If January is any indication of what real estate for 2013 is going to be like,  there has already been an increase in sales.  The sales have increased from the slow market Richmond in November to December. The British Columbia Real Estate Association predicts that residential sales in 2013 will  increase by 5.6 percent. 2013 is also a big year for British Columbia, because the government has decided to get rid of  HST, this transition will benefit both home owners and buyers.   

HST 

The Provincial government has waved HST as of April 1^st, 2013. New homes that complete on or after April 1^st will no longer have to pay HST, a temporary housing transition tax was also taken into effect on December 1, 2012. This will assist homes that are being built under HST new, an individual buying a new home under PST, or a home that is partly under PST and HST. For more useful information visit the HST in BC website.

http://www.hstinbc.ca/buying_goods/buying_a_home/

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/docs/economics-forecasts-and-presentations/housingforecast_.pdf

 Real Estate commission is considered a service so this means that commissions would only be taxed a 5% GST. According to Canada Revenue agency the rate of tax is determined on the date that it is payable, this means that homeowners with completion dates after March 31,2013, will not have to pay the HST.

Useful Links

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver has a list of resources that can assist in navigating through what the change from HST-PST changes.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/government-relations/hst-pst-resources

They have also provided a link of frequently asked questions regarding the changes.

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/government-relations/pst-transition-rules

Attached below is the report from the British Columbia Real Estate Association

http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/docs/economics-forecasts-and-presentations/housingforecast_.pdf

Your home may be ready for a face-life

The Vancouver market is in a lull right now, but while waiting for the market to pick up, it is a good idea to considering sprucing up your home. There are a lot of home improvements that can add value to your home to benefit you in the short run and the future new owner of your home in the long run. There are so many do it yourself resources for bathroom and kitchens upgrades that can really make a difference when it comes to selling your home.  Consider refreshing the décor by painting the walls in neutrals, browns, greens, grey. Replacing regular windows with energy efficient windows saves money on heating and cooling costs and is a great way to attract future buyers.

Bathroom and Kitchen Remodeling

Home Depot has made home renovations so easy; they have great resources and ideas to plan out your projects. You can make an appointment with a consultant at their store and they will help you with your design ideas, they also have resources  at your disposal, for example the kitchen countertop calculator and the flooring calculator.

For more kitchen ideas visit:

http://www.homedepot.ca/know-how/browse/kitchen/440003049

Home Depot also has a bathroom guide, with instructions for installing toilets, a bath planner and a design centre, for more ideas visit the Home Depot website:

http://www.homedepot.ca/know-how/browse/bath/440003048

They also offer do it yourself workshops, to walk you through small home projects:

http://www.homedepot.ca/workshops/dih-quick-bathroom-updates

Energy Efficient windows

Energy efficient windows reduce water condensation and outside noise. They have the ability to cut energy costs by 30% each year.

BC Hydro has a great buying guide to figuring out what windows to buy and how to make your home more energy efficient.

http://www.bchydro.com/etc/medialib/internet/documents/pshome/pdf/power_smart_smarter_windows_and_doors.Par.0001.File.power_smart_smarter_windows_and_doors.pdf

The Government also offers grants to people who switch their old windows to energy efficient ones, so this can elevate some of the costs.

For more information on incentives visit the link below:

http://www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/efficiency-home/index.html

Live Smart BC also has a guide to the possible incentives:

http://www.livesmartbc.ca/attachments/LiveSmart-Home-Incentives.pdf

Vancouver Real Estate Market is Constantly Changing

Vancouver has been really blessed with an active real estate market. The market is still moving but it is start to shifting over to a buyer’s market. According to the July 2012 News Release from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver,  Eugen Klein, president of the Real Estate Board, stated that the market conditions are now in favor of buyers.  “This means buyers are facing less competition and have more selection to choose from compared to earlier in the year.” Eugen Klein, the REBGV president said. This is great news for buyers out there.  However, seller’s should not despair , the market is constantly changing and there are some keys things you need to know about selling your home in a buyer’s market.

Your House Must Stand Out

1. Think to yourself is it the right time to sell or can you wait to sell. If you are in a hurry, in order to make your property more appealing to buyers you need to price it below the competition.

2. Look at other homes in your area for sale, what does their home have to offer that yours doesn’t, is there any important features of your home that you forgot to highlight? It is important that your home stand out amongst the competition.

3. Make sure you home is in great shape, clean, de-cluttered and well kept, move in ready. Replacing older appliances can be a great way to give your home an updated feel.

A great example of adding a pop of bright colour to a room

Home decor much like fashion is always evolving and changing. I am sure I am not the only one that remembers shag carpet being all the rage. Whether you are selling your home, giving your existing home a facelift or building your dream home from the ground up, here are some design tips for the trends that will be appearing in year 2013.

Indoor Green Wall - Photo Credit to Kevin Stephens Design Group

Sustainability

Vancouver is very focused on being eco-friendly and sustainable, as we all should be. Vancouver is aspiring to reach the goal of being the greenest city by 2020. Green building is very much so a trending topic when it come to building and interior design. Designers have shifted from using traditional hardwood floors and turned to more economical choices such as bamboo or cork flooring which has the same feel but it is more eco-friendly. A living wall is also a new design trend. Vancouver’s own airport has one! Not only is it sustainable but it helps purify the air and cuts down on electricity bills. There are many innovative ways to incorporate them in a home.

http://www.greenovergrey.com/green-wall-benefits/overview.php

A touch of paint can go a long way

Colour

Paint colours are a great way to keep up with home decor trends. Pantone’s colour predictions for 2013 consists of a few different colour palettes; Connoisseur, Glamour, New Old School, Rugged Individuals, Extracts, Footprints, Sojourn, Surface Treatments and Out of the Ordinary. Counnoisseur focuses on cool neutrals that are contrasted with warmer tones; so a nice clean white with a contrasting touch of pink. Adding a pop of colour to a neutral room is a great way to rejuvenate the look of home. Glamour is taken from the Art Deco era which consists of more somber tones. New Old School, consists of more saturated tones. Rugged Individuals is a natural and earthy palette. Extracts consists of a more exotic palette. Footprints is a vibrant tribal palette. Sojourn combines intense purples with organic hues. Surface treatments is a more textural palette and Out of the Ordinary are bright eye candy hues that catch your eye.

