Special Features - Real Estate Resource Guide - Fall 2014

Real Estate

FALL / WINTER 2014-15

RESOURCE GUIDE

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Knowing what’s affordable to you The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board was the first real estate board in Canada to offer a housing price index (HPI) which tracks the price of a typical, or benchmark property. HPI statistics can often provide a new depth of interpretation to average and median statistics. Ask a Fraser Valley realtor for details.

Many people would like to start building equity in their own home, but concerns about cost hold them back. Media reports of housing prices can give a misleading impres-

sion about the cost of home-ownership. The media typically reports median or average prices without explaining what those terms really mean.

A median price is the price at which half the homes sold for more while half sold for less. That means that there are just as many homes that sold at a price lower than the median than those that sold at prices higher than the median price. Therefore, many properties are sold at much lower - or much

higher - prices than the median price.

An average price is the total value of homes sold during a particular period, divided by the number of units sold. Average prices are typically reported for the sales activity in a given area and only provide a snapshot of past activity. Average prices of properties sold in the past give a very limited indication of what housing inventory is priced at today.

Low mortgage rates combined with

affordability and selection have made Fraser Valley communities increasingly popular for buyers. A realtor with experience in the community in which you’re interested in buying can provide a knowledgeable market analysis and show you what is available within your budget.

To view Fraser Valley properties for sale on the Multiple Listing Service, point your Internet web browser to www.realtor.ca and contact a Fraser Valley realtor.

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THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 3

Avoid provocation

Cater to the lazy person

One potential buyer could be an animal lover, another a political activist. No one can tell who will view the home. So don’t display personal items that might make a potential buyer uncomfortable.

Take down mounted animal trophies and put away books that may seem offensive.

Potential buyers generally want to move in and unpack without doing major repairs. Tear down dated wallpaper or replace worn carpeting, the reward will be reflected in the offer price.

Add a fresh coat of paint Appeal to the masses by painting rooms in neutral shades.

The nose knows A house can be perfect inside and out, but if it smells bad, buyers will likely be put off. Make sure there is no noticeable odor, such as pet smells, garbage, stale smoke, etc.

Interior Fixes to Sell Your Home Fast If you are thinking about selling, you have to do whatever you can to set your home apart from the others available.

Real estate experts call it “staging,”

or presenting the home in the best light so that potential buyers can envision themselves moving right in. A few changes can position your home to sell faster.

Clean out closets and cabinets Empty closets and cabinets give the suggestion that the home is large and has plenty of storage space.

Keep the home updated While one doesn’t have to follow every trend, ensuring the home is ageless can make for a better sell.

So if the bathroom is circa 1967, it may be time to update.

Create “happy” spaces

Do a deep cleaning

Clear out

Make your home shine. Wash the windows, shampoo the carpets, re-grout the bathrooms, and any other areas of concern that could compromise a sale.

Be sure the interior looks as spacious as possible. This could mean temporarily putting some furniture in storage. Also ensure countertops are free of clutter.

Open windows, turn on the lights, use light colours as room accents.

Generally buyers want a bright home.

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Factors that hurt your home’s value If you are looking to sell your home, you probably know it’s not quite as easy as putting a sign on the lawn. In fact, there are a host of things, some obvious but some not so obvious, that can hurt your home’s value.

Location: Your home’s location is arguably its best or worst selling point. A home in a great location will be easier to sell than a home in a less desirable neighbourhood.

Size and style:

Appearance: Your home’s appearance is another obvious variable that might affect resale value. You might want your home to reflect your own individuality, but that’s not going to help when it comes time to sell. Opt for more traditional or conservative exterior colours and interior decor.

A home that stands out on the block might be an attention-grabber, but that’s not always attractive to prospective buyers. For instance, a colonial sitting in the middle of a street filled with contemporary homes will stand out, but likely for all the wrong reasons.

It will likely appear dated and out

of place. In addition, if your home is considerably larger or smaller than the surrounding homes, then this could hurt its value.

Age: Older homes might have character and a sense of nostalgia, but appraisers take age into consideration when determining a home’s value, and buyers tend to lean toward newer homes.

Non-conformity: When selling your home, conformity could make the difference between it selling quickly

or remaining on the market for months. Trying to sell a two bedroom rancher in a neighbourhood filled with three plus bedroom two storey homes, you might notice your home’s value is not as high as that of surrounding homes, regardless of the neighbourhood.

