Is NOW the best time to buy a home?

100% it is!! The best time to get into the Real Estate market is always NOW! Putting our higher mortgage rate environment aside, BC has a serious housing shortage. It is simple economics - supply and demand. There are not enough homes to buy so people will pay a premium for them. So when you purchase real estate in BC, you are pretty much guaranteed that you are going to make money on it long term as there will always be someone willing to buy it from you and for more money than what you paid for it. Most people in BC have made their money on real estate due to our desirable part of the world and our housing shortage! The Canadian Government brings in a minimum of 400,000 immigrants every year to Canada and people need a place to live!

The bonus of buying right now is our higher-rate environment. Due to higher mortgage rates, real estate prices have come down slightly as there are not as many people shopping for a home right now. It is a Buyer’s market. This is where your greatest opportunity comes and this does not come often enough! If you buy now, you are not only saving money on the purchase price, but you will also see a jump in your equity/wealth when rates do start to fall causing everyone on the sidelines to jump back into the market to buy. When rates fall, this buyer’s market will turn into a seller’s market and we will return to the environment of bidding wars and paying over asking for real estate. When rates come down, if you own a home, you are going to see a jump in your equity. A jump in equity means you can then move into something bigger, or you can keep that equity aside for your retirement. When is the best time to buy real estate? It is always NOW, but at this time, NOW has even more opportunity within it!
 
Cheri Hamm- Mortgage Broker 

What do you mean not EVERY housing market is the same?
That is where Cardas Mugridge Group comes in handy-we happen to be local experts in not only Maple Ridge (our hometown) but also the Greater Vancouver market PLUS we have contacts in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, and throughout British Columbia (even Alberta and Saskatchewan and further east)
 
From the local market to local happenings you can count on us to keep you updated. Let's face it, if you are looking at the real estate market nationwide the information you're consuming may not be accurate to your local market. So follow Cardas Mugridge Group and stay up to date on all things real estate & trending.
 
Is there something you want to know? Drop us a message and tell us, we would love to connect with you.
 
@cardasmugridgegroup
3 Tips For A Smooth Home Sale

Once you decide to put your home on the market, it might feel like a whirlwind of staging, showings, & moving tips. And then add to the logistics of buying a new home can also be extremely overwhelming. That's why we have the top 3 most important tips for selling your home. 


1) SET THE RIGHT PRICE. 
We want to help you get top dollar for your home, so we like to create a customized pricing strategy for every listing. Using comparative market analysis to find out recently sold homes nearby & similar currently on the market. We will factor in what upgrades & improvements you've made to your home, such as adding a new HVAC system or remodeling the kitchen. 


2) STAGE, STAGE, STAGE. 
Before we list your property for sale, we want to make it look as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. That means cleaning, decluttering, organizing, and staging. Our Stager will give you some tips on how best to show your home.


3) KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS IN CHECK. 
Your home is not just a building -- it's where you've celebrated holidays, & birthdays, built your family, & made memories. Selling your home is emotional, but it's important not to take things personally to get the best possible deal during offer negotiations. If things get stressful, think of our team as your emotional support. 

Staging Tips

When selling your home, effective staging is crucial. Here are some tips:

Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture.
Clean and Repair: Fix minor issues and refresh paint.
Neutralize: Opt for neutral colors and decor.
Create Focal Points: Highlight key areas.
Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter!
Consider Professional Staging: It can make a difference.

 

At Cardas Mugridge Group, we value home staging. We’ve also partnered with Abide Home Styling to assist our clients.

How to determine the price of our home?

You love your home but you are ready to make a move, whether it's for a change or moving farther away, the question on everyone's mind is "How much should I list it for?" 


There are many factors to consider when pricing, like market conditions, past sales, location, and amenities. Overprice a property and it could sit on the market for months. If you undervalue it, you might lose out on money.  Getting a home appraisal can give you an idea of your property’s worth, pricing a home is part science and part art.  

 

A few items to consider:

1) Current local market conditions: Current market conditions and trends in your area and knowing how many properties with similar features are up for sale and how fast they’re being sold.
2) Location: Neighborhoods near well-respected schools have a higher demand and even homes on different sides of the street.
3) Size and Layout: Most families may be looking for a home with 3 or more bedrooms or one with a larger lot.
4) Age and Condition of the House: How old the property is and if there are major updates required. This includes windows, roof, kitchen, bathroom, and mechanical systems.
5) Bonus Spaces: Does the home have an in-law suite or separate living for income purposes?
6) Seller's Motivation: Has the owner purchased another property already or has to move out of the area quickly?
7) MLS®️Home Price Index: Provides price trends by looking at the market as a whole and within specific housing categories. This allows the agent to do a comparative market analysis, keeping in mind the data can change from month to month, but it provides real data to assist in pricing.

 

Ultimately the price you list your home is between you and your agent with the goal to get the best possible price for your home.

Helfenbaum, W. (2023) How a realtor® prices your home, REALTOR.ca Blog. REALTOR.ca. Available at: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/how-a-realtor-prices-your-home/29426/1363

They are a professional moving and storage company that wants to congratulate you on your new house, help welcome you into it, and wish you all the best with making it your home. MY CITY MOVERS LTD is one of the fastest-growing companies in British Columbia, all due to the exceptional service at a very affordable price. As Movers in Vancouver, we provide packing services, local and long-distance moving, delivery services within the Lower Mainland, storage, overnight storage, and more.

 

Their moving team is dedicated to working with you personally from the early stages of your move to move-in day, to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.

Home maintenance does not have to be difficult or all consuming, taking it one chore at a time is the key to success. Sometimes new homeowners are unsure where to begin, thats why the checklist included can help break down when and what.

 

Still have questions or don't know where to begin, ask a neighbour or a friend for help.

Dream Kitchen

When I think about my dream kitchen, I think of design and convenience. Beautiful cabinetry, a big island, wide-plank wood floors, white stone, and fabulous hardware.

 

According to blogger iowagirleats.com, there are certain items that not only are design worthy but are ever so convenient in the kitchen.

1. Appliance Garage
2. Walk-in or Butler's Pantry
3. Sliding pull out drawers and shelves
4. Command center
5. Built-in wine refrigerator