real estate guide - real estate resource guide - fall 2014

RESOURCE GUIDEFALL / WINTER 2014-15Real Estate

2 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

604.820.1456101 – 7057 Beatty Dr, Mission

between Lordco & Rail Crossing

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TIM�NEUFELDTIM�NEUFELDwww.timneufeld.com

www.timneufeld.com

With over 20 years of

Real Estate experience,

Tim’s Team gives you:

�top negotiators

�exceptional service

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We’re always working hard for your

complete satisfaction!

604.820.8000Landmark Realty Corp

Email: [email protected]

@timneufeld1FVREB Medallion Stats ’12 (2 member)

TEAM IN

the Fraser Valley

#1

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board

was the fi rst real estate board in

Canada to off er a housing price

index (HPI) which tracks the price

of a typical, or benchmark prop-

erty. HPI statistics can often provide

a new depth of interpretation to

average and median statistics. Ask a

Fraser Valley realtor for details.

Many people would like to start

building equity in their own home,

but concerns about cost hold them

back. Media reports of housing

prices can give a misleading impres-

higher - prices than the median

price.

An average price is the total value

of homes sold during a particular

period, divided by the number of

units sold. Average prices are typi-

cally reported for the sales activity

in a given area and only provide a

snapshot of past activity. Average

prices of properties sold in the past

give a very limited indication of

what housing inventory is priced at

today.

Low mortgage rates combined with

sion about the cost of home-own-

ership. The media typically reports

median or average prices without

explaining what those terms really

mean.

A median price is the price at

which half the homes sold for more

while half sold for less. That means

that there are just as many homes

that sold at a price lower than the

median than those that sold at

prices higher than the median

price. Therefore, many properties

are sold at much lower - or much

aff ordability and selection have

made Fraser Valley communities

increasingly popular for buyers. A

realtor with experience in the com-

munity in which you’re interested in

buying can provide a knowledge-

able market analysis and show you

what is available within your bud-

get.

To view Fraser Valley properties for

sale on the Multiple Listing Service,

point your Internet web browser to

www.realtor.ca and contact a Fra-

ser Valley realtor.

Knowing what’s affordable to you


I sell Residential Properties as well!

SELLING COTTAGES to CASTLES!LI GG COCOOTTTAG SSING COTTAG SESING COTTAGEO ANILINGG COCOOTTTAGESSIN ttS to CASSTLCASTSTSTLCall for your evaluation today.Call for your evaluation today.

MIKE [email protected] 604-859-2341 [email protected] 604-859-2341 MIKEBRAUN.REMAX.CA

Specializing in getting your acreages SOLD!SOLD!

Remax Little OakEach offi ce independently

owned and operated.

If you are thinking about selling,

you have to do whatever you can

to set your home apart from the

others available.

Real estate experts call it “staging,”

Avoid provocation One potential buyer could be an

animal lover, another a political

activist. No one can tell who will

view the home. So don’t display

personal items that might make

a potential buyer uncomfortable.

Take down mounted animal tro-

phies and put away books that

may seem off ensive.

The nose knows A house can be perfect inside and

out, but if it smells bad, buyers will

likely be put off . Make sure there

is no noticeable odor, such as pet

smells, garbage, stale smoke, etc.

Keep the home updated While one doesn’t have to follow

every trend, ensuring the home is

ageless can make for a better sell.

So if the bathroom is circa 1967, it

may be time to update.

Do a deep cleaning Make your home shine. Wash the

windows, shampoo the carpets,

re-grout the bathrooms, and any

other areas of concern that could

compromise a sale.

or presenting the home in the best

light so that potential buyers can

envision themselves moving right

in. A few changes can position

your home to sell faster.

Cater to the lazy person Potential buyers generally want to

move in and unpack without doing

major repairs. Tear down dated

wallpaper or replace worn carpet-

ing, the reward will be refl ected in

the off er price.

Add a fresh coat of paint Appeal to the masses by painting

rooms in neutral shades.

Clean out closets and cabinets Empty closets and cabinets give

the suggestion that the home is

large and has plenty of storage

space.

Create “happy” spaces Open windows, turn on the lights,

use light colours as room accents.

Generally buyers want a bright

home.

Clear out Be sure the interior looks as spa-

cious as possible. This could mean

temporarily putting some furni-

ture in storage. Also ensure coun-

tertops are free of clutter.

