Introduction
Welcome to your go-to guide for selling your home in Greater Vancouver! Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned homeowner, this blog will break everything down into simple, actionable steps. We’ll make the process easy, fun, and stress-free. 😊 Let’s get started with Step 1: Pre-Approval for a Mortgage—a crucial step that sets the foundation for your selling journey. 🏡

Step 1: Pre-Approval for a Mortgage
When it comes to selling your home, you might be wondering why you need to think about a mortgage. Isn’t that something buyers worry about? 🤔 Here’s the scoop: Pre-approval isn’t just for buyers; it’s a smart move for sellers too!

🔑 What is Mortgage Pre-Approval?
A mortgage pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances (income, debts, credit score) and tells you how much you can borrow for your next home. It’s like getting a golden ticket for your future plans! 🎟️

💡 Why is Pre-Approval Important for Sellers?

• Plan Your Next Move: Knowing how much you can afford for your next home gives you confidence and direction.

• Avoid Surprises: You don’t want to sell your current home only to find out you can’t get approved for your dream home. 😱

• Timing is Everything: With pre-approval in hand, you can coordinate your sale and purchase seamlessly.

🌟 Key Terms to Know:

1. Credit Score: This number shows how reliable you are with money. Higher scores = better loan options.

2. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): How much money you owe compared to how much you earn. Keep it low to impress lenders! 💳

3. Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Fixed means your payments stay the same, while variable can go up or down depending on the market.

4. Mortgage Term: The length of time you commit to a specific mortgage rate, like 5 years.

5. Amortization Period: The total time to pay off your mortgage, usually 25-30 years.

📋 Steps to Get Pre-Approved:

1. Gather Your Documents: You’ll need proof of income, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a list of debts.

2. Check Your Credit: Review your credit score before meeting with a lender.

3. Meet with a Mortgage Specialist: They’ll review your finances and give you a pre-approval letter.

4. Stick to Your Budget: Pre-approval gives you a maximum amount, but it’s smart to leave a little wiggle room. 💸

🌟 Bonus Tip for Sellers: Already have a mortgage on your current home? Check if there’s a penalty for breaking it early or if you can port (transfer) it to your new home. This can save you thousands! 💰

Wrapping Up Step 1
Pre-approval is like building a strong foundation for a house—it sets you up for success! 🛠️ With this step completed, you’re ready to dive into the next phase of selling your home with confidence. Stay tuned for my next blog post, where we’ll discuss how to prepare your home to WOW buyers. ✨

Selling your home is a significant step, but with the right support, it can be an exciting and rewarding journey! 🌟 Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to list, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your real estate experience seamless, stress-free, and successful! 🏡✨

📞 Your Next Step Starts Here—Contact Me Today!

Tara Kennedy
REALTOR® ABR, RENE, SRS
Tara Kennedy Real Estate 🏘️
☎️ 236-992-8989
🌐 TaraKennedy.ca
📧 TaraKennedySells@gmail.com
🇨🇦 Royal LePage ELITE West

Always Putting Your Best Interest First! 🌟

#RealEstateTips #HomeSellingGuide #GreaterVancouverHomes #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #TaraKennedyRealtor #RoyalLePageEliteWest #SellWithConfidence #HomeSellingMadeEasy #VancouverRealEstate #BCRealEstate #MortgageTips #HomeSellingJourney

The transformation of Leigh Square is almost complete, and we’re gearing up to reopen this vibrant downtown civic and celebration space this spring! 🎉✨

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West shares:
"I’m thrilled to see the transformation of Leigh Square nearing completion and can’t wait to reopen this important space for our community. The improvements will create a welcoming and enhanced area for events, gatherings, and everyday enjoyment in the heart of downtown Port Coquitlam. We appreciate your patience as we complete the final touches to bring this revitalized space to life!"

🚧 Despite challenges like weather delays and supply chain issues, construction is back on track! As fencing is gradually removed, we’re ensuring safe and accessible pathways for everyone. 🌤️

This refreshed space will be a hub of energy, connection, and celebration, with an open design that’s perfect for all kinds of activities. 💃🕺

📲 For updates and details, visit:
👉 portcoquitlam.ca/media
👉 portcoquitlam.ca/downtown

Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to enjoy the new Leigh Square! 💛

#LeighSquare #PortCoquitlam #DowntownPoCo #CommunityHub #ExcitingChanges #CityLife #SpringOpening #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #RoyalLePageEliteWest #RLP #TaraKennedyRealtor

🇬🇧Starting January 8, 2025, some travelers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. Here's everything you need to know:

🇬🇧What is an ETA?
The ETA is a digital permission slip that allows you to visit the U.K. for short stays (up to 6 months) for things like:

• Tourism

• Study

• Business

🇬🇧Important Details:

• Cost: £10 (about $12.50 USD)

• Valid For: 2 years or until your passport expires

• Entries: Multiple trips allowed

• Application Time: About 20 minutes

• Processing Time: Up to 3 working days

🇬🇧Why a Valid Passport Matters:
Your ETA is directly linked to your passport. If you get a new passport during the 2-year period, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.

