|
|
-
Have you just moved into a new place and are looking for room for all of your belongings? Are you having trouble accommodating all the things you've accumulated in your home throughout the years? Or are you planning to sell and need to show off your square footage to potential buyers? Whatever your reasons for wanting more storage space are, there are plenty of ways to get it. Here are just a few: - Pare Down. First things first, edit your stuff. The easiest and most inexpensive way to get the added storage space you need is to get rid of everything you don't. So gather together all those items you don't want or use – the rule of thumb is that if you haven't used it in the last year, it goes – sell or donate it. If you've recently moved, you've probably already done this. If you're soon-to-be selling, paring down your belongings will not only vacate more storage space to impress buyers, it'll make your move easier as you'll have fewer things to pack up and transport to your new home.
- Double Duty. Multifunctional furniture is an ingenious solution to the problem of where to put your stuff, because it gives you added storage space without taking up any more room in your home. Examples of multifunctional furniture include: ottomans and coffee tables with lids that lift up to reveal storage space; chairs and sofas with seat cushions that hide space ideal for stowing away knitting equipment or spare blankets; and beds that have shelves built into the headboard or that feature under-bed drawers, perfect for storing clothing and accessories.
- Overhead, Overlooked. Take a quick survey of your rooms. Chances are there's little to no functional use of the space above the approximate five-foot mark. So take advantage of that wasted overhead space for items you don't use very often. For instance, if you're redoing your kitchen, as many people do after moving into or before selling their home, opt for 36- or 42-inch cabinets instead of the standard 30-inch ones. Consider installing floating shelves above and on either side of windows, or even suspending them from ceilings. In kids' rooms, ceiling-suspended nets are a great place to store soft toys when they're not in use.
- Go Deeper. Did you know there's valuable storage space hiding in your walls that you may be able to take advantage of? It's right there behind your drywall and between your studs. If you're able to find remote sections of your walls, you can create (with the help of a professional, of course!) stylish, functional built-ins in any room of your home, whether they be open shelves meant for displaying items or whether you finish them off with doors for out-of-sight storage space. Very appealing to buyers, built-ins can lend your home a customized look and add to its value – after all, buyers crave extra storage space just as much as you do!
for more articles, listings, and news check out www.jackiejohnrealestate.com!
|
-
SURREY, BC – Property sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September were the third lowest for that month in the last decade, while new listings for September ranked the second highest. Sukh Sidhu is FVREB’s president. “This is the third month in a row based on the 10‐year average where we’ve seen lower sales combined with a higher influx of new listings.” The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,165 sales in September, an increase of 12 per cent compared to the 1,044 sales during the same month last year and a decrease of 13 per cent compared to 1,341 sales in August. The board posted 2,651 new properties on its MLS® in September, an increase of 10 per cent compared to September of last year and on par with the listings it received in August. The number of active listings in the Fraser Valley remained at 10,096 in September, at an annual high for the last three months. Sidhu adds, “This trend is stabilizing home prices in the Fraser Valley resulting in the price of a typical detached home in September being only slightly higher than it was in May. “Although average prices year‐over‐year are still showing strong increases or decreases for some communities, make sure to ask your local REALTOR® for the benchmark price as well. It’s the predicted sale price of a typical home in your neighbourhood and unlike the average price, isn’t sensitive to sales of high‐end or low‐end homes. It’s one of our most reliable pricing tools.” The benchmark price of a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley in September was $530,321, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to $507,429 in September 2010 and 0.3 per cent higher than the price in August. For townhouses, the benchmark price in September was $327,546, an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to the same month last year and unchanged with the price in August. The benchmark price of apartments in September was $243,420, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to September 2010 and down 0.9 per cent compared to August. For the full statistics package, click this link ~ copyright the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, reprinted with permission
For more articles, listings and info, check out www.jackiejohnrealestate.com
|
-
How you live in your home when it's on the market is different from how you normally live in it. If you're serious about selling, you need to be prepared for buyers' eyes at all times. Consider following these tips to keep your home in show-ready condition.
