Carol Bacon

6 tips for Showing Your Home In Winter

2010-11-13T22:12:00.000-08:00

6 tips for showing your home in winter

Winter isn’t the most popular season for home sales, but the market is still active in colder months. Follow these simple tips to make your property shine for winter home buyers.

1. Keep pathways clear
First impressions are everything, and snow and ice are dangerous hazards. Shovel sidewalks, your driveway and front steps and de-ice them. Ensure that pathways to your home are well lit.
2. Schedule showings for daylight hours
Winter daylight hours offer less time for taking advantage of natural light. If you can’t schedule showings during daylight hours, brighten your home with interior lighting. Warning: bright winter sunlight can draw attention to dirty windows – so keep them clean.
3. Think ‘cozy’
Turn up the thermostat during showings so visitors will feel the warmth of your home. Create ambience by using features such as gas fireplaces and wood stoves. Accent your home with soft throws, duvets and pillows. Play low, soothing music such as jazz or classical.
4. Use natural scents
Avoid scenting your home with products with a chemical odour, such as artificial room fresheners and cleaning solutions. Air out your home and clean or dispose of odour-causing rugs and other fabrics. Employ natural fragrances that feed the imagination and appetite. Examples include freshly baked bread, cookies, cinnamon, apple pie and vanilla.
5. Ask visitors to remove footwear
Showing pride in your home suggests to potential buyers that it is clean and properly maintained.
6. Showcase your winter assets
Does your home and surrounding green space look picture-perfect in the snowy winter months? Do the trees in front of your home bare a beautiful view this time of year? Other assets, including proximity to main driving arteries in icy or stormy driving conditions, can also add value to your home.

Go to Century21.ca to view winter properties currently listed across Canada.
Shopping for a holiday tree?

Shopping for a holiday tree?

Under ideal conditions, a fresh cut tree can last up to two weeks in your home. Follow these tips for choosing and maintaining a fresh holiday tree:

* Buy from a reputable tree seller.
* Inspect fresh trees by lightly shaking them or pulling on the needles. A fresh tree should hold its needles and show no signs of browning.
* Make a fresh cut in the bottom of your tree when you get home. Secure it into a sturdy base that contains water.
* Always keep the end of your tree just below the water line to prevent it from drying out. Check water levels often.
* Place the tree away from furnace vents, fireplaces, radiators and heat-generating appliances, including televisions.
* Decorate with energy-saving lights that give off little heat; unplug all tree lights before going to bed or leaving your home unattended.

CAROL BACON - CENTURY 21 ASSURANCE REALTY LTD.

2010-11-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

CAROL BACON
Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.
Phone: 250-469-2353
Email: carol.bacon@century21.ca
Website: www.carolbacon.net
Marketing
I WILL:
1.Complete a free comparative market analysis on your home.
2.Hire an Accredited Staging Professional to stage your home.
3.Create a dedicated webpage at www.YourAddress.com for your listing.
4.Create customized signage, including a sign topper that displays your listing’s webpage.
5.Advertise your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), on castanet.net, and Kijji Kelowna, twitter, facebook, Homes and Land magazine.
6.Advertise your home in Capital news, and relevant newspapers
7.Advertise your home on my website and Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. Website.
8.Include your home on professional realtor tours.
9.Have a professional photographer take 21 beautiful pictures of your home which will be showcased on every website.
10.Provide full color professional feature sheets for your showings.
11.Provide you with free access to a Century 21 moving van.

British Columbia Housing Market

2010-09-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK - CANADIAN EDITION - THIRD QUARTER CMHC

Following a strong first half of 2010, the pace of new home constructionin British Columbia is expected to moderate during the second half of the year. The resale market in British Columbia has moved to
balanced conditions, with demand for homeownership in line with the supply of existing homes for sale.

