Kelowna Real Estate

Canadian CPI inflation registered 2.0 per cent (year-over-year) in April, a 0.1 point increase from March inflation of 1.9 per cent. The rise in consumer prices was led by transportation costs, including a 3.3 per cent rise in gasoline prices. In fact, Statistics Canada's gasoline Index reached a 4 year high in April. The Bank of Canada's core inflation measure, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 2.1 per cent in April, up from 1.9 per cent in March. Consumer prices in BC were 1.6 per cent higher in April (year-over-year), matching the increase in March.

Today's CPI report, in combination with very strong Canadian employment growth in March and April, lends further support to the Bank of Canada's case for raising interest rates this fall. We anticipate at least one 25 basis point increase in the Bank of Canada's overnight rate between October and December this year. The one factor potentially delaying a rise in rates could be an increasingly likely Greek exit from the European Monetary Union. Such an event may roil financial markets enough to put BoC rate hikes off the table.

Information provided by www.bcrea.bc.ca 

Property Type:
31.0% of purchases were by Move-Up Buyers
17.6% by First Time Buyers
16.6% moving from Single Family Home to Strata Unit
10.7% buying Revenue/Investment Property
4.8% purchasing Recreation Property
4.3% moving into Retirement Home/Seniors Community
3.2% moving from Strata property to Single Family Home

Buyer Type (Family Dynamic):
30.4% Two parent family/children
27.7% Couple without children 
16.8% Empty Nesters/Retired
11.5% Single Female
9.4% Single Male
3.7% Single Parent with children

Moving From: 
58.6% from Within OMREB Board Area
19.4% from Alberta
7.9% from Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island
6.8% from Other Areas in BC
4.2% from Eastern Canada/Maritimes
2.1% from Outside Canada
1.0% from Saskatchewan/Manitoba
0% from NWT/Yukon (8th month reported)

Information provided by www.omreb.com

Make your home more appealing for yourself and for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Trim bushes so they don't block windows and cut down on light.

2. Buy a new doormat.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Put new doorknobs on your front door.

5. Put a fresh coating on your driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walks and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools out of site.

8. Be sure kids put away their toys.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.

12. Polish or replace your house numbers.

13. Clean your gutters.

14. Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.

15. Buy new pillows for the sofa.

16. Buy a flowering plant and put in a window you pass by frequently.

17. Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.

18. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones

      that let in more light.

19. Buy new towels.

20. Put a seasonal wreath on your door.

Want more tips?? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Townhouses straddle the gap between family homes and condos. 

While townhouses have always been a third category of residential real estate, their scarcity has meant few opportunities for buyers to compare them to condos.

The main difference between a single-family detached house and a townhouse are the shared walls between units. The attached units are necessary because, as the name implies, most townhouses are found closer to town, where land values are typically higher than in the suburbs.

But what they give up in property size, they make up by being close to amenities.

"We chose our townhouse because of its proximity to downtown and the Cook Street Village," says Larry Sims, a real estate agent with Royal LePage Coast Capital - Oak Bay. "We had always talked about downsizing and this [property] is just a half-hour walk to downtown."

He and his wife, Sharen Warde, who is also a real estate agent, found out about the townhouse by chance while looking for a property for a client. "We went to get brochures and ended up buying one."

Townhouses are scarce because most developers can build more condos on a given piece of property, maximizing their profitability. In the case of Sims' development, the developer went for a "less is more" philosophy.

"When we looked at the property, we immediately saw that a low-rise, twostorey project would be ideal," says Mike Miller, president of Abstract Developments. "It had a more human scale from the street."

The low-rise scale also benefited the project's neighbours, since elimination of an extra storey meant their properties would receive more sunlight. "The design was sensitive to their concerns," said Miller.

"When the site was rezoned, we received overwhelming support from the community."

The property, named Terra Verde (Green Earth), has also won praise from the building community. It recently won a SAM award from the Canadian Home Builders Association and was a finalist in last year's CHBA Vancouver Island CARE Awards. The project is similar to Terra Rose, another townhouse project by Miller, which received a Gold Georgie Award for Best Townhouse Development in 2006.

The project is classified as executive West Coast Contemporary. The 16 units are each approximately 1,555 square feet, with three bedrooms and three baths.

Sims and Warde's townhouse features an open-concept living area on the main floor with two patios. The front patio is entertainment-sized and the rear is large enough for a bistro set and a small garden with space to grow herbs.