When it comes to your home’s value, there are many things that could ultimately increase or decrease that value in the eyes of prospective buyers. Your REALTOR® will consider all factors of your home, when preparing your market evaluation.

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33174 First Avenue, Mission | www.patvale.com SERVING MISSION, ABBOTSFORD AND THE CENTRAL FRASER VALLEY THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 5

When you List - List with Mindy has been the Top Agent in the entire Fraser Valley Real Estate Board with the Highest Achievement for 27 years and over 7,000 Sales

Connect with Mindy

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6 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

If you are buying or selling, Mindy can make it easier!

Get to know Mindy The luckiest people in the world are those who love their work, and that fits Mindy to a "T." She never tires of meeting new people, exploring homes and vacant land, searching for just the right property for a client, and overcoming the hurdles that can appear during a real estate transaction. She enjoys the variety that a career in real estate affords and eagerly dives in to learning new skills – whether it's new technology or how best to serve her clients.

Whether a Buyer is moving up, or a Seller is relocating or searching for a first home, rental or investment property, Mindy will consistently work her hardest at finding the perfect home or property for her client.

Mindy’s clients often comment on her dedication to her profession. She is known to help her clients understand the entire process in finding their new home. Mindy exercises care, loyalty, commitment and gives sincere honest advice to her clients. Let Mindy put her 30+ years of hard working experience to work for you.

Mindy McPherson 604.826.1000 For 1000’s of listings visit Mindy’s website www.mindymcpherson.com

MINDY IS A HOUSE-SOLD WORD! THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 7

5

tips for relocating your family

Whether you are moving to a new community or a just a new neighbourhood, moving can be very stressful on the entire family.

1 Gradually introduce the concept of moving Moving is a decision to be discussed with the whole family, even with young children who may not fully understand the process. Kids who are involved in looking at new homes or voicing opinions will feel empowered and in control.

Did you know the average person moves 11.4 times in his or her lifetime? Various factors prompt people to move, from job opportunities, to the desire to be closer to family members, to live in a nicer climate, or simply to a home in the same community, more suitable for their current family situation.

2 Research potential new neighbourhoods carefully Finding a new residence is not entirely about buying a home that fits the family and its needs. It also is about finding a desirable neighbourhood. Good schools are an important factor, as is proximity to recreation, and transportation.

Drive around a neighbourhood during different times of the day to gauge how active it is.

Moving is seldom an easy task, and is often ranked among the most stressful events in a person’s life, following only death and divorce. To make the process go more smoothly, consider the following tips.

Let children say goodbye to their old home.”

3 Work with an experienced REALTOR®

5 Plan a school orientation

A real estate agent who is familiar with the community is a great asset. In addition, the agent will handle many of the tasks that may be overwhelming if you were doing them on your own, such as scouring available listings, waiting for inspections or filling out pertinent paperwork.

4 Pack children’s rooms last Young children who see favourite items disappearing into boxes may start to feel anxious. It’s not uncommon for preschoolers to act out or experience nightmares during the moving process. Only start packing kids’ items when your moving date is right around the corner. Let children say goodbye to their old home.

Take advantage of any programs schools offer to acclimate kids to their new environment.

Kids also leave friends behind when moving to a new home. The faster they get back to a normal routine, the better it will be for them. Schools are where children will make new friends and participate in social occasions, so tour their new schools before the school year begins, and meet with a few residents and current students to learn about special programs that may make a move less stressful for youngsters.

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Dealing with Pets when selling your home COURTESY OF KELLY LERIGNY & ANITA LLOYD Pets can present a real challenge when it comes to selling your home.

For many pets, having strangers invading their space can be frightening for them causing abnormal behavioural responses. These responses can be disconcerting and distracting to buyers and stressful for the animals.

There are a number of other considerations that have to be taken into account when you are selling a home as a pet owner. If you ignore these issues it could cost you literally thousands of dollars as the result of lower offers. Here are some recommendations:

1 Deep clean and repair pet damage Repair damage caused by scratching or chewing of walls and doors, floors or carpet. Get carpets professionally cleaned to get rid of stainds and pet odors prior to listing. You may need to replace the carpet, if cleaning wasn’t successful. Consider painting the wood underneath to ensure the smell does not escape again. Keep up daily maintenance by vacuuming, dusting and cleaning the litter box.

