Thursday, May 15, 2008

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!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

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!