Adult Oriented Complexes, Gated Communities and Strata Developments On The South Shore, Kamloops, B.C.

There are many stratas in Kamloops that cater to adults. The adult oriented complexes and gated communities included below don’t necessarily have specific age restrictions but are geared towards adult living. I have compiled a list of stratas on the South Shore that are Adult Oriented. To view the 45+ Adult and Seniors complexes click here. The stratas discussed only include those that are available for sale, no co-ops or government facilities are included in this list. The areas included are Aberdeen, Dallas, Dufferin, Pineview, Sahali, South Kamloops including Downtown and Valleyview.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen Estates @ 1055 Aberdeen Drive. This townhouse development has large open units, high end finishings and 2 car garages. Located on the corner of Aberdeen Drive and Pacific Way, Aberdeen Estates is steps to transportation and close to many amenities. These units were built between 2004 and 2009. Pets are allowed and rentals are restricted at this development.

Braeview Place @ 1950 Braeview Place. This adult oriented development contains townhouse units with multiple levels. Units are commonly 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms and have two car garages. Pets and rentals are allowed. This complex is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and transportation. These units were built in the early ’90’s. Many units have seen significant renovations over the recent years.

Dunraven @ 2030 Van Horne Drive. This adult oriented gated development has detached homes on small, low maintenance lots. Many homes are two levels and often basement entry or bungalow style. This popular strata is minutes from all amenities. These homes were built in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s depending on the unit location in the complex.

Fairway Gardens @ 2290 Garymede Drive. This townhouse strata is designated a 19+ strata. The units are bungalow style homes. Each home has a 2 car garage, deck and private yard. Pets are allowed with restrictions. This complex is close to the Aberdeen amenities, transportation and local walking trails. These homes were built in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s.

Highland Gate @ 2365 Abbeyglen Way. This adult oriented townhouse development consists of executive style town homes with 3 levels of living space. All units have 2 car garages and 3 or more bedrooms. These townhouses are a two-storey design with bedrooms above the main floor living. These homes are larger townhomes with typically over 2,500 square feet of space. There are a number of units located along the ridge which have sprawling city and river valley views. Pets are allowed. This development was built between 1997 and a later phase completing in 2009. Located steps to transportation and minutes drive from shopping.

Pacific Ridge Estates @2160 Pacific Way. This adult oriented gated community consists of rancher style semi-attached homes with full basements. Each unit comes with a 2 car garage. Owners enjoy a lock and go lifestyle with all landscaping taken care of by the strata. This is one of Aberdeen’s newer developments, construction began in 2015.

Ravenwood @ 2022 Pacific Way. This adult oriented townhouse development has two car garages, and living space on two floors. Most units are bungalow style with a full basement. Pets and rentals are allowed. These homes were built between 1995 and 1997. There are 113 units total in this development. These homes are located close to transportation and minutes from shopping.

The Villas @ 2171 Van Horne Drive

This is one of Aberdeen’s newest developments, construction beginning in 2015. All phases of the development are complete with a second phase that began in 2017/2018. This development consists of semi-attached two storey, basement entry and one level units all with enclosed garages. They are located close to transportation and Aberdeen amenities.

Van Horne Terrace @ 2020 Van Horne Drive. This adult only gated development has detached homes on small, low maintenance lots. There are both bungalows and basement entry style homes with two car garages. This complex was completed in the early 1990’s and consists of 22 units total.

Sierra Vista Estates @ 2080 Pacific Way. This adult oriented bare land strata development is located close to transportation and shopping. Each unit in this strata is detached home typically with a two car garage and small yard space. These homes were built in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

Click here to search for available properties in Aberdeen.

Dufferin

Brigadoon @ 1750 Pacific Way. This gated adult oriented community is steps from restaurants and shopping. Units typically have two bedrooms on the main floor and are bungalow style homes. There are some units that have stairs to the entry or from the entry to the main floor. Each unit has a two car enclosed garage. Pets are allowed in this complex. This development was built in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Hillside Lofts @ 1390 Hillside Drive. These executive style condominium units are equipped with underground parking, granite counter tops, open concept living and admittance intercom. This development has underground parking and storage. Centrally located and seconds from shopping with Aberdeen mall virtually across the street and transportation. Rentals are allowed. This building was built in 2007 through to 2008.