2 Re-locate pets while your home is on the market If possible take your pet to a close friend or family member to care for while your house is on the market. It will generally be the most humane thing you can do and will make having your home “show ready” less stressful for you and your pet.

3 Remove pets for showings Prospective buyers who see pets will be consciously looking and smelling for pet damage to woodwork, carpets, and walls.

If removing your pet isn’t feasible, care your pet during showings.

4 Don’t forget the yard Repair any damage to lawns or gardens like holes or burnt spots on the grass and be diligent about picking up the feces.

5 Remove the evidence For some people, particularly those with allergies, just the fact that pets live in a home de-values it. So it is a good idea to de-pet your home for showings by removing food dishes, toys and beds, etc.

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Express Yourself with Colour Are you courageous when it comes to decorating your new home? Many of us would like to be as creative as possible but need guidance to venture out from the neutrals and into something more powerfully beautiful.

Colour is the most important tool in the toolbox, and one of the most inexpensive ways to infuse

the home with colour is with paint.

People often feel intimidated by this type of expression and that’s why many of our homes are beige and white. Although staying neutral is a good idea when selling your home, if you have just purchased a home, you may want to add some of your personality to it.

Colour is a great balancer in a

space, its a juggling act between neutrals, grounding shades, highlight and accent. When choosing a paint palette for any room, there are four key components to ensure powerful effects while keeping a harmonious balance: neutrals, which are the beige or creamiest versions of any color, the grounding shades, like blacks, browns and

grays, the highlights like the bright white on trim and moldings, and the all important saturated pops of colour which add life to any room.

You might want your pop of colour to be a powerful accent wall, then you can compliment it with neutral upholstery and grounding accents in the accessories to balance it all.

Online all the time. 24/7 An opportunity to view the entire Real Estate Review online, in full colour, turn pages just as you would with the newspaper version and zoom into text for a clear, more detailed view of your ad from anywhere in the world!

ABBOTSFORD • MISSION

10 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

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Renovations that make your home less appealing

Certain renovations to a home can make it more attractive to prospective buyers, while other renovations may make a home less appealing.

Separating the good from the bad renovations makes smart financial sense, and homeowners looking to improve their home’s resale values may want to avoid the following projects.

Bedroom and garage conversions: Changing a rooms traditional function often turns off buyers. For example, turning a garage into a home gym might seem like a great idea for you, but it may not be so appealing to prospective buyers.

Outdoor hot tubs and indoor spa tubs: Many people love hot tubs but often do not want to inherit a used one.

Although hot tubs are cleaned and maintained with sanitizing chemicals, some people still view them as unsanitary.

Removing closets: Closet space is often high on a buyer’s priority list. Turning closet space into an office or removing a closet to make a room bigger may be fine if you are staying put, but can deter prospective buyers.

Too many features: If you improve your home to the point that it outshines all others on the street, you may struggle to sell as it will be disproportionate to other homes in the area.

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THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 11

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THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 13

Real Estate Investing for Beginners Real estate has historically remained a sound investment, boasting a long-term appreciation rate that makes it a worthwhile investment if you can withstand temporary setbacks in housing

prices and hold on to your investment over the long haul.

But investors are often nervous as they look for their first properties.

Uncertainty about future housing prices aside, investing in real estate

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is not without risk, and first-time investors need to be comfortable with such risk in order to make the most of their investment. The following are a few things you should consider as you decide if investing in real estate is right for you.

potential profits down the road. If you don’t have the ability and/or the time to address minor issues like a clogged drain, or a drafty window, you should consider hiring a property management company to tend to such needs.

Personal Ability:

Such firms are effective, and although they do charge a fee to manage your property, it could be worth your while. Your property manager will deal with all issues in a timely manner, and they have a host of trades available to take care of any repairs in a timely manner, giving you peace of mind.

They also offer inspections of your rental property on a regular basis which protects your investment and you as an owner. The fees paid for property management are also a tax write off against your rental

Real estate investors typically have tenants, and those tenants inevitably have needs. Investors who have handyman experience may not find it quite as difficult to repair or renovate a property and make it more attractive to tenants, nor are they likely to be inconvenienced when minor issues on the property need to be addressed. However, if you are about to become an investor with no such experience, you will need to hire contractors to do the work for you, cutting into your

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Though real estate is a sound investment, it is not a get rich quick scenario . . . income along with your other rental expenses.

