6 Great Ways to Integrate Nature into Your Home

If you’re starved for the sounds, textures and moods of the great outdoors, bring the outdoors in!

https://www.coldwellbanker.com/blog/6-great-ways-to-integrate-nature-into-your-home/

Technology that has changed our Homes

 110 Years of Smart Home Technology: 1950-2016


To celebrate the 110th anniversary of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to reminisce about some of the greatest innovations in home technology over the past 110 years. In this post, we’ll highlight some key inventions from 1950 to the present.


http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/110-years-smart-home-technology-part-two/

Just Listed Gorgeous 5 Bedroom Family Home

Just Listed!

3326 Webber Road

This gorgeous 5 bedroom 3 bath family home has been updated and shows great! From the open island kitchen with gas stove to the newly re-done bathrooms up and down, there is nothing to do but move in. 2 gas fireplaces, a workshop with separate entrance, a flat fenced yard and lots of parking for cars, boats, and/or RV's! There's a gas heated above ground pool (never hooked up by the current owners as they didn't need it) and also, this home is close to bus, schools, and parks. For more info and pics visit www.kelownahome.com or call Paige at 250-862-6464 or Christian at 250-863-2000

Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty
MLS® 10118700

Central Okanagan April 2016 Statistics

 

The Central Okanagan Statistics are out and Residential home sales are up 31% over April 2015. If you are thinking of selling, now could be a great time, Call me to discuss your Real Estate questions. 

Paige

Decor at Your Door

 Knock knock! Who’s there? It’s decor at your door! Here are 4 subscription boxes to make your house into a home.

http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/decor-at-your-door/

Helpful Tips for Buyers

Finding the perfect home doesn't happen in one day. It takes careful planning and lots of work. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to simplify the process.

Things to Consider Before Starting Your Search

What Features Do You Need?

Do you need an extra bathroom, a garage, a fenced backyard, or lower utility bills? Do you want a fireplace, a short drive to work, or maybe minimal yard work? Once your list is complete, decide what's most important to you.

What's the Ideal Location?

Where you live obviously affects your lifestyle; it's also one of the most significant influences on the value of your
home. Your choice of location may be somewhat limited by the price you can afford. Even so, make sure to con- sider such things as distance to work, schools, shopping and entertainment.

What Kind of Home?

What type of property do you want? A single-family detached home is attractive to many people because it typically provides more living space and land. On the other hand, a condominium may be a more appropriate choice for you, with an emphasis on maintenance-free living. Determine what type of home best suits your desired lifestyle and budget.

What's Your Budget?

How much do you want to spend? Just as importantly, how much do you have to spend? Remember there are numerous additional expenses that you'll need to pay to complete the purchase of a home.

Choosing a REALTOR®!

A REALTOR® can help you answer all of these questions and help you navigate through what can be a complicated business transaction.

You can contact me, Paige Guernsey - an award winning Kelowna Realtor® direct at 250-862-6464 guide you with your home purchase.

Talk to you soon!

Paige



Exert taken from http://www.crea.ca/buyers, visit to read the full article

Do You Know How To How to Keep Your Heating and Cooling System Running Smoothly?

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the heating and cooling system serves as its lungs. 

Click link: http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/do-you-know-how-to-how-to-keep-your- 

heating-and-cooling-system-running-smoothly/ 

Busy Travel Season calls for Advanced Precaution

Spring is a popular season for families and young singles to travel, but it's important that the prospect of an exciting new destination does not override the need to take precautions for health and safety. If you are traveling to a foreign destination or going on a cruise (where disease can spread rapidly), see your doctor or a travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to discuss vaccination and other forms of protection. Be sure to order personal medications in advance and consult your carrier and your destination customs office for packing regulations. Unless you know otherwise do not expect your destination to offer easy access to common over -the counter products, such as hand wipes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and medica- tion for motion-sickness, diarrhea, allergies, etc. Also when away from home, choose only bottled water and never leave your drinks unattended in public places. Finally, before you go, leave a copy of your medications, passport(s), itinerary and contact information with a friend at home, and consult your telephone service pro- vider for a Smartphone travel plan to reduce or eliminate roaming charges for necessary but unexpected usage.

Paige

Record December Housing Demand Leads to Near Record Year

The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) reports that MLS® residential sales posted a record for the month of December at 444 units, up 6.7% from December 2014. Last month’s results contributed to 2015 being the busiest year since 2007, when a record 8,702 annual transactions were counted. A total of 7,988 residential sales were recorded for 2015, up 6.2% from the 7,525 sales in 2014.

Here is 2015 Statistics. 

To view additional stats visit: http://omreb.com/page.php?sectionID=2

Get the Best Return on Investment with Your Next Home Improvement Project

Home is where the heart is, but sometimes it’s also where a homeowner’s savings plan comes into account. Homeowners may have a long wish list of home renovations and projects, and sometimes the work is never done. While return on investment (ROI) may not be the biggest consideration in a homeowner’s mind when deciding which projects make it to the top of the list, knowing which projects see the highest returns may be helpful in the decision-making process.

 

Click on the link to read the full article

http://www.northshorefireplace.com/about-us/home-improvement-roi/

Kelowna Real Estate Agent Paige Guernsey 

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

Paige

Hoping to pass along some Christmas Cheer

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought this was cute and maybe a bit of stress relief at this busy time.

http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-funniest-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas-weve-ever-seen/

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

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/

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

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

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.

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

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.