Friday, April 24, 2015

Know the Market before You Buy

The asking prices of most homes on the market indicate the current state of the market, and usually mirror the prices for which other similar homes in the area have recently sold.  In deciding upon a selling price, a home-seller must establish a balance between the desire to draw the highest offer and finding a price that will be reasonable enough to attract an appropriate pool of prospects, and competitive offers.  While most selling REALTORS® counsel their clients to consider this equation when pricing their home, keep in mind that some homes are not properly priced.

It’s important to educate yourself about the current market before approaching the purchase of a home.  The market will always influence a property’s value, regardless of the state of a home, or its desirability.  Here are the types of market conditions and how they may affect you:

  1. Seller’s Market:
A seller’s market is considered a “hot” market.  This type of market is created when demand is greater than supply that is, when the number of buyers exceeds the number of homes on the market.  As a result, these homes usually sell very quickly, and there are often multiple offers.  As a buyer, you need to consider that many homes will sell above the asking price; in other words, you may have less room to negotiate, and may encounter competing offers.  Though most buyers want to get a home for the lowest price possible, reducing your offer could mean opening the door for another buyer instead.

  1. Buyer’s Market:
A buyer’s market is a slower market.  This type of market occurs when supply is greater than demand, the number of homes exceeding the number of buyers.  Properties are more likely to stay on the market for a longer period of time.  Fewer offers will come in, and with less frequency.  Prices may even decline during this period.  As a buyer, you will have more selection and flexibility in terms of negotiating toward a lower price.  Even if your initial offered price is too low, the seller will be more likely to come back with a counter-offer, so you can begin the process of negotiation. 
  
  1. Balanced Market: 
In a balanced market, supply equals demand, the number of homes on the market roughly equal to the number of buyers.  When a market is balanced there aren’t any concrete rules guiding whether you should make an offer at the higher end of your range, or the lower end.  Prices will be stable, and homes will sell within a reasonable period of time.  You will have a decent number of homes to choose from, and may encounter some competition for offers on the home of your choice, or none at all.

Before you make an offer to purchase a home, establish whether the current market is a Buyer’s, Seller’s, or Balanced market.  Also, evaluate the price similar properties have sold for in the area, and the length of time these properties spent on the market.  Determine how the home you’re considering compares to these other sales.  Is this one over-priced, under-priced, or a fair price?  By establishing this information prior to making an offer, you will be in a position to negotiate the best price for the home and be prepared for any additional opportunities that may come your way. 

Keep in mind, a realtor is trained to provide clients with this information about the market, helping you make the most informed decision possible.  The right realtor will guide you through the ups and downs of the market and keep you up-to-date with the types of changes you might expect.  These realtor resources and connections will prove to be invaluable as you navigate the real estate market.

The other main factors that affect market value are:

  1. Location:
The proximity of the home to amenities, such as schools, parks, public transportation, and stores will affect its status on the market.  Also, the quality of neighbourhood planning, and future plans for development and zoning will influence a home’s current market value, as well as the ways in which it might change. 

  1. Property: 
The age, size, layout, style, and quality of construction of the building will all affect a property’s market value, as well as the size, shape, seclusion and landscaping of the yard.

  1. Condition of the Home:
This includes the general condition of the home’s main systems, such as the furnace, central air, electrical system, etc., as well as the appearance and condition of the fixtures, the floor plan of the house, and its first appearances.

  1. Comparable Properties:
Examine the selling and asking prices of similar homes in the neighbourhood.  Ask your Realtor to prepare you a general market analysis of the neighbourhood you’re interested in, so you can determine a range of value for a particular property.  A market analysis will provide you with a market overview and give you a glimpse at what other similar properties have been selling for in that area.

  1. Market Conditions/ Economy:
The market value of a home is additionally affected by the number of homes currently on the market, the number of people looking to buy property, current mortgage rates, and the condition of the national and local economy.
 
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

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

One for the Money, Two for the Show: Prepare the Inside of your House for Showing

Once you’ve minimized the clutter in your home, clearing out excess items and furniture, you’ll be ready to concentrate on repairs, cleaning, and decoration.  Your goal is to get each room looking its sharpest and most fresh—the better your house looks, the greater your chances that it will sell quickly and for top dollar.  Concentrate on the following areas to get your home into selling shape.
           
Walls and Ceiling:

Examine all the ceilings and walls for water stains or dirt.  We don’t often look closely at the walls that surround us, so be careful—there could be residual stains from leaks that have long been fixed, or an accumulation of dirt in an area you hadn’t noticed.

Painting the walls may be the best investment you can make when preparing your home to sell.  You can do it yourself, and relatively inexpensively.  Remember, the colours you choose should appeal to the widest range of buyers, not just to your own personal taste.  A shade of off-white is the best bet for most rooms, as it makes the space appear larger and bright.

Carpet and Flooring:

Does your carpet appear old, or worn in areas?  Is it an outdated colour or pattern?  If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you should consider replacing it.  You can find replacement carpeting that is relatively inexpensive.  And always opt for neutral colours.

Any visibly broken floor tiles should be replaced.  But make sure you don’t spend too much on these replacements.  The goal isn’t to re-vamp the entire home, but, rather, to avoid causing any negative impressions due to noticeable damage or wear around the house.

Doors and Windows:

Check the entire house for any cracked or chipped window panes.  If they are damaged in any way, replace them.  Test all windows, as well, to ensure they open and close easily.  Try spraying WD40 on any with which you’re having trouble.  This should loosen them up.   

The same can be done with sticking or creaking doors.  A shot of WD40 on the hinges should make the creak disappear.  Check to make sure each door knob turns smoothly and polish it to gleaming.

Odour Check:

Begin by airing out the house.  Chances are, you’d be the last person to notice any strange or unpleasant smell that may be immediately apparent to visitors.

If you smoke indoors, you’ll want to minimize the smell before you show your home.  Take your cigarettes outside for a period of time before you begin showing.  Ozone sprays also help eliminate those lingering odours without leaving a masking, perfumed smell.

Be careful if you have a pet.  You may have become used to the particular smell of your cat or dog.  Make sure litter boxes are kept clean.  Keep your dog outdoors as much as possible.  You may want to intermittently sprinkle your carpets with carpet freshener as well. 

Plumbing and Fixtures:

All sink fixtures should look shiny and fresh.  Buy new ones if scrubbing fails to get them into shape.  Replacing them can be done fairly easily and inexpensively.  Check to make sure all hot and cold faucets are easy to turn and that none of the faucets leaks.  If you do find a leaking faucet, change the washer.  Again, this is an easy and inexpensive procedure. 

Finally, check the water pressure of each faucet, and look for any stains on the porcelain of the sinks or tubs.

Once you’ve covered all these bases, your house will be in prime shape for its time on the market.  Congratulations—you’re ready to begin showing!

 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