Even those investors with handyman experience may have little or no knowledge of how the leasing process works, or landlord and tenants rights etc., and may still have to rely on a property management company. A licensed property management company can alleviate the challenges of tenancies, evictions and arbitrations, and the ever changing laws that are associated with tenants.

Time: Real estate is often a time consuming investment. Tenants pay good money to live in rental properties, and those tenants will have a host of needs that must be met. Investors must be sure they have the time to address their tenants concerns, especially investors with no plans to hire a property management company, and want to go it alone.

Potential investors who already have full plates at work and at home may not be able to devote the time necessary to make the most of their real estate investments. Time must also be considered when considering profits. Real estate is not the type of investment that turns a profit overnight. Even investors who are

looking to invest in a up and coming neighborhood must be prepared to hold onto their properties for several years to maximize their investments. Though real estate is a sound investment, it is not a get rich quick scenario, so if you are looking to make a quick buck, you should consider an alternative investment.

Size: First time real estate investors might be wise to choose a smaller property for their initial investment. Larger properties can be overwhelming to manage. You should only consider moving on to larger properties once you are fully comfortable with all that comes with investing in real estate.

Costs: The cost of a real estate investment goes beyond the purchase price of the property and the rental income you may expect to collect. In addition to the mortgage on the property, investors must pay the taxes and insurance on the property, as well as any cost associated with maintaining and managing the property. Talk with your lender and your REALTOR to make sure you understand all the costs involved in becoming an investor.

Helping YOU Buy or Sell homes and properties in • Abbotsford • Mission • Aldergrove • Langley • Surrey • Chilliwack.

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THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 15

Who will be working in your home?

SUBMITTED BY BLUE CREST ELECTRIC LTD. Every day homeowners call contractors or service companies, looking to have work performed in their homes. A service technician shows up at the door, and the homeowner doesn’t think twice about allowing that person into their home. Occasionally, these seemingly innocent calls turn tragic.

Criminal background checks are required for workers in some professions, but they are not mandated for many jobs. Some law enforcement officials believe all employers who provide home services should conduct background checks.

A few safety tips and precautions can help relieve some of the worry on your next service call.

• Check out the company’s track record with the Better Business Bureau and make sure they are current on all Worker’s Compensation Board remittances.

• Only do business with a technician you have made an appointment with. Never hire someone who conveniently shows up at your door offering their services and too-good-to-be-true prices.

• What is your first impression? Is the vehicle the technician arrived in clearly marked with the company’s logo, and phone number? Does it have a professional appearance?

• Is the technician wearing a uniform? This would indicate that he works for a company that cares about professionalism and company image.

• Is the technician wearing a company identification name tag complete with the technician’s photo?

• Is the service company licensed to work in your community? Ask to see their business license.

• Is the technician fully licensed and qualified to do the work you have requested. Ask to see proof of trade qualifications. “I can do it,” should never be assumed to mean “I am licensed and certified to do it”.

Trust your instincts and decline the technician’s services if something just doesn’t seem right.

been back ground checked and have also volunteered for the company’s random drug testing program. “That just goes to show you the caliber of technician we have working for our company,” says Ray Poetker, president of the 26 year old company. “Our clients have the safety and peace of mind knowing that they can be completely comfortable with who they are allowing into their front door when a Blue Crest Electric technician arrives.”

Some Lower Mainland companies who conduct pre-employment background checks can be found at www.mysafetyseal.com, an online website constructed specifically for homeowners who are concerned about the safety of their home and family. Blue Crest Electric Ltd., a well established, local electrical service company has been listed on this site for over 8 years. Their technicians have all

The term ‘buyer beware’, used to warn people to exercise caution when purchasing products, is also applicable when hiring for services. Fortunately, reputable companies do outnumber the unscrupulous individuals and businesses, and by asking just a few key questions, any homeowner can make an informed decision in choosing the right service company.

• Ask if the company has a policy of conducting criminal back ground checks on existing employees and before hiring new employees.

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The fast track to mortgage freedom A low interest rate is often seen as the best way to save money on a mortgage and the quickest route to becoming mortgage-free.

But that’s only one part of an effective strategy. Don’t focus all your time and energy on rate comparisons. It is equally important to look for a mortgage with flexible terms.

The average Canadian homeowner will pay his or her mortgage off in approximately 25 years. Less than half (42 per cent) of homeowners are taking advantage of options that allow them to shave years off their mortgage and save on interest costs.

