Ideally, when you sell your home, you want the process to go smoothly and relatively stress-free. While things may happen that are outside your control, there is a lot you can do to ensure that the selling experience is a good one. Consider these four steps to reduce worry and stress when listing your home:

Step 1: Learn the selling process. Find out what to expect when the FOR SALE sign goes up. How will viewings be scheduled? Will an Open House be needed? What happens when there is an offer? The more you know, the less mysterious—and, therefore, less stressful—the experience will be.

Step 2: Schedule wisely. Use a calendar to block out times for viewings and other selling-related activities. Be sure to schedule plenty of time to clean and declutter your home before a viewing or Open House. Try not to have a tight schedule during the sales period.

Step 3: Anticipate issues. The more problems you can foresee, the better you'll be prepared to deal with them as they arise. For example, if you know you're going to have a busy week at work, start making plans now to deal with viewings and related matters during those days.

Step 4: Make decisions. Things can move quickly in the real estate market. There might be a few days when there are no enquiries at all, and then suddenly two offers will come in. Be prepared to make some quick decisions. Fortunately, with sound advice from me as your real estate agent, making those decisions will be a lot easier. So, follow these simple steps. They'll help make your sale less worrisome and even enjoyable!

JULY PROPERTY SALES HIT RECORD LEVELS IN FRASER VALLEY

(Surrey, BC) – Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) saw the highest number of real estate transactions ever recorded for the month of July.

There were 2,184 property sales processed, an increase of 35 per cent compared to 1,615 sales in July of last year. The previous highest July was in 2009, with 2,089 sales and prior to that in 2005. Jorda Maisey is the Board’s President. “Home ownership is a passion in our country and in our region currently, conditions couldn’t be better to support that goal. Interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in six years, our provincial economy is on track to be the strongest in the country this year and in the Fraser Valley we have amongst the most affordable homes in the region. “This is why this summer is shaping up to be the busiest in our history.”

The Fraser Valley Board’s MLS® showed 7,681 active listings at the end of July, a decrease of 20 per cent compared to the 9,636 listings available in July of last year. It received 3 per cent more new listings in July; 2,815 compared to the 2,724 new listings received during the same month last year. Maisey notes that despite seeing a slight increase in new listings in July, demand has led to a shortage of inventory in certain markets. “A detached home in the Fraser Valley is selling on average in just over one month and in many communities buyers will find themselves in multiple offer situations. It’s critical to tap into local real estate expertise in a market this hectic. Your REALTOR® will have the knowledge, tools and services to best position you for success.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in July was $621,100, an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to July of last year when it was $568,300. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 2.1 per cent going from $298,500 in July of last year to $304,900 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 1 per cent, going from $194,700 in July of last year to $192,700 last month. Maisey adds, “Renters take note. Given interest rates and the affordable price of condos in certain neighbourhoods in Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford, it may be more economical over the long-term for you to own. There are excellent opportunities currently in the Fraser Valley for first-time buyers.”

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Click here for the full July 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

STRONG SALES ACTIVITY CONTINUES THROUGH AUGUST

SURREY, BC – In August, home sales in the Fraser Valley moderated in comparison to July’s record-setting pace, however, they remained elevated compared to historical norms for the month.

There was a total of 1,734 property sales processed in August, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1,302 sales during August of last year and a decrease of 21 per cent compared to July’s 2,184 sales. Jorda Maisey is the Board’s President. “High consumer confidence and low mortgage rates continue to drive the activity we’ve seen in our market this summer. “Even with the holiday season, sales last month remained 25 per cent higher than the Board’s 10-year average for August. This year marks one of the busiest summer markets we’ve ever had in the Fraser Valley, second only to 2005.”