Orabella @ 1390 Prairie Rose Drive. This higher end townhouse development appeals to adults. The homes have multiple levels so they bring in empty nesters who still need the living space but not the yard maintenance. Construction began on these units in 2015 and they will be nearing completion in 2018.

Click here to search for available properties in Dufferin.

Juniper Heights

Juniper Court @ 2526 Nechako Drive. This adult oriented complex is located in the beautiful area known as Juniper Heights or Juniper Ridge. These units have valley and river views. Pets are allowed in this complex. These homes were built in the early and mid 1990’s. Juniper is serviced by local bus service and there is a small general store and deli.

Click here to search for available properties in Juniper Heights.

Pineview

1951 Lodgepole Drive. This is an adult oriented bare land strata with detached homes. Each home has a small private yard, single car garage and extra parking. Most homes are 2 bedrooms without basements. The units in this development range in age. Most of the homes in this development sit a concrete slab foundation and consist of one or two car garages.

Click here to search for available properties in Pineview.

Sahali

Bonavista Estates @ 1580 Springhill Drive. This adult oriented development has bungalow style homes with two car garages and over 1,000 square feet of living space on the main floor. One pet allowed and no rentals are permitted in this development. These homes were built in the early 1990’s and a lot of the units have lovely city and river views. Transportation is located very close by and shopping a short few minutes drive.

Crestview Heights @ 1575 Springhill Drive. This is an adult oriented bare land gated strata development. Units have two car garages, are fully detached units and have full basements. Small pets are allowed in this complex. The homes in this development all have yards but most of the landscaping is taken care of by the strata. These homes were built between 1994 and 1997.

Loma Bella & Terra Vista @ 875 Sahali Terrace. This adult oriented development has high end, executive townhouses ranging in size from two to three bedrooms. Rentals and pets are allowed. This complex is located a couple blocks from Royal Inland Hospital, downtown shopping, transportation and a lot of city amenities. Units were built in the late 1990’s to mid 2000’s.

Pine Ridge Estates @ 1795 Summit Drive. This is a 16+ adult oriented townhouse development. Homes have a single car garage, private patios over 2,000 square feet of living space. These homes are multi-level, two storey homes. Pets are allowed. Units in this complex were built in the early 1980’s. Each home has a beautiful river and valley view.

Sahali Estates @ 137 McGill Road. This adult oriented strata development had units ranging in size from two to three bedrooms. Some of the units in this building have amazing river and valley views. There is a tennis court, RV parking, community garden and pets are allowed. This development is located in lower Sahali and is minutes from many shopping centres, professional offices and transporation.

Wedgewoods @ 1555 Summit Drive. Adult 12+ complex. Each unit is a two storey design with a basement and covered parking for one vehicle. Wedgewoods is minutes from all amenities and is steps from local transportation. Pets allowed and no rentals. These homes were built in the early to mid 1970’s.

Click here to search for properties available in Sahali.

South Kamloops/Downtown

Arbutus Estates @ 15 & 45 Hudsons Bay Trail. This gated adult oriented development consists of executive townhouses ranging in size from 2 to 4 bedrooms with beautiful views. There is an outdoor pool, exercise centre, clubhouse and recreation facility. Homes have 2 or 3 car garages. Pets are allowed. These homes have all been built at different times and different phases ranging from the 1990’s to the latest phase completing in 2013.

The Dorchester @ 370 Battle Street. Luxury living in the Downtown core. Geothermal heating and cooling, Heated tile, granite counter tops and 9 foot ceilings. Secure underground parking with extra parking. This development began construction in 2006 and completed in 2009. These properties are within walking distance from all Downtown amenities, shopping and transportation.

Elm Tree Place @ 423 1st Avenue. This is an adult oriented 12 unit townhouse development. Lots of privacy in a great location within walking distance of the downtown amenities, transportation, shopping and many professional offices. This complex was built in the later 1970’s and does not have any covered secure parking.

Executive Manor @ 1089 McMurdo Drive. This is a 16+ complex located close to the Sagebrush Theatre in South Kamloops. Units have in-suite laundry. There are no pets or rentals allowed. This building was constructed in the mid 1970’s. There is not any secure underground parking but there is parking for unit owners. There are a number of hiking trails nearby at Peterson Creek Park as well as all Downtown Amentities.