Here are three tips to get you on your way to mortgage freedom:

Take advantage of prepayment privileges A flexible mortgage may include features such as doubling up a payment or putting down a lump sum at the end of the year. These additional payments are applied directly to your mortgage principal and will reduce your amortization period. Consider putting a work bonus, tax refund or extra savings towards your mortgage balance.

Round up your payment You can chip away at your mortgage without missing a beat by rounding-up your payment amount. For example, if your bi-weekly mortgage payment is $557, by rounding up your pay-

Selling properties in Abbotsford and surrounding areas for 23 years.

Jeff

Greenhalgh h l h

604.855.0800 2790 Allwood Street Abbotsford

agentgreen.ca agentgreen@telus.net

ment to $600, you could put an additional $1,000 per year towards the principal and be mortgage-free faster.

Adopt a bi-weekly payment schedule A bi-weekly payment is often the easiest adjustment you can do to

help you save on mortgage interest - especially if you line it up with your pay cheque. You end up making 26 smaller bi-weekly payments a year, versus 12 large monthly payments resulting in interest cost savings as you pay down your principal faster. Bi-weekly payments will shave years off your mortgage.

My Focus Today Your Equity Tomorrow.

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604.820.0555 www.nancyolson.ca

Nancy Olson Sales Associate Medallion Club Member ®

Little Oak Realty Ltd. Each Office Independently owned and Operated THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 17

Trusted for 23 years TO CARRY YOU HOME

Call or visit

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Proudly Serving the Lower Mainland 18 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

The Real Estate Professionals at Landmark Realty are here to help!

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2790 Allwood St. Abbotsford V2T 3R7

#103-32471 Lougheed Hwy Mission V2V 0C8

#100 - 7134 Vedder Rd. Chilliwack V2R 4G4

604.855.0800

604.820.2055

604.858.1800

info@landmarkrealty.com

landmarkmission@telus.net

info@landmarkchwk.com

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 19

owners find fences become the final point of contention among disagreeable neighbours or create tension with a neighbour with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the best way to avoid any animosity along the way.

Most people find neighbours appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans, talk to the neighbours on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness.

Fence etiquette prevents disputes People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea

for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbours, particularly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some home-

Once you notify your neighbours as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easy-going neighbour could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have your property lines clearly indicated with markers.

Each city has different regulations with regard to fencing. Find out where the fence can be installed in relation to the property line. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers.

It is your job to find out the guidelines for any home improvements.

If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbour can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it.

Remember, you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence -- on all sides. Just because your neighbour also will be benefitting from your fence, doesn’t mean they have to care for it.

One stop shop for all your insurance needs.

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Discover the Convenience of One Stop Shopping

201 - 32641 South Fraser Way 604-853-5951 • saxbee.com • info@saxbee.com

RESIDENTIAL 20 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

•

COMMERCIAL

•

AU T O

•

LIFE

Homes with curb appeal in demand Curb appeal is similar to getting ready for a big date, only you’re not dressing yourself up to make a strong first impression, instead, you are dressing your home up to make a strong first impression on

prospective buyers. Many buyers will form an opinion about your property before they even get out of their car.

The most effective way to improve curb appeal is to clean up the

property. Remove toys and other items from the yard. Make sure all hedges are trimmed and remove weeds, from any flower beds and lay fresh mulch. Dehydrated or dead plants and flowers are eyesores, and they will give buyers the impression that you didn’t pay much attention to your property.

Add pots with colourful seasonal flowers by the front door. It adds a spark of life to the exterior and the beauty of it is, you can take them with you when you move.

Edging is another easy and effective way to improve curb appeal.

Edge your lawn and gardens around driveways, sidewalks and other walkways on the property.

Buyers want to see the house, so trim any branches that hang too

low or obscure your home.

Clean the gutters thoroughly before putting your home up for sale and keep them clean throughout the selling process and pressure wash your deck.

Many homeowners enter their home through a side door or the garage. If you fall into this category, keep in mind that prospective buyers will be entering through the front door, so make this area accessible and appealing.

Also take a close look at your front entry. Does it need a touch up of trim paint, perhaps a new mail box, door bell or a door handle? Make the entry sparkle and be sure to put out the welcome mat to greet potential buyers.

You’ve found your perfect home, now you need the perfect mortgage!

ACCESS TO DOZENS OF LENDERS • BEST RATES • EASY APPLICATION • QUICK APPROVALS

Call to start your pre-approval today!

