In this blog I share five tips for the Best Father’s Day Gift.

Tip number one! Buy your dad an appreciation card. Although Dad‘s do not admit it. They really appreciate receiving a card with kind words and a few reasons why you appreciate them so much. Give examples of what they have done in your life that made you so thankful for them.

 Tip number two! Quiet time. Fathers are always working to attending to your family’s need but they also do crave some time to themselves. A time where they can just sit back, quiet time to relax and do the things they enjoy the most e.g. watching TV, watching a movie. A note that this quiet time has to be uninterrupted. Quiet time for themselves to enjoy being alone and having space for themselves.

Tip number three! Food. Steak Dinner. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, well it is true for dad‘s. They really enjoy certain meals that they  do not get all the time so why not make that special meal for them on that special day. It could be bacon and eggs for breakfast or it could be steak dinner or a barbecue. Make sure though that this time they do not have to do any of the work. You make sure, you have everything ready and you and the kids can barbecue and take care of all the cooking details dad usually takes care of. It will show how much you value him for what he does to help the family.

Tip number four! An electronic tape measure. This is a gift that is not very expensive and it’s around $30 on Amazon. The measuring tape is something that dad’s are always using and it’s a tool that is a small, accurate and they can always can keep handy in their truck or even pocket. They will love their new tech measuring tape.

Tip number five! Why don’t you and your kids do a cute video message choreographed with simple words of five reasons why you love him as a dad. These little video clips are the best because he can keep it forever and the message is coming from his loved one of words he does not hear everyday. To create the video message, you can use TikTok or any another video editing app to put the video clips together. Once the video is complete, you can text it to him on Father’s Day and he will really appreciate you and be thankful for your love.

I hope you these tips help you and you all have a wonderful Father’s day with your families!

Best Wishes Always!

Shirin Purewal

Check out our latest listing ! A one bedroom, one bathroom condo in the heart of Bear Mountain. Fantastic Value and Price. If you chose to live in Victoria, this place is a must see. Located in a beautiful neighbourhood, close to the Westin Hotel. Some say this neighbourhood looks like the village in Whistler! A tourist attraction, a golfer and tennis player's paradise. I love the trails and patio restaurants with amazing views that are within walking distance and I love the pet friendly environment and neighbourhood.

Own a piece of your own resort in Bear Mountain and check this condo out! 

We are hoping this finds you healthy, happy, and optimistic about moving forward in your business, while also making plans to enjoy your summer.  

With the gradual re-opening of some businesses and loosening of some restrictions, I have noticed that Buyers and Sellers are preparing to revisit their Real Estate goals, and adjust to the new norms of viewing and showing properties. 

I am excited to provide Sellers Virtual Open Houses n Victoria that are marketed far and wide, hosted by me, and backed with a Marketing Team that has assisted in some of the most successful Virtual Open Houses to date. 

Scroll down to see how I can fill Virtual Open Houses with attendees.

Our phone lines and email remain open to you for all of your Real Estate Administration and Marketing needs, and our business is running as usual to serve our community. 

Please take care of yourselves and each other during this time. 

**Be healthy **Be happy **Be kind to each other

What if I told you that host over 200+ attendees at a Virtual Open House in Victoria BC? 

Our Virtual Open House Support Includes full set up and Real Time on line, LIVE support and Marketing- before, during, and after our Virtual Open House.

Here's how: 

• Online Marketing to promote your Open House on Matrix, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and 3 Free Online Platforms in 3 cities Canada Wide!
• Set up of Facebook LIVE Event / Zoom Event connection and paid promotion of Event 3 days prior 
• Attendee Management and daily engagement / encouragement
• Over the phone training with your LIVE support manager on how to conduct the Virtual Open House successfully, and engage with NEW Buyers and Sellers
• LIVE support and engagement throughout the VOH, greeting viewers, providing commentary, and reinforcing your comments and information (contact info for you, links to listing etc) 
• Collection of viewer information and attendees, as well as excel download of names of your virtual attendees to follow up with. 
• Handling any technical issues that arise during your Virtual Open House in Victoria 
• Downloading your LIVE Video, converting to MP4, and uploading to your social media channels for anyone that may have missed the LIVE. 

Homeowners tend to renovate their houses every few years. With the changing lifestyle, you might want to customize the existing spaces according to your requirements. However, it is also recommended to consider the aspirations of future buyers, in case you want to sell your house after a certain period of time.