Monarch Place @ 683Victoria Street. This adult oriented building has an elevator, secure parking, storage locker and an admittance intercom. The units range in size from one to two bedrooms and have in suite laundry. This building was constructed in 1994 and a number of units have had significant renovations since it was built.

Park Place @ 900, 950 & 970 Lorne Street. This adult oriented building has indoor pool, hot tub and exercise room. There are both condominium units ranging in size. There are one to three bedroom condos and multi-level town houses with two car garages. There is secure underground parking for the condo units. This development also has a community room with outdoor patio and a marina for your boat. This development was started in the late 1990’s and completed in the early 2000’s.

Plaza Suites @ 490 Lorne Street. These units are adult oriented condos. There is an admittance intercom, underground secure parking, secure storage and an elevator. These homes are located close to Riverside Park, transportation and downtown amenities. This condo building was constructed in 1999 and consists of 58 units.

Plaza Suites @ the Station @ 510 Lorne Street. This adult oriented condominium development is located close to riverside park, shopping and restaurants. There is secure parking, storage lockers and an elevator. Many units have beautiful river views. This is one of the newer complexes on Lorne Street and was completed in the late 1990’s to 2000.

Victoria Landing @ 619 Victoria Street. This adult oriented building is a concrete condominium with units ranging in size from one bedroom to a much larger two bedroom and den units. There is secure underground parking, elevator, secure storage and admittance intercom. This condo building was completed in 1999 and consists of 54 units total in the development. Downtown amenities are all within walking distance of this property.

Wellington Place @ 1085 12th Avenue. This is an adult oriented building with an indoor pool, sauna, games room and elevator. Many condos have in-suite laundry and underground secure parking. This condo building was constructed in the later 1970’s and many units have seen significant upgrades and updates.

Click here to search for properties available in South Kamloops and Downtown.

Sun Rivers

Belmonte Gardens is an attached home owners association development that was built in multiple phases between 2013 and 2018. These units range in size and design. There are level entry units with basements and two storey designed homes with 3 levels of living space. Belmonte sits on a few streets Belmonte Ave, Court, Drive, Street, Terrace and Way. There are 89 units total in this development. All landscaping is taken care of by the HOA. Pets are allowed with restrictions and there are not any rental restrictions in this complex.

Golf Ridge is located steps to the local Sun Rivers restaurant and golf course. This community features 45 units and was built between 2008 and 2014. Golf ridge consists of two types of homes, a level entry home with basement and a walk up style home. This complex features a dipping pool and community space. Pets are allowed with restrictions and rentals are not permitted. All landscaping is taken care of by the HOA.

Irongate @ 1900 Irongate Place was built between 2008 and 2016 and features level entry rancher style homes. Some homes have basements while others are bungalow style on slab. These homes are all detached and feature 2 car garages. There are 38 units total in this development. The HOA takes care of all the landscaping so it is easy living and a lock and go lifestyle for residents.

Rio Vista is one of the newest developments in Sun Rivers and is located near the top ridge of the development featuring beautiful views from a number of units. There are 58 units total in this development and were built between 2017 and 2022. This HOA operates a lot like a bare land strata however the owners enjoy that all of the landscaping is taken care of by the development. Pets are permitted with restrictions and rentals are allowed.

Rosewood is a tuscan styled development built between 2005 and 2007. It features detached rancher style homes with and without basements. This development is located on the furthest west point of Sun Rivers and a number of homes feature beautiful views. The landscaping is all taken care of at this development for the owners. There are 59 units total, rentals are not permitted and pets are with restrictions.

Sagewood is seconds from the main entry to the Sun Rivers development and is one of the earlier developments in the area. Units were built between 1998 and 2005 and the development consists of all level entry ranchers with and without basements. Some of the units back on to the golf course and have beautiful views. The development itself is a lock and go lifestyle where the HOA takes care of all the landscaping. There is a community center on site with guest suite, exercise and games room.

Stoneridge was developed between 2006 and 2013. The homes in this HOA range in size from smaller bungalow style homes without basements (on slab) to two level rancher homes with full basements and lots of living space. The HOA takes care of all the landscaping for this development. It is located at the far east side of Sun Rivers and some units back on to the Golf Course.

Click here to search for properties available in Sun Rivers.

South Thompson Valley

Sienna Ridge @ 641 Shuswap Road East. This is a newer development started in 2017 that is fully gated and is adult oriented community. Each home is fully detached with a double garage and level entry. The homes feature full basements that some residents finish while others leave as unfinished storage. Each unit has a yard space. There is on site RV parking at this development.  Click here to view more info about this property.