Overall, housing starts will range from 22,100 to 25,600 homes in 2010,the range refl ecting the degree of uncertainty in the economic outlook. A number of one-time factors moved existing home sales andstarts forward in 2010, including the July 1st implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), and thewidely-held expectation of gradually rising mortgage rates beginning midyear. During the second half of 2010,momentum in the economy and accompanying job gains will support homeownership demand, partly offsetting the impact of gradually rising mortgage rates. During the first five months of 2010, job growth was almost evenly splitbetween part-time and full-time positions. As the provincial economic recovery gains traction, job gains willshift to full-time positions, which will push income growth higher. At the same time, the population will expanddue to strong international migration. Most new migrants will settle in the Lower Mainland. This will fuel demandfor rental accommodation and homeownership.

In Detail Single Starts: The annual level of single-detached home starts will be onpar with the ten-year average this year. Activity is expected to ease in the second half of 2010.Multiple Starts: Builders continueto focus on smaller phased projects. Apartment condominiums, row and townhouse starts are trending higherand are forecast to reach 12,950 units this year. A number of larger scale projects are in the approvals process in the Vancouver and Victoria CMAs. These projects will likely get underway in 2011, boosting multipleunit starts next year.

Resales: The number of existing home sales recorded on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) is expected
to be slightly lower than last year’s level. The forecast is that resales will remain in line with job and population
growth, approaching 83,000 sales in 2010 and 87,000 sales in 2011.

Prices: The average MLS® resale price in B.C. will increase in 2010 to $491,750. The sales-to-newlistings ratio, a predictor of home prices, points to modest price easing during the second half of this year. An increase in new listings and moderating levels of existing home sales moved the sales-tonew Listings ratio from 0.66 in the final quarter of 2009, to 0.49 in the first quarter of 2010. This level is consistent with balanced supply and demand conditions in the province. Resale market conditions will remain balanced and then move towards sellers’ market conditions as new listings are absorbed and resale demand is rejuvenated by improvingeconomic fundamentals. Moving into 2011, the average MLS® price is to be $493,700.

Home Buyers Q&A - C21 Real Estate Professionals

2010-08-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Have you set aside enough money for all the incidental costs involved with closing a transaction? Do you know what a buyer’s next steps are once an offer has been accepted?

Avoid any surprises by having a CENTURY 21® real estate professional guide you through the necessary steps. Rely on their expert advice to keep you informed and prepared. It's just one more way that your CENTURY 21 sales representative takes the anxiety out of buying a home.
So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, gathering information about the buying process can help you avoid potential pitfalls - and this section contains some of the most important things you need to know. Select a topic that interests you, and learn more.

What’s the difference between a buyer’s REALTOR® and a seller’s REALTOR?

A buyer’s REALTOR is legally obligated to operate at all times in the best interest of the buyer. A listing, or “seller’s” REALTOR has similar responsibilities, only with the seller’s concerns at the forefront. And if a REALTOR represents both the buyer and seller in negotiations, this is known as dual agency.
Real estate professionals are required to disclose exactly who they represent in a transaction. But it’s always smart to discuss the pros and cons of various types of representation with your REALTOR - including dual agency – to ensure that you understand what’s best for your specific situation.

How do you know if a property listed on the MLS® is fairly priced?

The Multiple Listing Service indicates a specific price for each property. But how do you know if the list price is fair? One that’s on par with similar property in the area?
Buyers who choose a licensed REALTOR to represent their interests have easy access to unbiased comparable information. This info - known within the real estate industry as ‘comparables’ – specifies lesser known details relating to the specific property and properties in the surrounding area, often providing additional insight not detailed in the MLS listing.
Your REALTOR can also determine the buy-sell history of any property, the availability of similar property in the area, and whether or not there are competing bids – information which is crucial in assessing the fairness of the listed asking price, and making an educated purchase offer.

What’s the best way to negotiate price once you’re ready to buy?