Certainly, the house renovation should include house maintenance to expect a good return. However, making a few renovations will ensure the best resale value of the house. According to reports, approximately 58% of new house buyers undergo home renovation. So why not incorporate their probable needs to increase your house value?

Evaluating and shortlisting the areas of improvements can be a time-taking process. You need to prioritize the more valuables than others to optimize your home renovation process in a limited budget. Here we have shortlisted some of the most important areas which can result in the high resale value of your house.

∙       Landscape your garden

The very first space that catches a buyer’s attention is the outdoor green space. It adds to the aesthetic appeal to the house and makes a very good first impression. Also owing to the current situations of lockdown, people would prefer having an excellent outdoor area to spend their time outdoors. 

You can plan a patio or deck as a pleasant outdoor sitting or a theme-based landscape garden. It is recommended to consult a professional for landscaping or building a pool to ensure that your garden keeps up to the ongoing garden trends.

∙       Optimize floor area

If you happen to buy a house with differentiated living, dining, and kitchen area, try to eliminate partition walls to optimize the floor area. Moreover, people prefer open plan designs which promote a better visual connection between spaces. Retractable furniture will help you in making your living spaces multi-functional.

Houses with larger and open spaces tend to have a higher value, so plan your house accordingly. Or possibly convert a potential space into a bedroom, since most home buyers are always looking for more bedrooms in the house. This will hike your house value to a very considerable amount.

∙       Modify kitchens and bathrooms

According to Forbes, millennials are most likely to remodel kitchens and bathrooms as soon as they buy a new house. Since these are high- traffic and high-use spaces, buyers have a keen interest in acquiring an up-to-date bathroom and modular kitchen.

You can modify the kitchen by replacing the old flooring with the latest tile or vinyl flooring. Further, you can incorporate new cabinets with built-in appliances to create a trendy kitchen.

As far as bathrooms are concerns, you need to ensure tight sanitary fittings along with all the basic bathrooms accessories.

∙       Roof repair and maintenance

Home renovations must include a strict check on roof conditions. A strong and sturdy roof ensures good house health. If your roof has developed leakage or wear and tear over time, it is time to get it inspected and do the recommended actions to revive its strength. 

∙       Get your house inspected

Even after doing all the possible house renovations, it is always recommended to consult a certified home inspector to conduct a thorough house inspection. Professional help will enhance your knowledge towards ideal house health and you can plan your renovation accordingly.

If you plan to sell the house, your house has to go through an examination anyways, so why not do it beforehand? This will ensure your upper hand in front of the potential buyers and depict that you are way ahead of time in maintaining a health house throughout.  You can also dodge costly fixes or concessions asked by the buyers.

It is recommended to consult a real estate agent to get real-time updates on the on-going trends and demands of homebuyers in the market. No one can advise you better than the field professional of your city. So appoint an experienced agent to suggest potential home renovation spaces as per the trending requirements in your area.

Also, besides the tips provided, it is always advised to make your house more energy-efficient and maintain cleanliness. This will surely add up to your house value to great extents. 

Whether you are looking for renting a property or buying of your own, certain parameters affect your decision to a great extent. Finding a good neighbourhood is certainly one of them. You might want to spend the rest of your life at the same place and your surroundings will surely affect your lifestyle. So why compromise with finding the perfect location for your dream house?

Undoubtedly, choosing the appropriate neighbourhood requires a lot of research before coming to a conclusion. Here we have shortlisted some of the tips to shortlist a comfortable and convenient neighbourhood for you and your family.

∙       Safety first

Besides all the parameters, the safety factor is always a priority. You are not going to enjoy your homestay in an unsafe environment. Some neighbourhoods might have lower rents and house prices but might come with greater risk of theft or mishaps. The value of such a location is prone to decrease with time.

Check online sources to know the crime rates in the locality. Try to visit the place at different times to observe nearby activities. This will give you an overview of the neighborhood and whether you like it or not.

∙       Commute

You are most likely to find a place near your office. But it is further recommended to search for a place with a convenient commute within the perimeter. Look whether the locality has easy access to public transport, highways, etc.

Owing to the current scenario, people will tend to opt for traveling via walking or jogging to practice social distancing and maintaining a strong immune system. Hence, besides conventional commuting, check if the locality has active transportation including walking and cycling tracks.