In August, the total number of active listings in the Fraser Valley decreased 4 per cent compared to July, dropping to 7,407 listings. This represents a 21 per cent decrease from last year’s 9,403 active listings. The MLS® received 2,457 new listings in August, an increase of 3 per cent compared to August of last year. Maisey adds, “In our market, price is key. Demand remains strongest for single family detached homes and townhomes that are priced correctly. Sellers who hope to take advantage of the current market will find that neither buyers nor their lenders are prepared to over pay. “We anticipate more inventory will be coming on stream come fall, and we advise our buyers who can wait, to wait.”

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price of a detached home in August was $629,400, an increase of 10.5 per cent compared to August of last year when it was $569,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses increased 2.7 per cent going from $298,500 in August of last year to $306,700 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.4 per cent, going from $196,700 in August of last year to $191,900 last month. Maisey adds, “First time buyers and investors are noticing that of the three main property types, the best selection in the Fraser Valley is in the condo market. In August, we saw apartment sales pick up specifically in White Rock, Langley and North Surrey.”

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Click here for the full August 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

SLIGHT SHIFT IN FRASER VALLEY MARKET IN MAY; SALES EDGE DOWN WHILE INVENTORY INCHES UP

(Surrey, BC) – Sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May remained at strong levels – the highest since 2007 – however, they softened slightly compared to April.

There were 1,969 MLS® sales processed in May, a decrease of 2 per cent compared to April, however an increase of 21 per cent compared to the 1,633 sales processed in May of last year. Jorda Maisey is the Board’s President. “Home sales in the Fraser Valley maintained a strong pace in May; however, we noticed a slight shift in the market. In certain areas, we saw interest in higher-end detached homes pick up while demand for attached homes, which typically appeal to first-time buyers, decreased.

“The result is that the selection of apartments in the Fraser Valley improved in the last month creating greater opportunities for buyers. Inventory of detached homes and townhomes remains tight, keeping the market elevated.” In May, the total number of active listings on the MLS® was 8,512, an increase of 1.5 per cent compared to April and a decrease of 14 per cent compared to May 2014. The volume of new listings decreased 7 per cent compared to April, and was also down 7 per cent compared to May of last year.

Maisey continues, “It may help consumers to understand that over half the housing inventory in the Fraser Valley is attached homes, either condos or townhomes, while 60 per cent of all home sales are for single family detached. “What buyers and sellers are experiencing is effectively two markets: a sellers’ market for detached homes and townhomes and a balanced or buyers’ market depending on the location, for apartments. In either situation, you can benefit a tremendous amount from the experience and advice of your local REALTOR®.”

In May, the MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home was $603,100, an increase of 6.5 per cent compared to May 2014 when it was $595,600. The benchmark price of townhouses in May was $303,100, an increase of 2 per cent compared to $297,300 in May 2014. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.8 per cent, going from $198,100 in May 2014, to $192,500 last month.

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Click here for the full May 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

STRONG SALES VOLUMES CONTINUE THROUGH APRIL

(Surrey, BC) – Property sales in the Fraser Valley soared in April compared to one year ago increasing by 37 percent. There were 2,009 sales processed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, compared to 1,470 in April of last year. These volumes rank third highest of all time for the month with the next best April in 2004 and prior to that in 1991.

“April was a very active market,” says Jorda Maisey, Board President. “The low cost of borrowing continues to attract first-time buyers and families looking to either downsize or upsize as they take advantage of the equity they’ve built up in their existing homes.” Though there was a 2 per cent increase in new listings processed in April, as compared to April 2014, the increase was not enough to balance out the market. Total active inventory on the MLS® at month’s end was 8,384 properties, the lowest for the month of April in eight years.

As Maisey explains, what sellers are most looking for is a single family detached home, “In some of our areas, sixty to seventy per cent of inventory is selling. Depending on the location, some detached homes are selling in a matter of days, not weeks, which is why if you’re a buyer it’s so important to work with a professional who knows your neighbourhood and is networked with other REALTORS®.”

