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Why Selling Now Could Be a Smart Move

If you're considering selling your home, you may be wondering whether now is the right time. While timing is always a key factor in real estate, there are several compelling reasons why selling your home now could be a smart move, especially in Surrey, BC, and the Fraser Valley. Let’s explore the factors that make today’s market a golden opportunity for sellers.


1. Demand Is Still Strong

Despite shifts in the market, buyer activity remains robust in many parts of Surrey and the Fraser Valley.

  • Motivated Buyers: With many families looking to move before the end of the year or prepare for next spring, the pool of serious buyers is higher than you might think.

  • Life Events Drive Decisions: Relocations, growing families, and life changes keep buyers active, regardless of market conditions.


2. Inventory Levels Are High—But Falling

While inventory levels have been high in recent months, we’re starting to see them trend downward. Here’s why this shift makes now an excellent time to sell:

  • Buyer Interest Is Picking Up: As interest rates fall and market confidence grows, more buyers are re-entering the market, reducing available inventory.

  • Seasonal Trends Are at Play: Many sellers traditionally remove their homes from the market during the late fall and winter months, resulting in fewer options for buyers. Listing now positions your home to stand out as inventory tightens.

  • Early Advantage: By selling now, you avoid competing in a potentially more crowded market when inventory levels stabilize or increase again in the spring.

This combination of declining inventory and renewed buyer activity creates an opportunity for sellers to attract motivated buyers and achieve strong offers before competition increases.


3. Home Prices Remain Stable

Although interest rates have risen, home values in Surrey and surrounding areas have shown stability, and in some cases, they’re still appreciating.

  • Equity Gains: If you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are you’ve built significant equity, giving you a solid return on your investment.

  • Opportunity for Upgrading: Selling at a favourable price allows you to move up to your next home or downsize strategically.


4. Seasonal Opportunities

While spring is traditionally the busiest real estate season, selling now comes with its own unique advantages.

  • Serious Buyers: Fall and winter buyers are often highly motivated to close deals, whether for tax reasons or personal deadlines.

  • Festive Charm: Homes can feel more inviting during the colder months, especially when staged with cozy, seasonal touches.


5. Interest Rates Are Falling: Why Act Now?

  • After a period of high interest rates, we’re finally starting to see rates drop—and further declines are anticipated. This creates a sweet spot for sellers. Here’s why:

    • Renewed Buyer Confidence: Lower rates are encouraging more buyers to enter the market, increasing demand for homes.

    • Maximizing Value Now: As rates continue to fall, the number of homes on the market is likely to rise, leading to more competition among sellers. Listing your home now allows you to take advantage of the current imbalance between strong buyer interest and lower inventory.

    • Strategic Timing: Selling now puts you in a position to buy your next home while rates are still trending downward, giving you an opportunity to lock in favourable financing terms for your move.

    Timing your sale during this period of falling rates can help you get the best of both worlds: top dollar for your current home and competitive financing on your next one.


6. The Perfect Time to Plan for Your Future

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or simply taking advantage of a favourable market, selling now allows you to take control of your financial and personal goals.

  • Plan Ahead for 2025: Selling now means you can start fresh in the new year with your plans already in motion.

  • Capitalize on Market Conditions: Timing your sale strategically could result in better outcomes than waiting for a potentially slower market.


Why Partner with Us?

Selling your home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make, and having the right team in your corner makes all the difference. At The Holmes Real Estate Team, we specialize in crafting personalized selling strategies tailored to your unique needs and goals. Here’s how we can help:

  • Accurate Pricing: We’ll evaluate your home and the market to determine the ideal listing price.

  • Expert Marketing: From professional photography to targeted online campaigns, we’ll ensure your home gets the exposure it deserves.

  • Stress-Free Process: We handle all the details, so you can focus on what’s next.


Is Now the Right Time for You?

Selling your home now could be one of the smartest financial moves you make—whether to capitalize on current market conditions, secure your next dream home, or start a new chapter. Let’s explore your options and determine the best strategy for your needs.

📞 Call/Text: 778.834.9929
📧 Email: greg@HolmesTeam.ca
🌐 Visit: www.holmesteam.ca

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can help you make the most of today’s market opportunities.

Let’s make your next move your best move!

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Are you planning on buying your first home? Or are you moving and will be refinancing your mortgage? We met with one of our mobile mortgage specialists recently and she gave us some tips on improving your chances of getting a good mortgage. We also checked online and found some advice, so here's a compilation of top mistakes that hurt your credit score.

1. Paying bills late. Even paying just one day late can hurt your score. Mark your calendar or set up an automatic payment plan with your bank.

2. Not checking your credit reports. You really should try to do this once a year. Apparently there can be some mistakes on there or unfortunately, identity fraud, so it's prudent to do this. Check out www.equifax.ca or www.transunion.ca for more info.

3. Maxing out your credit cards. If you do that, it shows that you are using too much of your available credit. Try to give that credit card a break and use another one... but try to keep it at less than half of your available credit.

4. Using cash over credit. If you use cash, you can't show your lenders how well you handle debt. So then you don't have much of a credit history.

5. Applying for extra cards. Not a good idea as it may look like you are desperate for credit. Closing credit cards on the other hand is not a good sign either. You are ultimately shrinking your amount you are allowed to borrow. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, annual fees,etc, then by all means close the account.

If you find out that your credit score isn't very good, some mortgage specialists will work with you to improve your score. It may take 6 months to a year, but that is well worth it to get your financing in order to ultimately get the home you want.