∙       Study topography

The topological location of your house can affect your living experience in a lot of ways. In case you wish to live uphill with a beautiful scenic view, the price of the house is most likely to be high. The same is the case for houses near water bodies, countryside or mountains. Prioritize your choice accordingly.

 It is always recommended doing appropriate research if the locality is prone to any natural disaster. Check if the roads are properly maintained at times of snowfall or rainstorms because you would not want to be stuck in traffic at such extreme conditions in the future.

∙       Proximity of amenities

Besides finding a place near your workplace, look for a place that also has grocery shops, general stores, recreational spaces, and green areas in close proximity. According to your lifestyle and family, choose a neighbourhood that satisfies the needs. You might have to look for a good school for your kid in the future. Look for a community with easy access to schools.

∙       Observe your neighbourhood character

Everyone has a different way of living and it is necessary that your neighbourhood complements it. So, it is important that you examine the intangible aspects of the chosen neighbourhood. 

The first and foremost way of doing so is by talking to the people. Ask them what they like and dislike about the place, if the community is welcoming enough and if they have face any problem. No one can give you a better insight of the place than the residents. So however awkward the situation may get, don’t forget to take feedback. 

The next step is to observe. The type of community you would like depends on your lifestyle. You might like an interactive community with a lot of public events or a neighbourhood with minimal interaction. As per your requirement, observe whether the behaviour of the community suits your way of living or not. 

You can also choose a locality according to the type of people living there. Being a family, you might want to live around families which could help you in need. Whereas being a youngster, you would want to be surrounded by youth to hang out with.

∙       Rent before you buy

Following online reviews and talking to local residents might give you a fair sense of the community. But nothing is compared to the full proof assurance and insight you get when you live in the community yourself. It makes even more sense when you move in from far away and are not familiar with the know-how of the place. You would not want to be stuck in a place because of a contract. 

This will also enable you to make better home-buying decisions. Though the online buying platform can assist you in shortlisting but when it comes to the final decision, it is better to experience it in person.

Moving to a new neighbourhood might be a very overwhelming process. You might have to leave your loved ones behind and adjust to newer people and communities. But remember a new place comes with new opportunities to explore and make new friends. Finding the perfect neighbourhood for you and your family will make your moving process stress-free and worthy of all the efforts.

For more help contact Top Realtor in Victoria BC - Shirin Purewal :

The post-COVID world will see a drastic transformation in the real estate world. People will have changed priorities towards selling and buying houses. Those who already own a place might want to shift to a better and safer place to live. Let us see what the home buyers will look forward to a house after the market revives again.

Preference for a larger house

Owing to the prevailing circumstances, the office culture is bound to modify. Most of the offices will prefer to work from home to maintain social distancing. This will compel people to make changes in their house. Some might have to shift due to space constraints. That’s how it will have an indirect effect on the real estate market. 

This may result in a sudden demand for larger houses with open spaces. It can be expected that the demand for 3BHK or 4BHK is prone to increase drastically. People might preferably opt for independent houses to ensure a safer environment. Eventually, land prices will also increase with time.

Preference for open and green spaces

Until now, going out for leisure and recreational activities was a part of the lifestyle. This helped people in accommodating themselves in smaller spaces without the need for additional spaces for recreation. Moreover in congested cities, people would avoid open spaces to maximize the usable floor area.

However, due to the current conditions, the scenario is likely to change. As people are becoming more cautious about self-health and safety, they would prefer open spaces. They would choose to accommodate recreational activities within the house rather than stepping out. Green spaces would play an important role in creating a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Preference for altered facilities and services

Generally a house or apartment’s price increases with the additional facilities it provides. Swimming pool, home theatre room, gym, game room are some of the most demanded amenities. 

It is most probable that people might change their priorities about the facilities provided. Rather than choosing the above-mentioned amenities, they would look for the proximity of medical facilities, hospitals, and general stores. They would look for more open spaces with gardens and playgrounds, as compared to restaurants. With the urge to maintain strong immune, people would prefer running tracks and sports facilities within the complex.

People would try to avoid travel, which would compel them to search for a house near the workplace. Infrastructure which would comply with work from home will incline more clients towards it. This will ensure a safe and healthy lifestyle for the people.

