You don't have to search too far to know that Vancouver's housing market is red hot. Home prices continue to edge higher towards record levels. Single family homes are seeing the most appreciation.

With prices moving higher, what's the best strategy when pricing your home?

Our advice: if your home is located in an area of strong demand and low supply, price your home on the low side to create multiple offers.

Buyers will always gravitate towards a property that is priced lower and where there is a frenzy of activity. Human nature tells us that people always want what's in high demand! If there is a frenzy of activity on your home you can bet there are always 1 or 2 buyers who have already been outbid on 1 or 2 other houses in the past. Those buyers tend to be very motivated and more emotional with their decision making process. An emotional buyer will typically pay you more than the buyer who is bidding purely based on numbers. 

Multiple offers also set the seller up for more straight forward offers. The idea in a multiple offer scenario is to bring the seller "subject free" bids with dates and terms to the seller's liking .

Also critical to the process is to not allow offers to be presented until a fixed date –at least 1 week after the home hits the market. Carefully consider a buyer that offers you a price after just 2 days on the market. The seller wants to ensure that before all offers are presented, all qualified buyers would have seen the home. We want to try to attract as many bids as possible.

On Vancouver's West and Eastside we have seen many homes employ this strategy with tremendous success!

If you are contemplating the sale of your home, a well seasoned realtor who works in your neighbourhood will be able to guide you in the right direction. We would be happy to give you an assessment, just give us a call at 604-657-7936.

Happy selling!

As spring slowly turns to summer, it is impossible not to be drawn out of Vancouver to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding our wonderful city. Whether you’re spending a day with your family taking a short hike, or lounging lake-side, there are innumerable options to choose from – thankfully, many of these are much closer than you might think.

Here are 5 quintessentially west-coast day trips for your next sunny Sunday, all under two-hours from Downtown:

1.Steveston Village, Richmond

A thirty minute drive from downtown, Steveston village is a sweet sea-side town where visitors can enjoy a quaint harbour, beaches and the historic land-marks of this salmon canning town. Perfect for fish n’ chips and walk on the water, Steveston is a relaxed reprieve from the bustle of Vancouver.

2.Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Nestled in the North Shore Mountains, Deep Cove is a delightful mix of an outdoor sports enthusiast’s paradise, and a family friendly spot for a picnic and light hike. Offering Kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, Deep Cove has something for everyone. Honourable mention to Honey’s Donuts - after a long paddle, these donuts will tempt even the most dedicated health enthusiasts.  

3. Alice Lake Provincial Park

Past Shannon Falls on the Sea to Sky high-way, Alice Lake is a provincial park and campground that proves why so many Canadians flock to the forest in the summer months. Enjoy camping, canoeing, lake side sun-bathing and swimming all just 1hr 20mins from Vancouver. On your drive up, the breath taking views off the Sea to Sky highway will tempt you to stop for a picture or two.  

4. Belcarra Regional Park

Just 50 minutes out of Vancouver is Belcarra Regional Park. Located at the entrance to Indian Arm, you can enjoy short walks along the shore-line, as well as swimming in Sasamat Lake. Belcarra offers a variety of sights and activities, and all in perfect proximity to the city.

5. Sea to Summit Trail

For something more rigorous, check out the Sea to Summit hiking trail, which climbs the back side of the famous Stawamus Chief rock-climbing site. This 900 metre climb is intermediate, but views of Howe Sound, Sky Pilot and the surrounding mountain peaks will make the effort more than worth-while. Be sure to bring lots of water and a power bar or two as this hike can take up to 5 hours!