Housing demand has been vigorous over the summer months, August was no exception. Home sales across the province were up 20 per cent to 8,800 units last month compared to year ago levels. On a seasonally adjusted basis, home sales were unchanged from July, albeit edging back by just 20 transactions. Through the first eight months of the year, home sales are up over 22 per cent compared to last year.

Active residential listings in the province are down 17 per cent from a year ago and continue to be at their lowest level since 2007. The combination of robust consumer demand and fewer homes for sale has pushed home prices higher in many regions. The average residential price was up 10-12 per cent on a year over year basis in Victoria, Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Chilliwack. Market conditions, however, can vary significantly between individual neighbourhoods and communities so contact your local realtor to identify market conditions in the area.

The average home price statistic for the province was up 10.6 per cent year-over-year in August at nearly $620,000. Over the past 12 months, the MLS Home Price Composite Index, the price for a typical home, increased more than 12 per cent in Vancouver, over 7 per cent in the Fraser Valley and approximately 5 per cent in Victoria and on Vancouver Island.

Courtesy 2015 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver / British Columbia Real Estate Association.

Here's some tidbits on the “smartest” household renovations to make in order to receive a good return on your investment. Although there are many variables that affect the value of a home, the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) offers these general tips to Canadian consumers.

1. Choose improvements with long life expectancy. Roofing, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and windows can provide homeowners worry-free home improvements for as long as 10 to 15 years. But remember…regular maintenance is as important as the initial investment.

2. Invest in modern updates in high-traffic areas. Update the core rooms of your home such as the kitchen and bathroom. This can be as simple as changing door knobs, resurfacing cabinets, or replacing fixtures and countertops.

3. Don’t underestimate the value of inexpensive updates. A fresh coat of paint, modern lighting fixtures, light landscaping or gardening, or upgraded door handles can give your home an updated look and feel – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money!

4. Consider energy-efficient renovations that have a high return relative to cost. Energy-efficient renovations are considered one of the highest paybacks relative to cost. Energy efficiency translates into reduced operating costs over time.

5. Be careful about over-improvement. Consider your neighborhood and the expectations of buyers in your area when planning your next renovation project. Investing in an expensive project may be an over-improvement for a home in particular market, and the investment may only be partially recognized by homebuyers.

6. Think about your personal needs. How much you spend on improvements will depend on how long you plan to live in your home. If you you’re thinking shorter-term, smaller and less –expensive improvements may be your best bet to recover your investment.

7. Be sure to get a building/renovation permit. Take the time to obtain the proper building permits from your municipality or appropriate authority. This is a good step to ensuring that the renovation work complies with the building codes.

8. Hire a designer, architect, or contractor. Talk to a professional when you start planning your renovation project. They can help you draw up a plan, provide renovation advice, or assist in the construction. This will add to the quality of the renovation and go a long way in preventing cost overruns.

9. Consider unique features with care. Unique designs or improvements that are uncommon for a particular market may impact the resalability of a home. This is where the expert advice of a real property appraiser can provide an objective perspective on the marketability of the property.

For more tips or to find out the value of your home, contact me today!

Courtesy Appraisal institute of Canada

I'm so excited to be sharing this news! 

I was nominated by a client/reader of the Tri-City News and was selected for their A-List as a top favourite local REALTOR^® for 2014!!

I feel so very proud for being recognized for this and I just want to say a big THANK-YOU to everyone that voted for me!!  

I love helping people buy and sell residential real estate and meeting so many wonderful people! 

Thank-you!

Leannne Drolet

When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, weed the garden, fix the fencefind another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc.....  the list goes on and on!

It can all seem very overwhelming for many people!  In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move....
but it doesn't have to be that way!!

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another
relatively simple and easy.  Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your home so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc.

Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home!  But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure!  The next stage in your life maybe?

The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you
through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things
easier for you! 

It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting,
unless you have a someone to show you the way, be by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!

That's what a good REALTOR® can do for you and that's where I come in! Looking for a great REALTOR®? Call me anytime!  

I've just listed a fantastic home in Westwood Plateau! Details to follow... but I can let you know that it's a 3 level home with a walk out basement! It has 4 large bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms plus a nice size bonus room!!  It's walking distance to the new Evergreen Line, Douglas College and all levels of schools.  I has a fantastic park like greenbelt back yard with a hot tub to enjoy those summer evenings!! It also offers a large walk out basement (awaiting your ideas) and has a new roof, carpets and updated bathrooms! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, October 18, 2 -4! Message me @ leannesellshomes@shaw.ca for more details!

Preparing for a power outage!