Preference for residing city

Due to high population density or lack of medical infrastructure, some cities would be more prone to the spread of COVID-19 in the future. With the growing concern of wellbeing and hygiene, people would take all the possible measures to ensure a safe living condition. 

The demand for houses in the suburbs or outskirts of cities with less population is most likely to increase. People would prefer larger green spaces than crowded city centers. Eventually, prices of such locations will hike.

The end of COVID -19 will lead to an altered preference of home buyers. Those living in smaller residences will seek for a bigger one. While those living in densely populated cities would like to shift to green suburbs. Whatever may be the case, the upcoming real estate market will see a huge demand from the home buyer’s side.

The moment you make a decision to buy a home in Victoria BC, you know you have a lot of investments and overwhelming procedures coming your way.  It includes planning, dealing with different agents, R&D, and above all adequate knowledge of all the processes.

We know how important it is to select the ideal home that you have been looking for. But before getting into it, it is important to understand the home-buying process. It will assist you to make smarter decisions in the long run. Here is a guide to offer you an overview of the procedures and prepare you for them.

• The right time to buy a house

The first question that arises in your mind is when is the right time to buy your dream house? Are you ready for the commitments and investments that it asks for?

Well the answer would be, do a pre-execution evaluation of your finances and housing market. Make sure you have a considerable amount of savings to kick-start your home financing. Also, keep a consistent check on the housing market. As a smart choice, select a house whose value will go up in the future. Appoint a real estate agent at this stage for the best aid.

• Estimate the cost

Fixing your financial expenditure is the foundation for house selection. Home searching is an endless process unless you have a fixed price range. It makes the process convenient by filtering out the options beyond the range. It is very important to calculate your finances beforehand. You don’t want to be overcrowded by the financial stresses later-on. 

Save enough finances to cover the down payment, closing cost, prepaid costs, and moving expenses. It is advised to save at least 10% as the down payment for your new home. Plan out your finances precisely by including even the smallest expenditures.

In case you plan for a mortgage, get it preapproved. The lender will verify your financial information to offer a preapproval letter.

• Look for the best real estate agent

Appointing an appropriate real estate agent can benefit you in more than just one way. You may start the research online but when it comes to securing the best home, you need the help of an expert. Further, when it comes to negotiating, the agent can get you the house is the best possible offer.

A good real estate agent will navigate you through the process to make the right decisions. An expert agent should have an up to date knowledge of the market and would give you honest insight about the locations and houses.

• Start your home search

1.    Do your homework:

Since you have worked out your finances, you know what you can afford. According to your budget, search for houses online before jumping on the offline survey. 

2.    Must-have list:

Make a must-have list that you expect from a house. Share the list with the agent so that specific houses can be shortlisted.

3.    Location:

Since you and your children will be spending their life in the house, you cannot avoid the neighborhood. Look for the nearest school, medical facilities, shops, etc. Also, look at whether the house price is declining or rising in that area.

4.    Analyze precisely:

Sellers might accentuate the outer surfaces of the house to cover the defects. Therefore go through the house to evaluate every minute detail. If you are doubtful of any area, ask the seller to get it certified by the respective agency.

∙€€€€€€Make an offer

Once you are satisfied with your choice of home, make an offer and sign the contract agreement with the seller. Your real estate agent will help you in doing the needful.

Sometimes, due to intense negotiation, you might have to compromise on small details to continue to process. Consult your agent to decide whether those details can be compromised or not. Just remember you need to hold tight of the situation to make it successful.

∙€€€€€€Home Inspection and Appraisal

Once you are done with the contract, you are the official owner of the house, which gives you a responsibility of ensuring home safety. It is time to work out the contingencies mentioned in the contract. If something goes wrong, you may walk out of the contract without losing your deposit. 

As the very first precaution, get a home inspection done by a professional agency. In case the inspection reveals major issues regarding the house’s structure, ask the seller to get it fixed or reduce the worth. Consult your real estate agent if you should get any other specific inspections like radon test or termite inspection.

In case you are going for a home loan, the seller would require an appraisal. Appraisal evaluates the net worth of the property, which will, in turn, keep you from paying off more than the actual worth. If the appraisal turns out to be lower than your offer price, your real estate can negotiate with the seller to reduce the price.

∙€€€€€€Closing documents

Once you are through with the rigorous process, you are just a step away from your house warming session!

