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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home - Mistake #7

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Leong & Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Mistake #7 - Choosing The Wrong Realtor

Many sellers choose the realtor who tells them the highest asking price. This should never be the sole basis on which you choose a realtor.

You must have confidence in the full spectrum of your realtor's experience and abilities. Keep the following questions in mind: can this agent explain to you all aspects of the selling process? Does s/he have a good grasp of the market? Do they work on their own, or are they backed up by a team, allowing them to spend more time working with buyers for your property? Does s/he have access to a large pool of buyers and a marketing plan to attract them?

An experienced realtor will usually cost the same as an inexperienced realtor, and holding out for experience could mean more security that your ultimate home selling goals will be attained.

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New property listed in CS Willis Point, Central Saanich

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Mark Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Property Photo: LOT A Mark LANE in VICTORIA

We have a new listing at LOT A Mark LANE in VICTORIA.

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Located on a quiet country road, this half-acre building lot offers the rare combination of peace and quiet with ocean views. Build your dream home and then sit back to enjoy the views across Saanich inlet. The sunsets will be incredible! The driveway is roughed in, a producing well is in place. Call today for more information and a detailed info package.

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Your Weekly Update on the Victoria Real Estate Market

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Leong & Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

In the last 30 days, 209 single family houses were sold, down 7.1% from last week. The median price is up 0.4% to $550,000. The average house was on the market for 46 days, 3 days less than in my last report.

In the last 30 days, 109 condos were sold, down 1.8% from last week. The median price is unchanged at $278,700. The average condo was on the market for 56 days, 5 days less than in my last report.

In the last week, the local inventory of single family homes has dropped by 6.9% to 1369 homes. Condo inventory has fallen by 4.8% to 759 suites.

Overall, the market is exceedingly healthy and brisk for this time of year, especially taking into account the soft early fall market we experienced. SFH home prices are stable and well priced homes are selling quickly. If there is any softness to be found, it is in the condo market where prices are still sliding downwards with the number of units sold decreasing at the same time. Even though the days on market decreased this week, the trend for condos is for an increasing time to sell.

Inventory is low as we expect it to be at this time of the year. A tip for any of you considering selling this spring - start thinking about prepping your home for sale NOW. In the early spring we expect to see many more properties hit the market. You will do better if you list earlier, by mid-January, to give yourself a jump on the competition. Inventory will be low early in the year, reducing your competition.

In the mean time, we wish you a very happy holiday season with your family and friends.

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SOLD! Another happy client at 484 Foster St in Victoria

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Mark Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

We have just sold another property at 484 Foster St in Victoria.

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Dont miss this opportunity tomove into a beautiful neighborhood less than a block from the ocean. Views of Juan de Fuca from east facing balcony off master bedroom. Main floor has 9' vaulted ceiling and hardwood flooring, kitchen has maple cabinets and Living AND Dining rooms BOTH have a fireplace. West facing patio overlooks a beautifully maintained backyard and catches the afternoon sun. Over $12,000 in recent repairs and touch-ups include: complete interior repaint with two coats and trim (upstairs, ground and basement), complete house pressure wash, exterior paint, recorking, new gravel on side of house, front door seal and door stop, etc...All of it ads up to a move in ready home.

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home - Mistake #6

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Leong & Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Mistake #6 - Limiting the marketing and advertising of the property

A good realtor will ensure that your property is showcased and marketed in the best, most effective manner possible, employing a wide spectrum of marketing techniques. He or she should be committed to selling your property, making the effort to distinguish your home from the hundreds of other homes on the market. Most calls are received—and viewings scheduled—during business hours, so your realtor should be available to field these calls from prospective buyers. Lack of realtor availability, limited viewing times, not allowing a “For Sale” sign on your front lawn, can all affect the exposure your home gets to the pool of potential buyers, and will ultimately affect your bottom line.

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SOLD! Another happy client at 205 1201 Hillside AVE in VICTORIA

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Mark Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Property Photo: 205 1201 Hillside AVE in VICTORIA

We have just sold another property at 205 1201 Hillside AVE in VICTORIA.

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This very large (nearly 1000 sqft) 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo offers great features and great value! Located on the quiet & bright South side of the building, the spacious layout offers a large open plan living area with gas fireplace, oversize windows, full insuite laundry room, walk through master closet, and an eating area in the kitchen. It is also inexpensive to comfortably live here with the natural gas included in the low strata fees! Located close to transportation, and only a short stroll to Quadra Village, this suite that truly "has it all" is priced for today's market.

