Make Your Home"Simply Irresistible!" There are dozens of ways to make your property very enticing topotential buyers. For example, you can invest in getting your homeprofessionally “staged”, making it look a little like amodel home. Or, you can do a major renovation to improve yourhomes' look and value. Hey! Maybe you don’t have a lot of time and are on a limitedbudget. What can you do today to make your home irresistible tobuyers tomorrow? Here are four simple steps: 1. Paint It doesn’t cost much to paint key areas of your home, like the entry,kitchen or master bedroom. Yet the impression it makes on buyersis significant. In fact, compared to most other types of homeimprovement projects, painting gives you the highest paybackwhen you sell. 2. Make More Room This is a perfect time to ha... 01/02/2011

"Done" is a Powerful Motivator Use it to stay excited about your work. Use it to stay on top of your game. Because we work in real estate, we have many projects and activities that need to be worked onevery day. For example: Listing presentation materials that need updating Phone calls to be made Client appointments Paperwork waiting to be done Property research Etc, etc, etc  Have you ever worked diligently and effectively on several tasks during thecourse of the day, and yet not gotten anything truly “done”. It's possible!And that, according to psychologists, can have a serious impact on your level of motivation. We need that surge of motivation you feel when something important getscompleted — even something as simple as making a phone call or updating acontact database. It energizes... 12/22/2010

Think Big....We hear those words a lot in life. But what happens when we actually do think big, believe in ourselves and chase that dream all the way to the finish line? Amazing things...That's what. I apply this way of thinking in everything I have a passion for: My family, my sport, my work an a real estate agent. At the behest of my colleague, Don Williams, I am sharing my latest news interview with you. Although it does not speak much about real estate, other than the fact that I am a REALTOR® , I think it's the "message behind the message" that Don wanted me to share. In this interview it talks about my latest achievements in my sport: 8 National records and a berth at the Nationals in March of 2011. It shows the 353 lb deadlift I pulled on November 13th at the Western Canadians in... 12/21/2010

For Sale By Owners (FSBO's) Need Us FSBO's need us. Here's why: Ball-parking it, about 70% of FSBO's out there either list with an agent or change their plans in the end. Only about 15% of buyers out there shop FSBO and of that 15% only about 4% of the buyers they encounter and pre-approved ready, willing and able.  Many FSBO's out there do not know how to tell if the people going through their home can afford their home, are pre-approved, or even if they have to sell before they can buy. Tire kickers, time wasters or bona-fide buyers? A skilled agent will sort the wheat from the chaff easily and only bring in real prospects. So how much is 4% of 15%? Not much at all. It's pretty difficult to sell your property if only 4% of 15% of the entire market are getting excited about it at all. ... 12/18/2010

The feel of the country with the proximity of the city. This large home with private .65 acre lot has so many attractive features. The roof and windows are updated and a heat pump was installed. Fresh paint, hardwood floors, newer appliances and much more. The basement is half finished and would be perfect for those looking for lots of storage or a big workshop. The master bedroom has lots of closet space, an en-suite bathroom and access to the large deck. The home is very well maintained and has a garage and extra RV parking. There is lots of room on this corner lot to add a shop , pool or tennis courts in back. There is 200 amp power supply and a new perimeter drain. The kids can walk to school and it is walking distance to shopping.  12/17/2010

Made in Canada....Canadian Roots: I am attaching a CBC news link to a story that is inspiring. It is about the "ROOTS" bag and how it all happens. I love this company because it truly is Canadian in every way. This company refuses to outsource, keeping production and employment entirely in Canada. These employed Canadians spend their paycheques here and buy their homes here, feeding the economy and strengthening it. They are our Canadian buyers and sellers in real estate, helping us to keep thriving in our own business. It's just another reason to buy Canadian. Roots believes in using their own resources to build better factories, provide a quality product and be more competitive on the global market. I believe that more Canadian companies should practice this. We need less outsourcing ... 12/14/2010

                     A quick question: How do you make a great first impression? What is the first thing you see in a listing photo? Often it's the outside of the house AND the yard. If you are thinking of listing your home, ask yourself if it has that curbside appeal needed to draw the buyers inside. Did you know that a smartly done home landscape design could potentially add 10 to 15% to the value of your home? Don't leave that money lying in the dirt!                     The home may be fabulous inside but if nobody is interested in going in because the yard looks poor and unloved all that effort would be lost. A smartly kept yard and exterior tends to reflect the overall care put into the home and people will perceive your home that way. First impressions count and may make the diff... 12/11/2010

WHAT DO YOUR PAST CLIENTS WANT?First, I'll state the obvious: Itʼs pretty easy to figure out what clients want from you during a transaction. Theywant you to help them buy or sell a home quickly, get the best possible deal, andmake the entire process go smoothly for them. But what do clients want from you in the months and years after a transaction?This is extremely important to get right. Why? Because if you can give past clients what theywant, then you're highly likely to generate their repeat business and referrals. So what do past clients want? 1. They want to know youʼre still available, should they need help. Don't just disappear once the job is done...because it's not done yet. Stay in touch regularly. call them, email them, and yes, visit them.Remember: The first 90 days is cruc... 12/10/2010

The first thing I would say is that I am not a lawyer and I am not giving legal advice. This is just to give potential buyers an understanding of how the process works In law the word Foreclosure means to deprive a borrower of the right to redeem the mortgaged property. The borrower may walk away with some proceeds or not depending on the size of the mortgage and the proceeds and cost of the sale. The first accepted offer in a court ordered sale is just like a regular sale. The is offer and acceptance and whatever subjects the buyer and seller have agreed to. Once the offer is subject free a court date is set. The offer triggering the court date will be public knowledge. Other buyers may show up to court with there offers (must be subject free). The judge will decide what is in the best... 12/09/2010

