The change is happening!

At the RE/MAX orientation, I met some Realtors from Vancouver and discussed their market. The change is happening! They are now seeing lots of offers with "subject to the sale of the buyer's home". This was unheard of last year. It is now becoming a "buyers market".

I was just watching the global morning news, Chris Carter was on. He was discussing the same thing. He mentioned that it was only 6 weeks ago that it was a "seller's market". Amazing how fast things can change!

What does this mean for the Princeton, BC market? Usually, we follow the Vancouver market. So, the tide could be changing here too. Although we are a little different than the Vancouver market, as people buy here for recreational homes as well. However, we are finding that if you price correctly, your home will sell quickly. So right now, be sure your Realtor does a CMA (comparative market analysis), see what other homes similar to yours are selling for. Don't compare the listing price when you are the seller, look at what the homes have SOLD for. Don't over price thinking that you can negotiate. If you want your property sold, talk to your Realtor and don't overprice!

RE/MAX

I was at the new sales associate orientation the past 2 days in Kelowna. It was a very interesting course. Well worth my time to go. There were about 55 new sales associates at the course, some all the way from Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Most of the people there were brand new to Real Estate, although there were some "old timers" like me as well. It was very interesting talking to the other Realtors to see how they were doing in their area.

According to the Vancouver Realtors, they are now getting offers that are "subject to the sale of the buyer's home". That is new, they didn't get any like that last year. So the market must be changing. We should see that in our area soon, unless, the "mine" re-opens. This also might mean that prices will be dropping, but, who knows? We'll just have to wait and see. After all who can foretell the future?

I also have to say how impressed I am by RE/MAX. They really looked after us well. They paid for our hotel (the Grand Okanagan), they fed us! They wined and dined us! All in all it was like a little "mini convention". Great opportunity to network.

Things are really falling into place!

Now that I have "officially" taken over at RE/MAX country (refer to me as "madame President"now LOL!) things are really picking up. I am so happy that I bought this business. It was definately the right thing to do. The previous owner and I have worked so well together during the transition that is has made things easy and fun!

So life continues on and I am so happy in doing my job. It's a real pleasure to come to this office. Everyone here is great. We had to do a "little house cleaning", but that's normal for a new owner. We have come thru that just fine and things can only get better now!

I've received such positive comments from people that I "barely" know. Definately a small town thing. Everyone I meet congratulates me on my move. I still haven't come down on the "high" of new owner yet!

Wow!

So much new stuff to learn! I've got to learn the different way of processing listings, sales, sending stuff to lawyers etc. It's all really the same stuff I've been doing for 14 years, but done just a wee bit different to throw me off, and sometimes doing the simplest thing seems to take forever! Of course, part of the problem is that I can't find anything! Must learn where everything is! Oh the fun part of starting at a new place.
I must admit though, it's all a lot of fun. I haven't felt this excited about work for a while. Must have been time for a change.
The interesting part is learning to be the boss! I've managed offices before, but it's a little different when you are the owner. But I'm really glad I made the choice to buy RE/MAX country. I've had so many encouraging comments from friends and clients. Just wait till Wednesday when the newspaper comes out with my "big ad"!
Let the fun continue!

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Something I've wanted, but never thought would happen has happened to me! I am soon to be the proud owner of Remax Country in Princeton, BC.
Kind of scary, exciting at the same time. Should be an interesting adventure ahead!

At this point, there are some people that require special mention. These are the ones that have helped me along the way. It seems like life just seemed to be taking me in this direction!

First of all, Dean Stinson(Realtor, CENTURY 21 Princeton). He encouraged me to get my real estate licence. Dean has taught me so much about the real estate industry, thank you just isn't enough. Dean, you will always be my real estate mentor.

Next, Neil McHaffie(former owner, CENTURY 21 Princeton). He was one of the best bosses a person could ever have. He showed us how a real estate office should be run. I only hope I can do half as well as him.

Heather Johnson (current owner, CENTURY 21 Princeton). She is a great realtor. I can completely understand when she told me during her purchase of a real estate company, "I have to look after myself and family, this is for me."

Janice Barclay (current ,soon to be former, owner of Remax Country). It's great to be able to work with you on this purchase, it just feels so right!

Of course, Randy my darling hubby, Nick and Candace my great children, thanks to you I am able to achieve my dream.

Let the excitement begin!

Southern most point in the USA

So we toured south of Kona and went to the southern most point in the USA. It was very windy! There are a few wind farms along the way, I can understand why!
">

My morning coffee view

Just thought I would share my morning view this am. I was sitting on my Lanai at Kona by the Sea and having my coffee while taking this pic! Aloha!