BuyRIC.com | Realtors

Luxury Real Estate Lives Atop “Eagle Mountain” in Abbotsford, BC

Katie Van Nes — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:47:53 +0000

Eagle Mountain homes are for the discerning buyer – in a setting that is above the rest!

Eagle Mountain overlooks the Fraser Valley – on a clear day you can see Mount Baker towering above the ridge of mountains to the south.

While Eagles nest and fly nearby, Eagle Mountain is also home to some other spectacular raptors that swoop and dive just meters away from where you can stand on the ridge. As you look out across the valley, you can see the bounty of the Fraser Valley laid out on a quilt of farms that produces much of the produce that we enjoy every day.

There is some existing development on Eagle Mountain. However, most of the homes that are being built in this area are brand new. There is still room for your dream home in this development. To ensure your satisfaction, only preferred builders are permitted to build in this neighbourhood.

Below is a list of The Red Door Team’s preferred builders:

Cedar Brook Homes
Citadel Enterprises Inc.
Classic Equities
Ellwood Homes
Everdream Homes
Flagstone Construction
Goldwyne Construction
Mill Creek Custom Homes
New Creation Homes
Penner Developments Ltd.
Rattan Construction Ltd.
Rockridge Developments Inc.
Stobbe Construction Ltd.
DKT Homes
Schmidt Construction
MEC Urban Developments
Van Hoepen Construction
John Poole Construction

Some of the most sought-after homes in Abbotsford can be found on our “Street of Dreams Homes” – which are simply stunning examples of the craftsmanship that goes into every home on Eagle Mountain.

Many existing homes are 3,000 to 7,000 square meters in size and boast features such as hardwood floors, granite counters, hand-detailed cabinets, bright, spacious kitchens, coffered and vaulted ceilings, and unique trim throughout.

In addition to being well constructed and beautiful, some of the homes on Eagle Mountain come equipped with geothermal heating and cooling systems.

These systems allow for you to experience comfort no matter what the weather may be outside. Geothermal heating and cooling creates a comfortable environment using a minimum amount of electricity, making your home energy efficient for many years.

For those seeking a luxury town house, two complexes exist:

Eaton Place is situated on Eagle Mountain. Town homes in this gated community boast features such as ten foot ceilings, and more than 2,000 square feet to call home. Primarily in the rancher style, many of these homes include a basement. Unlike many gated communities, pets are allowed in Eaton Place, so you can keep your furry companion when you move in.

The Falls, so named because of the waterfall that stands at the entrance of this complex, features moderately-priced two story homes with a basement and also three-level homes with a basement entries. Built in 1999 and 2000, homes in this development have 1,400 to 1,800 square feet of space, two to three bedrooms and either single or double enclosed garages. Like Eaton place, your furry companion is welcome to come along to live with you here.

For more information or to view some of the incredible homes on Eagle Mountain, please contact Katie Van Nes at (604) 855-8228.

Introducing Vancouver Media Chat – Nick Lukic – 3citigroup – July 2011

Nick Lukic — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:46:21 +0000

Vancouver Media Chat is a Series of 3 Events Starting on 07.20.2011

Are you looking to get involved in Social Marketing?
Are you already on Twitter but don’t quite understand it?
What is next in Social Media?

During this 3-event series, the panel will discuss a number of relevant topics that will help you understand the importance behind leveraging media in your business.

The first event will cover the “Big Why of Social Media” and engage participants to get involved in the discussion.

Vancouver Media Chat – First Event:

Date:
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Time:
6:30pm — 9:00pm

Location:
Mink Chocolates Café in Morgan Crossing
Unit F-110 Morgan Crossing
15775 Croydon Drive
Surrey, BC

Tel: 604.536.5455

The event will begin at 7 pm with a short presentation followed by a media panel discussion.

We are looking forward to seeing you at this FREE event that will make you think and challenge your efforts online.

Visit the Facebook Event page for more information!

The next events will be in Port Moody and Vancouver with more details coming soon.

Abbotsford – Best of City Life and Country Living in the Fraser Valley

Katie Van Nes — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:09:09 +0000

Known as the “City in the Country,” Abbotsford is a thriving community in the Fraser Valley. A mere hour away from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, Abbotsford boasts the best of both city life and country living.

