Enter To Win A Week Long Holiday ~ We Are Giving Away 2 Resort Vacation Certificates!

Resort Vacation Giveaway! Contest Kirsten Mason Team Century 21 Real Estate MLS Listing home 2018 may 31 best top agent realtorThe Kirsten Mason Team at Century 21 Desert Hills Realty is presently running a contest to win one (1) of two (2) Resort Vacation Certificates plus $100 spending credit. The contest will run until May 31st, 2018 at 11:59pm. Information is included below with instructions on how to enter our great contest!

TO ENTER THE CONTEST YOU MUST:

contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent
Comment on our Facebook or Instagram CONTEST post and include:  where you would go on holidays and tag who you would bring with you
AND

contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent

Like our page Team page – any team member of the Kirsten Mason Team! It is that easy!
Link to The Kirsten Mason Team Facebook page: LINK
Link to the Kirsten Mason Team Instagram account: LINK 
Visit The Team Members on Facebook!
 contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent FACEBOOK page
Visit the Resort Vacation Certificate Website to view the holiday options: https://www.resortcerts.com/century21

 

resort vacation certificate contest website information kirsten mason team century 21 contest deadline may 31, 2018

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

– Only One (1) entry per person.
– You must be 18 years or older to enter.
– Contest only open to Canadian Residents.
– Past and Current clients qualify for two (2) entries. You must have purchased or sold a home with a member of the Kirsten Mason Team to qualify OR are presently working with a member of the Kirsten Mason Team. You must contact your Agent on the Kirsten Mason Team to receive your second entry.
– Resort Vacation Certificates Do Not include Flights
– Certificate must be redeemed and accommodations must be booked before the Expiration Date (Book by Date) on your certificate. You may be able to search for accommodations up to 12 months in advance depending on the certificate type. Travel must be completed within 12 months from the date you booked the accommodation.
– With a Resort Vacation Certificate the program offers a world of vacation options in desirable locations across six continents, so everyone can find a destination that speaks to them. Some of our most popular locations include Orlando, FL; Branson, MO; Myrtle Beach, SC; Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and Canadian Rockies, Canada.
– Destinations and travel times are subject to availability and confirmed on a first come, first served basis. Offer includes only accommodations and specifically excludes travel cost and other expenses that may be incurred. Promotional discounts and offers may not apply to all properties. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon. Other restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law. Some resorts require that an all-inclusive fee be paid. Additional taxes may apply.
–  Resort Vacation Certificates are redeemable for a 7 night stay at vacation rental properties worldwide designed to be used for off-peak travel, although accommodations may be available throughout the year.  Peak seasons can vary according to destinations and dates. All accommodations have a fixed check-in day. Our inventory is an aggregation of diverse vacation rental properties from leading property management companies, developers, condominium and housing associations around the world and range from studio apartments and resort condos to  2+ bedrooms single-family homes, villas and cottages. Many offer living rooms, dining rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
–  For an additional dollar amount, typically ranging from $220 USD to $1,400 USD, you may be able to access additional inventory and reserve a one week (7 nights) stay for a higher redemption fee depending upon the property and dates selected. The upgrade fee is for the entire week, not per night or per person. IMPORTANT: Peak seasons can vary according to date and destination.
– To receive the $100 spending credit you must send confirmation in writing from your booked holiday (by email or mail).
Contact us anytime to get more information regarding this contest or Kamloops Real Estate. 

 

Property Wanted: Buyers Looking For Properties Not Currently Listed For Sale in Kamloops

Property Search Kamloops Real EstateWe continually have buyers who are looking for a property to purchase in Kamloops that is not currently listed for sale. Many of our clients are unable to find the perfect property therefore we try to reach out in other ways to find them a match. If you have a property you have been thinking about selling please contact us if it fits one of the descriptions below. If your property sounds like a good fit for our client we will set up a viewing.

There is no pressure or obligation, we simply want to find the right fit for our clients. This list will be updated regularly (see above post date for last update).

