Monthly Archives: October 2019

Seller Information! Thinking of Selling?

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There are a million different reasons why people sell their homes, but every seller has one thing in common: the desire to get as much money as possible from their existing residence as quickly and as hassle-free as possible. (If your home is your principal residence, you won’t have to pay capital gains tax on any profits from the sale. If, on the other hand, it is an investment property, prepare for the tax man!)

Before you begin the selling process, really evaluate why you’re moving. Do you have too few rooms, or too many? Has your job moved to another city and you’re relocating? Are the neighbours driving you away? Or are you simply looking for a change? A complete analysis of your current position will set a good foundation for your next home hunt.

When is the Best Time to Sell Your Home?

Everyone seems to have specific ideas on when the right time is to sell. Some base their theories on the overall economy, while others will tell you that there are key buying months that you’ll want to capitalize on.

If you’re not buying and selling strategically or for investment, the best time to sell is really when you feel your existing home will not meet your future needs. The best reason to purchase a new home is to take advantage of your family and lifestyle changes. Do you wish to be closer to a school? Are you switching jobs? Do you have an aging parent to care for?

In Canada, weather and holidays do play a factor. Almost no one goes house hunting around Christmas, and few give up their summer vacations. Of course, those with school-aged children are less likely to move during the school year and summer is an ideal time. In some areas, there is a definite “spring cycle” — perhaps it’s a bit of spring fever and a wish to break out of the bonds of winter.

Some gamblers look for winter bargains and then try to sell their homes during the spring cycle. But overall, that could be more tension and aggravation than you wish. And the monetary results may be disappointing.

Another key factor to consider is the economy. Are interest rates higher or lower in comparison to your current mortgage? If they are higher, you may want to stick with your current home, as your new mortgage payments could be uncomfortable. If rates are lower, you might be able to trade up to a more expensive home without a significant increase in your monthly mortgage obligation.

What’s more, if it’s a buyers’ market, you may be in a strong position to purchase a new home, especially if you have accumulated some equity in your current property.

Are There Costs Involved in Selling?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Even if you think your home is perfect, you may have to do some minor repairs or upgrades to make your home more attractive to potential purchasers.

  • A professional home inspection may be a condition of the offer. If the inspection points to problems, your purchaser may ask that you make the necessary repairs or choose not to close the deal.
  • Closing costs, such as lawyers’ fees or unpaid taxes, will also have to be paid.
  • Mortgage discharge fees may be levied by your lending institution.
  • Sales commissions must be paid. They usually amount to 6% of the selling price.

Buy or sell first?

That’s tricky. After all, if you find a purchaser for your existing home, before you’ve found a new one, you may find yourself living out of a suitcase if convenient closing dates can not be negotiated. On the other hand, if you find your dream home before you’ve unloaded your old one, you may be faced with carrying two mortgages for a time.

So how do you manage? Easy. Do your homework and have a good idea about the neighbourhood and type of home you’re looking for. Do an honest evaluation of your family’s needs and budget.

Speak to your Real Estate Sales Representative and start your new home search as soon as your existing home hits the market.

If you’ve found a home, before you’ve sold your existing one, use “sale of your existing home” as a condition on your offer. If you don’t sell your house within a fixed period of time, you can choose not to go through with the offer. This, however, is a difficult condition for many vendors to agree upon and you may find that you have to forgo your price negotiating power.

Purchasing a home before you sell could be a risky strategy if you’re counting on the proceeds from the sale.

If you’ve found a purchaser before you’ve found your next home, use “purchase of a new home” as a condition when you sign back the agreement. Again, it will only be for a fixed time. Even if you have not found the ideal next house by the time the deal closes, you may still wish to proceed with the offer. As a buyer with a “sold house” you will be in a better position to negotiate price.

There are a million different reasons why people sell their homes, but every seller has one thing in common: the desire to get as much money as possible from their existing residence as quickly and as hassle-free as possible. (If your home is your principal residence, you won’t have to pay capital gains tax on any profits from the sale. If, on the other hand, it is an investment property, prepare for the tax man!)

