/* include custom styles for headings, etc. */ /* custom styles start here */ testing

Call or email 250-858-6064 info@homeward.team

Posted on by

Victoria Real Estate Board

June 3, 2013



VICTORIA BC - Greater Victoria real estate sales for May are identical to the same period one year ago: 659 properties sold on the MLS® System.

"We are continuing to see improved consumer confidence in the marketplace," says Shelley Mann, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "Our Members are much busier with showings and writing offers, but say they are working harder to help their clients satisfy stricter lending rules. This quarter is definitely much stronger than the first quarter of 2013."

Buyers remain price sensitive. "Homeowners who are pricing their properties competitively, not expecting the higher sale prices of 2008, are selling their homes," Mann says. "With 4,783 active listings, buyers have plenty to choose from. With higher sales volumes and a reasonable inventory level, Greater Victoria continues to edge towards a balanced market."

There were 384 single family homes sold in May at a median price of $515,000, down 3.4% over May 2012 at $533,000. Condominium sales were 142 at a median price of $289,500 and 68 townhomes sold at a median price of $400,000. "With average and median prices fluctuating on a monthly basis, it's more important than ever for consumers to consult a REALTOR®," Mann says.

Total Waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 18, up 3 over May 2012
Total Non-waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 366, down 7 over May 2012
Single Family Dwellings sold over $1 million: 18 (2 over $2 million)

 

http://bit.ly/14O2v5

Read

Posted on by


This stylized home was built in 2007 on a Cul de Sac w/ individually designed homes & comes loaded w/ great features, & extra’s including: Ceramic tile entranceway; Cathedral stairway w/ skylight, gleaming hardwood floors; granite countertops in kitchen & bthrms; SS appliances; heated tile flooring in kitch & bath; pot lights; gas fireplace; built ins; 3 bed/3 bath plus open area upstairs for office or den; Master on main floor w/ walk in shower in ensuite; laundry room w/ granite counter top sink; central vac; single garage w/ heat, windows & electrical outlet; 2 patios & balcony; a SW facing backyard that backs onto a little private park; underground sprinkler system; just a few minute walk to all amenities!

Offered for sale at $515,000

http://rosiesays.ca/mylistings.html/details-31391959


Read

Posted on by

 

 

May 3rd, 2013

Birthday Cake anyone?

How about 6 weekly prizes of $500 and being entered to win $5000?

 

 

To celebrate Royal Le Page's 100th birthday, they have launched the Royal LePage 100th Birthday Cake-Eating Challenge on Facebook!.

 

 

The game challenges players to eat an entire virtual three-layer birthday cake in the shortest time possible. Participants can play as often as they like -- just for fun or to better their score, for a chance to win one of six weekly prizes of $500. Each week will bring a new cake, and a new challenge. As well, each week they play, players will receive one entry into a random draw for a chance to win a $5000 grand prize (maximum 6 entries). *
 

Everyone who “likes” Royal LePage Canada’s Facebook page is invited to play the game (we hope you check it out and have fun playing too), although the weekly and grand prizes are only available to non-Royal LePage employees, agents, brokers, staff and their immediate families.


Click here to join!:


http://royallepagecontest.com/track/?aid=rosie


Give it a go - you could be in for some great prizes!


Rosemarie

Read

Posted on by

Victoria Real Estate Board

May 1st, 2013

 

 

VICTORIA BC - Weighing in on the best April since 2010, Shelley Mann, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board, is cautiously optimistic that the Greater Victoria is back into a balanced market.

"Consumer confidence is increasing," Mann says. "Our total number of sales for April is 615, a 5% increase compared to April 2012 with 586 sales. On the residential side, more properties are selling, and slightly fewer are entering the market, so we are moving from a buyers' market to more balanced market conditions."

Mann's cautions that one month doesn't indicate a market trend, but is encouraged by increased showings by REALTORS®, the number of sales, and comments from other REALTORS® about multiple offers on properties.

