Gary Sims Victoria Homes Blog

We are pleased to announce this week's New Video!

"New Construction Homes - Pros and Cons of Buying"

Whether retiring, downsizing, or you are buying your very first home then you might be considering buying a brand new construction home. New construction homes are ones where you are the first buyer and they have never been lived in. These can include single family detached houses, condominiums, and townhomes. 

It seems like this might be the best way to get in to the market whether downsizing, relocating, or even as a first time buyer. Well that shiny new home may seem to be appealing, however, you need to know there are pros and cons to buying a new construction home. This video gives you 5 pros and 5 cons for your consideration before taking this route to buying your new home.

Also, many people wonder whether they really need a Realtor® when buying a new construction home from a developer. See our comments on this near the end of the video.

As always, we appreciate your comments and suggestions. Also we would appreciate your ideas on topics that you think would benefit people like you who are entering or moving around in the Greater Victoria real estate market.

Please take a minute to view our new video and please help us to get the word out about our site by liking the video, sharing it with a friend or two, and subscribing to our YouTube Channel. 

You can view this video here or watch it full screen by clicking the "Watch on YouTube link".

Thank you,
Gary and Rosemary

Gary Sims Victoria Homes
DFH Real Estate Ltd. Victoria B.C. Canada

We love people and we love homes!
Video: 87

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Thanks for participating in our One Question Survey. We have used an automatic winner selection program to randomly select a winner from the list of all people who have correctly answered the skill testing math question.

Subscribe to receive notifications of more great Gary Sims Victoria Homes Video Releases: https://randg.video/youtube-subscribe

Enjoy!

Gary and Rosemary

"We love people and we love homes!"

This is the Greater Victoria BC Real Estate Market Update February 2024. The data is from the Victoria Real Estate Board released March 1, 2024. We thought we would try a different way of presenting the data in a new and fun way. Let us know what you think!!

February 2024 Video Link: https://randg.video/82S

(Please Like, Subscribe, Share, and click on the Notification Bell of the video to get our weekly videos and content)

If you want to chat to find out more about buying or selling in Victoria, finding out the value of your home, or any other real estate topic then simply book a Phone or Zoom call at this link: 

Click Here to Read More...

Our New Channel Video:

Hi Everyone,

As many of you know, Rosemary Tulett, my wife and previous real estate partner, has retired from her work after almost 9 years as a Realtor® with DFH Real Estate Ltd. as of January 2024. Aside from taking some well-earned time for herself, she has now taken on part-time duties helping me out as my registered unlicensed real estate assistant. This has required a name change because we were officially registered as a real estate team with BCFSA and BCREA under the name "Rosemary and Gary Victoria Homes Team". Alas, we are not allowed to use that name any longer as of January and are now using the new name "Gary Sims Victoria Homes".
 

This has also required some changes to our branding which is mostly done now. We provide a YouTube Real Estate Informational and Educational Channel providing a large variety of real estate information, market analysis, tips, policy, and education. Towards this we have now created a new introduction "Welcome To Our Channel" video with our changed name and focus.

Please take a minute to view our new video above and please help us to get the word out about our site by liking the video, sharing it with a friend or two, and subscribing to our YouTube Channel. 

See the links below the for quick access to the videos. You may also subscribe to our email video release notifications sent each time there is a new video and also for our "new" monthly Greater Victoria Real Estate Market Newsletter, request your "Annual Home Checkup Valuation", or request a scheduled Phone or Zoom meeting with Gary. 

Enjoy!
Gary and Rosemary
"We love people and we love homes!"

Click Here for Written Blog

No one likes to move. Is that you? Where to start, what to do, rush rush.

Let's face it! Moving isn't easy and moving out of province or across the country can pose unique challenges. Thankfully we have five expert tips to share with you to make your move EASY… okay, okay, at least EASIER. Click on the video below for all the details or read the written blog lower down.

If you want to chat to find out more about buying or selling in Victoria, finding out the value of your home, or any other real estate topic then simply book a Phone or Zoom call at this link: https://calendly.com/gary_sims

To subscribe to receive notifications of our YouTube video releases and newsletters please use this link: https://randg.video/subscribe-video-newsletter

Download the printable, 7 page colour guide here: Download Guide

Enjoy!
Gary and Rosemary

"We love people and we love homes!"

============================================

Start of Written Blog

No one likes to move. Is that you? Where to start, what to do, rush rush.

Let's face it! Moving isn't easy and moving out of province or across the country can pose unique challenges. Thankfully we have five expert tips to share with you to make your move EASY… okay, okay, at least EASIER.

I also have a full colour, printable, 7 page handout with all the details I will talk about. You can find the download link to that later in the blog. Now, let's get started!