You would get a copy of the closing documents way before the closing day. You will be required to pay for closing costs, property tax, and home owner’s insurance (if any).

Feel free to ask any questions at the time of closing, as this might be one of the biggest purchases and sell for you and seller respectively. You have the right to know what you are endorsing.

That’s all for the procedure part of the house shopping. The process might not be a piece of cake, but surely the end result is worth all the hard work and pain.  Just careful planning with the help of the right real estate agent is all you need to reach your home-purchasing goal successfully.

Selling a house is always a big deal for the family. Partly because you have a lot of memories attached to it and partly because of the overwhelming procedure you have to go through. Especially for first time sellers, there are certain rules you should know before moving forward.

From the day you decide to sell your house to finalizing the deal, the process is going to be rigorous. Luckily, the good part is that the process can be made easier by smart practice. With an organized plan, you can work out the optimum final results. Here is a complete guide on how to sell a house.

Choosing the right agent: An apt real estate agent should seek your best interest. Not only should he find the best buyer but he should also update you about the selling process. The agent should acknowledge your home’s pros as well as cons. He/she should be tactful enough to find the buyers corresponding to your house’s selling points.

Prepare the house for sale: Start by making a list of all the potential areas or furniture which needs to be repaired or replaced. You can appoint homemakers or take your agent’s assistance for making the house presentable. You also need to decide which furniture you want to take along and leave behind. It is always suggested to do the necessary repairs than leaving them for the end time. The first impression is the last impression, so make it count. 

Put a price to your home: One of the crucial stages is to put a reasonable price tag to your house. Getting emotional while deciding the price often leads to the overpricing of the house. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the real estate agent regarding the price. Do not forget to add the cost of the repairs that you have put in while renovating the house for sale, the agent’s commissions, etc.

You can also search for properties of comparable plot sizes in your area that are registered online for sale. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the prevailing market traits before putting a final price tag.

Advertise your house: By this time, you havealready analyzed the selling points of your house. It’s time to flaunt them with the best possible advertising campaign to attract potential buyers. Search online and take guidance from the real estate agent to make your personalized marketing campaign. Hire a professional photographer to take quality pictures and make a virtual tour. Ask him to highlight the main features of the house. Search for the main keywords used by the public for finding a property. Try to incorporate those in your advertisement.

Show the house: It would be more convenient for you to provide a spare key to the agent. It will allow them to make a visit as per the buyer’s wish. If you opt for an appointment, try to be flexible enough with the timings. Also, regardless of the buyer’s decision, take it feedback from them regarding the price and condition of the house. You can adjust your bid accordingly.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not advised to pursue an offline home tour. The buyers can set up an inquiry to ask for a virtual tour.

Review the purchase offers: If your house is priced reasonably, you may come across a lot of purchase inquiries. Review all the inquiries, even if some of them are too low. Filter out the best buyers and negotiate with a counter offer. Always use facts and data to support your house’s price while negotiating. It will promote the potential buyer to consider your home.

Get a home appraisal: Always do your research before getting a home appraisal done. Make a list of all the renovations done to the house.

In the case you get a home appraisal below your expectations, ask your agent for the possible alternatives. The agent may give some insights about the benefits of your house to retain the contract.

Home Inspection: Get a home inspection checklist from your agent and verify if your home complies with all the requirements. You should know in advance what the inspector wants to see. If the contract mentions inspection of any area of the house, hire a reputed company to examine and do the needful. 

You are also obligated to get the repairs done as a part of post-inspection negotiations and obtain the additional inspection certifications asked by the buyer. This will also prepare the house for the buyer inspection which takes place a few days before closing.

Provide property disclosure documents: As a seller, you are required to reveal the defects or material discrepancies (if any) which may affect the house safety. These should be acknowledged in writing prior to the closing.

Document approval: Once you are through with all the formalities, you will be required to sign all the legal documents approving the sale of your house. 

Closing the transaction: These procedures are followed by the last step of closing the transaction. The due mortgage balance is paid along with the agent’s commission. Settle all the closing costs and make sure to obtain your profit from the deal.

The process of selling a house is certainly lengthy. You may have to wait for the right buyer for a long time. But once you will be done with all the procedures and formalities, it will all be worth it. Stay in there long and wait for the right deal to come at you.

For more help contact Top Realtor in Victoria BC - Shirin Purewal :