Abbotsford has everything you need and want. From great parks to state-of-the art recreation facilities, from outlet stores to quaint shops and so much more. Abbotsford is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse cities. Whether you are looking to experience food, dance, music or religion, there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in a variety of world cultures right at home.

Because of our proximity to both the US border and Vancouver, Abbotsford is a hub of activity, and is a great place to find great deals on just about anything. We ship many materials that are produced right here to areas south, east, and west of home, making us a great destination for many industrial businesses.

Education plays a big part in the vision of what makes Abbotsford the place to live and grow. Some of the province’s best elementary, middle and secondary schools are here. Combined with the brain power of institutions such as the University of the Fraser Valley, our workforce is well-educated and able to compete on the world stage.

Leisure in Abbotsford comes in many shapes and styles. Attend a concert at Exhibition Park, or a conference or car show at the Tradex. Swim or work out at our new recreation centre. For the adventure seeker, simply step outside and explore outdoors. Hidden trails lead you between subdivisions. Swoop down the hills on your mountain bike. Walk or cycle along the river. Go fishing. Ride horses in the valley. In winter, you can ski, snowboard, sled and tube all day long at Hemlock Valley Resort, then curl up at home in the evening.

Abbotsford is deeply rooted in history – it embraces its past, while looking to the future. That vision helps us to see the past and how it shaped the landscape around us. Visit historical sites. Touch history and let it touch you. See how your actions create new landscapes for us now and help us to shape the future of our great city.

When you’re looking for a place to call home that’s balanced in terms of work and play, Abbotsford is the place to be. You can find a great new home for you and your family in Abbotsford, the City in the Country. Come join us today!

Katie Van Nes – Fraser Valley Realtor – BuyRIC.com Profile

Katie Van Nes — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:13:41 +0000

>> Realtor Profile

Mother, writer who lives to learn. Lover of photography and all things beautiful. Inspired by people, conversation, and the world around me.

Together Katie Van Nes and Doug Neetz have formed the Red Door Real Estate Team. Two established Abbotsford Real Estate Brands joining together to create a marketing team that specializes in establishing on line media campaigns and utilizing leading edge technology to benefit our clients and enhancing their real estate experience. We are passionate about real estate and embrace Social Media as a means to maximize exposure and sell properties.

At The Red Door Team we believe that real estate is a local business driven by individual associates and their presence within their communities.

Our Belief System reflects Keller Williams Realty, by way of our WI4C2TS, which is an acronym for:

Win-Win . . . or no deal
Integrity . . . do the right thing
Commitment . . . in all things
Communication . . . seek first to understand
Creativity . . . ideas before results
Customers . . . always come first
Teamwork . . . together everyone achieves more
Trust . . . starts with honesty
Success . . . results through people

Katie Van Nes

Phone: 604-855-8228

My Email: katie@thereddoorteam.com
My Website: TheRedDoorTeam.com

Keller Williams Elite Realty

Office Phone: 604-468-0010
Office Fax: 1-888-257-0069

Suite A123- 2099 Lougheed Highway
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3B 1A8
Canada

>> Interview with BuyRIC.com

When did you become a Realtor?

I became a licensed Realtor in 2006.
What first motivated you to become a Realtor and why?

As real estate has been a family business I have always felt that it was a natural fit for me. I was truly motivated to get licensed when I moved back to Abbotsford from Wellington New Zealand in 2005.
What jobs did you have before becoming a Realtor?

Before becoming fully licensed I worked as a sales associate for Schmidt Construction where they were building and selling new homes on Meighen Place in Auguston located in East Abbotsford just up from Ledgeview Golf Course. Prior to selling New Home Construction, I worked in Advertising at the Dominion Post Newspaper in Wellington NZ.
What type of education or training have you received for your profession?