Interior Fixes to Sell Your Home Fast


Write YourSuccess Story

Helping You is What We DoCall Today For Your

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

SERVING MISSION, ABBOTSFORD AND THE CENTRAL FRASER VALLEY

Pat: [email protected]

Deb: [email protected]

33174 First Avenue, Mission | www.patvale.com

Wheeler Cheam

If you are looking to sell your

home, you probably know it’s not

quite as easy as putting a sign on

the lawn. In fact, there are a host

of things, some obvious but some

not so obvious, that can hurt your

home’s value.

Appearance: Your home’s appearance is another

obvious variable that might aff ect

resale value. You might want your

home to refl ect your own individ-

uality, but that’s not going to help

when it comes time to sell. Opt for

more traditional or conservative

exterior colours and interior decor.

of place. In addition, if your home

is considerably larger or smaller

than the surrounding homes, then

this could hurt its value.

Age: Older homes might have charac-

ter and a sense of nostalgia, but

appraisers take age into consider-

ation when determining a home’s

value, and buyers tend to lean

toward newer homes.

Non-conformity: When selling your home, con-

formity could make the diff er-

ence between it selling quickly

Location: Your home’s location is arguably its

best or worst selling point. A home

in a great location will be easier to

sell than a home in a less desirable

neighbourhood.

Size and style: A home that stands out on the

block might be an attention-grab-

ber, but that’s not always attrac-

tive to prospective buyers. For

instance, a colonial sitting in the

middle of a street fi lled with con-

temporary homes will stand out,

but likely for all the wrong reasons.

It will likely appear dated and out

or remaining on the market for

months. Trying to sell a two bed-

room rancher in a neighbourhood

fi lled with three plus bedroom two

storey homes, you might notice

your home’s value is not as high

as that of surrounding homes,

regardless of the neighbourhood.

When it comes to your home’s

value, there are many things

that could ultimately increase or

decrease that value in the eyes

of prospective buyers. Your REAL-

TOR® will consider all factors of

your home, when preparing your

market evaluation.

Factors that hurt your home’s value


Whether you are moving to

a new community or a just a

new neighbourhood, moving

can be very stressful on the

entire family.

Did you know the average

person moves 11.4 times in

his or her lifetime? Various fac-

tors prompt people to move,

from job opportunities, to the

desire to be closer to family

members, to live in a nicer cli-

mate, or simply to a home in

the same community, more

suitable for their current fam-

ily situation.

Moving is seldom an easy task,

and is often ranked among the

most stressful events in a per-

son’s life, following only death

and divorce. To make the pro-

cess go more smoothly, con-

sider the following tips.

5 tips for relocating your family

1 Gradually introduce the

concept of moving

Moving is a decision to be dis-

cussed with the whole family,

even with young children who

may not fully understand the

process. Kids who are involved in

looking at new homes or voicing

opinions will feel empowered and

in control.

3 Work with an experienced REALTOR®

A real estate agent who is famil-

iar with the community is a great

asset. In addition, the agent will

handle many of the tasks that

may be overwhelming if you were

doing them on your own, such as

scouring available listings, waiting

for inspections or fi lling out perti-

nent paperwork.

4 Pack children’s rooms last

Young children who see favour-

ite items disappearing into boxes

may start to feel anxious. It’s not

uncommon for preschoolers to

act out or experience nightmares

during the moving process. Only

start packing kids’ items when

your moving date is right around

the corner. Let children say good-

bye to their old home.

5 Plan a school

orientation

Take advantage of any

programs schools off er

to acclimate kids to

their new environment.

Kids also leave friends

behind when moving to

a new home. The faster

they get back to a nor-

mal routine, the better it

will be for them. Schools

are where children will

make new friends and

participate in social

occasions, so tour their

new schools before

the school year begins,

and meet with a few

residents and current

students to learn about

special programs that

may make a move less

stressful for youngsters.

2 Research potential new neighbourhoods carefully

Finding a new residence is not

entirely about buying a home that

fi ts the family and its needs. It also

is about fi nding a desirable neigh-

bourhood. Good schools are an

important factor, as is proximity

to recreation, and transportation.

Drive around a neighbourhood

during diff erent times of the day

to gauge how active it is.