The bank of Canada has decided to leave overnight lending rate at 1%...for now. The next date to watch will be Jan 18 2011. This announcement should allow the banks to keep mortgage rates the same however banks do not always follow the bank of Canada. If you are looking to buy in the next few months I would recommend you see your mortgage broker and get a rate lock for 120 days. The American banks have also held there rates and the tax cuts to assist stimulating the economy. They say if the US sneezes Canada gets a cold... but I can't help but think they will continue to be in far more trouble than Canada. Our banking policies have always been tighter and more responsible. If and I say If my feeling is correct interest rates may stay low for some time. I am not however a fortune teller ... 12/07/2010

There are 32 homes currently listed in central nanaimo. Median list price - $316,888Average list Price - $314,337 Lowest priced hoem $199,900 (a 900+ sf home on small lot)Highest priced home $440,000 (new home with legal suite) Central Nanaimo home sales in last 3 months 28 with average price of $280,000. This would indicate to me that there is still movement in the lower end. Sales of homes over $300,000 in the last quarter 6. Given that we have 17 on the market over $300,000 at this pace we have 6 months supply. A buyers market in concidered by many to be 7 or more months of inventory. The sales pace should also pick up in the first 3 months of 2011. All things concidered central Nanaimo is currently in a balanced market but very close to being a buyers market. If you are looking to b... 12/05/2010

Although I am writing more about my sport than about real estate here, please bear with me as there is a correlation between the two...and I want to share it with you. I'm 52 and training for a National and World Powerlifting Championships. I've just broken 8 national records last month. This was after a 15 year retirement, 4 shoulder surgeries and an infection from one of them that nearly killed me in 2005. The doctor said I would never have full function of my right shoulder again. Unacceptable. I love my sport, I love my family, I love life. I fought back. Bullheadedness is a side effect of my main passions: powerlifting and real estate, and more importantly, family. Passion, self belief and determination are the parents of bullheadedness and determination and I'm all for it! It's wh... 12/04/2010

Nanaimo MLS sales figures are out for November 2010 and the number are actually up from last year (90 units sold versus 85). The increase is small and last year was slow as well after the US meltdown. The average sale price is up roughly $20,000; a suprise given the number of homes on the market at this time.( $360,328 in 2010 versus $340,000 in 2009). If you are curious what your home is worth and would like a current market evaluation. Give me a call or send me an email. Now is a good time to buy with interests rates being so low.   Doug BelcherRE/MAX of Nanaimo, BC, Canadadoug@dougbelcher.com250-619-6012 12/03/2010

Large 1 bedroom condo in the Uplands area. It is close to schools, shopping and bus routes. Just a few blocks to the lake for a quick swim after dinner? The unit has an over sized sundeck to enjoy summer evenings on. This unit is currently rented until Sept 2011 to a long term tenant. The building allows 1 cat and rental but no dogs. Great for an investment property. Douglas Belcher, RE/MAX Nanaimo, BC doug@dougbelcher.com  250-619-6012 12/02/2010

What does your crystal ball say for 2011?  I believe there likely will be a slow and smooth improvement in our Canadian market in 2011. Here's why: I think the government has given out all the stimulus it's going to at this point. There is no more in the kittie...the feds are over-extended now. Buyers will start to realize there's no point in waiting as interest rates are not going to get any better; they're excellent now and the prices of current listings are, if priced at fair market value, also very enticing. In my opinion (and, really, nobody has a crystal ball) we will see a better business year than 2010, but, as I said, it will be a slow and smooth improvement in our market. I feel it's important at this stage for the sellers out there to stay as liquid as possible. By this I mea... 11/29/2010

    If it's Overpriced, Is It Really On The Market At All? Now there's a good question...And here's what I think:   I feel that if a listing is overpriced, then even though it's on the MLS®, it's not really on the market at all. I personally cannot afford to spend the money and effort on professionally marketing a listing with no hope of generating leads due to an inflated price point. Buyers in this market know that they have a well stocked inventory to choose from, and believe me, they do their homework well. They have the time to. There are a lot more sellers out there than buyers...and the buyers know it. My prospective seller cannot afford the holding costs associated with that scenario, either. I will, in detail, with a well prepared CMA, explain this to them. I would rather be th... 11/27/2010

Eleven Reasons To List During The Holidays   There's always a bit of controversy each year at this time:  "To list, or not to list...That is the question..." I'm here to give you eleven reasons why I think you should...The decision, of course, as the seller is yours. But here are some facts to consider before making that all important choice. People house hunting over the holidays are more serious buyers. After all, who really wants to move then? Those who absolutely must, that's who.                                                                                    Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from at this time.  Doing the math:                                Fewer houses = Less competition for you = Potentially more money for you.                                          ... 11/23/2010

As promised, here is the youtube link to my new National record bench press. Refer to my blog series, "The Other Side Of Me", for the full story.   Canadian Record 81 Kg Bench: November 13,2010   11/21/2010

As promised, here is the youtube link to my new National record deadlift. Refer to my blog series, "The Other Side Of Me", for the full story.   Canadian Record 160 Kg Deadlift 11/21/2010

As these are uploaded on Youtube I am posting them for those of you who have been following my progress. (Refer to my blog series, The Other Side Of Me, for the story leading up to this.) I am launching a fundraiser called "Raise The Bar" for the new emergency ward being built at our own Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. I will be gathering speed on this as the Canadians happen. I am aiming for corporate and private sponsorship. Sponsors will be able to pledge so many pennies (or dollars) per pound I total at the World Championships in October 2011. As I now total around 840 lbs, I am planning to total 900 or better by then. I look forward to using my physical strength to give back to my community and will keep you up to speed on things as they evolve. I will be lifting at the Canadian... 11/21/2010