If you have any questions about applying for a mortgage to buy a home or finding a good mortgage broker, feel free to contact us info@holmesteam.ca.

* Please note, this is general information only and should not be taken as specialist advice. If you need more specific information, contact your mortgage specialist/broker.


Cheers,

Greg & Liz

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Nobody likes to move...but it's a necessary evil to get to a new home. Being organized can help a lot:

About a month before moving day:
- as a client of ours, you will receive a "Holmes Team After the Sale/Moving Checklist"
- call a moving company and book moving date
- notify post office for change of address
- notify school(s) of change of address
- contact your home insurance company to update info
- notify bank of change of address

A couple of weeks before moving day:
- contact your lawyer/notary to ensure they have all the information needed regarding the sale/purchase of your home
- arrange to have utilities disconnected at current home and connected at new home
- hold a garage sale to sell unwanted items
- arrange for transportation and care of your pets
- start packing and labeling boxes
- discontinue newspaper delivery
- plan to carry valuable documents/jewelery with you on moving day
- take down curtain rods, drapes and shelves

A day or two before moving day:
- confirm with Greg and Liz what time you will be leaving your home and moving to your new home
- clean fridge and oven
- finish packing personal items
- set aside items to go into your vehicle with you
- confirm contact information, address and moving time with movers
- verify that utilities have been/will be connected at new home

Moving day:
- have vacuum ready
- empty and clean out your fridge and freezer
- make a final inspection of house before leaving
- check all rooms, closets, cupboards and drawers
- get keys from Greg and Liz for your new place
- enjoy your new home!

If you have any questions about moving, feel free to contact us at info@holmesteam.ca or call us at 778.834.9929. We would be happy to help. 

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Planning on buying a home or already own a home? Here are 10 grants & rebates that will help you save $$$!

1. Home Buyer's Plan
Qualifying homebuyers can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can withdraw up to $50,000) from their RRSP's for a down payment. Homebuyers who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time. (Go to www.cra.gc.ca enter "Home Buyers Plan" in the search box or phone 1-800-959-8287).

2. GST Rebate on New Homes
New homebuyers can apply for a rebate of the federal portion of the HST (the 5% GST) if the purchase price is less than $350,000. The rebate is up to 36% of the GST to a maximum rebate of $6,300. There is a proportional GST rebate for new homes costing between $350,000 and $450,000. (Go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca enter "RC4028" in the search box or call 1-800-959-8287).

3. BC New Housing Rebate (HST)
Buyers of new or substantially renovated homes priced up to $525,000 are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7% of the 12% HST) paid to a maximum rebate of $26,250. Homes priced at $525,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $26,250. (Go to http://hst.blog.gov.bc.ca/faqs/new-housing-rebate or call 1-800-959-8287).

4. Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First Time Home Buyers' Program
Qualifying first-time buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $425,000. There is a proportional exemption for homes priced up to $450,000. (Go to www.rev.gov.bc.ca/rpt or call 250-387.0604).

5. First-time Home Buyers Tax Credit (HBTC)
This is a non-refundable income tax credit for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. It's calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2009) by $5,000. For 2009 the maximum credit was $750. (Go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hbtc or call 1-800-959-8281).

6. BC Home Owner Grant
Reduces school property taxes by up to $570 on properties with an assessed value up to $1,050,000. For 2010, the basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of value over $1,050,000 and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,164,000+. An additional grant reduces property tax by a further $275 for a total of $845 for seniors, veterans and the disabled. This is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,050,000 and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,219,000+. (Go to www.rev.gov.bc.ca/hog or your municipal tax office).

7. LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
Homeowners improving the energy efficiency of their homes who hire a certified energy advisor may qualify for cash incentives through this provincial program provided in partnership with Terasen Gas, BC Hydro, and FortisBC. (Go to www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates or call 1-866-430-8765).

8. BC Hydro Appliance Rebates
Mail in rebates of $25-50 for purchases of ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, or freezers between June 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 or when funding is exhausted. (Go to www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/appliance_rebates.html or call 1-800-224-9376).

9. BC Hydro Fridge Buy-Back Program (different from Applicance rebates)
This ongoing program rebates BC Hydro customers $30 to turn in spare fridges measuring 10-24 cubic feet in working condition. (Go to www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/fridge_buy_back.html or call 604-881-4357).

10. BC Hydro Mail-in Rebates/Savings Coupons
BC Hydro offers rebates including 10% off an ENERGY STAR cordless phone, 50% off an E2TM dual-flush toilet, $15 off a clothes drying rack, and 50% off Earth Massage showerheads. Check for deadlines. (Go to www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/coupons.html or call 1-800-224-9376).

Bonus - couldn't help but provide you with another one!
11. Terasen Gas Rebate program
Rebates for homeowners include $25 gift cards for furnace servicing, $50 rebates for upgrading a water heater, $150 rebate on an EnerChoice fireplace, $1,000 rebate for switching to natural gas and installing an ENERGY STAR heating system. (Go to www.terasengas.com/homes/offers/lowermainlandsquamish.html or call 1-888-224-2710).

Adapted from REBGV The Open House August 13, 2010


For all your real estate needs, contact Greg and Liz Holmes, The Holmes Team.
If you have any questions about the above rebates and grants or have a real estate related question, please call us at 778.834.9929 or email us at info@holmesteam.ca

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