June 15/17 – Mike and Nikki’s June Newsletter

May 2017 – Prince Rupert (& Area) Real Estate

May 2017 had significantly more sales activity than last year, with 9 more sales. The average year-to-date house price is down, though, at $283,446. So far this year, our overall market appears healthy as we are up $2,057,830 in sales of all types. By all types we mean residential and commercial properties.

SALES (all types):

# of sales in May 2016 – 17

# of sales in May 2017 – 26

YEAR-TO-DATE SALES (all types)

As of May 31, 2016 – 79

As of May 31, 2017 – 96

TYPES OF PROPERTIES SOLD IN MAY 2017:

3 – Land

1 – Apartment unit

1- Half-duplex

21 – Houses

NUMBER OF ACTIVE LISTINGS (all types):

As of May 31, 2016 – 184

As of May 31, 2017 – 189

AVERAGE SALE PRICE OF A HOUSE (YEAR-TO-DATE)

As of May 31, 2016 – $ 287,310

As of May 31, 2017 – $ 283,446

TOTAL SALES OF ALL TYPES (YEAR-TO-DATE)

As of May 31, 2016 – $ 23,047,970

As of May 31, 2017 – $ 25,105,700

The stats are based in whole or in part on information supplied by the BC Northern Real Estate Board for the period January 1, 2016 through May 31, 2017.

If you are selling your home during the summer months, there are a few extra things to bear in mind. By taking account of them, you should improve the ease and speed with which you sell your home.

Curb Appeal

During the warm summer months, potential buyers will be in less of a hurry to get inside and more inclined to focus on the exterior of your property. Make sure all exterior features are in tip-top shape. Whether that means mowing the lawn (Grass grows faster in summer!), repainting your home or staging the balcony, all of these things will catch a buyer’s eye.

Showing Availability

Make sure you are flexible in response to showing requests. Thanks to longer daylight hours, you may be asked for showings later into the evening. Be as accommodating as you can without causing major disruptions to your own life.  That said, always talk to your REALTOR® about when your home can and can’t be shown.

Summer Decor

It may not be realistic to completely redecorating with every passing season, but look for opportunities to introduce some summer colours. Cushions and throw rugs are both easy ways to change things up.

Natural Light

One of the best things is the increase in sunlight. Take advantage of that to help sell your home. Take down heavy curtains, or at least keep them open, to make your home feel as bright and airy as possible.

Temperature

The last thing you want is for potential buyers to feel hot and bothered, associating that feeling with their visit to your home. When it’s hot outside, keep your home nice and cool. If you have a/c, that’s great. Otherwise, open doors and windows to create a through draft.