CURRENT PROPERTY SEARCH

NEW! ~ Barnhartvale Rural Property up to 5 acres, 3+ Bedroom Family Home & a detached shop would be a bonus but not an absolute need.

NEW! ~ Pineview or Dufferin 3 Bedroom on main (or 2nd level), master ensuite, 2 car garage, large yard, no in law suites & up to $450k.

NEW! ~  South Shore including Valleyveiw home with in law suite, must have a 2 car garage and/or shop up to $450k.

~ Sahali Building Lot with a view. No bare land strata lots, only straight freehold.

~ 3 Bedroom Townhouse in a complex with unrestricted rentals. Properties on 700 Collingwood Drive or Sandpiper Drive townhomes are ideal under $200,000.

~ Duplex or Single Family home with legal suite under $375,000, flexible on the area of Kamloops.

~ Waterfront property on a lake close to Kamloops that allows power boats and is not a lease property. (Heffley Lake, E or N Barriere Lake, Adams Lake, Paul Lake)

~ Sahali Rancher or split level with a view or backing on to green space, renovated home or home that is in need of reno’s okay.

~ Brocklehurst home with an inground pool. Preferably large 1/4 acre lot at the smallest with lots of privacy and detached shop would be a bonus.

Contact us anytime if you have questions or would like to qualify your property for one of our buyers.

Tips On Staging Your Kamloops Home To Get It Ready For Sale

living room home staging Kamloops Real Estate

Tips On Staging Your Kamloops Home To Get It Ready For Sale. It can be a very daunting task to start the process of staging your home to prepare to put it up for sale. In our experience there are a number of simple and inexpensive things you can do to help make your home more appealing than other homes for sale in your area of Kamloops. I have compiled a list of simple things you can do to help make the sale process easier and get the most money for your home.

1. Start with a open mind and new perspective

Often times home owners become very emotionally attached to a home and the decor. It is important to detach from the property and try to see your home through buyers’ eyes. Think minimalist and the ‘hotel room’ look. This will help make your home shine.

2. De-clutter!!!

Messy Home De Clutter House Staging Kitchen Kamloops Real EstateI can’t emphasize this one enough. It is important to go through all common areas of your home first as these areas are the first rooms buyers see. You want your home and have the feeling of space. Here are simple decluttering ideas for your home:

  • Make the entry way as spacious as possible. Large furniture and decor can get in the way of buyers entering your home.
  • Remove all items off of your counters in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Remove all magnets and cluttery bulletin boards from common space.
  • Remove all heavy drapery or window headers exposing the windows which will allow for more natural light to fill your home.
  • Remove all items that are not needed from closets and storage space. Get storage containers to pack items away that are not needed for the time you are listed for sale. If you can afford a storage locker remove all items from your home that are not needed.
  • Eliminate excessive knick knacks and personal items from the home. Plain homes show best!

3. Freshen up & brighten up

Paint colours are a huge component of the way a home presents. Choose a neutral colour palette. Presently neutral, spa-like colours are very popular. They give buyers an inviting feeling when walking into a home. Light paint colours also make a home appear more bright and feel more fresh. You want Buyers to see themselves living in your home. Fresh neutral colours will help them with this vision.

4. Curb appeal

2644 Galbraith Dr, Aberdeen, Kamloops Real EstateDuring some seasons of the year it is hard to have beautiful curb appeal in Kamloops due to the weather. Here are a couple ideas for each time of the year:

  • All Year: Freshly paint your outside doors especially the front door. Put up a new mailbox if you have a tired looking one and new modern house numbers are easy ways to create a fresh look. This is also a way to keep the cost down.
  • Summer: Trim shrubs and bushes, tidy up all the flower beds, keep the lawn cut and plant some fresh flowers to give the home some colour. If you don’t have a garden placing planters outside the main entry way and on a patio makes the home feel more pleasant.
  • Fall: Clean up the leaves and dead plants in the garden. Put out fall flowers and plants that add colour to your home. There are always beautiful planters available in the fall that liven up a front entry way or porch.
  • Winter: Don’t go crazy with the decorations! Tasteful holiday decor is acceptable but don’t put up so much that it draws a crowd. Don’t leave your decor up until the end of January. Clean up your Holiday decorations as soon as possible. Keep the pathways clear and well maintained.
  • Spring: Clean up the gardens after the winter melt. Plant some spring flowers and plants that will bring some colour to your garden. Check over the outside of your home and touch up any areas that are looking worn from over the winter (ie trim paint, outside doors).