🇬🇧How to Apply:
Online Application:

• Visit the official U.K. government website or download the U.K. ETA app

• Have ready:

  • Your valid passport

  • A recent photo

  • Your email address

  • Payment method

🇬🇧Once approved, your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport—no paper required!

🇬🇧Plan Ahead:
Even with an ETA, final entry into the U.K. is determined by border agents. Make sure your information is accurate to avoid delays!

💫Safe travels!💫

#UKTravel #ETA #TravelTips #Travel2025 #ExploreUK #DigitalTravel #TravelUpdates #GlobeTrotter #VacationGoals #FamilyAdventures #TravelMadeEasy #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #TaraKennedyRealtor #RoyalLepageEliteWest #PortCoquitlam #Port Moody #Coquitlam #Tricities #ILoveBC

As we welcome this new year tonight at midnight, may your days ahead be filled with Health, Happiness, and Prosperity! 🩷⭐️ Let’s embrace every opportunity, cherish every moment, and work towards the dreams that inspire us.💼

Here’s to new beginnings, boundless possibilities, and all the joy 2025 has in store!🙂🌈 May your year overflow with success and fulfillment. 🌠🌟

Cheers to an incredible 2025 ahead!🥳🥂🎊

#HappyNewYear #Welcome2025 #HealthHappinessProsperity #NewYearNewGoals #CheersToTheFuture #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #RoyalLePageEliteWest #TaraKennedyRealtor

May the Beauty, Meaning, and Magic of this season fill your heart and home with love and joy! 💚❤️

Wishing you peace, laughter, and cherished moments to last all year.💫🕊️

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 🎄✨

#MerryChristmas #HolidayMagic #SeasonOfJoy #ChristmasLove #PeaceAndHappiness #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #TaraKennedyRealtor

Sherwood Park is now home to Canada’s first house heated entirely by hydrogen. 💧✨

The prototype house, called HomeOne, is the first of many planned homes to be built with the same hydrogen heating system within the Bremner neighbourhood. 🌱🏠

Brad Armstrong, the vice-president of community development for Qualico Communities, told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday that HomeOne is the first phase for greener homes in Canada. 🌿🇨🇦

💬 "We know that by 2030 the national building code is going to require that all new homes are net-zero ready, and we felt we needed to get ahead of the curve to make this a really sustainable home," Armstrong said.

🏘️ "We hope to introduce (HomeOne) on a much larger scale in the brand new neighborhood of Bremner ... We plan to start building in 2025," he added.

According to Armstrong, hydrogen heating costs less than solar power, is much cleaner than fossil fuels, and doesn't produce carbon monoxide. 🌍💡

When used as a fuel, hydrogen only produces water vapour and warm air. 💨💧

Justin Pullukatt, the director of system modernization with Atco, said hydrogen can travel along Alberta's existing infrastructure.

💬 "We're leveraging what we do well here in Alberta already within our existing pipeline infrastructure to deliver it to homes," Pullukat said.

🏗️ "We're hoping to expand the delivery of hydrogen to existing customers by blending with natural gas, but then also (by) building new 100% hydrogen communities," he added.

Even though the home is built, Armstrong said he’s waiting for the Alberta government to make regulatory changes before spring to make hydrogen accessible to old homes and new. 🔧⚖️

💬 "We're now in a position where we're ready and able to move forward with our first stages of development in 2025," Armstrong said.

🏡 The hydrogen-powered neighbourhood could start seeing residents as early as 2026.

#HydrogenHouse #GreenEnergy #SustainableLiving #NetZero #Innovation #SherwoodPark #CleanEnergy #EcoFriendly #Bremner #FutureHomes #QualicoCommunities #Atco #AlbertaLiving #HydrogenFuel #HomeOne #ClimateAction #TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealEstate #TaraKennedyRealtor

The process of selling a home is challenging for most people, but for seniors, it can feel particularly overwhelming. For many, a house is more than a property; it’s a lifetime of memories, a place where they’ve raised families, celebrated milestones and shared countless moments. 