- Don't smoke indoors or cook food with strong odors. Take out the trash every morning. Keep your home smelling good with essential oil diffusers or light-bulb rings.
- Make some rooms "off limits" for your own family until your home sells. If you can avoid using your dining room, formal living room, guest room or spare bathrooms, for example, you'll have less cleaning to do.
- Consider hiring a cleaning service before listing your home, perhaps on an ongoing basis until it sells. All you'll have to do is light maintenance after they leave or between professional cleanings.
- Keep a storage container, basket or bag handy. When you get last-minute calls for showings, throw everything that's not in its designated place into your "clutter catch-all," and then stow it out of sight.
- Stash disposable cleaning wipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks so you can quickly wipe down all the surfaces in those rooms when you're done in them with just one product.
- Keep small containers in bathrooms to house toiletries when not in use and hide them in the vanity. Have two sets of towels: one for displaying, another for daily use (kept hidden).
- Showings aren't likely to happen early in the morning or after about 8 p.m., so take advantage of these times to take care of chores like dishes, dusting, vacuuming and tidying.
for more articles, info, listings & more visit http://www.jackiejohnrealestate.com! Please feel free to leave comments for content you would like to see!
|
-
From high winds to heavy rains, this country is no stranger to extreme weather. What can you do to help protect your house from storm damage?
 Get your roof regularly inspected and make sure there are no missing or damaged shingles (when replacing shingles, consider wind- and impact-resistant ones). Have your roof and attic checked for leaks that could provide entry points for water, especially around anything that passes through your house's exterior, like chimneys and plumbing vents
Lessen the possibility of water damage by ensuring your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, free of leaks (usually found where gutter sections meet), and securely fastened to your house. Install splash blocks or downspout extensions to divert water away from your house's foundation lest it collect there and seep into your basement.
Keep on top of landscape maintenance. Remove any weak or dead trees and limbs of trees to reduce the chances of them falling on your home or becoming projectiles. Keep branches trimmed so they're not near power lines, windows, or your roof where they might damage your shingles.
|
-
You can have a green lawn in more ways than one. Follow these simple eco-friendly lawn care tips for a yard that not only looks great, but also is easier on the environment and your health. - MOW AT THREE INCHES FOR HEALTHIER GRASS, AND A HEALTHIER WATER BILL! Shorter grass has shallower roots, making it weaker and susceptible to disease and drought. Taller grass encourages deeper root growth and provides more shade for roots and soil, reducing moisture evaporation so your grass needs less watering.
- AFTER MOWING, LEAVE THE GRASS CLIPPINGS ON YOUR LAWN. Clippings consist mostly of water, as well as nitrogen, so they'll help you conserve water by helping your lawn retain moisture. And they'll return nutrients to your lawn, fertilizing it as they break down over a day or two.
- WATER WISELY. Do it early in the morning, and infrequently but thoroughly — an inch a week should do it. Don't waste water on areas that don't need it, like the driveway or street. Use a rain gauge or tin to time how long it takes your sprinklers to disperse one inch of water.
- COMPOST. Buy it wherever green gardening supplies are sold. Or, better yet, make your own — it's a great way to put yard waste like leaves and hedge trimmings to use, while cutting down on the kitchen waste you'd otherwise have to deposit at the curb each week. Easy and cheap, organic compost makes a nutrient-packed fertilizer that will actually improve your soil.
- KILL WEEDS NATURALLY. Synthetic herbicides are loaded with toxic chemicals. Check the Internet for alternate weed-killing recipes, made from common household products: salt, vinegar, bleach — even boiling water!
|
-
Canadian weather can be nasty and unpredictable at this time of year, adding one more thing to worry about when potential buyers come to view your home. With a little planning, however, you can keep the path clear for offers, even in bad weather.  The first thing to ensure is that people can actually make their way into your house. That means good lighting, and continually shoveling and salting to keep your driveway and pathways clear of snow and ice. Liability is always a concern, so be extra vigilant with your clearing efforts at this time of year. Once inside, make sure there's a rubber mat by the front door, and a container to hold umbrellas in case of wet weather.