Some people can live in their homes for years without ever experiencing a power outage. In fact, even in areas prone to serious storms or snowfalls, power loss doesn't happen that often. No wonder so many homeowners are caught unprepared when it does.

To make sure you're not caught unprepared, follow these tips:

• Replace batteries in unused flashlights every six months.

• Keep candles and matches in a handy place. Monitor them closely when lit and always blow them out before going to sleep.

• For computers and phones, consider purchasing a power backup. (Some models provide up to 8 hours of power for two or three devices.)

• Know the address of your local fire station and nearest community centre. These are the most common places to find help during a power outage.

When the power does go out, make sure the stove is turned off. You don't want an unattended burner or gas leak when the power finally comes back on.  

For other helpful tips and real estate updates, check back often!

Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see?

One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious. Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.

One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated.  In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer.  Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just
down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.  It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your
home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.

Want more home selling tips? Give me a call!

Even homeowners who have moved a few times can be intimidated by the real estate market in general, and the buying and selling process in particular.

First of all, making a decision to sell your home can be difficult. There are so many questions, such as:

• Is "now" a good time to list?
• How much can you expect to get for your property?
• How long will it take to sell – and what if it doesn't?

Then there's the buying and selling process:

• How do you prepare your home for sale?
• How do you find homes that meet your criteria and are within your  price range?
• How do you prepare your home for viewings?

Yes, there's a lot to think about. That's why finding a good REALTOR® who is an expert on the local market is so important.  A good REALTOR® will help you understand the market, the current market value of your home, and what you can expect should you decide to list!

A good REALTOR® will also walk you step-by-step through the home selling and buying process, and work hard to make sure everything goes smoothly.  So if you're considering buying or selling a home, take the time to find a good REALTOR®. It makes all the difference! 

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Don't hesitate to give me a call!

Home buyers and sellers became more active in the Greater Vancouver housing market in April!

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 3,050 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2014. This represents a 16.1 per cent increase compared to the 2,627 sales recorded in April 2013, and a 15.5 per cent increase compared to the 2,641 sales in March 2014.

Last month’s sales were 5.2 per cent below the 10-year sales average for April of 3,217.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio currently sits at 19.7 per cent in Greater Vancouver, which is the highest this measure has been since June 2011.

“We saw steady increases in home seller and buyer activity in April, which is typically the case in the spring months,” Ray Harris, REBGV president said. “People often look to buy or sell their home this time of year as the school year draws to a close and the summer holiday season is still a few months away,” Harris said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,950 in April. This represents a 1.3 per cent increase compared to the 5,876 new listings in April 2013 and a 12.7 per cent increase from the 5,281 new listings in March. Last month’s new listing count was 1.2 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver is 15,515, a 7.3 per cent decline compared to April 2013 and a 7.2 per cent increase compared to March 2014.

“Home prices in the region continue to show steady, yet modest, increases when compared to last year,” Harris said.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $619,000. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase compared to April 2013.

Sales of detached properties in April 2014 reached 1,336, an increase of 25.6 per cent from the 1,064 detached sales recorded in April 2013, and an 18.7 per cent increase from the 1,126 units sold in April 2012. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 4.7 per cent from April 2013 to $956,700  Sales of apartment properties reached 1,172 in April 2014, an increase of 11.4 per cent compared to the 1,052 sales in April 2013, and a 1.5 per cent decline compared to the 1,190 sales in April 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.6 per cent from April 2013 to $375,500.

Attached property sales in April 2014 totalled 542, a 6.1 per cent increase compared to the 511 sales in April 2013, and a 12.2 per cent increase over the 483 attached properties sold in April 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased two per cent between April 2013 and 2014 to $464,400.

Courtesy of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

The first month of 2014 saw home sale and listing totals outpace historical averages in the Greater Vancouver housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,760 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2014. This represents a 30.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,351 sales recorded in January 2013, and a 9.9 per cent decline compared to the 1,953 sales in December 2013.

Last month’s sales were 7.2 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“The Greater Vancouver housing market has been in a balanced market for nearly a year. This has meant steady home sale and listing activity accompanied by stable home prices,” Sandra Wyant, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,345 in January. This represents a 4.2 per cent increase compared to the 5,128 new listings reported in January 2013.

Last month’s new listing count was 17.7 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® is 12,602, a 4.9 per cent decline compared to January 2013 and a nine per cent increase compared to December 2013.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $606,800. This represents a 3.2 per cent increase compared to January 2013.

With the sales-to-active-listings ratio at 14 per cent, the region remains in balanced market territory.  “If you’re looking to sell your home in a balanced market, it’s critical that your list price is reflective of current market conditions,” Wyant said.