Moving forward with an offer can be complicated, which is why you should agree on details with your REALTOR, and then allow them to use their experience to enter into negotiations on your behalf.
As you’d expect, your REALTOR will use in-depth ‘comparable’ information as a valuable negotiating asset when presenting your offer to the seller. But it’s also a good idea to authorize your REALTOR to relay pertinent details such as your desired possession date and financial ability to complete the sale. Having a substantial deposit on the property at the time of the offer is also recommended, to show that you’re serious about the purchase. Sellers are much more likely to accept an offer if they’re confident that it’s financially solid.
Your REALTOR can also advise you on other ways to ‘package’ your offer, based on their knowledge of the seller and the REALTOR representing the seller’s interests.

Great sources for historical property information include the land titles office and the city property tax administration office in the related area. But of course, these methods take considerable time and effort, and the information you find can be difficult to understand. Here’s where working with an experienced REALTOR pays off.
A knowledgeable professional can locate several years worth of historical property information by searching through MLS database systems – viewable only by licensed REALTORs. Not only do they know where to go to acquire the information you need, but they have the industry experience to determine what’s relevant to the property you’re interested in.
Of course it’s still a great idea to do as much of your own homework as possible, but make sure you provide your findings to your REALTOR for additional details and insight that you may have overlooked.

How can you discover “hot” properties not currently listed on the MLS?

Quite often the best properties in a ‘hot market’ are sold before they ever make it to the Multiple Listing Service – and exclusive listings never appear. This is when having a REALTOR on your side is crucial.
On a daily basis, your REALTOR is able to locate new listings in your specified area, and relay that property information directly to you. They do this in part by referencing REALTOR-only ‘hot sheets’, which indicate new properties on the market before they reach the MLS.
Your REALTOR can also alert his or her network of real estate contacts to your specific property needs, and will be notified accordingly when new listings become available that might be a good fit. Your REALTOR can then arrange a time for you to view and perhaps even make an offer on the property, well before it receives MLS exposure.

Are you familiar with ALL the costs involved in closing your transaction?

In addition to the listed price of a property, there are certain incidental closing costs involved in completing the transaction. And although they’re not hidden, they can certainly come as a surprise, especially to a first-time buyer.
These incidental costs include:
• Deed Transfer Taxes
• Mortgage Insurance
• Appraisal fees, legal fees and disbursements
• Adjustments for property tax, property insurance and mortgage
• And applicable home warranties
Incidental costs vary from region to region, so it’s always a good idea to investigate all the details – especially for new home construction. Be sure and ask your REALTOR for a complete list of the estimated closing costs for your market area before you make an offer, so that the only surprises are good ones.

Century 21’s services are second to none and I am proud to provide them to my clients.
As a CENTURY 21® Real Estate professional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. My personal knowledge of the local Real Estate market is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.
Let me assist you in finding your dream home, in a neighbourhood that is right for you, and in the price range you want. If you are interested in selling a property, I have the expertise to help you get the fastest sale possible and at the best price.
I look forward to the opportunity of working for you!

Carol Bacon
250-469-2353
carol.bacon@century21.ca
www.carolbacon.net

K is for Kayak

2010-06-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Come ply crystal clear waters, slide silently over drifting beds of giant kelp, paddle between islands where seals and seal lions play, explore hidden coves or glide past orcas. The meandering waterway of Victoria's Inner Harbour and the Gorge features an urban environment at first, then widens to Portage Inlet - a favourite of expert and novice kayakers alike. If you have never kayaked before, don't worry - it really is as easy as it looks.

L - is for Links

The lords of the links have blessed British Columbia like few places on earth. So, pack your bag and golf your way around all fore points of the compass in British Columbia. The courses are spectacular and the scenery absolutely awesome - from ocean's edge to mountain plateau. In fact, Golf Digest has rated Whistler one of the top 20 golf destinations in the world. NO wonder - with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Rober Cupp, it is a golfer's paradise.

M - is for Mountains.

British Columbians love their mountains. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the Coast Mountains, BCers like to climb them, ski them or just gaze in wonder at them. Fact is, we are completely surrounded by mountains - including the peaks in famous provincial parks like Bugaboo, Kokanee Glacier and Tweedsmuir. We even call two North Shore mountain peaks the Lions because we think they look like sleeping lions - and we named the Lions Gate Bridge after them.