As the agent, helping seniors navigate this journey requires not only professionalism but also empathy, patience and an understanding of their unique needs. 

So, what steps can you take to support your senior clients in preparing their homes for sale so they can transition smoothly into the next chapter of their lives?

Understanding the emotional challenges seniors face

For seniors, selling their home often means leaving behind a long history filled with personal memories. Unlike younger sellers who may be ready for a new adventure, seniors are typically entering a downsizing or retirement phase, often due to health or financial reasons, or simply the desire to live in a more manageable space.

Approach each conversation with empathy, acknowledging that the process can feel like a loss. Open communication is essential; listen to their concerns, answer questions thoughtfully and avoid rushing them into decisions. Respect for their emotions and sensitivity to their needs can help build trust, which is crucial for a smooth experience.

1. Explain how the selling process has changed over the years

Seniors may not have sold a home in decades, so it’s essential to explain how the selling process has evolved. In past decades, home selling was simpler, with fewer digital elements, less staging and a more localized market. Today, buyers’ expectations are higher due to online listings, virtual tours, professional staging and high-quality photography.

Explain that these changes are designed to maximize their home’s appeal and increase its market value. Show them that these enhancements can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers, benefiting them in the long run.

2. Help them focus on decluttering and simplifying

Many seniors have accumulated belongings over a lifetime, making decluttering a daunting task. Before beginning the decluttering process, suggest that they take time to have a meaningful conversation with loved ones about items they would like to keep or be gifted. This way, they can feel confident that cherished belongings are going to those who will truly appreciate them, making the decluttering process smoother and less overwhelming. 

Have them start with one room at a time, setting small goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As their agent, you can guide them by suggesting they keep essentials and items of sentimental value while discarding, donating or gifting other items. 

For many sellers in this demographic, the downsizing and decluttering process can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing, especially if they’re attempting it on their own. Recommending a professional downsizing service can make a world of difference. These specialized companies not only offer hands-on assistance but also provide compassionate support to help ease the emotional weight of parting with belongings. They can significantly reduce the stress involved and ensure that cherished items are carefully handled and organized.

3. Recommend minor repairs and updates to boost value

Explain that minor repairs can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive a property. Over time, small maintenance items may have gone unaddressed and fixing these can enhance the property’s overall appeal.

Recognize that senior clients may be working with a fixed income, which can make it challenging to fund home improvements that could significantly increase the sale price of their property. Explore creative solutions to help them access funds for these essential updates. 

Realtors know small but impactful improvements like a fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, and a clean-up of the front and back gardens can enhance a home’s value without requiring a full renovation.

4. Professional staging: Making the home appealing to buyers

Staging can be a game-changer when selling a property, as it helps prospective buyers visualize the home as their own. However, some seniors might find the idea of staging intrusive or unnecessary. Explain the benefits of staging in terms of creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broader audience.

It’s important to emphasize that staging can often help homes sell faster and for a better price. Reassure your clients that staging doesn’t remove their home’s charm but instead enhances its potential by highlighting its best features.

Partner with a staging firm experienced in working with seniors and skilled in compassionate, clear communication. A team that understands the unique needs of senior clients can help make the staging and selling process feel supportive rather than overwhelming. 

5. Consider their comfort during showings

One of the unique challenges seniors face is the inconvenience of regular showings. Constantly preparing their home and leaving for showings can be tiring and disruptive, especially for those with mobility challenges or health concerns.

In this instance, arrange showings in blocks or set specific times to minimize disruptions. Prepare and provide a simple checklist for your clients, with reminders to tidy up quickly, check lights and hide personal items before showings. Better yet, show up in the early days of the listing to help them and guide them through the process to reduce the stress and overwhelm.

6. Educate on the market and set realistic expectations

Older homeowners may have outdated expectations about their property’s value, so providing a market analysis and realistic expectations is crucial. Avoid overwhelming them with data; instead, present a simple comparative market analysis to explain what similar properties in the area are selling for.

Explain that the market can be influenced by many factors, such as location, condition, and buyer demand. Set realistic expectations about the selling timeline and potential offers, as this can help prevent disappointment and frustration.

7. Support and follow-up after the sale

After the home is sold, offer to help connect them with reputable moving services who understand the needs of seniors, and offer support for their transition into their new living situation. Reach out to ensure they’re settling in comfortably and ask if they need additional help. This gesture of ongoing support builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. Plus, it can lead to referrals from family members and friends.