Let children say goodbye to their old home.”

Conrad Warkentin Michael Burke Kam Grewal

Providing legal services in the PrPrPrPrPrPPrPrPrrPrPrPrPrProvovovovovovovovovovovovovovididididididddididididdininininininininininininngggggggggggggg leleleleleleleeeeeeegagagagagagagagagagagagagagallllllll seseseseseseseseseseseseservrvrvrvrvrvrvrvrvrvrvrvicicicicicicicicicicicicccesesesesesesesesesesesese iiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnn thththhththththtththththeeeeeeeeeeeeeFraser Valley for over 50 years. PPrPrrrPrrovovovoovovovididididddiddinininnniningggggggggggg leleleelelegagagagagggggagagg llllll sesseseseeses rvrrvrvrvrviciciciccicci eseseseseses iiiiiiinnnnnn thhththththhhtheeeeeeFrFrFrrrrFrasasasasasasasasasasasasasa ereeeeerrereereree VVVVVVVVVVValaalalalaalaalaaaalleleeeeeleeeeeleey yyyyyyyyyy foofofofoofofofoooorrr ovovovovovovovovovovovovo ererereerereereeree 55555555555550 0000000000000 yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeearararararararaaraaara s.s.s.s.ss.s.s.s.ss.s.s.FrFrFrFrFrFrFrrrrrF asasasasasasasasasssererererererererererere VVVVVVVVVVVValalallalallalalala leleleleleleleleeeeyyyyyyyyyyy fofofofofofofoffoffoffoorrrrrrrrrr ovovovovovovovovovovovoverererererererreereee 5555555550000000000 yeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeeyearararararararararrrrssssssssssfofofofofooooofoor rrrrrr ovoovovooovovovoo

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Brenda Brenda EvansCommitted to Excellence

Little Oak RealtyEach of ce independently

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Bringing Families Home“Honest. Enthusiastic. Informative. Committed.

Exceeding our expectations... Brenda puts the ‘REAL’ in Real Estate Agent!”

– a thankful Buyer


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THE RIGHT CHOICE!Life is full of choices...make me one of them!

COURTESY OF KELLY LERIGNY & ANITA LLOYD

Pets can present a real challenge when it comes to selling your home.

For many pets, having strangers invading their space can be frightening

for them causing abnormal behavioural responses. These responses can

be disconcerting and distracting to buyers and stressful for the animals.

There are a number of other considerations that have to be taken into

account when you are selling a home as a pet owner. If you ignore these

issues it could cost you literally thousands of dollars as the result of lower

off ers. Here are some recommendations:

Dealing with Pets when

selling your home

2 Re-locate pets while your home is on the market

If possible take your pet to a close friend or family member to care

for while your house is on the market. It will generally be the most

humane thing you can do and will make having your home “show

ready” less stressful for you and your pet.

5 Remove the evidence

For some people, particularly those with allergies, just the fact that

pets live in a home de-values it. So it is a good idea to de-pet your

home for showings by removing food dishes, toys and beds, etc.

1 Deep clean and repair pet damage

Repair damage caused by scratching or chewing of walls and doors,

fl oors or carpet. Get carpets professionally cleaned to get rid of

stainds and pet odors prior to listing. You may need to replace the

carpet, if cleaning wasn’t successful. Consider painting the wood

underneath to ensure the smell does not escape again. Keep up daily

maintenance by vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the litter box.

3 Remove pets for showings

Prospective buyers who see pets will be consciously looking and

smelling for pet damage to woodwork, carpets, and walls.

If removing your pet isn’t feasible, care your pet during showings.

4 Don’t forget the yard

Repair any damage to lawns or gardens like holes or burnt spots on

the grass and be diligent about picking up the feces.


Online all the time. 24/7

ABBOTSFORD • MISSIONAbbotsfordRealEstateReview.comAbbotsfordRealEstateRevieAbb t ff dR lE t t R i

An opportunity to view the entire Real

Estate Review online, in full colour,

turn pages just as you would with

the newspaper version and

zoom into text for a clear,

more detailed view of

your ad from anywhere

in the world!

Are you courageous when it

comes to decorating your new

home? Many of us would like to

be as creative as possible but need

guidance to venture out from the

neutrals and into something more

powerfully beautiful.