5. Make sure your home is in top condition

Easy updates that are inexpensive will help with the sale of your home.

  • Replace faucets that drip or are outdated.
  • Take out old bathroom mirrors that date a bathroom and replace with a nice modern framed mirror.
  • Replace hardware on cabinets (ie dated gold pulls to brushed nickle is a good choice)
  • Replace worn or damaged counter tops.
  • Replace or professionally clean worn flooring. Carpet cleaning goes a long way.
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs and change out dated or broken light fixtures.
  • Replace torn screens.
  • Touch up knicks and damaged walls.
  • Place fresh towels in the bathroom and eliminate any used or old looking towels.
  • Replace furnace filter regularly and before putting your home up for sale.

6. Make the master bedroom gender neutral.

Bedroom picture home staging Kamloops Sell your homeA clean, tidy master bedroom is important. It is also important to pick colours that are neutral and not geared to only one gender. Stage the master bedroom with nice throw pillows and ensure that the linens are made up nicely on the bed. Remove any extra furniture to give the illusion of a large room with lots of space. Many people have multiple dressers in a bedroom, eliminate at least one.

7. Clean, Clean, Clean and Clean!

Clean Home Staging tips to sell your home in KamloopsHomes that are clean make buyers feel like the property has been well cared for and in turn well maintained. Make sure you clean the following:

  • Nooks and crannies of the kitchen where crumbs collect.
  • Tops of baseboards often get very dusty.
  • Window coverings, especially horizontal blinds tend to collect dust and dirt.
  • Scrub that bathroom!
  • Clean windows and screens.
  • Wipe down walls, doors, door frames and light switches.
  • Vacuum the carpets…twice

8. Beware of scale

Large furniture is popular and can be very comfortable however it takes up a lot of space. Remove furniture that is large and re-arrange the furniture to fit in a way that makes the home feel more spacious.

9. A great smell makes your home more memorable

If you have time before a showing bake some cookies or something that will spread a tasty smell throughout your home. Leave a couple samples out for the buyers coming through your home. It will make it more memorable.

10. Invest some money

dining room home staging Kamloops Real estate sell my homeIf you can afford to do so updates to flooring can go a long way. Old carpeting can turn a buyer off. Changing the flooring out to something more modern will give you a very good return on investment. If flooring is looking old and worn it will make buyers feel like the home is old and worn even if the home is in great condition. Buyers have trouble seeing past simple things like flooring.

Kitchens and bathrooms are one of the best investments you can make in your home. If you are trying to decide where to invest your money you will get the best return from kitchens and bathrooms.

If you are thinking about getting your home ready for sale and don’t know where to start give us a call. We would be happy to come to your home and get you moving in the right direction. Contact Us!

Kamloops Real Estate: Advice on How To Pick a Realtor That Will Work For You

Kamloops Realtor Kirsten MasonIn a highly competitive real estate market it can be difficult to determine who the best Real Estate Professional would be for your needs. Currently the Kamloops and District Real Estate Association reports that there are just under 300 member Realtors. I have included some pointers below to help you figure out how to find the right professional for you.

1. Interview 2 to 3 Realtors: Analyze their differences and pick the one that you feel most comfortable working with and whom you feel will best represent your interests or needs based on their skill level and experience.