Carol Bacon

Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

250-469-2353

J - is for jazz

2010-06-20T06:55:00.001-07:00

The Jazz scene in BC is so cool, daddy-o - real cool. vancouver's legandary jazz haunts include The cellar, The Yale and The Orpheum for bigger gigs. If that don't beal all, there are of course the International Jazz Festivals in Both Vancouver and Victoria, running simulataneiously from June 23rd t oJuly 2nd. You Dig?

Carol Bacon
Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.
250-469-2353

I - IS FOR ISLAND

2010-06-18T12:56:00.001-07:00

Off the main land, there are over 200 islands. Many of these are visited by British Columbians, who go to rest and relax or play in the sun and sand. To help you sound like a local, here's a little BC-ese: we call our largest island - Vancouver Island - "The Island". However, with smaller islands, we drop "island" completely. So it's "Bowen" "Gabriola", "Gambier", "Savary", "Saltspring" and well you get the idea!

H is for Hiking

2010-06-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

British Columbia fulfills anyone's desire to commune with nature. Even in our cities, there are paths through floral gardens and along rivers and the ocean. For bolderappetites, hike serious backcountry or mountainous routes, through astonishingly rigged terrain that abounds in wildlife. Treks on Stawamus Chief and Black Tusk around Joffre and Garibaldi lakes and in Whistler Valley lead to some of the province's most exhilarating views.

G - is for Granville Island

2010-06-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

This jewel of Vancouver's False Creek, with its unique shops, restaurants, theatres (like the renowned Arts club Theatre), huge Public Market and artisan workshops, is a wonderful place to watch boats go by, feed seagulls and while away the day. But it wasn't always so, - it has a checkered past as a heavily industrialized district and even a Depression era shantytown. Go back a century and it wasn't even an island it was just a couple of sandbars.

Carol Bacon - Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

250-469-2353

F is for Fan Tan Alley

2010-06-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Just steps away from the golden lions of the Gates of Harmonious Interest in Victoria's Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) lies Fan Tan Alley. Once home to infamous gambling establishments and opium dens, this is a fascinating place to explore. As is Vancouver's Chinatown, one of the largest and most unique in North America.

Carol Bacon
Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.
250-469-2353

E- is for English Bay

2010-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

With beaches, spectacular sunsets and swaying palm trees, it is hard to believe that you are in British Columbia. Everybody hangs out there; it's been that way since Captain George Vancouver first dropped anchor in English Bay in 1792. In fact, its name commemorates when he met Spanish captains Valdes and Galiano there that same year. (This is the event that also resulted in naming of the Spanish Banks)

Carol Bacon

Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

250-469-2353

carol.bacon@century21.ca

www.carolbacon.net

D is for Desert

2010-06-08T06:55:00.001-07:00

D is for Desert

Tucked right by the southernmost boundary of British Columbia is Osoyoos, Canada's only true desert, complete with sagebrush and prickly pear cacti. Of course, Osoyoos is also home to the warmest of warm water lakes in British Columbia. It is the gateway to the Okanagan Wine Route through the Okanagan Valley. But it doesn't stop there, because the arid, ghost town of Walhachin is over-grown with sagebrush, cacti and picturesque rolling hills that bake in over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. Discovery is around every corner and photo opportunities abound.

Move to Kelowna, Westbank and Peachland and you are only two hours away!

Carol Bacon

Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

250-469-2353 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-469-2353 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

carol.bacon@century21.ca

www.carolbacon.net

ABC'S OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

2010-06-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

ABC'S OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Journey the A to Z of British Columbia!

ABC

A - ADRENALINE

Heart pounding, adrenaline rush of high adventure, there is no better place than British Columbia. Whether you want to ascend mountains, descend glaciers on skis, gallop across the plains on horseback, tame wild rivers, explore caves or the ocean depths, you can do it in BC - where "A" is also for "Awesome".