Before you begin the selling process, really evaluate why you’re moving. Do you have too few rooms, or too many? Has your job moved to another city and you’re relocating? Are the neighbours driving you away? Or are you simply looking for a change? A complete analysis of your current position will set a good foundation for your next home hunt.

Buyer Information! Location and Affordability.

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The first question you’re bound to ask is, “How much home can I afford?” That depends on a number of factors:

  • Your selected location. Are you set on a specific area? Downtown? The suburbs? A rural setting?
  • Your preferred type of home. Detached? Semi? Duplex? High-rise? Link? Townhouse? New or Resale? There are a variety of home styles you will want to explore.
  • Your income. After all, it’s not just the mortgage you have to take into account. There are property taxes, utilities, and in some cases condo or strata fees. As a general rule of thumb, your monthly home-carrying cost should not exceed 30-35% of your income.
  • Market conditions. Is it a buyer’s, sellers or balanced market?

There are also additional costs to keep in mind. It’s a good idea to work out exactly what you want and what you can afford before you begin the search. Be specific! After all, you don’t want to suddenly come to the realization that your dream house has come with a nightmare of bills and expenses. Stick to looking at houses in your price range. The more you’ve thought it out, the better your REALTOR® can meet your needs.

A part of deciding just what you can afford can be accomplished by meeting with your bank or a mortgage broker and negotiating a pre-approved mortgage. There are many types of mortgages and many different terms. Research all of your options. This ensures that there are no surprises once you’re ready to make an offer.

Once you’ve figured out your monthly expenses and what you can afford, you can start your search. It could happen that the first home you see is the one you want; or you might look at home after home with none of them catching your interest. Rest assured, the home you’re looking for is out there, and when you find it, you’re ready to make an offer. If your offer is accepted, the next steps are closing and moving into your new home.

As you can see, you will want to give some thought to how long you intend to stay in your home. It may be difficult to answer before you’ve even found your home, but if it’s your first home give some thought to the resale value when it is time to upgrade. On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, consider your future needs and purchase a home that will accommodate them.

Purchasing a home is easy once you put your plans into action. Contact us now and we’ll help you get started.

Dan’s Holiday Gift Guide! Best Smart Home Devices.

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According to my calendar it’s still November but apparently the stores aren’t on the same schedule because no matter where I go the holiday season seems to be in full swing. While I could turn this into a rant about what an appropriate date is to start playing Christmas music and put up decorations (December 1st!), I’d rather this post be a little more useful to you. 

Odds are you’ve got bunch of people to buy gifts for. I know I certainly do. This year, I plan to be smart about my gift giving… literally. As in I’m giving people cool tech products to turn their home into a smart home. Soon everything in your house will be connected to the internet so I figure, why not get a head start? With that in mind, I’ve made a gift guide of the best smart home devices of 2019. 

Nest Learning Thermostat 

This is one of the coolest smart products around. The Nest Learning Thermostat replaces your old style thermostat and, like the name says, learns your heating and cooling habits. Whenever you change the temperature, Nest picks up on when you like it warm, when you like it cold, and when you’re actually at home. Once it learns this info, it’ll start programming itself around your schedule so your furnace or A/C only runs when you actually need it to. You can also control Nest remotely so if it’s cold when you leave in the morning but the day warms up significantly, you can turn your heat off from work! It’s a great way to save on your power bill. Plus it looks gorgeous. 

Netgear Arlo Q Security Camera 

If you or your loved ones don’t already have a security camera, I recommend picking up the Netgear Arlo Q Camera. It’s easy to set up, records in full HD video 24/7, has night vision, and even two way audio so you can listen in and speak from the app on your phone. The app also lets you check in on things when you’re out and about and will alert you when something out of the ordinary happens. Definitely a smart way to feel more secure. 

Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock 

Ever had had an armload of grocery bags and when you arrive at your door, you realize your keys are still in your pocket and you have to juggle things around to get them out? Yeah, the Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock eliminates that by unlocking when it senses your phone nearby. It’s got a close range authentication system so it won’t open until you’re close to it or you can lock and unlock it remotely using your phone. Definitely a neat upgrade over hiding a spare key somewhere. It still comes with a Weiser lock built in for old fashioned access but with something this slick, I bet you won’t use it often.  