A constrast between a bright colour and a neutral is always an attention grabber

 Unsure of what palette would work best in your home?  Benjamin Moore has some great resources for looking at colour stories and staying up to date on the most recent trends in paint colours. Take a few paint samples and spend some time mapping out the right theme for your space.

https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/for-architects-and-designers/colour-direction

Wallpaper and Wall Decals

I know, I know! Wall paper makes you think of your grandma’s house but new designs in wall paper and wall decals are the it thing right now and a great way to add drama to a regular room. Wall decals come in different graphics or even mirrored stickers. They are easy to put  up and just as easy to remove. Etsy is a great website to get one of kind designs for your home. Wallpaper although a little more permanent is another way to spice up a room. Wallpapers have come a long way. They can create major interest in a simple space.

http://www.etsy.com/category/housewares/wall_decal

May long weekend kicks off the summer, and hopefully we will be experiencing weather as great as the weekend that just passed. Whether you are heading out of town or staying put in the city, Vancouver has a lot to offer Vancouverites. It’s not called supernatural BC for nothing.

Go Camping

Camping is an awesome way to escape the city and enjoy nature. There are some great places just a short drive outside of Vancouver that are great for a family get away or to go away with a group of friends. A great camping spot is:

Alice Lake Provincial Park

Is a short drive away, in Squamish. It has many amenities, a swimming pool, hiking trails, playground, free showers and hot water.

For more information click the link below:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/alice_lk/

Embark on a Wine Tour

The Okanagan has a reputation for being the home of some of the finest wineries in British Columbia. Just a few hours drive outside of Vancouver, it is a great getaway for the long weekend. The Okanagan is the perfect playground for a wine lover.

To book wine tours check out:

http://www.discoverokanagantours.com/winetours.htm

Take a Ferry Ride

The Vancouver ferries connect with many different Islands and with an extra day added onto your weekend it is the perfect opportunity to explore. Victoria, Galiano Island, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are all just a ferry ride away.

Too find out more information, click the link below:

http://www.bcferries.com/

If you want to stay in town there are many great attractions as well.

Kayaking

Deep Cover Outdoors – 2156 Banbury Road  North Vancouver, BC V7G 2T1
Telphone: (604) 929-2268

http://www.deepcovekayak.com/

Playland

2901 East Hastings Street  Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
Telephone: (604) 253-2311

http://www.pne.ca/playland/

Farmer’s Market  

Kitsilano Farmers Market Sundays, May 22 – October 23, 2011
10am – 2pm each week
2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre

StevestonVillage

http://www.steveston.bc.ca/

1. Ensure that clutter does not distract from the space

If you have children try to find a place to store toys, out of sight out of mind. Try to leave surfaces uncluttered and clean. Clutter just distracts the potential buyers from the product. Get a friend to give you a second opinion so your home can look more organized. They can let you know what catches their eye first and how you can show your home in the best light. Sometimes it helps to have someone objective.

2. Appeal to a mass market

Try to envision your home as a blank canvas. Put away any personal touches, because the buyer may not have the same taste as you do, you want to de-personalize your home as much as possible. The colours should be as neutral as possible so that any potential buyers can image themselves in your home.   Cleaning the walls and baseboards and sometimes even a new coat of paint will freshen up your home, again stick with neutrals.

3. Clean everywhere

Dirt distracts from the total experience.  Cleaning the bathrooms and kitchens are a nice added touch. All the sinks, bathtubs and taps should sparkle. Make sure all windows are clean, beds are made up, and visible disorganization is tucked away. Small changes, like adding new towels or a new shower curtain to the bathroom can help revive the space. If you really want to make a good impression, consider calling in a professional cleaning service, they will make sure every nook and cranny is clean.

4.  Pay Attention to Curb Appeal

Landscaping is very important. Take the time to cut your grass and weed your garden.  Adding potted or hanging plants by the door make the home more inviting. Especially with the start of spring, nice plants and flowers will draw a potential buyer in. Sweep any deck, balconies or walkways and scrub all the outdoor railings, doors and steps.

5.Check the Lighting

Lighting is very important. Make sure all light bulbs are replaced and that there is enough artificial light in rooms that do not have windows to let in natural light.

6.Air Flow

Pet odors and stale air can deter potential buyers. Open windows to let in fresh air, a stuffy house is not an appealing quality to any potential buyers.

7.  Make you home appear spacious

Horizontal spaces need to be free of any knickknacks, photo displays, collectables, and appliances. Every closet needs to look clean and organized. Furniture should only be essentials, so that spaces do not seem cluttered or cramped. It is a good idea to go through and decide what pieces of furniture need to be be kept for your move and what can be sold or donated. Too much furniture can make the space look small.

8. Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a great way to make a home look inviting and can help liven up the place. It is a relatively inexpensive way to create a wonderful aroma in your home and impress potential buyers.