Warmth and light inside a home are especially welcome on cold, dark winter days, so temporarily cast aside your energy-savings ways by ensuring that every light in the house is on during viewings. And before potential buyers come over, consider adjusting the thermostat to a couple of degrees higher than you may normally have it, and then turn it back down just before they come in. This will ensure the furnace doesn't come on while people are viewing the house — some HVAC systems are loud and klunky, a distraction buyers don't need to be exposed to. Remember that your REALTOR® is a great source of information and tips, which will help to ensure a smooth real estate experience, no matter what the season. While spring is traditionally the busiest time for real estate, putting a home on the market now often results in more interest from buyers due to the lower number of available properties. For more articles, blogs, listings and tips, please visit www.jackiejohnrealestate.com.
|
-
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province climbed 20 per cent in November from October 2010, on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to November of last year, MLS® residential unit sales were down 21 per cent to 5,647 units. The average MLS® residential price rose 9 per cent to $523,394 in November compared to the same month last year. "Improved economic conditions and low mortgage interest rates have contributed to a 46 per cent increase in home sales since July," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. Employment in BC eclipsed the July 2008 record by 2,600 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate dipped to 6.9 per cent, the lowest recorded since January 2009. "The inventory of homes for sale has trended lower since last spring, improving market conditions in many areas of the province," added Muir. Vancouver and Victoria climbed back into balanced market conditions in last month. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume declined 4 per cent $35.5 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales declined 11 per cent to 70,382 year-to-date, while the average MLS® residential price climbed 9 per cent to $504,042 over the same period. For the complete statistics report, click here. copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association, reprinted with permission. For more articles and news, visit www.jackiemacdonald.com!
|
-
Did you know that giving your bathroom a makeover is one of the most effective ways to boost your home's appeal to buyers? Whether you want to update it because you plan on selling or simply because you're tired of its current look, here's how to make your bathroom more fabulous and functional at little cost. - First things first: a new coat of paint. Bathrooms are small spaces broken up by large objects like tubs, toilets and vanities, so for continuity's sake, some people like to paint the walls and ceiling the same color. Consider your choice carefully: there's no reason why you can't go bold, but keep in mind that lighter shades — neutrals, light blues and greens, pastels — will help brighten the room and make it look bigger. If you're putting your home on the market, neutral is the safest choice.
- New hardware goes a long way in giving your bathroom a new look for relatively little money. Given the many styles and finishes now available, it's easy to create a coordinated "suite" look with new matching towel bars and rings, switch plates, faucets, shower heads, drawer and door handles, hinges, toilet paper holders, shower curtain hooks, and more. Nickel continues to be a popular choice because it complements so many décor styles. Whatever hardware you choose, make sure it matches your cabinets.
- And regarding cabinetry, are your doors and drawer fronts in rough shape, or looking a little passé? If so, replace them with new ones or, for even less money, refinish them.
- Tear out your old lighting fixtures and replace them with more modern ones that match your new hardware — you can find new fixtures for a surprisingly low cost. But just looking good isn't enough — bathroom lighting needs to be functional, too. Make sure there's task lighting, essential for grooming, around your mirror. Downlighting from the ceiling causes shadows; instead, install a pair of wall sconces on either side of your mirror so their bulbs are at eye level. And don't forget ambient lighting if you use your bathroom to relax: some candles around your tub or a small, decorative table lamp on your vanity to cast a bit of warm light.
- Now for the final touches: accessories. This is where you can get bold with color, and soften the edges of a room that's typically sterile and full of hard surfaces. Think fluffy towels folded on shelves or rolled up in a basket. Pick up a new shower curtain — maybe a clear one backed by a solid-color fabric liner to help create the illusion of depth — and matching bath mats. Is your mirror on the small side? Replace it with a larger one, which will help brighten the room, too. If your bathroom is airy and gets good natural light, add a moisture-loving plant to help breathe life into a room that can feel cold. A new toilet seat is a nice and inexpensive touch, too.