Valleyview

Meadowlark Terrace @ 1651 Valleyview Drive. This is an adult oriented bare land strata development. There is an indoor pool, meeting room and RV parking. Each home in this development is detached and is on a low maintenance lot. Owners are responsible for their own landscaping in this development. Most homes are level entry ranchers but there are a number of homes that have multiple levels.

Valleyview Gardens @ 2169 Flamingo Road. This is a adult oriented 55+ strata condo development. This complex has a community room, in suite laundry and secure underground parking. A number of shops and a Save-on-foods is located steps from this complex.

If you are looking for stratas that cater to 45+ adults click here.

To view all properties available for sale in Kamloops click here.

Kamloops Real Estate Age Restricted Adult & Seniors 45+ Living

Kamloops has a number of 45+ adult and seniors living complexes and gated communities. Most Seniors living is comprised of apartment or condominium living although there are a couple of townhouse developments, bare land developments (detached units) and mobile home parks dedicated to the 45+ age group. Here is a list of complexes that specialize in 45+ through to 55+ living in Kamloops.

Brocklehurst

Desmond Manor: 840 Desmond Street: This seniors orientated townhouse development is located with in minutes of shopping and transportation. Each unit is self contained with a parking stall out front. Pets are allowed in this complex. Most units are two bedrooms and one bathroom with over 1,000 square feet of living space on one level. This is a smaller strata with only 7 units in total.


Orchard Court: 860 Nicolani Drive: This seniors orientated complex is located in a nice area of Brocklehurst. It is close to transportation, shopping and McArthur Island. There is an admittance intercom, elevator, community room and secure parking. Included with each unit is a enclosed garage or carport. The strata fees include digital cable. There is a rental restriction and one cat or one dog is allowed.

To view all the homes for sale in the Brock area click here.

Downtown/South Kamloops

Ashley Court: 338 Nicola Street: This sought after complex is centrally located. There is an admittance intercom, secure parking, an elevator, community room and is suitable for the disabled. There are no rentals or pets allowed in this complex. Units in this building consist of one bedroom, one bathroom to the larger two bedroom two bathroom. This strata is located two blocks from the hospital and minutes to all downtown amenities and professional offices.

Desert Gardens: 554 Seymour Street: This very popular complex has a seniors’ community centre that holds daily activities and clubs. The complex also features secure parking, an elevator and is suitable for the disabled. Units range in size from a one bedroom with one bathroom, to a larger two bedroom and a den with two bathroom unit. Pets are allowed with restrictions.

Manor House: 360 Battle Street: This 55+ Seniors orientated complex is in a great location, walking distance to numerous down town activities including the YMCA/YWCA. There is secure parking, admittance intercom and an elevator. There is also a community room for activities. The units in this complex range in size from a one bedroom, one bathroom to three bedroom two bathroom units. There are no pets or rentals are allowed in this complex.

Windsor Apartments: 411 Nicola Street: This seniors complex is close to all downtown amenities. There is secure parking, an elevator, a fitness facility, a sauna, a whirlpool and admittance intercom. Units range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are no rentals or pets allowed in this complex.

To view all the homes for sale in this area click here.

North Kamloops

Golden Vista Suites: 375 Cherry Avenue: This is a newer seniors development in North Kamloops close to shopping, medical clinics and transportation. This 46 unit strata consists of modern studio and one bedroom suites. There is a common community room and patio in this complex for the residents to enjoy as well as admittance intercom and elevator. This condo development is located only a 5-10 minute drive from downtown Kamloops and the hospital.

The Willows: 120 Vernon Avenue: This complex is located very close to shopping, transportation and medical clinics. Units range in size from one bedroom to two bedrooms and include storage lockers. Pets are allowed with restrictions. This complex has an admittance intercom and an elevator. The Willows rarely come up for sale on MLS, they are often handled in house or through private sales.

Riverdale Mobile Home Park: North Kamloops: This is a popular 55+ park for seniors. Close to downtown, transportation, walking trails and shopping. All units are detached mobile homes on a rental pad. This park does not allow pets or rentals.

To view all the homes for sale in these areas click here.