Phillips Hue Lighting 

Do you need smart light bulbs? No. Will you want them after seeing them? Heck yeah! The Phillips Hue system is the most complete system of smart lights available. As with everything on the list, you can control them with your phone or with a smart home hub like Google Home or Amazon Echo. Yes, they’re more expensive than regular “dumb” bulbs but since they’re LED, they’ll last for years. You can set them to turn off when you leave the room, dim when you’re watching your smart TV, and even set up colour schemes with different hues (see what I did there?) depending on the vibe you want.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are smart washer and dryers, smart blinds, smart smoke detectors, and a heck of a lot more. I even read an article there’s a company trying to launch a series of smart pans that’ll alert you when your food is cooked! If there’s anyone at all on your gift list that loves technology, they’d be thrilled to get one of the smart home devices I’ve listed here. All of them can be found at tech-y stores like Best Buy or the Telus Store in Orchard Park Mall, though Home Depot and RONA have started carrying a few of them too.  

And if you or someone you know is looking to find a new home to fill with smart tech, make the smart choice and contact me to help! I might not come with an app but I’m easy to get a hold of and I’ll always try to get you exactly what you want. 

5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Halloween 

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The fall is probably my favourite time of year. Don’t get me wrong… summer’s fun and all but I love autumn. The weather starts to cool down, the leaves change, the air gets crisper, it’s harvest time, hockey’s back and of course, it’s Halloween! Why wouldn’t you enjoy a holiday where you can eat as many mini Mars bars as you want?  

Of course, with Halloween on the horizon, that means trick or treaters will be coming to your home. With just a few short weeks to prepare for the onslaught of tiny, sweet seeking Spidermen and Wonder Women, I figured I’d give you a few tips on how to prepare your home for Halloween. 

Avoid Tripping Hazards 

Everyone wants have the spookiest yard on Halloween but if you’re going to go all out, make sure your decorations (and their extension cords) are positioned safely away from the main walking path. You want people to rave about how scary your house was because of the amazing Halloween decorations, not because people kept falling down when they tried to get candy. 

Light It Up 

Dim lighting can really set a scene in a horror film but it’s dangerous in real life. Resist the temptation to create a “Nightmare on Lakeshore Drive” scenario and reduce the chances of accidents by ensuring your lighting is up to snuff. Swap out dead bulbs on your porch and walkway so that visitors have a nice bright path to your door. Remember, most kids will have masks on so their vision may be obscured already. Even if you’re not home, a brightly lit yard is a great way to ward off would be vandals who might be up to some Halloween mischief. 

Secure Railings and Clean Your Steps 

Ever stepped on a wet leaf on wooden stairs? It’s slippery… banana peel in an old cartoon slippery! Give your walkway and steps a good cleaning before the big day to avoid any mishaps. Rake up any leaves, sweep away loose gravel, and pressure wash away any moss or grime. It’s not just for the kids, it’s for you too! While you’re at it, haul out the toolbox and tighten up any rickety railings to prevent dangerous falls. 

Keep Pets Contained 

Halloween is a stressful time for pets but can you blame them? The doorbell’s ringing constantly and strangers in masks are intruding on their territory. To prevent pets from scaring trick or treaters or worse, getting out and running away, It’s a good idea to put your cats or dogs in a calm, quiet, secure area. That way they won’t be able to escape when you open the door to hand out candy.  

Don’t Play With Fire 

Much like the scary decorations, people really go all out for their Jack O’lanterns now. The classically simple triangle eyes and toothy grins have been replaced by some outstanding designs (check out these Star Wars ones!). To go full 21st century Halloween, light up your pumpkins with an electric candle or LED lights instead of a real candle. It’s a more fire safe option and you won’t have to worry about anything going up in flames if it gets knocked over.  