With demand high and available product slim, the benchmark price of single family detached homes continues to increase in most areas. In April, the MLS® HPI benchmark price of a detached home was $595,600, an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to April 2014 when it was $566,000. The benchmark price of townhouses in April was $300,400, an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to $298,700 in April 2014. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.6 per cent, going from $196,300 in April 2014, to $191,200 last month.

Maisey adds, “For apartment owners, take heart, the condominium market in the Fraser Valley is improving. We are starting to see more activity at open houses and an increase in the number of sales; however, that market remains firmly in balance with plenty of selection and prices still flat or declining in certain areas.”

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Click here for the full April 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

MARCH PROPERTY SALES CLIMB IN THE FRASER VALLEY

(Surrey, BC) – In March, sales on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached the highest they’ve been in nine years. The Board processed 1,857 sales, a 47 per cent increase compared to the 1,259 sales in March of last year. Sales during March of 2006 were 2,072. Jorda Maisey, President of the Board, attributes the strength in the market to a number of factors. “Our population is growing, interest rates continue to remain supportive of housing demand and consumers are confident. It all adds up to a desire to invest in real estate now.”

In March, the Board processed 11 per cent more new listings compared to March 2014, however higher sales eroded the number of active listings. March finished with 8,193 active listings of all property types, 7 per cent fewer than available during the same month last year. Maisey adds, “It’s important to emphasize that supply and demand vary depending on property type and location. Currently, demand for single family detached homes is outpacing supply in most Fraser Valley communities resulting in lower inventory levels, upward pressure on prices and homes selling faster than they did last year.

“For buyers looking for a detached home or in certain areas a townhome, your REALTOR® will advise that selection is limited, you will have less time to make decisions and their ability to negotiate a lower price for you is diminished. This is not the case if you’re looking to invest in an apartment or an acreage property where the market continues to favour buyers.” The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in March was $588,500, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared to March 2014 when it was $563,400.

In March, the benchmark price of townhouses was $299,700, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to $297,100 in March 2014. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 2.4 per cent, going from $195,400 in March 2014 to $190,800 in March 2015. In March, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley was 38 days, down from 44 days in 2014. Townhomes took 48 days on average to sell, while apartments took 61 days, both comparable with March of last year.

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Click here for the full March 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: lookout via photopin (license)

EARLY SPRING FEVER HITS FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE MARKET

(Surrey, BC) – In February, sales of all property types in the Fraser Valley increased by 21 per cent in one year with demand for two property types in particular – single family detached homes and townhomes – outpacing supply. Last month, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,337 sales on the Multiple Listing Service® compared to 1,102 sales in February of last year. New listings in February totaled 2,610 which added up to 7,864 active listings, up from January’s 7,307 but a decrease of 4 per cent compared to February 2014’s 8,210 active listings.

“It was our busiest February since 2007,” says newly elected Board President Jorda Maisey. “In my community of Langley, the average number of days to sell a detached home is now less than one month and it’s a challenge finding the right product for some of our buyers, however every area is different. To understand the market for your home in your neighbourhood, talk to your REALTOR®.”

A measurement the real estate industry relies on to gauge the health of the housing market is the ratio between sales and active listings. For the Lower Mainland, the balanced range is between 12 and 20 per cent; which means when it’s less than 12 it favours buyers and greater than 20 it favours sellers. The ratio in February for single family detached homes was 26 per cent; townhomes 22 per cent and apartments 12 per cent.

Maisey adds, “Our best seller in the Fraser Valley remains the single family detached home, followed by townhomes in part because almost half our buyers are families with children, but also because these products are so much more affordable in the Fraser Valley. With a typical townhome costing less than $300,000 and interest rates so low, many first-time buyers are finding they can get more for their money here.”

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in February was $581,400, an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to February 2014 when it was $558,100. In February, the benchmark price of townhouses was $297,200, a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to $298,900 in February 2014. The benchmark price of apartments also decreased year-over-year by 1.8 per cent, going from $193,200 in February 2014 to $189,700 in February 2015.