The master, second bedroom and laundry are on the upper floor, while a third bedroom or den is below. A skylight in the stairwell provides ideal lighting for paintings, creating an unexpected mini-gallery of the couple's art collection. Glass panels instead of balusters on the stairs allow occupants in the dining room a clear line of sight into the living room.

According to Sims, the only feature that might concern a potential buyer when they decide to sell would be the two flights of stairs. The property has a secured underground double garage, which is unusual. While desirable, it requires occupants to make a trek up and down to get to their vehicles.

But there are few properties offering parking for two vehicles downtown.

"There are plenty of condos in town, but none with parking for more than one vehicle," says Tony Joe, a real estate agent with Re/Max Camosun. "If that is an important factor for somebody considering downsizing with two vehicles, there are few options."

He estimates townhouses account for only 20 per cent of his business. One of the reasons may be because of cost.

A townhouse is more expensive to build because land is more expensive to procure downtown. An executive townhouse, with its higher-end features, even more so. For $800,000 - about the selling price of Warde and Sims' townhouse - a buyer can get a much larger house on the West Shore.

Joe says that $800,00 is at "the high end of the price range." But the former president of the Victoria Real Estate Board adds, "That's not to say it is overpriced. If this property was a single-family house in the same area, I estimate it would sell for about $1.2 million."

Due to the success of Terra Verde, Miller is planning another project in the area.

"Townhouses fill the need of the downsizer," says Miller. "They may be smaller than what they have been used to, but people seem to react positively to doing more with less - as long as it is in the heart of downtown."

Article provided by : The Victoria Times Colonist
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/business/Houses+city+living/6611503/story.html#ixzz1us9aBi4V

Selling your property and buying a new home can be a potentially intimidating experience... so much so that these jitters may even prevent some people from making a move!

It doesn't have to be that way.

A big part of the stress of selling and buying comes from not understanding the process or having unanswered questions. You might worry about how the state of the market will affect the value of your purchase over the long term or what you would do if you found your dream home before receiving any offers on your current property.

That's where a good REALTOR® comes in. He or she can explain the process to you, answer all your questions, and show you how to make your move go smoothly.

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group today!!

Canadian employment rose by 58,000 jobs in April following a blockbuster March in which employment increased by 82,000. Despite large job gains in the past two months, the national unemployment rate edged up 0.1 points to 7.3 per cent as more Canadian were looking for work. 

Employment in British Columbia expanded by 19,700 in April, including 16,700 full-time positions. The BC unemployment rate fell by a surprising 0.8 points to 6.2 per cent. BC employment growth is up 2.1 per cent through the first four months of 2012, a marked improvement on the weak job growth of 2011. 

The Canadian economy has added 150,000 jobs over the past two Mont's, a rate of job growth that may firm up the Bank of Canada some decision to raise interest rates this Fall.  That said, we anticipate a gradual increase in rates with the Bank of Canada testing the water with one or two 25 basis points rate hikes over the fall and winter. 

Information provided by www.bcrea.bc.ca. 

Canadian housing starts soared 14 per cent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 244,900 units. The jump in starts was driven by a big increase in multiple-unit starts in Ontario and Quebec. New home construction in BC urban centres rose over 6 per cent from March 2012, registering 22,100 starts (SAAR) in April.  On a year-over-year basis, housing starts were 1.6 per cent lower than April 2011.

Housing starts were flat on a year-over-year basis in Vancouver at 1,332. A decline in single family starts of 19 per cent was offset by a 7 per cent increase in multi-family starts.  Abbotsford new home construction was up 60 per cent year-over-year in April due to increased activity in multi-family construction. New home construction in Victoria was off 5 cent compared with April 2011.  Finally, new home construction in Kelowna fell 51 per cent on a year-over-year basis due to much weaker activity in both the single-family and multi-family segment of the market.

Information provided by http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/. 

Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. For example: Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.

• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in North America each year. So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? Here are a few less known home security basics:
• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key.
• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are locked while you're away during the day.
• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times more likely to target a home without an alarm system.
• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.
• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door.
• Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen through a window, is an invitation to burglars.
• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.
• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at your door.

Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call. For all your real estate questions, call the Dion-Ivans Real Estate Group!!

The housing market has not yet rebounded to pre-recession prices, when buyers seemed to be stepping over one another to bid up the price of homes. Today's sellers may be lucky to get asking price, with the reality being a certain percentage below. However, that doesn't mean sellers should accept bottom-of-the-barrel offers. There are still ways to get the best price possible on an offered home.

With sellers hoping to get the most possible for a home and buyers interested in spending the least, it's sometimes a battle of wills when it comes to hashing out a confirmed price in the world of real estate. Sellers who wonder whether they'll struggle to get a good offer can hedge their bets in the right direction by employing a few strategies.