#1: Plan Early & Plan Thoroughly

It might sound cliché, but the best tool in your arsenal for a successful move is planning! Once you've decided to make a move out of province, it is important to take time to develop your plan. Do you own your current home? 

If so, you need to start preparing to sell. If you rent your current home, you need to review the terms of your lease and understand how much notice is required.

You also need to plan for your new home. Will you be purchasing a home or renting? Do you have employment lined up? What areas are you interested in living in? Where will the children go to school? Can you make a trip to the new province in advance for research purposes?

What level of support will you require with moving? Are you looking to hire everything out or do you just want help with certain parts?

It is important to note that moving isn't cheap. As you are developing your detailed plan, be sure to include estimated costs as you go. This will give you an idea of how much money you need to save prior to starting the process. If you are receiving financial support for the move through an employer, that's fantastic! Just be sure you understand what's included and what isn't so that you can budget accordingly.

#2: Don't Move Things you Don't Need

I cannot stress this one enough! One more time for the folks in the back…DO NOT move things you do not need. Use this move as an opportunity to take inventory of your possessions and give careful consideration to what you actually need. Pare down your possessions. In addition to getting rid of items you don't use, consider whether all your furniture will fit in your new home.

It is also worth noting that some larger items may not be worth moving. For example, if you have a pool table it may be more headache (and expense) to try and move it than it is to sell it and purchase a new one when you reach your destination.

List items you won't be moving for sale online or have a yard sale. Donate any items that don't sell in a timely fashion. I know this one can be tough, but it is such a shame to waste precious time and resources moving items that you don't want or can't use at your new home.

#3: Vet your Movers

Okay, so we all know that it is wise to get quotes from at least three service providers before making a decision, right? But once you get these estimates, is the price the only thing you should be looking at? NO! If there is a mover that is coming in notably less expensive than all the others that is typically a red flag. Do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line.

Ensure you are interviewing movers that specialize in long-distance moves. You also want to make sure that you are reading reviews and not just the reviews the company directs you to or has listed on their website. Go a step further and check places like Google and the Better Business Bureau.

Lastly, make sure you are reading the "fine print", especially when comparing movers. Make sure that everything you want and need is included, and that you fully understand the timelines for the collection and delivery of your items. You don't want to be stuck in your new home with no furniture for weeks because you didn't read the contract.

#4: Plan for the Days in Between

This is particularly important if you are selling your current home and buying a home in the new location. We typically recommend that you stagger your closings by a few days to accommodate any unforeseen delays. For example, if you are selling your current home on Monday, plan to close on your next home on Wednesday or Thursday.

This way, if there are any delays on the first closing, it won't pose problems for the second. This also gives time for the movers to make their way, with your stuff, to the new location.

You will need to come up with a plan for the days in between. Will you stay in a hotel or with family? What items will you need to live comfortably for those few days? Be sure to pack a little extra just in case there are any delays with the second closing or with your moving company.

If you can swing it, this can be a great time to plan a quick family vacation!

#5: Update Important Documents ASAP

You don't realize how many things are tied to your mailing address until you move! Take some time to get prepared so that you aren't scrambling to update your contact information with your various service providers once you move.

You have much better things to do than trying to track down important mail that went to the wrong address. Reviewing bank statements can be a great way to compile a list of vendors you need to update your address with.

The most important things to update quickly when you move are your driver's license, vehicle registration, and pet registration. The deadlines to make these updates vary from province to province so be sure to check the local rules.

Setting up mail forwarding with the postal service can save a ton of headaches. Just remember to update your address with a particular provider each time you receive a piece of forwarded mail. You will want to update your contact information with your banks, subscriptions, and insurance providers.

Congratulations!

You are ready for a smooth and successful move! We specialize in assisting our clients with long-distance moves. We have an extensive network and can help you find an excellent Realtor® in your new location. Whether you need to sell your current home, buy your next, or anything in between, don't hesitate to get in touch. We would love to be a part of your journey.

Handout Download

As promised, the link for the free, printable, handout with all these details is available at the link below.

Download the printable, 7 page colour guide here: Download Guide

Now that you know how to start preparing for your move you will be interested in this next video "Home Selling Downsizing Checklist" Link: https://randg.video/youtube-home-selling-checklist

Thank you for reading this blog and I will see you next time!

If you want to chat to find out more about buying or selling in Victoria, finding out the value of your home, or any other real estate topic then simply book a Phone or Zoom call at this link: https://cal.com/garysims

To subscribe to receive notifications of our YouTube video releases and newsletters please use this link: https://randg.video/subscribe-video-newsletter

Enjoy!
Gary and Rosemary

"We love people and we love homes!"