Kelowna Real Estate information by Dave Beeson

Almost everyone is well aware that the national real estate market has cooled. But with any changing market comes new opportunities. With today’s incredibly low financing costs and in some markets, an easing of price increases, the monthly carrying cost of many homes is becoming more affordable. That’s good news for some home buyers, especially first-timers, who may have previously been locked out of the market.

First time buyers will represent an increasingly important segment of the market. In an exclusive Coldwell Banker® study of first time buyer preferences across North America – including right here in Canada – finding a home at the right price was the biggest concern for 49% of first time buyers, far out-distancing any other factor, including property value appreciation, which came in at only 7%. The bottom line? First time buyers are far more concerned with getting into a home and managing their carrying costs. Whether or not their home achieves big gains in value, is not their primary concern as they try to break into the housing market.

So, as a seller, how do you attract these increasingly important first-time buyers?

The Coldwell Banker study of first time buyer preferences also indicated that these buyers did not want to invest additional money into improving the property. Rather than shopping for ‘fixer-upper’ bargains, they wanted something ‘turn key’ ready. Not surprising, when you consider that this group is typically young professionals trying to get their career on track, and perhaps also starting a family at the same time. The message is clear if you can offer a first time buyer an affordable home that doesn’t need work, is in an accessible area to get to work, shows well and carries like rent, you’ll be hitting their buyer ‘hot buttons’. And ticking all those boxes on a first time buyer’s checklist means you’ve greatly improved your chances to win these buyers, regardless of how property values may or may not be appreciating at the time.

Want to know more about what’s attracting – and winning – buyers in your local marketplace? Talk to your local REALTOR®. They can advise you on what’s hot – and what’s not – in your market, your local community and even on your own street. You need expert advice to compete in today’s challenging market. You’ll be glad you called us first!

To wrap up an increasingly interesting year, here are a couple of interesting excerpts from Ozzie Jurock's latest newsletter:

"Apartment prices stood at $248,700 down by 12% from last November's $281,800. Townhouse prices clocked in at $304,600 down by 9% from last year's $333,800. However the residential single family home price still stands at $461,000 - the same as last year.”

and

“Re/Max forecasts that total real estate sales in Kelowna will drop by 10% by year-end 2008 and a further 10% in 2009 to 3,500. There are now some fine golf course condos (as low as $274,000) and other good deals emerging. This winter may be a good time to look (carefully) at your next holiday home here.”