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.

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Items that remind us of special people, events, milestones and interests are an important part of what makes a home a home. Pictures on the fireplace mantle, for example, showcase family and friends that are important to us.  You might also have trophies, certificates, greeting cards, and other
mementoes on display in key places. 

Of course, all of those things add warmth and meaning to your home.
However, if you're preparing your home for sale, it's a good idea to pack those memories away - at least until you've sold your property and moved to your new home.  Why? Because those pleasant mementoes that mean so much to you may actually turn off potential buyers.  You see, when buyers view your property, you want them to be able to clearly picture themselves and their families living there. That's difficult to do if everywhere they look they see reminders that this is your home!

So, to help sell your home quickly, make it look great, but not personalized.
Think of the showroom displays you see set up in furniture stores. Those
displays are most appealing when they enable you to easily picture yourself,
with that furniture, in your home. You probably wouldn't feel that way if it
looked like the furniture belonged to someone else.  Of course, buyers will know you currently live in your home. But helping them imagine themselves living there will help you sell your property faster – and possibly for a better price.

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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! 

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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