To sell, or not to sell... that is the question.

Whether you're ready to down-size, or in need of an upgrade- we are here to help!

If you're thinking of selling your home and would like an experienced agent who can assist you through a seamless transaction, contact us!

Island Homes Group

David Silletta *PREC 250.888.6924

Agustin Torres *PREC 250.886.8520

info@IslandHomesGroup.ca

www.IslandHomesGroup.ca⁠

There’s a reason why you hear “location, location, location” all the time when you’re buying a home. You can change a lot of things about your house, but you can’t change your home’s location!

So make sure to keep these things in mind when you’re searching for your perfect neighborhood.

- Nearby Amenities

- School District

- Neighborhood Lifestyle

- Commute Times

- Property Value

- Property Taxes & HOA Fees

Neighborhood amenities, like parks or clubhouses, can add more value to your home. You’ll also want to make sure you map out your access to everyday essentials like grocery stores, your office and medical centers to see if the location is convenient or not. And make sure you’re aware of any neighborhood HOA fees and what your property taxes will be. These can make a difference to your monthly payment.

If you need help finding the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood, send us a DM!

Island Homes Group

David Silletta *PREC 250.888.6924

Agustin Torres *PREC 250.886.8520

info@IslandHomesGroup.ca

www.IslandHomesGroup.ca⁠

Pre-Sale Buying Process

1. Meet with a Mortgage Provider & determine your budget

While you’ll likely need pre-approval if you’re buying a presale condo, you won’t need to secure or start paying a mortgage until your property is fully built, with your mortgage loan payments beginning upon final closing.

2. Home search

Using a buyers agent or websites like Realtor.ca, search for the pre-sale condo that’s right for you.

3. Connect with the sales team

Connect with the sales team to get all the latest information about the pre-sale.

4. Submit an offer

Once you have reviewed the information and selected your desired unit, you will submit an offer to the seller. 

5. Receive an accepted offer.

Now that you have an accepted offer, the 7-day rescission period begins. During this time you can walk away from the contract without any penalty. Once the rescission period is up, you must close on the purchase or risk losing the deposit.

6. Deposit paid and Subjects Removed.

You must submit a deposit pof 10% of the sale price within 48 hours of the 7-day rescission period. 

7. 3 month warning to closing

Because the condos are under construction, you will not know exactly when completion and possession will occur until the 3-month warning to closing.

8. Deficiency walk-through

This is where you will get to see your condo for the first time. You’ll walk-through and mark all the deficiencies. The builders will come through again to correct all the marked deficiencies.  

9. Lawyer meeting

Meet with your legal council to sign all purchase documents.

10. Key delivery/move in

The day is finally here! Collect the keys and take possession of your new condo. The developer will release a move-in schedule with each buyer's move-in time.

If you’re interested in purchasing a pre-sale condo or if you just have some more questions about the pre-sale buying process, please reach out to us. We are ready to help!

Looking to buy an investment property this year? Here's what to look for: ⁣

Attractive location

 "Location, Location, Location" it really is that important: schools, neighborhood amenities, shopping, businesses, and public transit are all features that'll boost your property's appeal.⁣

Property Features 

Even though you may not be planning to live in this property, someone will be! Think about features like a garage, additional bathrooms, home office space. The layout and design of the property make a difference too. Is it designed with practical everyday living in mind? Does it have natural light? These are all things tenants are often looking for, so you should too, before you buy.

Numbers that work 

Don't forget you're covering more than just the mortgage. Make sure to factor operating costs, property taxes, strata fees (if applicable) into your equation, and account for times when your property will be vacant.⁣

Contact us today to learn more! 

We are seeing a shift to a more balanced market. We are seeing that conditional offers are coming back, and negotiations between seller and buyer, which gives buyers a more equal opportunity to secure the home they want. 

If you’re ready to stop paying your landlord’s mortgage payments and begin building your own equity, reach out to us so we can help you on your journey to home ownership.

Moving can be stressful for grownups, so just imagine how anxious it can be for your kids.The challenges that come with moving with pets don't come with a formula solution, but here are some tips that should make the experience a bit calmer for you and your family.

1. Take your child to your new community before the move.

2. Allow time to unpack and get settled.

3. Be strategic about packing your kids’ things.

4. Prepare an overnight bag for your child.

5. Be patient with your child.

If you're ready to make the move with your kids, Get in touch with us!

How Much is Your Home Worth?

While online estimates can sometimes be a good place to start, there are a lot of other factors that go into pricing a home that they do not take into account. As local agents, we understand the nuances of the market and can help walk you through your options. Additionally, we have a variety of tools that can help determine the right price for your home based on other factors, like the condition of your home and similar homes in the area.

If you are looking to sell your current home, let’s chat! We would love to talk through the pros and cons of selling your home. We can also help you estimate what your current home may be worth.

Contact us today to learn more! 

Renting has its perks, but nothing compares to owning your own home. If you’re ready to leave renting behind, follow these 7 steps:

1. Know your why:

Are you outgrowing your space or are you tired of throwing money away? Before you start looking, make sure you’re committed to your why. 

2. Determine your budget and timeline:

You need to know how much you can spend. The best way to do that? Talk to a lender! They’ll take a look at your financial situation and help you understand your timeline.

3. Tackle your credit score:

If you’re not quite into “good” credit territory, don’t panic! Work on decreasing your credit card debt and making payments on time while you save up.

4. Decide what you need and want in a home:

This is the fun bit. But it can be HARD. You need to be clear on the difference between your need-to-haves and your nice-to-haves when it comes to home features.

5. Get pre-approved:

First, find a lender you like. Most agents have tried-and-true lenders, so they can be a great place to start! Your lender will look at your finances, tell you how much you can afford, and give you the pre-approved stamp of approval.

6. Find an agent:

Once you’re pre-approved and know exactly what you’re looking for, it’s time to bring in an agent. Your agent will be your real estate BFF.

7. Familiarize yourself with your agent's search tools:

Your agent has access to loads of tools to make your life easier! Use their MLS search tools and their resources to find listings you love.

If you’re ready to stop renting and start owning, Contact us to get started on your home ownership journey.