 For more helpful tips, articles and listings, visit www.jackiemacdonald.com or give me a call at 778-549-0696!
|
-
A house or condo doesn't truly feel like a home until there's artwork adorning the walls. But the process of selecting and displaying original works can be intimidating, which often results in blank walls long after you've moved in. Learn a few basics about choosing, framing and hanging artwork, however, and your intimidation will vanish, leaving you feeling at home with your art in no time. CHOOSING Some people look at original artwork as an investment. While it's certainly possible for a piece to increase in value and turn a profit for you, that hope needn't be your main motivation in selecting artwork. Further, the market's unpredictable and there are no guarantees as to the value of a piece at any given time. There's really only one hard and fast rule to follow when buying art: love the piece. When you emotionally connect with a work of art, it will always hold an inherent value to you, regardless of its worth on the market. To familiarize yourself with different styles of art, such as traditional and contemporary, visit local galleries. In doing so, you'll get a handle on what styles and mediums appeal to you and which of those would incorporate most graciously with your décor. FRAMING  Like the art itself, its frame should make a statement about your personal style. Also, it should enhance the piece's beauty and help to protect it, without overshadowing the artwork itself. Not all pieces can be displayed in the same type of frame; a good framer will have a wide selection of frames and be able to advise you on which are best suited for your art. It's important your framer uses quality materials (mat and backing boards, hinges, glass). Archival-quality materials aren't just for museum-worthy art. Cheaper materials may save you money now, but they often indicate poor-quality, and after a year or two, mats may change color and hinges can loosen. HANGING Artwork does best in stable climates, so try to avoid hanging pieces where temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate, like kitchens and bathrooms. While the space above your fireplace seems like the ideal place to show off a cherished work of art, you might not only be subjecting it to extreme temperatures, but soot, too. Exposure to direct sunlight and UV lighting should also be avoided, as they can cause fading, yellowing and excessive heat. Picture lights, designed to attach to frames, can be harmful as well, by causing harsh glares and heating the paintings unevenly. Indirect sunlight, recessed lighting, or ceiling-mounted spotlights work best for home- installed art. The biggest mistake people make in displaying artwork is hanging it too high, where it doesn't relate to the rest of your furnishings. Common custom is to hang it at eye level, but that means different heights to different people. A good rule of thumb is to hang your artwork so that there are 60 to 65 inches from the floor to the center of the art. For more articles, tips and to sign up for my newsletter, visit www.jackiejohnrealestate.com!
|
-
There are a lot of costs associated with buying a new home, not the least of which is the actual move. Below are some tips to help make your next move less expensive: · Professional movers are often the biggest expense. Consider either not hiring them altogether, or hiring them in a limited capacity. For example, hire movers only for loading and unloading, or to move just some of your things, like your biggest, heaviest items. · If you need movers and can be flexible on your move date, hire them when they're least in demand. That typically means moving between October and March as opposed to during spring and summer, and at the middle of the month as opposed to the end. · Don't buy boxes. Call ahead and arrange to pick them up from local businesses like grocers, office supply stores or publishing companies. Or, you can rent storage containers, from certain eco-friendly moving companies, for example. · Is your move job-related? If so, talk to your employers; they may be willing to pay for a part, if not all, of your moving expenses. It's best to approach your employers upfront, as your cash flow might be tight, tied up in the purchase of your new home. Be sure to keep all your move-related receipts. · Move less. The more you have to move, the more expensive your move will be. So before you start packing, purge. Recycle, donate and throw away as much as you can. Or, sell it — that way, you'll have a little extra cash to put towards your moving expenses.