B - BEACHES

With a jagged coastline that extends over 270,000 km, British Columbia is home to many beaches for you to explore from city beaches to secluded beaches. Sunbathing beaches, swimming beaches. Volleyball beaches. Strolling beaches. Surfing beaches. From Long Beach to Parksville to Rathtrevor, we are a premier sand and surf destination - even in our cities. In fact, Vancouver alone has 10 - including Wreck Beach, Canada's only official clothing - optional beach.

C - CALIFORNIA ROLL

Surprised to hear that the California Roll was invented in BC? It is true - this innovative, inside out maki roll of cucumber, crab and avocado, was created by one of Vancouver's most renowned chefs, Hidekazu Tojo.

Vancouver is a culinary hot spot for sushi and delicious fusion fare. Other famous chefs include Rob Feenie, winner of Iron Chef America, and restaurateur, Umberto Mengh

Give me a call and I will find you the perfect home in the Kelowna, Westbank or Peachland!

Carol Bacon

Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

250-469-2353 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-469-2353 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

carol.bacon@century21.ca

www.carolbacon.net

June Events in the Okanagan Area

2010-05-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Jun 1st, 2010

Hot Havana Nights

06:30pm -
at Cush Supper Club
Jun 2nd, 2010

Indian Summer Fundraiser

06:15pm -
at Poppadoms - Taste India!

June 7th

"Bridal Showcase - Presented by Welcome Wagon"
Location: Evangel Church,3261 Gordon Drive

June 11 & 12th

"Fat Cat Children's Festival - Fat Cat Mad Hatter Party". Parade: 10:00am to 11:30am

Location: Waterfront Park, Downtown Kelowna

June 12 & 13th

"24 Hour Relay" W: www.24hourrelay.com"

June 17 - June 19th "The Steadfast Tin Soldier"
Children's play.

Location: Glenmore Elementary School, 960 Glenmore Road

June 20th

"Jaycees 4th Annual Smoke on the Water"

Location: Downtown Kelowna, Tugboat Beach

June 20th
Boyd Auto Body Fathers Day Show & Shine
Car show
Location: Downtown Kelowna Bernard Ave, Leon Ave, Queensway & Water St

June 20th
"National Aboriginal Day" presented by the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society"

Location: Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, 442 Leon Avenue

June 21-25th
"2010 Okanagan International Film Festival" Five days of films and special events.

Location: Various Venues

June 26th
"City Chase"
Location: Various Venues

Have a great month!

Carol Bacon

250-469-2353

Curb Appeal

2010-05-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Curb Appeal

Its that time once again! Get those lawn mowers a moving. The exterior of your house is just as important as the interior when selling your home. Some of my clients have decided to bypass a house based on the outside appearance. If your not going to take the time to care for your house, people will not take the time to look at it. With the increased competition this summer make your home stand out!

I commonly suggest to have an outsider come to your house and give rational suggestions. A person who is not emotionally invested will give you the truth about what your home needs to sell.

Sellers to do list:

1. Paint the exterior of your house or fence if needed - a little paint goes a long way!

2. Trim the hedges, the overgrown grass and weed the garden.

3. Make a seating area in the back or front, sellers can visualize themselves in that seat.

4. Wash the windows and gutters.

5. Trim trees blocking the views.

6. Light pathways

7. Declutter and make sure kids toys and garden tools are put away.

8. Paint your front door a bright color.

A weekends worth of work can define your house and draw more potential buyers to your property.

Carol Bacon
250-469-2353

www.carolbacon.net

carol.bacon@century21.ca

मोविंग मोविंग MOVING

2010-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Make the Move

Recently I moved and it was a nightmare, however, I will know for next time to plan for a disaster. Make sure you have a contingency plan just in case movers do not show up on a scheduled time. A domino effect is created affecting all the other people moving. Call way ahead to book a moving truck and movers; do not wait until the last minute!

Keep extra boxes for the last minute items. I like Tupperware bins and find there are some items you will not be unpacking so the bins will store these items wonderfully.

