2012 CURRENT MARKET UPDATE

As everyone has returned from summer holidays, activity has picked up and the fall market is in full swing.  In the recent Real Estate Weekly, CIBC’s chief economist wrote a column stating that BC will lead in housing sales over the next decade and that current media coverage is highly exaggerated. (Click here to read full article: http://issuu.com/rew1/docs/ly-sep7 )That being said, when you are making a home decision, plan to be in the home for 5 years. Don’t make a decision based on fear or speculation—make a decision based on what you want, need, and can afford. Be realistic. 

First Time Home Buyers Opportunities = FREE MONEY & Candy Store Selection of Supply

-  $10,000 Buyers incentive that is only available until March 31, 2013 

   (New Construction purchase)

-  Save on the property purchase tax (Properties under $425K) 

-  Use your RRSP savings towards your down payment 

-  $750 tax credit (CASH). 

For those of you who have not owned in the last 4 years, you can also qualify for the $750 CASH incentive. I will be hosting a short, informal seminar later this month for home buyers. I will be covering these grants, as well as what you need to do to get them.

With prices being steady, it presents a great opportunity for those who want to upsize. Interest rates are still at all time lows, and for properties that have suite potential, often times it costs less per month to live in the house than it would to live in a townhouse: more space, a backyard, and a similar monthly payment. 

Be sure to call me before you decide to buy or sell. 

604-910-LACE (5223) 

Buying or selling? You made a decision that this is the time for you to move. I can provide a number of options to speed up the process and save you time and money. Please take a moment to read over some of the options that have assisted many of my previous clients.

Are You Tired Of Waiting?!?!?...

I Do More Than Just Put a Sign On Your Lawn:

Over the years I have developed many options tailored to my client’s needs. Let me help you end the wait. I offer more than just a sign on your lawn!

My clients have found the “We Trade Homes” option of great value in purchasing or selling their properties. I also encourage my clients not to overlook these other great solutions. Often a little help is all that is needed to turn your dream into reality and in the process save you money!

What if My Trade Option Is Not For You? You may wish to consider my interim financing option. I can tailor a plan to your needs and budget. This will aid in completing your sale or purchase and avoid any disappointment caused by buying with a “subject clause”. I offer more options than with traditional banks and without the expense and red tape.

Save CMHC Fees: In many cases my clients find that with only a small supplement to their cash equity they can arrange for conventional financing rather than with CMHC. This option can save you many thousands of dollars in mortgage fees that may not be possible through other realtors or lenders.

Purchase With A Partner: I do not offer this option to everyone, but this is an option that I offer to a few select clients each year. I invest the down payment, and rather than a loan, I may partner in sharing the equity for your first purchase. If you feel that home prices are getting away from you faster than you can save the required down payment, then this amazing option may be just what you are looking for.

Financial Challenges: From time to time clients find themselves in some tight financial spots through unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. Give me a call. I have provided a number of solutions to help in keeping the wolf from the door. This can range from cashing you out on your property or providing easy financing to satisfy creditors until your property is sold. When challenges strike give me a call.

Tailor Made Options: I am in the habit of creating solutions. Bring your real estate needs to Westridge Realty Co. and see what I can do to assist you. In most cases I should be able to provide a solution to whatever challenge you may have. I have been specializing in creative forms of financing and have many satisfied clients to prove it. My motto has always been “All your real estate solutions under one roof” and for good reason.

If you would like more information on any of these solutions, or have any questions, please call me direct at (604) 910-LACE (5223) or email me at lacey@homeswithlacey.com. I look FORWARD to speaking with you soon!

How to Get Top Dollar - Part 2

In my continuing series on “How to Get Top Dollar” I would like to talk about de-personalizing and editing your space.

As I mentioned in my last post in this series, making your home as appealing as possible to a wide array of people is the ultimate goal. One of the first things to understand is once you put your home on the market you must shift your thinking; now it’s time to approach your home as an object for sale– not as your home.

Start by de-personalizing your space. Remove the majority of personal photos and precious personal mementos. While these items are special and important to you, they don’t matter to those coming to view your home. People want to see your home – and the architectural elements that make your home special – not your family pictures.

Second, edit your space. Make your house clean, simple and easy to view by maximizing the space in each room. This means taking some time to sort through your belongings. You may end up donating things you no longer need or packing up items that are not needed until after you move.