Halloween might be considered the scariest holiday but that doesn’t mean it has to be dangerous. A bit of home preparation and a little extra care here and there makes it a fun day for all!  

Speaking of scary, trying to buy or sell a home without the proper guidance can seem downright terrifying. I can help take some of the mystery out of it. Contact me today and let’s see if we can’t find you a brand new home to decorate for next Halloween! 

5 Simple Ways You Can Sell Your Home For More Money   

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The real estate market in the Okanagan is really hot, which means as a home-owner, you’re likely sitting on a good chunk of change if you decide to sell. To increase the value of your home even further, consider these 5 ways you can make more money from your house sale.

  1. Regular Home Maintenance Is A Must

If there’s one thing you should never neglect as a home-owner, it’s keeping up with regular home maintenance. Simple jobs like patching up small holes or scratches in the walls, repairing drafty windows and doors, and fixing leaky faucets and toilets can all work wonders when improving the value of your home, especially in this hot market. Annual maintenance check-ups are a good habit to get into, but if you notice something needs repairing, try to do it right away so you have less work later.

  1. Contemporary Sells 

Still have the same paint job you did when you bought the house twenty years ago? It’s time to freshen up the interior. Choose a neutral colour scheme like grey or white and find ways to off-set the light shades with pops of colour to suit your personality and style. By modernizing your home, it’ll become easier to sell when it’s time to put the house up for sale.

  1. Landscaping Is Important

You’ve heard it before, but first impressions are everything, especially where property is concerned. Learn how to garden, and plant some nice flowers at the front of the house. Ensure weeds are being pulled, shrubs are being trimmed, and grass is being mowed. You don’t want to scare away a potential buyer with a bad first impression.

  1. Energy-Efficient Upgrades Are Helpful

A major seller in real estate is creating an energy-efficient home. Buying “green” is important to property hunters so if you’re able to replace big ticket items like your old, outdated H-VAC system to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, then you’re already helping your listing generate more attention. Minor swaps like replacing your old light-bulbs to LED or CFL bulbs and replacing your drafty windows to upgraded energy-efficient windows are two great ways to conserve energy, which will help sell your home faster and at a higher price.

  1. Renovate If Necessary 

Renovations are expensive, but at times, necessary. Ask yourself: If I renovate, will my property value increase? You know better than anyone if it’s time for some minor or major renovations. Seek out what people are looking for in a home. Usually, it’s an open concept living space, a modern and spacious bathroom (or multiple!), and a nice deck or patio to enjoy the Okanagan sunshine. If your home is outdated, cramped, and cold, it could be time to upgrade before you sell.

Ready to put your home up for sale in the Okanagan? I have just the tools you need to help sell that house fast and at top dollar. Just fill out the form on my website to get started.

Tips for Waterfront Property Owners

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ADVICE FOR WATERFRONT PROPERTY OWNERS TO MAINTAIN LAKE HEALTH, WATER QUALITY AND PROTECT SENSITIVE WILDLIFE

Natural areas of shoreline along lakes in the Okanagan are rapidly disappearing. Water quality, wildlife and property values are at risk when natural areas are removed or degraded. Natural shorelines help act as buffers to land use impacts on the lake, protecting the lake from erosion, toxic chemical spills, excessive sediment depositing in the lake, reduced water quality and other undesirable effects. Support the health of shorelines and lakes by following the recommended practices and avoiding those that cause impacts.

Do’s:

Be aware of provincial and local government regulations that govern development in your community. • Learn about provincial and local government permit and approval requirements before you consider the following activities near a shoreline, stream, wetland or other sensitive area: » removing or altering plants » disturbing soils » constructing buildings and structures » constructing roads, trails, docks, wharves, bridges » creating hard surfaces such as decks and pavement » installing works for flood protection » developing drainage systems and utility corridors » servicing sewage and water systems » servicing subdivisions • Plant a buffer of vegetation between the lakeshore and your lawn and driveway. • Provide shade trees near the lakeshore. • Retain native vegetation where it exists. • Whenever possible, plant native species to restore shoreline vegetation. • When accessing the beach, a designated pathway is preferable and avoids damage to vegetation in the riparian buffer. • Consistent with safety, maintain dead and dying trees to support species at risk and other wildlife. Many cavity nesting birds and other wildlife depend on tree cavities for survival. • Consider a shared dock consistent with provincial regulations/ directions. • Maintain permeability of surfaces to avoid surface erosion and help filter rainfall and surface water. • Consider testing water quality in areas where septic fields have been historically installed adjacent to lakes and creeks.