- What you see is what you get: It's difficult to change first impressions. If a potential buyer pulls up to a home that doesn't give them "warm and fuzzy" feelings immediately, it may be hard to eventually sway opinion of the home even if it's pristine on the inside. Individuals do judge a book by its cover, which means that effort should be put into making a home's exterior as appealing as possible. Landscaping should be neat and lush. There shouldn't be any obstacles leading to the front of the home. Items that look in disrepair should be mended. Curb appeal does matter.

- Use a real estate agent: Many people forgo this step, thinking they can sell their home just as well without an agent and not have to pay commission in the process. A real estate agent is schooled in the process of negotiating the price of an offered home. In fact, the more a home's selling price, the higher the agent's profit. That's incentive right there. Furthermore, agents know the average prices of similar homes and can help a seller price and market a property correctly. That may add up to a faster sale (and a better offer).

- Price it competitively: Some sellers think the higher they price their home the more money they'll get for it. The fact is, the longer an overpriced home sits on the market, the less appealing it will appear to buyers. Individuals looking for a home may repeatedly see the listing and wonder what's wrong with the home. Even if it's the best home in the neighborhood, it may be seen as a red flag that's best avoided.

- Give people what they want: Buyers often prefer updated kitchens and bathrooms. Most buyers out there are not looking for "handyman specials." They want a relatively turn-key property. A kitchen or bathroom that is an eyesore can repel potential buyers. Home shoppers may be more inclined to go closer to asking price if some of the bigger-ticket items are already completed.

- Don't be an open book: If a buyer knows that time is of the essence or the home is "priced to sell," he or she may sense that desperation, almost guaranteeing a low-ball offer. Sellers shouldn't let on too much about their reasons for selling or make it seem like they'll be in dire straights if the home doesn't sell quickly. Selling a home under duress is not likely to cause prospective buyers to pony up.

- Don't be afraid to counter-offer: A buyer who is excited to get an offer on a home in a slow market, but feels the offer is below value, should definitely counter-offer. While the buyer may not accept the counter, he or she may make another offer that is more to the seller's liking

Information provided by EMC News. Call the Dion-Ivans Group today for more information!!

1. Build a deck or patio. This project not only adds visual interest to the exterior of your home, it also gives you a chance to enjoy your outdoor living space to the fullest. During the spring and summer, patios are spaces for entertaining guests, barbecuing, and leisure time. Whatever your motivation, building a deck or patio will encourage you and your family to get outside and enjoy summer.

2. Install a sprinkler system. On average, homeowners use 50 per cent more water than necessary on their lawns. This increases hydro bills and causes flooding. Automatic lawn sprinkler systems are designed with busy homeowner lifestyles in mind. Installing a sprinkler system allows proper irrigation through timing and even water distribution. Although initial installation can be pricey, you may end up saving money in the long-term.

3. Landscape your yard. Landscaping is the simplest way to add visual interest to your outdoor living space. Whether through gardening, building a pond, or installing a fence, landscaping is a sure way to create a return on your investment. However, you should always elicit the guidance of a trained professional before tackling a landscaping project.

If you are looking to sell your home or simply enjoy it more, use the summer to make exterior improvements. More summer home improvement ideas can be found online at www.royallepage.ca or call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

These days, homes are at a greater risk of water damage than ever before. Heavier precipitation and less predictable weather patterns increase the chance of unwanted water entering our homes.

Water damage is serious business. It is a drain – financially, emotionally, even physically. Just one inch is all it takes to destroy sentimental or irreplaceable items, or to create structural damage that can depreciate the value of your home. The bacteria and mold it can leave in its wake can affect air quality in your home and create potential health risks.

The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Here are some easy things you can do outside your home to help keep you safe and dry.

• Disconnect downspouts from the municipal sewer system. Extend downspouts at least 6 feet away from your basement walls and drain away from your house towards the street or backyard..

• Install a rain barrel to minimize the amount of surface water that could enter your home

• Grade the earth or hard surfaces around your home to slope away from your foundation.

• Before temperatures drop to freezing, turn off the water supply to outdoor taps and faucets, then open the taps to drain the water completely. Leave taps in the open position until spring.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris – clean them out at least once a year – late fall is a good time.

With a little know-how and some routine maintenance, you can stay ahead of the wave and keep unwanted water out.