Sales of detached properties in January 2014 reached 728, an increase of 34.3 per cent from the 542 detached sales recorded in January 2013, and a 10.5 per cent increase from the 659 units sold in January 2012. The benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver increased 3.2 per cent from January 2013 to $929,700.

Sales of apartment properties reached 753 in January 2014, an increase of 30.7 per cent compared to the 576 sales in January 2013, and an increase of 14.6 per cent compared to the 657 sales in January 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.7 per cent from January 2013 to $371,500.

Attached property sales in January 2014 totalled 279, an increase of 19.7 per cent compared to the 233 sales in January 2013, and a 6.9 per cent increase from the 261 attached properties sold in January 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 1.7 per cent between January 2013 and 2014 to $457,700.

Courtesey Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board

You probably look at the market and think things are pretty confusing, maybe even a bit crazy!

 You hear news about the market being a “bubble” and that it’s going to “burst” or about “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts” that are up or down, and it goes on and on.  It’s a lot of news and can definitely be confusing!

If you're thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what's happening in the market so you can make an educated decision when you’re ready and get a clear sense of what to expect.

So, how do you make sense of it all?  That's where a good REALTOR® can help!

Even if you don't have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.   A good REALTOR® will let you know the pros and cons and will provide you with valuable information to back it up!

Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to talk to from time to time, when you or someone you know has real estate-related questions.  When the time comes to sell your property, you won't have to deal with a stranger.  Instead, you'll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know and who knows YOU.  Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.

I’ve been very lucky to have been able to help some wonderful people.  Check out my testimonial page and see what my past clients have to say about the service I provide!  And if you’re looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you and provide the very best service, just give me a call!

Many people only see a doctor when they're sick or have some other health concern. On the other hand, some people visit a doctor regularly for checkups, to ask questions and get advice, and to maintain good health.

Which do you think is the better approach? Obviously, the second one!  The same thing is true when it comes to real estate. Even if you have no current plans to buy or sell a home, there are many reasons to talk to a REALTOR® regularly in order to maintain your good "real estate" health.

For example, you can:

• Get an assessment of the current market value of your home, so you can make an informed decision about whether to stay or move.

• Ask about the state of the local real estate market (which may be vastly different than what you hear on the national news.)

• Find out what homes are currently selling for in the area.

• Learn what's currently available on the market, especially in neighbourhoods you would like to live in and that are within your budget. 

• Ask for a contractor or other recommendation.

In fact, it's a good idea to have a chat with your REALTOR® once or twice a year, even if it's just to say hello. 

You want to build a relationship with a good REALTOR® who understands (and cares about) you and your needs. That way, when it does come time for you to make a move, you're dealing with a REALTOR® you already know and trust.

Don't have a good REALTOR®? Call today!

When people renovate or remodel a room, they almost always overlook the door. However, changing the style of an interior door, or adding a new one, can dramatically change the look of a living space – often for the better.  

The most common type of door is the traditional solid 6-panel door. But there are many other choices available. Want to add light and a greater sense of space to a room? Consider a door with glass panels. Do you have an interior door that gets in the way when opened? Change it to a bi-fold door, which cuts the distance of the swing in half.  There are also specialty doors that are designed to block noise, and sliding doors that tuck neatly into the wall when opened.

Interior doors are typically much less expensive than their exterior counterparts. So making the decision to upgrade or add a door to a room is an affordable design option.

Visit a door showroom and explore what's available!

Remember the last time you visited an upscale furniture showroom? The furniture and fixtures on display probably looked great. The colours and textures jumped out at you. It was a feast for the eyes!  There is a good reason for this: lighting!

Of course, the quality of the products has a lot to do with how appealing they look when on display. But smart retailers know that proper lighting is key to making those products look their best. In fact, some retailers even hire lighting consultants!  What does this have to do with selling your home quickly, and for the best price?

Obviously, when showing your property to potential buyers, you want your home to look its very best. Proper lighting can be a big help.  When preparing your home for sale, review the lighting in each room and make sure the space is sufficiently well lit. You want the lighting to be strong enough to prevent dark or shadowy areas, yet not so strong that it's
uncomfortable for the eyes.  

As a rule of thumb, the total wattage of lights in a room should equal the room's square footage times 1.5. So, if a room is 120 square feet and has three light sources (ceiling light and two lamps) then the bulbs in each should be 60 watts.

Pay particular attention to traditionally dark areas, such as the garage, basement, and closets. Make sure those areas are well lit.  If you have a viewing scheduled during the day, take advantage of natural light through windows. Make sure you open the curtains!

