Royal LePage Access Real Estate Blog

Five Common Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make

1. Believing You Don't Need A Real Estate Agent

You might be able to find a house on your own through internet searches, or simply driving around neighbourhoods you like, but there are still many aspects of buying a home that can confuse a first-time buyer. An agent is key in helping you negotiate offers, handle inspections, financing and other details. The money you save by not using an agent can get quickly eaten up by a botched offer or overlooked repairs. Plus agents often have first access to the newest home listings that haven't shown up on MLS or the internet yet.

2. Setting Your Heart on a Home and Throwing Caution to the Wind

For many home buyers, you see a house that's amazing and you want it. No questions because it's the one for…

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Home Prices Up 15% from 2016 in Shuswap/Revelstoke Region

It was a pretty solid month of April for home sellers in Salmon Arm and the Shuswap area as home prices are up on a year-over-year basis.

According to the latest numbers from the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board, the median price of a single family home was $393,500 in April, up 15.44% from April last year. There were less homes sold, however, than in April 2016 after 42 units changed hands compared to 51 last April. The average home selling price last month was $393,126.

And townhouse prices have really skyrocketed as well. In April the median sale price was $305,000, up a staggering 40% from April 2016 ($217,500). A total of 18 townhouses sold this past April.

interestingly, the cost to purchase a condo went down 28.71% for a median price of…

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Royal Lepage Access Celebrates Five Years with 5th Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser

My, my, how the time flies! We can't believe we are celebrating five fantastic years at Royal LePage Access here in Salmon Arm.

And what better way to mark the occasion than with our fifth annual garage sale on Saturday as part of the amazing Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, a national program that helps raise funds in support of shelters for women who are abused and victims of violence.

The foundation is supported by Royal LePage brokers and agents across the country. To date the foundation has raised more than $24 million in support of more than 200 women's shelters and national partners.

Feel free to bring by your gently used items (between 8 am and 3 pm to our office at 2, 551 Trans Canada Hwy. NE) so we can sell them by donation to raise…

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Fantastic Interior Paint Colours For 2017

Now that spring has sprung, many people are dusting off the roller and paint brush and giving their home a shiny, new interior coat of paint. However, it's not easy deciding what colour to use or even what colours are in style for 2017. Fret not. We have sourced through mountains of information to bring you five of the hottest spring colours for painting your home this year.  You'll find greens and moody blues are on the forefront for 2017. Hopefully you see a paint colour that you love!

Inchyra Blue (Farrow & Ball)

Part of the moody blue and green group, Inchyra Blue looks fantastic with white and dark wood, while giving off a regal feeling. This aged blue grey is inspired by the dramatic Scottish skies that act as a backdrop for the classic…

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Five Tips For Maintaining Your Cabin or Vacation Home on the Shuswap

Many people who own a home in the Shuswap Lake area use it as a vacation home or rent it out during the summer months to holiday makers. Naturally your vacation home or cabin is a big investment, so it's important to take good care of it and follow some basic maintenance tips for when the home is empty. The last thing you want is to leave it for a few months only to return and find your water pipes are broken and your home is flooded.

1. Shut Off and Drain All Water

This step is essential. And make sure the power is turned off. Turn off the main water valve, then turn on all your taps to drain excess water from the pipes so it doesn't freeze during a deep, cold snap. Also drain your dishwasher and washing machine, as well as the water heater. And…

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Low Housing Inventory Signals A Good Time To Sell In Salmon Arm

Looks like a good time to act if you're thinking of selling your home or condo in the Salmon Arm and Okanagan regions.

The latest real estate market statistics report (for March) released by the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (which includes the Shuswap and Salmon Arm areas), show that inventory is very low across the area.

That means it's a seller's market right now. And it's spring, the time of year when many people look to purchase a new home or property.

According to the OMREB, the inventory level is 37% lower than it was at this time last year.

“While sales volumes and other indicators are reflective of this time last year, our market continues to be hampered by a lack of properties for sale,” said Tanis Read, the…

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Five Home Renos That'll Give You The Most Return On Your Money

Many people ask what are the best renovations they can do in order to not only improve their home's value, but will also allow them to recoup more of the cost. There are many things you can do, but when it comes to bang for the buck, these five do-it-yourself tips will bring the greatest return on the money you spend renovating, according to a new report in Remodeling Magazine.

Add Fibreglass Insulation to the Attic (Costs $1,200-$2,000)

While it's certainly not a sexy renovation, adding fibreglass insulation to the attic will see you recoup 107% of the cost. If you dont' sell your home right away, you'll definitely save a bunch of cash on your monthly heating bill.

Replace the Front Door ($1,500-$2,500)

A super-easy renovation that doesn't…

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FIve Key Tips To Sell Your Home Faster In A Buyer's Market

When it comes to selling your home, there are many things you can and should do to maximize the return you'll get, while setting yourself apart from the competition found in a buyer's market. These are five of the important things to consider when you're ready to list your house, whether it's in Salmon Arm or anywhere else.

1. Get Your Home Ready To Show

This is essential because you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Your home has to look great to prospective buyers, both inside and out. Things you can do to get your home ready for showings include decluttering, give it a thorough cleaning and get the carpets shampooed if you have pets or dirty rugs. Repair and paint any holes or knicks on the walls and woodwork. It's also…

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Salmon Arm Real Estate Market Picks Up in February

Home sales picked up in the Shuswap and Okanagan regions last month, while home prices are up on a year over year basis.

The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) stats for February show 520 homes were sold in February, an increase of 167 units over January’s 353 sales for the area covering Revelstoke to Peachland.

Homes are also selling faster with the average days on market (how long it takes to sell a home) at 87, representing a shorter timeframe from the 96 days it took to sell a home in January and last February’s 98 days.

While homes are selling more quickly, they are also fetching better prices with a 9% increase in February over January and a significant 13% hike over the same time as last year. The average home price in the region…

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Five Of Salmon Arm's Best Restaurants

For a smaller city with 17,700 people, Salmon Arm is a place boasting a solid food and restaurant scene with many authentic dining experiences to be found. Many Salmon Arm restaurants pride themselves in serving local and organic ingredients. Check out our list of the five best restaurants in and around Salmon Arm.

Table 24 Restaurant

Located at the Podollann Inn, Table 24 provides an upscale menu with plenty of variety and gluten free options. It features an intimate atmosphere with all food made fresh and prepared from scratch. The dinner menu includes mouthwatering filet mignon, seafood risotto and the can't-miss pasta chorizo. Table 24 also serves breakfast. Call 250-832-5024.

Barley Station Brew Pub

You'll find the Barley Station Brew Pub…

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