Information provided by: Craig Hostland of Pilar To Post - 250-765-4134   

1. Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually 2-4 weeks ahead of the move.
2. Notify our charge cards, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.
3. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the  move.
4. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
5. Cancel the newspaper.
6. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
8.  Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
9. Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
10. Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most—toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors,hammer,screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town:

1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets. 
2. Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
3. Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
4. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
5. Let a friend or relative know your route.
6. Carry traveler’s checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.
7. Empty your safety deposit box.
8. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

 1. Price it right.  Set a price on the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

2. Get your house “market ready” for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings.  It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on

    the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner

    you’ll find a buyer.

4. Be ready for the offers.  Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find

    acceptable.

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price.  If your home has been on the market for more than 30

    days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Use a yard sale to reduce the clutter in your home and get rid of items you don't want to move.

1.    Check with your municipality to see if you need a permit or license.

2.    See if neighbors want to participate and have a "block" sale to attract more visitors.

3.    Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, put up signs and balloons at major

       intersections and in stores near your home.

4.    Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember,  yard sales are

       supposed to be bargains, so don't try to sell anything of  significant value this way.

5.    Check items before the sale to be sure you haven't including something you want by

       mistake.

6.    Keep pets away from the sale.

7.    Display everything neatly and individually so customers don't have to dig through boxes.

8.    Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances.

9.    Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.

10. Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.

Okanagan Buyers Survey Summary - March 2012

Property Type:
28.7% of purchases were by Move-Up Buyers
21.3% by First Time Buyers
12.4% buying Revenue/Investment Property
9.6% moving from Single Family Home to Strata Unit
5.6% Recreation Property Buyers
3.9% moving into Retirement Home/Seniors Community
3.4% moving from Strata property to Single Family Home

Buyer Type (Family Dynamic):
30.9% Couple without children 
18.2% Two parent family/children
17.1% Empty Nesters/Retired
14.9% Single Male
13.8% Single Female
6.1% Single Parent with children

Moving From: 
63.0% from Within OMREB Board Area
12.7% from Alberta
10.5% from Lower Mainland/Vancouver Island
9.4% from Other Areas in BC
2.2% from Saskatchewan/Manitoba
1.7% from Eastern Canada/Maritimes
0.6% from NWT/Yukon (seventh month reported)
0% from Outside Canada

Information provided by OMREB.

Spring is upon us and the housing market is set to enter its busiest time of the year.  With winter a mere memory and lots of sunshine on the way, many potential homebuyers will be out and about looking for the perfect home to suit their needs and budget.  If you're preparing to put your home on the market this spring, there are a number of things you can do to erase signs of winter wear and improve your home's appeal.

"Whether you're in a buyer's market or seller's market, simple, cost-effective improvements like applying a fresh coat of paint to your home's interior or exterior can transform your home and help attract greater interest from potential buyers," said, Dianne Usher, Vice President and Division Manager, Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Johnston & Daniel Division. "Larger-scale improvements like renovations can also enhance a home's appeal while some houses might require repairs after a long and harsh Canadian winter."

To make sure your home is not only sale-ready but fetches the highest possible price, Royal LePage compiled a list of the top ten tips for selling your home this spring:

1. Create curb appeal - First impressions count! Get rid of any debris that winter left behind, edge your gardens and add creative arrangements to your front porch.
2. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way - Refresh the interior and exterior of your home by painting your walls, front door, garage, shed and fence.
3. Clean, clean, clean! - Nothing will turn a potential buyer away quicker than a dirty home. Be sure to scrub your floors and wash your windows.
4. Inspect your exterior - Have a professional check your property for any damage to your roof, shutters or siding caused by winter wear.
5. Are renovations required? - An updated kitchen or bathroom might boost your home's appeal as well as the value of your home.
6. Engage the senses - Create a welcoming scent for potential buyers by lighting a few scented candles or placing fresh flowers throughout your home.
7. Turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis - Update your patio furniture to create a relaxing outdoor environment.
8. Reseal your driveway - This will remove any wear and tear and keep your driveway looking new.
9. Depersonalize your home - Potential buyers want to picture themselves in your home. Remove family photos and diplomas.
10. Rid your home of unwanted clutter - Donate gently used items to your local Royal LePage office and take part in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation's National Garage Sale for Shelter.  Every dollar raised by the nation-wide event supports local women's shelters as well as programs to stop the cycle of family violence.  For more information, visit www.royallepage.ca/shelter.

About Royal LePage
Serving Canadians since 1913, Royal LePage is the country's leading provider of services to real estate brokerages, with a network of 14,000 real estate professionals in over 600 locations nationwide. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, dedicated to supporting women's & children's shelters and educational programs aimed at ending domestic violence. Royal LePage is a Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. company, a TSX-listed corporation trading under the symbol TSX:BRE.