Dont’s:

Do not add sand or soil to beaches. • Do not remove sticks and debris from beaches as these help feed algae and small organisms that feed fish, consume organic material and maintain a clear, clean lake. • Development is regulated within 30 m of the high water mark of lakes and streams; avoid construction of permanent structures like gazebos and patios. • Do not install retaining walls near beaches. • Except where required for safety or to highlight navigation hazards, avoid the use of lights near the water; where possible and not required, turn lights near water off at night. • Avoid the use of lawn chemicals (fertilizers, weed killer, pesticides & herbicides) and washing cars in close proximity to lakeshores.

IDEAS FOR PLANTS TO INCLUDE AS PART OF A HEALTHY SHORELINE: Trees Black Cottonwood, Water Birch, Mountain or Sitka Alder, Paper Birch, Pacific Willow. Shrubs, Sedges and Grasses Red-Osier Dogwood, Tall Oregon Grape, Nootka Rose, Sandbar Willow, Blue or Red Elderberry, Smooth Sumac, Sedges, Giant Wild Rye.

SOURCES FOR PLANTS: Grasslands Nursery in Summerland and Sagebrush Nursery in Oliver sell native and dryland plants and provide advice and installation services.

MORE IDEAS TO KEEP YOUR SHORELINE HEALTHY AND HAPPY: Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society https://www.okanagansimilkameenstewardship.ca On the Living Edge: Your handbook for Waterfront Living https://tinyurl.com/living-by-water

4 Trendy Coffee Shops You Need to Try in Penticton

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Every now and then, a trendy deli or restaurant opens up that everyone is talking about. The same can be said about local coffee shops in Penticton. Only, the ones I’ve outlined for you aren’t just a “flavor of the week” but an exceptional java experience that deserves plenty of longstanding accolades. These hotspots aren’t your average place to meet up for a hot beverage. Each location offers something special and unique to their customers. From “food truck” style coffee shops to beachside cafes, these spots are must tries when getting your local morning pick-me-up. 

The Bench Market 

When thinking of the best cafés in Penticton, the Bench Market usually tops the list every time. Frequent “Bench” goers love the gourmet lunches, the all-day breakfast, the unique artisan grocery section, and of course their classified “best coffee in town” (hint: they use local-roasted organic beans!) If you’re in Penticton, you can’t miss this gem of an eatery. Its local charm reminds residents why there’s something extra special about living in the Southern Okanagan.  

Saint-Germain Café and Gallery 

The unique flare of Saint-Germain Café and Gallery is indicated right in its name. Not just a place to sip on a satisfying beverage, this Okanagan coffee shop is also a contemporary art gallery, featuring the works of Canadian artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, you’ll enjoy the artistic aesthetic of this locale paired with culinary delights and of course, organic coffee and teas.  

Added bonus: If you love live music, Saint-Germain Café and Gallery offers that too.  

The Prague Café  

When looking for something more than your average coffee company in Penticton, search no further than the Prague Café, a European bistro located directly on Okanagan Lake’s beachfront. Visitors of the Prague Café will love the Czech and European baked goods, soups, sandwiches and of course, organic specialty drinks like espresso, cappuccino and lattes. If you’re a tea drinker, don’t leave without trying the Green Tea Matcha Latte. Even though the beach makes for great summertime vibes (when it’s warm, grab a table and chair and sip your java lakeside!) they still provide excellent service all throughout the winter.  