Colour is the most important tool

in the toolbox, and one of the

most inexpensive ways to infuse

space, its a juggling act between

neutrals, grounding shades, high-

light and accent. When choosing

a paint palette for any room, there

are four key components to ensure

powerful eff ects while keeping

a harmonious balance: neutrals,

which are the beige or creamiest

versions of any color, the ground-

ing shades, like blacks, browns and

the home with colour is with paint.

People often feel intimidated by

this type of expression and that’s

why many of our homes are beige

and white. Although staying neu-

tral is a good idea when selling

your home, if you have just pur-

chased a home, you may want to

add some of your personality to it.

Colour is a great balancer in a

grays, the highlights like the bright

white on trim and moldings, and

the all important saturated pops of

colour which add life to any room.

You might want your pop of colour

to be a powerful accent wall, then

you can compliment it with neutral

upholstery and grounding accents

in the accessories to balance it all.

Express Yourself with Colour


RobRobTorrance604.556.9085 | Off: 604.859.3141

[email protected]

My Philosophy is Simple

Let me Represent You as Your Buyer’s Agent

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Certain renovations to a home can make it more attractive to prospec-

tive buyers, while other renovations may make a home less appealing.

Separating the good from the bad renovations makes smart fi nancial

sense, and homeowners looking to improve their home’s resale values

may want to avoid the following projects.

Renovations that make your home

less appealing

Bedroom and garage conversions:

Changing a rooms traditional function often turns off buyers. For exam-

ple, turning a garage into a home gym might seem like a great idea for

you, but it may not be so appealing to prospective buyers.

Removing closets:

Closet space is often high on a buyer’s priority list. Turning closet space

into an offi ce or removing a closet to make a room bigger may be fi ne if

you are staying put, but can deter prospective buyers.

Too many features:

If you improve your home to the point that it outshines all others on the

street, you may struggle to sell as it will be disproportionate to other

homes in the area.

Outdoor hot tubs and indoor spa tubs:

Many people love hot tubs but often do not want to inherit a used one.

Although hot tubs are cleaned and maintained with sanitizing chemi-

cals, some people still view them as unsanitary.

12 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 13


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Real estate has historically

remained a sound investment,

boasting a long-term appreciation

rate that makes it a worthwhile

investment if you can withstand

temporary setbacks in housing

is not without risk, and fi rst-time

investors need to be comfortable

with such risk in order to make the

most of their investment. The fol-

lowing are a few things you should

consider as you decide if investing

in real estate is right for you.

Personal Ability: Real estate investors typically have

tenants, and those tenants inev-

itably have needs. Investors who

have handyman experience may

not fi nd it quite as diffi cult to repair

or renovate a property and make it

more attractive to tenants, nor are

they likely to be inconvenienced

when minor issues on the property

need to be addressed. However, if

you are about to become an inves-

tor with no such experience, you

will need to hire contractors to do

the work for you, cutting into your

prices and hold on to your invest-

ment over the long haul.

But investors are often nervous as

they look for their fi rst properties.

Uncertainty about future housing

prices aside, investing in real estate

potential profi ts down the road. If

you don’t have the ability and/or

the time to address minor issues

like a clogged drain, or a drafty

window, you should consider hir-

ing a property management com-

pany to tend to such needs.

Such fi rms are eff ective, and

although they do charge a fee to

manage your property, it could be

worth your while. Your property

manager will deal with all issues

in a timely manner, and they have

a host of trades available to take

care of any repairs in a timely man-

ner, giving you peace of mind.

They also off er inspections of your

rental property on a regular basis

which protects your investment

and you as an owner. The fees paid

for property management are also

a tax write off against your rental

Real Estate Investing for Beginners


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• Abbotsford• Mission• Aldergrove• Langley• Surrey• Chilliwack.

income along with your other

rental expenses.

Even those investors with handy-

man experience may have little or

no knowledge of how the leasing

process works, or landlord and ten-

ants rights etc., and may still have

to rely on a property management

company. A licensed property

management company can alle-

viate the challenges of tenancies,

evictions and arbitrations, and the

ever changing laws that are associ-

ated with tenants.

Time: Real estate is often a time consum-

ing investment. Tenants pay good

money to live in rental properties,

and those tenants will have a host

of needs that must be met. Inves-

tors must be sure they have the

time to address their tenants con-

cerns, especially investors with no

plans to hire a property manage-

ment company, and want to go it

alone.