For more information visit www.royallepage.ca. 

The Bank of Canada left its overnight rate unchanged at 1 per cent for the 13th consecutive meeting. In the statement accompanying the decision the Bank noted that economic momentum in Canada is slightly firmer than the Bank had forecast in January and that economic headwinds from the US and Europe have abated somewhat. However, the Bank still judges the continued accumulation of debt by Canadian households to be the biggest domestic risk facing the economy. The Bank further noted that the degree of economic slack has been smaller than anticipated in January and that the economy is now expected to return to full capacity in the first half of 2013. Given a more rapid return to full capacity, we may see rate increases sooner than the mid-2013 date that most economists have penciled in. Indeed, the Bank sounded a more hawkish note in concluding their statement on the interest rate decision, citing that a modest withdrawal of monetary stimulus may become appropriate given firmer underlying inflation. However, the Bank was careful to condition that any withdrawal of stimulus would need to be balanced against domestic and global economic developments.

Our bias, and our modeling, still point to rates remaining at 1 per cent until the first quarter of 2013. However expectations of an increasingly hawkish Bank of Canada may start to get priced into long-term interest rates which could push mortgage rates higher in coming months.

Information provided by BCREA. 

The internet can be a wonderful tool to help find a new home, or it can be a frustrating time-waster. It all depends on how you use it.

Let’s first take a look at the upside of using the Web when home shopping.

A good REALTOR® can point you to websites and specific web pages where you can:

·         See pictures of homes available, including in some cases individual rooms and other property features.

·         Get property details, such as lot size, number of bedrooms, square footage, and other features.

·         Find information on the neighbourhood and surrounding area, such as the location of schools, parks and public transit.

·         Take a “virtual tour” (when available), which allows you to view a home on your computer almost as if you were walking through it in real life.

Previewing specific homes online can save you a lot of time. You can quickly get a sense for whether or not a property meets your basic criteria before traveling to see it in person.  But there is a downside to relying too much on the internet to preview homes.

Pictures and descriptions on the internet don’t always tell the whole story. It’s entirely possible for a home to look unappealing to you on a website, yet turn out to be the perfect home when you actually go to see it. (Imagine not seeing it and missing out on that potential dream home.) In addition, even these days, some homes are listed and sold so fast that they never make it to the internet. So if you rely too much on websites to find homes, you might miss out on opportunities.

The solution? Work with a REALTOR® who knows how to find homes on the market that are a good match for you, and knows how to make the entire home buying process go quickly and smoothly.

Need help finding a new home? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!

You turn on the television and watch a news story about housing prices going down. Then you receive a flyer in the mail about a property around the corner that sold for a decent price. Next you read a newspaper article about the housing market on the upswing again.

It’s a little like being on a roller-coaster ride! 

Unfortunately the ride isn’t much fun if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home. In fact, it can be very confusing and frustrating. You just don’t know if “now” is the right time to make a move.

In reality, the housing market has been fluctuating for decades.  Yet, people sell their homes every day for good prices, and just as many people get into their next dream homes affordably. 

When you hear news of market fluctuations, there are two important things to consider.

First of all, a lot of media information about the housing market is national, or at least regional. But if the housing market is trending down or up nationally, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your LOCAL market is doing the same.

In fact, it’s entirely possible for housing prices to be rising in your neighborhood while they are falling nationally, and vice versa. 

Secondly, if you’re selling a current property while buying another home, then the net affect of market fluctuations may cancel out. 

Say, for example, that the local market is on the upswing. You’ll probably be able to sell your current home for a good price.  However, the home you purchase will likely also be priced to reflect the upswing.

The same holds true when the market is down. 

All that being said, there are some circumstances in which you need to consider market fluctuations when deciding whether or not to make a move. A good REALTOR® will help. 

Looking for a good REALTOR®? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today.

One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn.

So does that mean you should replace your windows?

That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

• Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.
• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
• If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.
• Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.
• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.
• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows? 

Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.

Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!

If you've been thinking about selling your home, you might be waiting until the "market is right". After all, if the local market suddenly booms, your property will likely sell for a higher price.

That may be true. However, there are other factors to consider in your decision to list.

For example, will you be buying a new home as well? If so, then the higher selling price will probably be offset by the higher cost of the new property.

In addition, there may be characteristics of your home that will help sell it quickly and for a good price – today – regardless of the market conditions.

A good REALTOR® will help you make the right decision. Call the Dion-Ivans Group today!!