Nanci Fulton

It is a seller’s market in Squamish and many parts of British Columbia but that doesn’t mean you can get lazy when selling your home. Despite the low inventory of houses on the market, expect buyers to be educated and savvy when it comes to purchasing a new home. For this reason it is important to ensure your home is up to scratch in order to get the price you desire. Over the years practicing real estate I have noticed there are some easy preparations you can do to maximize the value of your property. Here are my 8 Tips for Getting the Best Price for your Home.

Organize and Declutter

There is nothing that turns a buyer off more than a house full of clutter. It is difficult for prospective buyers to envision themselves in your home if there are items strewn around in an unorganized manner. Personal items such as photos, and keep-sakes can often be a deterrent to people looking to buy a new home. It is advised to clear out clutter before you put your home on the market and organize it in a way that is appealing to the eye. Put away your personal items and in some cases, move belongings into storage to give your home a clean and neutral feel.

Staging goes a Long Way

Staging can range from minor adjustments in your home to complete overhauls with borrowed furniture and décor. Simple staging can be done with a little re-decorating and strategic placement of furniture, pillows and decorative items. Professional stagers are another option and can completely make-over your house to a cover worthy display home. Many Realtors have a keen eye for staging and if not, will be able to recommend a professional.

Repairs around the House

If you have outstanding repairs around the house, it is best to address them before you put your home on the market. Small defects such as a broken fence, chipped paint and loose door handles are quick fixes but can cost you in the long run if they aren’t addressed. A prospective buyer can be automatically turned off if there are small repairs needed around the house. They may automatically think, “what else is there needing fixing that I can’t see?”

Outdoor Maintenance

Often the outdoor area is where people pass their first judgements; a tidy outdoor space speaks volumes for first impressions of the home. Mowing the lawn, sweeping leaves and cleaning up any debris around the home is essential when having buyers inspect your property.

Audit Your Systems and Appliances

Before putting your home on the market it is important to ensure all of your appliances and systems are in working order. The last thing you want is surprises popping up in your building inspection that could be costly and delay the process. Make sure that your heating systems, electrical system, and plumbing systems are all in working order before listing your home for sale.

Replace Burnt out Lightbulbs

Another easy fix that shouldn’t be neglected. By replacing burnt out light bulbs you will give the impression that everything in the home is taken care of and in working order. By neglecting simple maintenance jobs like this you may give prospective buyers the impression that other simple repairs around the home have also been neglected.

Be Flexible for Showings

Once your house is on the market and priced correctly expect that it will generate a lot of interest. Ensure your home is accessible while it is for sale. If you have tenants inform them of their rights during the process. Make sure to keep the house neat and tidy, be ready for inspections and be flexible when your Realtor calls with prospective buyers. It may be slightly inconvenient at first but overall will result in your home being sold more quickly.

Know the Market Conditions

Even though the current market is hot you need to be realistic in your pricing. Consider your neighbourhood, the condition of your home, the year it was built and the aspects of your lot. Monitoring the sale price of other homes in your neighbourhood will give you a good indication of what yours may sell for. Consult with an experience Realtor and get a market evaluation to determine the maximum price you can expect for your home in the current market.

If you are thinking about selling your home in the Sea to Sky, I would be happy to sit down with you and discuss the process. Starting with a walk through of your home and a current market evaluation we can discuss what your property is likely to sell for in today’s market, and what (if any) repairs should be addressed before your home is put on the market. Contact me today for a free market evaluation and take advantage of this great seller’s market in the Sea to Sky.

Squamish is booming with new single family, townhome and condo developments. Here are the current developments to watch.

Squamish is seeing an explosion of new development and the timing couldn’t be better. With a surge of young couples, families and professionals moving to Squamish- and with current housing inventory unable to meet the demand- the new houses, townhomes and condos are a welcomed addition to the town. Over the last 10 years Squamish has seen new residential developments such as Eaglewind, Aqua and the Artisan downtown. Arbourwoods and Elements have revitalized the Northyards area and Skyridge, Alpenlofts and The Galleries have seen the Tantalus area of Squamish boom. New development in Squamish is continuing to sky-rocket. Here is a list of the current projects underway and on the books.

Newport Landing

Newport Landing is urban living inspired by nature. The development offers 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes with tasteful features and functionality. Newport Landing is within walking distance to downtown Squamish and is selling out fast! **Update** SOLD OUT (11/3/15)

Abby Lane

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Abby Lane is currently selling and features 3 bedroom homes nestled in a friendly river-side neighbourhood in Central Squamish. The spacious floorplans and stunning design give ample space and functionality; the development is located in close proximity to downtown Squamish, schools, golf and shopping.

Parkhouse

Located in downtown Squamish Parkhouse Condominiums are surrounded by nature with breathtaking views and close to everything! The development has one, two and three bedroom condos with a variety of floor plans, a large common amenity patio with rich and contemporary interiors. Parkhouse is hitting the market mid-November. SOLD OUT in 24 HOURS (11/8/2015)

The Maples at Fintry Park

Fintry Park is a 54 acre, 175 home smart community currently under development in the Brennan Park area of Central Squamish. The first stage of The Maples is sold out with the second stage of West Coast-inspired single family homes set to hit the market in early 2016. The community masterplan features 27 acres of green space, a 2km trail system with additional trail connectivity, and a neighbourhood park/picnic area. There are also plans to develop condos and townhouses in future phases.

Skyridge

Skyridge is located in the Garibaldi Estates and is situated on a hillside with stunning ocean and mountain views. There are currently 15 lots of Skyridge selling with plans for townhouses and duplexes to come on the market sometime in 2016. The 20 acre neighbourhood is slated to have a central park, walking trails, and potentially a primary school and childcare facility.

Squamish Oceanfront

Squamish Oceanfront Community has been over a decade in the making and is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. The development would see a vibrant, innovative, sustainable and world-class work-learn-play community located right in the heart of downtown Squamish. With a blend of residential and commercial this projected neighbourhood would completely re-shape downtown Squamish.

Crumpit Woods

Crumpit Woods is currently selling offering full-size single family lots situated amongst towering mountains and forest playgrounds. Phase two is over 95% sold with only one lot remaining. Located above the Plateau in Valleycliffe the Crumpit Woods neighbourhood is an adventure seekers dream location and only 5 minutes to downtown Squamish and 45 to downtown Vancouver. **Update** SOLD OUT (11/4/15)

The Falls, Eaglewind

The Eaglewind Community has renewed downtown Squamish and is now in its final phase of development. The Falls at Eaglewind offers 40 three-bedroom townhomes featuring contemporary West Coast architecture and designer interiors. The Eaglewind neighbourhood is set on acres of parkland with an extensive trail network, tennis court, lawn bowling, playground and community garden plots. There are only a handful of townhouses remaining in The Falls.

University Heights

University Heights grants you luxurious living in the great outdoors. The development features 72 single family and 33 duplex lots giving you the option to customize your own West Coast home. The sustainable community is located in Garibaldi Highlands near Quest University and overlooks the Tantalus Mountain ranges. The first phase of University Heights is nearly sold out with future duplex lots soon to be released.

Garibaldi at Squamish

Garibaldi at Squamish (GaS), a destination ski/golf resort plus residential and commercial development is becoming closer to a reality. With talks to begin construction in 2016 the much anticipated resort has the town buzzing with excitement and speculation. Watch this space.

Along with the developments above there is a list of New Development Applications currently awaiting approval.

To view or learn more about any of the developments listed above make sure to contact Nanci Fulton today.

Nanci has been selling real estate in Squamish for over 25 years and is professional, experienced and passionate about the Squamish real estate market.