Finally, one of the most important areas is the foyer. Always make sure the entrance has sufficient lighting. You don't want buyers to think they've entered the home of classic TV's The Adam's Family!  

Want more ideas for preparing your home for sale? Don't hesitate to give me a call!

If you don't own one already, you may be tempted to purchase a widescreen digital television to enjoy your favourite movies, shows and sports programs. However, it can be difficult to select the right screen size, especially if you've been accustomed to viewing a TV with a traditional 4:3 screen.

When it comes to size, there are many factors that come into play, such as screen resolution and personal preference. However, the last thing you want is to purchase an HDTV that is too small for the room, or so big that it dominates the space.

Here's a tip!

The rule of thumb is to take the distance you'll be sitting from the television and multiple by five to get the screen size you need. So if you'll be sitting eight feet away, you'll want to look at HDTVs with screens that are in the 35- 45 inch range.

A good electronics dealer can help you make the best choice!

Check back often for other helpful tips!

Yes, that's what I said - How to discourage buyers from buying your home!

If you're listing your home for sale, then of course you’ll want to make the best impression possible on potential home buyers!  But, just to have a little fun, say you don't want to sell your property!  What could you do to discourage those who view your home?

Well, you could have your pets in the home during viewings!  That will certainly make it uncomfortable for buyers – especially those with pet allergies!  You could also leave personal items around, such as family pictures and trophies. That will make it more difficult for a buyer to imagine themselves and their family living there!  It might even make him feel a bit like an intruder!

Clutter in bedrooms, closets and other areas of the home will make those spaces feel less spacious than they really are, as well as make visitors feel uncomfortable like an unexpected guest! 

If you really want to turn off a buyer, then put off doing any minor repairs. A dripping tap, flickering light, dent in the wall, or other maintenance issues are certain to gain a buyer's attention.

If all that doesn't shoo away a buyer from your home, then stick around during a viewing and follow him and his family from room to room. Buyers love that!  That will certainly make them feel uneasy!

Of course, we're just having a bit of fun here….  When you put your home on the market, you want to sell it!

It’s easy to avoid all the pitfalls described above and ensure potential buyers appreciate the full value of your home.  So when you’re preparing for a showing, think of ways you can make your property appear its best, and make the buyer feel welcomed and

comfortable viewing it.

Want more ideas on how to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Don’t hesitate to give me a call!

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

There are several reasons why you may need to sell your home quickly. For example, a job change may require a speedy relocation to another city, or you may have purchased another property and don't want to be stuck too

long with two mortgages.   Here are some tips that can help get the sold sign on your front lawn

sooner!

• Be realistic with price. If you set the listing price higher than the current market value of your home, then you're not going to get many, if any, viewers. You want the list price to be attractive, which means listing at the current market value.

• Get things fixed. You probably don't have time for a major renovation. So just make sure everything in your home is in good working order. Deal with any obvious maintenance issues, such as a leaking faucet or a gate hanging precariously on one hinge.

• Ensure your home shows well, inside and outside. Eliminate clutter. Trim hedges. Make sure every room has adequate lighting, especially the basement. Imagine that a special guest is visiting your home, then clean up and prepare accordingly.

• Be flexible with viewing times. You want as many potential buyers as possible to see your home. So don't restrict viewing times to just Saturdays. Make sure your home is as "available" as possible for showings. This may cause you and your family some inconvenience, but the reward will be selling your property sooner.

• Work with a good REALTOR®. Find an agent who understands the area and the local market well. He or she will be able to recommend a variety of strategies that will help sell your home faster, and for a good price.  Of course, there's no way to guarantee that you'll sell your home within the time frame you want, but these tips will certainly increase the chances that you will!

Looking for a good REALTOR® who knows the area well? I'm born and raised here and know the area well!

Courtesy of the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board.

How to Find a Reputable Contractor

There are so many horror stories about disreputable or incompetent home improvement contactors that television shows have been made about them.

Unless you want to be a guest on one of those programs, take steps to ensure you find a good contractor. Here are some tips that will help:

• Ask for references. Speak to the references and ask many questions!

• Get a detailed written estimate of the work to be done, and make sure you understand all the terms and        conditions.

• Be wary of contractors who insist on large payments upfront! The payment plan should be reasonable and  tied to work as completed.

• Ask if the contractor is a member of any professional associations such as Better Business Bureau.

• Don't deal with a contractor who offers you a no-tax, cash-only deal. 

• Ensure the contractor to get the appropriate permits before starting your project!

These tips won't guarantee you'll hire a reputable contractor, but they will increase the chances that you do!