Thursday, December 24, 2015

Season's Greetings





As you celebrate the miracle of this special season, may your heart be filled with joy and peace. May these holiday blessings linger in your home and stay with you throughout the year.
Seasons Greetings

Monday, December 21, 2015

Just Listed! Immaculate Townhome at Le Mirage



Just Listed!
#4-316 Whitman Road

Absolutely immaculate town home backing onto the park and green space. With over 1400 square feet and 2 beds & 2.5 baths + den this well laid out home offers space and privacy for all. The rooms are large and there are vaulted ceilings in the living room and master suite. The main floor skylight offers loads of natural light in this south facing unit. In addition to a gas fireplace there is also a gas bbq hookup on the patio. Central air and natural gas heating looking after the cool winter and warm summers. This home also has an attched single garage with extra parking on driveway as well as ample nearby street parking. All this in a quiet and private complex located in the popular neighborhood of North Glenmore and is within walking distance to parks, linear walking/biking trails, schools, bus, shopping and transportation. A perfect place to call home. Please call Paige Guernesy at 250-862-6464 or Christian Kirschke at 250-863-2000 for more information. Visit www.kelownahome.com for more info and pics.

MLS® 10109441

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Looking Ahead



In the movie Next, the lead character, played by Nicolas Cage, has the ability to see in the future—which turns out to be a handy gift. He can find out what will happen to him if he chooses to go left instead of right and, as a result he’s able to make the best choices.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could do that too? For example, what if you could peek into the future and find out what would happen tow months from now if you were to put your house on the market today?

Of course perfect foresight can only happen in the movies.

However, you can forecast into the future to some extent, if you work with a REALTOR® who know the market well, you can find out what your property would likely sell for in today’s market. That way, you could make a smarter , more informed decision. It wouldn't be quiet the way Nicolas Cage’s character was able to predict the future in the movie, but pretty close!

So if you need a peek into your real estate future, give us a call. As your REALTOR® , I’m here to help.

All the best!


Thursday, December 3, 2015

November 2015 OMREB Statistics


 The November 2015 Stats are out and Residential sales are Up 5% over 2014. Along with the median price of homes rising 2%. 
For full details visit: OMREB

Thursday, November 26, 2015

The List of Pet Peeves That Turn Homebuyers Off — And How to Avoid Them


Even if your home is priced right and in a desirable location, you may be offending potential buyers without ever knowing it. Here is our list of pet peeves that can turn a buyer off — and how to avoid them when selling your home.

When someone is searching for a home to buy, gut instinct and first impressions are crucial to making a positive impact. Even if your home ticks all the boxes for you, there is a chance you may be offending potential buyers without ever knowing it. Here is our list of pet peeves that turn buyers off — and how to avoid them when selling your home.

1. Masking Issues

Whether it is odors or a failed foundation, masking potential issues to gain a quick sale could be a very costly gamble. If there are serious defects that you know about, a buyer could back out of the deal at the last minute, ask you to fix the issue or worse — involve you in a legal battle long after the deal should be done. Consider hiring a qualified home inspector to conduct a pre-sale inspection. An inspection gives you the upper hand in determining how to address the issue — and get top dollar for your home. No home is perfect. Be upfront about any flaws in your home and you will light the path to a smoother sale.

2. Overpricing Your Home

Ensuring your home is appropriately priced before hitting the market is an important factor in achieving a timely sale. Working with a knowledgeable agent — and trusting their advice — is your best bet in ensuring your home sells for what it’s worth. In real estate, the price you paid for a home has no bearing or guarantee on its selling price when you go to list. The market, condition of the home, and how well recent home sales have performed all influence what your home is worth, and having your house sit on the market because it’s overpriced will deter interested buyers.

3. Not Preparing Your Home For Sale

Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home. Giving them a clean, decluttered, and neutral space is essential. An abundance of knick-knacks, or greatly loved (but really worn out) furniture can be distracting, so consider packing them up before you list. Additionally, showing your home with overly bright, dark, or otherwise overwhelming colors can be off-putting to potential buyers who only see the price tag and effort to repaint. Repainting these rooms in a neutral palette may not be your personal taste, but it will allow a blank slate for potential buyers.

