Before You Make a Move: Weighing It All Out

Deciding to move is a significant life choice that requires careful consideration of various factors. When contemplating a move, it is essential to reflect on both the financial and emotional aspects that come into play. While the excitement of a new beginning may entice you, taking a step back to evaluate your current situation can help you make a more informed decision.

If you are thinking about moving, consider the following:

  • Length of time living in your next home: When evaluating a move, consider how long you'll need to stay in your new home to cover initial expenses like the down payment and moving costs through appreciation or savings.

  • Mortgage penalties: Aligning your home sale with your mortgage renewal can help you avoid penalties or ...

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Moving to Salmon Arm: Fall in the Shuswap

As the leaves change and the air cools, the Shuswap region, especially Salmon Arm, becomes a stunning autumn haven. Known for its vibrant foliage, beautiful lakes, and local events, Fall is a perfect time to experience life in Salmon Arm.  Shuswap Lake, framed by mountains and forests, offers a serene backdrop as trees transform into rich oranges, reds, and gold.  Outdoor activities abound in the Fall, from mountain biking, hiking and kayaking to scenic drives to admire the colors. The Shuswap region’s stunning landscapes make it a perfect destination for photographers, nature lovers, and families.

A highlight is the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival each August, setting the stage for Fall events. After the festival, the town continues...

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Seasonal Change in the Shuswap

The nice thing about the Shuswap region and Salmon Arm, well known for its beautiful, lush setting amidst mountains, lakes and valleys, highlighted by magnificent Shuswap Lake, and rich in culture and arts and our diversified economy includes forestry, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and commerce, is the simple fact that the climate is moderate and has four distinct seasons.

This setting continues to attract and maintain a stable, happy, productive workforce and is attractive for retirement and semi-retirement, as well as those looking to move away from the hustle and bustle of BC’s bigger cities. Relative to many Canadian centers, the costs of housing, industrial land, business services and infrastructure can be somewhat lower.

In Salmon Arm,...

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Welcome to #12, Hillside Terrace!

**DEVELOPER WILL PAY THE FULL GST ON UNIT #12! THAT IS $27,495 in SAVINGS!**

Driveways with plenty of garage space welcome you at Hillside Terrace, where 1567 sq/ft of tastefully designed living space awaits.

The open concept main level features plank flooring throughout, and contains the living room, dining area, powder room, and kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, quartz counters, and an 8’ seat-at island with a spot for your beverage fridge.

Priced at $549,900  |  View Now!

This level has a view out the front and walks out to your backyard which is privately fenced and includes artificial turf, patio space, and a small garden area to use as you wish; perhaps for veggie’s, flowers, or shrubs (low-maintenance yards keep...

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Stay or Move? 5 Questions to Help You Decide

It can be tough to make the decision to sell. In fact, for many homeowners, it can be overwhelming. If you’re considering making a move and struggling with the decision, here are five helpful questions to ask yourself:

1. What is your practical reason for selling?

This question refers to what you’ll get by moving to a new home. The reasons could include a bigger backyard, a shorter commute to work, an extra bedroom, a more desirable neighbourhood, etc. Maybe bullet point what you’ll gain against what you’d lose by moving home.

2. What are your emotional reasons for selling?

This question refers to how you’ll feel about living in a new home. For example, you might feel safer, less cramped, less worried about your kids because the local schools are...

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How to get a better interest rate for your mortgage

When it comes to buying a home, one of the most important factors to consider is the interest rate on your mortgage. Getting the best interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Here are some tips to help you secure the best rate:

  1. Improve your credit score: Lenders use your credit score to determine your interest rate. A higher score usually results in a lower rate, so make sure to pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low.

  2. Decrease debt-to-income: A simple way to get a better mortgage rate is to decrease your debt-service ratio. Canadian lenders use this to assess your risk level. You can do this by paying larger amounts on your debts, or by raising your household income.

  3. Increase your income stability...

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Financing conditions: are they really necessary?

You've been searching for what seems like a lifetime to find the home of your dreams, then you finally find it and you want to put in an offer. We sit down, figure out the numbers and draft up the Purchase Agreement to include terms and conditions to protect your interests, one of which is the Financing Condition.

A financing condition is one of the most commonly used and important conditions, and it's there to protect the Buyer by telling the Seller that your offer to buy their property is conditional on you obtaining financing.  You will already have a “Pre-approval” in place with your financial institution or mortgage broker but there will still be a length of time required by lenders to satisfy this condition, generally 10...

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Should You Buy a Property that May Need Expensive Repairs or Upgrades?

Buying a property that may require expensive repairs or upgrades can be a daunting decision. You've found your dream home, situated in a desirable neighborhood and ticking off all the boxes on your must-have list. However, there are significant maintenance issues that will demand attention in the near future, like replacing roof shingles or updating wiring. The question is, should you walk away from this opportunity?

Not necessarily. While the allure of a move-in ready home is undeniable, there are distinct advantages to purchasing a property that needs some TLC. Depending on market conditions, such a property may be priced lower than comparable ones. The money saved can then be allocated towards the necessary repairs and upgrades. Additionally,...

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Tips for Making the Living Room Look Fantastic to Buyers

Are you looking to make your living room truly stand out to potential buyers? I understand the importance of creating a space that not only looks fantastic but also allows potential buyers to envision themselves living and relaxing in it. That's why I've compiled these staging tips to help you make the most of your living room:

1. Neutralize the palette. Consider repainting walls in shades of beige, grey, or off-white. These hues will appeal to a broader range of buyers and allow them to visualize their own décor in the space. These colours will also make the room look bigger.

2. Strategic Furniture Placement. Position furniture away from walls, if possible, to create a cozy, conversational setting. Keep pathways clear to ensure easy movement...

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6 Things That Sellers Often Do Wrong When Selling Their Home

You went through all this work to put your home on the market. The photos look stunning, and you are confident about the marketing plan. However, as time goes on, you are noticing showing requests are slowing down, and your spirits are in decline.

There are a number of reasons your home may not be selling but let's look at a few things that many sellers get wrong.

1) Not accommodating showing requests

There may be a great episode of your favourite TV show on, but unfortunately, your buyer doesn't care. It seems obvious, but if you don't allow buyers through your home at a time that suits them, your home will most likely will not sell. If you truly want to sell your home then do everything you can to allow every showing request, you never know...

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