I instinctively want to write that nothing could have prepared me for this profession including the Bachelor of Business courses at the University of Victoria in Wellington. I’m sure though that being privy to numerous conversations about real estate in childhood, around the dinner table or as a passenger in my parents car didn’t hurt. Well all joking aside I’m forever grateful for the continued education that Keller Williams Realty provides to its agents. We all take the same training to become licensed, and to remain licensed at the Real Estate Board. However I feel my business has excelled tremendously due to the courses at KW Realty. It started immediately with the 4:4:3, 36:12:3 to Lead Generation, Database Management, Recruit Select, Train the Presenter, Business Planning, and honestly the Social Media wealth of knowledge to draw from at Keller Williams Realty is unsurpassed by any other Real Estate Company.
What professional designations do you have?

I am a licensed Realtor who is also licensed to market and sell homes in the Commercial & Luxury Home Divisions at Keller Williams Realty, as well as a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
What awards or achievements have you received in your profession?

I received the Medallion Rookie of the Year Award as well as achieved Medallion this past year, to be acknowledge as being in the top 10% of the industry within my local Real Estate Board is really quite an achievement.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there?

I live in Abbotsford BC. I was born in Kelowna and have lived in Abbotsford since I was 3. I was raised on a raspberry farm on McKenzie Road in Abbotsford. I did however move to New Zealand, I lived there with my husband for 7 years, playing rugby, working in advertising and marketing, and eventually starting a family.
When did you move back to Abottsford and why did you move?

We moved back to Abbotsford when our oldest was one. My main motivation was to be closer to family, now that I had a family of my own, it was time to move back to Beautiful British Columbia.
How has your family life helped you in your profession?

My family life has helped me tremendously. We are a family of highly driven, and extremely social personalities. Both attributes really help but aren’t a necessity to being a highly productive Realtor. I was raised with an extremely active schedule from horses, to rugby, to working several jobs while going to University and volunteering in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Reserve. As a family it was and still is acceptable (or even required) to interact at a high level.
What geographical area do you specialize in?

We specialize in the Fraser Valley, from Langley to Harrison. Including Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Cultas Lake and Agassiz.
What geographical area do you get most of your business from?

Most of our business comes from Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Harrison Mills.
What type of product or service do you specialize in?

I specialize in single-family residential home sales. I have a strong new construction aspect to my real estate business. Having really started as a sales associate for Schmidt Construction, I’ve carried on that focus in the market to working along side DKT Homes – the Pines at the Highlands which is located on Whatcom Road and Kingma Brothers – Aberdeen Village located in Agassiz.

Land sales and building lots is also a focus of mine with 13 Estate lots currently for sale in Abbey View on Sumas Mountain in Abbotsford.

As well as a wonderful gem, Tapadera Estates, which is a gated community of RV Lots, manufactured homes and cottage lots located in Harrison Mills near the Sandpiper Golf Course.
Do you work alone? Or are you part of a team and why?

I am part of Red Door Real Estate Team. I think it’s almost an obvious answer that yes I’m part of a team. With being so social it seems strange to me to work completely alone and with the amount of business that we are blessed to have it would be next to impossible to work alone, to the standard of service and level of customer care our clients are accustom to.
Since you first entered the profession, how has it changed to this point?

The profession has changed and so has the market. I remember where first physical introduction was a big issue, where as a Buyers Representative you would only receive commission if you’d first introduced the Buyer to the property, so if you’re Buyers saw the house first at an Open House you were probably out of luck. This has shifted and we don’t see it as much. Now it’s more like, send your Buyers your commission is protected! The market has a role to play in that shifted mindset and I can honestly say that Keller Williams Realty plays a role in that shifted mindset as well. With our WI4C2TS. (Win Win or No Deal, Integrity…do the right thing.
What part of your job provides you with the most fulfillment and why?

I have struggled with this, it seems every step of the way is my favourite part. I can honestly say for me that the most rewarding part is handing over the keys. I know it’s the simplest of actions, it is more the meaning behind it and what getting a new set of keys represents. Fulfillment and potential, dreams and endless possibilities.
Why should a customer choose to work with you?