4. Making Showings Difficult

While keeping your house ready for showings and open houses can be stressful, the longer your home sits on the market, the more you will have to do it. Being inflexible with requested showing times or demanding to be present during showings can actually harm the sale process rather than help it, and may top a buyers list of pet peeves. Potential buyers will be more willing to work with you on the negotiations if you have been reasonable in their showing demands, and allowing them to view your home without you present will ease any uncomfortable feelings they may have about you being present.

5. Not Considering Your Pets

While your pets have a special place in your heart — and your home — not every homebuyer will share your view. Considering how your pets will impact buyers is an important step in depersonalizing your home. When preparing for viewings be sure that your pets are appropriately contained, as not to disturb buyers who want access to all parts of your home. If possible, removing pets from the premises completely is preferred, but if you can’t do that, ample warning through your agent is a must. Repairing any stained or damaged items caused by pets before you list will also help the overall impression your home makes.

Cpmpliments of Coldwell Banker
http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-list-of-pet-peeves-that-turn-homebuyers-off-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Thursday, November 19, 2015

OMREB October 2015 Statistics


The October stats are out and the Central Okanagan board is showing a 6% increase in Residential sales.  That is great news if you are thinking of Selling your home. For additional statistical information visit:  http://omreb.com/page.php?sectionID=2 or call me 250-862-6464 with your Real Estate questions. 
Paige


Thursday, November 12, 2015

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Making Your Home Ready for Sale




Preparing your home for sale takes some effort. By following these tips your home will be ready to hit the market.

Do: freshen up your home so that it shows in the best light possible. A fresh coat of paint, some landscaping and pressure cleaning goes a long way. You want to wow people from the second they lay eyes on the home so curb appeal is crucial. Be consistent from the outside in and make sure every room makes a great impression.

Don’t: overspend on major renovations that may overvalue your property. Be aware of comps and know your limits. You don’t want to spend a significant amount of time and money becoming the biggest fish in a small pond when that fish will still be worth about the same as it was before.

Do: Make your home as inviting as possible- leave a coffee table book open to a random page and a candle burning to give off a relaxed and intimate feel. Flowers are always a plus but make sure they look alive and well.

Don’t: leave out personal items or clutter in your home. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the home and they can’t do that when all they see is your family and your life. Clearing out and cleaning up will allow them to see how beautiful the home is and will give them the opportunity to envision themselves living there.

Do: listen to advice. You hired your agent for a reason. Let him or her guide you as to when it makes sense to improve and when it  doesn’t. When it does, seek help from a decorator and/or architect. Find the best professional and let them do what they do best.

Call Paige Guernsey on her direct line at 250-862-6464 with your Real Estate questions today!
Talk to you soon…
Paige



Thursday, November 5, 2015

Exciting New Price! Sprawling Lakeview Rancher


1791 Shaleridge Place
$848,800

Timeless elegance and charm is found in this sprawling rancher superbly crafted with over 6,000 square feet of spacious and comfortable living space. 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2 dens and 5 bathrooms along with multiple family, living, and games rooms make up this custom gated european styled home. Enjoy the incredible and unobstructed views of Okanagan Lake and downtown Kelowna from most rooms and all outdoor living spaces. You'll find 2 large sundecks outside, one covered and one uncovered to fully enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle. As well, there's a triple car garage with circular driveway and an extra driveway providing extra parking for both a boat and RV! There is also a 3rd level with roughed in plumbing and great views that can be finished for additional living space or in-law/nanny suite. All of this is sitting on an exceptional and private .67 acre lot. A true home of distinction. 