More articles and helpful tips at www.jackiemacdonald.com!
|
-
SEPTEMBER PREVIEWS FALL REAL ESTATE MARKET IN THE FRASER VALLEY October, 04 2010 01:04:55 pm, by FVREB
(Surrey, BC) – After a slowdown in July and August, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) saw a modest month-over-month increase in sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in September and a decrease in overall inventory for the fourth month in a row. Deanna Horn, FVREB President, says, “This is the beginning of the fall market. Our sales, while lower than a typical September, are up compared to the summer and the average days to sale for single detached homes decreased slightly compared to August.” A total of 1,044 sales were processed on FVREB’s MLS® in September, an increase of 5 per cent compared to 997 sales in August, however a decrease of 34 per cent compared to 1,590 sales in September of last year. The Board received 2,411 new listings last month, a 15 per cent increase from August, yet a 9 per cent decrease compared to September 2009. The Board finished September with 9,959 active listings, 3 per cent fewer than in August and an increase of 13 per cent compared to the 8,799 properties available in September 2009. Horn explains, “Although consumers have 13 per cent fewer properties to look at in Fraser Valley than they did in May, it remains a buyers’ market with a healthy selection, near-record low interest rates and stable prices. “It’s important that both buyers and sellers recognize that as long as inventory levels continue to decline, there is less downward pressure on pricing.” The benchmark price for Fraser Valley detached homes in September was $507,429, down 0.5 per cent compared to August and 3.3 per cent higher compared to $491,404 in September 2009. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses in September was $321,843, a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to August and a 3.1 per cent increase compared to September 2009 when it was $312,143. Year-over-year, the benchmark price of apartments decreased 0.3 per cent going from $240,378 in September 2009 to $239,625 last month. It remained unchanged from the benchmark price in August copyright Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, reprinted with permission. For more helpful articles, listings and tools, visit www.jackiemacdonald.com!
|
-
You may not have purchased a green home, but every time you undertake a remodeling project, you have the opportunity to make your living environment more environmentally friendly. Here are some tips for turning your next renovation into a more eco-friendly one. - If you plan to hire help, speak with professionals who specialize in eco-friendly renovations. From interior designers who can oversee your whole project with an eye toward minimizing impact on the environment and maximizing your energy efficiency, to contractors who can carry out one aspect of the job, such as painting, using eco-friendly materials and practices, you can put together a "green team" to help you with your renos
- Instead of buying brand new materials for your project, see what you can reuse, or repurpose, wherever possible. For instance, if you're giving your bathroom a makeover, consider refacing the cabinets, instead of buying new ones, while still outfitting them with new hardware. This way, you'll have less to throw out when the job's done, and you won't be encouraging the manufacture of new products, which are often made using eco-unfriendly processes
- Where you have to buy new, think green. Compare products made from recycled and/or recyclable materials such as glass. When it comes to forestry products like flooring, opt for products made from wood that's reclaimed or from sustainable resources like bamboo (look for the Forest Stewardship Council's logo). Choose low- or no-VOC alternatives to products such as paint and carpeting. Other ways to buy green include buying local and buying second-hand — check yard sales, flea markets, estate auctions, newspaper classifieds and websites like eBay and Craigslist to find what you need.
- Minimizing your energy consumption is a great way to lessen your negative impact on the environment. So as you plan and execute your renovation, think about how you could make your home more energy efficient in the process. Remodeling your kitchen? Incorporate ENERGY STAR® rated appliances. Redoing a bathroom? Consider installing a low-flow showerhead and toilet. Installing new light fixtures? Outfit them with CFL bulbs.
- Be conscientious about what you do with any materials you have left over from your reno project. Instead of just throwing away everything you replaced or bought but didn't use, donate what you can to charitable organizations (you might even get a tax benefit), find out what you can recycle (check your local municipality's official website for information on what you can recycle and where), or freecycle — you'd be amazed at what a treasure chest your trash bin can be to others.