The Rocky Bean Co. (Seasonal) 

Arguably one of the most unique coffee shops in the Southern Okanagan, the Rocky Bean Co. does things their own way. Following the increasingly popular food truck trend, these guys serve java out of an awesome van (with excellent graphic design!) Even though they’ve shut down until spring, you can still follow along with their wintertime updates on the Rocky Bean Co. Facebook page and to find out where they’ll be serving up a delicious “cup of joe” next!  

Penticton Cafés are definitely a thing of beauty and these 4 places are no exception. If you’re in the area, make sure to give the above local gems some love and order a comforting cup of coffee or tea.  

 Living in the Southern Okanagan is a truly special experience as is the power of community. If you’d like to talk more about the Penticton area and what it’s like to live here, get in touch and let’s chat.   

5 Easy and Cost-Effective Ways to Create an Energy Efficient Home 

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Improving a house’s energy efficiency is something every home owner should practice. It doesn’t have to be hard or even that expensive. Not only will it keep you more comfortable within your own four walls but you’ll also be doing your part in protecting the environment. Here are 5 inexpensive and simple things you should try.  

  1. Insulate the House

If you own a poorly insulated house, you’re basically watching the energy costs drain your bank account. Reduce those expensive utility bills by ensuring ceilings, walls, floors, and the attic are tightly sealed. Simple maintenance can include plugging up bigger holes, applying weatherstripping to the attic access panel, and sealing small holes with expanding foam or caulking followed by an insulation covering.  

  1. Use a Clothesline 

While it’s true that using a dryer makes laundry easier, there are major benefits to drying your clothes on a clothesline instead. Spending a few extra minutes hanging up your shirts with clothespins eliminates bacteria and dust mites while of course, conserving energy and cutting greenhouse gases. Another highlight? Using a clothesline makes a definite win for your wallet.  

  1. Get New Light Bulbs

Do you still have old, incandescent bulbs lighting up your home? These should be replaced as soon as possible. A compact fluorescent lamp uses 80% less energy and lasts 10 times as long as a regular bulb. By simply swapping out your inefficient light sources and installing new bulbs like CFLs or LEDs, you’re looking at an easy and cheap way of reducing unnecessary energy consumption.  

  1. Repair or Replace Bathroom Fixtures 

Most home-owners will likely experience leaky faucets at one point or another, but the commonality of the problem doesn’t make it any less annoying. The worst part? You’re essentially tossing money right down the drain along with all the water your toilet is wasting. Swapping out your bathroom fixtures with sturdy faucets and showerheads and replacing your old toilet with a new, low-flow model will start saving you money over time.  

  1. Upgrade Windows and Doors

If you’ve been noticing drafty windows and doors, the breeze is likely wreaking havoc on your heating and cooling bills. The simple solution? Upgrade windows and doors to energy efficient models, especially any single-glazed windows you have in the house. And if you can’t do that, caulking and applying plastic installation to the glass is a good plan B. 

By following these 5 methods, you’re doing your part in improving the energy efficiency in your home as well as making a more positive impact on the environment. However, investing in a new furnace, installing a solar power system, or even moving to a newly-built, energy efficient home are more extreme, yet beneficial choices to also consider. 

Thinking about the ladder? I’ll help you find homes for sale in Southern Okanagan that are already built with energy efficiency in mind. For updated real estate listings that match what you’re looking for in a house, send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

4 Free Holiday Activities to Do in the Southern Okanagan that Won’t Hurt your Wallet  

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No matter what season it is, the list of things to do in Penticton is endless! Trying out a new restaurant on Main Street, renting a snowboard at one of the many regional resorts or shopping at a downtown boutique are all great local options. However, in December, spending extra money on Christmas shopping is unavoidable. Rather than spending your hard-earned cash on costly attractions, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to explore the valley instead. Don’t break your budget. Make these activities your “must-do’s” this December:

Munson Mountain Hike

Summer hiking isn’t your only opportunity to climb up mountains! This winter, bundle up the whole family (hot chocolate filled thermoses optional!) and head up Munson Mountain for breathtaking views of the Southern Valley and Okanagan Lake. Some people call this local attraction “the Grand Canyon of Penticton,” so you know it has to be good! Plus, you’re saving money and getting exercise by visiting a local attraction.