Children and animals are always a worry when you move. Ask some friends or board them for a couple of days, of course I am referring to animals. I would tell you to board your children too but sometimes involving them in the move will make the transition smoother. Leave out a small box of toys, markers and books for the children to play with on moving day. It is a pain when you cannot find your clothes or toothbrush after moving. I strongly suggest packing a suitcase for everyone with at least two days worth of clothes and toiletries.

Friends are amazing when you are moving, help them help you. Buy colored stickers and color code the boxes to the rooms in your house; if you have a lot of people helping with the move you can direct the boxes in the proper locations. Write down the numbers of some fast food places in the area and purchase some plastic utensils and plates ahead of time. Nothing says "Thank you" better than food!

Planning ahead will save a lot of stress. Happy moving!

If selling or buying a home through Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. you can book our complementary moving van!

Carol Bacon
250-469-2353
www.carolbacon.net

MOVING

2010-05-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Moving Moving Moving

Make the Move

Recently I moved and it was a nightmare, however, I will know for next time to plan for a disaster. Make sure you have a contingency plan just in case movers do not show up on a scheduled time. A domino effect is created affecting all the other people moving. Call way ahead to book a moving truck and movers; do not wait until the last minute!

Keep extra boxes for the last minute items. I like Tupperware bins and find there are some items you will not be unpacking so the bins will store these items wonderfully.

Children and animals are always a worry when you move. Ask some friends or board them for a couple of days, of course I am referring to animals. I would tell you to board your children too but sometimes involving them in the move will make the transition smoother. Leave out a small box of toys, markers and books for the children to play with on moving day. It is a pain when you cannot find your clothes or toothbrush after moving. I strongly suggest packing a suitcase for everyone with at least two days worth of clothes and toiletries.

Friends are amazing when you are moving, help them help you. Buy colored stickers and color code the boxes to the rooms in your house; if you have a lot of people helping with the move you can direct the boxes in the proper locations. Write down the numbers of some fast food places in the area and purchase some plastic utensils and plates ahead of time. Nothing says "Thank you" better than food!

Planning ahead will save a lot of stress. Happy moving!

If selling or buying a home through Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd. you can book our complementary moving van!

Carol Bacon

250-469-2353

www.carolbacon.net

Beginner Golf Tips from a Beginner

2010-04-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Beginner Golf Tips from a Beginner

I did it! I went to the driving range not only once, but I came back for a second beating. There are many regulations and rules of etiquette to follow. My advice to the beginner is:

1. Bring someone with you that has been before!

Pars, and putts and chipping and divots, and tees and irons and woods oh my! I found myself about to “chip” on the green. Then, my phone rang and I literally jumped up and down when I got the perfect shot. Apparently all big “no no s” in the game of golf. Thank goodness I had someone there to tell me the rules and regulations.

2. Golf clubs and the right size

As a beginner, it was nice to try and see if I would attempt the experience again before going out and buying a brand new set. I practiced with my husband’s golf club and now I have a nasty bruise on the inside of my hand. I also think I would of shot a lot better with the proper size.

3. Get comfortable

I went out and practiced on my own, whether it was beginners luck or not I did hit the balls straight and far, but my stance was all wrong. After trying a couple more shots I was more willing to see how other people did even better with proper technique.

4. Prepare to be sore

I used muscles that I never knew existed. How do I know this to be true? It is day three and though I am not in agony I know where the muscle is located!

5. Proper shoes

6. Practice, practice, practice

I actually did better the first time then the second time at the driving range. I was not focused but my seven year old and five year old were with me asking a lot of questions and really wanted to try hitting a ball. Which could lead me to a 7^th point but I learned from that experience. However, both girls are extremely interested in golf now!

7. Watch and learn

After taking a couple of shots I stepped back and watched other people. I was able to pick up a lot from observation. I wouldn’t mind now forking out some money for a lesson or two or three or four.

My next step is to now find the right set of clubs practice a bit more and partake in an actual game of golf!