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in February was 41 days, ten days faster than last year. Townhouses on average took 55 days to sell; one day faster than last February, while Fraser Valley apartments sold on average in 70 days, on par with February 2014.

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Click here for the full February 2015 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: Daffodil 002 via photopin (license)

2014 TREND TOWARDS INCREASED SALES AND STEADY PRICING CONTINUES

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,136 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in November, an increase of 15 per cent compared to the 986 sales during the same month last year and 22 per cent lower than the 1,448 sales processed in October. New listings in the Fraser Valley decreased by 2 per cent in November, going from 1,774 last year to 1,748 last month taking the number of active listings to 8,302, a decrease of 4 per cent compared to the 8,641 active listings in November of 2013.

“This is the time of year when families are settling in for winter and the holidays, so we expect to see a decrease in activity,” explains the Board’s president, REALTOR® Ray Werger. “After a busy fall with volumes reaching 5-year highs, we’re winding down the year with sales on par with the ten-year average, but about 8 per cent fewer new listings therefore home buyers will notice a shortage of inventory in certain price ranges.”

Pricing continues along the same trends as seen for most of 2014, with single family detached prices continuing to rise; townhouse prices remaining steady, and apartment prices decreasing. The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in November was $575,400 an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to November 2013, when it was $550,300. The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 2.2 per cent from $292,400 in November 2013 to $298,900 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 3.5 per cent, going from $196,200 in November of last year to $189,400 in November 2014.

“Prices are a function of supply and demand – which your REALTOR® will explain varies considerably from area to area and within the different property types – as well as local amenities, transportation options and future community development, underscoring the importance of expert guidance when you’re looking to list or buy,” says Werger.

“Overall, 2014 is shaping up to be a good year for Fraser Valley real estate,” continues Werger. “We hit a bit of a trough during the summer of last year, but since then sales have recovered and we’re tracking towards a 15 per cent increase in year-to-date sales for 2014 compared to 2013 with prices remaining relatively stable.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,751 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,751 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

Click here for the full November 2014 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: StevenM_61 via photopin cc

STEADY HOME SALES IN DECEMBER CAP SOLID YEAR FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

(Surrey, BC) – Fraser’s Valley’s real estate market returned to normal activity levels in 2014 with sales of single family detached homes leading the way. Ray Werger, President of the Board, says, “It was a busy year for both buyers and sellers. In 2014, both sales and new listings were stronger in Fraser Valley compared to 2013 – most notably for detached homes and townhomes – with the result that we’ve returned to normal market activity for our region on par with our 10-year average.”

The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 15,840 sales in 2014, compared to 13,663 the previous year, an increase of 16 per cent. It also received 4 per cent more new listings during the same time period – 30,642 in 2014 compared to 29,338 in 2013. Over the year, the number of active listings for buyers to choose from dropped by 23 per cent going from 7,541 properties in December 2013 to 6,380 in December 2014.

According to Werger, sales during the month of December followed the same trend as every month in 2014 with sales surpassing the same month compared to 2013. “It was the third busiest December we’ve experienced in the last decade with sales almost keeping pace with the number of new listings. “As a result, we’ve seen our inventory deplete, which is normal for this time of year however, our selection hasn’t been this low for almost eight years. We hope to see the usual influx of new listings during the first quarter of 2015 because we’re currently seeing a shortage of affordably priced single family detached homes in certain areas.”

In December, sales increased by 21 per cent, going from 890 in 2013 to 1,075 last month. New listings increased by 13 per cent in December compared to 2013 going from 1,013 to 1,147. Home prices in December continued along the same trends as seen for most of 2014, with prices of single family detached homes continuing to rise; townhouse prices remaining steady, and apartment prices decreasing slightly. The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in December was $573,100 an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to December 2013, when it was $549,500.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses in December was $293,500 on par with $293,300 in December 2013. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 0.8 per cent, going from $192,600 in December 2013 to $191,100 in December 2014.