Why compassion and understanding matter

Helping seniors sell their homes is not just a transaction—it’s an opportunity to be a trusted guide during a significant life transition. 

Realtors who approach this process with sensitivity and empathy can make a world of difference. By building trust, setting realistic expectations, and offering tailored resources, you’ll not only ensure a successful sale but also make the experience a positive and memorable one for your senior clients.

ARTICLE BY:  Nina Doiron | Nov 15, 2024 | REM

#SeniorsRealEstate #DownsizingTips #SeniorLiving #HomeDownsizing #HomeSelling #SeniorTransition  #RealEstateAdvice #HomeStagingTips #RealEstateExpert #RealEstateTips #RealtorLife #HousingMarket #HomeSellingTips #RealEstateSuccess #RealtorServices #TaraKennedy #RoyalLepageEliteWest #RoyalLepage #TaraKennedyRealEstate

🕊️ Remembering Our Heroes 🕊️

On November 11th, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The red poppy, inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields, reminds us of their courage and commitment to peace. Join us in a moment of silence to reflect on their legacy and the importance of remembrance.

Remembrance Day, observed each year on November 11th, is a solemn day to honor and remember the sacrifices of soldiers who have died in military service, particularly those who served in World War I and II. It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The day serves as a reminder of the heavy cost of war and the importance of peace. 🇨🇦

One of the most enduring symbols of Remembrance Day is the red poppy, a flower that has become emblematic of soldiers' sacrifices. The use of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance was inspired by the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae during World War I. McCrae, who served as a doctor with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, wrote the poem on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of his friend and fellow soldier, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who was killed in the Second Battle of Ypres.

The poem reflects McCrae's sorrow and the tragic losses of war, vividly describing the red poppies that grew around the graves of soldiers in Flanders Fields, a major battlefield that stretched across parts of Belgium and France. According to legend, McCrae initially discarded the poem, feeling dissatisfied with it, but his fellow soldiers retrieved it, recognizing its emotional resonance. The poem was first published on December 8, 1915, in the London magazine Punch and soon became one of the most quoted poems of World War I.

#LestWeForget #RemembranceDay #InFlandersFields #PoppySymbol #HonoringOurHeroes

What is BC assessment?

The BC assessment provides a value for the government to determine property tax in British Columbia. The assessment authority estimates it yearly starting from the previous July. This is a predictable base for taxation but does not necessarily impact the real estate market. So, the dollar figure on your provincial property assessment notice is not always your home’s market value.

Here’s a look at BC assessment value and market value and what contributes to these amounts.

How are BC assessment values calculated?

It’s unfeasible to expect the assessors to visit each home in person, so they have to rely on the general property characteristics that place the most emphasis on the value of a home. As mentioned, assessors base this on information from the previous July, so it can be somewhat out of kilter.

The characteristics used for calculation are:

• The location of the property. That is, how desirable is the place it’s located?

• The size of the property. Is it a tiny house or a multi-room mansion?

• The size of the lot. Is it a small lot, or a massive multi-acre estate?

• View from the home. A mountain view is worth more than a line of dumpsters.

• The property age. Is it newly built or an outdated structure? It could also be historically valuable.

• Home add-ons such as carports, garages and decks.

• The sales’ prices from similar homes in your area.

As a result, the BC assessment Authority gives you basic insight into whatever area you’re interested in. You can check out their website to find your property’s information or for a property you’re interested in.

Impact of BC assessment on property taxes

Your BC assessment value is one major factor of the property tax you pay, but it is not the only component. There’s also the property tax rate set by your local authority, what property class you’re in, whether your municipality implements land averaging and other factors.

Still, the assessed value of your home matters in this calculation and you can appeal it if you feel your assessed value is too high. For instance, this may happen if all your neighbours renovated their homes in the last year, which caused the assessed value for your area to rise, but you didn’t.

There are also minimum taxes that you must pay to ensure delivery of municipal services. These will exist regardless of other factors so you don’t lose access to things like firefighting, sanitation, water and other essentials.

What does a BC assessment mean for homeowners?

For most of us, property is our highest-valued asset, so there’s concern when your assessed value drops. That’s particularly true for first-time homebuyers or sellers, who fear they won’t get a return on their investment. There’s also the concern you can’t renew your mortgage if you owe more than your assessed value. Fortunately, assessment value doesn’t necessarily impact market value.

Regarding mortgage renewal, if you have good credit and are renewing with the same lender, there should be no problem.