Happy Golfing! If you are interested in finding a wonderful home located on a the green give me a call 250-469-2353 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-469-2353 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Carol Bacon

www.carolbacon.net

QUICK LINKS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

2010-04-25T17:28:00.001-07:00

Quick Links for First Time Home Buyers

Quick Links for First Time Home Buyers

There is an abundance of information to consider before you make one of the biggest purchases in your life. The following are websites that provide useful information about some things you will need to consider before the big purchase.

Property Transfer Tax Information

British Columbia charges a property tax on any home that is registered at the Land Titles Office. Below is a link providing information on how first time home buyers may qualify for an exemption.

Property Transfer Tax Brochure

Mortgage Insurance and Assistance

With mortgage loan insurance from CMHC you can own your home with a minimum down payment of 5%. At least 20% of the purchase price is usually required for a conventional mortgage.

Canadian Home Mortgage Insurance

Genworth Financial also provides a homeowner assistance program.

Genworth Financial

Preapproved Mortgage

Every home buyer should be pre approved for a mortgage before the search begins. Below are some mortgage calculators to give you a base idea, however, these calculators do not replace advice from a professional mortgage broker or a bank.

Royal Bank Mortgage Calculator

CMHC Mortgage Calculator

Canada Mortgage Calculator

If you would like to purchase a home or sell your home contact me at 250-469-2353 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-469-2353 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, carol.bacon@century21. ca.

Carol Bacon

www.carolbacon.net

References

Province of British Columbia (2007).

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/brochures/firsttimehomebuyer.pdf.

Property Transfer Tax

and The First Time Home Buyers’ Program. Retrieved 2010-04-25

CMHC-SCHL (2009-2010). http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/index.cfm.

Retrieved 2010-04-25

Genworth Financial (2008). http://www.smartermi.com/homeowner-

assistance.aspx. Retrieved 2010-

04-25

Royal Bank of Canada Website (2005-2010).

https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/cgi-bin/mortgage/mpc/start.cgi. Mortgage

Payment Calculator.

Retrieved 2010-04-25

CMHC-SCHL (2009-2010). http://www.cmhc-

schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/buho_007.cfm. CMHC Mortgage Calculator. Retrieved

2010-04-25

Pioneer West Acceptance Corporation (2010).

http://www.canadamortgage.com/. Retrieved 2010-04-

BC Easter Seals Camp

2010-03-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

BC Easter Seals Camp

Before becoming a Real Estate agent I took the Certified Educational Assistant program through Grant MacEwan University. I had the privilege of working with many special students over the years. Additionally, my son has Autism. A brief explanation of autism is people who are born and have difficulty with social interaction, pretend play, and communication. They also have a limited range of activities and interests. Many (nearly 75%) of children with autism also have some degree of mental retardation.

The BC Easter Seals Camps provide safe, fun activities in an environment where the focus is on abilities, not disabilities. Camp activities are designed to build confidence, independence and peer interaction in a recreational environment. Campers are encouraged and supported to participate in activities they may never have tried before including: climbing on our climbing wall, multi-day hikes, tie-dying, water polo, canoeing, wheelchair basketball, water balloon wars, kangaroo kourt, and leadership training.

On average, over 900 children with disabilities from all over BC attend a one-week camping session at no cost to their families. Aside from Camp Winfield, the BC Lions Society also operates camps at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island and in Squamish near Vancouver. It is through the generous support of events like the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relays that the BC Lions Society is able to continue operate the camping program and maintain these specialized camps

On June 12, 2010 at the Applebowl located in Kelowna the Century 21 Assurance Realty Centurions's will be running to raise money to send children with disabilities and financial disadvantages to camp with Easter Seal Camp Winfield and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs.

Please visit the Century 21 Assurance Realty Centurion's website for more information or to donate.

You can also contact me at carol.bacon@century21.ca or at 250-469-2353 and visit my website www.century21/carol.bacon for addtional information or to find out other ways to contribute to this most worthy cause.

I commit to donating $21 off of each close for the year in the names of my home buyers and home sellers.
Thank you for your support!