Choose me, I’m confident you will get the best possible price in the shortest possible amount of time. You are represented by an agent who is ethical at all times. You have an agent who keeps all promises to give you a 10+ experience in selling your home. Before we implement any marketing strategies or enter into any agreements, your wants and needs will be thoroughly analyzed. Your house will be marketed using a creative 10 Point Marketing Plan. You are pledged a 10+ Customer Service Commitment that promises an exceptional experience. We will work together to decide the best strategies for selling your home for the best possible price, in the shortest amount of time. You are represented by an agent who is honest with you at all times. At Keller Williams, our offices support each other. For you, this ensures a smooth transaction.
What would be your best advice to a new customer?

Don’t be afraid to say what you really mean, we want to hear it all, from the finest of detail to the impossible, let us do our best to help find you exactly what you are looking for in your next move.
How are you different from your competition?

As a team we genuinely care about each and every client.
How will you be able to help a new client?

New clients are often impressed with our preparedness to an appointment. Buyer consultations and full Comparative Market Analysis’ for both Buyers and Sellers are all at no charge to the client and guaranteed to be informative.
What type of services do you offer?

Comparative Market Analysis of your current property, Assessment of the current market and help to guide you in the decision of whether to list your home or not. When purchasing we not only set our clients up on an MLS search, we will prospect for specifically what our clients are searching for, write and negotiate the best price using our years of experience and market comparables. Assist our Buyers in sourcing appropriate financing, inspections, legal services. Guidance with new home building, designing and land purchasing.
Where do you advertise and why?

We have an online campaign in over 50 different websites, including www.TheRedDoorTeam.com, Email Flyers, Real Estate Channel, Mail walks to target specific demographics for our listings, Active Rain, YouTube, Facebook. Signage, MLS / Realtor.ca as well as Newspaper Advertising in the Real Estate Review Campaign.
Do you use the Internet for your business and why?

The internet is a fundamental resource for our business with a great benefit to our clients. Advertising our clients listings on over 50 websites, to give each listing the maximum exposure, full colour photos as well as complete virtual tours make the internet experience an enjoyable one.
How has the Internet helped your business?

The internet has always been a large priority in my business, the exposure and influence of the internet when marketing our listings has been invaluable.
What hobbies, sports, TV programs, or activities do you like?

I play Rugby. We are a Rugby family involved in the Abbotsford Rugby Club at different levels. I also like watching sport on TV, from Golf to Hockey or even Figure Skating it doesn’t really matter. I’ve also been known to become addicted to Series on TV like LOST, The Biggest Loser, Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Code…. The list is endless.
What charities are you interested or involved with?

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, KW Cares
What do you do in your spare time?

I don’t have too much spare time but when I do I like to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy getting out and doing active things, taking short getaways, reading and exercising.
What inspires you in life and in work?

My inspiration comes from God and everything around me. Whether it’s in Life or in Work there is always something new, something that needs energy and creativity and this is what really gets me going.
What is your best customer-related memory?

Most recently, the best couple to show houses to came from out of town, a military transfer to Chilliwack, and we put everything on hold to find them a house, write & negotiate an offer, and have the property inspected in four days! They were so pleased, it seemed after every meeting with them there was a card of thanks left in my car, or a little rose bush left on my desk, even a bottle of bubble bath for me (I was struggling with a head cold at the time). Very sweet.
What makes you different?

I think what makes me different is the ability to really just be myself. I’m not acting as if I’m more than what I really am, which is a person who loves property and who is passionate about real estate, and real estate investment. You can count on me to tell you what I really think about the market, without any fluff or ‘realtor speak’. The best listing appointment is often when a potential client realizes that they can stay in their home and not have to sell in a market where they may not see the most profitable outcome. I’m here to help in any way possible, even when it means you hold off in making your next move.
How can you help a customer?

I can help the customer best by being their eyes and ears, whether its finding you the best property, at the lowest price, in the shortest amount of time, or taking our time until we find the perfect property that you don’t mind waiting for. With extensive experience in New Home Construction, I can help you find a lot and negotiate a building contract for the home of your dreams. We take in all considerations from Schools to local traffic to future development of surrounding areas.

Unprecedented Demand for West Vancouver Luxury Real Estate 2011

Stu Bell — Fri, 27 May 2011 22:42:06 +0000

2011 has been an unprecedented year for the West Vancouver real estate market with 569 detached home sales as of May 26th and counting. After a nasty downturn in 2008, the West Van market has fully recovered and high-end luxury real estate has been selling at a brisk rate!

