Getting your home ready for showings can be a real challenge but it's even harder when you share your home with little ones.

The trick to selling a house with kids is to make it appeal to buyers who don't have any children.  Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for show with kids in tow:

1. Depersonalize - It's important that buyers are able to imagine themselves living in your home so clear the artwork off the fridge and take down photos, awards and mementoes.
   
   
2. Play Time's Over - Keep just one box of toys on hand and pack up the rest as they not only look unappealing but they also make rooms appear smaller.
   
   
3. Go Clean Your Room! - Pack up stuffed animals, books and trophies.  Any remaining items should be placed on shelves instead of the floor.
   
   
4. Behind Closed Doors - Buyers can never get enough closet space so get rid of any clothes that your kids have outgrown or that are out-of-season.
   
   
5. It's Time to Grow Up - Buyers should be able to visualize your playroom as their rec room so get rid of excess toys so that it will appear larger enough for their pool table.
   
   
6. Curb Appeal - Don't leave toys, sidewalk chalk or bikes strewn outside your home as drive by viewings can occur at any time.

Selling your home is a great opportunity to de-clutter plus if you do it now, you won't have to worry about it when it comes time to move.  Showings can happen in an instant so make sure you have a system in place that enables you to have everything ready to go in a matter of minutes.  Although keeping everything perfectly staged with kids can be a challenge, it'll be well worth the effort in the end!

Vancouver Real Estate board overall

Single family house sales for April totalled 1071 with the average sale price of $1,152,091. This 5% decrease in number of sales and 4% increase in average price over last year same time period (April). 

Townhouse sales for April totalled 511 with an average sale price of $549,447. This is a 5% increase in the number of sales and an decrease of 5% in average price over the same time period last year (April). 

Condominiums April sales totalled 1052 with the average sale price of $414,460. This a 6% decrease in number of sales and 6% decrease in average price over the same time period last year (April).

Total of all types for April was 2634 sales with an average sale price of $741,771. This is a 6% decrease in number of sales and no change in average price over April last year.

 
The Vancouver Real Estate Board sales volume year to date is down by 16% year to date and year to date average sales price is down by 1%. The number of active listings is 1% higher this April compared to last April. It would appear that prices have stabilized in single family and for condos and townhouses that we are still experiencing some decrease in pricing.
 

Local Maple Ridge

Single family house April sales totalled 97 with the average sale price of $483,628. This a 15% increase in number of sales and average price decrease of 3% compared to April last year.

Townhouse April sales totalled 32 with an average sale price $294,715. This is a 28% increase in the number of sales and average price increase of 3% compared to last April. 

Condominiums April sales totalled 19 with the average sale price of $205,705. This is an 5% increase in number of sales and average price increase of 5% over last April.

Total of all types of sales for April was 148 with an average sale price of $407,103. This is a 16% increase in number of sales and a 1% decrease in average price over last April. 

Spring activity appears to have stabilized our market with a market that is balanced for Buyers and Sellers.

The number of properties on the market in Maple Ridge for April is 994 which is virtually the same as last April.

For more detail just call 604-466-4549 or email

pearceteam@telus.net .

Spring is a time of renewal so why not bring the season's vitality into your home by making some simple decorating changes.  Here are a few ideas that'll help you create a fresh spring feel:

• Change your window coverings to light sheers or blinds.
  
  
• Bring nature inside with indoor plants, flowering bulbs and fresh cut flowers.
  
  
• Switch your cushion covers to lighter spring shades such as yellows and purples.

Celebrate spring's arrival by bringing a breath of fresh air into your home.  Just a few simple changes can reflect the season’s sunny, fresh energy!

Almost everyone feels the credit crunch at some point in their life but with a little planning, it can almost always be overcome.

Debt management isn't a very popular family topic but talking about it with your kids and loved ones can pro-actively help them avoid a lifetime of financial woes.  Here are a few of the basics:

1. Open Book - Examine all debt at once so the focus can be directed towards paying off high interest, non-deductible debt first.
   
   
2. Budget Crunch - List all income and fixed expenses such as house and car payments.  Next, list variable expenses to see what can be cut back on.
   
   
3. Consolidate - Monthly payments can likely be lowered by consolidating debt through a home equity loan as the interest rate will be much lower.
   
   
4. Reach Out - Creditors will often reduce monthly payments if a debt repayment plan is entered into with a reputable organization.

Managing debt may seem like a daunting task but it can help avoid a financial crisis that could devastate a person's credit rating and ability to borrow money at attractive rates.  Deciding which options work best depends on the individual's level of debt, level of discipline and their future prospects.

Over the last 22 years we have had the pleasure of buying and selling properties with the same clients 2-3 or more times. We are always happy to hear from past clients whether they are moving themselves, have friends or acquaintances moving , have questions about the market or financing or just want to chat. A large portion of our success is from referrals and past clients.

We like to recognise the fact that you think of us and are comfortable referring clients to us so we have our “All Star Referral Program!”

It is a win-win-win program. Refer us to your friends and family, they get great service, you get some spare cash and we get a client. 

1^st referral is $250, 2^nd within 12 months of 1st referral is $500 and 3^rd and subsequent within 12 months of the 1^st is $1000. 

The 12 months start upon payment of the 1^st referral. Payments are upon completed purchase or sale. One reward per referral. 

It’s easy! Get permission for us to contact them. Call or email us with their name and number and we will take care of the rest.