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New property listed in Vi Fairfield, Victoria

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Mark Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Property Photo: 1404 Brooke ST in VICTORIA

We have a new listing at 1404 Brooke ST in VICTORIA.

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Located on a quiet Fairfield byway, this clean, crisp character home offers traditional styling and all of the modern conveniences one would expect in a 2002 built home. The sun filled main level offers a family room off the kitchen, separate living room, 2 pce power room and a single car garage. Features include fir floors, built-ins, crown moldings, tile counter tops and 2 gas fireplaces. Upstairs offers laundry and 2 bedrooms each with their own 4 piece ensuite bathroom. Downstairs is spacious 1 bedroom suite with its own laundry room and separate entrance. This home is across from Brooke st Park and is walking distance to Fairfield plaza and Cook St village. Vacant for immediate possession.

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I Support Rail Rapid Transit for Victoria. Do You?

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Leong & Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

It is starting to look like our wonderful little city will actually have a rail rapid transit system in the near future. I’m not saying that our bus system doesn’t work, but it really isn’t comprehensive enough to solve our regional transportation woes. With buses on the road, they just get caught in the same congestion that affects cars. The latest ideas involving rail – partially on existing roads and partially on railway right of ways – holds great promise.

What I am also seeing is a much greater level of agreement between commuters, municipalities, and businesses that this needs to happen. If you look back at how long it took us to replace the Memorial Arena, and how many false starts there were, the progress to date on rapid transit is amazing.

Even though my line of work as a Realtor means that I’ll still be stuck in my car most of the time, I am a huge proponent of rail rapid transit for Victoria. Yes, my tax bill will go up, I realize that. But, the benefits are many. Even though I can’t use the system fully, I will benefit from lower emissions from cars and maybe even enjoy fewer cars on the road.

I can also see that this system will bring our community together in a way that we have never seen before. Along upper Douglas, we can expect to see more re-development of an area that has fallen behind the rest of Victoria. In this area there will be new demand for high-density residential within a block or two of the line. Land costs are lower there so we can expect more affordable housing compared the downtown core.

What about the Westshore? I feel terrible right now when I look at all those people stuck in their cars. Not only is this adding to our pollution, but it is reducing the quality of life for all of those families. With a good system in place, we will greatly reduce the commute time, and the pollution.

Some say that this system isn’t necessary and that the current traffic problems are just because of the road work in View Royal. Even if that is partially correct, then I encourage you to at least see our current congestion as a foreshadow of times to come. Face it, the bare land is out West and that is where the bulk of the development is going to be. Just look at a few of the mega developments such as Bear Mountain, Westhills, and Kettle Creek Station and it is as obvious as the nose on my face that rail rapid transit is a must for our city. This time, let’s think big, and get it done!

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New property listed in Co Latoria, Colwood

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Mark Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Property Photo: 15 630 Brookside RD in VICTORIA

We have a new listing at 15 630 Brookside RD in VICTORIA.

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Soaring lofted ceilings, wood-frame windows, an efficient heat pump, and generously sized rooms are just a few of the features you will love about this spacious, near-new executive townhouse - still with a new home warranty! Inside, attention to detail is evident with slate & wood floors, and a beautiful kitchen with premium stainless appliances, including a gas range. Downstairs, the hobbyist will love the super-clean double garage + workshop with epoxy floor. Outside, this SE facing end-unit enjoys a large easy-care yard with a sunny private patio. Located in the heart of Latoria Walk, well away from any road noise and close to Olympic View golf course, this lightly lived in residence is clean and virtually in new condition.

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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home - Mistake #5

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Leong & Roozendaal (Re/Max Camosun)

Mistake #5 - Mistaking Lookers for Buyers:

Some people who look at your home may not be serious about buying. Many who view homes may just be getting a feel for the market, gathering ideas for showcasing their own home, or even just looking for decorating tips. Of the people who are looking to buy, those who do not come through a Realtor can be 6 to 12 months away from buying. They may still be in the process of selling their own home, or saving money for a new one. An experienced Realtor is trained to separate the Lookers from the Buyers. Realtors should usually establish a potential buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power. If your Realtor hasn't looked into a buyer's financial background, you should ask them to investigate. This will save you valuable time in marketing toward the wrong people.

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