Thus far in 2011 the West Vancouver real estate market has seen:

228 sales over $2 million
90 sales over $3 million
40 sales over $4 million
16 sales over $5 million

West Vancouver offers an elite lifestyle in a community that has been ranked as the most prosperous in Canada. This affluent area offers a wide variety of luxurious Architecturally Significant Estates, both Modern and Traditional, and one-of-kind luxury Waterfront and Vancouver View real estate properties. Enjoy top rated private schools such as Collingwood, St Anthony’s, and Mulgrave. Experience the exclusive facilities of the Hollyburn Country Club, Capilano Golf Club and West Vancouver Yacht Club. Enjoy easy access to Whistler, local ski hills, beaches, the Sea Wall, fine dining, shopping and downtown Vancouver for all your business and recreational needs.

The most impressive sale in West Vancouver this year over $10 million occurred on Finch Hill at Kew Cliff Rd. An architecturally significant 8,000 sq. ft. concrete fortress on a 30,000 sq. ft. British Properties estate sold on Finch for $10.2 million; a steal compared to the original asking price of $18.8 million. A 10,000 sq. ft. of luxury home in an 18,000 sq. ft. waterfront estate on Kew Cliff Rd also recently sold for $10.8 million in 28 days.

Additional impressive sales include a mansion in the British Properties on King Georges for $7.7 million, a gorgeous new contemporary built home in Chartwell at the end of Bramwell for $5,75 million, a Westmount beauty on Craigend for $6,85 million, a waterfront home on prestigious Erwin Drive in Cypress, West Vancouver for $7,98 million, a renowned Hollingsworth in Chartwell for $6,5 million on Sandhurst sold in 14 days, and a mansion on Eyremount that just sold for $6,5 million in just 1 day!

While there have been 36 sales over $5,000,000 in the West Side of Vancouver so far this year, West Vancouver is not far behind when it comes to high end market activity. For Buyers looking for their piece of fine luxurious Vancouver Real Estate, West Vancouver may be a better place to look as there are currently 50 actives listings over $5,000,000 in West Vancouver.

Current West Vancouver real estate listings include:

19 fine homes over $8,000,000
9 estates over $10,000,000
A spectacular $39,900,000 listing for 5.5-acre view estate in Chartwell, West Van

For all your Luxury West Vancouver needs please contact your local specialist with a passion for West Vancouver Homes, Stu Bell at 604.562.0532 or write mailto:stu@stubell.com.

Vancouver Real Estate on Fire with Multiple Offers and Bidding Wars

Stu Bell — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:24:52 +0000

2011 began with an unprecedented demand for land in Vancouver’s West Side. We saw homes selling at a frantic absorption rate with multiple cash offers becoming the norm and many properties selling for up to 50% over asking!

The main source of this demand was Mainland China.

Laws in China limiting homeowners to 1 or 2 domestic properties and new deregulation allowing more foreign investment to Canada, combined with the natural beauty, geographic proximity, and rock solid banking system in natural resource rich Canada and more specifically sought after Vancouver created a chaotic buying frenzy for homes and land in certain parts of the city over the past 6-8 months.

For a while people on The Northshore wondered if it would ever happen in West Van or North Van. After all West Vancouver took the biggest hit after the 2008 real estate cool down and it is widely recognized as the most affluent community in Canada. Well, 6 months after Vancouver’s West side began having bidding wars, West Vancouver is officially a red hot market with demand far exceeding supply.

Last year many homes on the market just couldn’t sell, buyers thought prices were going to come down after the Olympics and that Vancouver’s bubble was due to burst. It didn’t help that the news was full of news from the United States that made it seem like every home was in foreclosure and prices were plummeting.

Now we probably all wish we bought a house last year, as we are seeing sales 20-35% higher than then.