Potential investors who already

have full plates at work and at

home may not be able to devote

the time necessary to make the

most of their real estate invest-

ments. Time must also be con-

sidered when considering prof-

its. Real estate is not the type of

investment that turns a profi t

overnight. Even investors who are

looking to invest in a up and com-

ing neighborhood must be pre-

pared to hold onto their properties

for several years to maximize their

investments. Though real estate

is a sound investment, it is not a

get rich quick scenario, so if you

are looking to make a quick buck,

you should consider an alternative

investment.

Size: First time real estate investors

might be wise to choose a smaller

property for their initial invest-

ment. Larger properties can be

overwhelming to manage. You

should only consider moving on to

larger properties once you are fully

comfortable with all that comes

with investing in real estate.

Costs: The cost of a real estate investment

goes beyond the purchase price of

the property and the rental income

you may expect to collect. In addi-

tion to the mortgage on the prop-

erty, investors must pay the taxes

and insurance on the property, as

well as any cost associated with

maintaining and managing the

property. Talk with your lender and

your REALTOR to make sure you

understand all the costs involved

in becoming an investor.

Though real estate is a sound investment, it is not

a get rich quick scenario . . .


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Every day homeowners call con-

tractors or service companies, look-

ing to have work performed in their

homes. A service technician shows

up at the door, and the homeowner

doesn’t think twice about allowing

that person into their home. Occa-

sionally, these seemingly innocent

calls turn tragic.

Criminal background checks are

required for workers in some pro-

fessions, but they are not mandated

for many jobs. Some law enforce-

ment offi cials believe all employers

who provide home services should

conduct background checks.

A few safety tips and precautions

can help relieve some of the worry

on your next service call.

• Check out the company’s track

record with the Better Business

Bureau and make sure they are

current on all Worker’s Compen-

sation Board remittances.

• Is the technician fully licensed

and qualifi ed to do the work you

have requested. Ask to see proof

of trade qualifi cations. “I can do

it,” should never be assumed to

mean “I am licensed and certifi ed

to do it”.

• Ask if the company has a policy of

conducting criminal back ground

checks on existing employees and

before hiring new employees.

Trust your instincts and decline the

technician’s services if something

just doesn’t seem right.

Some Lower Mainland compa-

nies who conduct pre-employ-

ment background checks can be

found at www.mysafetyseal.com,

an online website constructed

specifi cally for homeowners who

are concerned about the safety of

their home and family. Blue Crest

Electric Ltd., a well established,

local electrical service company

has been listed on this site for over

8 years. Their technicians have all

• Only do business with a techni-

cian you have made an appoint-

ment with. Never hire someone

who conveniently shows up at

your door off ering their services

and too-good-to-be-true prices.

• What is your fi rst impression? Is

the vehicle the technician arrived

in clearly marked with the com-

pany’s logo, and phone num-

ber? Does it have a professional

appearance?

• Is the technician wearing a uni-

form? This would indicate that he

works for a company that cares

about professionalism and com-

pany image.

• Is the technician wearing a com-

pany identifi cation name tag

complete with the technician’s

photo?

• Is the service company licensed

to work in your community? Ask

to see their business license.

been back ground checked and

have also volunteered for the

company’s random drug testing

program. “That just goes to show

you the caliber of technician we

have working for our company,”

says Ray Poetker, president of the

26 year old company. “Our clients

have the safety and peace of mind

knowing that they can be com-

pletely comfortable with who they

are allowing into their front door

when a Blue Crest Electric techni-

cian arrives.”

The term ‘buyer beware’, used to

warn people to exercise caution

when purchasing products, is also

applicable when hiring for ser-

vices. Fortunately, reputable com-

panies do outnumber the unscru-

pulous individuals and businesses,

and by asking just a few key ques-

tions, any homeowner can make

an informed decision in choosing

the right service company.

Who will be working in your home?


Selling properties inAbbotsford and surrounding

areas for 23 years.

Greenhalgh604.855.08002790 Allwood Street

Abbotsford

[email protected]

hh ll hhJeff

My Focus TodayYour Equity Tomorrow.