Wine Touring! 

Often when visiting South Okanagan wineries, you’re looking at spending a bit of money. A little hint to reduce costs when sipping this December? Visit the smaller vineyards as they usually offer free tastings. But, supporting the winery and purchasing from their selection is still highly recommended. I’m sure you’ll forgive the extra spending when you’ve experienced award winning Penticton wineries complete with astounding views that you won’t soon forget.

Christmas Lights Viewing  Looking for December events in the Okanagan? The most beloved activity of all is finding out where to find the best Christmas lights in Penticton! Over the years, some popular homes showing off festive holiday lights have been found on Huth Avenue, Edna Avenue, Carmi Avenue, and Dewdney Crescent, just to name a few. And of course, driving through downtown is a great way to see all of the Christmas spirit within the city.

 

 

 

Volunteering

   When searching for inexpensive family activities in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton has volunteer opportunities that you should really consider over the Christmas season. A great idea when looking to give back? The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign. Every December, the Salvation Army is on the lookout for volunteers to help out those in need year-round. You can also find more places in need of help here.

No matter what’s on your winter bucket list, there’s all sorts of winter and Christmas events happening all over the Okanagan that don’t cost a thing. Markets, public skating, visits with Santa… there’s never a shortage of affordable attractions when living in the valley.

Loving where I live is all a part of the fun when selling homes to real estate buyers like yourself! When you choose me as your REALTOR, you aren’t just buying a new property in the valley, you’re also investing in the beautiful lifestyle associated with owning a gorgeous house in Penticton. Invest in where you live. Get in touch today!

5 Home Staging Ideas To Sell Your Penticton Home Faster

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The proof is there. Staging your home helps to increase property value and sell your home quicker. Here are five home-staging ideas for a faster and better sale.

Home Staging - Dan Jones

1. Aesthetics Are Important. The majority of folks only pay attention to real estate listings with nice pictures. Anything that looks blurry, dated, or messy? Next! Before you even think about taking real estate photos or having an open house, make sure it looks nice. There are plenty ofways to decorate your home for a more inviting feel; lighting each room with ambient, task, and accent lighting can help people feel more comfortable. Also,try mixing together three different sized table decorations with different colours, shapes, and textures,and don’t forget to declutter every single room which should be a home seller’s number one priority.

2. Too Personal. Is Too Much Okay, this one can be a bit tough butyou have to take down some of your family photos on the wall. If ahome-buyer can’t picture themselves living within your space because you and your kids are, well, everywhere, they’re not going to buy it. Replace those dozens of family pictures with modern art pieces placed in creative spaces throughout your home for a clean and inviting aesthetic.

3. Contemporary Sells. If your home is out-dated, there are plenty of simple home improvements you can do to sell your homefaster. Paint the inside of your front door a different colour than the rest of your house, stick with a neutral theme throughout the interior, and try adding pops of colour to walls that make sense. Giving your home a fresh and modern look will wow those home-buyers and who knows? They might just put in an offer.

4. Style Furniture. For bed room staging ideas, try creating a relaxing atmosphere with soft colours, fresh linens, and furniture that’s in good shape. For living room styling tips, keep the area clean and neatly add throw pillows and blankets to the couch to create a comfy feeling. Also, autumn is here and if you’re wantingto stage your home for the fall season, look no further than your own backyard. Try an autumn DIY project where you collect leaves and create a dining room table centrepiece for some budget-friendly home staging.

5. DIY Home Décor. I mentioned above about a budget-friendly way to stage your dining room, and if money is an issue or you just like to get crafty, there are so many ways to improve your home with little to no money out ofyour pocket, like making your own art work and frames to hang on the wall, creating your own head board for the bedroom, and getting comfortable with doing minor maintenance on your own likepatching up holes, recaulking the sinks, and keeping up with your landscaping.

For more ways to sell your home quick, see 20 helpful tips to helping your homesell. When you’re ready, get in touch and I’ll happily help you list your home and sell it fast