Here are a few examples of the hot Northshore Vancouver real estate market:

A tear down home on Haywood Ave in Ambleside, just received 26 offers last week and sold for $1,570,000, asking price was $1,249,000 – $321,000 over the asking price!
Another tear down home on Queens in upper Dundarave received 8 offers and sold for $2,300,000, asking price was $1,999,000 – $301,000 over the asking price!
Most recently a home on Ottawa Ave, that simply cold not be sold for the past 3 years, just received 8 offers on Easter Saturday and sold in 2 days for $2,350,000.
Another example in West Bay a Realtor in my office found a client a home in January and SOLD it in March for a profit of over $100,000 doing nothing to the West Bay family home!

Double-digit offers have been documented throughout my office, and sales volume and prices in West Vancouver are at all time highs since 1997. The trend month to month is increasing, and I do not see things slowing down until our foreign direct investment laws change, or until / if interest rates go way up substantially.

If you own a home in Ambleside or Dundarave, chances are what you think your home is worth is way below what today’s market is absorbing. If you are thinking of selling, this may well be the best sellers’ market in West Vancouver’s history!

It would be my pleasure to provide a free home evaluation and marketing strategy.

For more information on Vancouver and West Van Real Estate please contact me anytime at 604.562.0532, I love to chat real estate!

Challenging the Status Quo in Real Estate

Nick Lukic — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:32:23 +0000

Writing a great blog is much like writing a great book. It takes time, effort and most of all inspiration. As I see it, the point is to be passionate about the subject you talk about. Your ‘Big Why’ must be in line with who you are and deep enough for you to take calculated risks to reach it.

In my case, I am a natural born entrepreneur. I love creating businesses that mean something. Because I am a professional realtor, I am often in a position where I play different roles to different clients. I help people buy and sell homes. I consult builders on their projects and help them market it. I network with realtors and businesses on social media and Internet.

At the end of the day, I live for challenging the status quo. It’s my ‘Big Why’. It wakes me up every morning, and pushes me to keep going when I don’t feel like it. Recently, I decided to challenge my real estate practice by re- thinking it from the ground up. I also decided that I want you, the reader in on it. I choose to share my stories of success as well as my challenges with you. I hope that my experience can make a difference and help you in your business and life.

Before I wrap this up, here are examples of some amazing people who continue to impress me with their passion for life and professionalism. I’ve learned a lot from them.

Tom Everitt or (@ThinkTomDotCom) if you are on twitter, is a great friend and amazing realtor. He’s so in tune with his ‘Big Why’ that he constantly improves and inspires everyone around him. You can find him on www.thinktomdot.com and you will be glad that you did.

Kelly Strongitharm (@threesixtykelly) and Desiree Dupuis (@threesixtyfg) are the entrepreneurial duo that makes ThreeSixty Financial Group. If you haven’t heard about them thus far, I promise you that you will very soon. They are onto something great. Check them out at www.threesixtyfg.ca.

Shane Gibson (@shanegibson) is someone that I have a ton of respect for because he’s an amazing writer, speaker and a sales trainer. He lives, breathes and pursues his dream, and I am privileged to know him. His advice to follow my passion and start saying NO to distractions got me re-focused. You can see him in action at www.closingbigger.net.

Finally I would like to recognize Kris and Marcus Cyganiak who make www.BuyRIC.com what it is, a great online real estate magazine. Their passion for improvement is astounding, and I appreciate their effort to become best in the world at what they do.

In the end, I am giving you a sneak peek into what it takes to create a business worth pursuing. I hope that my future thoughts challenge you to figure out what your ‘Big Why” is.

How to Win at Multiple Offer Situations without the Top Price in Vancouver

Adam Goss — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 21:34:50 +0000

I presented a great, “clean”, offer this past month that marked the end of my perfect record at bat for buyers in multiple offer situations. As it turned out the home we “bid” on went a mere $50 000 over asking.. Pretty crazy considering the price point on this one; not crazy considering home and neighbourhood.

Yes, it’s true of many cases that one buyer will simply overwhelm the competition. Especially when dealing with a detached home where a family will hunker down for the next decade.. justifies over paying a bit. BUT, I can tell you as fact that clients of mine have come out on top with less than top price. How that is possible and how to give yourself the best shot is what Id like to share with you.

In every case my clients scored a “win” their home search was well under way. These buyers knew what they wanted and knew it was a very desirable product. Therefore, we were on top of each and every new listing matching their criteria and took immediate action to view the home.

