Recent Blog Posts by Jason Neumann

What I Will Do To Sell Your Home!

You have heard enough of the promises, you simply want results!  Selling your home in today's ever changing market calls for a Realtor with new and innovative ideas.  It has been proven time and time again that to get maximum exposure for a listing, marketing through the Internet is critical.  I truly believe in the power of Internet advertising and how it brings Buyers "out of the woodwork."   ...

Spring cleaning: Getting the job done the right way

Our clocks have jumped ahead. The birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming. This can mean only one thing: spring cleaning is here! Is it a coincidence that cleaning and taxes share the same season? People may look at both with equal amounts of eager anticipation, but neither should make you break out into a cold sweat. Like your taxes, spring cleaning becomes much more manageable when you ...

The Dangers and Pitfalls of Overpricing Your Home

There are potential dangers and pitfalls when it comes to pricing your home in any kind of real estate market.  Sellers can be reluctant to price their home in line with the marketplace as they feel they may be giving away too much of their home equity.  The reality is pricing your home right from the start will get the net result you are looking for as a seller.  Here ...

Okanagan Seller's Corner

There are a number of different areas that are important to consider when choosing your real estate representative: Personality & Service Once you decide to sell your home, it is important to choose a realtor that both you and your family can trust and feel comfortable working with. As a sales associate for Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd., I am that real estate professional you are looking for.  ...

Mortgage Document Checklist for Home Buyers

  Whether you are considering buying a new home or refinancing your existing mortgage, important personal information and documents will be required by lenders.  This checklist gives an overview of the necessary documentation that most Canadian lenders require prior to approving and funding a mortgage.  By providing these documents in a timely fashion, you will ...

Household tips for the last weeks of winter

It’s now February in the Okanagan and the sun has begun to shine on those winter blues.  However, February weather can still pack a chilly punch! Here are some tips for protecting yourself from ballooning heating bills, freezing pipes and other household emergencies in these last weeks of winter.  Inside: Keep doors and heating vents closed to rooms that are not ...

Fighting Mold - A Homeowner’s Guide

Mold can be a serious health risk to any homeowner and the sooner it is detected the better.  Having personally lived in a home that had mold in the laundry room I can tell you first hand that it is not something to take lightly.  To remediate and repair the affected areas I had to rip out out all the drywall and insulation in the entire room.  This work had to be done as ...

12 Tips to Slash Your Energy Bill

  Utility bills seem to get higher and higher every year. But you can save energy-and money-with these tips to make your home more energy-efficient. Get a home energy survey from your local utility. Many will do a free analysis of your home and provide specific ways to save money on your utility bill. Replace old furnaces and air conditioners with newer ones that are more energy efficient. Install ...

Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) ends February 1,2010

The Home Renovation Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009. Important notice. Eligible expenses for goods acquired ...

Kelowna,BC Central Okanagan Current MLS Listing Inventory and Sales for December 2009

Current Active Central Okanagan MLS Listing Inventory as of January 10,2010: Single Family Dwellings - 1323 properties (a 12.17% decrease from December) including 12 pending offers ranging in value from $49,900 to $15.9M    Strata - Condos - 945 properties (a 11.96% decrease from December) with no pending offers ranging in value from $62,400 ...

Some great Stock Market insights for Canadian Investors

Central banks around the world have pushed their lending rates to historic lows in an effort to stave off a total global financial and economic collapse.  As a result interest rates have remained for the most part at these low levels with many investors trying to take advantage of other's mistimed purchases. 2010 will likely be the year when everything changes... Here’s ...

Tips on "Winter-proofing" your home

Here are some tips to "winter-proofing" your home - or, at least, ways to keep the season from doing serious damage. Furnace Inspection Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace. Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Consider turning on your furnace to make sure it works before you really need it. You may briefly notice a burning smell, don't panic right away; ...

BC Assessment - Property Owner's Checklist

Here's a checklist for BC homeowners: Have you received your new 2010 property assessment notice yet? If not, call toll free 1-800-668-0086 or contact them online. If so, be sure to review it carefully. If you have any questions go online or call your local assessment office. Go online to compare other property assessments using the free e-valueBC (TM) service website. If you disagree ...

The Facts and Myths about Granite Countertops.

Granite's life expectancy and general durability have been the subject of much debate over the years. This beautiful stone can be found in bathrooms and kitchens in many high end to typical residential homes and condos.  Although considered costly by some consumers there is exceptional value to be found in this phenomenal product.  Below is a list of five general misconceptions of ...

There Are Just Two Things That Will Sell Your Home Today!

Are you thinking of selling your home soon? Are you currently interviewing real estate agents? If so, then this video blog is just for you! Today's real estate market is extremely competitive and challenging for Sellers.  You need to have the right tools and resources to effectively market your home.  This video blog will shed some light as to why online marketing and ...

Townhome sales are hot right now in Kelowna,BC and the Central Okanagan. Kelowna Real Estate Video Blog

Townhomes continue to be the hottest segment of the real estate market in the Central Okanagan.  There were 62 sales in September of 2009 compared to just 28 sales in September of 2008.  That accounts for a 121.43% increase in sales year over year and an absorption rate of 12.53% of the overall townhome inventory. Essentially, at that rate of sales ...

The Art of Negotiating...A Seller's Perspective - Kelowna Real Estate News Video Blog

  Are you thinking of selling? If so, then this video blog is for you! There is so much to consider and ponder prior to, during and after the negotiating process especially for Sellers.  The selling of your home is not only a major asset but it is a place full of precious memories and as a result a lot of emotions come with that.  I trust this video will give some insight ...