Call me for a FREEMarket Evaluation

Nancy OlsonSales Associate

Medallion Club Member

®

Little Oak Realty Ltd.Each Offi ce Independently owned and Operated

604.820.0555www.nancyolson.ca

A low interest rate is often seen as

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But that’s only one part of an eff ec-

tive strategy. Don’t focus all your

time and energy on rate compari-

sons. It is equally important to look

for a mortgage with fl exible terms.

The average Canadian homeowner

will pay his or her mortgage off in

approximately 25 years. Less than

half (42 per cent) of homeowners

are taking advantage of options

that allow them to shave years off

their mortgage and save on inter-

est costs.

Here are three tips to get you on

your way to mortgage freedom:

ment to $600, you could put

an additional $1,000 per year

towards the principal and be mort-

gage-free faster.

Adopt a bi-weekly payment schedule

A bi-weekly payment is often the

easiest adjustment you can do to

Take advantage of

prepayment privileges

A fl exible mortgage may include

features such as doubling up a

payment or putting down a lump

sum at the end of the year. These

additional payments are applied

directly to your mortgage principal

and will reduce your amortization

period. Consider putting a work

bonus, tax refund or extra savings

towards your mortgage balance.

Round up your payment

You can chip away at your mort-

gage without missing a beat

by rounding-up your payment

amount. For example, if your

bi-weekly mortgage payment is

$557, by rounding up your pay-

help you save on mortgage inter-

est - especially if you line it up with

your pay cheque. You end up mak-

ing 26 smaller bi-weekly payments

a year, versus 12 large monthly

payments resulting in interest cost

savings as you pay down your prin-

cipal faster. Bi-weekly payments

will shave years off your mortgage.

The fast track to

mortgage freedom


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People fortunate enough to own

their own plots of land often

choose to fence in their pieces of

paradise. Although installing a

fence may seem like the right idea

owners fi nd fences become the

fi nal point of contention among

disagreeable neighbours or cre-

ate tension with a neighbour with

whom you previously had a good

relationship. Being courteous with

fence plans is the best way to avoid

any animosity along the way.

Most people fi nd neighbours

appreciate being informed of

any decisions you are thinking of

making to the property that can

aff ect their views or their adjoin-

ing property. Before drawing up

fence plans, talk to the neighbours

on either side of your home and

gauge their receptiveness.

Once you notify your neighbours

as a courtesy, there are certain

steps to take that will prevent any

legal disputes down the road. Even

the most easy-going neighbour

could grow aggravated if the fence

is put up carelessly or ends up

partially on his property. The best

way to prevent this is to apply for

a new, professional property sur-

vey and have your property lines

clearly indicated with markers.

for you, going about it the wrong

way may lead to problems among

neighbours, particularly if you live

where the houses are relatively

close to one another. Some home-

Each city has diff erent regulations

with regard to fencing. Find out

where the fence can be installed in

relation to the property line. There

also may be rules about how high

fences can be in the front of the

home, sides and back. Corner lot

properties may have added regu-

lations depending on whether the

fence could prove a visual obstruc-

tion to drivers.

It is your job to fi nd out the guide-

lines for any home improvements.

If the fence is installed by code,

there is little chance it will have to

be torn down or changed in the

near future. Also, doing it by the

book means that a neighbour can

be unhappy about a fence but not

have legal recourse to ask you to

remove it.

Remember, you are also respon-

sible for all maintenance of the

fence -- on all sides. Just because

your neighbour also will be ben-

efi tting from your fence, doesn’t

mean they have to care for it.

Fence etiquette prevents disputes


MaureenHoltsbaum.ca

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Curb appeal is similar to getting

ready for a big date, only you’re

not dressing yourself up to make

a strong fi rst impression, instead,

you are dressing your home up to

make a strong fi rst impression on

property. Remove toys and other

items from the yard. Make sure all

hedges are trimmed and remove

weeds, from any fl ower beds and

lay fresh mulch. Dehydrated or

dead plants and fl owers are eye-

sores, and they will give buyers

the impression that you didn’t pay

much attention to your property.

Add pots with colourful seasonal

fl owers by the front door. It adds a

spark of life to the exterior and the

beauty of it is, you can take them

with you when you move.

Edging is another easy and eff ec-

tive way to improve curb appeal.

Edge your lawn and gardens

around driveways, sidewalks and

other walkways on the property.