Call PAIGE GUERNSEY direct at 250-862-6464 or CHRISTIAN KIRSCHKE at 250-863-2000 for more info or visit www.kelownahome.com view 3d tour at https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=RKqp9Hguek2&help=1

Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
MLS® 10108186

The Top 5 Home Features That Buyers Are Hunting For This Fall

Whether you’re getting prepared to buy a new home or just curious about upcoming trends in housing, there are a bevy of features gaining momentum on the real estate market. From top to bottom and room to room, here are five popular features that homebuyers will be sure to notice this fall.



Bigger Is Not Necessarily Better

There was a time when a bigger home meant a better home, but with the cost of maintenance and heating, bigger homes are experiencing a decline in popularity. Instead of sizeable mansions that look the part, buyers are becoming more interested in houses that are more economical to maintain and possess a warmer, cozier vibe.



A Modern, Up-To-Date Kitchen

Where a living room and a bedroom can often be fixed up with a layer of paint, the costs that can go into updating an old kitchen can be quite prohibitive for a new buyer. Instead of a space they’ll just have to renovate, buyers are interested in a sleek, modern looking kitchen with stainless steel appliances that offer modern conveniences.



Energy Efficient And Environmentally Friendly

While older homes can offer character and the history that goes along with them, new homes are winning when it comes to energy efficiency. With people becoming more conscientious of the environment and their impact, energy efficiency in a home is not only popular right now, but will come to be a necessity in the next few years.



Options For A Smart Home

Technology has become so ubiquitous these days that it makes more sense for buyers to invest in homes with smart features. From thermostats that can be adjusted with mobile devices to doors opened via Bluetooth, smart features are a huge part of what makes a modern home.



A Burst Of Bright Color

Muted tones can often be the best for allowing a potential buyer to envision a home as their own, but color here and there can definitely draw in the younger crowd. With bright color making a design comeback, a brilliantly bold sink or appliance can be the type of risk that pays off and has the potential to sway the right kind of home seeker.

The features that grab a potential buyer can change all the time, but certain popular trends will not be going out of style anytime soon. If you’re curious about trends that will be hitting the market in your area, contact your trusted real estate professional for some inside tips.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Just Listed! Fantastic 3 bedroom Family Home







Just move in! This fantastic family home has 3 beds, 2.5 baths, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and shows 10/10! Fresh paint, newer flooring and 5 appliances are also included. The master suite is spacious with additional sitting area and there's also a walk in closet and 3 pce ensuite. The main bath and kitchen both have skylights allowing tons of natural light in. There's a newer heat pump for energy efficient heating/cooling and the yard is fully fenced and very private. Here you'll also enjoy the above ground pool and play station. Allowing for easy additional parking or access to the back yard there's an extra gate along with 2 garden sheds. In addition, schools and transportation are within walking distance and nearby amenities include shopping, entertainment, parks and sports facilities. This home is a winner! Call Paige Guernsey at 250-862-6464 or Christian Kirschke at 250-863-2000 for a viewing. Visit www.kelownahome.com for more information and pictures.

 View virtual tour at https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Pe8UaRGwBqG

Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
MLS® 10108133

Thursday, October 29, 2015

10 "Feng Shui" Tips to Attract Good Luck When Selling Your Home!



Feng shui literally translates to “wind and water.” It basically means living in harmony with the environment.

In the real estate business, it’s become a verb, so that many people “feng shui” their homes to create a feeling of harmony, relaxation and abundance.

The concept of living in harmony with the environment is a comparatively new idea in the West, but has been practiced in the East for thousands of years. By simply rearranging your furniture, hanging wind chimes outside or placing a vase filled with flowers in your bedroom, you can affect the universal force called ch’i – the powerful magnetic energy that attracts good luck and prosperity. The land supports the house, the house supports the rooms and the rooms support the residents.

Certain buyers believe everything in the world belongs to one of the five elements: fire, earth, wood, water or metal. Many believe that you will attract a flow of buyer traffic to your home if you incorporate the five elements when selling.

10 Issues that Can Affect the Sale of Your Home!

1. The direction of the house. Does it face north, south, east or west or a combination thereof. Some buyers will purchase a house based on their individual, auspicious direction.