Depending on what you do, greening your project might make for a more pricey — or less costly — renovation, but there are a few things you can usually count on. You'll lessen your negative environmental impact, make your home a less toxic place to live, lower the costs associated with running it, and make your property more appealing to buyers when the time comes for you to sell.
|
-
(Surrey, BC) – Fraser Valley buyers and sellers continued to take a holiday from the real estate market in August with the region’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) showing a decrease in sales, new listings and overall inventory compared to July. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 997 sales on its MLS® in August, a decrease of 44 per cent compared to the 1,786 sales during the same month last year and 9 per cent fewer than in July, however 10 per cent more than the 910 sales in August 2008. Deanna Horn, FVREB President, explains, “In August, sellers in the Fraser Valley took as much of a break as buyers. Even with our slowdown in sales, we’re seeing inventory edge lower. Since May, we’ve seen our volume of active listings decrease by 10 per cent.” The Fraser Valley Board posted 11 per cent fewer new listings in August compared to the previous month, the fourth month in a row of declining new inventory. At the end of August, the total active inventory was 10,287, 5 per cent less than in July, however still 14.5 per cent more than the selection available in August 2009. Horn adds, “Our selection of homes is healthy, interest rates remain historically low and prices are moderating, which represent excellent conditions for buyers. We’re currently seeing residential prices edge down month-over-month, but remain 4.7 per cent higher than they were a year ago.” The benchmark price for Fraser Valley detached homes in August was $510,107, down 0.1 per cent compared to July and 5.4 per cent higher compared to $483,839 in August 2009. The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses in August was $324,485, a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to July and a 4.5 per cent increase compared to August 2009 when it was $310,389. The benchmark price of apartments decreased by 1.9 per cent from July and increased 1.5 per cent year-over year going from $236,146 in August 2009 to $239,659 in August 2010. copyright FVREB, reprinted with permission For more information, listings, and links, visit www.jackiemacdonald.com
|
-
Vancouver, BC – August 12, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in the province declined 42 per cent to 5,784 units in July compared to the same month last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, MLS® residential unit sales in the province declined 19 per cent in July from June 2010. The average MLS® residential price climbed 6 per cent to $491,832 in July compared to the same month last year. "A relatively large number of homes for sale have created the most favourable supply conditions for home buyers in more than a year," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. MLS® active residential listings were 21 per cent higher in July than at the start of the year on a seasonally adjusted basis. However, with newly listed MLS® residential units now declining, tighter market conditions may emerge this fall. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume increased 16 per cent to $24.2 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales rose 4 per cent to 48,127 year-to-date, while the average MLS® residential price climbed 13 per cent to $504,281 over the same period. For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, follow this link: www.bcrea.bc.ca/news_room/2010-07.pdf.
copyright BCREA, reprinted with permission for more information, listings and blogs, visit www.jackiemacdonald.com, or give me a call any time at 778-549-0696
|
-
BCREA Housing Forecast Update - Third Quarter 2010 Vancouver, BC – July 30, 2010. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Housing Forecast Update for the third quarter of 2010 today. BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 7 per cent from 85,028 units in 2009 to 79,500 units this year, before increasing 5 per cent to 83,400 units in 2011. “The volatility in consumer demand characteristic of the past 24 months is expected to give way to more gradual improvement through 2011,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Housing demand has fallen back to earth from its break-neck pace at the end of 2009 and is expected to more closely match overall economic performance over the next 18 months.” “A larger inventory of homes for sale has created the most favourable conditions for home buyers in more than a year,” added Muir. “However, the buyers’ market is expected to be short-lived as total active listings peaked in May and are beginning to wane, with more balanced conditions set to emerge in the fall.” The average MLS® residential price is forecast to climb 6 per cent to $492,800 this year and remain relatively unchanged in 2011, albeit declining by 1 per cent to $489,500. The full BCREA Housing Forecast Update is available at: www.bcrea.bc.ca/economics/HousingForecast.pdf. For more articles and info, visit http://www.jackiemacdonald.com, or call me at 778-549-0696 anytime with your questions!
reprinted with permission, content copyright BCREA.
|
|
|
|