By taking immediate action you will gain respect of the seller and listing agent as you were first to express interest. There is also a good chance you could pre-empt a multiple if it was not the goal of the seller at the out-set. (which has the potential to save you tens of thousands)

If it’s been determined this home is definitely going to multiple we need to complete our due diligence in advance. This means that when others are viewing the home for the first time, we have our inspector through, the mortgage broker is aware of the potential and has assured the finances are good, title to the property has been reviewed, and the property disclosure has been received. DO IT ALL.

Taking these steps up front come at a cost, and yes, it is a capital cost you may lose. If you want this house and dont want to crazy overpay than it is a must! By taking these steps you’ve proven to the seller you are prepared to close on this property, like right now, and should they sign your offer the deal is DONE. That holds great value.

Lastly, and definitely not least, price. Even by taking these steps you will not find a listing agent who can (or will even attempt to) justify taking your non-subject offer before an others who’s price is $30 000 more. To win at multiple your price has to be in the mix. You must be prepared to offer asking price, at the least.

Every situation is different. I have won a multiple going under asking price by taking these steps. But I have also lost taking these steps and writing full price. Regardless, the key is you must be prepared. Unless of course you are satisfied going WAY over asking.

Lastly, make sure your working with an agent whos prepared to work hard getting you the home you want, seriously hard. It is quite possible you write on 3 or 4 places before getting one. Your agent has to be willing to do the job five times over with the same energy.

If you have any questions or experience I would love to hear you share!

Next up: Tactics to induce a multiple offer scenario – For Sellers.

Pricing to Sell Your Home in 3 Real Estate Market Conditions

Andrea Jauck — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:16:33 +0000

Selling your home quickly and for top dollar is often determined by setting a realistic price for your home that reflects current market values and conditions.

Pricing your home properly will increase the chances of receiving an acceptable offer quickly in any part of Greater Vancouver and perhaps may even attract competing offers, which could result in a higher overall selling price.

Numerous studies have shown that a normal property has the best chance of getting sold for an acceptable price to the seller in the first seven weeks on the market. Pricing a property incorrectly or substantially over market value can result in it ultimately selling for less.

Sellers sometimes want to over-price their homes because they believe that their home is worth more than comparable sales in the marketplace or because they want to add a margin to leave room for potential price negotiation with a buyer.

Typically a normal property priced at over 10% more than its market value is significantly less likely to sell within this window than a property priced close to its actual market value.

Each property and home is unique, so determining the correct market value is very important to a successful transaction. Certain aspects may make the property more or less desirable to potential buyers, so current product and market knowledge is crucial.

As your realtor, I can help you determine an appropriate asking price through my skills, knowledge, and experience. I will educate you on the current local real estate market trends of other properties currently on the market in your particular neighbourhood and area.

Based on my knowledge, expertise and understanding of the market, I’ll be able to counsel you on how to price your home properly to help you achieve the highest price possible in the shortest amount of time resulting in a successful transaction that meets your goals.

I will also advise you on how to prepare your home so that it will provide a “positive impression” for a buyer, potentially allowing you to sell faster or for more money within the current real estate market conditions.

Being properly prepared to sell your property requires both knowledge and skill. The current real estate market conditions will always influence your property’s value, no matter the condition of a home.

Below are the types of market conditions and how they may affect the process:

1. Seller’s Market:

When you hear that the current state of the real estate market is a “seller’s market,” then you have to think of it being a “hot market.” This is when demand is greater than the supply of good inventory, or in other words, the number of buyers is greater than the number of acceptable homes for sale.

Homes in a seller’s market usually sell fast and often with often multiple offers before the final sale. This type of market condition is when you may see a home sell above the asking price.

2. Buyer’s Market:

When the market slows down, it becomes a “buyer’s market.” This occurs when the supple is greater than the demand – meaning the number of homes on the market exceeds the number of buyers.

In a buyer’s market, properties usually stay on the market for a longer amount of time with fewer offers coming in at a lower frequency rate. Prices can even decline during this period of time.

Buyers will however have more selection and flexibility when it comes to negotiating for a lower price. Even when an initial offer by a buyer is too low, the seller may come back with a counter-offer to complete the sale.

