Thinking of a Move? Okanagan Real Estate Tips from a Pro
It’s officially fall and there couldn’t be a better time for downsizing or moving on up in residential real estate during the current seller’s market.
According to award-winning Realtor Scarlett Barber, (Personal Real Estate Corporation) RE/MAX Orchard Country in Summerland, the reasons to list now are many.
“It’s still a great time to sell. The inventory is low on average and there are many serious buyers out there,” said Barber. “Sellers can find serious buyers searching in the cooler months with less competition with other properties on the market. Buyers putting in offers will have more success as there are fewer people just thinking of getting into the market — those who are looking now are those who are motivated to buy.”
She added that moving in the off-season is generally easier to get a hold of movers, lawyers, appraisers, or inspectors to make the move even easier to fit within your timeframe. Most people currently wanting to buy are from the local area and can often easily come by for a tour of the listing, but there are still out-of-towners coming in to purchase a home.
For those not quite ready to list their homes, Barber suggests taking some time to make improvements to optimize the return on their real estate investment.
“The offseason is a better time to find trades to work on those repairs to make your house stand out,” she said. “Small upgrades can make a huge difference when selling your home: painting, landscaping, put in a hot tub, or get air conditioning at off-season rates.”
Other work Scarlett recommends to homeowners includes installing irrigation (installers are less busy) putting in blinds and window coverings, replace the deck (wood prices are falling) and in the weeks leading up to Black Friday it’s a great time to find deals and upgrade to new appliances.
“If you are working at home, you will also have an easier time getting trades in to upgrade your home,” said Barber.
Personally, Barber’s accomplishments in her field have not gone unnoticed, having received a number of prestigious awards, including RE/MAX’S Newcomer of the Year Award in 2018, RE/MAX’s 100% Club Award in 2018-2019, RE/MAX Platinum Club Award 2020, and the top two Best of the South Okanagan Favourite Realtor in 2020. She was also featured in the December 2020 edition of Top Agent Magazine which wrote: “…Scarlett has built a thriving business on a foundation of honesty, integrity and host of other factors that have fueled her ascent in the industry.”
Born in San Diego, Calif. she has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science degree from the University of Alberta, and a number of other diplomas including criminology, accounting, and editing. Scarlett continues to educate herself in her real estate career, earning numerous designations and certifications to provide advanced real estate services to her clients.
For more information on the South Okanagan real estate market visit Scarlett’s website at: sellwithscarlett.com
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