You want your rooms to feel spacious, your closets to be organized and your home to feel welcoming. Making your home feel move in ready will help you get top dollar, as potential buyers won’t feel as though they will have additional expenses upon move-in.

If you’d like more information on getting top dollar I’m happy to chat or come by your home to give you some pointers. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Introducing LOVE MONTH

I'm excited to share my current promotion with you.

For February, the month of LOVE you will SAVE:

20% off your listing fees

$200 refer a friend bonus - gift card to Home Depot - Costco - or The Keg
(*Referral gift will be delivered when friends move into their new home*)

Looking to buy? Call about our special buyers home credit.

PLUS We're doubling our giving: 20% of all profits from new business between
February 6 - 20 will be donated to the charity of your choice

There's something for everyone!

2Gether WE CAN BRING CHANGE!

If you would like to talk with me directly about this promotion or anything real estate please feel free to call me at: (604) 910-LACE (5223).

*Listing discount received upon purchasing and selling with Lacey Forward*

Your Personal Fundraiser

Did you know that your volunteer group or charitable organizations can be fundraising with me? Through our Dusty Shoes Foundation you can receive a sizeable cheque.

Here’s a brief run down of how it works:
• Contact Dusty Shoes Foundation to gain authorization to feature its brand on your emails, and any web sites that feature your particular group and your facebook account.

• Forward a brief outline of the details of your organization, and the purpose for the needed funding. Forward to Lacey@homeswithlacey.com

• Keep an eye out for those in your circle of contacts that may be thinking of Buying or Selling real estate. Tell them of your clubs fund raising goals and direct them to the Dusty Shoes opportunity.

• 10% of any business from buying or selling real estate that is generated from your contacts will be donated to your particular volunteer group, charity or foundation.

If you would like more information on starting your own personal fundraiser click here and call me directly at(604)910.LACE (5223).

How To Get Top Dollar - Part 1

One of my favourite things is helping people get the MOST for their home.

Often a few simple changes before listing a home can help you stand out from the competition and bring in those top dollar offers. So, with that in mind, I am going to start a “Top Dollar” series where every month I share a tip on easy things homeowners can do to get the offers they really want.

This month I am focusing on paint, also known as the “liquid renovator.” Paint can honestly do wonders, and being fairly inexpensive the results vs. costs are awesome. When selling your home ensure it appeals to a wide array of people, this means that neon green wall in your son’s bedroom may need to go, or the chipped baseboards may need a facelift. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color keeps things pleasing to the eye and makes things look move-in ready.

Here are a few popular and neutral paint colors that are current and work with a wide array of homes decor styles:

BM Grant Beige

BM Hazy Skies

BM Revere Pewter

If by chance you have a larger project that you need completed in your home I’m sure I can help with that too. When you visit my website click on the “Home Owner’s Toolbox” to find a list of trades people, companies and contractors that I recommend to help you with any of your home needs.

If you have any questions about your home I would love to chat with you, please feel free to call me directly at (604)910.5223.

2011 Year In Review

If I were to sum up the Fraser Valley real estate market this year in one word it would be “modest.”

This is quite the change from what many of have known from previous years such as 2005 to 2008 where there was rapid growth in the real estate market.

Although this year was slightly lower than the average, it presented an opportunity for those looking to move up in dollar value, or, for the first time home buyer. Another great opportunity are the low interest rates that remained available throughout the year and are still available today.

History has shown that on average the real estate market in the Fraser Valley increases between 4% to 6% per year so anything over and above this amount is considered a bonus for real estate owners. A couple years ago we saw a correction in the market, a recovery then followed which now brings us to today’s date; more of a balanced market.

Even though 2011 was slightly lower than the norm this wasn’t the case for all; communities such as South Surrey took the prize for the highest increase in property values this year. This is a great example of why it’s important to acquire regular updates on property values specific to your current community or the community you’re looking to move to.

Just because the news says that there was an increase or a decrease that doesn’t necessarily mean this has affected your area. Do your due diligence and investigate the facts before you take that 10 second clip from the news to heart. REMEMBER real estate is a long term investment.

If you’re looking to move into a new home this coming year, plan on living there for a minimum of 3-5 years when considering your options. I welcome your calls with any questions or to receive a current market evaluation specific to your area.

Have a great year and I look forward to hearing from you soon!