Know what you can afford before you start shopping.

0DXUHHQ +ROWVEDXP Your Valley Real Estate Specialist

WARREN SCHATZ

604-557-8229 6 04 557 8229 * Powered by Service

MaureenHoltsbaum.ca

* Powered by Advice

604.807.1486 | warren@warrenschatz.ca | www.warrenschatz.ca THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 21

We offer you the

BEST OF THE BEST for your home.

Mortgage Closing & Other Related Costs Closing costs are the legal, administrative and disbursement fees associated with buying a home.

Understanding these fees will help you budget more accurately.

Remember, these are additional costs over and above the price of the home.

Have you budgeted for the associated legal costs?

Legal costs are your lawyer or notary fees. These may include:

WE OFFER CHOICE.

• Reviewing the terms of the offer

We work with 10 insurers to provide you with the best choices for your needs.

• Conducting a title search • Registering a new title • Obtaining relevant documents, such as surveys and evidence of liens on the property

WE PROVIDE ADVICE.

• Checking the statement of adjustments for taxes, utility and fuel bills, and other costs that have been pre-paid by the seller

We base our quotes on your unique needs not by comparing coverage.

What other costs can you expect?

• Interest adjustments between date of closing and the first mortgage payment

Se

Fraser rving the

c Valley sin

e 1994.

604.854.3458

• GST on a new home or extensively renovated homes • Service charges from utility companies for hook-ups on electricity, gas, internet and telephone services

104-1888 N. Parallel Rd. Abbotsford PARALLEL MARKETPLACE

• Appraisal fees

MON-FRI 8:30-6, SAT 9-5

• Moving costs

www.lyleinsurance.ca HOME • BUSINESS • FARM • TRAVEL • PRIVATE AUTO/MOTORCYCLE • RV • BOAT 22 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

• Title insurance

• Furniture and appliances

• Real estate commissions if you are the seller

How much land transfer tax will you have to pay?

The land transfer tax or Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is a one time tax levied by your province when you purchase a property. The tax is based on a percentage of the purchase price of the property, and varies from province to province.

In BC the transfer tax rate is 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remaining balance of the purchase price. This tax applies to all homes purchased, both new and used. If you are a first time buyer, check with your lender; you may be exempt from this tax.

Do you need a home inspection?

A home inspector assesses a property’s condition and can tell you if something is not working properly, needs to be changed, or is unsafe.

They may be able to identify where there have been problems in the past, such as a leaking basement or insect damage.

When purchasing properties such as acreages or farms, they frequently are serviced with wells and septic systems. Inspection of these services is advisable and is often required by lenders.

• Property and content insurance • Storage costs if you must leave your current residence before you are able to move into your new home

While purchasing real estate has a variety of costs associated with it, home ownership is a secure investment that appreciates in value over the long-term.

CARRIAGE HOUSE

N

N

(For the first time, new Auguston

homes can include a Carriage House. Great for workshops, studios, home offices, and rental suites. They’re perfect for adult children or aging parents etc.)

AUGUSTON

N

Safe. Friendly. Affordable.

A place to call

home.

N

N DOG FRIENDLY

(parks and hiking trails)

N WALK TO COFFEE SHOP (at THE STATION. Located on the lower level of the Auguston Centre, this community meeting place houses a corner market, coffee shop and a daycare.)

N showhome now open 2844 NEW HOME SITES AVAILABLE. OFFICE HOURS Mon - Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm (or by appointment) 36363 Auguston Parkway South Abbotsford

604.556.3880 www.auguston.com

THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS 23

N 2 MIN TO GOLF 5 MIN TO SHOPPING N

(over 70 stores, restaurants and business.)

N

N WALK TO SCHOOL

(remember when that was ok.)

N Auguston Traditional Elementary School (is rated by the Fraser Institute for 2012-13 an 8.9 out of 10)

N

AUGUSTON closer than you

think

N

N

N WALK TO NATURE

(access to parks and hiking trails)

N WALK TO COFFEE SHOP (at THE STATION. Located on the lower level of the Auguston Centre, this community meeting place houses a corner market, coee shop and a daycare.)

N

OFFICE HOURS Mon - Fri 8:30am to 5:00pm (or by appointment) 36363 Auguston Parkway South Abbotsford

604.556.3880 www.auguston.com 24 REAL ESTATE RESOURCE GUIDE

showhome now

open

2844 NEW HOME

SITES AVAILABLE.