Buyers want to see the house, so

trim any branches that hang too

prospective buyers. Many buyers

will form an opinion about your

property before they even get out

of their car.

The most eff ective way to improve

curb appeal is to clean up the

low or obscure your home.

Clean the gutters thoroughly

before putting your home up for

sale and keep them clean through-

out the selling process and pres-

sure wash your deck.

Many homeowners enter their

home through a side door or

the garage. If you fall into this

category, keep in mind that pro-

spective buyers will be entering

through the front door, so make

this area accessible and appealing.

Also take a close look at your front

entry. Does it need a touch up of

trim paint, perhaps a new mail box,

door bell or a door handle? Make

the entry sparkle and be sure to

put out the welcome mat to greet

potential buyers.

Homes with curb appeal in demand


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Closing costs are the legal, admin-

istrative and disbursement fees

associated with buying a home.

Understanding these fees will help

you budget more accurately.

Remember, these are additional

costs over and above the price of

the home.

Have you budgeted for the associated legal costs?

Legal costs are your lawyer or

notary fees. These may include:

• Reviewing the terms of the off er

• Conducting a title search

• Registering a new title

• Obtaining relevant documents,

such as surveys and evidence of

liens on the property

• Checking the statement of

adjustments for taxes, utility and

fuel bills, and other costs that

have been pre-paid by the seller

What other costs can you expect?

• Interest adjustments between

date of closing and the fi rst

mortgage payment

• GST on a new home or

extensively renovated homes

• Service charges from utility

companies for hook-ups

on electricity, gas, internet

and telephone services

• Appraisal fees

• Title insurance

• Property and content insurance

• Moving costs

• Storage costs if you must leave

your current residence before

you are able to move into your

new home

• Furniture and appliances

• Real estate commissions if you

are the seller

How much land transfer

tax will you have to pay?

The land transfer tax or Property

Transfer Tax (PTT) is a one time

tax levied by your province when

you purchase a property. The tax is

based on a percentage of the pur-

chase price of the property, and

varies from province to province.

In BC the transfer tax rate is 1%

on the fi rst $200,000 and 2% on

the remaining balance of the pur-

chase price. This tax applies to all

homes purchased, both new and

used. If you are a fi rst time buyer,

check with your lender; you may

be exempt from this tax.

Do you need a home

inspection?

A home inspector assesses a prop-

erty’s condition and can tell you if

something is not working properly,

needs to be changed, or is unsafe.

They may be able to identify where

there have been problems in the

past, such as a leaking basement

or insect damage.

When purchasing properties such

as acreages or farms, they fre-

quently are serviced with wells and

septic systems. Inspection of these

services is advisable and is often

required by lenders.

While purchasing real estate has a

variety of costs associated with it,

home ownership is a secure invest-

ment that appreciates in value

over the long-term.

Mortgage Closing

& Other Related Costs


WALK TO COFFEE SHOP (at THE STATION. Located on the lower level of the Auguston Centre, this community meeting place houses a corner market, coffee shop and a daycare.)

DOG FRIENDLY (parks and hiking trails)

OFFICE HOURSMon - Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm(or by appointment)36363 Auguston Parkway South Abbotsford604.556.3880 www.auguston.com

showhome now open 44 NEW HOME SITES AVAILABLE.

home.AUGUSTON

Safe. Friendly. Affordable. A place to call

CARRIAGE HOUSE (For the first time, new Auguston homes can include a Carriage House. Great for workshops, studios, home offices, and rental suites. They’re perfect for adult children or aging parents etc.)

28


2 MIN TO GOLF

5 MIN TO SHOPPING (over 70 stores, restaurants and business.)

WALK TO SCHOOL (remember when that was ok.)

WALK TO COFFEE SHOP (at THE STATION. Located on the lower level of the Auguston Centre, this community meeting place houses a corner market, coffee shop and a daycare.)

WALK TO NATURE (access to parks and hiking trails)

OFFICE HOURSMon - Fri8:30am to 5:00pm(or by appointment)36363 Auguston Parkway South Abbotsford604.556.3880

www.auguston.com

showhome now

open44 NEW HOME SITES AVAILABLE.

AUGUSTONcloser than you

think

28

Auguston Traditional Elementary School (is rated by the Fraser Institute for 2012-13 an 8.9 out of 10)

real estate guide - real estate resource guide - fall 2014

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