2. Whether the house is on a “T” street. Negative energy is created when the street ends directly in front of the house.

3. The interior staircase faces the front door. This is negative – it allows ch’i to escape out the door.

4. A positive location for the kitchen is in the center of the house.

5. The toilet and the bathroom should be private and not visible from the front door.

6. Doors to the bathrooms should be kept closed.

7. Put away anything with sharp edges, including any butcher-block knife sets.

8. Dried flowers should be avoided. They are extremely bad feng shui. Silk flowers are acceptable, but live are best.

9. Exposed beams create negative ch’i. They impede financial progress and create stress and tension. Sleeping under an exposed beam is especially bad and can lead to headaches, dishonesty and bad luck. For these reasons, it is also very bad feng shui to place a desk or chair directly below an exposed beam.

10. A large mirror in a dining room reflects the food on the table and is very beneficial, as in effect, it doubles the amount of food available.



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Just Listed!

1719 Kloppenburg Road
Black Mountain 
$299,900


With a little elbow grease and basement finishings, this home will shine up to be a winner! Updated with newer kitchen, flooring, windows and master suite that includes a 4 pce ensuite and walk-in closet. The property is partially fenced and has a single garage, dog run, and extra parking. Located close to the exclusive neighborhood of Kirschner Mountain this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is within walking distance to elementary school and transportation. Call PAIGE GUERNSEY direct at 250-862-6464 or CHRISTIAN KIRSCHKE at 250-863-2000 for more info or visit www.kelownahome.com

Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
MLS ® 10107829

Monday, October 26, 2015

Just Listed! Nice Condo at Sundance Ridge





 Perfect for investor or first time buyer! 2 bed 2 bath with direct access to the great outdoors where you'll find fantastic hiking trails. Pets are ok and there are NO rental restrictions. Great amenities including central heating/cooling, hot tub, pool, & secure underground parking.
#1111-2210 Upper Sundance Ridge, West Kelowna BC. MLS ® 10107835. $224,900

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Decorative Trim and Mouldings


Can Change Any Room

Plain rooms can get a real image boost with wainscoting. The panels are installed on the lower portion of the walls and are typically topped with a chair-rail. This creates a continuous horizontal line around the perimeter of the room The remaining area above can be painted or wallpapered. Another dramatic effect can be achieved with decorative baseboards, complemented by crown moulding along the top of the walls. Additional detail can be added by using a ceiling medallion (around a hanging fixture). Originally producing and installing such ornate woodworking was an expensive and tedious process, but now faux mouldings are often prefabricated from lightweight and paintable medium-density board or foam, which is less expensive and easier to install. The effect can be stunning, but experts caution against overdoing a small room - the shorter the wall, the thinner and simpler the trim should be. Before deciding, take picture sof your room to your local home decor suppliers for professional advice.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

September 2015 Real Estate Statistics





The September 2015 stats are out and while housing demand in our Board area has slowed down over the last week or two, sales activity remains relatively strong and seems to be extending into fall.

If you have questions about Real Estate Market or are thinking of selling your home, call me Paige Guernsey 250-862-6464



 
For full details Visit:  http://www.omreb.com/page.php?sectionID=2

Monday, October 5, 2015

The Benefits of



Walk-in Bath and Shower Units
Once perceived as a health-care necessity reserved for those with restricted mobility, easy - access bathtubs and shower units are becoming more common. With a number of features that can rival or outshine those of traditional bathtubs and shower units, walk-in tub and shower units are now seen by many homeowners as an added benefit, and a worthwhile household investment. In addition to offering a safe and easy low-step entry, the latest versions also feature contoured, slip resistant seats with adjustable shower-head locations, backrests and handles. Plus a number of manufacturers and installer offer water temperature controls, hydro-therapeutic water jets, and custom sizing services (e.g. round, square, corner, compact, oversized etc.). Of course, safety, comfort and independence will remain the primary benefits to many consumers - priorities that will become more in demand as the baby-boomer generation enters its senior years.

Fall is Here!






 

7 Reasons to be happy it's fall