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,757 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

Click here for the full December 2014 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: flazingo_photos via photopin cc

INCREASED DEMAND FOR FRASER VALLEY TOWNHOUSES AND SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,448 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in October, an increase of 16 per cent compared to the 1,249 sales during the same month last year and 2 per cent more than in September. Ray Werger, the Board’s president, says, “Sales overall continue to outperform last year and as we’ve seen for a number of months now are the best they’ve been in five years.

“Demand remains steady in our region for single family detached homes and townhomes. Last month, the market share of sales of single family homes increased by almost five per cent compared to last year; while the share of condo sales decreased by the same amount and we’re seeing that preference reflected in prices.” The MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in October was $573,500 an increase of 4 per cent compared to October 2013, when it was $551,400.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of townhouses increased 1 per cent from $295,500 in October 2013 to $298,500 last month. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 3.5 per cent, going from $199,500 in October of last year to $192,600 in October 2014. In the last five years, the MLS® HPI benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley has increased by 16.6 per cent. For townhouses, the price is flat having increased by 0.5 per cent and for apartments; the price has decreased by 6 per cent. Werger adds, “With the influx of new developments and a steady supply of resale units, we’ve never had a better selection of condos than we do right now at prices the lowest they’ve been in years. For those that say housing isn’t affordable in Metro Vancouver, you need to check out the opportunities currently for condo buyers in the Valley.”

In October, new listings in the Fraser Valley increased by 3 per cent, going from 2,336 last year to 2,395 last month taking the number of active listings to 8,807, a decrease of 3 per cent compared to the 9,047 active listings in October of 2013. “Inventory is edging down, which is typical for this time of year,” says Werger. “The result is we’re seeing good quality homes that are priced right moving quickly.”

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,738 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

Click here for the full October 2014 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: Montgomery County Planning Commission via photopin cc

STRONG SUMMER FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE CARRIES THROUGH TO SEPTEMBER

(Surrey, BC) – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,419 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in September, an increase of 25 per cent compared to the 1,131 sales during the same month last year, and an increase of 9 per cent compared to sales in August. Ray Werger, the Board’s president, says, “Similar to this past summer, this is the busiest September we’ve had since 2009 with sales of all property types combined out-performing the 10-year average by 13 per cent.

“Residentially, the single family home remains the preferred property type. From North Delta to Mission, sales increased in every Fraser Valley community compared to last year with the price range of $400,000 to $699,999 garnering almost sixty per cent of our total detached market.” New listing activity was also brisk in September with the Board’s MLS® receiving 2,758 new listings, an increase of 16 per cent compared to last year, taking the total number of active listings by month-end to 9,156, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to September 2013.

Werger adds, “An important factor underlying the housing market is consumer confidence and in our region that confidence has been bolstered by the stability of home prices. Since March, the benchmark price of our three main residential property types combined has remained flat, increasing by only 0.6 per cent. “Long-term, the value of single family detached homes has increased at a faster pace than it has for attached properties, particularly in areas such as Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Abbotsford where we’ve seen many new townhome and condo developments. The supply of new inventory has affected the price of resale product.”

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price of a detached home in September was $569,800 an increase of 3.1 per cent compared to September 2013, when it was $552,900. In the last six months, the HPI benchmark price of a detached home has increased by 1.1 per cent.

In September, the HPI benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhouses was $299,600, an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to $296,200 in September last year, and in the last six months has increased by 0.8 per cent. The benchmark price of apartments decreased year-over-year by 4.7 per cent, going from $203,100 in September of last year to $193,600 last month, and has decreased by 0.9 per cent in the last six months.

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The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 2,751 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. The FVREB marked its 90-year anniversary in 2011.

Click here for the full September 2014 Stats package from the FVREB.

photo credit: harmssam via photopin cc