Prices remained relatively flat, as predicted by Cameron Muir, Chief Economist of the BC Real Estate Association. There were 367 single family homes sold in April at a median price of $540,000, a 16% increase of homes sold over April 2012. Condominium sales were 149 at a median price of $265,000 and with 62 townhomes sold at a median price of $415,450. There are 4,585 active listings.

Total Waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 15, up 2 over April 2012
Total Non-waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 352, up 36 over April 2012
Single Family Dwellings sold over $1 million: 30 (5 over $2 million)

Read

Posted on by

 

Welcome to the first issue of my monthly eNewsletter - I hope you find it interesting and enjoyable, I'd love to hear your feedback!

Everyone has a skill, an area of interest or a hobby. You might be handy with a hammer, good at gardening, or have a super golf swing. Whatever your hobby or specialty, sometimes the most enjoyable part of that skill is sharing it with a friend or neighbour.

In my case, staying up-to-date on Real Estate information is my skill. Applying my knowledge to someone who can benefit from my efforts is very satisfying. So, if there’s something I can help you with, just let me know. Sharing my expertise is simply one of the most enjoyable parts of my business.

Rosemarie

 

 

 

 

3 Criteria for Selecting the Right Professionals

 

 


No one buys or sells a home alone. You need the help of a professional – and likely a whole team of professionals – to assist you in achieving your goals and protecting your interests.

A real estate transaction can be stressful enough. So when it comes to choosing professionals to help you – before, during and after the transaction – be selective.

Typically, you will require a REALTOR® and a lawyer to complete the purchase and/or sale. But you may also need a lender, home inspector, insurance broker, home improvement contractor, landscape specialist, tradesperson(s), interior designer, etc. Here are three important factors to consider when making your choices:

1.       Qualifications
Before you hire any professional, make sure they have the appropriate qualifications. Ask specifically what degree, certification or training they've received. Many professionals in the home industry are licensed or certified by their respective professional or trade associations. Ask to see these documents.

2.       Experience
As author Douglas Gray points out in Home Buying Made Easy, a lawyer with ten years experience may only have spent six months handling real estate transactions. Remember, you'll be relying heavily on the skill, advice and insights of each professional you hire. Make sure they have experience in the specific field you require.

3.       Reputation
Ask for client testimonials and references. Be sure to call these people and ask for their candid opinions of the services provided. Talk to others in the industry. Word of a good, as well as a bad, reputation gets around.

Choosing the right professional is like picking the right players for a baseball team. The better you choose, the more likely you are to win the game. (Or, in this case, the home of your dreams.)

Need some recommendations? Call today.

 

 

Beware of a Conflict of Interest

 


Imagine this scenario. You hire a Home Inspector to inspect a house you've made an offer on. The inspector goes over everything with a fine tooth comb, outside-to-inside, basement-to-ceiling.

Great so far.

Then he presents you with his findings, points out areas that need repairs – and then offers to do this work himself because he's also a contractor!

That's called a "conflict of interest". You cannot confirm whether the home inspection was done honestly, or with the aim of getting more work from you.

When hiring any professional, make sure that the advice or opinion you'll be relying on is unbiased.

 

 

Energy Costs Going Through the Roof?

 


Make a Power Switch!


If you’re looking for ways that you and your family can reduce your energy use, keep track of your consumption by saving your bills, and noting the dates of any major changes (eg. severe weather, new appliance, change of routine, etc.). Then compare your consumption and spending to previous years’ results. Meanwhile, here are some "electrical switches" you can make right away, for a noticeable cost reduction:

  • Switch to newer, smaller fluorescent bulbs.
  • Switch large or multi-light fixtures to dimmer controls.
  • Switch to water-saving showerheads.
  • Switch your laundry wash to cold water – most washing energy is spent making hot water.

 

 

notable, quotable... quotes!

 

 

“Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

 

“I can give you a six-word formula for success: Think things through, then follow through.”

Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker

 

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

Alexander Graham Bell

 

 

 

Read
Newer posts : page 67 Older posts : page 69
Powered by myRealPage.com
MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.