicating to potential buyers that your home can be financed, which will increase the chances that your home will sell quickly and for more money.  On the other hand, however, there’s no guarantee you’ll like the final picture offered by the appraisal.  Also, it’s one more cost you’ll have to add to your budget, and an appraisal only lasts for a limited period of time. 

  1. Choosing a Realtor:
 Your choice of Realtor will greatly influence your home-selling experience.  For better or for worse, this person will be with you every step of the way during one of the largest financial ventures of your life—and will make a difference in the speed with which your house is sold, and how much it sells for.  Don’t take this relationship lightly.  You should consider a few Realtors before you narrow down your choice.  Of course, one of the initial factors to consider will be whether the Realtor’s personality and enthusiasm is a fit for you and your family.  Also, each candidate should be able to provide you with information on the following areas:  the length of time s/he has been involved in residential real estate in your area, the marketing strategy s/he would use to sell your home, details on other properties in your area their company has sold (how much the property sold for and how long it spent on the market), and his/her philosophy or method of negotiation.  You might want to request a reference list of former clients as well.  Choose a few names on the list and call them.

  1. Cleanliness:
Make no mistake, prospective Buyers will be turned off by even a minimal lack of cleanliness, or an odour.  Sellers may lose thousands of dollars if they fail to thoroughly clean the house before they begin to show it.  Begin by clearing the house of excess junk, clutter, and furniture.  Create more space.  Make every room sparkle.  Eliminate odours.  You may be the last to notice a peculiar odour in your house, but it may be the first thing a potential Buyer notices.  So, air out your house prior to showing.  Keep pets in the yard as much as possible, and send any household smokers outside. 

  1. Access to your Home:
Agents will be more reluctant to show your home if it isn’t readily accessible.  They don’t want to waste their time running around, picking up and dropping off keys.  Rather, a key should be immediately available for agents at all times. 

Also, go through the following last-minute list to prepare for showing your home:  keep all lights on, doors unlocked, and drapes and shutters open.  If you can, leave the house while it is being shown.  Head to the local coffee shop, or take the kids to the park.  Prospective Buyers will feel more intrusive if the owner of the house is present while they are viewing.  If you can’t leave the house, be as unassuming as possible. 

  1. Updated Interior:
A fresh coat of paint may be one of your best investments when preparing your home for the market.  New paint can take years off the appearance of your home, dramatically increasing its perceived value.  Likewise, if your carpeting appears worn, old, or is an outdated pattern, consider replacing it.  The carpet or paint in one room could be the difference between a successful sale and your home being overlooked.

  1. Drive-Up Appeal:
 If the buyer doesn’t like the outside of your house, s/he may choose to skip it entirely.  It is essential that your home possess a certain “drive-up appeal.”  Remember, a potential buyer’s first impression of your house is formed while s/he is still sitting in the realtor’s car.  Ensure the trees are trimmed, the walkway swept, the lawn cut.  Paint the door, and put out a new, plush door mat.  All of these little things will contribute to the overall effect of a well cared-for and welcoming home.



I am the GUY that will make a difference!



 I specialize in selling homes in the in the Okanagan Valley including Westbank, West Kelowna, Peachland with a focus on Rose Valley, Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna Estates and Shannon Lake.

Karen Guy, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
C 250.878.3605 O 250.768.8001
http://www.connectwithkaren.com/



Kelowna Real Estate Agent West Kelowna Karen Guy Realtor