Valleyview

Curlew Gardens: 1975 Curlew Road: This seniors 55+ townhouse development is centrally located in Valleyview. Each unit has an open design with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main floor with nearly 1,200 square feet of living space and a full basement. There is also an enclosed single garage. There are no pets and restricted rentals are allowed in this complex.  The complex has limited RV parking. Located only a few minutes drive to both the Valleyview shopping district and Downtown amenities.

Valleyview Place: 2169 Flamingo Drive: This centrally located Valleyview complex is within walking distance of shopping and transportation. There is an admittance intercom, elevator, extra storage and secure parking. The units range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to a larger three bedroom two bathroom layout. There are rental and pet restrictions in this complex. This complex is located steps from Save-on-foods, Shoppers Drug Mart and a number of other shopping and professional offices.
To view all the homes for sale in the Valleyview area click here.

South Thompson Valley

Sienna Ridge @ 641 Shuswap Road East. This is a newer development started in 2017 that is fully gated and is adult oriented community. Each home is fully detached with a double garage and level entry. The homes feature full basements that some residents finish while others leave unfinished storage. Each unit has a yard space. There is on site RV parking at this development.  Click here to view more info about this property.

Westsyde

Oakdale Mobile Home Park: 2400 Oakdale Way: This park is split into two sections, the family section and seniors 55+ section. The Oakdale Park is very well maintained sought after park. It is situated close to the rivers trail and transportation. Homes in this park range in size from smaller single wide modular homes to larger double wide homes. Each home is on a small piece of property and usually has some private yard space.

To view all the homes for sale in the Kamloops area click here.

If you are looking for opportunities to purchase in other seniors facilities such as Riverbend, Berwick on the Park, Kamloops Seniors Village or Ponderosa Place contact the facility direct as these properties are not listed for sale on the MLS®.

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!

Search To Find an Agent Who Fits, Real Estate Watch: Having The Right Representative Can Save You Thousands of Dollars

I found that even though this article was written mainly for the Vancouver and Lower Mainland market area the advice that they have also applies to the Kamloops market. It is important to pick the right Realtor for you. There are a number of Realtors to choose from and it is hard to know where to start.

This article appeared on the Province website on February 7th, 2014 and was written by Michael Bernard.

Handshake kamloops real estate mls listingsWith the average home selling for more than $600,000 last year in Vancouver, buying and selling real estate is a serious business where a single mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.

Those mistakes can include hiring the wrong real estate agent, so it pays to listen to the experts before you sign on the dotted line. The leaders of the two major real estate boards covering southwestern B.C. recently offered some tips on how to choose the right agent – whether you are buying or selling a home.

“You really want to know what experience the realtor has before you engage them,” said Sandra Wyant, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. “If you are looking to purchase a condominium in downtown Vancouver, you want to be looking for an expert in that area and in stratas.”

Wyant says friends and family can be a real help in choosing a realtor.

“They will be very honest about their experience with a realtor. And ask the realtor for references, as well.”

If you are new to Metro Vancouver or don’t have friends or relatives to ask, both boards offered ways to size up an agent you are considering.

“If you have open houses in the area you are seeking to buy or sell in,

you can pop into the open house and interview the realtor who is doing those open houses,” Wyant said. “During the interview, you might ask the realtor how many transactions they handled in the past year so you can get a good sense of their experience in the business.”

Ray Werger, president-elect of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, said the Internet has great tools, such as LinkedIn or Google or realtor.ca, for checking out realtors.

“I would want to know if they are a well-rounded person and what kind of person are they outside of the ‘business veneer’,” he said. “Do they work in the community? Do

they have their own website and what sort of marketing do they do and what sort of price range do they work in?” Both Wyant and Werger put a high premium on communication and listening skills when sizing up a realtor.

“Do they listen well to the questions you are asking or are they selfabsorbed and pumping themselves up?” Werger asked.

Wyant also stressed that good realtors “put your needs above their own,” something that should become obvious during an interview.

People buying or selling a home should also make sure the realtor will meet their expectations about how often they communicate with them.

Ron Todson, who is the Fraser Valley board’s current president, said that when he was active in real estate sales, some clients wanted to hear from him every few days, while others only wanted to hear when they had an offer on their home or when he had a home to show them.

Todson said he had a set system of communicating any offers or other activity to the client every Thursday and would meet the client once a month. Regardless of your communications needs, the most important thing is to make sure you are comfortable with your realtor and that the relationship is a good fit, he said.

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