The BC assessment value doesn’t necessarily impact your home’s market value

What is the market value of your home?

When it comes to calculating your home’s market value, there are quite a few more factors in the process. Ultimately, your house’s market value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it, but there are many considerations to get to that amount.

If you're looking to find the market value of your home, you’ll need a home appraisal. That's not a DIY option. You'll need industry specialists to help. A real estate appraiser will be able to give you an accurate indication of your property’s market value, which is useful if you’re looking to:

• Sell your home and want a fair market value. An appraisal gives you a realistic indication of your asking price so that you’re going in with misplaced expectations and your property won’t sit on the market for too long.

• Buy a home and want to ensure you’re paying for actual value. It's worth including an appraisal as a contingency for the home inspection. Should any problems arise that might impact the agreed-upon sale price, you're protected if you choose to get out of the sale.

• Refinance your mortgage or insure your property. For lenders and financial institutions, an appraisal will ensure the homeowner is not over-borrowing when buying or refinancing a property.

What factors impact the market value of the home?

When an appraiser visits your home, here are some of the elements they will consider when figuring out the market value:

• The neighbourhood your home is in, including its amenities, access to transportation and other factors.

• The age of your property and whether it’s outdated, historically valuable or otherwise could influence its price.

• The lot's size and dimensions, plus anything that could impact future builds such as whether it's flat or sloped, in a flood plain or has many large trees with roots.

• The size of your home’s interior and the number of rooms. A larger home may be worth more than a smaller home.

• Your home’s layout and design, such as open-plan living areas. Wonky layouts may bring down the price, while thoughtfully designed interiors could increase it.

• Any additional items such as carports and garages, decks, number of allotted parking spaces or parking for RVs. For instance, a larger garage can increase the value of your home.

• Any home upgrades will impact the market value, such as renovations, furnaces, appliances, flooring or hot water heaters.
  If regular maintenance has been performed, such as roofing, gutters, re-painting and more.

• If this is a strata title property, the appraiser will also consider any special levies, the maintenance fees, reserve funds and how well-run the building is.

• The current real estate market trends—whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.

• Comparable sales in the area within the last three months. Your home’s price likely shouldn’t be too far away from what your neighbours have sold for, since that indicates what buyers are actually willing to pay.

As you can see, although the BC property assessment provides an indication of your property’s value, it’s for the government to assign property tax. Even two similar properties might have different assessment values, because they don't necessarily correlate with your property's market value.

What are the main differences between the assessed and market value?

As mentioned, it’s quite clear that the BC assessment value will not always align with the actual market value. Here are three main reasons why:

• The assessor will not visit the physical property when determining the BC assessment. But when it comes to buying a property, a person will get the experience of the home itself, which can dramatically impact the market value.

• There are a lot more factors that a real estate appraiser will take into consideration when determining the market value, rather than the narrow frame of reference that’s used when determining the BC assessment value.

• Timing, because what might have contributed to a property value in July could have changed substantially by January. Instead, for market value, you're getting a real-time valuation.

If you have concerns about discrepancies between a home’s BC assessment value and its expected market value, then it’s worthwhile contacting real estate professionals for a full appraisal. More than just giving your home a credible value, they can indicate areas of improvement that could enhance property value if you want to sell your home later.

ARTICLE BY:  REW.CA https://www.rew.ca/guide/articles/bc-assessments-vs-what-your-home-is-truly-worth-1.6779110

#TaraKennedy #TaraKennedyRealtor #TaraKennedyRealEstate #RoyalLePageEliteWest #BCAssessment #2369928989 #Whatismyhomeworth #PropertyValues

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s still true to its roots—focused on gratitude, reflection, and thankfulness, without the commercialization. It’s the perfect time to pause and be thankful for all we have, because there’s always something to appreciate.💛🌻☀️

Thanksgiving in Canada 🇨🇦 is celebrated on the second Monday in October, symbolizing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. This tradition dates back to 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast in Newfoundland to celebrate surviving his journey. French settlers in the early 1600s also celebrated with thanksgiving feasts, forming the “Order of Good Cheer” and sharing food with Indigenous communities. Canadian Thanksgiving even predates the American holiday by over 40 years!

Since 1957, it’s been an official holiday in October with classic meals like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. However you celebrate, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for this season.🦃

#Thanksgiving #Gratitude #HarvestTime #Thankful #AutumnVibes #CanadianThanksgiving #FallFeels #TaraKennedy #HappyThanksgiving