  • For Buyers, you want to ensure that the Realtor will take the time to show you properties when it is convenient for you and will make your search a priority. Go to open houses to informally meet Realtors and strike up a conversation, you will know who you feel comfortable working with after meeting a few professionals.
  • For Sellers, you want a Realtor that has a comprehensive, dynamic and aggressive marketing plan to get your home sold. Communication is paramount and it is important that your listing Realtor maintain open and continual feedback. The most common criticism is “the Realtor posted a sign and I didn’t hear from him/her for 3 months”.

2. Choose a Full Time Realtor: Some Realtors only work part time.  Your largest financial and emotional decision may only be a second career for that part time Realtor. Choose a professional who’s business it is to sell real estate. You wouldn’t choose a part time surgeon to operate on you. A full time Realtor means better market knowledge, better service, better marketing and better negotiating skills which means a better price for you, whether buying or selling.  Ask your potential Realtor:  How often will you hear from them?  Do they have support staff or a team to help them and help you? Are there any days or times during the week that they don’t work? Do they have a part time or other job?

3. Chose a knowledgeable Realtor:  The Realtor you choose should be able to explain the market as it relates to your sale or purchase. Questions you should ask are: Have they sold or listed homes in your area? Are they knowledgeable about the statistics and the direction the market is moving in (buyers or sellers market)?  They should take the time to educate you as to the present market conditions and show you the best way to sell or buy given those conditions and the competition.  They should back up their explanations with current market data and be honest with you in interpreting that data.

4. When listing, Do Not choose a Realtor based on price: When Realtors are competing for a listing, some will give an inflated price just to try to get the listing, only to ask you for a price reduction a few weeks later. Realtors don’t determine the price for your home, the market does that! Often, Realtor’s that don’t have much to offer in terms of experience tend to compete on price.  In other words, what you may gain on perceived higher valuation on your home, you will likely lose in overall sale price due to poor marketing and weak negotiating.  Part of a Realtor’s job is to interpret hundreds of sales as well as active listings. Therefore your prospective Realtor should be able to explain to you what your specific market range is for buying or selling. A good real estate professional knows that every house has a price range which is determined by the seller’s motivation to sell and the buyer’s need to buy. Did you know that 70% of whether or not a property will sell is decided when the price is established. The other 30% is based on the Realtor’s level of competence and negotiating skill.

5. Choose a Realtor based on their success rate:  All Real estate companies have good and bad Realtors. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential Realtor what their sales record was for the past year or two. The Realtor you hire should know how to successfully sell homes and the numbers never lie. You can ask: How many homes did they help their clients to buy and sell? How many days did the average home that they have listed spend on the market? Do they sell in your area or all over? What special awards or recognition have they earned? Do they have any testimonial statements from past clients? Each Realtor’s willingness to share this information with you will help with your overall decision.

6. When Listing, Choose a Realtor based on their marketing strategy:  How much time, how much money and what kind of marketing is your Realtor suggesting for your property?  Every property is different and needs a tailored marketing program to sell it and attract the best buyer willing to pay the highest price.  People don’t buy bricks and mortar, they buy a lifestyle, an environment where they can raise their kids or a location where they can retire in style, with amenities they can use and enjoy. Ensure your Realtor has a comprehensive marketing strategy that targets different medias such as internet, print, local advertising etc.

7. Choose a Realtor that has been recommended by family or friends: Family or friends who’ve had a good experience with a Realtor are your best referral source. A good Realtor will keep in contact with their past clients and ask them for referrals. This is a great place to start when choosing a Real Estate Professional.

8. For Buyers, Pick one Realtor to work with: It is in your best interest to choose one professional to work with. You will develop a relationship with your Realtor and that person will really understand what you want in a property.   You can’t expect a Realtor to give you 100% if you are not willing to commit to them. Realtors only get paid if you buy or sell a property with them, so if you are working with other Realtors all at one time you can’t expect outstanding service based on your lack of loyalty. Find someone that is honest and trustworthy, this will eliminate the need to want to work with other Realtors at one time.

Click here for a free, no obligation home evaluation.

To view all homes for sale in Kamloops click here.

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