3. Balanced Market:

When supply equals demand, we have a “balanced market.” This is when the number of homes for sale roughly equals the number of buyers, and this means that there are really no guidelines on whether a buyer should issue an offer at the higher end range or lower end.

Prices during this time are stable and homes will sell within a reasonable timeframe and pricing structure. Sellers may or may not encounter competition for offers on their home, as buyers will have a number of homes to choose from in a balanced market.

So as you can see, it is very important to be properly prepared to enter the current market with a pricing structure that takes existing market conditions and variables into account.

Each market condition has its own potential opportunities for success. I will help you make the most informed decisions possible.

In my next article, I will point out five key points that directly affect the market value of your home.

If you need more information on this subject, or are in need of a Greater Vancouver realtor, please do not hesitate to contact me at 604-783-3124 or email me at ajauck@shaw.ca.

Below you can find my other points of contact, including my BuyRIC.com Profile, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and website!

Mistakes with Clauses and Legal Aspects of Vancouver Real Estate

Andrea Jauck — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:28:43 +0000

It seems like there are literally a million details connected to the process of buying or selling a home in Vancouver.

These can be very complex, intricate and time consuming. If done incorrectly at any stage, it could potentially cost a lot of money and hardship in the long run.

This is why it is important to not only educate yourself on these matters, but to also seek the professional advice and help of a realtor such as myself

This is where I as a realtor, will help you with all the paperwork and legalities involved in the process of completing a proper real estate transaction.

The process can be quite overwhelming, but I pride myself on keeping a close eye on even the most subtle of details that could benefit you from a few hundred to a few thousand in dollars. If not handled properly, a legal mistake in the paperwork could cost you a sale, a purchase, or lot of money.

I will educate you on the procedures and represent your best legal interests. Having your best interests in mind, as my customer, I will endeavor to provide you with a satisfying and pleasant experience by making sure that you understand the entire process of buying or selling a home.

Having been a realtor since 2006 servicing the Greater Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Belcarra, and Anmore areas, I have found that there are two legal clauses that are commonly misunderstood by customers and could be troublesome.

These include the Home Inspection Clause and the Survey Clause. These two clauses must be handled carefully to ensure a successful transaction.

So let’s go into some further detail on each one:

The Home Inspection Clause

If worded incorrectly, a home inspection clause can actually allow buyers to have the right to withdraw their offer (using some non-issue stated in the inspection as an excuse) if the home inspection yielded any undesirable result.

This of course would be totally unfair to the seller as it not only sabotages a transaction but it would also cost time and money for a seller that perceived the deal to be a “sure thing,” not to mention the emotional stress of having to deal with their home potentially being labeled as a “problem home” as a result.

To prevent this problematic encounter, it is very important to stipulate in the clause, that the seller has the right to repair any problems that the home inspection might identify. This slight addition to the clause ensures that both the buyer and seller are protected.

The Survey Clause

As a seller you have to beware of something called a “survey clause”. A buyer is within their rights to add this clause to a purchase contract and it could potentially spell trouble and expense for a seller.

If the home that you are selling has had an addition since it was built or maybe you have added a pool, the survey may no longer be considered up-to-date. In that case, the buyer may request that you provide a new up-to-date survey which could cost you anywhere from $700 to $1000.

As your realtor, it is my responsibility to provide you with the most recent survey of your home. It is the buyer’s right to decide if it is acceptable or not. As an experienced real estate agent, I’ll be able to provide reliable advice for you if an issue is encountered with the clause.

As you can see, the legal aspects of a real estate transaction and the “clauses” can be challenging.

Correctly handling these legal aspects are paramount to completing a successful sale or purchase, while ensuring that there are no problems with the transaction now or in the future.

Therefore, you will also need to ensure that you have the services of a reputable real estate lawyer. I will be able to direct you to local lawyers that will help successfully complete your real estate transaction.

If you need more information on this subject, or are in need of a Greater Vancouver realtor, please do not hesitate to contact me at 604-783-3124 or email me at ajauck@shaw.ca.

Below you can find my other points of contact, including my BuyRIC.com Profile, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and website!